Cylchlythyr rhif 7 - Newsletter issue 7``xwaen``x







``xEEluykZulpXFsJMDhY``x1184627480``xLlyn Gosod Sylfeini Cadarn - Laying strong Foundations``xwaen``xSawl gwaith da chi 'di clywed pobi yn cwyno nad oes digon o adeiladwyr, seiri, plymars a trydanwyr ar gael pan mae rhywun eu hangen nhw? Wel, mae Partneriaeth Cymunedau'n Gyntaf Pen Llyn am wneud rhywbeth am y peth.

Dros y misoedd diwethaf cynhaliwyd gwaith ymchwil o fewn y diwydiant adeiladu i ddarganfod os oedd modd datblygu cynllun prentisio lleol i sicrhau fod yna gyfleon yn cael eu cynnig i bobl ifanc yr ardal, ac os oedd modd hwyluso'r gwaith o hyfforddi prentis o ochr y cyflogwr.

Mae'r bartneriaeth bellach wedi Iansio cynllun 'Cyswllt Prentisio' fydd yn cynnig gwasanaeth paru er mwyn dod a darpar brentis a chyflogwr at ei gilydd ac mae cynlluniau hefyd i ysgafnhau'r baich gweinyddol sydd ynghlwm a chyflogi prentis. Mae'r bartneriaeth hefyd yn cydweithio yn agos gyda Ysgol Uwchradd Botwnnog, sydd am y tro cyntaf eleni yn cynnig cwrs TGAU mewn Adeiladu. Byddwn hefyd yn cydweithio gyda'r ysgol i gynnig cyrsiau gyda'r nos i rai sydd eisoes yn gweithio o fewn y diwydiant.

Mae cynlluniau eisoes yn cael eu Ilunio i ymestyn y cynliun i gynnwys diwydiannau eraill, gan ystyried y gwersi ddysgwyd hyd yma.

Bydd rhoi cymorth i brentisiaid heddiw yn gofalu fod gwaith parhaol ar gael i'r dyfodol a na fydd yr ardal yn dioddef o brinder crefftwyr.


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Laying strong Foundations
How many times have you heard people complaining that there aren't enough builders, joiners, plumbers and electricians available when you need them? Well, the Pen Llyn Communities First Partnership is going to do something about it.
During recent months research was conducted within the construction industry to gauge the feasibility of developing a local apprenticeship scheme in order to ensure that opportunities are available for the young people of the area, and facilitate the work of training an apprentice for employers.

The Partnership has now launched it's 'Apprenticeship Link' scheme that will offer a 'matchmaking' service Intended to bring together prospective apprentices and employers; and there are also plans to lighten the administrative burden involved in employing an apprentice.

The Partnership also cooperates closely with Ysgol Botwnnog that will, this year, be offering a GCSE course in Construction for the first time. We shall also be working in partnership with the school to offer evening classes for those who are al ready working in the industry.

Plans are already being drawn to extend the scheme to include other industries, taking note of lessons learnt to date.
Supporting today's apprentices will mean that permanent work shall be available in the future and that the area will not suffer from a lack of craftspeople. ``xEEFuAuuElFVHAvTzlg``x1131833783``xLlyn Cynllun Cynhwysiant Digidol - Digital Inclusion Initiative``xwaen``xCydnabyddir bod bywydau pobl yn newid yn llwyr wrth i gymdeithas fabwysiadu mwy a mwy o dechnoleg newydd a bod hyn yn agor cyfleoedd ychwanegol i’r grwpiau a’r unigolion hynny sy’n hyddysg ym maes TG. Ar y llaw arall, caiff y rheini na allant ddefnyddio’r dechnoleg newydd eu hallgáu fwyfwy’n gymdeithasol ac yn economaidd a bydd y patrwm hwn yn parhau. Mae cyfleoedd pobl mewn bywyd yn gostwng oherwydd diffyg sgiliau TG a thechnoleg newydd arall, yn yr un modd â diffyg sgiliau llythrennedd a rhifedd. Gyda mwy a mwy o ryngweithio cymdeithasol yn galw am gyfleuster TG, y rheini sydd ag anfantais yn draddodiadol, y rheini sydd leiaf tebyg o ddefnyddio TG, a fydd fwyaf ar eu colled. Oni bai y gall pobl drin y dechnoleg newydd, cânt eu difreinio’n economaidd neu’n gymdeithasol.

Nod y cynllun Cymunedau’n Un ydy cyflawni ‘cynhwysiant digidol’, sef cynhwysiant cymdeithasol drwy ddefnyddio technoleg yn ardaloedd mwyaf difreintiedig Cymru. Rhesymwaith y prosiect ydy ‘galluogi cymunedau ac unigolion i ddefnyddio TGCh mewn ffyrdd perthnasol iddyn nhw i wella ansawdd eu bywyd, goresgyn anawsterau a chaniatáu iddynt gyflawni eu potensial cymdeithasol, economaidd a diwylliannol’.

Sefydlir y prosiect mewn lleoliadau cymunedol a sector gwirfoddol, ac fe’i trefnir fel rhan o ddarpariaeth gymunedol. Nod y prosiect hwn ydy cryfhau cymunedau yn ogystal â gwella sgiliau unigolion a thrwy hynny gyfrannu at adfywio cymunedol. Mae’n cydnabod bod nifer o raglenni a phrosiectau TGCh da eisoes ar waith. Nod y cynllun hwn yw cyd-fynd â’r hyn sydd eisoes ar gael ac adeiladu ar hynny yn hytrach na dyblygu’r ddarpariaeth.
Bydd yn ceisio
• dod â darpariaeth newydd i ardaloedd lle nad oes darpariaeth ar hyn o bryd;
• ymestyn y ddarpariaeth sydd eisoes ar gael er mwyn darparu dros ardal ehangach;
• llunio cysylltiadau rhwng y rheini uchod er mwyn sicrhau nad ydynt ar eu pen eu hunain ac y gallant fanteisio ar gydweithio ac arferion gorau.

Targedir Cymunedau’n Un at 132 ardal ddaearyddol Cymunedau’n Gyntaf ledled Cymru. Sefydlir cymunedau o Ddiddordeb hefyd ar ôl iddo ddechrau ar ei waith.

Bydd tîm o Froceriaid Cymunedol yn gweithio gyda grwpiau cymunedol lleol, gan gynnwys Partneriaethau Cymunedau’n Gyntaf i ddatblygu rhaglen waith hyblyg er mwyn diwallu anghenion pobl leol. Lleolir y Broceriaid mewn mudiadau lleol ond cânt eu contractio’n ganolog. Daw’r gefnogaeth hon gyda chronfa grant gwerth £4 miliwn, a gall mudiadau cymunedol ymgeisio am yr arian hwn ar y cyd â brocer cymunedol, er mwyn cefnogi blaenoriaethau lleol.

Mae Arweiniad ar Cymunedau’n Un yn cael ei ddrafftio ar hyn o bryd ac fe’i cyhoeddir yn ystod yr hydref. Anelir yr Arweiniad at bawb a fydd yn ymwneud â Cymunedau’n Un, gan gynnwys pobl sy’n byw yn y cymunedau sy’n rhan o’r fenter, mudiadau cymunedol a gwirfoddol, Broceriaid Cymunedol, a chynrychiolwyr o fusnesau ac asiantaethau cyhoeddus. Mae’r Arweiniad yn:

• Rhoi gwybodaeth am egwyddorion Cymunedau’n Un;
• Amlinellu strwythur Cymunedau’n Un;
• Rhoi manylion y mathau o weithgareddau y gellir eu gwneud a sut y bydd y fenter o fudd i grwpiau ac unigolion;
• Cynghori ynghylch sut y gellir ymgeisio am arian a sut y caiff y ceisiadau eu hasesu;
• Tynnu sylw at botensial Cymunedau’n Un i ddatblygu’r economi gymdeithasol.

Mae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru wedi contractio Canolfan Cydweithredol Cymru i weinyddu’r fenter Cymunedau'n Un

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Communities @One Digital Inclusion Initiative


It is recognised that as society increasingly adopts new technologies, people’s lives are transformed, and groups and individuals who are IT literate can benefit from increased opportunities. Conversely, those who are not competent in using new technologies are, and will be, increasingly socially and economically excluded. People’s life chances are reduced by their lacking skills in IT and other new technologies, just as with a lack of literacy and numeracy skills. With increasing numbers of social interactions requiring a facility in IT, it is those who are traditionally disadvantaged, who are least likely to access IT, that stand to lose out most. Unless people are able to engage with new technologies, they will become increasingly economically or socially disenfranchised.

The Communities @One initiative seeks to achieve ‘digital inclusion’, which is social inclusion through the use of technology, in the most deprived areas of Wales. The rationale of the project is ‘to enable communities and individuals to use ICT in ways relevant to them to enhance their quality of life, overcome difficulties and allow them to fulfil their social, economic and cultural potential.’

Based in voluntary sector and community venues, and organised as a part of community provision, this project aims to both strengthen community organisation as well as improve individuals’ skills, and thereby contribute to community regeneration. It recognises that there are already many good ICT programmes and projects in existence. This initiative aims to complement existing work and build on it, rather than duplicate its provision.
It aims to
• bring:new provision to areas where it does not currently exist;
• extend currently existing provision to provide an outreach capacity;
• make contacts between those above so that they do not stand alone and can benefit from joint working and best practice.

Communities @One is targeted at the 132 Communities First geographic areas across Wales. Communities of Interest will also be established, once it is operational.

