Cynon Valley Time Credits

Building a thriving community through local skills, local assets, social action and participation.

Cynon Valley Time Credits is a hyper-local programme from Tempo Time Credits, funded by the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund. It brings people together across Aberdare, Abercynon, Hirwaun, Penywaun, Cwmaman, Mountain Ash, Rhigos and surrounding villages.

At its core, this programme is about place. It uses Time Credits to build a local timebank rooted in the strengths, relationships and assets of Cynon Valley, creating pathways into participation, volunteering and social action.

Social action at the heart

The programme supports people to take part in social action that matters locally — from community clean-ups and school engagement to grassroots activities and peer support.

By recognising the time people give, we:

• build confidence and skills

• strengthen community pride and connection

• support local regeneration

• create inclusive opportunities for participation

Strong local partnerships

We work closely with partners including Interlink RCT, Trivallis, community organisations, schools, grassroots groups and local businesses.

Together, we are embedding Time Credits across Cynon Valley, connecting people to opportunities and ensuring the programme reflects local priorities.

A programme shaped by the community

Everything is co-produced with local people. Through outreach, network events and ongoing conversations, communities shape how Time Credits are used.

This includes:

• creating local opportunities for volunteering and social action

• developing community-led activities and recognition

• using local spaces as hubs for connection

• building relationships between residents, groups and organisations

What we’ve been up to

In the first year:

• 181 volunteers signed up

• 23 groups engaged

• 12 new recognition partners

• 39 local offers across RCT

Lee and Gayle have built strong local relationships, mapped community assets and embedded Tempo within local networks.

Building Cynon Valley together

By focusing on what already exists locally, Cynon Valley Time Credits is creating pathways to participation, stronger relationships and a more resilient, thriving community — grown from within.

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