We're pleased to reflect on the year’s progress and the resilience shown by Rhayader & District Community Support (RDCS). These have been undeniably challenging times for the charitable sector, with the Cost of Living crisis, funding uncertainties, and the ongoing ripple effects of the post-COVID environment placing significant pressure on many organizations, ours included.
Despite these challenges, we’ve worked hard to navigate this complex landscape. By maintaining a diligent approach to our reserves policy, we have ensured a level of financial stability that positions us well for the year ahead.
Amid these trials, our commitment to achieving best practices remains unwavering, and I’m proud to report some significant achievements from this year.
Highlights from 2024
Charity of the Year Award: Winning the Powys Business Awards for Charity of the Year was a testament to the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and trustees.
Investors in Volunteers Accreditation: Achieving this quality mark highlights the strength of our volunteer program and the collaborative ethos of our team.
Securing Vital Funding: We’ve successfully obtained a range of funding to support our services and are actively preparing submissions for future opportunities.
Positive Media Coverage: Local news articles have highlighted the incredible work done by RDCS, more widely known as The Arches, and our nursery.
Growing the Team: With additional funding, we’ve been able to create new staff roles to further strengthen our services.
An Integrated Approach
One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been deepening my understanding of the interconnectedness of our services. From community transport and the nursery to the food bank, volunteering opportunities, and our charity shop as a community hub, it’s clear that RDCS provides an essential lifeline to the people of Rhayader and its surrounding areas.
Our services don’t just meet immediate needs—they create lasting, positive impacts across the community. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, helping someone get to a medical appointment, or providing emergency food support, every service contributes to a stronger, more connected community.
Team Arches: Ambassadors of Positive Change
At the heart of all our work are the people—our staff, volunteers, and trustees. They are the lifeblood of The Arches and act as true ambassadors for the organization. This year, we’ve focused on improving communication across the team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that allows every voice to be heard.
This open dialogue has led to robust and constructive contributions from all stakeholders, helping us shape ongoing developments and prepare for the future.
Continuing to Evolve
While the past year has been one of significant transition, we know that organizational growth is a continuous process. With the help of our trustees, staff, and volunteers, we’ve worked to refine our operations and adapt to ever-changing needs. Our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality services that make a tangible difference in the lives of local people.
The positive feedback we receive from the community is a testament to the impact of our work—not just for individuals but for the broader Rhayader area.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next year, our priorities include:
Updating policies and procedures to reflect best practices.
Enhancing our IT systems for improved efficiency in finance, transport, and monitoring.
Expanding our services for all stakeholders.
Raising awareness of the full scope of our activities.
Securing funding to grow our staffing structure.
Developing the Memory Lane Project and seeking associated funding.
Planning our 40th Anniversary celebrations.
Establishing a vehicle replacement funding strategy for community transport.
Recruiting new trustees to bring fresh perspectives.
Allocating contingency funds for building repairs and renewals.
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