New Deputy Minister visits first class facilities tackling poverty in Llanelli

Keith Davies AM and Nia Griffith MP have welcomed a visit by Vaughan Gething – the Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty to some of Llanelli’s flagship projects working in the towns less well off areas.

Mr Gething accompanied Keith Davies and Nia Griffith to the Llwynhendy Flying Start Children’s Centre to see first hand the work being undertaken to engage with children and their parents in the area.

1,112 children and their families benefitted from the Flying Start programme countywide last year over a range of projects. The Assembly Deputy Minister met play workers and children attending a play project for four to six year olds.

Accompanying Vaughan Gething on his visit, the Assembly Member for Llanelli, Keith Davies AM said:

“Tackling poverty is a key priority for the Welsh Government. The effects of a poorly performing economy and the squeeze on family budgets are taking their toll on families here in Llanelli. The Llwynhendy centre provides support and childcare to families who are struggling to make ends meet.

“I was encouraged by Vaughan’s visit yesterday, he spoke passionately about tackling poverty but was realistic about the challenges we face – especially in our most deprived communities. But is clear from the feedback we received that the determination of the Welsh Government to tackle poverty is making a difference.”

During the visit, the Minister, AM and MP heard from Jobcentre Plus support worker, known amongst frequenters of the centre as ‘Jill the Job’. She explained that supporting parents into work through the centre was more fruitful than when she operated from the Job Centre.

Changes to the Communities First programme mean that more of Llanelli such as Pwll, Glan-Y-Mor and Trimsaran can access new support packages aimed at creating better educated, healthier and more prosperous communities.

In his second visit, Mr Vaughan received a presentation on the ambitious work programme for Llanelli, managed by the County Council which has received £1.35million providing services to 22,000 people.

Nia Griffith MP said:

“I was pleased to see Vaughan Gething here in Llanelli. The statistics show that Llanelli has some of the poorest areas in Wales and so communities here should be supported. Let’s be clear, it is harder now than ever for hard working families on low incomes to get by with the cost of living crisis that David Cameron is failing to tackle.

“It is very heartening to see the opportunities provided for local families, and the dedication of the staff. I would encourage everyone who can to take the opportunities this programme provides – as Wales is leading the way providing help not available in other parts of the UK.”

Speaking about the need to tackle poverty, Deputy Minister Vaughan Gething AM said:

“That is why we are actively supporting people in Llanelli to help those out of work to find jobs, making sure people have the right skill sand education to improve their chances.

“I am in the town to see for myself the excellent work that is already underway to address this issue and to listen to the experiences of people on the ground.”