A team of Community Brokers will work with local community groups, including Communities First Partnerships, to develop a flexible programme of work to meet the needs of local people. Brokers will be based in local organisations but will be centrally contracted. This support will be complemented by a £4 million grant fund, which community organisations can bid into in conjunction with a community broker, to support local priorities.

Guidance on Communities @One is currently being drafted and will be published in the autumn. The Guidance is aimed at all those who become involved with Communities @One, including people who live in the communities that are part of the initiative, voluntary and community organisations, Community Brokers, and representatives from business and public agencies. The guidance:

• Provides information on the principles of Communities @One;
• Outlines the structure of Communities @One;
• Provides details on the types of activities that can be undertaken and how the initiative will benefit groups and individuals;
• Advises on how applications for funding can be made and how they will be assessed;
• Highlights the potential within Communities @ One to develop the social economy.

The Wales Co-operative Centre has been contracted by the Welsh Assembly Government to administer the delivery of the Communities@One initiative.``xEEFpkZllAEEVWOMCOB``x1129587691``x(default) Bermo / Barmouth Communities First July meeting``xwaen``xThe July meeting of the Partnership was held in Parlwr Mawr on Tuesday 7th.

The large gathering was advised of developments on several projects being pursued in the Town, no only by the partnership but also by other agencies. It is hoped that a sand filled synthetic surfaced mini pitch with wooden rebound walls will be ready for use by the end of the year. This facility will be available for the community to use for a range of sports. This is in addition to the redevelopment of the football pitch at Wern Mynach where drainage improvements are being carried out to combat the surface compaction that has developed over the years. That project should see the pitch being playable early next season.

Work by the Environmental Conservation group is moving steadily forward on Wern Mynach while the felling of trees at Aberamffra will commence in the autumn.

The planned Car Boot Sale that is being organised by the Barmouth Residents Association was mentioned, there are several extra attractions to be added to the original sale idea including games for the children, raffles, refreshments and other items yet to be confirmed.

The questionnaire relating to the creation of a credit union in Barmouth has been created and will be used at various locations around town. A booklet giving useful information for the over 50 age group is being compiled. It will take the form of a ring binder so that new or updated information can be added or substituted with ease.

The CBM Mike Humphreys advised the group that a CRASBO had been granted in the case of a young offender who had been dealt with by the courts though the exclusion provision was not accepted. He mentioned that improvements to the memory on certain of the CCTV units had been increased and that picture quality had been refined. The issue of frequency of rubbish bin emptying was considered; it appears that the problem arose because a new officer of the council did not realise the volume of waste generated in the town during busy periods. County councillor Trevor Roberts is dealing with the matter.

Following the meeting the partners and guests enjoyed a superb barbeque in the garden of the community centre. The food was prepared and cooked by Nina Huntley and her helpers who produced an excellent selection of tasty and filling meats and salads. They created a really enjoyable event for a summer evening allowing partners and guests to relax and discuss past projects and future schemes in a very convivial atmosphere.

source : home.att.net``xEEkZEFyAVyTtdbgvCF``x1120829756``xBermo_Barmouth Strategaeth Menter Gymdeithasol-Social Enterprise Strategy``xwaen``xLansiwyd y Strategaeth Menter Gymdeithasol ar gyfer Cymru gan Edwina Hart, y Gweinidog dros Gyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ac Adfywio, ar 27 Mehefin yn Narberth, Sir Benfro yng ngorllewin Cymru.

Mae Cymdeithas Ymddiriedolaethau Datblygu Cymru, ynghyd â nifer o bartneriaid eraill Rhwydwaith Cefnogi Cymunedau yn Gyntaf sy’n rhan o’r Rhwydwaith Menter Gymdeithasol yng Nghymru, wedi bod yn ymwneud â datblygiad y strategaeth ers sefydlu’r Cyd-weithgor Menter Gymdeithasol ym 2003.

Mudiad masnachu di-elw yw menter gymdeithasol lle mai’r prif nod yw creu budd i’r gymuned. Yn y lansiad, cadarnhaodd Edwina Hart ymrwymiad Llywodraeth y Cynulliad i fentrau cymdeithasol fel ‘busnesau ar y ddaear’ sydd â rôl bwysig i’w chwarae gyda mynd i’r afael ag allgau cymdeithasol ac yn elfen allweddol yn ei strategaeth datblygu economaidd.

Pedwar prif nod strategol y Strategaeth Menter Gymdeithasol ar gyfer Cymru yw:

• Creu amgylchedd sy’n galluogi
• Gwneud mentrau cymdeithasol yn fusnesau gwell
• Sefydlu gwerth mentrau cymdeithasol
• Annog datblygiad cyfleoedd newydd

Bydd y Strategaeth yn darparu’r fframwaith fel y gall mentrau cymdeithasol dyfu a ffynnu, a’i nod yw:

• Helpu mentrau cymdeithasol i gystadlu’n effeithiol gyda busnesau eraill;
• Cydnabod bod gan fentrau cymdeithasol anghenion penodol a’u hadlewyrchu mewn meysydd polisi perthnasol;
• Sicrhau bod cyngor a chymorth prydlon a phriodol ar gael i rai sy’n dymuno sefydlu menter gymdeithasol.

Digwyddodd y lansiad yng Nghanolfan Gymunedol T? Bloomfield, a agorwyd ym 2002 ac sy’n cael ei rhedeg gan Gymdeithas Chwaraeon Cymunedol Narberth a’r Cylch. Mae’r fenter gymdeithasol hon yn darparu cyfleusterau hamdden ac addysg i’r gymuned leol yn Narberth yn Sir Benfro a Gorllewin Caerfyrddin. Mae’n Ymddiriedolaeth Ddatblygu ac, yn ddiweddar, daeth yn aelod llawn o Gymdeithas Ymddiriedolaethau Datblygu Cymru.

Gellir cael copïau o’r strategaeth gan y Tîm Economi Gymdeithasol, y Gyfarwyddiaeth Gymunedau, Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, Parc Cathays, Caerdydd, CF10 3NQ, rhif ffôn: 029 2082 5095 neu e-bost: socialjusticepolicyunit@wales.gsi.gov.uk
I ddadlwytho copi o’r strategaeth ewch at:
www.wales.gov.uk/subisocialjustice/toc-e.htm
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The Social Enterprise Strategy for Wales

The Social Enterprise Strategy for Wales was launched by Edwina Hart, Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, on 27 June in Narberth, Pembrokeshire.

The Development Trusts Association Wales, along with a number of other CFSN partners who are involved in the Social Enterprise Network in Wales, has been involved in its development since the Social Enterprise Joint Working Group was first set up in 2003.

A social enterprise is a not-for-private-profit trading organisation whose main aim is the benefit of the community. At the launch, Edwina Hart confirmed the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to social enterprises as ‘grass root businesses’ which have an important part to play in tackling social exclusion and are a key element in its economic development strategy.

The four main strategic objectives of the Social Enterprise Strategy for Wales are:

• Creating an Enabling Environment
• Making Social Enterprises Better Businesses
• Establishing the Value of Social Enterprises
• Encouraging the Development of New Opportunities

The Strategy will provide the framework within which social enterprises can develop and flourish, and aims to:

• Help social enterprises compete effectively with other businesses;
• Recognise social enterprises have specific needs and reflect these in relevant policy areas;
• Ensure timely and appropriate advice and support is available to those who wish to set up a social enterprise.

The launch took place at Bloomfield House Community Centre, opened in 2002, which is run by Narberth and District Community Sports Association. This social enterprise provides leisure and education facilities for the local community in Narberth in Pembrokeshire and West Carmarthen. It is a Development Trust and has recently become a full member of the Development Trusts Association Wales.

Copies of the strategy can be obtained from the Social Economy Team, Communities Directorate, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ, tel: 029 2082 5095 or email: socialjusticepolicyunit@wales.gsi.gov.uk

To download a copy of the strategy go to:
www.wales.gov.uk/subisocialjustice/toc-e.htm
Source:CFSN ``xEEkZkuFkVFuTItMOAx``x1120244853``x(default) Bermo / Barmouth Communities First June 2005``xwaen``xBeing an organisation with wide ranging interests last Tuesday’s meeting covered an array of subjects. In mentioning the visit to the town of County council officials Danny Jones commented on the congratulations voiced for the performance by Samba Bermo at the event. This initiative is now reaping rewards; one member has given up her job to become a peripatetic percussion teacher, the band have been invited to perform at the National Eisteddfod and several members have been invited to perform in Paris this week. Enquiries are regularly being made for performances, throughout the country and beyond.

It was noted that Ysgol Y Traeth may take part in a pilot scheme to run breakfast clubs which will provide pre school meals from 8-20am. The level of interest in parents needs to be assessed before proceeding.

The provision of simultaneous translation equipment was considered after an approach from a group keen to make such systems available to all community organisations. The spin off could be that amateur translators would have a chance to develop their skills and later become salaried workers. This idea is being investigated as the need within South Gwynedd has been identified, this may be the way in which it can be satisfied.

Members were advised that a Gwynedd Traffic Management Team is to be set up, as part of its strategy they may set up a parking warden scheme, though this is unlikely to be operative before 2007. The issue of Fly tipping was raised; it appears that the county council resolve to clear their own land within two days of a reported dumping. Private landowners are responsible for clearing their property and if necessary prosecuting offenders whilst rivers are covered by the Environment Agency.

