Brackla Community Newsletter

2009 Newyddion Cumuned Bracla

CONTENTS Brackla Festival Page 2 & 3 Summer activities On August the 1st, Brackla Community Council held their Page 4 11th annual festival. The day was geared up to provide a fun “ Never to old”-A day with a day out for all the family, unfortunately due to the weather the difference event did not take place outside on the fields but was moved into Brackla Page 5 Community Centre, however fun was still had by all! “Brackla Live”, Youth Club Page 6 There were numerous stalls and activities to keep everyone entertained Brackla Communities First such as jewellery stalls, face painting, bouncy castle, raffle stalls, bric a Celebration Evening brac tables, an army assault course and a fantastic tombola with a huge Page 7 variety of raffle prizes ranging from children's games, teddies and drinks. A Footpath update delicious home made chocolate cake was also raffled off! Page 8 Training Opportunities As well as all the stalls and activities a traditional First Aid wellie throwing competition took place, which was Beginners Computer extremely popular. Congratulations to Steve Course Brookman who won the men’s and Karen Welsby who Jewellery Making Course won the females competition. Brackla Taekwondo Page 9 club also wowed the crowd with a series of martial art Connect to Work, Benefits displays. Advice, Credit Union Page 10 Communities First also had a stall at Age Concern, Communities the event, providing information First Trust Fund, Frutilicious about available training opportunities, Food Co-op Page 11 forthcoming events, information on establishing a PACT, Community Safety Partnership and news on the Footpath project taking place News in Brackla Meadows. A competition to name the Page 12 Communities First duck mascot was held and we can now Useful contact numbers proudly announce his name as ‘Bill’, which was suggested Meeting dates by Bobby Bromley.

Major of Bridgend Jefferson Tildesly, his consort, Audrey Brackla Community Survey Thomas and Cllr Craig Jones Chairman of Brackla We would like to thank everyone who completed the Community Council also attended the event . community survey, as this will enable the Communities First Team to build up a better picture of Overall the event was a huge success and money raised the community and its needs. will be going to the Stroke Association and a Cancer The questionnaires have now been gathered and a Charity . report will be produced in the near future. However it is not to late give your views on your community. If you have not yet completed a questionnaire please contact the Communities First Team and we will send one out to you, we would especially like to hear from male members of the community. Tel: 01656 815122

Congratulations to Alison who won the £25 shopping voucher for filling out the questionnaire Page 2

Summer Activities

So far this summer we’ve had typical British weather, however there are still some weeks left of the summer holidays, and still plenty for you to do. So why not go out and try something new and enjoy your summer .

Archdeacon John Lewis Summer play scheme

Open access summer play scheme for children aged between 8-13yrs old Starts Monday 27thJuly- Friday 21st August

Playschemes offer the chance to try a huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as arts and crafts, den building, junk music making, indoor and outdoor games and day excursions ( entrance fees for excursions will be required.

For more information call: 01656 642741 Bridgend County Borough Council operates its playscheme’ on an open access basis and parents attention is drawn to the fact that children may arrive at or leave the playschemes at any time during the published hours. Playschemes are not care schemes Page 3

Brackla Out of Hour Club situated in Brackla Primary School is open Monday –Friday School Term 3:15- 6pm, £6 per session

Open during School holidays Summer 09, Monday-Thursday 8:30-6pm, £22 per day. Price includes snacks, lunch and trips. All children from all schools welcome. Club will be closed from August 21st –Sep 7th 09.

CSSIW registered - provide care for children aged 3-11yrs old

Contact Mrs Claire Coskun, Senior Playworker Tel: 07969944056

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BRACKLA LIVE

Since the last newsletter, 3 more successful “Brackla Live” youth club sessions have been held at the Deaf Sports and Social Club on Coychurch Road, Bridgend on the last Friday of the month. The youth club has been aimed at 8- 15 year olds from Brackla and has had an average of 65 children and young people come through it’s doors. The youth club was initiated and developed by the local PCSO’s, Brackla Community Council, BCBC Youth Service and Communities First who recognised that there just wasn’t enough youth provision in Brackla.

Wales and West and Linc Cymru Housing Associations fund the cost of a mini bus from Graham’s Coaches to safely transport children to and from the SPAR, Triangle and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr to the club. Each session costs 50p entry, and activities include Nintendo Wii, Singstar and pool. A tuck shop is provided for the children to buy refreshments. All profits will subsidise future trips for youth club participants.

