A NEW Caernarfon hub, shop and cafe is serving up community cooperation and environmental awareness.

The newly opened Galwch Acw, on Bangor Street, combines work and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities whilst promoting the importance of sustainable living.

The enterprise is run by Gwynedd Council’s Learning Disability Service.

Two of the Galwch Acw workers are Catrin Caulcutt and Hannah Gwenfair Morris.

Galwch Acw sells products and crafts handmade by service users in various workshops including upcycled pre-loved furniture, arts and crafts and baked goods. The shop also serves tea and coffee.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care said:

“The whole ethos of this venture has the community, cooperation and the environment at its heart.

“The clients in the workshops and centres run by the Council as well as local social enterprises make all sorts of amazing products, much of which use natural or recycled materials.

“Over the last few years, the realisation of how damaging the single use and fast fashion culture is to our planet has really hit home, and we feel that the new shop shows what’s possible by being more mindful of the environment.

“The shop will help those who are supported by our services to develop new skills such as work skills, communication skills and to mix with others with confidence.

“This will help them to live independently. In the future, it is hoped the shop will be self-sufficient and can be run in partnership by the different organisations involved in supporting disabled adults locally.”

Galwch Acw is not just a shop for upcycled and handmade goods. There are also plans to develop it as a community hub to help reduce loneliness in society.

It will be a welcoming space for people to call for a cuppa and a chat or for organised events.

Galwch Acw has been picked from more than 200 community projects from across Wales to take part in the new S4C show Prosiect Pum Mil.

The programme will follow those behind the venture, and an army of volunteers, as they makeover the shop and start the new venture within the £5,000 budget donated by the television company.

The show will be broadcast on S4C and keep an eye out for the Galwch Acw episode which will air in December.