The C.B.M. Mike Humphreys reported that an increase in crime was attributed to a known offender and a group of followers, all of whom were being dealt with, being bailed to answer various offences. He indicated that 15 arrests had taken place during the busy bank holiday weekend. He was keen to stress that the CCTV system is a resource that can be called upon to provide evidence as needed, it is not a big brother, watching responsible citizens 24 hours a day. The equipment is an ally not a snooping device, it can only be accessed by tightly controlled, limited number of operatives. Both Porthmadog and Blaennau Ffestiniog have shown interest in Barmouth’s system showing that the town is leading the way in community security. Comment was made about the lack of access to the police station at present; Ironically, this is due to works being carried out to make the building more easily accessible to disabled visitors. It was stated that the parking situation is improving slowly as residents and visitors become aware of the presence of the new P.C.S.O. who, as well as undertaking other tasks is moving vehicles on and where necessary issuing penalty notices.

A training course for young people interested in film production should result in a project to link the young and older people of Barmouth. It is hoped that the younger members will be able to make a film about war time Barmouth including interviews with those who were living here then.

The progress of the Young Firefighters Association was discussed, it was pleasing to know that there is a waiting list now for membership. Current members will shortly go on a visit to the headquarters of the fire service in Rhyl and visit the control centre and other facilities.

Following complaints about their condition, the bins on the harbour have been replaced. The Credit Union project is progressing with a questionnaire being devised that will indicate the likely uptake of membership. The development of the Partnership web site was considered with the provision of facilities for the partially sighted to be discussed. The newly formed Leisure Association, reviewed elsewhere, was said to have started with positive responses from those present. The next meeting will be held on the second Tuesday in July.

Source : home.att.net/``xEEkZEFZkFyzHKDsvxM``x1119274836``xBermo_Barmouth Teithiau cerdded trefol-Urbanwalks programme in Gwynedd``xwaen``xMae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru wedi buddsoddi £30,000 i dreialu a gwerthuso’r cynllun teithiau cerdded trefol mewn pedwar lleoliad yng Nghymru – Caerfyrddin, Wrecsam, Caerdydd a Gwynedd. Ym mhob ardal, bydd llyfrynnau yn cael eu cynhyrchu a fydd yn cynnwys teithiau cerdded ar gyfer yr ardal ac yn gyfrwng i ddod i wybod mwy am rai o drefi a dinasoedd hanesyddol Cymru.

Wrth ei lansio heddiw yng Nghaerfyrddin, dywedodd Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey: “Dengys ymchwil bod y rhan fwyaf o’r teithiau a wneir mewn ceir yng Nghymru o dan bum milltir o bellter. Ar gyfer y pellteroedd hyn, gall cerdded a beicio fod yn opsiwn deniadol a dilys arall i bobl.

“Mae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn awyddus i annog pobl i gerdded a beicio mwy er mwyn helpu pobl i fod yn fwy iach yn ogystal â lleihau effeithiau andwyol siwrneiau car byr ar yr amgylchedd. Ceir yn y llyfrynnau hyn, a all ffitio’n hawdd i boced eich cot, nifer o lwybrau cerdded i annog pobl i gerdded yn rhan o’u bywydau bob dydd, i leihau nifer y siwrneiau car byr a gwella iechyd o ganlyniad i hynny.”

Mae’r cynllun llwybrau cerdded trefol yn enghraifft wych o’r ffordd y mae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn ymateb i Her Iechyd Cymru – y ffocws cenedlaethol ar gymryd camau i wella iechyd yng Nghymru.”
Edrychwch ar wefan www.urbanwalks.co.uk/wales am fwy o wybodaeth am y cynllun.



Pam cymryd rhan?
Mae’r cynllun Teithiau Trefol yn nodwedd o Strategaeth Dringo’n Uwch Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru ar gyfer cynyddu cyfranogiad mewn gweithgaredd corfforol sy’n gwella iechyd, thema a ddynodwyd fel blaenoriaeth yn Strategaeth Iechyd, Gofal Cymdeithasol a Lles Gwynedd.
Cydnabyddir bod cerdded yn ffordd effeithiol o wella iechyd a lles pobl Cymru, ac ystyrir Teithiau Trefol fel cyfrwng defnyddiol arall i annog pobl i fod yn fwy egnïol yn rheolaidd.
Mae’r cynllun Cerdded Llwybr Iechyd wedi ei sefydlu yng Ngwynedd ers 2002 ac mae Teithiau Trefol yn cynnig dimensiwn newydd i weithio yn gyfochrog â’r cynllun hwn.
Bydd y Teithiau Trefol yng Ngwynedd yn targedu grwpiau poblogaeth eraill e.e. y rhai hynny yn y gweithle a allai ddefnyddio’r llwybrau hyn ar gyfer cerdded i'r gwaith ac adref ac ar gyfer cerdded bywiog yn ystod egwyl ginio.

Pam y cafodd yr ardaloedd penodol eu dewis?[
Dewiswyd Caernarfon a Blaenau Ffestiniog i ddechrau fel trefi a leolir mewn ardal o amddifadedd.
Mae rhanbarth etholaethol Bowydd a Rhiw ym Mlaenau Ffestiniog yn ardal Cymunedau yn Gyntaf a rhoddwyd cyllid Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru i’r grwp Corun i Sawdl, grwp sy’n trafod anghyfartaleddau mewn iechyd ac yn ymdrin ag anghenion gwragedd a theuluoedd.
Mae gan Flaenau Ffestiniog a Chaernarfon, ynghyd â Phwllheli, boblogaethau mwy dwys na’r pentrefi gwledig o’u cwmpas, ac mae ganddynt i gyd ardaloedd preswyl mawr. Bydd datblygu rhwydwaith cerdded newydd yn creu diddordeb i’r boblogaeth leol, gweithwyr sy’n cymudo o bentrefi’r dalgylchoedd a thwristiaid fel ei gilydd.

Caernarfon yw canolfan weinyddol Cyngor Gwynedd gyda swyddfeydd lloeren y Cyngor ym Mhwllheli. Fel prif gyflogwr yn yr ardal, golyga hyn y gellir targedu nifer sylweddol o weithwyr gyda'r fenter hon.
Mae gan Dywyn, a leolir yn Ne Gwynedd, boblogaeth fawr o henoed ac mae’n ardal lle mae pobl ar incymau isel. Mae’r ardal yn addas i ddatblygu rhwydwaith o lwybrau cerdded a fyddai unwaith eto yn annog trigolion lleol i wella eu hiechyd drwy gerdded yn rheolaidd yn eu cymdogaethau eu hunain.

Grwp poblogaeth a dargedir?
Pob oed ond gyda phwyslais penodol ar y rhai hynny sy’n eisteddog ac a fyddai’n elwa o gerdded yn rheolaidd.

Gwybodaeth gyswllt
I gael mwy o wybodaeth ynglyn â’r rhaglen Teithiau Trefol yng Ngwynedd cysylltwch â:
Richard Glynne Jones
Swyddog Cludiant Gwyrdd a Datblygu Beicio
Cyngor Gwynedd

01286 679455

Richard.GlynneJones@gwynedd.gov.uk
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The Welsh Assembly Government has invested £30,000 to pilot and evaluate the Urbanwalks scheme in four locations across Wales - Carmarthen, Wrexham, Cardiff and Gwynedd. Each area will produce booklets of walks in their area, which will provide an easy and enjoyable way to be more active while getting to know more about some of Wales' historic towns and cities.

At today's launch in Carmarthen, Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey said: "Research shows that the majority of car journeys in Wales are under five miles. For these distances, walking and cycling offer a viable and attractive alternative for people.
"The Welsh Assembly Government is keen to encourage people to increase levels of walking and cycling to help people become healthier as well as reduce the harmful effects of short car journeys on the environment. These booklets, which easily fit into your coat pocket, offer a variety of walking routes so that people are able to incorporate walking into their daily activity, reduce the number of short car journeys and improve their health as a result."
"The Urbanwalks scheme is an excellent example of how the Welsh Assembly Government is responding to Health Challenge Wales - the national focus for action to improve health in Wales."

Visit www.urbanwalks.co.uk/wales for more information about the scheme.

Why become involved?
The Urbanwalks scheme is a feature of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Climbing Higher Strategy for increasing participation in health enhancing physical activity, a theme which has also been identified as a priority within the Gwynedd Health Social care and Well Being Strategy
Walking is acknowledged to be an effective way of improving health and well being among the population of Wales, and Urbanwalks is viewed as another useful vehicle for encouraging people to become more active on a regular basis
The Walking the Way to Health Scheme has been established in Gwynedd since 2002 and Urbanwalks offers a new dimension to work in parallel with this scheme.
The Urbanwalks in Gwynedd will target other population groups e.g. those in the workplace who may use these routes for walking to and from work or for brisk walking during the lunch break.



Why were the specific areas chosen ?
Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog were initially chosen as towns which are situated in areas of deprivation.
Blaenau Ffestiniog’s electoral division of Bowydd and Rhiw is a Communities First area and Welsh Assembly Government funding has been granted to the Corun I Sawdl group which is an inequalities in health group addressing the needs of women and families.
Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon along with Pwllheli are more densley populated than the surrounding rural villages, and all feature large residential areas. The development of a new walking network will create an interest for both the local population, employees commuting from the catchment villages and tourists alike.
Caernarfon is the administrative centre for Gwynedd Council with satellite Council offices in Pwllheli. As a major employer in the area, this means a significant number of workers can be targeted by this initiative.
Tywyn which is situated in South Gwynedd has a large resident elderly population and is an area of low income. The area easily lends itself to the development of a network of walking routes which would again encourage local residents to improve their health by walking regularly in their own neighbourhood.

