Association of Voluntary Organisations

THE TABOR CENTRE (Valleys Family Church, CIO Charity Reg No : 1159465)

The need for a multi-use centre in

Composed by

Richard W Davies Economic Development Consultant Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations

Final Draft 21st August 2015

Richard W Davies i August 2015

SUMMARY

This research was commissioned by Valleys Family Church regarding The Tabor Centre, a community facility based in the former Tabor Baptist Chapel in Davies Street, Brynmawr and was undertaken in partnership with the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) for the purpose of identifying potential need for a multi-use community building for the town of Brynmawr. The town is situated at the head of the eastern valley of , the most Economically and Socially deprived area in South

The current research was conducted to survey the attitudes and opinions of the population of Brynmawr, across all age groups and genders.

The results of the research show :

Many responses are indicative of a community in decline, evidenced by negative opinions regarding economic, environmental and social conditions. There is also a clearly identified need for the provision of a multi-use community building in the Town. This research may also provide some insight into the mechanisms that underlie sustainable communities beyond economic factors.

CONTRIBUTORS

Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations Richard W Davies, Huw Lewis, Mandy Moore & Deb Jeffries.

Valleys Family Church Stuart Wheatman and his colleagues.

Richard W Davies ii August 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. Phase One Consultation- General Community Survey 1

3. Phase One Consultation Results 2

3.1 Section 1. Demographics 2

3.2 Section 2. Attitudes 3

3.3 Section 3. Facilities 5

3.4 Section 4. Comments 6

4 Suggested uses for the Facility 8

5 Phase Two Consultation- Tabor Open Day 9

5.1 Method 9

5.2 Publicity Arrangements 9

5.3 Results of Consultation 9

5.4 Results of Phase Two Consultations Analysed 11

5.5 Proposed Project Outcomes Derived from Needs 19

6 Phase Three Consultation- Expressions of Interest (Usage Survey) 19

6.1 Method 19

6.2 Results of the Usage Survey 20

6.3 Results of the Usage Survey Applied to Potential Weekly Room Hire 22

7. CONCLUSION 23

Richard W Davies iii August 2015

1. INTRODUCTION

The current research was commissioned by Valleys Family Church in conjunction with the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) in order to obtain evidence of need for the provision of a multi-use community building in the old Tabor Chapel, David Street, Brynmawr.

1.1. RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

Valleys Family Church wished to ascertain the main areas of need being currently felt by our community. In particular there was a desire to discover if the community felt there was the need for a multipurpose community building. The Trustees of Valleys Family Church decided to work in partnership with GAVO in order to facilitate a non-biased inter-disciplinary approach towards research in order to effectively evaluate people’s attitudes and opinions regarding their community at a local level. This research formed three distinct phases of Community Consultation. Phase 1 involved a community survey of a significant proportion of the local population. Phase 2 consisted of an Open Day Consultation using a more informal and less structured approach to ascertain further the opinions of the community. Phase 3 consisted of an expression of interest survey to determine interest from individuals and groups regarding potentially hiring rooms at such a Community Facility.

2. PHASE ONE CONSULTATION- GENERAL COMMUNITY SURVEY

A questionnaire was developed consisting of a number of scaled questions to which respondents could give one of five possible responses:

1.Strongly Disagree, 2. Disagree, 3. Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4. Agree and 5. Strongly Agree.

These questions were then divided into four sections :

Section 1. Demographics Looked at Gender, Age and how long the respondents had lived in the Community.

Section 2. Attitudes Looked at how respondents see their community and what problems they encountered.

Section 3. Facilities Looked at respondents’ views of local facilities.

Section 4. Comments Asked respondents to comment on how they saw their community, what could be done to improve it and what they would like to see from a new local community centre.

Richard W Davies 1 August 2015

3. PHASE ONE CONSULTATION RESULTS

The results of the survey are presented here as numbers of respondents and percentage of responses given to each question and these are illustrated using bar and pie charts for convenience of interpretation. Exactly 300 people were interviewed and responses recorded. The interviews were conducted by volunteers in Valleys Family Church with general members of the public in the vicinity over the period of a couple of months. The methodology used was varied and included door knocking at various housing estates within Brynmawr, street interviews, interviews in a local park, interviews with local Police and shopkeepers and interviews in a local youth club.

3.1 SECTION 1. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Question 3.1.1

Of the 300 people questioned we feel we had a good representation across the genders which almost mirrored the official Blaenau Gwent male / female spread. Given the results of Question 3.3.2 it also gave an indication of what gender will be likely to use the centre.

Question 3.1.2

Richard W Davies 2 August 2015

Although we attempted to get an equal spread of all age groups that proved quite difficult and possibly that would not have given a fair indication of what age groups are likely to want to use the Centre. One should bear in mind that the surveys were predominantly carried out during the day and those respondents are likely to be the users availing themselves of the centre’s facilities. Also that the largest group interviewed represented less than 20% of the total so we feel we had a fair spread of views across all ages.

