Investing in community shares is a simple, direct and engaging way for community groups to raise finance and involve local people. Join actor Michael Sheen at the launch of Community Shares Wales, a new project to support these innovative schemes across the country.

Delivered by the Wales Co-operative Centre and funded by the Big Lottery, the new project will raise awareness of community shares across Wales and support people through the process of share issue, enabling them to develop local services and facilities at the heart of their community. We will be working with DTA Wales, the Plunkett Foundation, WCVA as well as the Community Shares Unit in England and Community Shares Scotland.

The launch will take place at Riverside Market Garden*. Located on 5 acres at St Hilary, 10 miles west of Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan, RMG supplies beautiful organic vegetables from its award winning market garden to Cardiff’s farmers’ markets, local people (with a ‘veg box’ scheme), and restaurants. To date over 150 community shareholders have invested nearly £12,000 between them to help fund farming equipment and polytunnels.

During the launch, you’ll have an opportunity to hear first-hand from the directors, volunteers and shareholders at RMG how community shares have helped finance their business.

Michael Sheen will be coming to the launch. A keen supporter of co-operatives and community ventures in Wales, Michael is as well known for his interest in social justice and political affairs as his formidable acting career.

If you would like to attend the launch, please visit the Eventbrite page http://cswaleslaunch.eventbrite.co.uk

*Riverside Market Garden is an outdoor site which may not be fully accessible, particularly in poor weather. In the case of adverse weather conditions, one of the polytunnels will be used.