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Case Studies

Meeting Community Needs with the Right Tech at Caerphilly Miners Centre

Lucy Palmer

• 2 min read
The exterior of the Caerphilly Miners Centre on a sunny day. In front is a pond, as well as some benches underneath a pergola.
Photo by Caerphilly Miners Centre
Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community is a volunteer-led charity based in the former Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital. The Centre offers wellbeing services, learning opportunities and cultural activities that help reduce social isolation and bring people in the community together.

The challenge 

Like many community organisations, Caerphilly Miners Centre knew they wanted to expand their support, but weren't always sure how digital could help them make the biggest difference.  

Through Newid's mentoring programme and AI and Automation course, the Centre's team had the space to reflect on their day-to-day work and think strategically about where technology could help them achieve their goals. 

They realised that better digital tools could transform both how they operated internally and how they delivered activities for their community.  

Through the support, they found two clear needs: 

  1. A reliable laptop to support day-to-day planning, communications and project coordination 
  2. A projector to improve the quality and accessibility of their training, workshops, family events and inclusive learning activities. 

Having completed Newid's longer-term support, they became eligible to apply for our Small Grant Scheme and were successful. 

 

What was funded 

Through Newid’s Small Grant Scheme, the Centre was able to purchase: 

    • An HP Pavilion SE laptop, now used by a trustee to support governance, project coordination and digital initiatives. 
    • An Epson Full HD projector, now used across the Centre’s activities and events to enhance delivery and increase participation. 

These purchases were modest in scale but had a transformative outcome. 

As one trustee put it:

“Don’t underestimate the impact of one laptop or projector. These tools have transformed our work.”
Woman typing on a laptop.

How the equipment is making a difference 

The new laptop is now a core tool for the Centre’s operations.  

It is used to: 

    • Manage communications, including membership updates and newsletters. 
    • Support the trustee’s continued learning, including practical application of AI skills gained through Newid’s 2024 AI and Automation course. 
    • Coordinate the Centre’s Device Bank, which has distributed 16 laptops to people in need. 

The projector has had an immediate impact on how activities are delivered at Caerphilly Miners Centre.  

It is now used regularly for: 

    • Training and workshops, where visual content helps participants engage more easily. 
    • Showcasing creative work, which has already inspired the launch of a new photography class. 

“Even a single device can empower someone in your team and expand your reach. If you have the chance to secure funding for tech, go for it. It could make a massive difference for the people in your organisation and or community.” 

 

Advice from Caerphilly Miners Centre 

“Keep it human. Celebrate the small wins. And if you’re thinking about applying for practical digital support or financial support from Newid, go for it. You don’t need to be perfect, just passionate.” 

 

Newid Small Grants Scheme 

The Newid Small Grants Scheme is open to organisations that have taken part in longer-term support from Newid. To find out more information about our grants scheme, and if you’re eligible, ​​read this article.   

In the meantime, if you have any questions, get in touch.  

  

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