Canolfan Abbey Road, a vital community hub in Bangor, is celebrating its 40th year of service in 2025, has announced the launch of its ‘Community Champions Project’. The new initiative will provide free, accredited training to individuals across Arfon and surrounding communities, equipping them with essential knowledge regarding safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, mental health, trauma, and neurodiversity.

The launch comes as part of the centre’s anniversary celebrations and is intended to empower our communities with knowledge around these key areas.

The centre aims to foster a more informed and supportive community network for our communities, by recognising some of the underlying issues affecting our wellbeing and mental health. By empowering individuals with a deeper understanding of these interconnected areas, Canolfan Abbey Road believes it can collectively contribute to creating safer and more understanding environments throughout the city and surrounding areas.

“We believe that a greater understanding of these connected areas will equip individuals within our communities to offer more informed support and foster environments of empathy and understanding,” said Councillor John Wynn Jones, Abbey Road’s Chairperson.

As part of its 40th-anniversary pledge, the centre is commifled to training 40 Community Champions. To date, 10 individuals have successfully completed the programme, giving overwhelmingly positive feedback:

  • “The programme was very informative, and each tutor was very knowledgeable. I found it very engaging and relevant to my work. The lived experiences of the tutors made the course very interesting.”
  • “I am aware of national, regional and local support “
  • “I understand the key terms and definitions used in the field of mental health, neurodiversity and trauma.”
  • “I have an awareness of how mental health, neurodiversity and trauma may impact individuals.”

The programme received an impressive rating of 4.5/5 from the learners.

Two cohorts for the Community Champions Project are scheduled for 2025/26: one in Autumn 2025 and another in Spring 2026. Additionally, safeguarding training will take place this July and next July. These accredited units will be further developed to provide ongoing staff training and professional development opportunities.

The Community Champions Project is delivered in partnership with TEC Wales and is proudly supported by fundraisers Bangor Ska and Soul Cymru.

Get Involved:

Canolfan Abbey Road welcomes referrals and expressions of interest from individuals across the community. Anyone interested in participating in the ‘Community Champion’ training can call 01248 354 88 or email arc@abbeyroadcentre.co.uk quoting “Community Champion” training.