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

Come and celebrate St David’s Day in Ammanford. A wealth of activities have been organised on the day by Menter Bro Dinefwr in conjunction with Carmarthenshire County Council’s economic development division and Communities First, as well as a window display competition which will be judged beforehand. Menter Bro Dinefwr has arranged for local schools will be performing on a stage in Quay Street throughout the day from 10am to 2pm. There will be a surprise event as well as a Twmpath on the street. Other events include a Peppa Pig theme session at Ismooth Café and reading activities in the Library. Communities First has organised a marquee with various exhibitions. Businesses have been given the opportunity of putting on a special offer for the day. A window display competition will be judged by Huw Rees (or Huw Fash as everyone knows him) on Tuesday February 28. There will be a trophy for the best window display. Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for regeneration a...

Residents of Pantyffynnon and the surrounding area have had the chance to learn more about healthy cooking and eating. Communities First has recently run a Healthy Cooking Programme at Pantyffynnon Partnership with Little Cooks R Us. The programme was a short course that provided the residents in and surrounding Pantyffynnon with the opportunity to develop their cooking skills and was based on healthy food that was easy to make and on a budget. Emma Leah from Little Cooks R Us provided the sessions and allowed each individual the opportunity to learn, discuss and plan their healthy meals at the centre. Many of the participants involved stated that they could follow the meals cooked in the sessions at home and were happy with their new skills. Nadia Seale said: “This course has shown me how easy it is to make easy delicious food and has increased my ability to prepare food safely.” Amy Seale said: “I have learnt many different skills while doing this course which will help in future c...

Communities First are running a free interview skills workshop at Llanelli Library Athenaeum Hall next Thursday (March 17). The one day workshop will provide support and advice on what to expect from interviews, how to prepare for an interview, what type of questions can be asked and how best to answer them. Laura Edwards from Prosperous team at Communities First said: “The workshops are really good for people who have not been on an interview for a long time, or maybe who don’t have enough experience going on interviews. “It’s good to share knowledge and whilst there, people realise that everyone gets nervous but that there are easy ways to prepare.” The workshops, which are run regularly, are supporting people back into work and giving them the boost in skills and confidence needed. For more information, to book a space on the workshop or to see how the Prosperous team at Communities First can help you with employment support, then please contact the team on 01554 777850.

Communities First has now supported more than 100 people to improve their digital skills and learn how to use iPads. The free four-week course, which is delivered in local libraries by Communities First Digital Volunteers, has proved popular and since it started in July 2015 more than 100 people have taken advantage of it. The courses, which are run in Llanelli, Ammanford and Llwynhendy Libraries, show people how to use an iPad, search the internet and download apps and iBooks. The course is open to all ages, and you do not even have to own an iPad to get started! To book a place on the next available course please contact Llanelli or Ammanford Library on 01554 773538 or 01269 598150.

Communities First has held a healthy cooking course in Llanelli at the request of clients. People taking part in a Mental Wellbeing programme at the Antioch Centre in Llanelli, funded by Communities First, asked if they could have a healthy cooking programme that would support their improvements to a healthier lifestyle. Communities First then provided four sessions of healthy cooking, where the individuals were able to prepare and cook the food in the Antioch Centre. The sessions were very well received and those taking part felt they had learned a lot and would now be able to add healthier options to their diet and improve their lifestyle and health. One course member said: “I have really enjoyed these cooking sessions as it has shown me that even with my disability I can still make nice recipes that are healthy. The health officers have been really patient and understanding and it has been a pleasure to be part of these sessions.” Another taking part added: “I’ve enjoyed the inform...

From staying healthy and finding work to saving money or keeping in touch, there are lots of ways that being online can make both the things you love and life’s little jobs quicker, easier and cheaper. If you’ve never touched a computer or a tablet before, or you just need some tips to make the most of being online, Communities First can help. Digital 'drop in' events are being held in Ammanford, Llanelli and Llwynhendy Libraries for ‘Get Online Week’ when there will be free information and support to make the most of the internet, computers and tablets. The session at Ammanford Library will take place this Monday (October 12) from 1.30 to 3.30pm. The Llanelli session is this Thursday from 10am to 1pm, and the Llwynhendy session this Friday from 1-3pm.

Parents and children in Llanelli have gained invaluable time together after the families took part in a Communities First programme. The Coedcae Comprehensive School families have met for the last six months and participated in a programme which focused on encouraging family engagement in both education and health. The programme consisted of a variety of activities including creative animation sessions however more recently the group has concentrated on increasing their knowledge on budgeting for a healthy diet in a fun way. The group now meet weekly to take part in ‘Come Dine with Us’ workshops; each week cooking something new and enjoying eating their creations together. Both the Learning and Health Team of Carmarthenshire Communities First collaborated on delivering a programme to families, who would benefit from the support the most. With the aid of a school based youth worker, the programme was able to be developed into a hub of support, tackling a range of issues. Executive boa...

