Communities First
Introduction to
Communities First
Communities First is a long-term programme by the Welsh Assembly
Government. The aim of the programme is to improve opportunities
and quality of life in the most disadvantaged communities in Wales
as identified by the Welsh Index of Multiple
Deprivation.
How does
it work?
- A Communities First Partnership is formed representing
different groups in the community
- The Partnership employs a Co-ordinator
- The Partnership and Co-ordinator consult with the community
about all the issues, problems and opportunities in the area
- They then develop a Community Action Plan of work to improve
the community
- The Plan is used to apply for funding and join up local
services
The Partnership
The Partnership is the group of people who will take on the main
responsibility of the running of the Communities First programme in
their area. A Partnership needs to be made up of the following:
- One third community members
- One third statutory agencies, such as the Council, health
authority and the police
- One-third representatives from voluntary organisations and
business.
- The number of community representatives must be at least equal
to any other group.
All partners on a partnership will be required to sign a
Partnership Agreement confirming how they will work together to
make the Communities First programme work.
The Community Action Plan
The Community Action Plan sets out
what a community wants and how that will be achieved
The Community Action Plan must have:
- A long term vision of what local people want the community to
be like in 10 years
- A short term action plan of work for the next 3 years
- Targets to be achieved in 3, 5 and 10 years.
The Plan should cover the
key themes of:
- Jobs and Business
– Economic Activity
- Education and Training
- Health and Well Being
- Environment
- Community Safety
- Active Community
- Any other priorities identified by the community
The Plan will be submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government, who
will provide some funding towards the Communities First projects.
However, the Plan should also:
- Attract funding from other sources (Lottery, European Funding
etc.)
- "Join-up" local services
- Make services more responsive to the needs of local people
Communities First Areas
Information on the Communities First
areas in Neath Port Talbot.
Communities First
Trust Fund
The Communities First Trust Fund provides funding for voluntary
and community groups in Communities First areas for a variety of
projects and needs. Many people Communities First areas in Neath
Port Talbot have benefited from projects funded by trust fund
money. Further information about the Trust Fund is available
here.
Communities First support Network website has further
information on the Trust Fund.
Downloads
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