Thursday
18
April
Open Newtown praised in national report
01/12/2020 @ 08:01
Open Newtown has been highlighted for its "vital work" in a Wales-wide report.
The project, which has been opening up green areas of the town for recreation and community use, has been named along with 14 other groups in Wales for its work.
The research was commissioned by Building Communities Trust (BCT) and partners WCVA, Wales Coop, DTA Wales, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and Planed.
"Mapping Community Assets in Wales is a report written by Funding Assist and showcases Open Newtown as providing vital services to the community, holding it up as an example of good practice that other groups elsewhere in Wales could emulate," said a statement by the group.
"The study maps out, for the very first time, the largely unrecognised work of community groups like Open Newtown across the whole of Wales. BCT is calling on Welsh Government to recognise and nurture the largely unpaid work of over 400 community groups, and to include it as a vital component in its future plans for Wales. "
In 2016, the opportunity arose for the community to take on the stewardship of 130 acres of the towns parks, open spaces and river frontage in Newtown.
In 2018, Open Newtown secured a £1.1 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund Wales as part of their Community Asset Transfer fund to enable it to develop the lands assets and to establish the projects and partnerships that would allow Newtown’s green spaces to be managed in perpetuity for the community.
"Often the lifeblood of towns and villages, the research unveils over 400 community groups, like Open Newtown, across Wales that are sustaining the very fabric of Welsh society, saving buildings from falling into disrepute, and providing vital services to locals in times of crisis as well as day-to-day essential services, like transport services, cafes and post offices.
"This research demonstrates the extent of this work in Wales and its value – estimated to be worth at least £50 million."
Chris Johnes, Chief Executive of BCT, says: “The work of groups like Open Newtown should not be under-estimated. On the strength of their exemplary work, we are calling on Welsh Government and Local Government to relax their paternalistic instincts, and put faith in local people to know – and do – what is in the best interests of their communities.
“Welsh Government needs to take seriously the role of community groups, like Open Newtown, in propping up the country’s services, particularly those who have stepped in to take over publicly owned buildings and schemes. Many have been built from the ground up, and are now extraordinarily successful social businesses."
Owen Durbridge of Open Newtown says: "We're delighted to be recognised in this research. We work hard to support these green spaces and it's important that each area in Wales has the opportunity to come together if they so wish and have more say in how their community is run."
The research and map, was launched during an online event, How Strong are Welsh Communities?, on Wednesday, 25 November and also outlined BCT’s conversations with over 250 people from grassroots community organisations. Community groups often improve the life chances of residents, particularly older people, children and young people and other vulnerable groups, by:
o enhancing their health and well-being, by running activities like youth clubs, parent and toddler groups and mental wellbeing support services;
o offering popular social events, like coffee mornings and community cafes;
o employing staff andcontributing to local economies (over half of the community groups listed have an income between £100,000 and £1m, with 5% making at least £1m turnover);
o providing vital services, via pop-up shops and post offices; and
o protecting local environments.
You can learn more about community groups across Wales by visiting Building Communities Trust’s website: www.bct.wales
The project, which has been opening up green areas of the town for recreation and community use, has been named along with 14 other groups in Wales for its work.The research was commissioned by Building Communities Trust (BCT) and partners WCVA, Wales Coop, DTA Wales, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and Planed.
"Mapping Community Assets in Wales is a report written by Funding Assist and showcases Open Newtown as providing vital services to the community, holding it up as an example of good practice that other groups elsewhere in Wales could emulate," said a statement by the group.
"The study maps out, for the very first time, the largely unrecognised work of community groups like Open Newtown across the whole of Wales. BCT is calling on Welsh Government to recognise and nurture the largely unpaid work of over 400 community groups, and to include it as a vital component in its future plans for Wales. "
In 2016, the opportunity arose for the community to take on the stewardship of 130 acres of the towns parks, open spaces and river frontage in Newtown.
In 2018, Open Newtown secured a £1.1 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund Wales as part of their Community Asset Transfer fund to enable it to develop the lands assets and to establish the projects and partnerships that would allow Newtown’s green spaces to be managed in perpetuity for the community.
"Often the lifeblood of towns and villages, the research unveils over 400 community groups, like Open Newtown, across Wales that are sustaining the very fabric of Welsh society, saving buildings from falling into disrepute, and providing vital services to locals in times of crisis as well as day-to-day essential services, like transport services, cafes and post offices.
"This research demonstrates the extent of this work in Wales and its value – estimated to be worth at least £50 million."
Chris Johnes, Chief Executive of BCT, says: “The work of groups like Open Newtown should not be under-estimated. On the strength of their exemplary work, we are calling on Welsh Government and Local Government to relax their paternalistic instincts, and put faith in local people to know – and do – what is in the best interests of their communities.
“Welsh Government needs to take seriously the role of community groups, like Open Newtown, in propping up the country’s services, particularly those who have stepped in to take over publicly owned buildings and schemes. Many have been built from the ground up, and are now extraordinarily successful social businesses."
Owen Durbridge of Open Newtown says: "We're delighted to be recognised in this research. We work hard to support these green spaces and it's important that each area in Wales has the opportunity to come together if they so wish and have more say in how their community is run."
The research and map, was launched during an online event, How Strong are Welsh Communities?, on Wednesday, 25 November and also outlined BCT’s conversations with over 250 people from grassroots community organisations. Community groups often improve the life chances of residents, particularly older people, children and young people and other vulnerable groups, by:
o enhancing their health and well-being, by running activities like youth clubs, parent and toddler groups and mental wellbeing support services;
o offering popular social events, like coffee mornings and community cafes;
o employing staff andcontributing to local economies (over half of the community groups listed have an income between £100,000 and £1m, with 5% making at least £1m turnover);
o providing vital services, via pop-up shops and post offices; and
o protecting local environments.
You can learn more about community groups across Wales by visiting Building Communities Trust’s website: www.bct.wales
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