South Wales East Community Champions

Ben has been making Newport East a cleaner, greener place for everyone.

He set up Newport East Litter Pickers and organised socially distanced litter picks. He has worked with Keep Wales Tidy and fast-food chains to tackle litter problems.

Jalal runs Exiles Together – a Newport County supporters’ group for the BAME community in the city.

The group have provided laptops and dongles for children, so they do not miss out on schooling and also delivered food to the elderly and vulnerable.

Leeann’s traditional sweets, gifts and hardware store “Village Treats” in Magor, puts her at the heart of the community. She has collaborated with other small businesses and adapted during the pandemic to continue supporting her customers.

Katherine sought to keep people connected this year by setting up a Phone Buddying scheme, and organising online Easter, Mayday and VE day parties.

All this despite having no previous digital skills!

Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones believes every child should own a bike, so he has been recycling unwanted bikes and donating them to children and key-workers, making a big difference to young people and families in this pandemic.

Through the Caribbean Heritage Cymru Group she has supported her community by keeping them in touch and informed. She has promoted equality and diversity through education and sport in Newport inspiring many.

Stephen Morris has become a figurehead for the sense of community spirit that has endured in Merthyr Tydfil since March. By running multiple raffles and other fundraising initiatives, Stephen has raised an amazing £28,000 which has been donated to the NHS and a variety of local causes.

Deborah Bowen from The Tommy Box restaurant in Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil provided free meals to staff at Prince Charles Hospital despite having to adapt her own business during lockdown.