More than 400 people and organisations have signed up to a new website that aims to bring communities together.

The Connect Torfaen site is fast becoming THE one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to find out what activities and events are going on in their local area.

It also offers people the chance to find out about volunteering opportunities with local groups and organisations.

Alison Lee Academy of Dance is one of the latest to sign up to the site, which celebrates its first anniversary this month.

Based at St Paul’s Church Hall in Blaenavon, the dance academy teaches Modern-Jazz, Ballet and Tap and hopes to increase it’s membership through using the Connect platform.

Dance instructor, Alison Instone said: “I think the Connect Torfaen is an excellent resource for bringing people and organisations together.  It’s straight forward to sign up and the site feels fresh and is easy to navigate.

“With over 25 years’ experience, I hope to achieve more members through the site and spread the love of dance. So please come and check out what we have on offer and become part of our amazing dance family.”

More than 150 activities have already been added to the site, including organised litter picks, mindfulness sessions and walking groups, so there has never been a better time to sign up.

On first signing up as a member on the site you will need to complete a profile page.

If you’re representing an organisation, community group or business, you will be required to create an activity, which can either be an event, community listing, volunteering opportunity or poll.

So, whether you want to promote a community event or find out what’s taking place on your doorstep, sign up today and start connecting with your community – www.connecttorfaen.org.uk

Councillor Fiona Cross, Executive Member for Children, Families & Communities, said: “It’s great that so many people and groups are actively using the Connect Torfaen site.

“Connect Torfaen is the go-to place for residents in the borough who are seeking out new and exciting volunteer opportunities or activities, that will no doubt have a positive impact on their mental and physical wellbeing.”

“If you haven’t already signed up or visited, I would encourage you to do so. The site is going from strength to strength and more community members onboard, we really can make a positive difference to each other’s lives and the wider community that we live”.

Connect Torfaen is a joint partnership between Torfaen Voluntary Alliance (TVA), Torfaen Council and the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Aimi Morris, Operational Executive Officer at Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, said:

“It has been an exciting 12 months, working with Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Torfaen Council in developing this open space for residents to access local information. We have seen Connect Torfaen grow in popularity during this first year and we look forward to working with the community to see this continue to grow well into 2022 and 2023.

“We are always keen to introduce new features on the site, and one such feature that will be releasing shortly is an easy to use virtual map that will visually enhance how you search for what’s on in your area. So, watch this space.”