Hope St Mellons is the winner for Volunteer Group of the Year at the Cardiff Volunteer Awards 2025!
This organisation was selected as the winner in recognition of its fantastic demonstration of the positive things that can happen when local people lead. In an area often overlooked, volunteers have built a movement that is bold, resilient and transformative. From a handful of neighbours in 2018, the group has grown to nearly 50 active volunteers, each taking ownership of projects shaped by local need and creativity. Ten of their thirteen projects were imagined, initiated and remain led by volunteers – an extraordinary expression of grassroots leadership.
This leadership is practical as well as visionary. Volunteers run weekly food projects, create intergenerational arts groups, and design activities for families and children. They have also built the skills to manage complex challenges – from negotiating an asset transfer to overseeing governance, safeguarding, and finance. When The Hive was finally transferred into community hands in 2024, it was volunteers who led the revitalisation of the building and led launch the space, welcoming 1,250 local people to celebrate.
Hope St Mellons’ strength is that its future is not reliant on a single leader, but on a culture of shared ownership. By embedding local leadership at every stage, and supporting others to take initiative, they are ensuring their contribution is sustainable, adaptable, and truly community-owned.
A sincere thanks from all of us at C3SC for the contributions put in by Hope St Mellons and its volunteers.
If you would like to read more inspiring stories from the Cardiff Volunteer Awards 2025, please visit the webpage here.
C3SC is the umbrella charity for the voluntary sector in Cardiff. We provide information and advice to volunteers and not-for-profit groups and opportunities to network, learn and exchange ideas. Please get in touch with us – email volunteer@c3sc.org.uk if you’d like to express an interest in starting or continuing your volunteering journey – we’d be happy to help!
