Antioch Centre held in high regard

The achievements of the Antioch Centre in Llanelli have been recognised in the Wales Council for Voluntary Action Third Sector Awards Cymru 2015.

At a ceremony hosted by Jason Mohammed at the Cardiff Hilton Hotel, the Antioch Centre was awarded runners up in the category of ‘Most Admired Organisation.’ The category recognises organisations that are respected for their inspirational work and the causes they represent.

The Antioch Centre has been receiving designated support from Carmarthenshire County Council’s Community Bureau via its Key Account Management function; the aim is to support third sector organisations which have the potential to deliver on economic benefits such as jobs, growth and skills.

Tailored support is provided in areas including project management, economic growth, sustainability, marketing and PR, funding, recruitment and partnership working with other third sector and public organisations.

The support that has been identified has been instrumental to supporting the Antioch with information and guidance around setting up an innovative Social Enterprise ‘Ail Gyfle’.

To date, working in partnership with Wales Community Rehabilitation Company, the Social Enterprise has created three jobs and offered ex-offenders opportunities to gain accredited qualifications and work related skills. The Community Bureau will continue to support to both Antioch and Ail Gyfle to deliver vital services and opportunities in the county.

Antioch Centre finance manager Deb Chapman said:  “Antioch Centre has been working in the community for over 20 years and we have taken a derelict warehouse with partial roofing and seen it transformed into a multi functional, multi-purpose community facility.

“It is home to Crazy Maisie’s Play Station, Newid Recording Studio, as well as many aspects of our work in helping people who are struggling financially – from the Food/Clothes/Furniture Bank to events that support families in school holidays and at Christmas.”

Within the last year it has become a ‘Health Hub’ with many fitness classes, Healthy Cooking Courses, Mental Health and Patient Care courses and clinics taking place on a regular basis.

“At the heart of what we do is creating contexts for people to flourish and many of the ideas for activities or events have come from local residents. We are often the ‘midwife’ for other people’s dreams and help them bring things to birth.

“Our latest partnership is with Wales CRC (Probation) and we are soon to have the Official launch of Ail Gyfle-Second Chance Ltd, a green social enterprise that works with ex-offenders to engage, train and build their confidence and skills. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Community Bureau has been an enormous help in getting this off the ground and we are also grateful for the support from Morrison’s as well.

“Being voted runner up for the WCVA Award 2015 for the most inspiring organisation is a huge affirmation of the volunteers, staff, partners and local residents who have all contributed to this amazing journey over the last 20 years. This award has come at a timely moment as we hand over to the next generation of leaders for them to take things forward,” she added.

Executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted that the Antioch Centre has received this recognition for its good work in the community. Well done to all concerned.

“I would also like to thank our Community Bureau for the invaluable support it has provided to help the Antioch Centre to operate so effectively.