Benthyg Cymru

Who we are

Benthyg Cymru is a Welsh non-profit organisation dedicated to growing a national network of community-run Libraries of Things — places where people can borrow items they need instead of buying them. Our mission is to make borrowing as easy as popping out for a loaf of bread, helping people save money, reduce waste, and make better use of shared resources across Wales.

We support communities at every stage of the journey — from helping local groups set up their own Library of Things to improving and expanding existing ones. Our services include practical toolkits, training, workshops, consultancy and ongoing network support, all designed to remove barriers and build confidence in starting and running borrowing initiatives.

Through our work, people across Wales can find and borrow everything from DIY tools and camping gear to kitchen appliances and hobby equipment, making everyday life easier and more sustainable. We also work to connect libraries with each other, share best practice, and champion the sharing and reuse movement at national levels

Our culture and values

At Benthyg Cymru, our culture is rooted in community, fairness and shared purpose. We believe that how we work is just as important as what we do. Every day we strive to build a welcoming, collaborative and impact-focused organisation that reflects our mission to make borrowing as natural and accessible as buying.

We value inclusive, community-centred practice — working alongside groups across Wales to support them in shaping Libraries of Things that reflect local needs and strengths. We listen, learn and iterate together, believing that knowledge should be shared, not held.

Our culture champions sustainability, mutual respect and empowerment. We centre environmental stewardship and social justice in our work — reducing waste and supporting participation regardless of background or income — while nurturing a supportive and trusting organisational environment.

We are proud to be innovative and adaptive, encouraging experimentation, honest feedback and continuous improvement. Our team works with autonomy, kindness, and a shared belief that small acts of sharing can help build stronger, fairer, more resilient communities across Wales.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At Benthyg Cymru we believe that everyone deserves fair access to resources, opportunities and community — both in the world we’re helping to build and within our own organisation. We are committed to creating a workplace where diversity is valued, every voice is respected, and barriers to participation are actively removed.

We oppose discrimination in all its forms and take proactive steps to ensure fairness across our workforce. This means recruiting and supporting team members from diverse backgrounds, recognising and celebrating different perspectives, and fostering an environment where people feel safe, valued and able to contribute their best. We expect respectful behaviour in all interactions, and we address bias, exclusion and inequality with transparency and accountability.

In practice we:

• Encourage applications from under-represented communities and work to reduce barriers in our hiring and selection processes.

• Work bilingually and value Welsh language as an important means of inclusive access and cultural identity across Wales.

• Provide supportive policies, training and flexible working practices that help people thrive in their roles and balance personal commitments.

• Listen, learn and improve, using feedback and insight to strengthen our organisational culture and ensure inclusive practice is embedded in how we work day-to-day.

We are committed to equality not only because it’s right, but because a more diverse and inclusive organisation delivers stronger, more relevant and impactful work for the communities we serve.