Social Value on show at Carmarthenshire Value Conference

Don’t miss your chance to meet the leaders, entrepreneurs and social enterprises who are driving economic growth, wellbeing and positive social impact at the Carmarthenshire Value Conference on Thursday 14 November.

Cegin Hedyn’s community canteen and kitchen in Carmarthen town centre is well known for serving delicious, healthy food based on local Welsh ingredients – but it also serves another purpose.

It all comes down to founder (and award-winning chef) Deri Reed’s belief in what he calls ‘the privilege of sharing’. Cegin Hedyn works on a ‘pay what you can’ basis.

As a volunteer-run canteen with a commitment to making a positive, life-changing difference, Cegin Hedyn makes sure that everyone has access to nutritious, delicious meals, regardless of financial means.

Cwmpas is proud to have delivered specialist business support to help Deri set up his social business, create jobs and deliver social value – and you can meet him at the Carmarthenshire Value Conference on Thursday 14 November.

Social entrepreneurs and social enterprises tackle global challenges – like climate change, homelessness, energy and food poverty, social isolation and declining mental health – in a community-focused way. They champion equality, wellbeing and social inclusion. They create jobs, boost wellbeing, and sustain and nurture communities.

The UK Government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) sought to kickstart economic growth ‘with good jobs and productivity’, and has enabled Cwmpas to support more than 50 social businesses and at least six social entrepreneurs in Carmarthenshire, including Deri, through partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council.

Running from 9am to 3pm at Yr Egin, the Carmarthenshire Value Conference on Thursday 14 November is all about inspirational speakers, collaboration, and celebrating Carmarthenshire’s thriving social sector.

Head to the Carmarthenshire Value Conference and you can also meet Eleanor Shaw, CEO of People Speak Up in Llanelli, who is working with Cwmpas to offer her experience and support to Deri in the form of mentorship.

People Speak Up’s Creative Home Delivery Service dishes up wellbeing support and companionship through creative activities – arts, music and movement - in the homes of residents who are experiencing mental health issues or loneliness, and helps individuals to make new friends, learn new skills, and ‘live, laugh, and love a lot’. Eleanor previously benefited from Cwmpas support, and won the 2023 Social Business Wales Women’s Champion award.  

Glenn Bowen, Director of Enterprise at Cwmpas, said: 

Social enterprises have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and are uniquely placed to promote social value.  

We’re honoured to have worked with many social entrepreneurs and enterprises in Carmarthenshire, thanks to SPF funding allocated by our partner Carmarthenshire County Council. These businesses are delivering real change for the better.  

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, added:

With thanks to the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, important social enterprises are able to deliver on projects and programmes that benefit our communities. The event in Yr Egin is an opportunity to celebrate those who are dedicated to bettering society and supporting those who need it.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Cwmpas and all those involved in social enterprises in Carmarthenshire who are focused on building a fairer, a more equal and mindful society.