Community Skills for Life – Building Confidence & Connection Across Our Villages

Over the past few months, Gwernyfed Community Council has been delivering a new initiative called Community Skills for Life – a series of free, friendly workshops designed to help people gain practical skills, build confidence, and feel more connected across our local communities.

This project has been funded through the Powys County Council Anti-Poverty Locality Fund, which forms part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, enabling local towns and villages to deliver activities that strengthen resilience, reduce isolation, and support people facing economic pressures.

The Gwernyfed programme focuses specifically on residents in Llanigon, Felindre, Glasbury, Three Cocks and the surrounding rural area, and has been shaped around the needs we see in our communities day-to-day.

 Why the Programme Was Created

As a community council, we hear regularly about the challenges people face – from digital exclusion, to uncertainty in emergency situations, to the rising cost of living. Many residents also tell us they want more opportunities to learn new skills, meet others locally, volunteer, and take part in things that feel genuinely useful.

With the support of the Anti-Poverty Fund, we developed a programme with three core aims:

1. Build everyday skills that make life easier and safer
2. Reduce isolation by bringing people together locally
3. Promote volunteering, connection and community resilience

The sessions were designed to be accessible to all ages and experience levels, with free refreshments and free Dial-a-Ride transport to remove barriers to attending.

 What the Programme Involves

Each village hosts three themed workshops, each lasting around 90 minutes with refreshments:

 Emergency First Aid & Defibrillator Awareness

Practical training on CPR, recovery position, defibrillator use, and how to respond to common emergencies.  Everyday Digital Confidence

Support with smartphones and tablets, online safety, email, NHS and Council services, and staying connected with family and friends.

 Environmental Awareness & Sustainability

Simple ways to reduce waste, save energy, recycle effectively, and support local wildlife.

All sessions are conversational, practical, and delivered by friendly trainers with real experience in their fields.

 Who It’s For

These workshops are designed for everyone in our communities – whether you’re:

• A parent or carer
• A young person wanting new skills
• Someone new to the village
• A long-standing resident wanting to connect with neighbours
• Someone who feels unsure about digital skills
• A person looking to volunteer
• Or simply wanting to learn something useful

We want these sessions to be open, welcoming and supportive for all.

 What We’ve Achieved So Far

The response so far has been incredibly positive. Across our first sessions in Llanigon and Felindre:

• Most workshops have welcomed between 10 and 20 attendees
• People have come from all parts of the Gwernyfed area
• Attendees have reported feeling more confident afterward
• Many have said they appreciate the chance to learn in a relaxed, friendly setting
• Several have asked about volunteering or future sessions
• The free Dial-a-Ride transport has been used by residents who otherwise may not have been able to attend

Early evidence shows the programme is already helping to:

• Reduce isolation
• Improve local skill levels
• Build community confidence
• Bring people together
• Strengthen village connections

We are keeping careful records, with attendance sheets, feedback, trainer notes, and photos (taken only with consent), to report back to Powys County Council and ensure transparency.  What’s Next

Following the success of the November sessions, we will be delivering the next phase of the programme in:

February – Early March 2026

Glasbury Village Hall

Three Cocks Community Spaces

Exact dates will be confirmed and shared on our website, Facebook page, and village noticeboards.

We expect attendance to grow as awareness increases across the ward and as residents hear positive feedback from those who have already taken part.

We will continue to evaluate the programme’s impact and look for further opportunities to expand skills, volunteering, and community engagement.

 How You Can Get Involved

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Want to attend future sessions
• Would like to suggest a topic for future workshops
• Are interested in volunteering at sessions
• Can help spread the word in your village
• Have ideas about how to support isolated or vulnerable residents
• Want to help us deliver the next round of posters and promotion

You can contact us anytime at: clerk@gwernyfed.co.uk

You can also speak to your local community councillor – they’ll be happy to hear your ideas.

 Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who has already attended, supported, or helped promote the sessions. Your participation makes all the difference and helps build a stronger Gwernyfed community for everyone.

We look forward to welcoming even more residents to the next round of workshops in the new year.