Community Projects

Community Hub

The aim of the Community Hub is to provide advice, support and activities to help the people of Dyffryn Nantlle, especially as we face the cost of living crisis.

With the support of our partners which include other services within the area, we try to answer our community's needs in order to help people live good lives. You can contact Greta and Llio to receive support on a wide range of matters including: fuel poverty, financial poverty, food poverty, digital inclusion, loneliness and social events, being active in the community, disability, access to statutory services and more.

Community Transport Project - O Fama i Fana

A project that supports residents who face obstacles due to a lack of public transport in the Valley. There are 3 electric vehicles, a minibus, a 7 seater car and a 4 seater car, which are used to transport people in a sustainable way of travelling. Our Community Transport Officer, Elenid, co-ordinates the project, by collaborating with Dyffryn Nantlle Community Transport Partnership. Funded by the Welsh Government and European funds.  Call or email to arrange transport - 07596 325 496

Pantri Dyffryn Nantlle

Opened in September 2024 in the old post office in Penygroes, the Pantri is home to Yr Orsaf's food projects; Pickling Kitchen, Gardening Together, distribution of Surplus Food, cooking workshops and much more! The emphasis of the space and our vision is to strengthen our link with local produce, share skills and reduce food waste. There is also a Shop that sells local produce open on Thursdays and Fridays, come and have a look.

Art Projects

Dyffryn Nantlle 2020 arts workshops offer the opportunity for children and young people to work with local artists. Usually the activities develop skills, and at the same time celebrate the area's history and culture.

TrydaNi

TrydaNi is a community-owned electric car-sharing service that operates across Wales. Our EV car clubs offer the convenience of using a car without the hassle of owning one.

Penygroes has a Kia Niro located behind Yr Orsaf, with designated car parking space and charger. We leave the car plugged in after journeys.

Using a TrydaNi vehicle costs £2/hour plus 16p/mile.

TrydaNi - YouTube

Ynni Lleu

Ynni Lleu is a Community Interest Company (CIC) established to develop renewable energy projects under community ownership, ensuring that the economic, social and environmental benefits of our energy remains local. We've identified solar, wind and hydro opportunities in Dyffryn Nantlle, and are working with Yr Orsaf and the local community to progress potential projects to the next stage. We're keen to develop projects in partnership with the local community, please contact [email protected] if you're interested in collaborating or have ideas to share.

GwyrddNi

GwyrddNi is a community-based, community-led climate action movement that brings people together in five areas of Gwynedd to discuss, share and act locally to tackle climate change. Yr Orsaf is Dyffryn Nantlle Gwyrdd Ni partner, and Sion Hywyn is the officer. We support groups to create more vibrant, green and resilient communities, focusing on topics such as energy, transport, housing, food, waste, the natural world and sharing skills and resources.

Arts and Heritage Centre

History, culture, language and landscape are important to the people of Dyffryn Nantlle. That’s why, like other slate areas in Gwynedd, we have World Heritage Status. Now, Yr Orsaf wants to create an Arts and Heritage Centre, somewhere residents and visitors can celebrate our heritage, through arts activities, working with children, young people and the community to create our story for the future. The support of the community is very important, to buy buildings and for holding day to day activities. We are currently in the process of applying for funding, to buy the old pharmicy, following raising the match fund, so keep your eyes peeled for any updates!

Community Tourism

A project exploring what communities from the valleys of Ogwen, Ffestiniog, Nantlle and Conwy want from the future of tourism in the region around ‘Llwybr Llechi Eryri’ the Snowdonia Slate Trail. The project will run initially for twelve months from October 24 to September 25.

Previous project: Celebrating our rich history, culture, language and landscape is the main aim of the project. We are creating resources that locals and visitors can use to understand and appreciate the area. There is more information about some of the walks in the area on: https://llwybraunantlle.wordpress.com/

Repair Cafe

The Repair Cafe is on every last Saturday of the month, from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Caffi Yr Orsaf in Penygroes. We offer simple repairs by our volunteers. 

‘Bro’ Banners

As part of our commitment to the arts and to improve the look of the High Street, banners are put up for eight months of the year, celebrating history, language, culture, landscape and much more about the area. In Yr Orsaf cafe there are exhibition panels, which explain the stories behind each banner.

Digital Centre

The Digital Centre provides film, coding and podcast workshops for young people. There is a variety of equipment including iPads, Chromebooks, sound and video recording equipment, and lots more. It is possible for groups to hire the centre to experiment with and use the equipment. Please contact [email protected] for more details.

Dyffryn Nantlle Transition Streets

Transition Streets is an award-winning project that brings neighbours together. It creates streets that are more caring, sharing, and connected, helping residents reduce their carbon footprint and cost of living by taking practical steps together.

How does Dyffryn Nantlle Transition Streets work?

To take part, you and your neighbours form a group of 6–8 households. This can be on a single street or within a small local area.

You meet up over the course of a few months to explore a range of topics, including: Energy, Food, Travel, Water, and Resource Use.

Households reduce their carbon footprint and cut their bills by taking simple steps.

Connections are formed, friendships are made, sharing increases, and all sorts of wonderful, unexpected things emerge.

What wonderful things could you and your neighbours do together?

Taking part in Dyffryn Nantlle Transition Streets supports you to imagine and create new ways to make your street a more caring, sharing, and greener place to live.

“The wonderful benefit we have all enjoyed through Transforming Streets is a sense of community – for some of us, for the first time; getting to know our neighbours; feeling part of something bigger; feeling connected.”

How can I find out more about Transition Streets Dyffryn Nantlle?

For further information, please email [email protected]. We can help you connect with others in your area who might be interested in joining a group and provide leaflets to help you recruit others. Once a new group has been formed, we will provide materials for every household and arrange for a facilitator to attend your first meeting to help you get started.