What is Communities First?
Communities First is a Welsh Government Programme for tacking poverty and social disadvantage in the most deprived communities across Wales. Since it began in 2001 the programme, which works through local partnerships, has been successful in helping local people gain the skills and knowledge needed to make positive changes to their communities.
Within Carmarthenshire there are five Communities First teams who are based in the following areas; Bigyn 4, Glanymor and Tyisha, Felinfoel, Llwynhendy and Pantyffynnon.
How does Communities First work?
A Communities First partnership is formed for each local area. Partnership members include local councillors and staff from statutory agencies such as the local authority, Fire Service or Police; local businesses, groups and voluntary organisations such as the County Voluntary Council; and most importantly, local residents.
The partnership directs the work of a staff team who consult with the community to find out the local issues and priorities. These are written into a local action plan which sets out the main aims of the partnership and the work needed to improve the community. Area contacts for each of the Partnerships in Carmarthenshire is below on the bottom of the page.
What does Communities First do?
The Communities First programme works to address the issues needed to improve the quality of life in the local area, as identified by the local community. Although each community is different, these issues are broadly grouped into six common themes:
- Child Poverty
- Community Safety
- Education, Training & Skills
- Environment
- Health & Well Being
- Jobs, Business & Income Generation
The partnership and local team then work with partners to bring about changes in the local area, involving community members as much as possible in the process.
Which areas does Communities First work in?
Glanymor & Tyisha – 01554 777850
Felinfoel – 01554 784847
Pantyffynnon – 01269 596821
Bigyn 4 – 01554 746990
Llwynhendy – 01554 780288
Central Support Team – 01554 742164
Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about Communities First then please visit the National Assembly’s website.
Did you know that in Carmarthenshire we have...
...74% of Llanelli is covered by Communities First areas, approximately 43,700 residents. With approximately 44,900 residents across all 5 Partnerships.
...4440 volunteer hours were given by Llanelli and Panyffynnon Debt and Benefit project with an economic value of £44,400.
...in 2009/10 12 young people were given the opportunity for training through The Future Jobs Fund in Communities First areas in Carmarthenshire.
...in 2009/10 – 106 Community groups were supported by Communities First areas in Carmarthenshire.
...in first year of the Debt And Benefit projects, 72 volunteers engaged with, 28 of which went back into employment and another 15 who moved into full time education.
To date the Debt And Benefit projects in Llanelli and Pantyffynnon, has supported community members in tackling £ 1.3 million of domestic debt.
Communities First Trust Fund
Communities First Trust Fund for 2011 / 2012 in now open. Since its inception in 2002, the Communities First Trust Fund has supported over 8,800 small voluntary groups who are trying to make a difference in their community, and encourage more community involvement in improving their local areas.
The Fund has proved very successful and funded projects have included local communities pulling together and arranging clean ups of their estates, intercultural events, buying much needed equipment to give groups a start up boost, and improving community owned facilities.