Communities First Carmarthenshire has formed a partnership with Raiders Rugby League in Llanelli to improve and develop activities and sport in the local community. Raiders Rugby League, who are based in Stebonheath Park, have had a successful season and are looking at developing their current progress through the joint partnership work to create opportunities and develop schools and community in a sport that is on the increase in the West Wales region. The Raiders team manager Peter Tiffin said: “We are proud to announce that we have set up a partnership with Communities First Carmarthenshire. We are looking forward to working together over the next couple of months on an array of events across the whole of Carmarthenshire.” The first event will be at Trimsaran RFC tomorrow (7 October) which is the first School 9s Competition. Each school participating in the competition shall be producing two teams (Years 9 and 10) to compete in the tournament. Schools from Llanelli, Carmarthen and S...

The Lift Programme in Carmarthenshire is launching an innovative new initiative to give its clients key employability skills and a boost their chances of finding paid work. The employment and training programme, which is funded by the Welsh Government and works with individuals from workless households within Communities First areas, will be opening its new Market stall within Llanelli Indoor Market. The stall will operate every Thursday and will be providing supported work placements to two Lift clients every week. During this time they will undergo a structured four-week programme where they will learn key retail skills. Senior Lift Mentor Alex Morgan said: “We work with clients who are the furthest from the labour market and who need a supported work placement to give them the confidence in their own ability and an understanding of working in retail. “Through providing this support we will move clients closer to the labour market.” The Market stall will be selling products that...

Residents in the Carmarthenshire Communities First Cluster were given the opportunity to attend a childcare course. The Level 1 Diploma in Childcare was delivered at Morfa Integrated Children’s Centre . Fourteen people attended and successfully completed the course. A participant stated: “It was a really good course and I enjoyed it. I’m now looking for jobs in childcare.” To find out more about forthcoming events, contact the Communities First Team via email communitiesfirst@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01554 784847.

Youngsters looking for work are being urged to visit their local job club in Carmarthenshire. Set up by Carmarthenshire Communities First team , the Kickstart clubs run from two different venues every week: Wednesday 2pm – 4pm at The Vestry, Cowell Street, Llanelli, and Friday 11am – 1pm at Felinfoel Community Resource Centre, Ynyswen Road, Felinfoel, Llanelli. There will be an opportunity for young people to access all the latest Jobs Growth Wales vacancies and other job opportunities available locally, as well as information and advice on a range of careers, courses, training opportunities and apprenticeships. Experts will be on hand to offer information and guidance on preparing for job interviews, common interview questions and job hunting advice, to filling out application forms and CV writing. Communities First Jobs Growth Wales Mentor, Hannah Evans, said: “If you are aged 16-24 and are having a tough time looking for work, you are not on your own; we are here to help, so pleas...

Community members over the age of 50 were all invited to attend the Add to Your Life Health and Wellbeing event held at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli. Hosted by the Carmarthenshire Communities First team, the Add to Your Life event had everyone learning and trying something new together, with an information market place exhibiting the services of 35 local organisations, activity taster sessions including golf and yoga, and a full timetable of talks and demonstrations from organisations such as Public Health Wales, and the Stroke Association. The event focused on community members over the age of 50 gaining a better understanding of how to maintain their health and wellbeing and making attendees aware of the services which are available in their locality which can assist them to maintain their health. The Communities’ First team aims to contribute, alongside other programmes, to narrowing the health, skills, economic and education gaps between disadvantaged and affluent areas. To find ou...

Two young people have been taken on by a Llanelli shop thanks to the Communities First Jobs Growth Wales scheme. Jonathan Armstrong, owner of Emilia May Gifts in the St. Elli Shopping Centre, Llanelli, is one of a number of local employers who have taken advantage of the scheme by recruiting two new members of staff – Kayleigh Brown and Larissa Parton - with the help of Hannah Evans, Jobs Growth Wales mentor for Communities First . The scheme offers young people aged 16-24 full time job opportunities, paid at national minimum wage for a period of six months. The Welsh Government provides funding to local employers for 26 weeks for giving young people the opportunity to gain good quality work experience within their business. The aim is that these jobs will become sustainable jobs following the end of the scheme allowing young people to remain in employment. Kayleigh, from Felinfoel, Llanelli, attended a ‘Have a Go’ event organised by Communities First in January last year to acces...

