Tenants of Library Court, a Trivallis sheltered scheme in the Taff Valley, came together to raise awareness for breast cancer in January. Scheme Co-ordinator Suzanne Rees and Trivallis tenants rallied in the community, putting posters up in Rhydyfelin Community Centre, the library and the post office to promote the campaign, and have since surpassed 500 donations.

The bra recycling project, run by charity Against Breast Cancer, takes unwanted bras to raise funds for pioneering breast cancer research. The textile recovery project stops the bras being sent to landfill, and instead sends them to Africa, where such items are normally very expensive.

Donations among Library Court residents initially reached around 40 items, but Suzanne realised that to post the haul would cost around £14, so she contacted Breast Cancer Awareness who were able to provide a number of donation boxes, or Bra Banks. They promised free collection of items if the number surpassed 300 – so the challenge to collect bras began.

Library Court tenants set about spreading the word at the local bingo, with local councillor Maureen Webber announcing to attendees how they can get involved with donating bras. They saw an influx of donations the following week. One of the tenants enlisted her daughter to share the campaign on Facebook and spread the word among the wider community.

Suzanne, who is a relief worker across the Trivallis sheltered schemes, also received donations from Blaengwawr Close in Aberaman, Trem-y-Cwm in Beddau and Church View Close in Brynna, after she placed Bra Banks in the sheltered accommodation.

Suzanne Rees, Scheme Co-ordinator said: “People around here are very good at supporting the tenants. They have been dropping donations off at the library, the post office, the community centre and the sheltered scheme. We aimed for 300 but we have over 500 now.”

“This is a massive achievement, and actually, a huge community achievement too. I am really chuffed. If the charity can do something with the bras, then let’s help them.”

According to the charity, for every tonne of bras collected, Against Breast Cancer receives £700 to fund further research.

Library Court and the Rhydyfelin community are going to continue to collect bras. The Bra Banks will be stationed at the sheltered scheme, community centre, post office and library.

For more information, please contact Annabel Wilford at Annabel.wilford@trivallis.co.uk

Notes to editors:

·        Our sheltered housing schemes are available to individuals over the age of 60 throughout Rhondda Cynon Taff. They are managed day to day by a Scheme Coordinator, who offers advice and support to residents. The sheltered schemes offer a service which ensures that an ethos of independence and respect is maintained.

·        Trivallis is one of Wales’ largest registered social landlords. At Trivallis we are proud to provide homes for thousands of families in Rhondda Cynon Taff. We offer support to help people manage their tenancies. We invest in communities to make them more attractive and we work hard to create training, volunteering and employment opportunities for local people. It is our vision 'to be trusted as an open and inspiring organisation that changes people’s lives and communities for the better.'

·        For more information on Trivallis, visit the website at www.trivallis.co.uk