Ategi celebrates 30th anniversary with community spirit at the Eisteddfod

As Ategi marks its 30th anniversary, we were really excited to support in the preparations for The National Eisteddfod, Europe's largest cultural festival, taking place this year in Rhondda Cynon Taf from August 3-10, 2024. Ategi was founded in Wales, our name, meaning "support" in Welsh, reflects our enduring commitment to social care and community engagement in both England and Wales.

What is the Eisteddfod?

The Eisteddfod is a traditional Welsh festival celebrating the culture and language of Wales, focusing on music, literature, and performance. The term "Eisteddfod" itself means "session" or "sitting" in Welsh, historically referring to a gathering of bards and musicians. Today, it has evolved into a major cultural event, encompassing various competitions and performances.

Why get support the Eisteddfod?

"We take great pride in our values, and collaboration is one of our core tenets that inspired us to get involved in the Eisteddfod," says Karen Thomas, our Company Secretary and Head of Admin. "We are always keen to work with others on our journey for continuous improvement."

Preparing for the festival

In preparation for the Eisteddfod, we partnered with local Councillor Cathy Lisles to ready our community for the influx of visitors. Our head office staff participated in a community litter pick, and the individuals we support contributed by painting banners to warmly welcome the festival-goers passing by our headquarters. Our staff also got creative, making pom-poms to decorate the office in celebration of the Eisteddfod.

Getting involved with the community litter pick

Councillor Lisles organised a community litter pick, which saw enthusiastic participation from Ategi staff. "To get ready to welcome all the visitors to the Eisteddfod, we joined a community litter pick," Karen explained. "It was a great opportunity for us to showcase our priority to be future-fit by improving the environment in our local community. Our staff were keen to get involved, as we have been embracing initiatives to reduce our environmental impact, and the litter pick fitted perfectly with this goal."

Seven staff members volunteered for the litter pick on a lovely summer afternoon. The team enjoyed fresh air, exercise, and the chance to engage with colleagues and neighbours. Initially focused on the area closest to Ategi’s head office, the litter pick expanded as the team found joy in the activity, ultimately covering a larger area.

In total, six bags of litter were collected, including surprising finds such as a pair of work boots and a discarded wine glass. Councillor Cathy Lisles praised the effort, stating, "I was really pleased to work with Ategi staff on a litter pick of the area surrounding their HQ in Lower Rhydfelen this week. It’s always great when volunteers come forward to help keep the place where they live or work clean and tidy. It makes the area more pleasant for the benefit of everyone and provides some practical, healthy exercise at the same time!"

Join us at the Eisteddfod

We invite everyone to join The National Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf from August 3-10, 2024. Come and experience the vibrant cultural celebration and witness community spirit in action.

Ategi's 30th anniversary is a testament to our enduring commitment to support and collaboration, and we look forward to many more years of making a positive impact in our communities, wishing you all a warm Croeso!

Click here for more information about Ategi and our 30th anniversary

People we support making banners with their support workers for Eisteddfod.

I was really pleased to work with Ategi staff on a litter pick of the area surrounding their HQ in Lower Rhydfelen this week. It’s always great when volunteers come forward to help keep the place where they live or work clean and tidy. "

- Cathy Lisle, Local Councillor