17/3/22

Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board(RPB) hosted the official opening of the former Chapel at Cardiff Royal Infirmary, now named ‘Capel i Bawb' today.

Thanks to capital funding from the Welsh Government Integrated Care Fund (ICF) and a partnership between Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff Council, the iconic, Grade II listed building, is now home to a health and wellbeing information and advice centre, a new library, meeting spaces, IT suite and the Aroma Café.  

Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services officially openedCapel i Bawb and said: "The beautifully refurbished Capel i Bawb project respects the building's history whilst giving it new life and a sustainable future. I am delighted that the Welsh Government's ICF capital programme was able to be part of this collaborative project."

Cath Doman,Director of Health and Social Care Integration at the RPB, said: "We have been delighted to breathe new life into Capel i Bawb. It is a fantastic example of how partners can work together to bring services to communities and make sure we make full use of every space we can - you can borrow a book, catch up with friends over a cuppa and get support and advice, all in the stunning and sympathetically renovated Capel."

Charles Janczewski, Chair to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, added: "Capel i Bawb is part of our long-term plan to bring services into communities and will be a key part of the development of Cardiff Royal Infirmary. We know that it is better to try to help people live well and recover after illness or injury and this space will be able to host a range of support. It's also a great place to visit while people are at Cardiff Royal Infirmary. I hope people will enjoy seeing the transformation that has taken place."

Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore, said: "The stunning transformation of the old chapel has created a vibrant health and wellbeing facility for local residents and visitors to CRI, and the partnership approach to delivering the scheme has been key to its success.

"Capel i Bawb will provide a valuable resource where patients, service users, carers and the local community can be signposted to relevant and easily accessible information and advice, social learning and recreational activities.

"The potential of this new place to support and empower people to manage their own health and wellbeing is very exciting."

Capel i Bawb celebrated its centenary in 2021 and a specially commissioned painting by Malcolm Murphy will be displayed at the opening. This painting was funded thanks to the Arts for Health and Wellbeing Programme funded by the Cardiff and Vale Health Charity.

Thanks to all of the partners involved in helping breathe life into this historic building which many local people hold dear and which will enhance and support the lives and wellbeing of some of our most disadvantaged communities in our city.