Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Since April 2013, more than 475 people have attended a variety of free courses ranging from first aid to construction and business enterprise, through the Carmarthenshire Communities First programme. The courses give individuals the opportunity to brush up on basic skills or to obtain those vital qualifications necessary to take the first steps towards a new career or re-employment. Communities First Family Learning Worker, Rhian Richards, said:”The demand for courses has grown, and we are continuously increasing the variety of classes available, particularly the ones that focus on improving an individual’s chance of future employment.” The courses are open to adults aged 16 plus and live within the Communities First cluster . The most popular course has been business enterprise. Executive Board Member for Regeneration and Leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said:”I encourage those who have the opportunity to attend one of these courses, to do so. “Personal development can have such a posi...

Community spirit is still alive and kicking in Carmarthenshire, with over 100 people turning up to a community day organised by Carmarthenshire’s Communities First . The free community day took place at Trimsaran Leisure Centre and was one of a series that have been held to help promote services and programmes available for local people in a fun family environment. The community day offered various attractions ranging from arts and crafts, knitting and crocheting workshops, as well as DJ and graffiti workshops and sports taster sessions including rugby, kick boxing and self defence. While the crowds enjoyed, the Communities First staff were on hand to offer information, advice and guidance on courses, volunteering, Time Credits and health. Communities First Volunteer Support Worker, Amber Williams, said: “It was great to see the community coming together enjoying learning a new skill and having fun. We had a great turnout and managed to spread the word a bit further about what Commun...

Families from Llanelli have been getting up close with nature. More than 50 people have enjoyed taking part in a series of nature walks organised by  Carmarthenshire’s Communities First team . Families took to the trails and learned about the local wildlife including ducks, dragonflies and butterflies that thrive at the area’s ponds and reservoirs. The nature walks enhanced children’s appreciation of the natural environment, through focusing on the things that the children could see, hear and smell. Communities First Health Promotion Worker Llyr Lloyd, said:”The children enjoyed the fresh air and were pointing out and trying to identify different species. “ Communities First is a community focused programme that supports the Welsh Government's Anti-Poverty agenda. The programme supports three policy areas, considered core to combating poverty and social exclusion. These are health, education and economic prosperity. To find out more information about forthcoming events, contact t...

Carmarthenshire Communities First teams in partnership with Jobs Growth Wales are tackling the challenges facing young people in one of the toughest jobs markets by finding unique employment opportunities. They are helping young people aged 16-24 that are job ready but have had difficulty securing employment by offering exclusive job placements, paid at or above the national minimum wage for a minimum of 25 hours per week. The programme focuses on helping young people living specifically within the Carmarthenshire cluster areas, to gain high-quality work experience in order to progress into sustained employment or, where appropriate an apprenticeship. Communities First Jobs Growth Wales Mentor Hannah Evans said:”If you are job-ready and just need a chance to gain the work experience that you may be lacking, this could be an opportunity for you.” Executive Board Member Regeneration and Leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people seeking employme...

Carmarthenshire residents are being invited to benefit from a wide range of free fitness classes. An energetic new programme of events has been launched by the Carmarthenshire Communities First team in partnership with Actif, urging people to rethink their lifestyle and get moving. The aim is to encourage more people to try different activities to keep fit and active. In turn these free fitness classes will offer a good introduction to exercise and will help keep people interest in the long-term fitness. People who are interested in attending are advised to wear loose clothing andappropriate footwear. For classes dates, times and locations please follow the link Timetable . Communities First Health Promotion Worker Llyr Lloyd said: “There are many great reasons why we should all take part in more exercise. Keeping active can help with our mood, sharpen our minds and improve our health. We’re pleased to be working with Actif to bring these free fitness classes to the community.” Execu...

A series of successful events held by Carmarthenshire Communities First Team and Jobs Growth Wales are helping to raise the profile of work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for the young. The events offered a free breakfast across a variety of venues across the Llanelli and Ammanford cluster * to discuss work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for the young. They proved so popular that an extra breakfast session is planned for Monday, March 10, at Llanelli Library between 10am – 12pm. The aim is to help 16-24 year olds that are job ready but have had difficulty securing employment by offering exclusive job placements, paid at or above the national minimum wage for a minimum of 25 hours per week. Communities First Jobs Growth Wales Mentor Hannah Evans said:” We are committed to helping young people get back on their feet. These events have been going really well and are attracting lots of people.” The programme aims to create employment that can be sustained after...