Question 3.1.3

Over 50% of all respondents have lived in Brynmawr ‘all their lives’. 63% of respondents have lived there for ‘more than 6 years. These are the people perfectly placed to offer solid opinions on the questions raised and the need (or not) for a new facility and the ones likely to use it.

3.2 SECTION 2. ATTITUDES

Question 3.2.1

This question resulted in an overwhelming dismissal of available facilities for the young in Brynmawr as over 84% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed with the question. Bear in mind the spread of the age groups questioned and a huge majority showed their deep concern about the lack of facilities for the young. Richard W Davies 3 August 2015

Question 3.2.2

This question was raised primarily because of the preponderance of ‘pay day loan’ companies and, worse still, ‘loan sharks’ in the North Gwent area. There has been a large increase in Bailiff activity in this area also, which shows the level of debt difficulty the community is in. The Tabor Centre plans to connect people with debt advice and Counselling as well as running courses in Money management. The response to the question would ascertain the need for such a service. The fact that only 13% of respondents feel that there is such help available indicates the services are needed.

Question 3.2.3

It is worth highlighting that 5 of the respondents to these questions were serving Police Officers from Brynmawr Police station, none of whom live in the area. Every one of them ‘Agreed’ that the statement was accurate and that a correlation between a lack of activity and increased crime was clear. The general public certainly felt this was the case with almost 85% supporting the claim. It is worth reading the ‘Comments’ section of this survey that supports these figures.

Richard W Davies 4 August 2015

3.3 SECTION 3. FACILITIES

Question 3.3.1

With the closure of the Leisure Centre in December 2014, this statement aroused a lot of emotion amongst respondents, with a great deal of it being aimed at the Local Authority. 68% felt there were insufficient facilities but we must emphasise that their responses were based on local (Brynmawr, Nantyglo and ) facilities.

Question 3.3.2

The question is, of course, a leading one as this research sets out to establish the need for the Tabor Centre. However, there is an overwhelmingly positive response to such a suggestion with only 2% not agreeing and 7% undecided. Once again the spectre of the closed leisure centre appeared with people condemning the decision to close it without exploring any alternative facilities. No-one is suggesting that the Tabor Centre can replicate the activities of the Leisure Centre but it is clear that there is a need for alternative activities which will partly compensate.

Richard W Davies 5 August 2015

Question 3.3.3

The response to this was overwhelmingly ‘Yes’ ! Of the 16 people who said ‘No’, 8 said they were ‘too old’. 93 % (280) of all respondents said they will use the facility. With the population of Brynmawr, alone, being 6,000, that is a potential usage of 5,580. We think further comment is unnecessary.

3.4. COMMENTS Each of the 300 respondents was given the opportunity to comment on each of the questions they were asked (1.1 to 3.3) as well as two specific questions :

“What is good about living in your community ?”

“What is bad about living in your community ?”

A large majority responsed to the first specific question by saying that “Brynmawr is a friendly community”, “The neighbours are good” and “The people”. This re-enforced the widely held opinion that the South Wales Valley Communities still hold onto that tight community spirit and are concerned about the welfare of others and the state of their community. Regrettably, a lot of younger respondents replied to that question with a terse “Nothing !”. This, combined with the responses to Question 2.1, indicates a serious need for some form of facility for the youth to use.

In response to the second specific question, the general consensus was that Brynmawr suffers from a serious problem with Teenagers drinking, taking drugs and with a number causing trouble. Now, whilst this may appear to be the default position of elder residents, a great deal of younger people and teenagers themselves made the same observation. There is a need for an immediate solution to this problem and one hopes that the Tabor centre can play a major role in resolving this.

Richard W Davies 6 August 2015

3.4. COMMENTS (cont’d...) The Council (Blaenau Gwent CBC) did not escape unscathed either with many unfavourable comments about their attitude towards Brynmawr and District with some claiming that gets far too much attention and finance.

Other notable comments were:

 “There is no recovery facility for addictions in Brynmawr”  “A community centre would be a brilliant idea and a benefit to the community”  “I would use the facility if it meant bringing the community together”  “We need something for all ages”  “Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!”  “Think outside the box and go for a centre for outdoor activities”  “I would use the centre but it depends on the buses”  “The sooner the better”  “Needs a Youth Club desperately”  “Get me out of the house”

Overall the comments were very positive in favour of a multi-purpose community centre However, there were some negative observations that deserve noting.

 “Ebbw Vale gets all the funding”  “The Centre would get vandalised”  “Nothing would work in Nantyglo”

An overall desire to make the Community flourish and improve life for the people of Brynmawr certainly prevails but there is an underlying feeling of hopelessness and negativity which seems to come from the recent setbacks that the Community has suffered with the closure of the Hospital, Comprehensive School and Leisure Centre in Nantyglo. Some people feel that the area has been abandoned as a ‘lost cause’. Any project that seeks to reverse this trend needs to be supported.

