Medrwn Môn E-Bulletin October 2025 – Key Developments, Initiatives and Future Plans Across Anglesey

Place Shaping recognized by UK Government: a milestone for collaborative governance

Medrwn Môn, in partnership with Anglesey Council, has achieved formal recognition as a notable example of good practice within the UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant. The Covenant, launched to redefine how government and civil society collaborate, marks a pivotal moment in rebuilding trust and effectiveness across all parts of the United Kingdom. By highlighting collaborative approaches and shared responsibilities, this recognition signals a clear shift toward more open, respectful, and accountable partnerships between public authorities and community organisations. The Welsh dimension of this Covenant is particularly meaningful, offering Wales a pathway to influence non-devolved areas—such as social security, justice, immigration, and rights—through a clearer engagement framework with central government. This development is described as overdue by many, and it reinforces the importance of structured alliances that empower communities to shape local solutions. The Medrwn Môn team takes pride in this acknowledgment and views it as a validation of the work carried out locally to mobilise communities and foster meaningful alliances for durable impact. (Page: N/A)

The leadership at WCVA emphasises that such recognition will catalyse further collaboration across the nations, helping ensure that decisions made at the UK level are informed by the lived experiences and needs of communities, particularly in areas where non-devolved powers have wide-reaching consequences for everyday life. For Medrwn Môn, the case study highlights a practical model of how place-based initiatives—rooted in community engagement, co-production, and shared resources—can scale to national conversations. The documentation of this case study serves as a blueprint for other organisations seeking to demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainable community benefit, reinforcing the value of alliances that bring together volunteers, civil society actors, and public bodies. The broader aim is to create a more responsive system where local insights inform policy and vice versa, creating a virtuous cycle of civic participation and public service delivery. (Page: N/A)

As the Covenant gains momentum, Medrwn Môn views its role in Wales as essential for shaping how non-devolved issues are addressed, from welfare and rights to the environment and community safety. The Covenant’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and mutual accountability aligns with Medrwn Môn’s own mission to support resilient communities across Anglesey. The story of Place Shaping becomes more than a local success; it is presented as a model that can inspire and instruct policymakers and practitioners in other regions about how to cultivate effective, trusted collaborations. The acknowledgement of the Alliance networks—key partners in sustaining community-led improvements—underlines the practical value of coordinated action and shared governance. (Page: N/A)

In terms of practical steps, stakeholders are encouraged to continue building robust relationships with government actors, leveraging co-designed initiatives, and sharing evidence of impact that demonstrates the value of place-based solutions. The covenant’s framework is expected to improve how funding, permissions, and policies align with the needs of communities, thereby creating clearer pathways for ongoing collaboration. Medrwn Môn’s case study is therefore both a recognition and a responsibility: to expand successful practices, nurture inclusive participation, and ensure that the benefits of public-civil society collaboration reach diverse communities throughout Anglesey and beyond. (Page: N/A)

Anglesey Show Wellbeing Village: a collaborative success story with lasting impact

In collaboration with the BCU Health Board, Medrwn Môn helped establish a Health and Wellbeing Village at Anglesey Show, a demonstration of what can be achieved when healthcare services, voluntary sector organisations, and local communities work side by side. The initiative underscored the value of co-locating health-related activities in a single, accessible space during a major community event, making it easier for people to discover support, access resources, and engage with professionals and volunteers in a friendly, informal setting. The experience confirmed that health and wellbeing are best addressed through a holistic approach that integrates clinical services with community-based interventions that people can participate in during the show and beyond. (Page: N/A)

Several elements contributed to the success of the Wellbeing Village. First, a broad range of health services offered by the BCUHB were presented in conjunction with the voluntary sector, illustrating how community actors can amplify reach and reinforce the importance of preventative and proactive care. Second, the event showcased practical interventions designed to support wellbeing—from exercise and activity programs to mental health guidance and social prescribing options. Third, the presence of self-help tools, woodland activities, and organised walking groups emphasised the role of everyday, accessible activities in maintaining health and resilience. Together, these components demonstrated that wellbeing is multi-faceted and that community-led support can complement formal medical care effectively. (Page: N/A)

The event also highlighted the critical role of partnerships and sponsorships in ensuring a high-quality experience. Gratitude was extended to Beaumaris Town Council for lending the tent, ASDA Llangefni for providing water, Bwyd Da Môn for fruit provisions, and Môn Actif for offering space to host activities. The success of the Wellbeing Village was further amplified by the participation of numerous organisations and volunteers, as well as hundreds of attendees across the two-day show who engaged with the offerings, learned about local services, and discussed opportunities to contribute to community wellbeing. The event culminated with a sense of optimism about sustaining and expanding such collaborations in future years. (Page: N/A)

Beyond the show itself, the Wellbeing Village represented a template for ongoing engagement with health and wellbeing in the community. Medrwn Môn’s information bus carried messages about volunteering, funding opportunities for local groups, and how to participate in community Alliances, extending the impact of the show and turning one-time exposure into long-term involvement. The attendance of notable figures, including a visit from Scott Quinnell, helped elevate the profile of community health initiatives and reinforced the value of cross-sector cooperation in delivering meaningful, locally grounded outcomes. (Page: N/A)

