YMCA Neath serves as a well‑established community space, offering a wide range of support to residents across Neath Port Talbot. Their services help people facing challenges linked to poverty, loneliness and overall wellbeing, and many of those who visit the centre lack digital access due to financial pressures, limited experience or low confidence online.
Thanks to the award of free high‑speed broadband for five years from Virgin Media O2, the organisation will be able to expand and improve the digital help available throughout the building.
This upgraded connection will make it easier for people to receive guidance with everyday online tasks including benefit claims, health appointments, housing enquiries, job searches and email. Digital support will also be woven into the centre’s existing activities such as food and wellbeing sessions, groups for older adults and volunteer‑facilitated digital learning, ensuring assistance is on hand whenever someone needs it.
The reliable broadband will also help the organisation operate more efficiently, streamlining processes such as online referrals, reporting and internal communication.
YMCA Neath’s central location and friendly environment mean it is already a regular meeting point for families, older residents, people on low incomes and those from marginalised backgrounds. By integrating free digital access into their everyday offer, the centre can make it easier for people to ask for help in a relaxed, supportive setting.Jessica Kennedy, Neath YMCA
To understand the impact of this new connectivity, the hub will gather information including session attendance, recorded digital support hours, logs from staff and volunteers, and feedback from those using the service. This will help demonstrate how the improved access is making a difference over time.
For more information about YMCA Neath, please visit their website.
