St Luke’s Food Pod Engagement No 1

📅 Date: 10 July 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: St Luke’s Avenue, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Around 10 individuals using the food pod

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers supported by Housing Services & Food Share volunteer

🙋 Type of engagement:
Informal one-to-one conversations using questionnaires to gather views on what people value about Penarth, what could be improved, and future priorities.

🚀 Emerging Themes

  • Community Spaces: Strong desire for a community café, “chatty café” sessions, and communal garden to foster social connections.
  • Mental Health Support: Requests for a mental health hub or outreach services, possibly hosted at the food pod.
  • Youth Activities: Need for youth clubs, after-school activities, and spaces for children to play football.
  • Outdoor Facilities: Suggestions for an outdoor gym and more activities for residents.
  • Transport & Accessibility: Reliable bus services needed; some residents rely solely on buses or walking.
  • Town Centre Issues: Calls for fewer charity shops, more independent shops, and a banking hub.

💬 Comments

“Community café or place to sit with other residents – feel like a community.”

“Coffee morning here or somewhere undercover and warm.”

“We need the extra help with food – it’s so expensive and can’t afford to eat and buy supplies.”

“Mental health hub – there’s a lot here that need a place to go.”

“Outdoor gym for residents to use – can’t afford a gym.”

“i like going to the Pier in the summer, Alexandra Park and Belle Vue Park are lovely.”

“Penarth has lost its personality – High Street has lost independent shops.”

📢 Summary
Residents using the food pod value Penarth’s community spirit, parks, and walkability but face challenges such as isolation, financial hardship, and limited access to services. There is a strong call for social spaces like community cafés and gardens, mental health support, and youth activities. Transport reliability and town centre vibrancy were also highlighted, with suggestions for fewer charity shops and more independent businesses. The engagement revealed the importance of inclusive spaces and services to support vulnerable residents and strengthen community connections.