Planning for the Future: Medrwn Môn unveils its Strategic Plan 2025–28

The organisation’s leadership has been intensely focused on shaping a forward-looking strategy that will guide operations for the next three years. The Strategic Plan is positioned as the principal framework for guiding both core activities and project-based work, ensuring that Medrwn Môn can stabilise its services while continuing to grow its reach across the island. The plan acknowledges recent structural changes, including staff and board reorganisations and a relocation to new offices in the Anglesey Business Centre. These investments are intended to create the space and stability needed to sustain an ambitious agenda that includes social prescribing, Place Shaping, and ongoing community development. (Page: N/A)

Crucially, the plan emphasises alignment between strategic priorities and the needs of communities, groups, and voluntary organisations across Anglesey. It recognises that a robust, well-funded strategic framework is essential to delivering consistent support, maintaining service quality, and enabling staff to thrive. The document also signals a commitment to sustaining the social prescribing service that has received recognition for its impact, alongside continued emphasis on the Place Shaping programme in partnership with Anglesey County Council. In this light, the plan seeks to balance stability with innovation, enabling Medrwn Môn to respond quickly to emerging opportunities while maintaining a steady course. (Page: N/A)

Leadership commentary within the plan highlights an organisational culture that values staff development, collaborative practice, and shared ownership of outcomes. The board frames the plan as a living document designed to adapt to evolving conditions, secure resources for ongoing work, and build on past successes to deliver more inclusive, community-driven services. By doing so, Medrwn Môn aspires to strengthen its role as a catalyst for local action, enhancing the wellbeing and capability of communities across Anglesey through well-coordinated programmes, partnerships, and strategically targeted investments. (Page: N/A)

Men’s Health and Wellbeing in Rural Anglesey: learning from a collaborative networking event

A collaborative networking event focused on Men’s Health and Wellbeing brought together Medrwn Môn staff, Sheree, and Lisa Hother from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The gathering highlighted the unique health challenges faced by men in rural Anglesey, where traditional male-dominated industries often demand physically strenuous work and where access to health services can be limited by geography and culture. The event provided a platform for sharing practical strategies, resources, and local experiences designed to promote physical and mental health among men in rural contexts. (Page: N/A)

Participants heard from a diverse group of speakers illustrating the breadth of available support. Jim Lee from Nifty 60s spoke about expanding a single local group into island-wide activity, demonstrating how peer-led activities can scale to meet demand. Aled from Syt Mae Dad? described its origins and ongoing impact, while Callum and Christy from Menstribe shared personal journeys related to mental health, resilience, and community growth. Tristan from YEM outlined the formation of new organisations and their mission to address mental health through confidence-building, life direction, and motivation. (Page: N/A)

The event drew 28 attendees and 14 voluntary and health groups, underscoring strong engagement from across the community. A video recording of the event was also made available to extend its reach and encourage ongoing participation. The positive response from participants reflected a broader appetite for coordinated, community-led efforts to support men’s health and wellbeing in rural settings. The event laid groundwork for future collaborations and ongoing dialogue about men’s health needs on the island. (Page: N/A)

Looking ahead, Medrwn Môn and partner organisations expressed intention to continue cultivating networks and sharing resources that support men’s health across Anglesey. The aim is to create sustainable, locally driven structures that can provide ongoing education, screening, and wellness activities while reducing barriers to care for men living in more remote areas. (Page: N/A)

RAF Families Day 2025: celebrating community, family support, and local engagement

The RAF Families Day held at RAF Valley on August 8 brought together personnel and their families for a day of displays, activities, and community engagement. The event showcased a variety of attractions, including aerial displays, classic cars, fairground rides, and local food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the broader support networks around service personnel. The day provided an opportunity for families to connect with the base community and learn more about the services available to them, both on base and in the wider Anglesey area. (Page: N/A)

Wing Commander Penny Butterfield, the event organiser, expressed great satisfaction with the day, noting its significance as a cornerstone in the RAF Valley social calendar. The event was designed to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for the families who play a crucial role in supporting service members’ professional commitments. Medrwn Môn contributed by bringing a mobile information bus that distributed details about local volunteering opportunities and community services, reinforcing the connection between the military community and civilian organisations. Attendees appreciated the chance to discuss how Medrwn Môn and partner groups can assist families in practical ways. (Page: N/A)

Participants and staff valued the day as an inclusive, welcoming space where families could engage with information, ask questions, and explore pathways to involvement in local programmes. The overall sentiment was one of gratitude for the combined efforts of the base, community partners, and volunteers who collaborated to make the event successful. The experience also signalled potential for future joint activities that strengthen the integration of service personnel with the communities in which they live and work. (Page: N/A)

Relational Conversations Training: building communication skills for volunteers and staff

