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

Four Lift Programme clients were recently given the exciting opportunity to work on a forestry project in Troserch Woods in Llangennech. As part of a two week pilot project, organised in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, the Lift Programme and Tidy Towns, the group was given various woodland conservation task to complete which would enhance and preserve the forest for local community members to enjoy. This included clearing a Christmas tree plantation of weeds, rebuilding part of a riverside path, adding drainage sumps and constructing wooden benches. Clients were supervised by project officers from Keep Wales Tidy and Tidy Towns and were provided with transport and protective equipment by the Lift Programme. Alan, one of the volunteers, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my placement and have learnt a lot of new skills. It has boosted my confidence and given me something constructive to do with my time.” Daniel Snaith, Project Officer for Keep Wales Tidy, said: “It has been a pleasure worki...

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...

Households where no-one works because they lack qualifications, have limited employment records, or because they have a disability, are to be helped by a specialist Carmarthenshire Communities First team. The Lift Programme , funded by Welsh Government , will be based in Llanelli Town Centre, and will support people from workless households who have been unemployed for over six months to find training and employment. The programme supports the Tackling Poverty agenda and aims to provide 5,000 training and employment opportunities across Wales. Here in Carmarthenshire, a specialist team has been put together with staff experienced in working with hard-to-reach groups. Senior Mentor Alex Morgan said: “We are looking forward to supporting people to move forward and lift themselves out of poverty. “The Lift Programme focuses on supporting those who face the greatest barriers to becoming employable, such as young single parent households; those who have little or no formal qualificati...