Target population group?
All ages but with specific emphasis on those who are sedentary and would benefit from regular walking

Contact Information
For more information on the Urbanwalks programme in Gwynedd please contact:

Richard Glynne Jones
Green Transport and Cycling Development Officer
Gwynedd Council

01286 679455

Richard.GlynneJones@gwynedd.gov.uk``xEEkZEypFyAyCfeENYz``x1116533169``x(default) Bermo / Barmouth Communities First May 2005``xwaen``xThe May meeting was addressed by Anita Myfanwy the Domestic Abuse Coordinator for Gwynedd; her job is to raise awareness of the extent of the problem, in its many forms; to increase the reporting to authorities of these events; to collect data and to develop a multi agency approach to tackling it. Kathy Lake Bullen the new PCSO was introduced to the partnership by Community Beat Manager Mike Humphreys, it was stressed that whilst parking control would form part of her remit Kathy’s duties and responsibilities covered a much larger area of work. Anti-social behaviour issues along with fixed penalty offences and community liason will form the framework of her role in the town.

The new logo, based on a concept created by Katie Plum has now been finalised and will be seen on any medium relating to the organisation. The development of a number of youth interest projects was described by Danny Jones, the Coordinator, which will include both theatre and music workshops and a younger persons film club. Letters are to be sent to various groups in the town asking them to include discussion of Credit unions on their agenda. It is hoped to develop a branch of Y Llechen Credit Union in Barmouth but this is dependant on finding at least six local volunteers to man it.

It was reported that Edwina Hart had congratulated Mayor Trefor Roberts on the work done by Barmouth Communities First Partnership. Janet Griffith drew attention to “ Sea Britain 2005 “ suggesting that as a maritime resort there may be some benefit in creating an event to commemorate the anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar, she can be contacted via the Sailors Institute by anyone with constructive ideas.

The next meeting will be held on the second Tuesday in June at which observers are, as always, welcome.
Source : home.att.net``xEEkZEFZVpEPdxbujMD``x1116164701``xBermo_Barmouth Bermo / Barmouth Communities First April meeting``xwaen``xAt a busy meeting last Tuesday the partnership was addressed by Mostyn Toghill from Y Llechen credit union. In a comprehensive description he covered the structure, operation and benefits of establishing credit unions within communities such as Barmouth. There seemed to be considerable interest among those present many of whom had little or no prior understanding of the way these savings and loan groups work. It was surprising to hear that such unions exists in European and American communities and are regulated to the same degree as any conventional financial institution. A more detailed account of Credit Unions will appear in the next Newsletter due out in mid summer.

The business of the meeting continued with news that the Communities First office is now up and running in the former Tourist Information Centre, a far more accessible and spacious area. It was announced that the bid for another fulltime member of staff was progressing satisfactorily. The formal signing of the partnership constitution took place following its statutory review. The Coordinators report was then given; he detailed developments since the last meeting. It was noted that the Environmental group have received grants from the Communities First Trust Fund and from Mantell Gwynedd and that grant applications are progressing for the major schemes at both Wern Mynach and Orielton Woods.

The meeting was told that local sports and leisure groups are in the process of forming a Barmouth Leisure Association, an umbrella group that will promote the interests of members and provide support for individual initiatives. A formal launch is being planned for the end of May in the Arts Room of the Dragon theatre complex. Financial support is being sought towards tuition costs for the Mawddach Art group which attracts over 50 people a week.

Two community Fire Safety Officers, based in Barmouth will be running the newly formed Young Firefighters Association which has attracted great interest from potential members. A meeting between the Youth Club and Theatr Fforwm Cymru produced an interesting analysis of the club member’s view of the town in which they live. This will be useful in future planning.

Danny had attended a lunch with Age Concern members and was impressed by the vitality of the group, he feels they may be able to access support for their activities. As the Samba band develops there is the growing possibility of the creation of a youth section for drummers and dancers. A number of first aid classes have been held with surprisingly high numbers of attendees. It is thought that the four day course, that is compulsory for those working with young or vulnerable people, could be partly funded by the trust fund and useful to members of groups within the area.

The Community Beat Managers report indicated that a Police Community Support Officer has been appointed, she is presently undergoing training and should be in post by the start of May. He advised that a CRASBO has been given to a local youth under which he must adhere to strict conditions, a further two such orders are being prepared. Another youth who has received three yellow cards is due to be visited by the Youth offending team to complete a behaviour contract. A pub watch scheme tailored for use throughout the county is being piloted in Caernarfon it is hoped that this plan can be incorporated into local arrangements.

Finally mention was made of the volunteers scheme which will probably be tried in Barmouth. Community members who are prepared to assist in the Police station by dispensing information and directions to free officers for their duties are invited to contact Mike Humphreys at the station. Danny has a copy of the application form at the office which shows the requirements.The meeting ended with the selection of a logo for the partnership from designs submitted. All present voted and commented upon their choice. The winning design was created by Katie Plumb, the second and third prizes were tied with equal number of votes Katie’s concept will be developed into a useable symbol that can appear in various media including newsletters and on the website.
Source : home.att.net/``xEEkZEFZlFVQbOyRxbi``x1113659435``xBermo_Barmouth Cyflawni addewidion o ran yr iaith Gymraeg - Delivering on Welsh language promises``xwaen``x Mae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru wedi llwyddo i gyflawni ei addewid i fuddsoddi yn yr iaith Gymraeg, meddai'r Gweinidog dros yr Iaith Gymraeg, Alun Pugh, heddiw. Mae Iaith Pawb, cynllun gweithredu Llywodraeth y Cynulliad ar gyfer Cymru ddwyieithog, wedi nodi'r ymrwymiad i fuddsoddi £28m yn ychwanegol yr yr iaith Gymraeg erbyn 2006. Mae cyllideb o £12.68m i Fwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg ar gyfer 2005-06 yn golygu y byddwn yn cyflawni'r ymrwymiad hwnnw.

Dywedodd y Gweinidog: "Diolch i fuddsoddiad sylweddol Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn yr iaith Gymraeg, mae gan Fwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg erbyn hyn swyddfeydd rhanbarthol yng Nghaernarfon a Chaerfyrddin, sy'n gweithredu fel canolfannau i'r gwaith a wneir gan y Bwrdd i gefnogi'r iaith yn yr ardaloedd hyn.

"Bydd y buddsoddiad diweddaraf hwn yn galluogi'r Bwrdd i sicrhau bod cynnydd yn cael ei wneud ar waith pwysig fel prosiect Twf, sy'n annog rhieni dwyieithog i siarad Cymraeg â'u plant.

"Pan oeddwn ar gwrs Cymraeg yn Nant Gwrtheyrn yr wythnos ddiwetha, fe gwrddais â nifer o gydweithwyr o Fwrdd yr Iaith a'r Mentrau Iaith sy'n ymwneud â'r gwaith o gyflwyno prosiect Twf, felly rwy'n falch y bydd arian y Cynulliad yn eu galluogi i barhau â'u gwaith, gan ddatblygu'r genhedlaeth nesaf o siaradwyr Cymraeg."

O dan ei gylch gwaith ar gyfer y flwyddyn i ddod, bydd Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg yn parhau i adeiladu ar y gwaith a wna i gynyddu'r defnydd o'r Gymraeg yn y sector preifat ac yn y gweithle.

Er mwyn sicrhau statws y Gymraeg fel iaith gyfoes, bydd y Bwrdd yn gweithredu strategaeth Technoleg Gwybodaeth ar gyfer yr iaith Gymraeg, gan gynnwys defnyddio TG i safoni termau, cyfieithu â chymorth peiriannau, technoleg llais a'r defnydd o'r Gymraeg mewn cysylltiad â ffonau symudol.

Bydd y Bwrdd yn parhau i weithio gyda'r 25 o Fentrau Iaith ac yn eu cefnogi i hyrwyddo'r defnydd o'r Gymraeg mewn cymunedau.

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The Welsh Assembly Government has fully delivered on its promise to invest in the Welsh language, said Welsh Language Minister Alun Pugh today. Iaith Pawb, the Assembly Government’s action plan for a bilingual Wales, set out the commitment to invest an additional £28m in the Welsh language by 2006. The budget of £12.68m for the Welsh Language Board (WLB) for 2005-06 means that we will fulfil that commitment.

The Minister said: "Thanks to the Assembly Government's major investment in the Welsh language, the Welsh Language Board now has regional offices in Caernarfon and Carmarthen, acting as focal points for the Board’s work to support the language in these areas.

"This latest investment will enable the Board to continue progress on important work such as the Twf project, which encourages bilingual parents to speak Welsh to their children.

"While on a Welsh course at Nant Gwrtheyrn last week, I met a number of WLB and Mentrau Iaith colleagues involved in rolling out the Twf project, so I am very pleased that Assembly funding will enable them to continue their work, developing the next generation of Welsh speakers."

Under its remit for the coming year, the WLB will continue to build on its work in increasing the use of Welsh in the private sector and in the workplace.

To ensure the status of Welsh as a contemporary language, the WLB will implement an Information Technology strategy for the Welsh language, including work on using IT to standardise terms, machine-aided translation, voice technology and use of Welsh in relation to mobile phones.

