Communities First Advice and Support Service

10 Dec 2009

Since January 2009 WCVA has been delivering an Advice and Support Service for all Communities First (CF) Partnerships and staff in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).

Many CF Partnerships in Wales have identified priorities, devised projects and are working to Local Action Plans in order to influence the service delivery in the deprived communities in which they operate. In the transition to a more ‘outcome focused’ approach for the CF programme, support provision was reshaped and the Advice and Support Service is providing flexible, responsive assistance to Partnerships in areas such as:

  • Project planning and funding
  • Working with service providers
  • Legal advice
  • Publicising their activities
  • Conflict resolution
  • Running their meetings effectively
  • Making use of the Outcomes Fund, a new fund delivered by WAG for CF Partnerships to access to help influence programme bending locally

Already a number of Partnerships across Wales have received support on matters such as:

  • Merging two Partnerships
  • Refreshing Partnership members’ understanding of the role of a CF Partnership
  • Legal advice related to working with children and young people
  • Beginning a community newsletter
  • Community development practice in areas new to the programme
  • Conducting a community consultation

There are broadly four ways in which support is provided. Firstly, Russell Todd, CF Advice Co-ordinator, or Megan Jones, CF Advisor, who have extensive experience and knowledge of the CF programme, can handle enquiries. Russell is based in WCVA’s Cardiff Bay office, while Megan is based in WCVA’s Aberystwyth office.

Secondly, should a CF Partnership be a member of WCVA the many services that are already available to third sector organisations can also be accessed.

Thirdly, WAG has made a budget available to the Advice and Support Service that can buy in support from specialist, external agencies to work directly with people, paid or voluntary, involved in the CF programme. Lastly, WCVA recognises that a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience already exist within the CF programme throughout Wales and the Advice and Support Service will encourage and support Partnerships to help each other to share ideas, practice and resources.

Both Megan and Russell are available on the Communities First Helpline 0800 587 8898 between 9am and 5pm or help@wcva.org.uk and are able to liaise with Partnerships in either Welsh or English.