Opening our new community office in Cardiff

On Tuesday 21st October, Mirus celebrated the opening of its new local community office at the Vision 21 (V21) Sbectrwm Centre in Fairwater. 

Peter Davies, Head of Service and Alex West, Mirus Ambassador, open the new Mirus community office

The new office has been made possible thanks to generous legacy funding left to Mirus by the mother of a person we have supported in Cardiff for more than 30 years. Her gift has created a lasting impact, helping us strengthen our connections with the communities we support.

The opening event was hosted by Mirus Ambassador, Alex West, and Cardiff Head of Service, Peter Davies, who both gave speeches. Alex officially opened the office by cutting the ribbon and welcoming the first people inside, before everyone enjoyed tea, biscuits and cake, and a tour around the building.

Alex West, Mirus Ambassador, cuts the ribbon and opens Mirus’ new community office.

The new space will be used primarily by managers and support teams, allowing them to work collaboratively and closer to the people they support. It also provides a base for Stronger Communities activities, led by Mark Griffiths, Community Network Coordinator, who plans to host local events and gatherings there.

The office’s location also supports our net zero goals, with excellent public transport links by bus and train, and its proximity to our support services in Fairwater, Canton and Ely, will help save team members both time and mileage.

A tour around the Sbectrwm Centre after opening Mirus’ new community office.

Peter Davies, Head of Service for Cardiff said:

“Having a local office in the heart of the communities we work in makes a big difference. It means our managers can meet locally, share ideas and stay connected to what’s happening day to day. It’s also great from a sustainability point of view – fewer, shorter car journeys and more use of public transport mean we are supporting our environmental goals too.” 

The office forms part of our commitment to having a presence in the communities we support. Located within V21 Sbectrwm Centre, it sits within a vibrant and popular community hub run by Vision 21 (V21) – a charity that offers training and work experience opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, in areas such as gardening, crafts, catering and office work.

Rachel Walker, Marketing and Development Manager at V21, said

“We are really pleased to welcome Mirus to join us at our V21 Sbectrwm Centre. It’s been great to get to know Mark and the Stronger Communities group, and we’ve really appreciated their support at our events. We’re looking forward to the opportunities our like-minded organisations can create together.”  

Rachael Walker, V21 Marketing and Development Manager, chats with people at the opening of the Mirus community office opening.

We already have close ties with V21. Several people supported by Mirus are V21 trainees, including Fiona, who works in the office. The Stronger Communities group also regularly attends V21 events, and more than 30 people are already signed up for the centre’s upcoming Halloween disco. Having a base in the same place as V21 will mean that we can work together to host even more community events and groups in the future.

Mark Griffiths, Community Network Coordinator said: 

“This new office is in such a great location – it’s right in the community where so many of us live and work. It’ll be a hub for Stronger Communities activities, where people can drop in, meet others, and take part in events. It’ll be open to everyone, whether they’re supported by Mirus, or part of the wider community.” 

Visitors, including Leslie, Mirus: Stronger Communities group member, enjoying tea, coffee, biscuits and cake at the community office opening.

For Mirus Ambassador, Alex West, the new office will also be a place to connect with others through Stronger Communities sessions.

Alex West, Mirus Ambassador and person supported by Mirus in Cardiff said:

“I go to many of the Stronger Communities groups every week, and it will be nice to have somewhere local to visit. I’m looking forward to meeting people here and joining in with what’s going on at Sbectrwm.” 

Mark Griffiths, Community Network Coordinator and Jade Flynn, Community Development and Volunteering Lead.

The opening of our new office marks the start of even closer collaboration between Mirus, V21, and the wider community. We’re looking forward to working together to build connections, share opportunities, and support people to live good lives.