Communities First

The Communities First programme is a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative. Its aim is to improve the opportunities and quality of life for people living and working in areas of Wales which do not have the same level of income, housing, education, health and access to services as other areas.

The programme ensures that the funds and support available from the Welsh Assembly Government and other publicly funded agencies are targeted at the areas which need it most.

In Swansea there are 9 Communities First Areas,  6 of which have a City and County of Swansea employed Communities First Co-ordinator. Contact details can be downloaded on the right hand side. These areas are:

Blaenymaes, Portmead and Penplas Communities First Area

Bonymaen Communities First Area   

Clase / Caemawr Communities First Area  

Penlan Communities First Area  

Morriston Communities First Area

Port Tennant Communities First Area

Sketty Park Communities First Area

Graig Felen Communities First Area  

Townhill Communities First Area                   

Townhill, Graig Felin and Blaenymaes, Penplas and Portmead have their own Development Trust which oversees the Communities First programme in their area. (Contact details for non City and County of Swansea Development Trusts and Partnerships can be downloaded on the right hand side)

What is Communities First ?

Communities First is different from previous funding programmes in a number of ways:

• It is a long-term programme which will run for a minimum of ten years;
• It enables communities themselves to decide what is needed and realise their ambitions;
• It increases the level of participation of local people;
• It brings in funding and support from a number of different sources;
• It is about making a meaningful and lasting difference to our disadvantaged communities;
• It encourages creativity, risk taking and imaginative approaches; and
• It involves an integrated approach to addressing poverty and the factors that cause or contribute to it.

A more detailed information sheet can be downloaded on the right hand side. If you have any questions or would like further information please contact the Community Regeneration Unit on 01792 635238.