In the early 1990s the Fernhill Estate, twenty miles north of Cardiff in the Rhondda Cynon Tâf was ranked as one of the poorest in the UK. It's home to 2,000 residents and over the last decade there’s been steady improvements tackling the underlying causes of deprivation. Support has come from several local, UK and European sponsors working and collaborating together with funding and cross agency innovation. Then, three years ago The Communities First Scheme, unique to Wales, provided input of staff and money which again resulted in significant progress.

But the key has been that the residents themselves have been encouraged to have a central role in the framework for neighbourhood led decision making. The FAR Centre is a flagship community resource building complex and in recent years from this venue a wide range of services is available. As a result there has been a steady development to the well-being of the residents. So as part of the open partnership for lifelong growth at Fernhill, fast forward to November 2007 and cue Indoor Rowing.

Later in the day these young adults went outdoors to work on an environment project with the BTCV. During the day, Concept2 Indoor Rowers were available for use by members, friends and visitors. They were shown what was possible from having Indoor Rowing available for all and integrated into the range of opportunities at the FAR Centre. After delivering the morning post, even Paul the postman had a row! Here’s a sample of opportunities provided by the FAR Centre:

• Youth Project for 11 – 25 year olds: football, netball, weekends away and somewhere to hang out
• Tiny Tots: 6 weeks to 5 years enjoy a comfortable nursery with well qualified staff
• Fernhill Landscape Improvement & Nature Team (FLINT) a large garden growing fruit, vegetables and flowers
• One stop Information surgery for all residents
• Environment projects to improve the local area

And soon Indoor Rowing activity will be added to the list. Granville Hawkins couldn’t believe just how enthusiastically the young adults took to Rowing. Chance here for some Instructor training with potential employment opportunities. Indoor Rowing will enhance the objectives of the FAR Centre through activity and social engagement enabling Fernhill (and neighbouring Glenboi) to become a sustainable community.
Andrea Crowdey, the Police Community Support Officer, works alongside everyone in Fernhill. She delivers the Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) programme for the South Wales Police and is keen to see the Indoor Rowers available at the Centre. Overall, the vision is for a modern healthy environment for residents with a hub for local area regeneration through community services and youth initiatives. Add in the benefits from Indoor Rowing and there are exciting times ahead.