Nova, from Re:MAKE Valleys, shared how their work is transforming the Maerdy and Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) community by promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and skill-building opportunities.

At the heart of Re:MAKE Valleys is a simple yet powerful idea: creating opportunities, building skills, and fostering a more sustainable way of living. What began as a mother’s dream to give her son a sense of purpose has grown into a thriving community hub that champions inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.

A Mother’s Vision Turned Reality

Nova, the driving force behind Re:MAKE Valleys, was inspired by her son, who has additional learning needs and struggled with socialisation. Determined to help him and others like him find purpose, she envisioned a space that would provide employment opportunities and skill-building for individuals with additional needs. With the help of Cwmpas, Nova formed a board, which included her son, and officially registered Dant y Llew CIC with Companies House in November 2021. Trading as Re:MAKE Valleys, they officially opened their doors in March 2023.

Growing and Expanding for the Community

Initially based in Maerdy Community Centre, Re:MAKE Valleys operated there until December 2024. While the centre provided a starting point, low footfall posed challenges. Their recent move to Maerdy High Street has been a game-changer, offering a larger space for workshops, a café set up, and a greater variety of community activities. The new location, which had been vacant for five years, has now been revitalised into a vibrant hub for learning, social interaction, and sustainable shopping. The new larger space is also available to rent for people to host their own classes to the local community.

Repair, Reuse, and Refill: A Circular Economy Approach

Re:MAKE Valleys is more than just a shop—it is a movement. Their repair café allows people to share skills or have items repaired for free by volunteers, extending the life of everyday objects and reducing waste. Additionally, their Library of Things offers access to rentable tools and household equipment at low costs, enabling individuals and organisations to use high-quality and expensive items without having to purchase them. Their refill shop is another step towards sustainability, allowing customers to purchase environmentally friendly products at lower prices by bringing and refilling their own containers.

Making a Difference in the Community

Re:MAKE Valleys has made a tangible impact on the local and wider community of RCT. Their services provide free repairs, affordable shopping, and access to sustainable resources. Interlink RCT have borrowed high-vis jackets and a PA system from their library of things, highlighting the valuable role Re:MAKE Valleys plays in supporting organisations as well as individuals in the community.

The new space has also enabled more volunteering opportunities, including Welsh Baccalaureate students gaining hands-on experience. With support from Swansea and Exeter University’s Circular Revolution Project, as well as Repair Café Wales and Re:MAKE Newport, the initiative has continued to grow and evolve.

Strengthening Community Through Funding and Partnerships

Additionally, funding support such as a net-zero grant from WCVA has played a crucial role in their growth. A small grant from Interlink and the Interlink Flood Fund enabled them to supply essential resources, such as dehumidifiers, to support community members affected by flooding in late 2024. Katy, one of Interlink RCT’s Rhondda wellbeing coordinators and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) lead, has also been instrumental in connecting volunteers and promoting Re:MAKE Valleys as an accessible, inclusive space for all.

Exciting Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, Re:MAKE Valleys has ambitious plans to further its impact. The next big step is securing an acre and a half of land in Maerdy to grow produce for sale in their shop. This expansion will not only provide fresh, local food but will also create opportunities for outdoor education and additional volunteer involvement.

Re:MAKE Valleys is more than just a shop—it is a movement dedicated to changing the way people shop, think, and engage with their community. By working towards a more circular economy, they are not only reducing waste but also fostering a stronger, more connected community.