A new funding programme aimed at bringing people together and strengthening community spirit has opened for applications.
The Community Cohesion Grant 2026 is available to community groups, third‑sector organisations and schools across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen, with grants of £500 to £2,000 on offer.
The fund supports projects that help people feel more connected to where they live.One of the successful applicants was Croesyceiliog School’s Peace Garden, which received £500 for a pupil‑led project.
Interact Club
Created by the school’s Interact Club, the garden celebrates the area’s diverse communities through features such as a Peace Pole displaying multiple languages and artwork reflecting different cultures.
Matilda, a year eight pupil, said: “It’s given me the chance to connect with others who care about making a difference, and it’s helped me grow both as a person and a leader. It’s empowering to know that even as pupils, we have the ability to shape the world around us for the better.”
Project lead and teaching assistant Pritti Davies added: “The flowers within the Peace Garden represent the heritage of the many nationalities within the school community, alongside Welsh heritage. One of the four languages displayed on the Peace Pole is Welsh, ensuring local identity is embedded at the heart of the project.”
Peace Garden
The Peace Garden shows how small grants can create lasting change – not just through physical spaces, but by building pride, confidence and stronger community connections.
The fund also supports the aims of the Torfaen Deal, a new approach to shaping services and support between the council, residents and local organisations.
Cllr Peter Jones, Torfaen Council’s executive member for corporate governance and resources, said: “We’ve seen first-hand how this funding has helped local groups bring people together and strengthen community spirit. Now, more than ever, those connections are vital, and I would encourage any community group, school or third sector organisation to take advantage of this opportunity”.
Find out more and apply for a grant on Torfaen Council’s website.
Applications close on 10 July 2026.