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Bridging the Gap Youth reunion in Merthyr Tydfil on 18 September

A woman and a child wearing white chef hats play together with toy groceries.

Past and present members of Bridging the Gap Youth – Merthyr, along with their families and supporters, are invited to a 20th anniversary event on 18 September 2026. The celebration will take place at The Hills Plymouth Cricket Club in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil.

The notice published by Merthyr Tydfil Council News does not give a start time or ticket price, nor does it list transport or accessibility arrangements. Anyone wishing to attend is directed to contact project manager Lisa Clack on 07852 766928.

The anniversary falls exactly 20 years after BGY began

Bridging the Gap Youth – Merthyr was founded on 18 September 2006, meaning the celebration falls on the organisation’s exact 20th anniversary. It was established as the first organisation of its kind in Merthyr, providing afterschool and holiday activities for children and young people aged three to 19 with additional and complex needs.

Its name reflects the purpose behind the service: bridging a gap in youth activities and opportunities so that young people can feel included, supported and valued. The group’s afterschool club now operates five days a week, providing meaningful play in what the organisation describes as a warm, safe and stimulating setting.

Holiday clubs continue that provision during school breaks. For families using the service, this is intended to offer consistency and reassurance while giving children opportunities for activities, friendship and fun.

Support now extends beyond the original age group

BGY has recently expanded its work to include adults aged 19 and over. Its Moving Forward group was created to reduce loneliness and isolation by giving adults opportunities to meet and socialise with their peers.

The group meets every Thursday during term time, from 10am until 2pm. Sessions include arts and crafts, activity workshops and cookery, extending BGY’s community provision beyond the children and teenagers it was originally founded to support.

The organisation now employs 20 staff members across its services for children, young people and adults. That continuing expansion provides the factual backdrop to September’s anniversary: the group enters its third decade with a wider age range than it served when it opened in 2006.

Familiar faces are at the centre of the celebration

The anniversary invitation is aimed specifically at past and present members, families and supporters. Organisers expect the occasion to bring familiar faces together to share memories and recognise the journey taken since the first club opened.

No detailed programme has been published. The confirmed focus is the 20th birthday itself and the community formed around two decades of afterschool, holiday and adult provision in Merthyr Tydfil.

The celebration venue is The Hills Plymouth Cricket Club in Pentrebach. This is separate from BGY’s usual base at Jerusalem Church, Castle Street, Pentrebach, CF48 4BN.

How to express interest in attending

Past members who would like to join the anniversary event should contact Lisa Clack. The same contact can also provide information about registering for the afterschool club, holiday club or over-19s provision.

All attendance and registration enquiries should be made by calling project manager Lisa Clack on 07852 766928.

Source: Merthyr Tydfil Council News

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