Worried about debt or money?

Are you worried about debt or need advice on financial services?

The Communities First Office has a range of free leaflets available in the Cafe of the Community Centre on topics such as basic bank accounts, dealing with debt, planning for retirement and paying mortguages.

These Leaflets are produced by the financial services authority and are free. If you have a specific query and or cant find the information you need, please come into the Communities First Office. All enquiries will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

Communities First Partnership Meeting

The next partnership meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th January 12.30pm at the Trefechan Community Centre. A small buffet lunch will be provided for this meeting for partnership members

Parents Guide to Money

Are you a new or expectant parent?

We have a free information file for new or expectant parents to help parents manage their money at a time when their financial situation is changing.

It gives advice on budgeting for the cost of a child, planning ahead for a new family, information on state benefits, plus much more.

The Communities First Team will be circulating copies to all parents who have children in preschool and primary school. However, if you would like a copy, please call into the office.

Free Trip to see Welsh National Opera

Thanks to support from the Welsh National Opera, the Communities First team will be running a free trip to see a dress rehearsal of the Elixir of Love (sung in italian) at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday 10th February. The bus will be leaving Trefechan at 12 noon and returning for 7pm. To reserve a space please contact Sally or Louise at the Communities First office. Hurry though as space is limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis!

Young People get sporty!

Thanks to the support of the Sports Development Team from MTCBC and Merthyr Martyrs, over 30 young people from Trefechan had an opportunity to take part in football skills training and arts and crafts during the October half term. All young people who took part in the event, received a medal for attending.

It is hoped that further sessions will be able to take place in the near future.

Art Workshop

Thanks to support and funding from the Heads4arts project, community volunteers and local teachers have been busy learning how to create lanterns for local community events. The evening was a great success and it is hoped that the skills learnt can be passed on to others in the community. The Young People of Trefechan also benefited from a song writing workshop with a local artist Cheryl Beer and is hoped that this will link into a proposed heads of the valleys festival in the future.

Keep Well This Winter Event - Free Event for the over 50s

There will be a free event for the over 50s on the 7th November in the new Leisure Centre in Merthyr Tydfil (formerly Rhydycar. The Keep Well This Winter event will provide free information, advice and workshops on how to look after yourself over the winter period and support that is available. There will be free refreshments and a shuttle bus is available from stand 16 at merthyr Bus Station. Trefechan Communities First will be looking to put a bus on directly from Trefechan if we have enough numbers. If you would be interested in a place please contact the office for more information.

Missing Person

We are glad to report that Gerwyn has now been located and is safe and well. Thank you for all residents who helped in the search for Gerwyn.

Evening at Trefechan Cafe 20th November 5.30-7.30pm

We are holding an eveing at the Trefechan Village Green Cafe on Thursday 20th November 2008 from 5.30-7.30pm with:

Thorntons chocolates
The Body Shop at Home
Floral Arrangements
Cancer Aid Christmas Cards and other goods
Hand made Jewelley

Entry is free and the event is open to anyone wishing to attend, so we look forward to seeing you all on the evening

Trefechan Children get painting!

Thanks to funding from Glamorgan Gates Project in Merthyr Tydfil the young people of Trefechan have had the opportunity to try out new activities. Over the last few months the Trefechan After School Club members and parents have been busy producing art work with Chris Chivers (a community artist) which will be displayed in the community garden at the Trefechan Community Centre. All of the members of the After School Club have been involved in designing and painting the artwork which will be installed over the next month in the garden.


Our thanks go to the Craig Pearce at the Glamorgan GATES Project, Chris Chivers and the Trefechan Community Association and after school Club. Glamorgan GATES is a partnership between the University of Glamorgan and the Communities First Unit of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

A big thank you for joining us in our coffee morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 26th September at the village Green Cafe. A grand total of £90.54 was raised by drinking lots of coffee,enjoying lots of cake, naming the Macmillan bear and holding a raffle.

We would like to thank all the people who kindly donated raffle prizes, Trefechan Nursery School and Trefechan Village Green Cafe.

Around 780 people are diagnoses with Cancer everyday in the UK, proving these services are needed more than ever, Thank you again for your support!

