Cefin Campbell MS Views Impact of Llanelli-based Charity The Centre For Building Social Action

The Mid & West Wales MS Cefin Campbell has seen first-hand the impact of The National Lottery funded work at The Centre For Building Social Action (CBSA) in Llanelli.

CBSA is a social justice charity that aims to create strong, cohesive communities by addressing the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality through co-designing services with communities most affected by these issues. With the aid of over £1.5 million of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for currently active projects, the charity operates numerous projects supporting young people and families across Carmarthenshire who are experiencing poverty.

Cefin Campbell visited their offices at The Lord Arthur Rank Centre to hear about the development of CBSA’s ‘Y Fasged Siopa’ (The Shopping Basket) project which works to develop community food hubs and reduce food poverty with several communities across rural Carmarthenshire. The visit then moved to the nearby ‘Back to Basics’ community garden where young people and volunteers work to develop their life skills and choices and address issues such as food insecurity and unhealthy lifestyles.

Cefin Campbell MS commented “I welcomed the opportunity to visit CBSA in Llanelli and learn more about the charity’s longstanding work in tackling poverty and delivering life skills for young people in communities across Carmarthenshire.

Sadly, across west Wales, the pandemic is continuing to cast a shadow of uncertainty and hardship over many families’ financial security, and the situation has been further exacerbated by proposed cuts to vital support mechanisms and the spiralling costs of living.

It was therefore hearting to see first-hand the crucial work that CBSA are continuing to undertake in supporting the most vulnerable in society through projects such as ‘Y Fasged Siopa’ and ‘Back to Basics’, as well as the invaluable support they have received from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.”

Mike Theodoulou, Chief Executive at CBSA said “It was a pleasure to welcome the new MS and his team to CBSA and to share a flavour of the organisation’s work over the last 30 years.”

“The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the likely challenges facing the 3^rd sector over the next few years as demand for services continue to grow in the face of reducing resources.  While discussing Covid-19 and its impact, it was a timely opportunity to acknowledge and share the sector’s appreciation of the flexibility, encouragement and support given to us by funders like The National Lottery Community Fund.  The support has enabled organisations like us to mobilise swiftly and get help to more people at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

Rachel Richards, Funding Officer at The National Lottery Community Fund, said ‘It’s incredibly rewarding to come out and see the tremendous efforts of CBSA in working positively with their community to develop solutions to the issues that matter most to them. The impact of the projects is clear to see and we’re pleased that The National Lottery Community Fund has allowed the team at CBSA to make such a difference in their community.’