ACE runs two community centres in Ely and Caerau as well as working with GP surgeries across the South West and North of Cardiff. People come to ACE for help with financial crisis, to access affordable food, to learn creative and practical skills, for support with their mental health or simply for connection with their community.
Building a resilient community together
In the warm, welcoming space that we create together, people find new friends and the help they need to move from surviving to thriving - and often find ways to contribute their own unique strengths. We have 85 volunteers, 39 staff and over 2000 people coming through our doors each week. Together we are building vibrant, equal and resilient communities for all, where people find fulfilment in themselves, each other, and the place where they live.
We need your help to meet increasing demand due to the cost of living crisis.
We have an opportunity to access funding from The Co-operative to double any donations of up to £250. Could you donate to support our work?
What we provide:
- A daily crisis hour for those struggling to pay bills
- Twice weekly drop-in advice sessions on benefits or housing problems
- Warm spaces with free food and fun activities
- A community-run cafe with low cost, good quality food and a second-hand shop
- A membership-based food pantry serving over 100 households a week
- A repair cafe and library of things to promote sustainable living
- Community groups to reduce social isolation, including coffee mornings, knitting and crafts
- Activities for parents and young children
- Wellbeing connectors who help people suffering with depression and anxiety to find new friends and activities to support their mental health
- Thriving art and heritage groups and three community gardens
- Multiple youth clubs and cooking classes for young people
- Training to help people access jobs
- Tailored career support to help people access better paid, more fulfilling work
- Safe spaces and friendly faces for those struggling with bereavement and caring responsibilities
Help us do more
If we hit our funding target, in addition to all this we can also offer a free breakfast to people accessing our ‘crisis hour’ advice drop ins. A warm welcome and good meal can make a world of difference when you’re under intense financial strain.
"The pantry is so much more than food. We try to have fun too, and make it the best experience it can be for people who are struggling. We have really got to know our members. We ask how they are and provide a listening ear without judgement."- Sarah, Lead Volunteer at the Pantry.
"I live alone and it gets lonely but I keep coming to ACE. If you're feeling down, there's always someone there willing to listen and talk to you, tell you how you can get involved if you want to. It’s a big help, it’s a good place to be." - Keith, a regular at ACE projects Diana Garden, the Dusty Shed and Café Barr.
Increasing demand
We have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our crisis support services, advice on benefits, fuel vouchers and affordable food, alongside an increasing strain on people’s mental health.
For over 10 years, ACE has been working together with our local community to respond to need and build strength together through mutual support. The cost of living crisis on the back of the pandemic has hit our neighbourhoods hard, many of which are among the most deprived in Wales. This increase in demand, alongside rocketing fuel bills for our two community centres, has prompted us to reach out for help. We are needed more than ever, and it costs us more than ever to do this work.
Could you support ACE’s vital work with a donation of up to £250?
We have a fantastic opportunity to access match funding for each donation, so we can step up our support and sustain our vital work in the months to come. Please donate, and spread the word. Thank you!