What we do
Cultural, Heritage
& Creative Wellbeing
Awen Cultural Trust manages the library service across Bridgend county borough, Bryngarw Country Park in Brynmenyn and two projects for adults with learning disabilities, B-Leaf and Wood-B
Cultural, Heritage
& Creative Wellbeing
As research indicates that being creative in everyday life can increase our overall sense of wellbeing, Awen is committed to working with local authorities, health boards and other relevant partners to deliver initiatives that use the arts and culture as tools to better physical and mental health and to support those most at risk of social isolation.
Libraries
Awen Libraries are accessible, warm and welcoming spaces, with friendly, professional staff on hand to assist customers.
We are committed to improving the literacy of people of all ages; supporting reading for pleasure through initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge; enhancing wellbeing and tackling digital exclusion through events and activities; and providing unbiased access to sources of trusted information.
We were the first library service in Wales to remove fines for overdue books.
B-Leaf
B-Leaf is a work-based initiative for adults with learning disabilities based within the grounds of Bryngarw Country Park.
It operates as nursery and garden centre and provides an extensive training programme in horticulture and grounds maintenance.
Trainees are supported by a team of dedicated staff who help them progress in whatever way they can to develop new skills, make new friends and ultimately lead more independent and fulfilled lives.
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Bryngarw Country Park
With over 100 acres of meadows, gardens and mature woodlands, Bryngarw Country Park is a fascinating place to visit all-year-round.
Visitors can bask in the floral tranquillity of the Oriental Garden; walk through woods carpeted with bluebells; ramble along the banks of the River Garw looking for dippers and kingfishers; and watch the children enjoy the playground with its famous tower slide and accessible play equipment.
The Park attracts over 240,000 visitors a year.
Bryngarw House
One of South Wales’ most sought-after wedding venues, set in the award-winning Bryngarw Country Park, Bryngarw House is available for exclusive use celebrations, and is licensed for civil ceremonies.
The Treharne Suite, located in the main building, can hold up to 110 guests, whilst the stunning marquee can accommodate up to 250 guests for an evening reception.
The overnight accommodation has been recently refurbished and is located within Bryngarw House and its nearby Coach House.
Wood-B
Wood-B is a work-based initiative for adults with learning disabilities based at a fully equipped carpentry workshop in Tondu.
The trainees are supported by a team of experienced staff to manufacture bespoke and high quality woodworking and joinery products for local customers and organisations, including garden benches, bird boxes, noticeboards, sheds and summer houses
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Community
Centres
Awen manages two community centres – Awel-y-Mor in Porthcawl and Betws Life Centre – which are well used private hire venues offering affordable spaces for a whole range of social and fitness groups, events and activities.
