Communities First imagination for change

THE Communities First areas of Tyisha, Felinfoel, Llwynhendy, Pantyffynnon, Glanymor, Bigyn 4 have come together to imagine a different, more sustainable future.

The great turnout to the workshop held in Felinfoel Resource Centre showed that the environment is a priority in the area, despite the new Communities First programmes focusing on other themes.

More than 30 local community members, 25 children and 12 development organisations attended to ensure that environmental projects will be developed alongside the new Communities First scheme.

The workshop was run by west Wales’ change makers the TYF Group as part of a pilot for the Welsh Government.

Darren Gibbs of TYF set out the focus for change in terms of global issues such as resource depletion, the rising costs of food, transport and energy and the decline in biodiversity.

The exercises then focused on a more local level with the ambitions of the community for the future forming a vision statement for 10 years time. A lively discussion followed with animated views of how their communities should develop.

The rest of the afternoon focused on planning projects to achieve the vision. Out of several ideas imagined on each table one project idea was chosen per table group to work with: Community Regeneration Steering Group; Linking Old and Young; Getting There (with sustainable transport for all); Dafen (allotment) Diggers; Happy (reusable) Nappies; Llwynhendy Safer Cycling Routes; Communities Moving Forward Together; and Penyfan Community Hall.

To get involved in any of the projects, get in touch with Lindy at Communities First on 01554 780288 or email lbutler@footholdregeneration.co.uk