The Way Forward for the Community Sector in Carmarthenshire

Liz Dutch and Ceri Davies, Shelter Cymru

CAVS’ AGM looked forward to the future for the community sector in Carmarthenshire.

Jayne Jeffs, the Chair of the Local Health Board launched the Compact Consultation which is looking for views from the voluntary sector on the shared values and principles and working practices set out in the compact. Dr Brickchand Ramruttun, Health and Social Care Partnership Manager spoke about the consultation on the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy.

They were followed by CAVS Business Manager, Cris Tomos, who outlined the next steps for CAVS and its support for the community and voluntary sector in Carmarthenshire. The most exciting development in the near future is the development of the new Mount Centre in Carmarthen funded by the Welsh Assembly, National Lottery and County Council. Work has began on building the centre which will include a basement recording studio and provide room and equipment hire for the sector. Cris launched an appeal for appropriate memorabilia to be put in the time capsule which is to be sealed in the building’s foundations.

Rounding off the session were two presentations from community organisations. Liz Dutch and Ceri Davies from Shelter Cymru introduced a three year project they’re working on with smaller rural communities in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, this project will help the communities recognise and realise their rights with a comprehensive information resource, providing advice and information on housing, debt and welfare benefits.

Fay Sharpley of Popl y Fforest spoke about their ambitious project to create a community facility in Llansawel. It will include a community shop, IT and business facilities and rooms for visiting health professionals. The £850,000 building project will be environmentally friendly and aim to be self-sustaining.