The Board will also continue to work with the 25 Mentrau Iaith and support them in promoting the use of Welsh within communities.

source- communitiesfirst network
``xEEpAAuFplyThnKuwVb``x1109338286``x(default) Bermo / Barmouth Communities First February meeting``xwaen``xAt last Tuesdays meeting presentations were made by guest speakers Trefor Davies and by Emma Davies.

Trefor Davies of Cyngor Gwynned had the task of explaining the debacle resulting from the planned redevelopment of several Council properties in the town. It appears that assumptions rather than clear costings had been made about the likely charges for converting the library and youth centre and that money allocated as a result would be significantly less than the real amount needed. A revised scheme has been sketched that may fall within the original budget, this however has now to be costed to test this theory. It is now thought that works, if they go ahead, could be completed by February 2006. This will depend, partly, on the success of revised funding applications that will have to be made by contributing groups including Communities First .

Emma Davies is the Projects Training Manager for Deudraeth Cyf, her address to the group concerned the ownership by community groups of buildings, often formerly owned by local authorities. She informed the partnership on aspects of funding and management along with the responsibilities involved using examples from her own organisation to illustrate her points

The meeting then examined matters that had arisen from previous discussions. It was noted that:

On the 7th & 8th of March the Theatre Forum Cymru will be in consultation with the Youth Club.
It was said that the Environmental Group’s open day on the 13th January had been “a brilliant success”, Allen Ashby reported that over 20 people joined. The displays for Wern Mynach and Orielton Woods are now in the Communities First downstairs windows.
Interest in the adult education courses has been such that most are now full.
The C.C.T.V. group which meets regularly is opening a bank account: the Chamber of Trade has agreed to donate £1,500 to this scheme. The group also has other gifts & donations.
Members were pleased to hear that After a lot of hard work Gwion now has the Communities First website up and running. To view the web page go to URL: http://www.barmouth-communities-first.org
In the coordinators report it was mentioned that two First Aid classes, with Dorothy Williams tutoring, have been held so far and have been a success. First Aid manuals have been ordered for groups to be able to access information instantly.
Invitations have also been sent to sports groups in the area with the intention of setting up a Sports Forum locally so that grants can be accessed for sporting type projects.
The Community Beat Managers report noted that two names have been received so far as volunteers, at the Police Station, and that more would be welcomed.
The next meeting will be on the 15th of March at 6.p.m. in the community centre.
On Monday 21st. February, the Communities First office will move downstairs, from the first floor of the Council Offices on Station Road, to the old Tourist Information Office. This is on the ground floor of the same building, which will mean that access will be much easier for everyone. There will also be room for displays of new projects and matters of interest to the local community. Many thanks from Communities First to all those that helped with the move, especially Gina Ashby & Lili who gave the new office a coat of paint, made the room look clean, cheerful and ready for business!
Source : home.att.net ``xEEkZEFlZEypgTosjcl``x1108307116``xBermo_Barmouth Tîm Football Peblig - Peblig new youth football team.``xwaen``xMae trigolion un o gymunedau Gwynedd yn edrych ymlaen at ddigwyddiad cyffrous wrth i dîm peldroed newydd sbon baratoi at eu gêm gyntaf. Mae’r tîm newydd wedi ei greu gan bobl ifanc o Ward Peblig, Caernarfon. Fe’i sbardunwyd gan Wardeniaid Cymunedol Cyngor Gwynedd, Chris Walker ac Alan Davies sy’n gweithio’n agos gyda trigolion yr ardal.

Y llynedd enillodd Chris ac Alan wobr o £500 gan Crimebeat Cymru am eu gwaith caled fel wardeniaid cymudedol ar stadau yr Hendre, Maesincla a Maes Barcer yng Nghaernarfon. Penderfynodd y ddau ddefnyddio’i henillion i annog pobl ifanc o ward Peblig i ymarfer a chadw’n heini ac wrth fynd ati i wella eu sgiliau peldroed y datblygodd y syniad o greu tîm cymunedol.

"Ar y dechrau ein gobaith oedd annog pobl i ddod i’r sesiynau wythnosol er mwyn eu cadw oddi ar y strydoedd". meddai Chris.
"Ond mae’r cynllun wedi bachu yn nychymyg trigolion yr ardal o bob oed, ac rwan mae’r ffaith fod gêm ar y gweill yn gyffrous iawn". ychwanegodd.

Bydd y tîm yn chwarae Maesgeirchen yng Nghanolfan Hamdden Arfon, Caernarfon ddydd Mercher, Chwefror 2 am 4.30 o’r gloch.

Esboniodd Swyddog Ystadau Caernarfon, Haydn Maxwell o Gyngor Gwynedd ei fod yn gobeithio y bydd oedolion o fewn y gymuned yn cymryd yr awenau i redeg a rheoli’r tîm yn y tymor hir.

Mae’r Wardeniaid Cymunedol wedi bod yn chwarae rhan allweddol yn gwella’r amgylchedd a safon byw yn Ward Peblig, Caernarfon yn ystod y 12 mis diwethaf trwy gasglu sbwriel, glanhau graffiti ac edrych ar ôl stadau a buddiannau’r trigolion. Mae Chris ac Alan hefyd wedi annog y wardeniaid ifanc gyda’u gwaith caled a’u hymrwymiad i wella’i hamgylchedd.

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A brand new football team set up as part of a community project is warming up for its first match. The team, made up of youngsters from Caernarfon's Peblig Ward was formed a few weeks ago and inspired by Cyngor Gwynedd’s Community Wardens Chris Walker and Alan Davies.

Earlier this year Chris and Alan bagged a £500 Crimebeat Wales award for the hard work as community wardens on the Hendre, Maesincla and Maes Barcer estates in Caernarfon. The hard working duo decided to to use their winnings to encourage young people from the Peblig Ward to get active and polish up their football skills by drawing in members of the community of all ages in to the scheme.

"At the beginning we aimed to draw young people off the streets with these weekly session," explained Chris.
"But the project has grown beyond our expectations and we're delighted that the team's first match has been organised". he added.

The team will play Maesgeirchen at the Arfon Leisure Centre, Caernarfon on Wednesday, February 2 at 4.20pm.

Caernarfon’s Estates Officer, Haydn Maxwell explained that the long term hope was to involve parents in the running and management of the team.

The wardens have played a crucial role in improving the environment and the standard of life in Caernarfon’s Peblig Ward over the past 12 months by collecting rubbish, cleaning graffiti and taking part in safety courses. Chris and Allan have also encouraged the junior wardens with their hard work and commitment to improving their local environment.

In the Autumn the wardens also launched a highly successful tidy-up campaign by enlisting the help of local residents to get to grips with over grown gardens and verges.
Source : gwynedd council``xEEkZkEVVlyPvuuxyTF``x1107260786``xPeblig agor y Ganolfan``xeirian``x Cafwyd prynhawn difyr iawn ym Mryncroes ddydd Sadwrn. Death nifer helaeth yno I agor y Ganolfan ar ei newydd wedd. Cafwyd anerchiadau gan Rhys Evans a Enid Parri Evans. Dadorchuddiwyd y plac yn y cyntedd gan Kit Parry a cyflwynwyd blodau iddi gan Lois Parri ei wyres. Cafodd pawb baned a chacen a sgwrs ddifyr am weddill y prynhawn.

Er mwyn cadw yn y cof hanes y frwydr I gadw’r ysgol yn agored yn 1970, y mae arddangosfa o hen luniau a thoriadau papur newydd ar y waliau. Mae dyfodol y ganolfan yn edrych yn llewyrchus iawn, gyda swyddfa Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yno; hefyd ysgol Feithrin wedi ail-ddechrau a nifer o ddigwyddiadau eraill.




Am fanylion llogi, cysyllter a'r ysgrifennydd, Mrs Glenys Peters - 770252




Mae yna mwy am yr hanes yma -
Hanes

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An enjoyable afternoon was had on saturday at the new community center in Bryncroes. The official opening was carried out by Mrs Kit Parry, with speaches by Enid Evans and Rhys Evans the Llyn Communities first co-ordinator who has his office at the old school.

The school was closed after a fierce confrontation between parents and the local education authority (1969-72), and the building is now used as a community center.

There are many things going on over the winter, if you wish to rent the center contact - Mrs Glenys Peters - 770252

There is more history about the school-
Here``xEEpEuyEEFkDGyILCKO``x1101461132``xLlyn NEW NEWSLETTER``xsioned``xSouth Pwllheli Communities First has launched a new newsletter for the people of South Pwllheli. The newsletter will include information about what goes on within the community and information about the developments within the project in South Pwllheli. There will also be competitions with fantastic prizes, and an activities corner for children.

The first newsletter will be circulated during the week before Christmas.
``xEpZEpZuuyZKeGdtZIO``x1071074467``xDe_Pwllheli CYLCHLYTHYR NEWYDD``xsioned``xMae Cymunedau'n Gyntaf De Pwllheli wedi lansio cylchlythyr newydd sbon ar gyfer trigolion De Pwllheli. Bydd y cylchlythyr yn cynnwys gwybodaeth am beth sy’n mynd ymlaen yn y gymuned a gwybodaeth am ddatblygiad y rhaglen yn Ne Pwllheli. Bydd hefyd gystadleuthau lu gyda gwobrwyon gwerth chweil, a chornel gweithgareddau ar gyfer y plant.

Bydd y cylchlythyr yn cael ei ddosbarthu yn ystod yr wythnos cyn y Nadolig.


