Introduction
Building a better future for Ystradgynlais
Ystradgynlais is a village situated at the head of the Swansea valley. It was identified by the deprivation indices as being in the top 100 deprived areas in Wales.
The Communities First programme was set up there in 2000. It has now established a formal partnership and is coordinated by Tom Addey (left in picture below).
Vision and Objectives
Background
Activities
Legal structure
Projects
Results
Future Developments
Summary
Our vision
Is to become a self sufficient, well functioning community where all ages work together to ensure that its people are caring, tolerant, healthy, skilled and forward looking - a place in which we are proud to live.
Objectives
The overall objective is:-
"To promote and strengthen the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the community of Ystradgynlais and the Upper Swansea Valley"
The partnership also hopes to:
- build the confidence and self-esteem of those living in the community
- develop a 'can do' culture
- encourage skill training for work
- create job opportunities
- increase incomes
- work to improve housing and the surrounding environment
- promote health and well-being through an active and healthy lifestyle and by tackling other issues that affect people's health
- make the community safer and more secure
- encourage sports, cultural and recreational facilities and activities
- use a partnership approach.
Background
The village and surroundings developed due to the coal mining and steel making industries. These declined from the 1970s and all had closed by the end of the 80's. Towards the end of the 1990s, there were 1500 further job losses when Lucas SEI and Dewhirst plants closed. More losses in the petro-chemical industry further south also had an impact.
The problems of the area are evident - low economic activity, high unemployment, high rate of long-term illness, outward migration of young people seeking opportunities further afield and the legacy of past-industrial activity on the landscape.
Activities
A steering group was first formed of 18 people who represented the community and local businesses as well as the Local Authority.
In March 2002 a Facilitator was appointed.
The Communities First Centre in Commercial Street, Ystradgynlais (in the the town centre) opened on 31 August 2002.
In May 2002 a 'Planning for our community' consultation began. This was to encourage residents of all ages to put forward ideas and suggestions to improve the community of Ystradgynlais and the surrounding areas.
Legal structure
Ystradgynlais Communities First Partnership is a Company Limited by Guarantee. It has a board of 14 directors and 3 non-director members from the Welsh Developemnt Agency (WDA), Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) and Powys County Council. The Partnership is officially named Ystradgynlais Communities First Limited.
The company holds a monthly public meeting and held an AGM in June 2004, where members were elected to the board.
We are now seeking charitable status.
Projects
A few of the projects are discussed below (some of the issues these projects tackled were highlighted by local residents in the consultation event).
Training Forum
This has brought together all local training providers and produced a directory of training courses available in the community. A brochure is produced each term, to inform the community of what courses are available and where.
Directory of local organisations
The Communities First Partnership, the Triangle project and the Volunteer Centre worked together to produce a database of all the local organisations and groups in the area. It contains 170 organisations and is updated every quarter. A communications group was set up to improve communication between all groups in the community.
Involving young people
Youth involvement has been a key issue in Ystradgynlais and in partnership with The Youth service, Town Council, Prince's Trust, Dyfed Powys Police and other groups, a number of projects have been undertaken. I.e Skateboard Park and Safe Routes to School Ð Both recent National Award winners
Healthy living centre
The Octopus Centre was opened in January 2003. It provides a centre, for all age groups, which helps people develop healthier lifestyles through a range of activities.
Improving local pathways
The partnership is working with The Forestry Commission, Tawe Ramblers Association, Brecon Beacons National Park, Ystradgynlais Town Council and Powys County Council, to improve local pathways in the area and open up new paths in the region.
Other activities
Several fora address specific issues, including:
- Grants - a conduit of funding information for community groups
- Communications
- Environmental
- Health
- Social Inclusion - working with the residents association and social services
Results
Below is a summary of just some of these:-
- Over 1000 community members actively took part in a meaningful consultation
- The development of a Healthy Living Centre and health programme
- Key Partnerships set up to deliver projects
- Annual Health Fayre
- Youth Centre Skateboard park
- Programme of Community events: Festival (Gwyl Yr Ystrad) and other local events i.e. Xmas Lights
- Community Capacity building (present throughout all of the aforementioned community projects)
Future developments
- Forming a Heritage Forum and a Sports and Leisure Forum
- Taking on more responsibility e.g. Carrying out a full feasibility study on the Astoria/Cue Club with the view of purchasing and using as a community base.
- Incorporating all the Fora into companies
- Developing the involvement of the young people
- Continuing the consultation process and developing a new action plan
Key issues for the future
- We have to ensure we keep the balance between community expectations, in order to keep the community on board
- Sustainable funding a major issue- chasing pots of funding rather than funding coming to us
- Continue with the community capacity building and support
- Become a community owned entity
- Continue to encourage and work in Partnership with other Groups/Organisations.
- Ensure that Statutory bodies such as the WDA and Elwa are fully involved at grass roots level.
Summary
A lot of good work has been done. Community feedback is that this work was much needed and is much appreciated.
The key to much of the success has been the willingness to work in partnership with a number of key agencies at a local level, regional level and also at a national level.
Ystradgynlais has made huge steps along the regeneration road and has plans to make many more in the future.
Thomas Addey
Communities First Co-ordinator Ystradgynlais.
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