It’s hip to be square
After providing a lifeline to the community in Barry during the pandemic, family support non-profit CUBE (Community United Barry 4 Everyone) is now opening the doors to ‘The Gallery’, a community café and event space on Barry’s Broad Street, thanks to help from the Social Business Growth Fund.
Community coming together
CUBE formed just as the first lockdown hit in Wales in 2020 and despite having never had a base of operations has been delivering vital services to the community throughout the coronavirus crisis.
A collective of 28 people, mostly Barry residents, CUBE is unique: all its services, activities, staff and volunteers have experience of either delivering services to the Barry community and/or lived experiences in accessing local support.
They defied the odds to remain operating while Coronavirus restrictions were in place to help deliver much needed services to locals. Janet (name changed to protect identity) was struggling during lockdown with her child’s behaviour, being screamed at and hit, whilst her child told her she hated her.
Janet said ‘I am so thankful for the support I received from CUBE. Not only has my child had amazing support but my home is happier and calmer.’
After receiving funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to set up CUBE, and receiving funding from the Social Business Growth Fund, the team went to work on the new venue, which will generate income for CUBE’s charitable aims, allowing them to continue to make a difference for families and individuals living with or affected by mental health, suicide, grief and loss, domestic abuse and substances.
A room with a view
The Gallery had its launch event on the 18th of October 2021, and will offer a modern location for events and weddings, and a separate café which aims to provide a community space to help tackle loneliness, an issue that has been intensified during COVID-19. Customers can pop in for a chat and a coffee, or pay for a ‘suspended coffee’ for someone in need.
The venue on Broad Street in Barry will also become the home and workspace for CUBE allowing them to better deliver their services for the community – bringing it all back to the people it was set up to serve.
Social Business Growth Fund
The Social Business Growth Fund is a mix of grant and repayable assistance that is designed to enable social businesses in Wales to grow and create job opportunities. SBGF is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government. Find out more here.
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