Communities First are running a Free Family Fitness Day in Llanelli Leisure Centre on Saturday February 14 between 10-4pm. There will be sessions for children and parents to come along and take part - these will include a free swimming session, free fitness taster sessions – for all ages, organised walks and arts & crafts. All are welcome to come on down and join in with the activities. All children attending this event must be accompanied by an adult at all times. To guarantee a place in the fitness sessions contact Communities First to sign up or get your timetable and sign up by 10am on the day. Call 01554 784847 or email communitiesfirst@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Youngsters have been getting their hands dirty in the garden this summer. Llanelli’s Maes Y Morfa ‘Grow Your Own’ gardening project saw children from 4 to 11 taking part in a range of activities including The local Communities First team came up with the project to focus on teaching children about healthy foods and the importance of sustainability, within an environment that is fun and friendly. Children who attended learned about gardening and the healthy foods they can grow for themselves. The food grown in the garden will also go right to the table, for the children get to take home and enjoy what they have helped to grow. Community First Health Promotion Worker, Llyr Lloyd, said:” This project gave children the opportunity to learn skills to grow their own healthy produce” The Communities’ First team aims to contribute, alongside other programmes, to narrowing the education, skills, economic and health gaps between disadvantaged and affluent areas. Anyone interested in finding o...

There are plenty of reasons to bring your family to Llanelli this summer. Carmarthenshire’s Communities First team have got loads of free family activities designed to inspire imaginations and help you discover your inner child and learn a new skills. On Thursday, August 28, Trimsaran Leisure Centre plays host to a community day between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Activities will include arts and crafts, knitting and crocheting workshop, as well as DJ and graffiti workshop and sports taster sessions including rugby, kick boxing and self defence. There will also be a visit at noon from the fire service. Communities First Volunteer Support Worker, Amber Williams, said: “There’ll be lots of activities for children of all ages. We were overwhelmed by how many people joined us last year, and we hope this year will be better than ever.” The Welsh Government funds support for the Communities First programme through the Communities First Support Network and other support organisations. The C...

Things are starting to look up for Carmarthenshire young people as they benefit from the economic recovery. Jobs Growth Wales in partnership with Carmarthenshire’s Communities First team have created 16 jobs within Carmarthenshire this year alone and it doesn’t stop there. There are currently three new full time vacancies available with a number of further new jobs due to be created in the coming months. These job opportunities are for 16-24 year olds living in the Carmarthenshire Communities First cluster areas who are not currently in employment, education or training. • Yard/Counter Assistant – LBS Builders Merchants Ltd, Llanelli. • 2 x Food Production Operator– Farm Fresh Ltd, Cross Hands. Communities First Jobs Growth Wales Mentor, Hannah Evans, said:” Companies are seeking dynamic young people who can contribute positively to their business and workplace environment. We are committed in supporting young people transform their lives by assisting them into jobs a...

A new summer Zumba fitness class is getting the people of Llanelli hot under the collar. Thanks to the Communities’ First team, the free taster course are being delivered by Zumba Fitness Instructor Stella Evans with classes running every Tuesday at 10.30-11.30am in Trimsaran Leisure Centre, until August 19. The fitness classes provide residents with an activity on their doorstep with the aim of encouraging more people to keep fit and active. In turn the free Zumba classes offer a unique approach to exercise and helps hold people’s interest in long-term health and fitness goals. Health Promotion Worker, Llyr Lloyd, said: "Zumba doesn’t feel like a workout -everyone has so much fun that they forget they are working out!” Communities First aims to contribute, alongside other programmes, to narrowing the education/skills, economic and health gaps between disadvantaged and affluent areas. Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, email communitiesf...

People from Llanelli have been offered the chance to improve their skills with a new scheme. Carmarthenshire Communities First has teamed up Coleg Sir Gar to run a construction course giving unemployed people the skills they need to gain a job in the construction trade. The programme gives unemployed people a 10-week training experience, covering the basic essentials of a career in the construction industry. The course takes place at Trimsaran Family Centre and participants will be taught skills that they can put into practice, including how to tile and grout and how to complete a plumbing project on a tiled area. Communities First Family Learning Worker, Rhian Richards, said: ”This 10-week taster course gives people interested construction the opportunity to have an insight to aspects of construction industry.” Communities First is a community focused programme that supports the Welsh Government's Tackling Poverty programme. The programme supports the most disadvantaged peopl...

A new parent and toddler group is being piloted at Llanelli Library in a bid to strengthen pre-school parent-child bonds and boost long-term literacy. The weekly sessions, run by Communities First, provide a place for parents and parents to be, to meet up, as well as offering a safe and friendly environment for children to learn. The group will meet up on Mondays between 10am and 12 noon at Llanelli Library and is suitable for children aged up to three. Activities include short picture books, songs and lots of knee bounces. Play Development Officer, Tara Lewis, said:”We hope that if parents missed sessions in the past they’ll come along to future groups.” Communities First is a community focused programme that supports the Welsh Government's tackling poverty programme. The programme supports the most disadvantaged people in the most deprived areas with the aim of helping alleviate persistent poverty. Anyone interested in finding out more about the events should call 01554 78484...