Connecting Communities
We want to combat loneliness and social isolation by bringing communities closer together in Wales
By highlighting some of the fantastic organisations, charities and centres across our regions, the Connecting Communities campaign aims to make it just that bit simpler for people who may not know where to turn to in their local community.
Helping to bring together individuals and communities in Wales, we’ve compiled a selection of great community groups and activities in the region that are accessible via the Arriva bus network. To make it easier for our customers in Wales to find these groups and try new things, we’ve detailed the Arriva bus routes to take.
The projects we showcase are much-loved and respected within local communities, and often provide a comprehensive programme of events, workshops, and activities for all members of society. So, no matter what your age or interests, there’s bound to be something for you to enjoy and get involved in.
Read on for our list of suggested groups and activities in Wales.
Rhyl Botanical Gardens
Run by a co-operative between Rhyl Town Council and the non-profit Supporters of Rhyl Botanical Gardens, these beautiful gardens feature a range of floral displays and some great community events to keep you busy all year round.
Supporters of Rhyl Botanical Gardens was established in 2003 to petition against the destruction of the Community Café in the heart of the town’s much-loved botanical gardens. Since then, this non-profit organisation, which comprises of volunteers from the local community in Rhyl, has worked alongside Rhyl Town Council to maintain the gardens for future generations to enjoy.
As well as maintaining the gardens’ beautiful landscaped grounds, the team at Supporters of Rhyl Botanical Gardens have been instrumental in re-establishing the community programme at the garden café. Now, there is a daily programme of popular events in place to serve the local community, from Social Computer Club to Ancestry Club, giving people the opportunity to come together and get involved in new events amid the splendour of these fantastic community gardens.
Find it on Google Maps: Rhyl Botanical Gardens
Catch the bus: 84/84A Rhyl to Park View or 85 Rhyl Circular
Gladstone’s Library – Hawarden
Founded by William Gladstone, the great Victorian statesman, Gladstone’s Library is a historic community library in the heart of Hawarden village. Billed as the UK’s finest residential library, Gladstone’s is a centre of learning and meeting place where likeminded people can get together, debate, study and research in a charming setting free from the distractions of modern life.
Like so many libraries, Gladstone’s is a place for individual reflection and social interaction. As well as quiet study areas and reading rooms, the library operates an evolving programme of courses, workshops and events which are designed to maintain Gladstone’s legacy of social engagement.
It’s popular with writers, researchers, scholars and students, as well as people from the local community who want to catch up with their neighbours or join in with community events.
Gladstone’s Library is a much-loved community institute in the Mold and Chester region, and offers reading rooms, activities and an on-site café.
It’s the perfect place to meet new friends or join in with programmed workshops and events.
Find it on Google Maps: Gladstone's Library
Find out more on the website: Gladstone's Library
Catch the bus: 4/4b Chester to Mold | x4 Chester to Mold
U3A (The University of the Third Age)
The U3A (The University of the Third Age) operates a number of activity groups throughout Wales, designed for people of retirement age. The groups are perfect if you want to learn a new skill or enhance your knowledge of a particular subject. They’re also a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
| Location | Website | Arriva Bus Route | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrexham U3A | https://u3asites. org.uk/wrexham | 21 Wrexham to Summerhill | Find on Google Maps |
| Ruthin and District U3A | Ruthin & District u3a: Home (u3asites.org.uk) | X51 Wrexham to Denbigh (to Ruthin War memorial) | |
| Flintshire U3A | u3a Flintshire (flintshire-u3a.co.uk) | See U3A website for meeting locations | |
| The Llandudno Area U3A | http://llandudno areau3a.org.uk | 26 Llandudno Circular | Find on Google Maps |
| Prestatyn Rhyl & District U3A | https://u3asites. org.uk/prestatyn -rhyl | 11M Rhyl to Holywell | Find on Google Maps |
| Penmaenmawr & District U3A | http://www.penmae nmawru3a.org.uk | 5 Bangor to Llandudno | Find on Google Maps |
| Bangor U3A | Bangor (North Wales) (bangoru3a.org.uk) | See U3A website for meeting locations | |
| Anglesey/Ynys Mon U3A | https://u3asites. org.uk/anglesey | Find on Google Maps |
Please note – the information listed is for guidance only, and we’d recommend visiting the website of the group you wish to attend for group-specific information, such as rules of attendance and up-to-date location information.
We hope the above has helped you find a regional class, activity centre or support group to help you, and has provided all the information you require.
We’re keen to continue adding to this list of brilliant community groups and arts centres, with more fantastic places throughout Wales. If you’re a member of a great community group in Wales and want us to know about it, please contact us on [email protected].
To find out more about loneliness and social isolation, head back to our main feature page, here.