Thomas Crockett, C3SC’s Development Officer, provides information and advice and delivers training to groups interested in developing and growing community services. Recently, he worked with Afghan Cymru Connect, helping them to formally set up as a group including developing policies that oversee the running of the charity to then developing their services as part of a community-focused initiative.
Afghan Cymru Connect was created to support and empower Afghan families rebuilding their lives in Wales, with the main goal of promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and community cohesion by helping newly arrived Afghans to integrate confidently into Welsh society while celebrating their cultural identity. Some of the aims of the group include creating a safe and welcoming space where people, especially women and children, could find connection, share experiences, and access guidance and opportunities.
Since setting up, Afghan Cymru Connect approached C3SC for further advice and support to expanding the group’s reach to make efficient use of their limited resources and time while helping vulnerable people from Afghan communities. During the initial meeting, ACC spoke of their desire to deliver wellbeing sessions, language and confidence-building workshops, and community outreach programmes which would greatly reduce social isolation, improve access to local services, and strengthen connections between the Afghan and Welsh communities. To achieve this, C3SC supported the group to apply for the Unpaid Carers Funding 2025-26 and by October 2025, they received positive news to confirm the success of their application.
Since being awarded funding to support their services, Afghan Cymru Connect told us, ‘Our work has had a positive impact on over 60 families, improving their wellbeing, confidence, and sense of belonging. The experience taught us the importance of community-led initiatives and the power of collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability. This journey continues to inspire us to build a stronger, more inclusive community for both present and future generations.‘
Commenting on the positive impact of the community initiative, Tamana Ahmed, Chair of Afghan Cymru Connect said, ‘Our work with Afghan Cymru Connect has shown how powerful community can be when people come together with kindness and purpose. We’ve seen families grow in confidence, friendships blossom, and new opportunities open for those who once felt alone. The positive change we see every day reminds us that inclusion and compassion truly build stronger communities.‘
C3SC are pleased to see the group’s confidence grow since setting up, and to hear about the positive impact experienced by families benefiting from their initiative to feeling a sense of belonging. The group’s next step is focused on developing structured projects that support women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and cultural exchange between Afghan and Welsh Communities. The group also told us their plans to establish a community hub for families and empowering community members to lead future initiatives themselves, ensuring the work continues for generations to come. We wish the group every success and look forward to the next round of update as they continue making a positive impact to many families across Cardiff.
Need advice and support on applying for funding and resources?
You can contact us on enquiries@c3sc.org.uk, call us on 02920 485 722, or access our funding and advice page here.
