Project Outcomes & Impact
This page highlights the impact of our community-led projects, sharing the real difference they make in the lives of learning-disabled young people and their families. As we continue to grow and develop new initiatives, we will update this page with the latest project outcomes, demonstrating how funding and community support help us create inclusive, empowering opportunities for all.
Testimonials
"A Lifeline for Our Family"
"Pathfinders Cymru has been life-changing for our family. My daughter, who struggles with severe anxiety, has found a place where she feels safe and valued. Everyone is incredibly supportive and understanding., For the first time, she has made real friends and feels part of a community. We are so grateful for everything they do." – Parent
"More Than A Library"
"The library has become my safe space. As an older member of the community going through a difficult time, I’ve found warmth, support, and a listening ear whenever I visit. It’s more than just a place to borrow books—it’s a place where you’re made to feel valued and never alone. Sometimes, just having a cuppa and a chat makes all the difference." – Community Member
Real-World Skills
and Confidence
"Volunteering at Pathfinders Cymru has given me the confidence to think about my future. I’ve learned so many new skills, from 3D printing to running a library, and I now feel like I have something valuable to offer. The team has helped me believe in myself, and I’m excited for what comes next." – Young Volunteer
Beyond Limits & Together We Can -
Two Projects 2023 to 2026
Thanks to the generous funding from the National Lottery, our projects—Beyond Limits and Together We Can—have enabled us to restore a library service to Ystalyfera, a community that has been without its own library since 2016. By transforming an unused room in the community centre, we have created a warm and welcoming space that has become a valuable lifeline for many.
These projects not only provide meaningful volunteering opportunities for young people with learning disabilities—allowing them to gain essential skills, build confidence, and connect with their community—but also offer a vital resource for the wider community, fostering learning, social connections, and support.
We are also incredibly grateful to Neath Port Talbot Library Service, whose successful funding application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has enabled us to enhance our library with much-needed IT equipment, further improving accessibility and learning opportunities for all.
Supporting Children's Education
📖 Helping Every Child Develop a Love for Reading
"We support children's education wherever it happens—schools, EOTAS, home education, and reduced timetables. Through engaging formats like graphic novels, audiobooks, and high-interest, low-literacy books, we make reading accessible and enjoyable for all."
🔹 Impact: Improved literacy, greater confidence in reading, and access to books tailored to diverse needs.
Meaningful Volunteering Opportunities
🌟 Empowering Young People Through Volunteering
"From Duke of Edinburgh participants to young people on reduced timetables and those who are electively home-educated, we provide tailored volunteering opportunities that build confidence, skills, and experience."
🔹 Impact: Young volunteers gain real-world experience, develop key skills, and earn AQA unit awards to recognise their achievements.
Innovative 3D Printing
for the Community
🖨️ Bringing Ideas to Life with 3D Printing
"Our 3D printing service provides affordable access to cutting-edge technology for local businesses, schools, and individuals, while also giving young people hands-on experience in digital design and manufacturing."
🔹 Impact: Local entrepreneurs and families benefit from cost-effective custom resources, and young people develop valuable STEM skills with support from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Building Community
Through Shared Interests
🤝 Connecting Through Creativity & Play
"From Lego Club to Gaming Club, our interest-led activities provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can explore their passions, develop skills, and build friendships."
🔹 Impact: These sessions foster confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, ensuring every young person has a place where they feel valued and included.
Increasing Local Volunteering Opportunties
Since reopening the community library, we have significantly expanded volunteering opportunities for young people. Our teen volunteers play a vital role in supporting our activities, gaining valuable skills, and making a real difference in the community.
We are actively recruiting more adult volunteers to help mentor and guide young people, ensuring we can offer even more opportunities. With a growing waiting list of eager volunteers, expanding our team will allow us to continue fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.
Weekly Engagement & Community Impact
Our library and community hub continue to grow as a space where children, young people, and families feel welcome and supported. Every week, approximately 20 children and young people attend our after-school club, engaging in enriching activities that spark curiosity and creativity.
In addition, our parent/carer support group meets monthly, offering a safe space for families to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Regular school visits and educational workshops further extend our reach, ensuring that learning and community engagement remain at the heart of everything we do.
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Bringing Ideas to Life
With 3D Printing
Our 3D printing service has completed over 25 custom projects, transforming ideas into reality! From miniature dog agility courses and historical replicas to gaming miniatures and escape room props, this cutting-edge technology enables young people and community members to explore digital design, problem-solving, and creativity.
By making 3D printing accessible, we provide valuable STEM learning opportunities, support local entrepreneurs, and empower individuals to bring their innovations to life—all while fostering a culture of curiosity and hands-on learning.
Investigators Club – Interest-Led Blocks
Part of the Together We Can Project
At Pathfinders Cymru, we believe the best learning happens when curiosity leads the way.
Our Investigators Club offers themed, interest-led learning experiences designed with young people at the heart — connecting real-world ideas with fun, creativity and skill-building.
Each block explores a different theme shaped by the interests and imagination of our young learners. From science to history, survival skills to storytelling — every session is packed with exploration, experimentation and excitement.
Behind the Silver Screen – STEM Block
Like most young people, our group of teens are highly interested in movies and the creative arts. From voice acting aspirations to bidding theatre stars. This block was to help them explore some different career options through practical hands-on learning. Questions asked were:
"How do films create the illusions we see on screen?"
"What’s the science behind the magic of the movies?"
In this exciting STEM block, young people became filmmakers, makeup artists, costume designers, and sound engineers. Through hands-on workshops, they explored:
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🎭 Theatrical Makeup
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🎞️ Green Screen Effects
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👗 Costume Design
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🔊 Foley Sounds
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🏙️ False Perspective
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🤸♂️ Stunts
Watch the video to see the creativity, teamwork and joy in action!
Behind the Silver Screen – Creative STEM in Action | Pathfinders Cymru Investigators Club
Creative Learning, Real Results
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Our Community Sensory Growing Garden
In 2022, Ystalyfera Community Council entrusted us with the incredible opportunity to revive a once-neglected outdoor space at the community centre. Thanks to generous grants from Community Matters by the National Grid, EnRaW, and Keep Wales Tidy, we have transformed this area into a thriving Sensory Growing Garden—a sanctuary that nurtures well-being, sparks connection, and enriches lives.
More than just a garden, this space is a testament to the power of community, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities can come together, learn, and grow. By increasing biodiversity, supporting local wildlife, and creating an accessible green space for relaxation and education, the garden now stands as a vibrant hub for both people and nature.