July’s Brackla Live was particularly lively as a disco was provided. DJ Adrian Lewis (aka site supervisor of Brackla Primary School) kindly provided the sounds while the kids threw some shapes. He was assisted by Andrew a pupil of the school and aspiring DJ.

The future of the youth club looks promising as Brackla Community Council has allotted funding to pay for the hire of the Deaf Club and additional qualified Youth and Play Workers. Brackla Residents Association have kindly provided the funds for a Nintendo Wii.

As of September the youth club will be run twice monthly, same time 6-8pm, same place. See below for the forthcoming dates. Forthcoming Dates

28th August 11th September 25th September 16th October 30th October—Halloween Fun! 13th November 27th November December*—Christmas Fun! 15th January 2010 29th January 12th February 26th February 12th March 26th March * date to be confirmed Page 6

BRACKLA COMMUNITIES FIRST CELEBRATION EVENING

On the 4th June 2009 the Brackla Communities First Team celebrated their 1st anniversary. It was also the celebration of the premier of a community DVD which showed community members who were involved in the Equality and Diversity event that look place on the 16th April. The DVD featured participants discussing issues such as age and nationality as well as looking back over historical events. The aim was to promote tolerance of “difference” amongst people whether it be locally or globally.

Each community member who took part in the event received a certificate and a copy of the DVD to show to friends and family.

Carwyn Jones AM congratulated participants and the progress of Communities First in it’s first year. The celebration was also attended by Louise Fradd, BCBC Corporate Director of Communities, Sue Whittaker, Communities First Manager, Cllr. John Spanswick and Brackla Community Councillors, South Wales Police and Wales & West Housing Association. Everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed watching the DVD. It was also lovely to see community members of all ages coming together to enjoy themselves and having the opportunity to chat with Carwyn Jones about their involvement with Communities First.

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FOOTPATH UPDATE Over the last year Communities First have been working in partnership with community members, Brackla Residents Association, South Wales Police, Safer Bridgend, Keep Wales Tidy, Highways department and Groundwork Trust Bridgend to regenerate the footpath leading from Clos-y-Waun to Bridgend town centre.

The probation team have already made a start by tackling the offensive and unpleasant graffiti from along the footpath. The photographs below show the footpath before and after the graffiti was painted over. As you can see this work has already made a huge difference to the look of the area.

Before

After

By working in partnership with Brackla Residents Association, Communities First have successfully secured funding from the Local Environmental Quality fund which is specifically for making environmental improvements in communities. This money has already funded an additional street light along the footpath, which was installed in July. Karen Welsby, the new chair of the Brackla Residents Association said, “The additional street lighting has been long awaited and will hopefully help to alleviate the concerns which members of the public have when walking up and down the footpath in the winter months. We would also like to thank the Communities First Team for helping us secure the funding which made this possible. The committee would also like to thank the previous committee members and previous Chair, Gordon Taylor for supporting Brackla Meadows community in the past”.

The funding is also going towards improving the landscaping of the area, Groundwork Trust Bridgend have been commissioned to undertake landscaping work on the area and undertake community planting days. In addition to this they are bringing in a community artist that will work with community members to design a welcome sign.

Plans have been drawn up to show examples of what landscaping improvements could be made and were on display for consultation at the Info day on the 27th July, and will also be available for viewing at the Environmental Fun Day on the 13th August on the green land between Clos-y- Waun and Clos-y-Wern. You can also see them on the Communities First website : www.bracklacommunitiesfirst.btik.com For any further information call Allison Pesticcio on 01656 812120 Page 8

Training Opportunities

Brackla Communities First Team will be running a First Aid Course on:

Friday 18th September Brackla Primary School, the portacabin 9:15-3:15pm There is no charge for this course and lunch will be provided

Spaces are limited — Bookings only. Call Ruth on 01656 815122 or email: [email protected]

Beginners Computer

Course Have you ever wanted to make you own jewellery?

