A DAY centre for adults with additional learning needs in Merthyr Tydfil has been officially re-opened after a major refurbishment.
Ymlaen is a not-for-profit organisation based in Trefechan which runs a day centre for adults with additional needs.
The organisation recently received £19,366 funding from the National Lottery Community Fund which has enabled them to get the inside of the building refurbished with cladded walls, new nonslip flooring throughout a brand new kitchen and freshly painted which it says has made a significant difference to the building.
Ymlaen says it is much cleaner and brighter than the former OAP hall and makes the building more welcoming and appealing to the people who use the day centre and also the local community.
Ymlaen says that clients are much happier with the new environment and couldn’t wait to get back to their special place where they enjoy socialising and doing different activities.
The centre is open from 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Friday every week.
Ymlaen says that receiving the funding has made a huge difference for staff and service users alike.
The newly-refurbished day centre was opened by Mayor Councillor Paula Layton and was attended by Councillor Lisa Mytton, Councillor Geraint Thomas and Councillor Declan Sammon.
The mayor said: “It’s an honour to have been invited here today on what is the official opening of the newly refurbished Ymlaen day centre, which has been made possible by a grant of over £19k from the National Lottery.
“I know everyone is so thankful to the National Lottery for this grant and to those National Lottery players who buy their weekly tickets which makes that money available in the first place.
“I’ve been asked to give a special mention to Natasha for all her help in filling out the application for the national lottery funding.
“I have been told that everyone is much happier with how the centre now looks following its refurbishment by DJ Rees builders, and that you couldn’t wait to get back to your special place to enjoy socialising and different activities.
“DJ Rees builders also gave a very sizeable donation towards the running costs of the Ymlaen centre.
“While the refurbishment was going on, I know you’ve been well looked after by David and Tony and all the staff at Dowlais Engine House who I’m sure will have been sorry to see you leave but rest assured, they’ll come to visit to see how you’re all doing.
“I’ve got a few more thank yous before I finish.
“To the parents and carers for their donations which help to keep Ymlaen open, the local community for their fundraising events which enable the group to go on excursions and a great big thank you to the members of the group who make it so special and a wonderful place to be.
“There are two people who deserve an extra special mention, two people who make Ymlaen what it is, and without them, none of this would be possible. Thank you to Kelly and Eileen.”
