Bridgend approach to connecting culture, leisure and social care recognised as ‘practice worth sharing’
Friday 30 October 2026
Bridgend County Borough Council’s approach to connecting culture, leisure and community wellbeing with social care has been recognised by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) as ‘practice worth sharing’.
During a recent assurance check of Adult Social Services, inspectors highlighted the positive impact of the council’s approach of bringing statutory social care services together with preventative and community-based opportunities delivered through key partners, including Awen Cultural Trust and Halo Leisure.
The approach helps people access support earlier, enabling them to remain active, connected and independent within their communities. By providing a wider range of community-based support and opportunities, the approach can also help prevent or delay the need for more intensive statutory support.
The council works alongside Halo Leisure, Awen Cultural Trust, health partners, voluntary organisations and community groups to provide a range of preventative programmes based on local needs. These include Halo Leisure’s Carers Respite Programme, Feel Good for Life and Autism-Friendly Swim Lessons, alongside opportunities to take part in library, heritage, arts and cultural activities provided through Awen Cultural Trust.
Partners also work to remove barriers which can prevent people from taking part. This includes replacement care for carers, accessible transport, free and low-cost cultural opportunities, free companion or carer tickets through the Hynt scheme, physically accessible venues, and dementia-friendly and inclusive programming.
One example highlighted by CIW is Feel Good for Life, which supports people living with dementia, loneliness and depression, alongside their carers. The programme brings together physical activity, including swimming with Halo Leisure, with opportunities for social engagement such as craft, reminiscence and music activities delivered with library teams.
More than 400 people have been supported through the programme, with participants reporting being more active, improved confidence and stronger social connections, as well as reduced feelings of isolation.
"We want people in Bridgend County Borough to be able to live well and stay independent for as long as possible, and that means looking beyond traditional social care services. By working closely with our partners across culture and leisure, we can connect people with opportunities in their communities that support their wellbeing and help them stay active and connected. It is fantastic to see this approach recognised by Care Inspectorate Wales as practice worth sharing, and I'd like to thank everyone involved for their continued commitment to supporting people across the county borough."
"We are extremely pleased to see Halo Leisure's community-based preventative work recognised as positive practice by Care Inspectorate Wales. By collaborating closely with Bridgend County Borough Council and our regional partners, we are using leisure and active living to improve overall wellbeing and ensure residents receive early, meaningful support within their communities.”
“Our libraries, cultural venues and programmes provide welcoming spaces where people can participate, build confidence and develop meaningful connections within their communities. Working alongside Bridgend County Borough Council, Halo Leisure and other partners allows us to bring our different strengths together and make sure that culture and community opportunities are part of a wider approach to prevention and wellbeing. We are delighted that Care Inspectorate Wales has recognised this collaborative approach as practice worth sharing and we plan to do more in future.”
“Practice Worth Sharing is about capturing what we see working well through our inspections and using it to support learning right across the sector. By highlighting effective and innovative approaches, we hope to encourage the sharing of ideas and help local authorities learn from one another. Our aim is to celebrate positive practice, promote continuous improvement and support better outcomes for people who use care and support services across Wales.”