Richard W Davies 7 August 2015

4. SUGGESTED USES FOR THE FACILITY

These responses serve a dual purpose in indicating support for a Multi-Functional Community Centre and providing much needed marketing information for the Centre’s Management in deciding what type of functions should be provided.

In addition to the ‘standard’ activities indicated (Parent and Toddlers groups / Zumba / Fitness / Concerts / Clubs / Social Events / Education / Conferences / Help with finances) the other suggestions were (in no particular order of preference or amount of supporters :

Pensioners Luncheon Club Jumble sales Snooker & pool Singing Dancing classes Pantomimes, drama club Elderly Club Computer Facilities Youth Groups Father & Child events Out of term meetings Cafe for listening - Community Cafe Jobs Club A meeting centre for old & young together Chess Club Fund raising centre Comfort & Support Education and drop in centre for out of work Counselling English writing classes Meetings for AA, CA and NA Adult literacy Support & shower rooms for homeless Educational events Food bank Local history events Social Gatherings Housekeeping skills Family gatherings Ethical events Gymnastics Citizenship events Self defence classes Welsh medium activities

With responses from just 5% of the population of Brynmawr, there is clearly a need and a will to make such a facility workable and sustainable.

Richard W Davies 8 August 2015

5. PHASE TWO COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: TABOR OPEN DAY

5.1. METHOD

An Open Day for the general public was arranged at the Tabor building, 10am-2pm, on Saturday 29th November 2014.

5.2. PUBLICITY ARRANGEMENTS

 Advertised throughout Brynmawr with posters.  Extensive Social Media Campaign.  Article in Local Newspaper  A display of the proposed works  A computer simulated walkthrough visualisation of the proposed works  A flipchart for comments and ideas  A whiteboard chart with three questions and sticky notes people could write on and stick their thoughts to the board:

"What are Brynmawr’s biggest needs?"

"Does Brynmawr need a multi-purpose centre? Why?/Why Not?"

"What activities or groups would you like to see happening here?"

 Although there were these three different questions for the public to answer, we wanted to develop a different approach to the last structured interview survey questions. Therefore, to allow for an unstructured approach to assessment we allowed the public the flexibility to answer a specific question or to write down their ideas, so that our approach was an unstructured one for this particular Consultation Exercise. As a consequence, we shall present the results below all together, rather than answering specific questions. We will then perform data analysis on these notes to understand their significance.

5.3. RESULTS OF CONSULTATION

5.3.1. ATTENDANCE

A total of 70 members of the public came to the Open Day at the Tabor building. All ages from children and youth up to elderly. Visitors included the deputy of the local Business Forum and a delegation from the local Town Council (all very supportive of the project). All of the visitors were local, but five were from nearby towns.

5.3.2. PUBLIC COMMENTS: STICKY NOTES (EACH NEW BULLET IS A NEW NOTE)

 "Wonderful to see Church open. It would be good if it was used as a community building."  "Liaise with careers service regarding skills to work computer courses."  "Venue for theatre productions?"  "Definitely would be a great welcoming place for local activities, community support and

Richard W Davies 9 August 2015

help."  "Yes because there is nothing around the area that is as useful as this building would be in benefitting the whole of the community and allowing a space for the different generations."  "Various classes and clubs for all ages with visiting speakers. Handicrafts? Cooking classes?"  "Charity work, Foodbank distribution, local awareness issues. Drop-in advice surgery."  "Adult learning resources."  "Entertainment. Bingo. Quiz night. Sports. Mothers and toddlers. Christmas plays. Kids clubs. Bible study. Job clubs."  "Things for all ages. Youth clubs. Mother & toddler clubs."  "Sky Sports to watch the game."  "I think this building and their plans is great for the community. It is something that is desperately needed. There is nothing at the moment in this area for the children, teenagers and not a lot for the adults either."  "Luncheon clubs for the elderly."  "Yes, because it will be a great building to allow for people of all ages to socialise with others within the community."  "The building would be good especially to help the homeless either through having a place to keep warm or place to have food. Food Banks. A place where people can come into to have a friend. As well as charity work."  "Youth clubs. Coffee mornings. Quiz nights. Parties. Meetings. Gatherings. Charity events. Entertainment. Educational skills clubs. Christmas activities (seasonal)."  "Coffee mornings."  "I’d like to see people’s lives changed through this building and more community and more purpose!"  "In this building I would like to see Bingo. Quiz nights. Youth clubs. Indoor Sport. Mother and toddler."  "Visiting speakers to give talks on local history. Social concerns e.g. historians, Police, Town Councils."  "It would be a good place for concerts. Support groups for teenagers and adults. Get togethers- e.g. coffee mornings. Youth clubs. Mother and toddler groups. Charity work. Study groups."  "I think the building would be suitable for the U3A (University of the Third Age). In Crickhowell we have to use lots of different venues so this would be easier. We have in excess of 25 groups e.g. Bird Watching, Art History, Book Clubs, Astrology, Bridge, Art, Gardening, Opera, Theatre, Poetry, Spanish, Play reading, Welsh Matters etc."  "I think the plans are great and it’s going to be a great asset to the community."  "Yes, because there is nowhere around Brynmawr where the community can get involved."  "Job clubs? Computer access? Volunteering. Work experience placements via Jobcentre Plus. Can help with recruitment via Jobs Growth Wales."  "This would be a great place for community events."  "Kids and youth events. Helping with social needs- poverty, homelessness. After school facilities. Family and parental advisory groups. OAP groups."  "A place that is fit for charity events and disabled people. This would be a safe place for all needs. A building suitable for homeless people to warm up etc. A great community building that benefits everybody."  "Wonderful project for all in Brynmawr, young and old, much needed in the Town."  "Yes, because there is nowhere for the youth to go."  "Building for the homeless to shower, eat and stay warm for a while. Food banks. Charity

