The Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU)

DASU used grant funding to deliver a food and wellbeing programme for families affected by domestic abuse across Denbighshire. Through food growing, cooking, and budgeting activities, families developed practical skills, improved wellbeing, and built confidence during recovery.

Across 15 activities, 18 new participants engaged in healthy eating, food growing, and waste reduction sessions. The project also helped families save 85kg of food waste through education on meal planning, food storage, and making the most of leftovers, while reducing isolation and strengthening community support networks.

Prestatyn Northwest Community Association 

The grant was used to provide food and refreshments for the Warm Hub. It allowed provision of hot drinks and hot meals to 514 people from Prestatyn and surrounding districts. Attendees stated (via questionnaire) that they were seeking warm food but were grateful for the companionship and a chance to meet new friends. Some attendees were unaware of our facility within Prestatyn but are willing to support the Centre in future.

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP)    

SDCP used grant funding to deliver 22 cooking workshops and 14 warm hub sessions, helping people access healthy food, develop cooking skills, and build social connections. 

The project engaged 182 community members and delivered 787 wellbeing interventions, supporting a wide range of groups including families, young people, older adults, men, and individuals with mental health needs. It also prevented 1,400kg of food waste through its community fridge scheme and surplus food redistribution, while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and community resilience.

Resource Denbighshire CIC

Grant funding was used to transform a steel shipping container into an indoor hydroponic farm and deliver a mobile roadshow that engaged 122 participants across Denbighshire and beyond. Through hands-on workshops, children, adults, and vulnerable groups learned about hydroponics, indoor growing, and sustainable food production.

Participants reported significant increases in growing confidence and hydroponics knowledge, while gaining practical skills such as seed saving, indoor food growing, and reducing food waste. The project was particularly successful in inspiring young people through interactive activities and helping older and less mobile residents stay connected to gardening and healthy food production.

Carters CIC

Carters used grant funding to deliver 5 healthy cooking sessions in partnership with the BCU Dietetic Team and 5 creative sessions with Denbighshire Leisure’s Community Arts Team, combining nutrition, practical cookery skills, and creative engagement.

The project helped participants build confidence in planning and preparing healthy, affordable meals, while strengthening relationships and community cohesion. Funding also supported staff training in cookery facilitation, community food and nutrition skills, food safety, and first aid, creating a lasting legacy that will enable Carters CIC to continue delivering healthy eating courses to both members and the wider community.

Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre

Cogog funding was used to deliver a Food, Fire & Friendship programme, providing 9 free winter community days between November and March. Each session included transport, outdoor activities, a hot home-cooked lunch, and practical gardening and food-growing workshops.

The programme reduced isolation, improved wellbeing, and helped ease cost-of-living pressures by offering warm, welcoming spaces where people could connect, build confidence, and learn new food-growing skills. A dedicated shuttle service from Llangollen and Llantysilio helped remove barriers to participation and ensured the project reached those most in need.

Bedford Street Community Company

Cogog funding helped to expand access to affordable, nutritious meals, support local food suppliers, and strengthen services for vulnerable residents. Community transport enabled older and isolated people to access the centre, reducing barriers and increasing social connections.

The funding also supported the recruitment and training of volunteers, with 5 new volunteers and 3 work experience participants gaining qualifications in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness, and Customer Service. Alongside tackling food insecurity, the project improved wellbeing, built community skills, and connected people to wider support, including foodbank and money advice services.

Denbigh Youth Project

Funds were used to deliver cookery workshops for low-income families, helping participants develop practical cooking skills, improve food literacy, and prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals using affordable ingredients.

The workshops provided warm, nutritious meals twice a week, while creating valuable support networks where families could share experiences and learn from one another. By building confidence in the kitchen and reducing the stress associated with food insecurity, the project supported both physical and mental wellbeing for parents and children.

Ysgol Caer Drewyn PTFA

Cogog grant was used to kitchen equipment, giving every class access to food preparation items and expanding opportunities for cooking activities across the school. 

