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The Benefits
'What's in it for me?'
In addition to good things happening in Abergavenny ....
Our town will benefit from ...
* A vibrant, living 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 place where individuals, families, children come together and cultivate relationships which offer mutual support.
* Economic regeneration of the Grofield Ward
* A non-judgemental space where people of every age, faith, creed, gender, cultural and political outlook come together for social good
* Leadership that responds positively to change
We will all benefit from ...
- Community-based childcare; purposeful youth & holiday programmes
- Shared space for new enterprises, expanding small 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
- 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 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)
The Centre would provide a much-needed focal point and an outlet for those of us living in Abergavenny who simply wish to 'give something back' through personal action, participation and local service.
Voluntary Workforce
A high standard of local expertise and willing exists locally. Through the people network that positive energy can be captured and put to positive and powerful good-use in our schools, nurseries and hospitals; on our streets and in our homes, gardens, allotments and farms.
We have something valuable to give which money cannot buy.
Grassroots "from the bottom up" organisations - like ours - are widely understood to be best-placed to influence change and respond to local issues.
At the heart of social care is human relationships but in these modern times of social mobility, geographic dislocation and changing family structures, vital connections and associations have been compromised. 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.
What or who stands in the way?
These questions are being answered, in turn, through this four-year-long local campaign to bring a community centre to 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 infant school provides us with a multi-functional space ...and we can use every inch.
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, from food supply to educational and environmental support to care of the elderly.
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.
Our staff and volunteers will be treated fairly and decently ~ but ours is definately a no bonus culture.