Brackla Communities First along with Bridgend Yes– then come along to our 10 week jewellery College will be running a 10 week beginners making classes computer course on On Monday 21st September ( then every Wednesday 23rd September ( then every following Monday) Wednesday) At Brackla Communities First, Brackla Primary School 1-3pm at Brackla Tabernacle 1:30-3:00pm Cost for 10 week course This course will be OCN certificated £6 - If you work under 16hrs per week There is no charge to this course - spaces are £20 - If you are in receipt of an occupational limited pension ( not state pension) £28– If you work over 16hr per week Bookings only. Call Ruth on 01656 815122 Places must be booked before September Or email [email protected] Book now call Ruth on 01656 815122 or email [email protected]

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Sam Lott A4E Employment coach Will be based at the Action for Children Centre, Clos-y-waun Every other Thursday 2- 4:30pm Or contact her direct on 07850 909285

LOOKING FOR WORK? Take a look at the Brackla Communities First website, we have a job vacancies page advertising local jobs and links to other useful job sites such as Job Centre Plus and Total Jobs GO TO www.bracklacommunitiesfirst.btik.com

Bridgend Housing & Council Tax Benefits Save with Bridgend Lifesavers Credit THE TAKE UP TEAM Union

The Take Up Team is part of Bridgend County Start saving right way with just £2 and two forms of Borough Council’s (BCBC) Benefits Service. It has identification. been setup to increase awareness and make it easier for people on low incomes to get the help available You can then save as little or as much as you want towards their rent and Council Tax. using, standing order, cheque, cash, payroll deduction from certain employers, also benefit The Take Up Team offers a personal, professional payment and confidential service. It provides advice over the phone, home visits to assist with completing the Benefits application form, and a Fast Track service You can also apply for a Loan that will ensure your claim is normally processed • Instant loan charged at 26.82% APR within 24 hours of a home visit. • Secured loans charged at 7.2% APR

The Take Up Team can be contacted on 01656 We also offer FREE life assurance and child trust 643362 or by email:[email protected]. Talk funds. to Chris or Nicola to find out more about this new dynamic service and how it could benefit you, your You closest credit union can be found at the Action family or your friends. for Children centre, Clos y Waun, every Tuesday 10- 11:00am Visit Us Or the co-op store on the triangle , every Friday 10- Come and talk to Chris and Nicola on Thursdays 12pm between 10.30 and 12.30pm at the NCH building, Clos y Waun, Brackla Meadows. We look forward to For more information please call answering your questions. 01656 729912 Page 10

Bridgend & District Age Concern now have a volunteer representative covering the Brackla area. Carolyn Lewis will be present at the over 50’s club held at Brackla Community Centre between 1:30pm –3:30pm and will be available to help with form filling and offering advice. For further information contact Carolyn on : 01656 663432 or email [email protected] or contact Wendy Brigg Age Concern Bridgend and District Co-ordinator voluntary services on : 01656 785910.

Communities First Trust Fund Could your local group benefit from some funding?

The Trust Fund aims to support any type of activity that involves local people of all ages, to help them make a real difference to the community they live in.

Grants can be awarded up to £5000 to build on existing activities or initiate new ones. These activities must provide some measure of economic, environmental or cultural benefit.

Projects should aim to encourage more community involvement and the restoration of community spirit and pride in making a Communities First area a better place to live.

Who can apply If you are a small community led organisation and/or are a non for profit group with an annual income under £150,000 You are working in and involving people from a Communities First area, or if you are based outside the area, the beneficiaries must be living in a Communities First area.

How to Apply Contact the Communities First Help Line to get more information, application forms and advice Tel: 0800 587 8898 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.wcva.org.uk Or contact the Communities First Team : 01656 815122 email: [email protected]

Every Friday 1:15-2:15pm

Brackla Community Centre (Whitethorn drive)

Great value bags of quality fruit, veg or salad at just £2.50 each

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Order and pay for bags in advance and collect the following week Healthy Start Vouchers accepted

Please note that all produce must be collected by no later than 2:15pm, produce can not be collected the following week and unfortunately no refund can be given.

