Smyrna, Aberfan

19/06/2026

What if the support you rely on every day suddenly disappeared?

'Because We Weren’t There...' shines a light on the incredible work of voluntary organisations in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales - voiced by service users, volunteers and the sector employees themselves. From tackling loneliness and isolation to supporting the most vulnerable, volunteers and their organisations are vital to our communities.

But what would happen if they weren’t there?

Watch the full video and join the discussion on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/AJPw9I7c01Q

Trigger warning - this film highlights a range of issues some people may find difficult.

This film was developed with Merthyr Tydfil's Third Sector Leaders' Forum, a group facilitated by Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, and highlights the important role that voluntary organisations play in supporting local people and strengthening communities across Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. It was produced by Merthyr Valleys Homes on behalf of the sector.

Thanks to,

Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil
Citizens Advice Merthyr Tydfil
Cwm Taf Care & Repair
Gellideg Foundation Group
Hope Pantry - Merthyr Tydfil
Safer Merthyr Tydfil
Llamau
Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind
Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind
Merthyr Malayali Cultural Association, UK - MMCA
MVH Youth Team
New Horizons Mental Health
Canolfan a Theatr Soar
Twyn Community Hub

10/06/2026

♻️ Friendly reminder: Smyrna is a no-bin venue. Please help keep our space clean and beautiful by taking all trash and recycling home with you when you leave. Thank you for doing your part and respecting our venue! 🌿💚
https://www.smyrna-aberfan.org.uk/no-bin-venue.html

25/05/2026

We’re on the hunt for empty glass roll-on deodorant bottles. ♻️

We’re looking for donations of clear glass roll-on deodorant bottles for an interesting art-based project we’d love to experiment with.

Requirements:
• Clear glass bottles only
• Must include the roller ball, housing, and cap
• Please give the outside a quick wash before donating
• Brand doesn’t matter

If you have any empties heading for the recycling bin, we’d be very grateful so we can give them a second life at something creative.

They can be dropped off at Smyrna, Aberfan any term-time Thursday morning from 10am. If you can't get to Smyrna, send us a message so we can arrange local collection.

Current deadline: End of June 2026

Feel free to message us if you can help or have any questions.

Thanks in advance!

23/05/2026

Taff Rocks and Smyrna, Aberfan will be closed for the bank holiday.
We will be back as usual on Tuesday.
Have a safe and fun long weekend.

02/05/2026

The Taff Rocks Neuro Collective Canvas aka Tag-Team Neuro aka Paint and Pass.
At Taff Rocks we found the biggest off-the-shelf canvas we could find at the time at The Works and brought it back with us for a community created canvas.
Drop in Smyrna, Aberfan any time we're there to add your personalised 'spot'.
Once the canvas is placed on a flat surface for you, grab the counter / coin, drop it on the canvas then paint that spot. You don't even have the trouble of making a choice of which bit to do.
Paint it using: acrylic paint pen, acrylic paint, watercolours, watercolour pencils, we've got you covered.
Just add a bold colour, a colour that's your favourite or even add a "tangle" in the space then, once dry, which won't take long, turn the canvas over, locate your spot on the reverse and sign it. There's not even a right way up!
Done!
It started on 1st May, let's see how long this takes. More than one visit? Maybe more than one spot, who knows.
Once complete, it will live as a permanent graphical reminder of the community collaboration.
Thank you all in advance.

Please note: This is only available where Taff Rocks staff are present at this time.

01/05/2026

Take Time for You. All materials and resources provided. For beginners. 3hrs per session

22/04/2026

18/04/2026

18/04/2026

Please help Taff Rocks with a little research!
They're currently exploring the possibility of running standalone neurographic art events and would love to gauge interest.
If this is something you’d be excited about, you can read more about it in the link below. Then let them know you're interested by adding your details, without obligation, via the "Add to list here" link found at the top of this page:
https://www.taffrocks.org.uk/neuro.html