Exciting developments at Llandovery YMCA


There are exciting developments at Llandovery YMCA.
The centre has benefitted from two RDP Sir Gâr schemes and will soon include carpentry and bike workshops and a new kitchen in which to develop OCN accredited Food Hygiene courses. In addition, the community arts room will be enhanced and the vegetable garden extended.
A Rural Community Inclusion (RCI) grant has helped to fund these new facilities. RCI comprises of a package of support designed to help increase the availability and accessibility of basic services and facilities in rural areas.
RCI Project Development Officer Glyn Jones has worked closely with the group to develop the new plans, including funding £5,500 worth of IT equipment for a Job Club, and David Saywell of the Cryfhau Cymunedau project (part of RDP Sir Gâr’s Innovative Hubs scheme) will be helping to support the job club being created at the Centre.
Rural Community Inclusion and Innovative Hubs are funded by the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The Llandovery YMCA was originally established to cater for younger people 20 years ago, but they have extended their remit to include the general community. They moved to the current building 14 years ago and received funding from both RDP Sir Gâr and the Lottery to upgrade the building in 2008.
The YMCA has become a real community venue for Llandovery. In 2011, over half of the population used the building at some point during that year.
Jill Tatman, Centre Manager said: “The grant has helped us achieve so much, and Glyn’s support throughout the application process was invaluable. We’ve also enjoyed working with David on the job club project.
“Both the financial assistance and support service from RDP Sir Gâr have made all the difference and enabled us to do even more for the community.”
Carmarthenshire County Council deputy leader Cllr Pam Palmer, who has responsibility for rural affairs, said: “The development of the YMCA is sure to be of great benefit to the area.
“It’s a great example of rural development plan funding being used for its intended purpose - to improve facilities and services and provide better training and employment opportunities for local people.”
An extended weekly Job Club is due to start at the YMCA on Tuesday afternoons commencing on October 23. We will offer a range of useful support, leading up to Christmas. Anyone is welcome to attend – the more the merrier. Please contact Jill Tatman on 01550 721499.

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