For more information call 01443 402317

Volunteers Needed Due to the success of the food co-op more volunteers are needed, could you spare 1hr of your time to help? If you would like to help please call 01443 402317 or pop into see some of the volunteers on Friday. Page 11

YOUR LOCAL PACT MEETING DRUG RELATED

LITTER The Partners and Communities Together meetings (PACT) takes place the last What is drug related litter? Thursday of every month in Brackla Junior School at 18:30pm. Drug related litter is the term used for the waste that drug This is your opportunity users leave after injecting, to meet your local normally it comprises of needles Neighbourhood Policing and syringes. Team, Council and other For non emergencies call 101. Partnership agencies What to do if you find drug that work in Brackla. It 101 is the 24hr telephone related litter? would be great to see number provided by Police in new faces to contribute Wales to deal with non to the issues in the emergency calls. DO NOT TOUCH THE community. Whether you You can use 101 to EQUIPMENT

have any problems, • Report a non-emergency issues or concerns or crime. DO NOT attempt to pick up or would just like to get involved everyone is move needles or syringes • Report anti-social welcome. behaviour, harassment or

intimidation. DO telephone Bridgend County If you would like any further information please Borough Council on 01656 contact: • Report drunken or rowdy behaviour. 643443 PCSO Kerry Davies 07805301477 • Report dangerous driving. PCSO Scott Mercer 07805 301435 • Speak to the Police about a Other useful telephone numbers general enquiry. The next PACT meeting is on 27th Only use a mobile telephone Safer Bridgend– deal with issues August—6:30pm at Brackla Primary when it is safe and legal to do that effect your community School. so. including anti social behaviour: To view the PACT priorities go to 01656 679935 101 has not replaced 999, in an Crime stoppers– 0800 6335588 www.ourbobby.com emergency always call 999.

‘Crime is tackled more effectively when local people work together with the police and other criminal agencies. The 'Community Crime Fighters' Programme developed by the Home Office aims to develop stronger links between crime-fighting agencies and the communities. They are members of the public who are actively involved in their community and want to do or know more.

In December 2008 the first Crime Fighters training began, and to date over 1500 local activists have taken part in the programme. If residents work alongside the police, the council and Housing Associations' (where applicable) in terms of tackling anti-social behaviour and are interested in making sure their community is a safe place to live, they may like to attend one of the Community Crime Fighters events which are taking place.

In South Wales, the Community Crime Fighter training is taking place in Cardiff on Thursday 5th November 2009. The day starts at 9.30am and will be finished by 4pm. It is free to attend and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Help is available with travel costs if required. To find out more you can visit www.communitycrimefighters.org.uk.

If you are a Wales & West resident, please contact Claire Bryant on 0800 0522526 who will be able to book a place for you. These events are aimed at volunteers and community activists, and are open to people who are over the age of sixteen and not in full time education.’

Community Crime Fighters Club benefits After attending the training you will be offered a range of additional support which includes: • Access to a Community Crime Fighters telephone support line • Quarterly newsletter • Additional training opportunities Page 12

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Communities First Co-ordinator Births & Deaths Police Community Allison Pesticcio 01656 642392/642393 Support Officers 01656 815120 Kerry Davies Marriages 07805301477 Communities First Development 01656 2391 or 01656 642395 Linc–cymru Worker 02920 473767 Ruth Hounsell Age Concern Cymru 01656 815122 02920371566 NCH Family Centre 01656 766067 Communities First Admin Assistant Crime Stoppers Adele Jones 0800 555 111 Valleys2 Coast 01656 815121 01656 762487 National Rail Enquires Brackla Residents Association 0845 484950 Just@sk Karen Welsby (chair) 01656 651585 Genesis Wales & West 0800 1804320 Drinkline 0800 0522526 0800 9178282 Job centre Plus Benefit Enquiry Line 0845 6013614 Drugscope 0800 88 22 00 0870 7743682 Oaktree doctors surgery BAVO 08444771795 Safer Bridgend 01656 872614 01656 679935 NHS Direct Bridgend Youth Service 0845 4647 Macmillan cancer 01656 724057 relief Co-op Pharmacy 0808 8082020 Bridgend County Borough Council 01656 669802 01656 643643 Bridgend care & Bridgend Citizens Advice repair Technical Waste Bureau 01656 648417 01656 643443 01656 762800 MEETINGS Brackla Residents Association Meets last Tuesday of every month at NCH building 6.00-7:00pm

Wales and West Housing Association drop in surgery Every Thursday 10:30-12:30pm No appointment necessary Linc Cymru Housing Association drop in Surgery Every Thursday 10:30-11:30am No appointment necessary Communities First Every Thursday 10.30-12.30pm , no appointment necessary Police Surgery Every Thursday 10:30-12:30pm

PACT Brackla Junior School 6:30-7:30pm Dates on www.ourbobby.com