Richard W Davies 10 August 2015

work."

5.3.2. PUBLIC COMMENTS: FLIPCHART

 "This building will be a great contribution to the society!!!"  "The building will have a positive impact on the community."  "Close knit Community (bring the Community closer)."  "Youth club. Meeting clubs for the older generation. Support groups. Parent and Toddler groups. Bingo. Fundraising. Food Bank. Overnight shelter for the homeless. Charity work. Coffee mornings. Study groups."  "Community advice line."  "Food Bank."  "Brynmawr info point."  "Toy hire, book club."  "Internet hotspot."  "Church days out. Youth days out. Sleep-overs."  "Parent and toddler groups. Breast feeding support group."  "Mental health support group/meeting."  "Alpha courses."  "CAP meetings."  "A kid’s play group (primary age)."  "Children in Need support."  "Entertainment."  "Concerts, plays, drama, dance."  "Gatherings."  "Quiz nights."  "Counselling."  "Luncheon Clubs."  "Coffee mornings."

5.4. RESULTS OF PHASE TWO CONSULTATION ANALYSED

5.4.1 ANALYSIS METHOD

From these answers we will perform a thematic data analysis exercise in order to ascertain and summarise the felt needs identified by our community. We will use the results of the Open Day questions written down by the public and we will look for common patterns, threads which appear in the answers and we will group them according to their content.

Where one contribution has different areas of content we will split that contribution into its different component areas. A few comments written down by the public may fit more than one category, so we will use those comments, duplicating them in each category they relate to.

For the purpose of our project we will collate the answers into four such component groups, using naturally recurring themes and we will use these four component groups to deduce the various needs our community is expressing which our project will aim to address and base its outcomes upon.

Richard W Davies 11 August 2015

5.4.2 SIMILAR THEME IDENTIFICATION

Four different threads appear to naturally emerge from the information shared by the public. We will use four different highlighter colours to expose these threads and then take each of the four threads in turn and identify the felt need which is being expressed by the community.

A) Sticky Notes:

 "Wonderful to see Church open. It would be good if it was used as a community building."

 "Liaise with careers service regarding skills to work computer courses."

 "Venue for theatre productions?"

 "Definitely would be a great welcoming place for local activities, community support and help."

 "Yes because there is nothing around the area that is as useful as this building would be in benefitting the whole of the community and allowing a space for the different generations."

 "Various classes and clubs for all ages with visiting speakers. Handicrafts? Cooking classes?"

 "Charity work, Foodbank distribution, local awareness issues. Drop-in advice surgery."

 "Adult learning resources."

 "Entertainment. Bingo. Quiz night. Sports. Mothers and toddlers. Christmas plays. Kids clubs. Bible study. Job clubs."

 "Things for all ages. Youth clubs. Mother & toddler clubs."

 "Sky Sports to watch the game."

 "I think this building and their plans is great for the community. It is something that is desperately needed. There is nothing at the moment in this area for the children, teenagers and not a lot for the adults either."

 "Luncheon clubs for the elderly."

 "Yes, because it will be a great building to allow for people of all ages to socialise with others within the community."

 "The building would be good especially to help the homeless either through having a place to keep warm or place to have food. Food Banks. A place where people can come into to have a friend. As well as charity work."

 "Youth clubs. Coffee mornings. Quiz nights. Parties. Meetings. Gatherings. Charity events. Entertainment. Educational skills clubs. Christmas activities (seasonal)."

 "Coffee mornings."

 "I’d like to see people’s lives changed through this building and more community and more Richard W Davies 12 August 2015

purpose!"

 "In this building I would like to see Bingo. Quiz nights. Youth clubs. Indoor Sport. Mother and toddler."

 "Visiting speakers to give talks on local history. Social concerns e.g. historians, Police, Town Councils."