The project has helped children develop practical skills in cooking, food hygiene, and safe food storage, while increasing confidence in preparing healthy meals. Using produce grown in the school garden, pupils learned about the full journey from growing vegetables to storing and cooking them, with some children going on to recreate recipes at home with their families.

Denbigh Men’s Shed

Denbigh Men’s Shed used grant funding to support people experiencing financial hardship, loneliness, and isolation through food-growing, cooking, and community activities. Homegrown produce from the allotment, particularly a successful potato harvest, was used in meals prepared by service users, helping build confidence in cooking and healthy eating.

The project enabled members to gain food hygiene qualifications, supported a growing Warm Hub service, and provided free community meals, including a Boxing Day Christmas lunch and Easter buffets for more than 40 people. Funding also helped reduce food waste through food redistribution, freezing homegrown produce, donations to the community fridge, and the use of surplus supermarket food to provide meals for local residents.

Bodelwyddan Allotment & Garden Society

Grant was used to create accessible growing spaces, including raised beds, a polytunnel, hand tools, and a watering system, enabling people with physical difficulties, including wheelchair users, to grow their own fruit, vegetables, and flowers.

The project has expanded opportunities for local residents to learn food-growing skills, supported by experienced plot holders who share advice on growing and cooking produce. With all allotment plots currently allocated and a waiting list in place, the project reflects growing community interest in sustainable food production. Any surplus produce is donated to the local community hub, helping to minimise food waste and support local residents.

St Mary’s RC Church, Rhyl

Cogog funding enabled delivery of a Warm Welcome Hub every Monday, providing a vital service on a day when other local hubs are closed. The hub offers a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages, including those experiencing loneliness or homelessness, with hot drinks, light refreshments, companionship, and access to community activities.

Visitors also benefit from a hot two-course lunch, quizzes, bingo, and opportunities to take part in the church’s community gardens, helping to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen community connections across Rhyl and the surrounding area.

Friends of Christchurch School

The grant was used to purchase hot plate grills and provide weekly healthy breakfasts for families and children, alongside support through the school’s Pantri Bach food bank. 

The project helped families access nutritious food, learn new cooking skills, and build confidence through cookery sessions and parental engagement activities. By bringing families together, the programme broke down barriers, encouraged new friendships, and created opportunities for parents to discuss challenges at home while developing a better understanding of healthy eating.

Neuadd Owen Village Hall

Cogog grant funding delivered a programme of free winter community events for residents of Cefn Meiriadog and the surrounding area, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.

Activities included drop-in sessions, craft days, film afternoons, musical entertainment, guest speakers, and a three-course community Christmas lunch. Designed to meet the needs of a rural community, events were held both during the day and in the evening to maximise accessibility. By providing warm, welcoming spaces, food, and activities at no cost, the programme helped improve wellbeing, confidence, and community spirit during the winter months.

Prestatyn & Meliden Food Bank

Grant funds were used to expand the Warm Hub and community café, providing hot lunches and refreshments throughout the winter. Funding also helped strengthen the FareShare community shop by purchasing additional locally sourced food to ensure members had access to healthy, nutritious options.

The project saw a significant increase in attendance, with Tuesday footfall rising from around 15–20 people to 45–60. Free lunches were also provided for all children attending on Tuesdays and Thursdays, helping to support families while creating a welcoming community space for local residents.

St Brigids School Association

Grant funding has enabled to expand and enhance the Lower School’s vegetable garden, introducing a wider range of produce including potatoes, beans, peas, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. The project provides all Lower School pupils with hands-on experience in growing, harvesting and preparing food, while supplying fresh ingredients for school meals and donations to the local food bank. The garden also promotes sustainability through composting and reduced food waste, helping pupils develop valuable lifelong skills in food growing, healthy eating and self-sufficiency.

St. Garmon’s Church, Llanarmon Yn Ial

The grant has been used to fund training for x4 level 2 food hygiene certificates. The training has improved hygiene practices in our monthly soup lunches and in our children’s activity services. Our soup lunches are increasing in popularity both as a hot lunch with homemade soup and as a social occasion, particularly with the more elderly residents.