``xEpZEpZFAklqFrWweFy``x1071073928``xDe_Pwllheli DIWRNOD LLAWN HWYL ``xsioned``xCynhaliwyd Diwrnod Hwyl yng Nghanolfan Hamdden Dwyfor ddydd Gwener, 31ain o Hydref gan Gymunedau’n Gyntaf De Pwllheli. Rhaglen gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yw Cymunedau’n Gyntaf sy’n anelu at wella bywydau pobl mewn 100 o gymunedau yng Nghymru. Mae ward De Pwllheli yn un o’r cymunedau hyn.



‘Roedd y diwrnod yn cynnwys ystod eang o weithgareddau; sioe bypedau, dysgu sgiliau syrcas, cystadleuaeth pel droed, gweithdy crefft Calan Gaeaf, straeon arswydus, dringo'r wal ddringo a mwy. Cafwyd ymateb gwych gan drigolion yr ardal, ac ‘roedd mwynhad yn amlwg ar wynebau’r plant. Daeth nifer o asiantaethau lleol a stondinau gwybodaeth i'r diwrnod yn cynnwys Gyrfa Cymru, Working Links, Cynllun Twf, Menter Iaith, Siop Sgiliau Gwynedd a Gwefan Pobl Ifanc Gwynedd.



Bu cyfleon gydol y diwrnod i bobl lleol gael dweud eu dweud ar yr hyn sydd ei angen yn Ne Pwllheli. Bu llawer yn cymryd rhan mewn llunio mapiau o ardal De Pwllheli ac yna’n nodi ar y mapiau eu hoff rannau o’r ardal, eu cas lefydd, yn ogystal â’r llefydd yr hoffent eu newid. Darparwyd prydau bwyd yn rhad ac am ddim ar y diwrnod – ond ar amod bod cerdyn yn cael ei lenwi yn nodi sut gall Rhaglen Cymunedau’n Gyntaf wella ardal De Pwllheli. Ymhlith rhai o’r sylwadau ‘roedd hwylfan i blant, caffi gymunedol, canolfan bowlio deg, bws mini cymunedol, gerddi cymunedol, gofal plant ar ôl oriau ysgol a mwy o weithgareddau i blant.



Yn dilyn y Diwrnod Hwyl cafwyd agoriad swyddogol Swyddfa Cymunedau’n Gyntaf – De Pwllheli sydd wedi ei lleoli ym Morfa’r Garreg. Agorwyd y swyddfa gan y Cynghorydd Alan Williams sydd hefyd yn Gadeirydd Grwp Llywio Cymunedau’n Gyntaf. Bydd y rhaglen yn anelu at godi codi hyder pobl leol; cael pobl leol i gyfrannu at wneud eu cymunedau’n llefydd gwell i fyw a gweithio ynddynt; yn annog dysgu a hyfforddiant ar gyfer gwaith; yn creu swyddi; yn gwella tai a’r ardal o’u hamgylch; yn gwella iechyd, ac yn gwneud y gymuned yn lle diogel i fyw, gweithio a chwarae ynddi. Bydd arian ar gael ar gyfer pob cam o’r rhaglen i roi’r cymorth sydd ei angen ar bobl leol, grwpiau cymunedol lleol a mudiadau gwirfoddol lleol i gymryd rhan.



Am fwy o fanylion am y Rhaglen Cymunedau’n Gyntaf cysylltwch â Sioned ap Gareth neu Glenys Williams ar 01758 701685.
``xEpylEyllykYmGDopVp``x1068168862``xDe_Pwllheli Agor cae amlbwrpas Aberdaron 30-8-03``xwaen``x
Cychwynnodd y gweithgareddau ddydd Sadwrn gydag agoriad swyddogol y Cae Chwaraeon newydd gan Alun Ffred Jones A.C. o dan nawdd Cymunedau’n Gyntaf Llyn.







``xEpyFEVuZVufEtwNkYE``x1062204354``xLlyn Arbrawf gyda Addysg a rhwydwaith band eang di-wifr.``xwaen``x
O Coleg Meirion Dwyfor Penrallt Pwllheli



i canolfan Cymunedau'n gyntaf De Pwllheli.



``xEpyVulVyuycUMuBzXr``x1061338446``xDe_Pwllheli Skate park``xwaen``x
``xEpyVVkupukuVyNwXMX``x1061204042``xDe_Pwllheli Welsh social firms to get help``xwaen``x The Welsh Assembly is planning a massive boost for social enterprises, following evidence that they could help meet social inclusion goals but are dogged by a lack of support.

A consultation launched by Edwina Hart, minister for social justice and regeneration, suggests the sector could play a bigger role in providing public services, particularly traditional welfare services that have previously gone to local authorities.

Wales’s social economy already numbers some 30,000 organisations employing around 23,000 paid staff and providing a turnover of £630m, but the assembly wants to grow the sector further.

The working group behind the consultation, including assembly members, the Social Economy Network and Wales Council for Voluntary Action, names childcare, health and social care, environment and recycling, housing, renewable energy and green tourism as potential growth areas.

The consultation proposes a raft of new measures, such as specialist groups that would bring together key agencies to provide business expertise, and a publicity campaign to raise the sector’s profile and persuade enterprises to take part in awards schemes.

A ‘social angels’ scheme could match investors with social enterprises needing capital.

The assembly proposes stronger representation to help social businesses inform government policy and increase public awareness. Working group members felt enterprises had limited funding opportunities because of a poor understanding of their abilities and values, particularly among high street banks.

This was aggravated by a lack of hard evidence demonstrating the sector’s benefits, such as its ability to stimulate local economies. Social enterprise was also held back by internal problems, such as a varying skills and knowledge base and isolation.

Angela Elniff-Larsen, chief executive of Community Enterprise Wales, welcomed the consultation and hoped it would lead to a cut in red tape. ‘When you need £2,000 to move a business on you sometimes have to wait as long as if you were putting in a £600,000 bid,’ she said.

‘Often the government will give huge amounts to inward investment but community businesses have to get through so much bureaucracy.’

Social enterprise action plan, www.wales.gov.uk/keypubconsultation/index.htm .

For more information contact Chris Morrish at the assembly, tel: 029 2082 6750
``xEpypkpEVyyRJguUYNX``x1060201566``x(default) Gronfa Ymddiriedolaeth Cymunedau yn Gyntaf - Communities First Trust Fund update``xwaen``xY newyddion diweddaraf am Gronfa Ymddiriedolaeth Cymunedau yn Gyntaf-

Hyd yma, mae bron i 1600 o geisiadau wedi cael eu derbyn, ac erbyn hyn mae dros 900 o grantiau'r Gronfa Ymddiriedolaeth wedi cael eu rhoi, gyda thros £2,048,100 wedi cael ei roi i gyd.

Cofiwch y gallwch hefyd gael gafael ar ffurflen gais a chanllawiau oddi ar wefan Cymunedau yn Gyntaf yn www.cymunedauyngyntaf.info a ffonio’r llinell gymorth ar 0800 587 8898 os oes gennych unrhyw ymholiadau neu bryderon.

Mewn rhai ardaloedd mae Cronfa’r Ymddiriedolaeth wedi bod yn arbenning o boblogaidd ac mae’r arian a bennir ar gyfer y wardiau, is wardiau ac ardaloedd cynigion creadigol canlynol wedi ei ddosrannu yn gyflawn:

Cymunedau o ddiddordeb: lleiafrifoedd du ac Ethnig Caerdydd
Penrhyn Llyn
Glynebwy
Abertillery
Parc Caia

Felly yn anffodus nid ydym ymhellach yn medru derbyn ceisiadau o’r ardaloedd hyn.
(o bwletin mehefin 2003)
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So far, nearly 1600 completed applications have been received and over 900 Trust Fund awards have now been made, with over £2,048,100 having been awarded in total.

Please remember that you can also download the application form and guidance notes etc. from the Communities First website at www.communitiesfirst.info and contact the helpline on 0800 587 8898 with any queries or concerns you may have.

In some areas the Trust Fund has been particularly popular and money allotted to the following wards, sub wards and imaginative proposal areas has now been fully allocated:
Black, Minority Ethnic community of interest in Cardiff
Llyn Peninsula
Ebbw Vale
Abertillery
Caia Park

We are therefore unfortunately no longer able to accept applications from these areas. (from the June, WCVA Bulletin)
``xEpVyklFlEkelMRkQgz``x1056283812``x(default) Cynhadledd Ranbarthol - Regional Conference``xwaen``x
Cynhadledd Ranbarthol Cymunedau yn Gyntaf

Chanolfan Gynadledda Gogledd Cymru Llandudno dydd Mercher 9 Gorffennaf
Cynhelir y gynhadledd er mwyn i drigolion a chydlynwyr Cymunedau yn Gyntaf o bob rhan o’r Gogledd (gan gynnwys gogledd Powys) ddysgu o brofiadau ei gilydd a chael gwybod sut mae pobl eraill yn y rhanbarth yn rheoli'r rhaglen.

Trefnir y Gynhadledd gan grwp o Gydlynwyr Cymunedau yn Gyntaf yn y gogledd a chan Rwydwaith Cefnogi Cymunedau yn Gyntaf.

Estynnir gwahoddiadau i bob Partneriaeth Cymunedau yn Gyntaf (pum lle yr un), cynghorau gwirfoddol sirol a swyddogion awdurdodau lleol perthnasol (un lle yr un).
Bydd y gynhadledd yn ddwyieithog a bydd crèche ar gael.


Sut mae cofrestru ar gyfer y gynhadledd?