 "It would be a good place for concerts. Support groups for teenagers and adults. Get togethers- e.g. coffee mornings. Youth clubs. Mother and toddler groups. Charity work. Study groups."

 "I think the building would be suitable for the U3A (University of the Third Age). In Crickhowell we have to use lots of different venues so this would be easier. We have in excess of 25 groups e.g. Bird Watching, Art History, Book Clubs, Astrology, Bridge, Art, Gardening, Opera, Theatre, Poetry, Spanish, Play reading, Welsh Matters etc."

 "I think the plans are great and it’s going to be a great asset to the community."

 "Yes, because there is nowhere around Brynmawr where the community can get involved."

 "Yes, because there is nowhere around Brynmawr where the community can get involved."

 "Job clubs? Computer access? Volunteering. Work experience placements via Jobcentre Plus. Can help with recruitment via Jobs Growth Wales."

 "This would be a great place for community events."

 "Kids and youth events. Helping with social needs- poverty, homelessness. After school facilities. Family and parental advisory groups. OAP groups."

 "A place that is fit for charity events and disabled people. This would be a safe place for all needs. A building suitable for homeless people to warm up etc. A great community building that benefits everybody."

 "Wonderful project for all in Brynmawr, young and old, much needed in the Town."

 "Yes, because there is nowhere for the youth to go."

 "Building for the homeless to shower, eat and stay warm for a while. Food banks. Charity work."

Richard W Davies 13 August 2015

B) Flipchart:

 "This building will be a great contribution to the society!!!"

 "The building will have a positive impact on the community."

 "Close knit Community (bring the Community closer)."

 "Youth club. Meeting clubs for the older generation. Support groups. Parent and Toddler groups. Bingo. Fundraising. Food Bank. Overnight shelter for the homeless. Charity work. Coffee mornings. Study groups."

 "Community advice line."

 "Food Bank."

 "Brynmawr info point."

 "Toy hire, book club."

 "Internet hotspot."

 "Church days out. Youth days out. Sleep-overs."

 "Parent and toddler groups. Breast feeding support group."

 "Mental health support group/meeting."

 "Alpha courses."

 "CAP meetings."

 "A kid’s play group (primary age)."

 "Children in Need support."

 "Entertainment."

 "Concerts, plays, drama, dance."

 "Gatherings."

 "Quiz nights."

 "Counselling."

 "Luncheon Clubs."

 "Coffee mornings."

Richard W Davies 14 August 2015

5.4.3. FIRST THREAD EMERGING BY COLLATING SIMILAR ANSWERS: Yellow Thread

From the sticky Notes:

 "Wonderful to see Church open. It would be good if it was used as a community building."  "Yes because there is nothing around the area that is as useful as this building would be in benefitting the whole of the community and allowing a space for the different generations."  "I’d like to see people’s lives changed through this building and more community and more purpose!"  "I think this building and their plans is great for the community. It is something that is desperately needed. There is nothing at the moment in this area for the children, teenagers and not a lot for the adults either."  "I think the plans are great and it’s going to be a great asset to the community."  "Yes, because there is nowhere around Brynmawr where the community can get involved."  "This would be a great place for community events."  "Yes, because there is nowhere for the youth to go."  "Wonderful project for all in Brynmawr, young and old, much needed in the Town."  "A place that is fit for charity events and disabled people. This would be a safe place for all needs. A building suitable for homeless people to warm up etc. A great community building that benefits everybody."

Also from the Flipchart:

 "This building will be a great contribution to the society!!!"  "The building will have a positive impact on the community."  "Internet hotspot."

CONCLUSION 1:

Brynmawr as a Town feels the need for the provision of a Multi-Purpose Community Building facility accessible to all.

5.4.4. SECOND THREAD EMERGING BY COLLATING SIMILAR ANSWERS: Green Thread

From the sticky Notes:

 "Definitely would be a great welcoming place for local activities, community support and help. "  "The building would be good especially to help the homeless either through having a place to keep warm or place to have food. Food Banks. A place where people can come into to have a friend. As well as charity work."  "Charity work, Foodbank distribution, local awareness issues. Drop-in advice surgery. "  "Charity events."  "Job clubs? Computer access? Work experience placements via Jobcentre Plus. Can help with recruitment via Jobs Growth Wales." Richard W Davies 15 August 2015

 "Job clubs."  "Charity work."  "Family and parental advisory groups."  "Helping with social needs- poverty, homelessness."  "Building for the homeless to shower, eat and stay warm for a while. Food banks. Charity work."

Also from the Flipchart:  "Food Bank."  "Brynmawr info point."  "Toy hire, book club."  "Community advice line."  "Children in Need support."  Support groups. Parent and Toddler groups.  "Parent and toddler groups. Breast feeding support group."  Fundraising. Food Bank. Overnight shelter for the homeless. Charity work.  "Mental health support group/meeting."  "Counselling."

