St. Catherine’s Church – A Model for Community Regeneration in Wales

Transformational Project for St. Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon

What happens when a dedicated community leader joins forces with a passionate impact-focussed organisation? In the case of Rev.Dr. Adrian Morgan and HelpUsTrade, the answer lies in the remarkable transformation of St. Catherine’s Church Hall in Gorseinon, Wales.

Over the past year, HUT have collaborated with Dr. Morgan and team to develop a compelling concept for St Catherine’s Church that resonated with both the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£250,000 awarded in 2023) and the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme Grants (£300,000 awarded in 2024). Building on these successes, HelpUsTrade is currently supporting St Catherine’s to apply for further National Lottery funding to add other essential elements to the project. More news on this item will follow later in the year. It should be noted that HUT’s relationship with Opus Ltd and other project partners proved instrumental in securing project funding.

With these funds in place this community transformation project will breathe new life into the Church Hall, creating a beautiful, multi-functional space for a post-industrial community. Here, residents of all ages and backgrounds can engage in intergenerational cultural, sporting, and social activities, fostering resilience and a stronger sense of belonging.

A Vision Realised

The funding captured by HUT (and partners) for this visionary community-focussed project will enable significant enhancements to the Church Hall and surrounding areas. For example:

1. The hall’s capacity will increase dramatically, welcoming a wider range of activities. 
2. A permanent social prescribing café will offer a warm and welcoming space for increased connections. 
3. A demonstration kitchen, showcasing local farm produce, will promote healthy eating. 
4. Disability-friendly access to all areas, including new bathroom facilities, will ensure inclusivity. 
5. Additionally, plans include lift installation and a first-floor addition to increase access and capacity.

The redevelopment of St. Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon is a fantastic project to be involved in. Working with Rev Dr Adrian Morgan and his team aligns perfectly with HUT’s values of making a positive impact to the communities we share. Through collaboration and careful listening, we have developed a project that will leave a lasting mark on society, long after our involvement ends.

Prof. Dermot Cahill, Director, HelpUsTrade

Social Impact & Reach

The project’s impact extends beyond just bricks and mortar. The social impact of this project is already being felt as the community looks forward to the provision of this enhanced community facility.

• Increased Demand: Even before project completion (end of 2025), 27 groups already use the facility, with 20 more expressing interest. This signals a strong community need and excitement for the expanded space.
• Partnership Power: A dedicated group of Project Partners is ready to deliver a wide range of services at the Hall, ensuring the space truly serves the community’s diverse needs. Here are some highlights:
  • Intergenerational Learning: Initiatives like the Repair & Share Café will foster knowledge exchange between younger and older community members.
  • Social Hub & Support: The expanded Cafe will offer a welcoming environment for social interaction and support groups, catering to all ages.
  • Early Childhood Development: Programs like Baby Basics and Baby Ballet will provide resources and a nurturing environment for young families.
  • Skills & Cultural Enrichment: Local educational institutions will offer courses for entrepreneurs and residents seeking to learn more about the area’s rich history and heritage.
• Welsh Language Accessibility: A comprehensive Welsh Language Plan ensures inclusivity for Welsh speakers.

The HelpUsTrade team impressed me with their flexibility, unwavering commitment to our needs, and unparalleled attention to detail. But, what truly stood out for me was their responsiveness to our needs. They were not only timely but the HUT team also invested significant effort in understanding our project and maximising its potential. It was a pleasure working with them. They felt more like a partner in this transformative journey than just a service provider.

Rev. Dr Adrian Morgan, Vicar, St Catherine’s Gorseinon

Some Impacts that shall flow from the Project

1. Well-Being & Healthy Lifestyles Hub: A local GP Cluster has expressed strong interest in offering clinics at the Church Hall due to current space limitations at the existing local GP premises, bringing delivery of medical services back into the heart of the community. For example:
   • A Well-Being and Healthy Lifestyles Hub, delivering services such as Persistent Pain Clinics, Healthy Lifestyle Clinics and Diabetes Management Clinics is envisaged. 
   • Services will also be offered to support Dementia sufferers as well as those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction, amongst others. 
2. Help with the Cost of Living Crisis: The repurposed Church Hall will also allow the Swansea Food Bank to expand the range of services it currently offers from the Hall, thus reaching more families and helping those in need. 
3. Supporting Community Members: Benefits Support services will expand, as will services to help people go digital. 
4. Improve People’s Sense of Well-Being and Reduce Social Isolation: In providing a home for 47 community groups, as well as a welcoming café, the Project will also make a major contribution to social prescribing, helping people feel valued members of the community where all have a contribution to make.
5. Improved Neighbourhood Security By engaging teenagers in hall-based activities, the ambition is to reduce neighbourhood petty crime over a 5-year period, by involving youths in productive activities this will encourage this demographic to show a greater degree of empathy towards their neighbours.

St. Catherine’s, led by the visionary Rev. Dr. Adrian Morgan, exemplifies the ideal client. They identified a clear need within the community and they possess the dedication to address it. This project is destined for success. Already, the local community is buzzing with anticipation for the revitalised space. The historic building will be transformed into a vibrant hub, fostering connections and serving residents of all ages in a safe and inclusive environment. Dr. Morgan’s vision will have a lasting impact, strengthening the community’s fabric. At HelpUsTrade, we’re passionate about projects like this. Our grant-winning efforts are thrilled to have played a part in launching this initiative, and we eagerly await its grand opening by Christmas 2025.

Gary Clifford, Managing Director, HelpUsTrade.

Want more information?

To find out how you can access simular HelpUsTrade services, either contact us directly via this website, email [email protected], or call 07969 076534. 

Alternatively, should you wish to find out more information about this project and the work of Rev. Dr. Adrian Morgan and his team please visit, https://www.gorseinon.church, email: [email protected], or call 01792 892849.