Mae’r gynhadledd yn rhad ac am ddim ond gofynnwn i bawb a fydd yn dod yno gofrestru ymlaen llaw er mwyn i ni drefnu.


Gyda phwy ddylwn i gofrestru?

Os ydych chi’n byw yn un o ardaloedd Cymunedau yn Gyntaf, dywedwch wrth eich cydlynydd lleol os ydych chi’n dymuno dod os gwelwch yn dda. Hefyd, a fyddech gystal â dweud wrthynt os ydych chi am gael llefydd yn y crèche. Yna, bydd y trefnwyr yn cysylltu â’ch Cydlynydd lleol.

Os ydych chi’n gweithio i un o’r Cynghorau Gwirfoddol Sirol neu i awdurdod lleol, a fyddech gystal â chofrestru drwy gysylltu â Rebekah Cox yn Rhwydwaith Cefnogi Cymunedau yn Gyntaf ar 029 20 556190 neu drwy anfon e bost at Rebekah.cox@walescoop.com erbyn 3 Gorffennaf.



Communities First Regional Conference

North Wales Conference Centre, Llandudno Wednesday 9 July
This conference is being held to allow residents and Communities First coordinators from across North Wales (including north Powys) to learn from each others’ experiences and find out about the ways others across the region are managing the programme.

The Conference is organised by a group of Communities First Coordinators in north Wales and the Communites First Support Network.

Invitations are extended to all Communities First Partnerships (five places each), county voluntary councils and relevant local authority officers (one place each).
The conference will be bilingual and a crèche will be provided.


How do I register for the conference?
Attendance at the conference is free of charge but all those coming will be asked to register in advance so we know who is coming.


Who do I register with?
If you are a resident of a Communities First area please tell your local coordinator if you wish to come. Please also tell them if you require any places in the crèche. The organisers will then contact your local Coordinator.

If you work for a CVC or local authority please register by contacting Rebekah Cox at the Communities First Support Network on 029 20 556190 or e mail Rebekah.cox@walescoop.com by 3 July
``xEpVVVEFVyZMoGlKOJQ``x1055513567``x(default) Pam Gwynedd.info?``xwaen``xMae'r safle yma wedi ei chreu ar gyfer hybu datblygiad cymunedol yng Ngwynedd. Mae'n gyfle i gwmniau cymunedol, grwpiau gwirfoddol, unigolion a chyrff cyhoeddus rhanu gwybodaeth. Ddarperir sustem yma er mwyn datblygu syniadau a helpu chreu cynlluniau mwy effeithiol fydd yn ateb gofynion trigolion Gwynedd yn well.Mae'n ffordd i'r gwasanaethau a chyrff cyhoeddus ddod i ddeall anghenion a phryderon unigolion yn y cymunedau, ac yn yr un modd yn ffordd i'r unigolion gael gwell dealltwriaeth o rol a phwrpas y gwahanol fudiadau. ``xEpuFuApAVAgJUzVcgI``x1054892159``x(default) Why this site exists.``xwaen``xThis Web site exists as a tool to assist community groups and interested organisations in Gwynedd with the process of Neighbourhood renewal. Allowing local neighbourhoods, organisations and communities to find their own voices and contribute to the development of their own solutions. Policy initiatives designed to support community development need the views of wide communities to provide the kind of policy support people actually want. The Community acts as the catalyst or spark that drives the potential for regeneration and neighbourhood renewal forward. Using this Forum will assist the citizens and communities in Gwynedd to find their own voice and help develop their own solutions. This tool can be used strategically to help meet the needs of our communities.Where existing institutions organisations are not seen to offer answers, they will all be invited to participate. We hope that using ICT tools to promote new links and re-building links by individuals, communities and organisations will lead to a better understanding for all. Dissemination of information, problem solving and best practice will help the process of local regeneration and allow all to share in a brighter future.``xEpuFuAppAFxJLdhJff``x1054804893``x(default) Agor banc elusen yng Nghymru``xwaen``x
Agor banc elusen yng Nghymru, £10 dros bum mlynedd droi'n £100! Mae Banc Elusen wedi agor ei ddrysau am y tro cyntaf yng Nghymru. Hon yw'r elusen gyntaf i gael ei awdurdodi fel banc.
Mi fydd pob arian fydd yn cael ei roi yn y banc yn cael ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer elusennau a mentrau cymdeithasol yng Nghymru.
"Mae gan gyrff gwirfoddol a chymunedol drwy Gymru fanc rwan all rhoi fenthyg arian ar logau ffafriol iddyn nhw," meddai Edwina Hart, Gweinidog Cyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a'r Cymunedau yn y Cynulliad.
"Mae'r Banc Elusen yn rhoi cyfle i bobol a busnesau Cymru i roi rhywbeth yn ôl i'w cymunedau mewn ffordd unigryw." Eisoes mae yna elusennau yng Nghymru sydd wedi derbyn arian gan y banc.
Derbyniodd Rhwydwaith Gweithredu Cymunedol fenthyciad o £200,000 i brynu ac adnewyddu eiddo yn Hwlffordd. A chafodd Eglwys ym Mae Cinmel, Y Rhyl, fenthyciad o £132,000 i godi eglwys a chanolfan gymdeithasol. Mae'r elusen yn gobeithio y bydd pobol yn rhoi rhywfaint o'u harian yn y banc.
Yn ôl gwaith ymchwil a wnaed ar ran y banc, mae gan y Cymry ar gyfartaledd £3,700 o gynilion mewn banciau. Mae Banc Elusen yn gobeithio y bydd rhan fechan o'r arian yma'n cael ei roi yn y banc er lles cymunedau ar draws Cymru. Ac yn ôl yr arolwg, mae chwarter pobol Cymru yn teimlo'n euog nad ydy'n nhw'n gwneud digon i achosion da.
Mae bron i draean yn credu y gallan nhw wneud well defnydd o'u harian a'i fuddsoddi mewn rhywbeth fyddai gwneud lles. Yn ôl y banc, gallai £10 o'i fuddsoddi dros bum mlynedd droi'n £100 i elusennau.

The Charity Bank- http://www.charitybank.org/ ``xEpVVFlEpkZqmDDZZXW``x1044584627``x(default) Ailgylchu-Recycling Christmas cards``xwaen``xAilgylchu-Recycling Christmas cardsMae Cyngor Gwynedd yn cefnogi’r Ymddiriedolaeth Coetiroedd, prif elusen cadwraeth coetiroedd y DG, yn eu cyhoeddiad y bydd pobl yn medru mynd â chardiau i’w hailgylchu eu cardiau Nadolig i siopau W H Smith a siopau mawr Tesco ledled y DG. a href="http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/news/press/2003/20030106ailgylchucardiaunadolig.cymraeg.html
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Gwynedd Council is supporting the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, in its campaign to recycle Christmas cards in conjunction with W H Smith and Tesco stores throughout the UK. http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/news/press/2003/20030106ailgylchucardiaunadolig.english.html ``xEpVVFZykVufEcHOZBG``x1042247054``xamgylchedd cronfa Cymru-Gyfan, Ar gyfer grwpiau cymunedol``xwaen``xcronfa Cymru-Gyfan, Ar gyfer grwpiau cymunedol a gwirfoddol lansiwyd y Rhaglen Gweithgareddau ac Adnoddau Cymunedol, ffynhonnell ariannu un-cam ar gyfer yr holl grwpiau cymunedol a gwirfoddol, gan Edwina Hart, Y Gweinidog dros Lywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau.

Rhaid i ymgeiswyr ddangos cynaliadwyedd y prosiect, ac ymrwymiad a chyfraniad cymunedol i’r cynigion er mwyn cael arian o dan y cynllun newydd. Dywedodd Mrs Hart:"Yr wyf eisiau i gymunedau yng Nghymru gael adnoddau digonol a hoffwn weld mwy o bobl yn eu defnyddio. Dyma paham bod Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn cyflwyno rhaglen sydd wedi’i chynllunio er mwyn gwella adnoddau cymunedol a hyrwyddo gweithgareddau cymunedol. "Mae nifer o ganolfannau cymunedol a neuaddau eglwysi yn dirywio ac nid yw’r rhai gorau yn cael digon o ddefnydd. Yr wyf eisiau pobl ifanc – a phobl hyn – i gael y siawns i gymryd rhan mewn amrywiaeth o weithgareddau hamdden, o ioga i bêl-droed. Hoffwn weld y canolfannau cymunedol yn llawn bwrlwm gweithgaredd unwaith eto.

Ychwanegodd y Gweinidog: "Nid yw’r mathau o weithgareddau cymunedol gall y rhaglen eu cefnogi wedi eu cyfyngu i neuaddau cymunedol yn unig. Mae hon yn rhaglen hyblyg sydd wedi ei chynllunio i gydweddu â Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf ac o ganlyniad bydd ceisiadau o’r ardaloedd sydd o dan anfantais yn cael blaenoriaeth.

Dywedodd y Parchedig Aled Edwards, cynrychiolydd y cymunedau ffydd ar Gyngor Partneriaeth Sector Gwirfoddol y Cynulliad:"Mae cynnwys neuaddau eglwysig yn y rhaglen arloesol hon yn newyddion da iawn a dylai helpu eglwysi ledled Cymru i ddefnyddio’u hadeiladau fel adnoddau cymunedol."

http://www.cymru.gov.uk//cynulliad ``xEpVVFlEAplxgAwckQV``x1041993508``x(default) £600,000 i hybu'r iaith mewn busnesau``xwaen``xBydd £600,000 yn cael eu gwario i hybu'r iaith Gymraeg ymysg busnesau a chymunedau Gwynedd. Mae'r cynllun, y mae Menter Iaith Gwynedd wedi ei ddatblygu, wedi llwyddo i ddenu £350,000 o Gronfa Amcan Un yr Undeb Ewropeaidd.

