{"id":1706,"date":"2026-01-22T12:47:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:47:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gwernyfed.co.uk\/wordpress\/?p=1706"},"modified":"2026-01-22T12:47:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:47:56","slug":"community-skills-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gwernyfed.co.uk\/wordpress\/?p=1706","title":{"rendered":"Community Skills Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Community Skills Programme \u2013 What We Are Doing and What\u2019s Next <\/strong><\/p>\n

Author: Cllr Nick Pritchard <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Community Skills for Life \u2013 Building Confidence & Connection Across Our Villages<\/h1>\n

Over the past few months, Gwernyfed Community Council has been delivering a new initiative called Community Skills for Life \u2013 a series of free, friendly workshops designed to help people gain practical skills, build confidence, and feel more connected across our local communities.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Why the Programme Was Created<\/h1>\n

As a community council, we hear regularly about the challenges people face \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

With the support of the Anti-Poverty Fund, we developed a programme with three core aims:<\/p>\n

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  1. Build everyday skills that make life easier and safer<\/li>\n
  2. Reduce isolation by bringing people together locally<\/li>\n
  3. Promote volunteering, connection and community resilience<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0What the Programme Involves<\/h1>\n

    Each village hosts three themed workshops, each lasting around 90 minutes with refreshments:<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Emergency First Aid & Defibrillator Awareness<\/h1>\n

    Practical training on CPR, recovery position, defibrillator use, and how to respond to common emergencies. \u00a0Everyday Digital Confidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Support with smartphones and tablets, online safety, email, NHS and Council services, and staying connected with family and friends.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Environmental Awareness & Sustainability<\/h1>\n

    Simple ways to reduce waste, save energy, recycle effectively, and support local wildlife.<\/p>\n

    All sessions are conversational, practical, and delivered by friendly trainers with real experience in their fields.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Who It\u2019s For<\/h1>\n

    These workshops are designed for everyone in our communities \u2013 whether you\u2019re:<\/p>\n