How it all began
A look back at the origins and development of Valleys Kids
Timeline 1982 - 1996
1977-1987
Valleys Kids first started working in probation and with disadvantaged and deprived young people. The first 10 years would see the expansion into working with junior club, babies and toddlers. The work also expanded from probation to prevention and also started to introduce the Arts as a medium for self expression.
1987-1997
During the following ten years Valleys Kids and HRH Prince Charles open our base in Penygraig – Soar Ffrwdamos Centre. Valleys Kids began to explore the theatre and appointed a technician and upgraded the theatre space. Valleys Kids continuing to focus on Play provision.
1977
Work with young people developed with “Open Door” youth club, basement of local Probation Office
1978
The first summer play scheme organised.
1980
Moved to Cross Street, Penygraig
Parent and Toddler Group started.
Donated Soar Chapel by the congregation.
1981
Initiated policy of integrating children with special needs.
In partnership with Education and Social Services established the Intermediate Treatment Centre for adolescents at risk.
Founder members and chair of Rhondda Play Forum.
1982
One of the first volunteers appointed as a community worker.
Visits to the Project from Lord Hunt and Prince Charles.
Helped establish Rhondda Play Project.
1983
Founder members and chair of Rhondda Community Development Forum.
1984
Using the Local Labour Club we brought, Red Ladder, the first professional theatre company to the Project.
1985
Care and custody for young people experimental scheme established with Welsh Office funding.
1986
Volunteers working in chapel getting it ready for the opening.
Running day-to-day activities in Cross Street.
1987
Soar Ffrwdamos Centre opened by HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
A programme of Theatre, Dance and Music was established.
Activities to young people expanded.
1988
Return visit from Lord Hunt who said, “Right from the beginning we spotted the need for this project… It is a model example and there is nothing quite like it in the Principality”.
1989
Garages between Cross Street and Soar purchased for storage and conversion into workshops.
1990
Theatre Space in Soar Ffrwdamos Centre upgraded.
1991
Grant from Rhondda Borough Council to employ a Technician.
1992
Play Development Worker appointed with a Rhondda wide remit to support local groups to develop open access play.
First Youth Theatre Performance.
Community Access to Technology project established to encourage local people to become computer literate and familiar with modern communication technology.
Founder member of Rhondda Youth Unemployment Forum.
1993
“Valley’s Motor Project” establish in partnership with Probation and Social Services to work with young people, offenders and non-offenders.
First International exchange with Irish community in Wexford.
1996
‘Bridges’ Community Support Scheme’ established to support community development work throughout Rhondda Cynon Taff.
A part time Youth Theatre worker appointed to develop the arts work with young people.
Co-ordinated the consultation conference for the Social Services department using theatre and arts techniques.
Founder member of Rhondda Cynon Taff Play Association.
Timeline 1997 - 2021
The next 10 years of Valleys Kids history focuses on expansion of provision into another three communities, Penyrenglyn, Rhydyfelin and then lastly Dinas.
1997
The Penyrenglyn Community Development Project opened its premises on the Mount Libinus estate in Treherbert in two converted houses.
1998
ArtWorks team established and Youth theatre groups commence in our three key communities.
Community Support Scheme enabled the community of Rhydyfelin to produce a three year Development Plan that established the Rhydyfelin Community Development Project.
1999
Development Co-ordinator appointed to take forward the Funding Strategy.
Valleys Kids established as a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity to acknowledge growth into wider communities.
Local Government Conference Award for the most Innovative and Imaginative use of European Funds.
National Play Awards, runners up in the Open Access Play section.
Growing Out of Poverty scheme funded by the National Lottery Charities Board.
2000
Seven day a week youth work established in two key communities and first youth work in third community.
Community Play Bus purchased, funded by our first corporate partner Buy as You View.
Welsh Rugby Squad and Graham Henry launched the Bus.
Neil Appeal first individual donor appeal launched.
All ICT training computers and printers replaced by Buy as you View.
Treherbert and District Regeneration Partnership established. One of only two voluntary organisations in Wales to make a successful bid for the People in Communities scheme.
Four Young People from Penyrenglyn receive scholarships to attend Camp America, supported by Greggs the Bakers.
2001
First Community Advocate appointed.
Rhydyfelin Regeneration Partnership established.
2002
District Regeneration partnership established.
Community Development worker appointed for Dinas.
2003
Prime Minister Tony Blair MP visited Penygraig Community Project.
HRH Prince Charles visited the Penyrenglyn Project for the official opening.
2004
Purchased Little Bryn Gwyn from Barnardo’s.
Won Arts & Business Award for the most creative and innovative partnership with a business.
2005
Work began on Soar Ffrwdamos Centre.
15 young people from three Valleys Kids centres cycled the length of Wales.
2006 Completed a £2.4m refurbishment of Soar Ffrwdamos Centre. Opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM.
Feeling Good Conference with special guest, the Barefoot Doctor.
Work began on the Vestry redevelopment.
2007
Completed a £750,000 refurbishment of the Vestry in Penygraig.
Children from all four Centres performed for HRH Prince William in the Millennium Stadium with Amampondo.
Won the BURA award for Community Regeneration
2008
Visit by HRH Prince William of Wales to Dinas Project and Soar Centre
Launched Rhondda Lives digital story project in partnership with BBC and National Sound and Screen Archive of Wales
The Vestry of Soar Centre was opened by Pontypridd writer, Elaine Morgan
2009
Chosen to be one of the five Cultural Olympiad Projects in Wales, with the Mzansi Cymru linking our Valleys with Townships in Cape Town, South Africa
ArtWorks received a Beacon Award
2010
Secured Big Lottery ‘Life Skills’ Tender for working with disadvantaged families
ArtWorks became Arts Council of Wales revenue client
Secured the Pop Factory in Porth to ensure Valleys Kids long-term sustainability.
2011
Secured Gateway Tenders to support youth & family work
2012
Culmination of the Mzansi Cymru linking project in the spectacular, multi-media production of Torchbearers in Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre with 54 performers from Townships around Cape Town and in Artscape Theatre, Cape Town with 54 performers from the Valleys.
BBC Wales Documentary – 2 x 30 minute episodes about the life-changing journeys of Valleys’ young people taking part in the Mzansi Cymru Project
2013
‘Can you Hear Me?’ book published, written by Liz Cutland focussing on Valleys Kids and the impact on the lives of beneficiaries since its inception in 1977.
2014
Chosen to be one of the projects taking part in Arts Council of Wales initiative: Ideas, People & Places in partnership with Artes Mundi.
2015
Refurbishment of Art in the Attic Gallery in The Factory, adding disabled access thanks to funding from the Colwinston Trust & support from Knox & Wells Construction
Secure Arts Council of Wales revenue status for ArtWorks initiative
2018
ArtWorks renamed and rebranded into Sparc
2020
£2m build of new Little Bryn Gwyn eco residential centre concludes
2021
Valleys Kids undergoes a transition and introduces a new CEO, Director of Business and Finance, and Director of Programmes.