What is Communities First?
The Welsh Assembly Government's Flagship Programme to tackle deprivation in Wales
The Communities First programme is a long-term strategy for improving the living conditions and prospects for people in the most disadvantaged communities in Wales. The programme seeks to ensure that the funds and support available from the Welsh Assembly Government and various other publicly funded agencies are targeted at the poorest areas. [CFSN 2006]
Communities First is a major flagship Welsh Assembly Government Programme aimed at cutting poverty and helping to improve the lives of people who live in the poorest areas. The initiative started in 2000 in 100 of the most deprived areas in Wales of which ALWAY is one.
So what is it all about?
Communities First aims to get local people involved in improving their areas and their own prospects.
Bring funding and resources from a range of sources to make things happen in Alway.
Making sure improvements last.
Involve everyone working together to identify and do something about their community’s problems.
Improving confidence, skills and education in the area
Involving people to make their estate a nicer and safer place to live work and play.
Create jobs and increasing incomes.
Improve housing and the environment. Improve health and well being through an active and healthy lifestyle and tackling a range of issues that affect people’s health.
How can you get involved?
Getting involved in the Communities First Partnership with representatives from different agencies e.g. Police, Health Board, Schools, Council, and Local Councillors to make decisions on behalf of your community.
Taking part in discussions and consultations about what is wanted and needed in your neighbourhood.
Giving your views.
Asking your neighbours and friends what it wants and volunteering to help make it happen.
Working with projects in the area to keep them running and providing a local service.
What has already been achieved in your Community?
Funding Granted/Pending
• £4,900 Big Lottery – Streetdance
• £1,000 Cymorth – Drama Club
• £11,500 Communities @ 1 – Laptops and computer courses.
• £55,000 European Partnership – Lliswerry Pond Redevelopment
• £300 Councillor – Office Alterations
• £19,000 Sports Council – Boxing Club alterations
• £700 Community Chest – Dancing Classes
• £4,900 Communities First Trust Fund – Alway Primary - Stage
• £1,000 Newport Local Health Board & NCC – Lunch Club
• £1,580 Communities First Trust Fund – Aerobics
• £300 Bellway – Fun Day
• £300 Alway Community Centre – Aerobics Mats
• £94,835.66 WAG – Sports & Activities Development Worker
Do you want to be part of the change?
Alway Community Association and Local Partnership Board are looking for committee members and Local Partnership Board representatives form the local community to help to take forward the community action plan and make decisions about how projects and funding can be implemented within the community. You will sit alongside representatives from agencies such as the police, housing, health services and education to voice the community opinion.
Alway Community Association will provide any training necessary for you to undertake you role. Meetings last for two hours and take place monthly so if you feel you have something to give to your community and can commit the two hours every month then come in and see Sian for an application form for the Local Partnership Board and Alway Community Association. If you are interested in becoming part of Alway Community Association Committee elections take place annually at the Annual General meeting on 6th February and election process can be followed.
We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the future!
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