CONCLUSION 2:

Brynmawr as a Town feels the need for greater levels of Community Support to be made available.

5.4.5. THIRD THREAD EMERGING BY COLLATING SIMILAR ANSWERS: Pink Thread

From the sticky Notes:

 "Coffee mornings."  "Coffee mornings."  "Luncheon clubs for the elderly."  "Sky Sports to watch the game."  "Entertainment. Bingo. Quiz night. Sports."  "Things for all ages. Youth clubs. Mother & toddler clubs."  "Youth clubs. Coffee mornings. Quiz nights. Parties. Meetings. Gatherings."  "In this building I would like to see Bingo. Quiz nights. Youth clubs. Indoor Sport. Mother and toddler."  "Venue for theatre productions?"  "Mothers and toddlers. Christmas plays. Kids clubs."  "Yes, because it will be a great building to allow for people of all ages to socialise with others within the community."  "Entertainment. Christmas activities (seasonal)."  "It would be a good place for concerts. Support groups for teenagers and adults. Get togethers- e.g. coffee mornings. Youth clubs. Mother and toddler groups."  "Yes, because there is nowhere around Brynmawr where the community can get involved." Richard W Davies 16 August 2015

 "Volunteering."  "Kids and youth events. After school facilities. OAP groups."  "I’d like to see people’s lives changed through this building and more community and more purpose!" Also from the Flipchart:

 "Close knit Community (bring the Community closer)."  "Church days out. Youth days out. Sleep-overs."  "Entertainment."  "Gatherings."  "Concerts, plays, drama, dance."  "Quiz nights."  "Youth club. Meeting clubs for the older generation.  Bingo.  "Luncheon Clubs."  "Coffee mornings."  "A kid’s play group (primary age)."

CONCLUSION 3:

Brynmawr as a Town feels the need for increased Community engagement

5.4.6. FOURTH THREAD EMERGING BY COLLATING SIMILAR ANSWERS: Cyan Thread

From the sticky Notes:

 "Liaise with careers service regarding skills to work computer courses."  "Various classes and clubs for all ages with visiting speakers. Handicrafts? Cooking classes? "  "Educational skills clubs."  "Adult learning resources. "  "Visiting speakers to give talks on local history. Social concerns e.g. historians, Police, Town Councils."  "I think the building would be suitable for the U3A (University of the Third Age). In Crickhowell we have to use lots of different venues so this would be easier. We have in excess of 25 groups e.g. Bird Watching, Art History, Book Clubs, Astrology, Bridge, Art, Gardening, Opera, Theatre, Poetry, Spanish, Play reading, Welsh Matters etc."  "Bible study. "  "Study groups."

Also from the Flipchart:

 "Study groups." Richard W Davies 17 August 2015

 "Alpha courses."  "CAP meetings."

CONCLUSION 4:

Brynmawr as a Town feels the need for greater access to learning opportunities.

5.4.7. WORD FREQUENCY ANALYSIS

We can further represent the needs expressed by our Community in this Open Day Consultation by noting the word frequency occurring in each of the different thematic areas of need expressed. In this way we can summarise the valuable verbal data they have given us.

Area of Need Expressed No. words used on Sticky Notes No. words used on Flip Chart Community Building Provision 229 25 Increased Community Support 129 55 Increased Community Learning 116 9 Increased Community Engagement 172 54

Thematic Word Frequency Graph

Richard W Davies 18 August 2015

5.5. PROJECT OUTCOMES DERIVED FROM NEEDS EXPRESSED BY THE COMMUNITY

Following our first two consultation phases we can now summarise desired outcomes for this project based upon clear needs expressed by our local community:

Keyword Need Expressed Proposed Project Outcome PROVISION Brynmawr as a Town feels the need More groups and individuals are able to for the provision of a Multi-Purpose hire well equipped, flexible, facilities in Community Building facility their locality which are sustainable over accessible to all. the long term

SUPPORT Brynmawr as a Town feels the need More people have increased access to for greater levels of Community support services, decreasing a sense of Support to be made available. hopelessness

ENGAGEMENT Brynmawr as a Town feels the need More people have a greater level of for increased Community engagement and increased sense of engagement belonging to their local community

LEARNING Brynmawr as a Town feels the need More people reach their potential and for greater access to learning improve their lives through increased opportunities. access to learning opportunities and skills development in the locality

6. PHASE THREE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: USAGE SURVEY

6.1. METHOD

A survey for potentially interested organisations and members of the public was devised and given out initially at a Community Festival opening in the Market Square in Brynmawr. A display was set up with computer generated pictures of the rooms which will be available in the building once the work is completed, and flyers were given out explaining about the main features of the project and what facilities will be available to use. At this event were a number of important local organisations which are potential users of the facility.

