Pwllheli support centre celebrates 30-year milestone

02.09.2022

A safe haven in the centre of Pwllheli that offers support to the most vulnerable members of the community has reached a 30-year milestone.

Canolfan Felin Fach has provided 30 years of support on almost anything and everything that cause worry or can lead to a crisis – from emotional and mental health problems, financial difficulties, housing/homelessness, general health and wellbeing and job seeking.

Centre Manager Christine Hughes, who was part of establishing the centre for the area is extremely proud what her team have achieved over the last three decades.

She said: “I am proud that Felin Fach has reached this milestone - it has been my honour and privilege to have been part of the development of mental health services in this area, and to get to know many many interesting people over the years who have turned to us for support.

“The centre has become an integral part of the support services network throughout Gwynedd, and I am grateful for all the support from Funders, Staff, Volunteers, and Trustees who have helped to make this happen.”

The centre also houses the Health Board’s iCAN Community Hub that can be assessed on a drop in basis and provide support on a range of issues including debt, relationship breakdowns, drug or alcohol problems, employment difficulties, bereavement, housing and loneliness.

Meinir Evans, Service Development Officer, who was instrumental in developing the iCAN initiative, said: “I was delighted to be part of the recent celebrations to celebrate Canolfan Felin Fach’s 30 year milestone. Canolfan Felin Fach represents a safe haven, a source of information and access to a better quality of life and support to so many, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the high standard of support, information and shelter for many years to come."

Bethan Russell Williams, Chief Executive of Mantell Gwynedd, which has supported Canolfan Felin Fach for the last 30 years, added: “It's great seeing Canolfan Felin Fach growing, developing and thriving.

“The unique partnership between the Health Board and Felin Fach has been vital to this success.

Centres like Felin Fach offer a bespoke , high quality service right at the heart of the community and this kind of service, in turn, reduces pressures on mainstream public services.

“Mantell Gwynedd have supported Felin Fach for decades and wish the Centre well in the future. Working in partnership with the public sector will, of course, be vital in maintaining high quality services for the people of Pen Llŷn.”

For more details of our iCAN Community Hubs visit: iCAN: Community Hubs - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)