Communities First – Futures; The future?

As we approach the ‘official’ end of Communities First as we know it, and enter the transition to a new version of the programme, we felt it timely to reflect on what we think has been the most important things during the past decade and update everyone on the current situation.

During August last year the Welsh Government released proposals to change Communities First, the main points being fewer, bigger areas to be known as clusters and a reduction in the number of organisations which directly receive funding to employ staff and run projects. In addition, there were also a suggested number of posts across a cluster and target population of around 10-15,000 residents.

Since then, the Welsh Government has held several consultations and meetings with key stakeholders from existing Communities First areas, but broadly speaking little has changed from their original ideas set out above. Locally, we have had to come to terms with the fact that change is likely, and we have sought to take a lead on proceedings by developing links with other areas that may form a potential cluster footprint – namely, Ystradgynlais and Ystalyfera Communities First, as well as Pantyffynon Communities First, a small village just outside Amanford, which has expressed a desire to be a part of our proposed cluster.

Whilst there hasn’t been a great deal of progress in terms of formally agreeing a cluster and the relevant details that need to be approved by the Welsh Government, we continue to build networks and relationships across the area, and have a determination to maintain the things that we feel have made a difference to people, groups and communities throughout our valley. Communities First shouldn’t be about Government policies or ticking boxes; Communities First should be about people, and supporting them to change the things that they care about.

What has worked best in our valley during the past ten years, and in our humble opinion, are the projects that have been led by communities via committed people and strong organisations. When supported, be it financially through something like the Trust Fund or by helping organise an event or project, people and communities are able to achieve change together, and make a difference that benefits everyone. And it is that sense of people being right at the heart of making things happen that we are determined to keep for the next decade of Communities First, whatever it may look like.