Daw gweddill yr arian cyfatebol o gwmni datblygu economi gwledig Gwynedd, Cymad, Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg a Bwrdd Croeso Cymru.
Bydd y buddsoddiad yn creu o leiaf bum swydd gyda swyddogion maes yn gweithio mewn ardaloedd allweddol drwy'r sir i gyd. "Mae'r cynllun yn cynnwys datblygu'r defnydd o'r iaith Gymraeg ymhlith busnesau lleol," meddai Cydlynydd Menter Iaith Gwynedd, Iddon Edwards. "Y nod hefyd yw hybu'r iaith ar lefel gymunedol mewn ardaloedd penodol," ychwanegodd. Mae ymchwil diweddar wedi dangos fod 60% o siaradwyr Cymraeg yn fwy tueddol o gefnogi busnesau lle maen nhw'n gweld a chlywed yr iaith.

Ymwybyddiaeth Bydd swyddogion y prosiect, fydd yn cael eu penodi ddechrau'r flwyddyn nesaf, yn defnyddio canlyniadau arolygon barn diweddar i godi ymwybyddiaeth ymysg pobol busnes o fanteision arddel yr iaith Gymraeg gyda'u cwsmeriaid.

"Bydd gweithgareddau diwylliannol a chymunedol yn derbyn cefnogaeth a bydd cynlluniau'n cael eu mabwysiadu i hyrwyddo'r iaith Gymraeg ymysg pobl ifanc Gwynedd," medda Mr Edwards. "Bydd hyn yn sicr o roi lle canolog i'r iaith yng ngwead cymdeithasol ac economaidd Gwynedd," meddai.

Yn ôl Cyfrifiad 1991, roedd y canran uchaf o siaradwyr Cymraeg yng Ngwynedd ble mae 73% o'r boblogaeth yn siarad yr iaith. "Dros y degawd diwethaf bu cynnydd sylweddol yn y bygythiadau sy'n wynebu'r Gymraeg," meddai Mr Edwards. ``xEpVVFlEyVlJjWUZquc``x1041906858``x(default) Gweithred Cymunedau Gwedig, Rural Community Action``xwaen``xRural communities will benefit directly from a major £3.05m a year investment announced by Rural Development Minister Michael German at Beulah Filling Station and Village Store in Powys. Rural Community Action – Gweithred Cymunedau Gwedig - is a new programme to strengthen working and living in rural Wales, through which the Welsh Assembly Government will promote rural community regeneration.
The package will provide - * £2m for rural regeneration * £750,000 to support rural retail services * £300,000 for a Wales Rural Observatory In addition, funding of £250,000 next year, rising to £750,000 by 2005-06 will be provided to promote entrepreneurial skills for young people in rural areas.
Mr German said: "Rural communities have been under pressure from the difficultues facing the farming industry and the foot & mouth crisis. The Assembly recognised this last year by providing the £65m rural recovery plan.
"Today’s investment builds on that by adding over £3m of new money a year to help promote sustainable rural communities and address the wider social and economic needs of rural areas. "£2m of this will go directly into rural community regeneration and I will shortly be inviting bids from local organisations for funding projects which, I envisage, will cover a wide range of social, economic, environmental and cultural activities. "Rural shops provide a vital lifeline in isolated communities. To this end I have earmarked £750k a year towards the provision of specialist advice and the creation of a project fund, subject to EU state aid rules, to help finance small scale improvements to increase usage of village shops. The Assembly Government is also considering further support for post offices in deprived or isolated communities," he said.
"Young people are the future of our rural communities. A scheme to develop Entrepreneurial Skills for Young People in Rural Areas will work alongside an Assembly action plan to tackle outward migration from the countryside and encourage young people to return.
"A new Rural Observatory will develop the rural agenda in Wales and will work alongside the Wales Rural Partnership and its members to improve the quality of analysis on rural issues, and help the Welsh Assembly Government and its partners develop and evaluate policy.
"This rural regeneration package follows on from the substantial agriculture budget increase I announced last week. It also links into a wide range of other Welsh Assembly Government measures supporting action by local people to develop and revitalise their rural communities, including LEADER and the Rural Development Plan, and steps to support small rural schools and promote community transport.
"I have already announced a new scheme to encourage the local procurement of food. Other measures to help small businesses include the Assembly Investment Grant and substantial investment in broadband capacity in Wales.
"Rural Community Action will help sustain rural communities and, through promoting economic and social well being in the countryside, will crucially help to underpin the Welsh language in its rural heartlands. It demonstrates that the Welsh Assembly Government cares about rural Wales and its communities and is committed to building a strong future for them.
"Wales is leading the way in developing a practical series of measures to tackle rural regeneration. The emphasis is on practicality and local delivery – schemes which can be developed and put into practice on a local level to make a real difference to rural communities through integrated community action." (1-11-02)``xEpVVFlEuplaDpvrLbY``x1041906608``x(default) Cymorth i swyddfeud bost cefn gwlad``xwaen``xMae swyddfeydd post yng Nghymru yn derbyn £49m oddi wrth y Llywodraeth. Bydd y Llywodraeth yn buddsoddi £450m drwy Brydain dros y tair blynedd nesaf i ddatblygu gwasanaethau o fewn y swyddfeydd post a lleihau'r bygythiad o gau. Yng Nghymru mae bron i 1,000 o swyddfeydd post gwledig ond mae nifer wedi cau yn ystod y blynyddoedd diweddar. Mae hynny'n rhannol am fod San Steffan wedi hybu'r cynllun o dalu pensiynau a budd-daliadau i gyfrifon banc. Ond mae gweinidogion yn derbyn fod y swyddfeydd yn aml yn gweithredu fel siop y pentref, canolfan gymunedol leol, canolfan fusnes a banc. Croesawu Croesawodd Gweinidog Swyddfa Cymru, Don Touhig, y pecyn ar gyfer swyddfeydd post. "Bydd yr arian hwn yn helpu'r 950 o swyddfeydd post gwledig er mwyn iddyn nhw barhau i ddarparu mynediad i wasanaethau yn yr ardaloedd gwledig," meddai. "Calon nifer o gymunedau gwledig Cymreig yw'r swyddfa bost ac maen nhw'n darparu llawer mwy na gwasanaethau post yn unig." Dywedodd y byddai'r arian yn helpu i sicrhau fod y swyddfeydd post yn dal i chwarae rôl hanfodol ar draws Cymru. Dywedodd y Gweinidog dros Fasnach a Diwydiant, Patricia Hewitt, fod y cynllun newydd yn dangos ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i'r rhwydwaith o swyddfeydd post yng Nghymru. "Bydd yr arian yn sicrhau fod swyddfa bost y pentref yn aros yn gadarn yn ganolbwynt i'r gymuned," meddai. Iawndal Mae'r Llywodraeth yn bwriadu darparu £210m er mwyn talu iawndal i'r swyddogion post y bu'n rhaid eu cau a gwella'r swyddfeydd sy'n dal ar agor. Caniatawyd yr arian o dan reolau cymorth Ewropeaidd a'r cam nesaf fydd caniatâd y Senedd. O dan y cynllun bydd tua thraean o swyddfeydd post trefol yn cael eu cau a'r swyddfeydd gwledig yn dal ar agor. Hyd yn oed wedi'r cau, medd gweinidogion, bydd 95% o boblogaeth Prydain yn dal i fyw o fewn milltir i swyddfa bost. Gan y BBC- http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/newyddion/newsid_2534000/2534191.stm"> BBC ``xEpVVFlpuAFHMDElDIj``x1041905693``x(default) Two National Lottery distributors to merge?``xwaen``xThe New Opportunities Fund (NOF) and Community Fund are engaged in merger discussions. Voluntary sector publishing and training organisation The Directory of Social Change argues this represents a threat to the independence of a key source of charitable funding. Discussions on the possible merger between the two distributors of National Lottery funding have been held as a result of the government's Lottery Review. In a statement the two bodies say that "the merger and creation of a new Distributor is intended to lead to a reduction in the costs of Lottery distribution and increased efficiency." Although no decision will be taken until April 2003, the Directory of Social Change (DSC) has already criticised the proposed merger. The DSC argues that the two bodies are quite different despite the fact that they both distribute lottery funds. "The Community Fund," says the DSC "has, until now, operated independently of government, choosing its own mission úto help those at greatest disadvantage in the community and developing its own widely respected programmes for doing so. NOF, on the other hand, only funds programmes decided for it by the government, often in support of other government initiatives." DSC opposes any merger on the grounds that it would not be in the best interests of an independent voluntary sector. If it does go ahead, however, the DSC has called for the completely independent allocation of charities' existing percentage of lottery funds (already reduced by government to 17%) to be fully enshrined in the arrangements. In light of the recent media campaign against the Community Fund's funding policy, the DSC adds that any new body "must be free to maintain the Community Fund's present and widely respected mission and to choose its own ways of implementing this." The DSC reports that the Board of the Community Fund will meet on 21 January to decide on whether to proceed with this project. The statement from the New Opportunities Fund and Community Fund added that the two bodies "will be consulting the sectors affected should the merger go ahead." more... http://www.dsc.org.uk/ ``xEpVVFlpkFyxnbZwBkn``x1041905436``x(default)