Proud to be a Welsh charity

Ategi is proud to be a Welsh charity and looking back on the last year, not to mention the last 30, we've got a lot to be proud of. Ategi celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and we are grateful for the incredible community support that has allowed us to continue empowering lives for three decades. Welsh Charities Week is the perfect time to reflect on and celebrate the ways in which our community has contributed to our success, from fundraising efforts, to litterpicking, starting a Welsh Language club and other exciting projects - we've been doing some great things in Wales this year. 

Ategi Staff Leading the Way in Fundraising 

One of the highlights of this past year has been the remarkable fundraising efforts led by our very own staff members. Their dedication and commitment to supporting Ategi’s mission goes beyond the everyday work they do—it extends into their personal lives, where they’ve taken on exciting challenges to raise funds for our cause. 

• Sarah and her son Thomas held a Hockey Stick Auction that brought in valuable contributions to support our services. The hockey stick was donated by local Ice Hockey Heroes—the Cardiff Devils. 

• Matthew, Gail, and Maria took on the exhilarating challenge of skydiving, demonstrating not only bravery but also an inspiring commitment to Ategi by raising money through their skydiving adventure. 

• Kyle and Karen embarked on a climb up Pen-y-Fan, pushing themselves physically while raising awareness and funds for the people we support. Karen is an Ategi staff member, and Kyle is one of the people Ategi support. 

These incredible efforts remind us that Ategi isn’t just a charity—it’s a community of people dedicated to improving the lives of others, even when it means stepping out of their comfort zones. The money raised from these events will go directly to supporting our life-changing services, and we couldn’t be prouder of our staff for their efforts. 

New projects: Fostering Community and Culture 

As part of our commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive community, our team has started a Welsh language club for staff members. This initiative not only celebrates the Welsh language but also strengthens communication within our teams, ensuring that everyone can connect more deeply with the communities we serve. 

Additionally, with recent funding support from the National Lottery Community Fund, “Awards for All” program, we’ve launched a craft club for the individuals we support. This new club takes place in our head office it supports Ategi's “Let’s get together” initiative as it offers a creative outlet where individuals can explore new skills, express themselves, and build connections. Both of these clubs reinforce our dedication to enriching the lives of both our staff and those we serve, creating a more inclusive and engaging community environment. 

Trust and Grant Funding: Fueling Our Mission 

Alongside community support, we have been fortunate to receive significant trust and grant funding that has been instrumental in sustaining and expanding our services. This financial backing allows us to continue offering the highest level of support to individuals in need. 

Some of the key funders that have generously supported us include: 

• Baily Thomas Charitable Fund 

• Albert Gubay Foundation (Supporting our Support Circles in Wales) 

• Millennium Stadium Community Fund (Funding the beautiful garden at Ty Cornell) 

• 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust 

Additionally, we received crucial grant funding from the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All, which supports our “Let’s Get Together” initiative. This program encourages community engagement and facilitates social activities in Cardiff, helping bring people together and combat social isolation. The Albert Gubay and Millennium Stadium Community Fund grants are specifically geared towards our work in Wales, ensuring that we continue to make a meaningful impact in our local communities. 

The Power of Volunteers and Corporate Partners 

We are immensely grateful for the corporate partners and volunteers who have stepped up to support us over the years. Earlier this year, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we saw the incredible generosity of volunteers from Tesco and B&Q. 

During the Big Help Out, Tesco’s Community Champion, Sharon Elwood, helped rally support for Ategi. She said: 

"Ategi is a most spectacular charity with a diverse range of colleagues with exceptional skills and experience who work together to empower lives. It is a true privilege to work with such a life-changing charity where colleagues give their best to provide the highest level of support." – Sharon Elwood, Community Champion, Tesco 

This kind of support extends beyond words. B&Q volunteers also donated their time to help redecorate our office at Flynn House, ensuring that our workspace is welcoming, vibrant, and fit for the important work we do. 

Our staff also got stuck in volunteering doing a litterpick in to clean up the local area for the Eistedfodd this year!

30 Years of Changing Lives: What’s Next? 

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we look forward to continuing our journey of making a lasting difference in people’s lives. Thanks to the combined efforts of our staff, volunteers, corporate partners, and funders, Ategi remains committed to empowering people to live more fulfilling lives. The support we have received over the years has been invaluable, and with it, we are confident that we can continue to build a brighter future for the individuals and communities we serve. 

How You Can Get Involved 

During this year’s Welsh Charities Week, we encourage you to join us in celebrating the power of community. Whether you are interested in volunteering, fundraising, or simply learning more about what we do, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Your support, no matter how big or small, helps us continue our mission of empowering people to live the lives they choose. 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far. Here’s to the next 30 years of impact, community, and compassion! 

About Ategi: 

Ategi provides Shared Lives and supported living services to individuals across Wales and England, helping people with disabilities, mental health needs, and older adults to live independently. Learn more about how you can support Ategi by visiting our website. 

Ategi staff doing a litter pick for the Eistedfodd.

Ategi's craft club painting a sign for the Eistedfodd.

Matthew doing a skydive to fundraise for Ategi.

"Ategi is a most spectacular charity with a diverse range of colleagues with exceptional skills and experience who work together to empower lives. It is a true privilege to work with such a life-changing charity where colleagues give their best to provide the highest level of support."
– Sharon Elwood, Community Champion, Tesco

People we support and Ategi staff volunteering for the Big Help out.