Bridgend residents find earlier support through local activities

Lifestyle & Wellness Desk 2026-10-30 12:28 2 min read

Three adults sit on a raised reading platform inside a library with bookshelves behind.

Bridgend’s links between social care, leisure and cultural activities have been recognised by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) as “practice worth sharing”. The approach connects residents with community-based support earlier, with the aim of helping them stay active, connected and independent.

Support through leisure, libraries and culture

Bridgend County Borough Council works with Halo Leisure, Awen Cultural Trust, health partners, voluntary organisations and community groups to provide preventative programmes shaped around local needs. Activities include Halo’s Carers Respite Programme, Feel Good for Life and autism-friendly swimming lessons, alongside library, heritage, arts and cultural opportunities provided through Awen.

Partners also work to reduce barriers to participation. Support can include replacement care for carers, accessible transport, free or low-cost cultural activities, free companion or carer tickets through the Hynt scheme, accessible venues and dementia-friendly programming.

Bridgend residents find earlier support through local activities

Feel Good for Life brings activities together

CIW highlighted Feel Good for Life, which supports people living with dementia, loneliness or depression, as well as their carers. It combines physical activity, including swimming with Halo Leisure, with social activities such as crafts, reminiscence and music delivered with library teams.

More than 400 people have taken part. Participants have reported being more active, greater confidence, stronger social connections and reduced feelings of isolation, according to the council’s account of the programme.

The council says connecting people with community opportunities can help prevent or delay the need for more intensive statutory social care. Its account sits alongside coverage of supported living residents awaiting a decision in Bridgend. CIW described its “Practice Worth Sharing” work as a way to capture approaches identified through inspections and support learning across the sector. The recognition came during a recent assurance check of Bridgend’s Adult Social Services.

Source: Bridgend County Borough Council News

Context & actions About this article

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This report follows Bridgend County Borough Council’s account of the CIW recognition and distinguishes reported participant feedback from the council’s description of the programme.

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Checked the recognition and assurance-check context against the supplied council report.
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Attributed the figure of more than 400 participants and reported outcomes to the council’s...

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