The Strategy - Bryncynon, a community in action


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about us

Vision statement

"Our aim is for Bryncynon to be a self sufficient and self-governing community where all ages work together to ensure that its people are caring, tolerant, healthy, skilled and forward looking.- a place where we are proud to live"

Bryncynon Strategy Ltd is a registered charity company limited by guarantee. The Board of Directors is made up of representatives from the local community, local councillors and schools. The Strategy has adopted a holistic approach to community development which incorporates lifelong learning, healthy living, building community spirit, developing the local economy and improving the local environment. We acknowledge the need to develop integrated approaches to problems identified, because tackling issues in isolation does not work, as the problems and challenges we face in our communities are complex and interrelated.

To enable us to do this we recognise the importance of establishing partnerships so that agencies and organisations can pool resources and work more effectively to overcome some of the barriers and difficulties.

Bryncynon Strategy currently employs 25 people, many of whom are local, and we work with approximately 30 volunteers. More recently our work has focused on developing the healthy living agenda and supporting children, young people and families.

We have a wide range of activities and opportunities on offer.

Children & Young People

Children & Young People Our Growing Together Family Centre focuses on opportunities for young children and their families we offer play opportunities after school playschemes during school holidays. Our youth programme takes place most evenings in our drop-in and a wide range of projects which take place throughout the year. Bryncynon Strategy has developed excellent links with local school and we have an alternative curriculum project with Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.

There are learning opportunities for adults which include literacy and numeracy, IT and personal interest courses, which take place in all our centres. These are supported by our partners in community education, further education and higher education. We have developed good partnerships with health providers and our future plans are to focus on the healthy living agenda, which will underpin all aspects of our work.

We have a successful track record in accessing funds and are acknowledged both locally and nationally as an example of best practice in community regeneration. This has been demonstrated by the number of awards we have received over the years. Among others, in 2000 we were short listed in the first UK Charities Awards and have recently been awarded the ELWa Investor in the Community Award and in October of 2002 we were awarded the Investor In People Award.

Background Information to Bryncynon Strategy

Bryncynon is situated in the Abercynon Ward in the lower Cynon Valley and takes in the area of Ynysboeth, Matthewstown (better known as the Tynte) and Bryntirion. The population of the area is approximately 2,500 households.

The Strategy emerged from the local Residents Association, who felt the need to combat the problems and difficulties faced by the loss of the coal-mining industry and associated jobs. The original aim was to look at ways in which the local community could improve their quality of life and future prospects.

1993 steering group established with representatives from a cross section of the community, and support from local employers. Mid Glam tec supported the employment of a community development worker.
1993 group was successful in gaining support from the Welsh Office Community Revival Scheme.
1994 European Regional Development Fund grant awarded funding supported developments identified by a community appraisal. Development involved the refurbishment of three terraced houses which incorporating:

training facility
offices
community café
youth drop-in

Refurbishment extension of our health centre to incorporate:
- family centre
- extension of our community centre
- all-weather playing area
At the end of 1999, Bryncynon Strategy undertook a community consultation to assess the impact of our work and identify future prioritises. Our work has developed as a result of the priorities identified.

Vision statement

Children & Young People

Background Information to Bryncynon Strategy

Our List of Partners