The survey was also given out at events during the week of the festival and then was given out at the local Business Forum meeting in Brynmawr. Business cards and flyers with information about the building were also given out and a verbal presentation given. This was then repeated again for a meeting with the local Rotary Club. The results of this particular survey are shown in this report, however, this process of networking with local organisations and Businesses will continue and we have developed a large database of local stakeholders as well as performed a Stakeholder Mapping Matrix and Scoping exercise of our locality so that we enhance and work in partnership with local groups and fill in the gaps to services.

Richard W Davies 19 August 2015

The survey asked interested parties their organisation name, what rooms they were interested in hiring, the frequency they were interested in hiring the rooms, and whether they were already renting a place locally. There were also places where people could write their comments and give further information.

Four different young people filled out interest forms for hiring the centre and, although their results are not presented as part of this particular report it suggests strongly that there is a strong interest from young people in also hiring the centre.

6.2. RESULTS OF THE USAGE SURVEY

We have collated the results of this initial survey into a table which gives us a good overview of the interest, even at such an early stage of the project (see over page).

Richard W Davies 20 August 2015

How often might you Rooms interested in What would you use Currently hire a room Details to last Name Organisation be interested in room hiring the room hire for? in Brynmawr? question hire? Use Gallery/Studio at Christine Artrooms Small hall , Breakout Workshops for moment but too small Monthly Yes Danter Studio/Gallery room 2, Kitchen Art/Painting and stairs. This would be for future plans. I hire a room but it's out I would use these of Town, I don't hire a rooms for David Williams TanTastic Breakout room 1 2 or 3 times a month Yes place in Town because interviews/Sales there's nowhere meetings suitable. Main Hall , Small hall , Youth Activities, Donna Rotary Club of Breakout room 1, Interact Club (11-18yrs). Weekly Yes Wallbank Brynmawr Breakout room 2, Board Various rooms for room, Kitchen, Cafe various activities

Groups, contact with Tai Calon Offices, Creche facility , Breakout children, review Blaina. Currently Lisa Jenkins MamsMatter room 1, Breakout room 2, More than once a week Yes meetings. May vary looking to have Board room, Kitchen each week permanent premises.

Monstar (Unstated, but presume Brynmawr Community Sarah Main Hall Training Yes Rebels weekly) Centre

Jean Henry n/a Small hall, Kitchen, Cafe Parties Yes

Small hall , Breakout Blaina Gwent Sharon room 1, Breakout room 2, Ebbw Vale Learning (BG) Foster Every few months Training and meetings No Beynon Board room, Kitchen, Action Centre (LAC) Carers Cafe Labour Hall Adrian and Philipino/British Main Hall, Small hall, Birthday, Anniversaries, as none Every few months No Lively Jones Community Kitchen, Cafe Xmas Party available in Brynmawr at the right price.

Brynmawr Main Hall, Small hall , Training , Community Learning Action Centre Mr W Hodgins Town Breakout room 1, Board Weekly Yes use (LAC), Brynmawr Partnership room

Creche facility, Small Lack of facilities in the M. George Personal Use (Unstated) Children's Parties No hall, Cafe area

Shows twice a year Young Main Hall, Small hall, More than once a week plus weekly practises, Sharon Howell Dimensions Breakout room 1, Yes Church Hall, Brynmawr and weekly presentation evenings Dance Troupe Kitchen, Cafe and social events.

Caroline Communities Main Hall, Creche facility, Training, delivery of More than once a week No Dearden First NEFC Breakout room 1, Kitchen health activities

Communities Creche facility, Small Training. Cookery M Hunter More than once a week Yes Blaina First hall, Kitchen classes. Keep fit

Keith (Personal use) Small hall Every few months Birthdays etc. Yes Catholic Church Hall

Venue for parties, such Use our home for a (left blank) (Personal Use) Small hall as children's birthday No party venue parties

Meng FuFeng (Family) Main Hall Weekly Community use No

PC 181 Heddlu Gwent Small hall, Breakout room Weekly Police surgeries No Lack of local facilities Richard Lewis Police 1, Cafe

Steve Bower Main Hall , Small hall , Brfm filming and Francesca Brfm Radio Breakout room 1, Monthly Yes Brynmawr Institute performance Long Breakout room 2, Cafe

Main Hall, Small hall, Breakout room 1, Community (Art Sarah Bevan (not stated) 2 or 3 times a month No Breakout room 2, classes, exhibits etc.) Kitchen, Cafe

Chapel Cottage No facilities presently Janiten Powell Main Hall, Kitchen, Cafe Once a year Art Exhibition No Studio available

We are always looking Laurence Cwm Male for new venues to bring Main Hall Once a year No Sharpe Choir our music to local communities

Looking for venues to Pauline Roden- Rotary Club of hold Rotary youth Main Hall, Kitchen, Cafe 2-3 times a year No Sharpe Brynmawr competitions/Rotary events Richard W Davies 21 August 2015

6.3. RESULTS OF THE USAGE SURVEY APPLIED TO POTENTIAL WEEKLY ROOM HIRE

When we take the data supplied by our interested parties regarding frequency of hire and the particular rooms they are interested in hiring, a potential weekly timetable can be devised to provide an idea as to how the centre will work in practise.

