Denbighshire initiative wins top industry award

A ground-breaking community wellbeing initiative has won the ‘Engaging Tenants in Environmental Initiatives/Projects’ category at the TPAS Cymru Good Practice Awards 2025.

The initiative was delivered in partnership by Denbighshire County Council’s Community Resilience Team,  Actif Gogledd Cymru, Grwp Cynefin and the Council’s Countryside Services. 

The national awards were held in Cardiff on 25 June, and this new category recognised a landlord, organisation or community group which has successfully engaged Tenants or Residents in initiatives which benefit the environment, globally or locally.

The winning project, Thriving Partnerships, Transforming Communities, is a great example of how a sense of place, community-led collaboration can drive meaningful change. Through strong partnerships and engagement with tenants and the community in both Clawdd Poncen and Upper Denbigh, the initiative successfully tackled physical inactivity, social isolation, and health inequalities.

Feeding back about the winning entry, the judges said:

“This one really stood out. Choosing areas like Upper Denbigh and Clawdd Poncen, which face high deprivation, showed a strong commitment to inclusion. From youth groups to social housing tenants, everyone had a voice, and it was obvious they were being heard.”

“You can see and feel the transformation. Underused fields are now orchards, pump tracks, benches, and fit trails designed with residents. There’s reduced antisocial behaviour, and people are taking ownership of their spaces. Really good case study on community engagement.”

 “…the KPIs - the plan, how they've delivered and finally the application reflects the true transformation. I really liked it.”

Nerys Price-Jones, Director of People at Grŵp Cynefin said”The project showcases the power of collaboration and community-led action in creating greener, more connected spaces.

“The award is a testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of our staff and partners. They are projects that are making a real difference to our communities and environment."

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities said:

“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this fantastic project for their well-deserved recognition in winning the TPAS Cymru award.

“The success of the Actif Denbighshire project is rooted in partnership, highlighted by the two Actif co-ordinators for each area being employed by different organisations, reflecting trust, and an understanding of the unique strengths of each community.

“We’re thrilled to have won and proud to showcase the power of community-led transformation.

“This success celebrates the project’s innovative model as one that could be replicated in other communities across Wales.”

You can read more about the project by clicking this link 

Project Partners:

• Denbighshire County Council – Housing, Youth Services, Community Resilience, Countryside Services
• Actif Gogledd Cymru
• Grŵp Cynefin Hwb Dinbych
• Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape – Nature for Health Programme
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) Public Health Team
• Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. (DLL) Community Sport Team

These projects were funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund via Actif Gogledd Cymru and the Nature for Health programme.

Video Highlights:

Clawdd Poncen Project
Upper Denbigh Project