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The Benefits
~ a ripple in a pond ~
What's in it for me?'
In addition to good things already happening in AberG
We can all benefit from ...
- A vibrant, living, active centre that captures and encourages positive activities that benefit people and contribute to a thriving, prosperous social economy.
- A hub where people are permitted & encouraged to give something back
- A safe-place that shares food, companionship, comfort and warmth.
- A place where people develop and foster a sense of belonging and well-being.
- An inclusive [non-threatening] place where individuals, families, children come together and cultivate relationships which offer mutual support.
- Economic and social regeneration in the Grofield Ward.
- A non-judgemental space where people of every age, faith, creed, gender, cultural and political outlook come choose to come together for mutual enrichment.
- Leadership that responds positively and innovatively to change.
We can all benefit from ...
- Community-based childcare; purposeful youth & holiday activities
- Shared space for new enterprises, expanding micro business and home-workers
- Workshop space for community arts, music and crafts
- Space which brings young & old together to socialise; to share traditions and promote inter-dependant relationships that are vital for the future
- Teaching & learning space for passing on practical skills
- New space for people to be active in projects that genuinely address local issues
- Local goods, local services and local jobs
- Support for families
- Support for Carers
- Pastoral support for schools
- Practical & informal learning opportunities for families, children and young people
- A trusted space where people 'outside the mainstream' can be valued in their wider community
- An organisation that places a high value on the expert skills of retired people, among others
- A growing network of co-operatives and ethical businesses that underpin future sustainable lifestyles i.e. food, goods and services
- Community-based social marketing tool (addressing climate change through small and sustainable actions ~ on a growing scale)
Finally, the centre will provide a much-needed focal point and an outlet for those of us - young or older - living in Abergavenny who simply wish to 'give something back' through personal action, participation and service.
We can all benefit from a strong voluntary work-ethic ...
A high standard of local expertise and willing exists locally - and it's ripening on the vine.
Through association and trust relationships this positive energy can be captured and put to powerful good-use in our schools, nurseries and hospitals; on our streets and in our homes, gardens, allotments and farms. But it starts here.
We all have something valuable to give which money cannot buy or incentivise:
grassroots organisations - like ours - are widely understood to be best-placed to influence change and respond to local issues.
At the heart of social care are human relationships but in these modern times of social mobility, ageing population, geographical dislocation and changing family structures these vital human connections and associations have been compromised and in many cases completely lost. As a result of social fragmentation people are more vulnerable now than ever before in our modern history.
Our plan for the future depends on 'civil society' having a unique space in which to grow into and fill existing gaps and we are well-placed to enhance what already happens in our town by helping more people into local activities & facilities.
What or who stands in the way?
These questions are being answered, in turn, through the six-year-long local campaign to provide a community centre in the heart of Abergavenny.
A different business approach...
Things have moved on so put aside the outdated image of a one-space community centre or village hall. The school & grounds provide a versatile, multi-function & accessible space in which community-enterprise can establish and thrive, but the function of the organisation is not limited to or by the building.
The proposed centre will be an anchor in the community. It will be run efficiently as a community business, and like any other business we'll offer services that we know people want and importantly will use.
We will charge for some services but the difference is that profit will be recycled back into the business to keep the facility and the service going. We are well-placed to be a community partner - a community agent - which agencies can align to and work alongside.
Our staff and our volunteers will be treated fairly and decently and we'll operate by a financial model which encourages wellbeing.
