Our CEO, Elise Stewart, appeared on national television on Sunday 10th December to help the Wales Council for Voluntary Action draw attention to the national fundraising crisis experienced by charities because of rising costs and an ongoing reducing of income.  

Since then, we have been informed about rumours which say that “Valleys Kids is facing imminent demise because of financial issues.”  This is causing unnecessary distress for the people who depend upon our services.  We would like to make clear what is really happening.

Currently, we are holding public meetings in areas of Rhondda Cynon Taff where we have community hubs.  This is to make sure that people can hear directly about our funding concerns and join in a campaign to protect the services which, for many years, have played such an important part in helping their families to come through crisis.  We want to assure them that everyone in Valleys Kids is working hard to get the additional money needed to keep our centres open and to continue making the free activities available to all who need help and support.

We would like to thank all the organisations who have already stepped in to provide considerable financial and other assistance.  The staff and volunteers at Valleys Kids remain as dedicated and determined as ever.  We know that changes must be made to reflect the ending of investment by the Council, partly the result of its own budget problems.  There is a plan in place to ensure that, within two years, Valleys Kids’ finances will be back on a stable footing.

Phil Evans, the Chair of the Board, says:

“In key areas, Valleys Kids is well equipped to respond to the current financial challenges.  It is a long-established organisation with a proven track record for innovation and for achieving good outcomes on behalf of individuals and communities through diverse activities.  We have acquired considerable assets in terms of iconic buildings and premises; experienced and skilled staff; credibility with partners and stakeholders locally and nationally; expertise in fundraising; a history of diversification across sectors, areas of need and generations; proven methodologies for service provisions; and a portfolio of social enterprises.” 

“Our proven ability to attract grant funding from diverse sources is evident from our history.  Despite growing competition for help from declining funding streams, there has been a considerable increase in successful bids made, including large-scale applications to the Arts Council for Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund. £1,007,426 multi-year funding has been secured since July 2023 through a targeted fundraising drive.  Applications for a further £445,534 are pending an outcome, with announcements anticipated within the next four months.  Our record to date gives cause for confidence that the unexpected gap in funding will be redressed by this and other aspects of income generation.”