THE latest community news from Penparcau

Community forum

A COMMUNITY group making life better for residents of the largest disadvantaged area of Ceredigion has received a prestigious award.

Penparcau Community Forum is among 21 groups and individuals who devote themselves to projects in their local communities to get national recognition at the 2018 Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The presentation of the awards run by Wales Council for Voluntary Action took place at The Cornerstone in Cardiff, with the ceremony hosted by WCVA Vice President Tom Jones and Chief Executive Ruth Marks.

Winners in six nomination categories of adults, young people (under 25 years), groups, green volunteers, digital volunteers and trustees are being presented with awards to mark their fantastic contributions.

“Wales is famous for being a welcoming nation, and we’re increasingly acknowledged for our willingness to help others for no personal gain,” said Ruth.

“WCVA is very proud of our seemingly endless supply of amazing volunteers and our awards programme is a fitting opportunity for us to show our gratitude in front of a national audience.”

Penparcau is primarily made up of a large housing estate with around 3,200 residents, including 800 young people, 40 per cent of whom live in poverty.

Penparcau Community Forum was formed - after Communities First funding was withdrawn in 2013 - with the aim of developing sustainable and inclusive activities and facilities for the benefit of all.

Since then, the Forum has secured a total £1.2m to build a community centre which houses a café, training kitchen, youth zone, training room and changing facilities, all of which are aimed at upskilling young people and families.

The Forum also runs a food co-op and much-needed foodbank with surplus food from local supermarkets given out to residents every Saturday.

The group’s Youth Forum runs a year-round programme of activities and events for children and young people, while the Hub also hosts a dance school and Bounce Fit, and courses and workshops for various ages and groups.

“Penparcau Forum is held up by many as an excellent example to other communities and especially as a resilient community,” said Debra Croft of Aberystwyth University.

“It really does stand out as a forum where the volunteers use all the skills available to them to make life better for the wider community. As well as developing training and skills, they look at the wider picture of wellbeing, including environmental, health, safety and finance initiatives.”

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