Natalie Edwards: Building Done Together CIC – Reflections on our first three months

Done Together CIC launched three months ago with a clear aim: to deliver high-quality consultancy that also strengthens communities across Wrexham and the surrounding region.

In that time, we have secured two grants, delivered and initiated work with partners including Credu Cymru, AVOW and Owen Davies Consulting, and been selected to develop the Youth Forum for the Wrecsam 2029 City of Culture programme.

For a new organisation, this early traction reflects both demand and trust.

Lead Director Natalie Edwards shares what these first months have shown.

Relationships are driving delivery

“Most of our work so far has come through conversations. People have been willing to make introductions, share insight and create opportunities.”

This has led directly to delivery. A discussion linked to volunteering and a trustee role at Theatr yr Ifanc 1990 led to supporting the Your Rhos. Your Say. consultation. Earlier connections helped establish our partnership with Credu Cymru.

A LinkedIn post about the Wrexham–Märkischer Kreis twinning relationship led to involvement in an anniversary event attended by a representative from the German Embassy in London.

“The lesson has been straightforward: relationships create the conditions for delivery. That’s how we are building the organisation.”

Early delivery and outcomes

Alongside relationship-building, the focus has been on delivery:

• Training delivered for AVOW

• Community workshop facilitated with Owen Davies Consulting

• Co-design work with Credu Cymru for the 2025 Young Carers Celebration Event

• Contribution to Wrexham–Germany twinning activity

• Commission to develop the Wrexham City of Culture Youth Forum

• Two grant awards secured (Wrexham University Enterprise and Wrexham Council)

In parallel, we have launched Afro hair care workshops with Diverse Cymru grant funding and established the systems and processes needed internally to support ongoing work.

“We expected steady growth. The level of early engagement suggests there is a clear need for locally based, delivery-focused support.”

Learning while building

The organisation has developed alongside delivery. This has included engaging with business support and local networks, and putting in place the operational foundations needed for consistent work such as policies, procedures and establishing ways of working between us.

“There is strong support available, but you have to engage with it. Being open to learning has been essential.”

This combination of learning and delivery has allowed the organisation to remain flexible while building a clear offer.

Purpose reflected in practice

Our work is shaped by a simple aim: to help people and places develop in a way that is practical, inclusive and sustainable.

Current projects reflect this:

• Young carers helping design their own events

• Volunteers building skills to run safer community activities

• Residents contributing to local decision-making in Rhos

• Young people influencing Wrexham’s cultural plans

This work focuses on both immediate delivery and longer-term capacity.

A practical approach to growth

Natalie concludes: “In the early stages, you take on a wide range of roles. That has allowed us to stay responsive and understand where we add most value.”

The next phase will focus on consolidating this work – building on existing partnerships, maintaining delivery quality, and growing in a way that is sustainable.

“We don’t know exactly where we will be in a year. We do know we will continue to listen, deliver and build strong working relationships.”