About
UsCommunities First is a Welsh Government programme which funds small teams of Community Development Workers based in some of Wales’ most disadvantaged areas.
The Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First Team is based at Dove Workshop, Banwen and their aim is to support groups of people to work together and take action on local issues that they care about. This action can take many forms, from setting up youth activities or running a credit union collection point, to delivering a cooking course and facilitating an environmental project. Equally so, the support we offer is just as varied, and can involve help with filling out an application form, organising an event or facilitating a meeting.
We believe that the most important thing is that all the work we’re involved in, all the action that takes place and all the issues that are addressed, is informed and directed by the residents, stakeholders, and people of our communities. It is, after all, about putting communities first…
Dean has worked for Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First since November 2002,
and is responsible for coordinating the Partnership Work Programme, supporting
the development of local groups and facilitating community action. Dean
has a particular interest in evaluating community work to monitor outcomes
and impact, and learn from local projects. Dean is involved in several
projects throughout the valley, as well as being a director of Community
Development Cymru since October 2008. If you would like any support to
applying for funding or advice on how to develop a project, contact Dean
on 01639 701169 or email deancawsey@btconnect.com.
Denise Lewis has worked with Communities First for the past nine years.
Denise began her role as Administrative Assistant in December 2002 and
then took on the role of Development Worker in January 2005. Denise works
alongside the co-ordinator and administrator in identifying areas of need
and helping to take forward local projects. Denise has an interest in health
initiatives, particularly cooking and healthy eating, and facilitates the
Get Cooking project. Denise supports and develops the participation in
Communities First of all individuals and groups in the Upper Dulais Valley,
identifying training needs to increase confidence and skills of residents
and the community. You can contact Denise on 01639 701169 or
email lewisdenise@btconnect.com.
Sarah Williams has been a team member with Communities First for the past
two years, and works alongside the Co-ordinator and Development Worker
in assisting in the delivery of projects and the everyday running of the
office. Sarah produces the quarterly Communities First Newsletter, “Cwmdulais
Uchaf”, and works on developing the Credit Union locally and the
Community Skips initiative with Keep Wales Tidy and local volunteers. You
can contact Sarah on 01639 701169 or email cwmdualaisuchaf@btconnect.com,
with ideas for newsletter articles or if you would like to become a member
of Neath Port Talbot Credit Union.