Miners' Welfare Schemes

Few people would disagree that the coalfields of South Wales lost a little of their identity along with their livelihoods with the decline of the mining industry, but apart from the industrial scars on the landscape which are quickly healing, a little part of the industry still survives along with its heritage.

There are presently thirty-eight miners welfare schemes operating in South Wales, enabled and supported by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO).
Miners welfare halls were once common throughout the coalfields, and most mining communities housed their own welfare facility. These facilities were once the focal point of the community. Most were originally constructed utilising grant assistance from the miners welfare fund, which arose as a result of The Mining Industry Act 1920. The Act represented the first piece of legislation which placed a mandatory requirement to provide social welfare opportunities to each and every mining community, by imposing levies upon the coal operators.

Some communities did pioneer the concept of 'Miners Welfare', by establishing community facilities as early as the late 19th century. Statutory miners welfare provision required mineworkers to donate a penny a week to their local welfare, so that these buildings' revenue costs could be met. Typical Miners Welfare Schemes acted as houses of learning and education, and played host to recreational pursuits. Many originally housed libraries, cinemas and dance halls, whilst others contained swimming pools.

Large parcels of land were also donated to the colliers for recreational pursuits and are still entrusted to local charities and societies who ensure they are used for recreational pursuits only and are not accessible for building and construction.

In their present guise Miners Welfare Schemes operate as local charitable organisations whose objectives remain the same with one stark difference. The modern day institute is open to provide a community asset not just for members of the mining industry but for the community as a whole. They offer themselves up as community venues for all to utilise and enjoy, staffed by volunteers who give their time for the betterment of the community whilst protecting the heritage of the past. Commonly, today’s miners welfare is open for room hire, and is used predominantly by community groups such as mothers and toddlers, dance classes, youth clubs along with many more.