Glyncoch Learning Communities
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Build It Glyncoch
The Build It Project, organised under The People & Work Unit umbrella, will be funded for 5 years by The Rank Foundation. It enables a number of skill based 'learning' voluntary projects to be introduced into Glyncoch, such as decorating, dealing with environmental issues and wood working projects. Following the transfer of Council Houses to Residents' Housing Associations, a huge amount of housing maintenance and development work will be needed throughout Wales in the near future and as we do not want Glyncoch to miss out on the employment opportunities right on our doorstep, Build It is starting to prepare potential workers right now.
Projects just keep coming for Hywel Williams (Project Leader) and his team of young men from the community. Since September, they have built a precision set of benches and a creative water feature surround for a sensory room in Gilfach Goch Community Centre. Hywel and his team enjoyed putting together all the pieces, 'like a giant jigsaw', almost as much as they relished the breakfast in Gilfach's Community Café! Other projects have consisted of making some planters for Cefn School and several bird boxes, constructing the Jolly Roger for the performance group, making a fund raising thermometer for the Community Centre, preparing Santa's Grotto in the Community Centre and making a magnificent throne for Santa!
Hywel and James Hall (Project
Manager) have also started negotiating with RCT Homes concerning work in one of the voids in Glyncoch: we hope to have more news on this in the New Year. There are now
five boys seconded to Build It from Rathbone (UK wide voluntary youth
sector organisation helping to re-engage young people in skills related
projects) three of whom are currently being assessed for their NVQ1 in Construction. If anyone in the community would like to talk with Hywel about construction trade training, volunteering or apprenticeships, please feel free to call him on
07974 657362 or email: hywel.williams@peopleandworkunit.org.uk. He'd also be pleased to hear from anyone interested in taking on one of the Build It youth for a work experience or apprenticeship placement.
Chance to Learn
Since beginning her new role on October 1st, Sue Barrow, the Chance to Learn Project Leader has been busy! She's started mapping local learning provision, been supporting several local individuals with job applications, CVs and literacy as well as organising a couple of courses in the Community Centre (Writing CVs and applications plus Psychology, which is already proving really popular). Sue has also got ongoing responsibilities supporting learners from several other valley communities as they progress through college and university. Several of these learners have secured employment in caring services, including nursing. Sue's role is centred in Glyncoch (the hub!) and also includes supporting learning in Bryncynon and Gurnos (Merthyr Tydfil). Sue has considerable experience encouraging and supporting people with learning opportunities and is available to talk with anyone about training, courses, and progression into work. There's lots of fascinating courses and amazing challenges out there, so why not give her a ring on 07971 540528 or e-mail her at suebarrow23@btinternet.com
School Support Worker
Jess Adams has been revising her GCSE Maths with a group of young people (several from Glyncoch) in Year 11 at Pontypridd High this term!
They have just taken their exams, and we wish them all good luck with their results in the New Year!
Jess has also been busy working alongside Gareth Evans, the school's key-worker, to befriend and be available to anyone who wants to talk about anything
that is concerning them. Part of her classroom duties include providing several pupils with additional support with
study skills.
Jess is really enjoying her role and would welcome anyone to have a chat with her, if they feel the need to talk about school work. Jess also spends a number of hours within Glyncoch each week, providing support for young people in the performance group, youth club and other activities. She has already starting to organise course work support within the community. Homework, course work and school life in general can be scary! And not just for the youth! Parents and guardians often find this world a strange place, too! If you'd like support on any matter relating to High School, Jess can be contacted at jess.adams@peopleandworkunit.org.uk.
The Glyncoch Bulid It Project is funded by The Rank Foundation, and Chance to Learn is funded by Esmèe Fairbairn.