Prestatyn Town Council

The Cogog funding helped extend the popular Warm Hubs initiative through to March 2026, providing free warm spaces, hot meals and social support at 3 venues across Prestatyn and Meliden. Operating from November 2025 to March 2026, the scheme supports anyone in the community facing isolation or the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.  The funding enabled volunteers to provide full meals at each session and covered venue hire costs.

Now in its third successful year, Warm Hubs welcomes an average of 120 people each week and works with partner organisations including Citizens Advice, Age Cymru, Warm Wales and Working Denbighshire to connect residents with additional support and benefits.

West Rhyl Young People’s Partnership (WRYPP)

Cogog grant enabled WRYPP to deliver three weekly food-based drop-in sessions over 20 weeks, alongside cook-and-eat activities for its Viva LGBTQ+ youth group. A total of 44 cooking sessions engaged 46 young people in planning, budgeting, shopping and preparing healthy, affordable meals.

The project provided a reliable source of food while helping participants develop practical life skills, build confidence and reduce social isolation. Young people were also connected with wider support services and helped prepare a community garden for growing seasonal vegetables and herbs.

Wintergreen CIC

Grant funded weekly sessions for veterans, combining shared meals, creative activities and social connection at Woody’s Lodge Drop-In and the Salvation Army in Rhyl. Originally launched as Cawl Clwb (Soup Club), the project evolved into the Veterans Creative Café following participant feedback, adopting a more flexible, participant-led approach that encouraged veterans to choose and prepare a wider range of meals together.

The project helped reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and build confidence, while creating a new creative space for veterans and the wider community. Working in partnership with Woody’s Lodge, the Salvation Army and members of Blind Veterans UK, the sessions combined food and art activities to provide a welcoming environment where participants could build friendships, express themselves creatively and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Grow Llangollen

Funding supported Grow Llangollen’s eight-week “Learn to Grow Again” course, helping 15 participants build on their growing knowledge through seasonal planning, soil health, seed sowing and harvest management. The project also delivered a series of winter workshops focused on seed saving, local growing knowledge and practical skills, bringing together members of community growing sites and strengthening connections across the local growing network.

The grant also funded improvements at Llangollen Community Garden and Bryntysilio Garden, including new tools, compost, shed repairs and equipment to support future community events. Participants benefited from shared learning, improved wellbeing and stronger community connections, with the project inspiring a new regular Friday morning gathering for learners and community gardeners at a local café.

Gofal Dydd y Waen Day Care Centre

Funding has enhanced food provision and accessibility for service users. The grant funded a specialist blender to safely prepare meals for people with swallowing difficulties, an additional freezer to store donated fruit for year-round use, a portable greenhouse and a wheelchair-accessible planter, enabling more people to participate in growing activities both indoors and outdoors.

The project has also strengthened food safety standards by providing Level 2 Food Hygiene training for all volunteers. Together, these improvements have increased access to nutritious meals, reduced food waste and created more inclusive opportunities for people to take part in gardening and community activities.

St Peter’s Church, Ruthin

Funding has contributed towards the installation of a new commercial-grade kitchen as part of a wider regeneration project. The new facility will strengthen the church’s ability to support the local community, including the planned launch of a Make Lunch hub for families whose children receive free school meals.

Working in partnership with local schools, the Make Lunch programme will provide healthy hot meals during school holidays while also helping to tackle social isolation and connect families with wider community support. Although delays elsewhere in the regeneration project have postponed the launch, the kitchen installation has been completed and volunteers are currently being recruited and trained, with plans to open the Make Lunch hub, in time for the summer holidays.

Denbigh Community Food

Funding enabled the group to deliver weekly Clwb Swper cook-and-eat sessions at Capel Mawr, bringing together families, individuals and local volunteers to prepare and share meals, take part in craft activities and learn about growing food. The project also worked with Denbigh High School students, who helped prepare meals and plant seeds as part of dedicated afternoon sessions.

A partnership with the Denbigh Community Fridge helped reduce food waste by incorporating surplus fresh food into weekly menus, while produce from the community allotment demonstrated the benefits of year-round growing. Additional activities included a Clwb Cinio event and a film night at Twm o’r Nant Theatre. Survey feedback showed the project improved cooking confidence and skills, encouraged participants to eat more home-grown and seasonal food, and had a positive impact on wellbeing for 100% of respondents.

Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy (PTA) 

Cogog funds helped deliver a range of intergenerational cooking and community activities, including 6 “Come and Cook with Your Child” sessions, staff training and the creation of growing spaces with planters, raised beds and a garden shed. Pupils also worked with a chef from Tyddyn Llan to prepare an afternoon tea for 70 guests.

The project brought together pupils, families and members of Clwb Llangar Cynwyd and Clwb Ceidiog Llandrillo through concerts, soup lunches and Welsh entertainment. By encouraging children to cook, grow food and spend time with older residents, the initiative helped reduce social isolation, strengthen community connections and create lasting friendships across generations.

Tremeirchion Community Pub

Grant funding enabled the development of a new food preservation and skills-sharing initiative linked to its existing “Grow Your Own” project. The grant supported the renovation of storage areas, the purchase of food processing and preservation equipment for community training and loan, food-grade kitchen racking, and educational resources.

The project helps residents learn how to safely process and store home-grown and surplus food using equipment such as dehydrators, pickling jars and water-bath canners. By reducing food waste, lowering carbon footprints and improving access to healthy, home-grown produce, the initiative is also strengthening community connections, with dedicated WhatsApp groups already established for participants to share knowledge and support.

Llangollen Community Lifestyle Group & St Collens Community Hall

Cogog funds assisted the delivery of “Take Control of Your Health”, a community-based metabolic health programme attended by 40 local residents. Delivered by a local GP and Practice Nurse, the four-session course combined practical advice on nutrition, metabolic health, movement and wellbeing, alongside a cooking demonstration by Llangollen Food Share’s Steph Mitchell and a guest session from local personal trainer Greg King.

The programme achieved high levels of engagement, with more than 90% of participants rating the sessions as very or extremely valuable. Feedback showed increased confidence in food choices, improved understanding of health and nutrition, and strong motivation to make positive lifestyle changes. The group format also helped reduce social isolation and strengthen community wellbeing, demonstrating the impact of a low-cost, community-led approach to health education.

Tyfu Prestatyn CIC

Cogog grant enhanced the Growing Together / Tyfu Gyda’n Gilydd project, providing a safe and welcoming Community EcoGarden at Prestatyn High School where people of all ages can learn to grow food, flowers and herbs. Free access to seeds, plants, compost, equipment and dedicated growing spaces has removed barriers to participation, helping residents build gardening skills, confidence and connections with nature.

The project brings together a diverse range of participants, from children as young as five to adults in their 80s, creating opportunities for intergenerational learning and community connection. Investment in infrastructure, including a polytunnel and gazebo, will support the garden’s long-term sustainability, while regular drop-in sessions continue to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and provide a supportive space for people facing health, caring and social challenges.

Marsh Community Association

The group delivered an educational food and gardening course, helping local people develop practical skills in healthy cooking, nutrition, meal planning and food growing. Participants learned how to understand food labels, prepare recipes, use kitchen equipment and reduce food waste, while also gaining hands-on experience of growing herbs, fruit and vegetables.

The project has increased participants’ confidence in making healthier food choices and preparing fresh meals at home, encouraging many to move away from relying on ready meals. Additional gardening sessions introduced composting and wormeries, helping participants reduce their environmental impact while learning sustainable ways to grow and use their own food.

Pentredŵr District Community Association

Funding helped the Association meet essential winter running costs of Hwb Pentredŵr, including hygiene supplies and resources to keep visitors warm and comfortable. The support enabled the hub to maintain and expand its programme of community activities during the colder months, providing vital opportunities for local residents to connect without having to travel long distances.

As a result, the association was able to continue delivering 37 regular sessions and host an additional 17 activities that would not otherwise have taken place. The funding also ensured the continuation of Clwb Cinio, offering a warm and welcoming space where people could come together to share a meal, reduce isolation and strengthen community connections throughout the winter.

