Place Study Background the Community to Share Information and Collaborate on Creating Focusing on the Five Wards That Make up Llanelli Town, Cynefin Change

The Llanelli We Want Image 1 - Map of CynefinWorking ActivitiesConference together as a Community 2014The community, voluntary, public andAttendees private atsector the Cefn co -producingMawr Tourism event a vision discussfor a more priorities resilient as equals and . vibrant Llanelli.

Place Study Background the community to share information and collaborate on creating Focusing on the five Wards that make up Llanelli Town, Cynefin change. has worked with all possible stakeholders to understand the challenges and uncertainties facing communities and the changes The Llanelli Community Partnership decided that it should be re- needed to build a resilient town. sponsible for active engagement with local communities in order to develop a vision for a better future. The aim was that the infor- Llanelli is a post industrial town that has well documented social mation gathered would be shared with all stakeholders in order to challenges around deprivation, health and employment opportu- provide a forum in which communities are key partners, and work nities. It also faces many environmental challenges around flood- in collaboration with others to develop plans, strategies and poli- ing and water quality. Much of Llanelli Town qualifies for Com- cies, and are directly involved in decisions surrounding new ways munities First support and also benefits from many other short of providing services. term funded projects. The Town centre has suffered from the development of out of town shopping areas, although large regeneration projects and other initiatives are seeking to redress some problems.

What Happened? Through many conversations with active groups, organisations, councillors and public sector bodies, Cynefin gathered a rich understanding of current workstreams, directions of travel, gaps, barriers and opportunities. Cynefin formed a strong relationship with Llanelli Town Council and was instrumental in developing a programme of training for Councillors around understanding and engaging with communities. Llanelli Town Council are a very pro- gressive body that strive to ensure they constantly listen to community needs. Using all information gathered and statistical information, Cynefin supported the development of The Llanelli Community Partnership by facilitating the coming together of all the old Communities First steering groups. The Llanelli We Want Conference

The Llanelli Community Partnership The Llanelli Community Partnership is a body made up from local The Llanelli We Want residents and representatives from organisations, public bodies The Llanelli We Want was an exciting community engagement and private businesses that have a stake in the future of Llanelli. process that saw over 2000 conversations around the changes The Partnership is facilitated by Llanelli Town Council and enables needed in Llanelli. Using the momentum generated by the Well-

A Wales of Well-being of Sustainable Development Principle - ways of working

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Generations A prosperous A resilient A healthierA A more A Wales of culture and A globally (Wales) Act 2015 resilient equal cohesive thriving responsible

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Wales Wales Well-being Goals communities Welsh Wales

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Collaboration Involvement being of Future Generations Act and the Wales We Want national promote the benefits of locally grown food. Individuals from conversations, Cynefin facilitated a town wide conversation in within the Partnership have accessed Communities First funding places such as Residents Associations, community events, shop- to support the development of education programmes to pro- ping centres, pop up shops, roadshows, schools, youth clubs and mote healthy food/ budgeting, food co-ops and possibly the crea- many more. tion of a Llanelli Cook Book. The aim is to identify potential land Following the campaign, Cynefin and Llanelli Community Partner- available for food growing within Llanelli, promote the Town ship held a conference to ensure that National, Regional and Lo- Council Allotments and look for innovative ways to grow food in cal Authority plans connected with local needs and aspirations. an urban area.

Local Priorities: Moving Forward - Ymlaen Llanelli A Resilient Llanelli The Llanelli Community Partnership continue to meet on a quar- This project will involve working with all groups within the town terly basis. Cynefin has helped to create a Development Officer to map out vulnerabilities, strengths, skills, knowledge and re- Group that supports the partnership by informing on current sources within each ward, as highlighted in the Dyfed Powys Risk workstreams, and is also able to communicate the community’s Register. Working together with the emergency services, the views to decision makers. This work will continue to be supported Llanelli Town Partnership can be one of the partners that help by the Town Council and forms part of their forward planning. with preparing a community, communicating information and co- ordinating a response after any kind of emergency. The Well-being of Future Generations Act will require Llanelli Town Council to be part of the Local Well-being plans and to de- liver towards the seven goals. Cynefin has supported the council to ensure that the whole process meets those requirements and has prepared them for new ways of working. Llanelli is now part of a group of councils and are assisting the other councils to pre- pare for the legislation and to bring decision making closer to the people.

Creating a Resilient Future: Parents and Children in Maes y Morfa School co-creating a Community Emergency Plan.

A Vibrant Town Centre This work will involve bringing a community voice to future devel- opments in the town centre. Building on links with the Business Investment District, Carmarthenshire’s Regeneration Team and Communities First, the Llanelli Partnership will offer opportunities for the local community to play a key role in identifying barri- The Llanelli we want conference ers to utilising Llanelli Town Centre and offer innovative solutions to building a vibrant and healthy experience for local people. Stakeholders Involved Llanelli - Celebrating Culture Llanelli Town Council, Llanelli Community Partnership, Llanelli has a rich culture and history and the Llanelli Community Carmarthenshire County Council, Communities First, Natural Partnership believe that this heritage needs to be celebrated. Resources Wales, Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire Building on the recent success of events like the National Eistedd- Authority, Welsh Ambulance Service, Public Health Wales, Dwr fod and many others, the aim is to promote the culture of Llanelli Cymru/Welsh Water, Western Power Distribution, Cynnal Cymru, and the people who live in the town. Developing the strong links One Voice Wales, Welsh Government, Carmarthenshire Equalities with the French Twin Town of Agen, and the town’s Celtic con- Partnership, Y Lle, Spice, Tesco, Llanelli Multicultural Network, nections, the aim is to connect with work other groups are doing and many more... around community cohesion and respect. This will ensure that Llanelli Town Centre promotes its rich and diverse heritage, cul- Stakeholders’ Comments ture and variety of languages. “The town council is pleased to be involved in the development of the partnership and recognises the expertise of the Cynefin officer Llanelli - A Growing Community has been invaluable” Working with local organisations and growers, this project willMel Edwards- Llanelli Town Council

Place Coordinator: Aled Owen Contact: [email protected]

Telephone: 01597 828 874 Website: www.cynefinwales.org.uk