Richard W Davies 22 August 2015

7. CONCLUSIONS-

In conclusion then, it may be suggested that, despite the challenges they face, the people of Brynmawr have a strong desire for their community to thrive. Underneath the evident poverty there remains a strong sense of identity as well as a fervent love for the local environment and for the people of this area.

However, due to various factors, including economic decline, the provision of facilities at the local level is presently particularly poor; and this is severely hindering the opportunity for those living within the community to reach their full potential in life. In the past this community had to face the turmoil of huge levels of unemployment due to the decline in the coal, iron and steel industries. Now there is a feeling that this community has been abandoned regarding the provision of basic community facilities in favour of other towns in Blaenau Gwent, notably Ebbw Vale.

The results of this lack of provision seem to be far reaching and effecting all generations, as the survey results have shown. We can categorize these effects according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (the basic human needs as proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943). We will summarize each existing community need along with the difference a multi-purpose community centre could make in each area:

 Physiological needs- The basic physical human needs such as food, warmth, clothing and shelter can be met where there is adequate finance managed effectively. However, the current perceived lack of support available within the community of Brynmawr regarding basic budgeting skills and resolving spiralling debt issues means that many basic physical human needs are not being met as effectively as they could be. A multi-purpose community centre would provide the vehicle whereby various groups could address this need more effectively by engaging the community at this accessible point of contact and providing training in budgeting and support in debt reduction.  Safety and security- The perception within the community is that general crime levels, as well as levels of addiction to alcohol and illicit substances are particularly high in Brynmawr due to a lack of community provision. This leads to feelings within the community of social instability and fear. There is a particular concern that the youth in Brynmawr have nothing to do and so are more likely to get involved in bad behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse and crime. A multi-purpose community centre would engage greater numbers of people in the community, especially the youth. This would have a positive effect in reducing boredom amongst young people and also in reducing crime levels. It could also serve as a meeting place for support groups overcoming addiction issues in the community. A lack of recreational centres and spaces for clubs to hire also means fewer reasons for people in the community to leave their homes, resulting in apathy and decreased regular physical

Richard W Davies 23 August 2015

exercise. Consequently the health-related problems associated with a lack of exercise will increase, threatening health in this community. A community centre would be able to go some way to reverse this trend by providing exercise classes such as Zumba or Pilates. Less provision of services in a community also means fewer jobs available and the feelings of insecurity increase. The proposed community centre could be an ideal environment for job clubs, employment seminars and so on, and would itself also provide further employment within the community.  Love and belonging (social needs) - Socially, people are already suffering increased isolation due to the lack of places to connect with others in a meaningful way. The fact that 93% of the community stated they would use a multi-purpose community centre indicates there is a strong desire to connect with others but a lack of facilities to make that possible. The potential for a centre of this kind to engage large numbers of the community is immense.  Self esteem needs- The psychological implications of a current lack of provision within the Brynmawr community would appear to be an increased feeling of helplessness, lack of motivation, lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of pessimism and also depression. Some of the negative comments from this consultation illustrate this, with a general feeling of abandonment and a lack of hope and poor prospects for the future. A community centre opening up in the centre of Brynmawr would be a breath of fresh air for this suffering community and the courses and activities it could offer would make a significant difference to the self-esteem levels of a huge number of people in the community.  Self- actualization (the ability to reach our full potential)- Although individuals within the community may aspire to reach their full potential in life a lack of available local establishments able to host resources and training hinder these goals leading to discouragement. There are many in the community of Brynmawr who cannot drive and lack the available resources to run a car, and so the availability of provision for personal development needs to be local for many to reach their full potential in life. The proposed community centre would be ideally situated to enable a large number of people to connect with a diversity of disciplines enabling them to reach more effectively towards their goals and achieve their full potential in life.

It would seem that the provision of a multi-purpose community building in the heart of Brynmawr would provide far greater access to education, training and community activities than is currently available. The overwhelming response from this Community Consultation has indicated a strong desire by the community of Brynmawr for such a facility to be made available to members of the public.

If Brynmawr is to develop to become a sustainable community in terms of socio-economic growth and prosperity then meeting community needs across a diversity of areas is essential. A multi- purpose community centre enables this to become a viable reality by meeting community needs across a wide spectrum of areas and providing a sustainable resource that will continue to serve the community effectively for many years into the future.

The clear community desire for such a centre, coupled with incredible potential for such a vehicle to cause lasting regeneration and growth to such a needy community makes a strong case for the establishment of the centre for the community of Brynmawr and for the generations to come.

Richard W Davies 24 August 2015