The Willow Collective

Cogog grant enabled a 10-week Winter Wellbeing Programme for young adults aged 16–30 experiencing isolation, stress, low confidence or barriers to employment. Based at Willow’s creative and horticultural site in Rhyl, the programme combined hands-on activities with wellbeing workshops, providing a safe and supportive environment during the winter months.

The project helped participants build confidence, resilience and essential employability skills, while increasing social connection and community involvement. It also provided early intervention support for young adults at risk of economic inactivity, helping them access further training, volunteering and employment opportunities through Willow’s vocational and employability programmes.

Nant Hall Church, Prestatyn

The Church was able to meet additional utility costs associated with community support activities, including £3 Meal Deals, Souper Saturdays and Mums and Tots sessions. These initiatives provide affordable or free food, refreshments and social opportunities for local residents throughout the year, including during school holidays.

The £3 Meal Deals welcome around 40 people to a two-course lunch, while Souper Saturdays provide free soup, bread, cake and refreshments for an average of 20 attendees each week. Mums and Tots sessions support around 30 children and their parents, with older siblings also welcomed during holidays. Together, these activities help reduce loneliness and isolation by creating a warm, welcoming environment where people can build friendships and strengthen community connections.

Agri-cation CIC

A 6-week Winter Wellbeing Project was delivered, supporting 11 participants through weekly farm-based sessions focused on mental wellbeing, healthy eating and social connection. Activities included outdoor farm work, seasonal growing, cooking with farm-grown produce, peer support and confidence-building tasks, with transport provided from Llangollen to ensure accessibility.

The project helped reduce isolation, improve resilience and build practical food skills, with participants learning how to create affordable, nutritious meals while gaining a better understanding of food production and nutrition. Shared meals and hands-on activities fostered a strong sense of community, helping participants develop confidence, form new connections and improve their overall wellbeing during the winter months.

Making Sense CIO

Cogog funds enabled 15 artist-led creative sessions across libraries in Rhyl, Ruthin and Corwen, in partnership with Denbighshire Libraries and Community Navigators. Using specially developed reminiscence collections as conversation starters, the sessions combined creativity, social interaction and refreshments in a warm and welcoming environment.

Open to all, the sessions helped reduce loneliness and isolation by providing opportunities for people to connect, share memories and take part in creative activities. Regular attendees benefited from ongoing social support, while carers gained valuable respite and library visitors were encouraged to join conversations and activities through the engaging displays and objects on offer.

Llangollen Foodshare

Grant funds made it possible to deliver 12 “Lles y Gaeaf – Winter Wellbeing” sessions, combining food parcel distribution with wellbeing support and advice from partner organisations on issues including mental health, housing, employment, energy costs and digital access. Working with Community Wellbeing, the project provided a warm, welcoming space where people could access one-to-one support, group activities and food.

Across the 12 sessions, 422 attendances were recorded and food and refreshments were provided to 542 people. The initiative helped transform Foodshare’s support offer by creating a more dignified and supportive environment for people affected by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.

Blossom & Bloom

Between January and March 2026, 60 weekday Blossom & Chat sessions were delivered at Molly’s Café, alongside 2 special family celebration events for Mother’s Day and Easter. The project provided a warm, welcoming space where socially isolated mothers and their young children could access support, build friendships and enjoy free refreshments.

The initiative engaged 110 families and was complemented by 17 community playgroup sessions promoting physical activity and healthy routines for parents and children. Together, the activities helped reduce social isolation, improve maternal wellbeing and confidence, support families experiencing poverty, and create valuable opportunities for early childhood development and community connection.

Brighter Futures

Thanks to Cogog funds, facilities were able to open on Saturdays throughout the winter, delivering a Winter Wellbeing Programme for children, families and older residents. Activities included a Breakfast Club for young people, family cooking sessions where participants prepared meals together, and dedicated sessions for older people featuring refreshments, social activities and opportunities to learn new skills.

The programme also included community litter picks, gardening projects, arts and crafts, bingo, card games and nest box-making workshops. By providing free activities and refreshments, the initiative helped improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, strengthen community connections and encourage families to continue cooking healthy meals together at home.