Recognising that complex lives often hinge on a handful of core issues—such as financial pressures exacerbated by the Cost of Living crisis—Medrwn Môn partnered with Basis to deliver a training programme focused on relational conversations. The purpose was to equip volunteers and staff from third-sector organisations with practical skills for listening, asking the right questions, and guiding conversations toward constructive outcomes. The training emphasised a set of principles that help participants understand what makes a conversation effective and how to shift dialogue in ways that support individuals more productively. (Page: N/A)

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees rating the course as excellent or good across the board. One trainee highlighted the value of an exercise that involved pausing and rewriting a conversation script, describing it as both enjoyable and highly relevant to their volunteer role in the community. The success of this session has prompted plans for a follow-up Relational Conversations Training in November, offering more opportunities for volunteers and staff to strengthen their communication practice and better support people in their communities. (Page: N/A)

Linc Team supports Family Fun Days across the Island

During the summer, Medrwn Môn actively participated in a series of family-focused events to promote its services for families, children, and young people. The Linc Team played a central role in coordinating activity and ensuring a friendly presence at each occasion. Notable activities included collaboration with Môn Actif at the Isgraig Fun Festival, where families enjoyed games, activities, and social interaction. The engagement extended to Llangefni Rugby Club’s National Play Day, which provided opportunities to connect with other organisations and members of the public. (Page: N/A)

Other events included Gwelfor Funday, a day designed for families to come together and engage with games, crafts, and interactive activities arranged by the Anglesey Council Community Cohesion Team. A separate event, 3D Family Funday, focused on families with children who have disabilities, offering accessible activities such as soft play, sensory stalls, and arts and crafts in a safe, inclusive environment. Across these activities, Medrwn Môn used the platform to discuss the Social Prescribing Project “Môn Community Link,” highlighting how the programme supports people of all ages and how families can access services that improve well-being and community belonging. (Page: N/A)

Through these family-focused days, Medrwn Môn reinforced its commitment to family resilience and community engagement, underscoring the importance of social prescribing in connecting individuals with local resources, activities, and networks designed to enhance health, education, and social outcomes. Attendees were encouraged to explore opportunities for volunteering, partnerships, and ongoing involvement in local Alliances to sustain momentum beyond the events themselves. (Page: N/A)

Cybi Youth Hub: a major step toward a vibrant, inclusive youth space in Holyhead

Planning and development work for the Cybi Youth Hub progressed with an emphasis on providing a dynamic, supportive environment for Holyhead’s young people. The project aims to create a space that is both inclusive and safe, with particular attention to music and family-oriented activities that appeal to a broad range of youth interests. A key objective is to offer programming that addresses anti-social behaviour by offering constructive alternatives and meaningful engagement opportunities for young residents. Partners in this endeavour include North Wales Police, Eagle House, and Anglesey County Council Youth Services. (Page: N/A)

Fundraising and procurement efforts have secured more than £500,000 to cover the purchase of the Mandarin Royale building and to fund running costs and staffing for three years. Local Councillor and Cybi Youth Hub Committee Chair Susan McGinn highlighted the extensive work and perseverance required to obtain this level of support, noting that the keys to the new hub would soon be handed over as a result of collaborative effort across government, Lottery funding, WCVA, and local authorities. The message conveyed was one of optimism and a shared commitment to turning the hub into a cornerstone of youth development in Holyhead. (Page: N/A)

The ongoing communication from committee members suggests that more updates will follow as the hub begins to take shape, with plans for programming that combines music, creativity, sport, and education in ways that are accessible and engaging for diverse groups of young people. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to invest in youth Infrastructure as a means to improve community safety, reduce anti-social behaviour, and empower young people to become active contributors to their communities. (Page: N/A)

Official Opening – Menai Bridge Cricket Club: a landmark project backed by Community Grants

Medrwn Môn staff attended the official opening of the Menai Bridge Cricket Club Pavilion, a project that represents a significant upgrade to a vital community facility. The new pavilion was officially inaugurated by Matt Maynard and stands as a modern, inclusive space designed to serve all segments of the community. The development has been guided by Cricket Wales facilities leadership, illustrating a strong alignment between sport, community development, and infrastructure improvement. (Page: N/A)

The project received support through Hub and Digital Improvement Grants from the Shared Prosperity Fund in the summer of 2024, demonstrating how targeted grants can catalyse long-term improvements in local club capacity, facilities, and community involvement. Robbie Jones, chair of the cricket club, expressed heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, organisations, and businesses whose contributions made the project possible, acknowledging that the collective effort will enable lifelong benefits for local residents and visitors alike. The sentiments shared at the opening emphasised a forward-looking vision for community sport and inclusive participation. (Page: N/A)

From Medrwn Môn’s perspective, the Menai Bridge Cricket Club project epitomises what is possible when funders, public bodies, and community groups align around a shared goal. The enhanced facilities will not only support sporting excellence but also provide a welcoming venue for local gatherings, events, and youth engagement, reinforcing the role of sport as a vehicle for social cohesion and personal development. The club’s leadership signalled a commitment to maintaining momentum, pursuing future enhancements, and continuing to welcome collaboration with partners who believe in the transformative power of community spaces. (Page: N/A)

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