Our History

Over 40 years, ProMo Cymru has developed services that range from information websites and community regeneration projects, to an advocacy helpline.

ProMo Cymru Ltd was established in 1982 as South Wales Co-operative Development Association. Developing, Training and supporting business, utilising co-operative principles and community development aspects wherever possible.

The underpinning themes of ProMo Cymru’s work are to empower, sustain and develop young people and to work in partnership with others in the social and economic context for lifelong learning, personal and community development. Individuals benefit from team working, pooling skills and resources through mutual self-help groups, co-operatives and community enterprises.

The ProMo project was created in 1998 as a result of TEC-funded research, which identified a resurgence in the cultural industries, especially creative ability amongst disenfranchised young people operating on the fringes of music and entertainment in Wales. These young people lacked practical experience, supported workspace, access to information and supportive business advice to enable them to turn desire and ability into economic success, thus providing a catalyst for them to aspire to.

A three-year National Lottery project in 1997 allowed ProMo to develop, beginning across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. This has grown beyond initial expectations into the ProMo Cymru that exists today, which works across the whole of Wales, developing its services from the vast experience and expertise gained, and has attracted funding from various sources to ensure continuing development.