Safe & Sound Baby Safety Equipment

Items available to purchase from the Communites First Office:
Fire Guard - £13.95
Safety Gate (Fixed) - £12.00
Safety Gate (Suction) - £17.50
Safety Starter Pack - £7.50
Anti-Scald Plug - £2.95
Radiator Guard - £10.50
Nit combs - £3.00
Wrist Links - £2.50
Harness - £4.50
Thermometer - £1.50

Credit Union Collection Point

Trefechan Credit Union Collection Point will be starting on Friday 17th October 2008 from 12noon to 1pm. This will then run every friday.

Why save with a credit union?

Saving always makes sense but with your local credit union it's even better because as a member you're an owner with your say in how the credit union is run. Any profit your credit union makes is invested in services or returned to you the member. What's more, by saving in your local credit union you know that your money is being retained in the community to grant loans to other members- people like you.

Credit unions also provide life saving insurance to their members (subject to a certain age restrictions). This is an insurance cover which is paid to members' dependants in the event of their death.

Members are also able to access low cost loans granted on the basis of their saving record, their capacity to repay and according to the Loans policy of the Credit Union. Under the law, credit unions are restricted to a loan rate of 1% per month on the reducing balance. That works out to 12.65% APR. For example a loan of £200 has weekly repayment of £4.10 and the cost of the loan is £13.24.

Credit unions are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are bound by acts of Parliment and are fully insured against theft and fraud.

Environment Partnership Launch

As part of a series of events to celebrate the launch of the Merthyr Tydfil Environment Partnership, an Indiana Jones Evening was held in Trefechan. Local residents were able to meet a variety of native and exotic animals and find out about wildlife and nature in both Merthyr Tydfil and further afield.

Our thanks go to the support of Rolf Brown from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Groundwork Merthyr and RCT and Chris's Pets of Merthyr Tydfil.

48th Annual Trefechan and Cefn Coed Gardeners Show

This years 48th annual Trefechan and Cefn Coed Gardeners Association show was opened by Professor Mansel Aylward CB. Unfortunately the number of entries was down this year due to the inclement weather we have experienced, however the show was well supported as usual by the local community. We hope to experience better weather next year as we head to our fiftieth anniversary show.

Presentation Cups details:

H. Besley Cup – Most First Prizes in Show – John Gough
C. Lewis cup – Open Class Vegetables – John Gough
Merthyr Express Cup – Open Class Flowers – Joy Evans
A.S. Thomas Cup – Open Class Dahlias – Dr Chakrabarti
P.M. Phillips Cup – Open Class Chrysanthemums – David Rees
I. Hamilton Cup – Members only Vegetables – John Gough
Ken Davies cup – Members only Flowers – Roy Meyrick
W.J. Jones cup – members Only Roses – John Curtis
A. Driver Cup – Most 1st Prizes in Novice Classes – Sandra Stevens
Mr & Mrs D.N Davies Salver – Open Class Domestic – Margaret Price
H. Samuel Cup – Open Class Knitted / Crochet – Phyllis Jenkins
F> Berry Cup – Best Exhibit Table Decoration – Margaret Price
Geoffrey Phillips Cup – Best Exhibit floral decorations – Joy Evans
Beginners Cup – Best Exhibit Floral Decoration – Joy Evans
Mary John Cup – Miniature Decorations – Margaret Price
Trefechan and Cefn Cup – Petite Arrangement – Joy Evans
Association Cup – Most 1st Prizes in Members Flowers and Vegetables – John Gough
W.J Morgan Cup – Most 1st Prizes Members Only Vegetables – A. Morgan
Noel Rogers Rose Bowl – Best Exhibit Open Class Dahlias – Dr Chakrabarti
W.F. Barlow Cup – Best Exhibit in Flowers and Vegetables – Open –
A. Morgan
Bryn Price Cup – Best Vegetables in Show – A. Morgan
Cefn Hotel Trophy – Best Exhibit in Vegetables Sections – A. Morgan

If you are interested in entering next year's show or would like to come along to our meetings and find out what else we do, please contact the Communities First Team

Have you experienced homophobic hate crime?

We hope not…..
but Stonewall Cymru has produced a Guide on how the Criminal Justice agencies respond to homophobic hate crime – we hope this will encourage you to report homophobic hate crime and increase your understanding of how criminal justice agencies can work with you to stop homophobic hate crime.

If you would like a copy of the guide, please drop into the Communities First Office or email us. All enquiries will be treated as confidential.

The Guide was launched by Stonewall Cymru, Richard Brunstrom Chief Constable North Wales Police, and Brian Gibbons Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Social Justice, Local Government and Equality.

Community Safety Day

Residents of Trefechan came together on the 20th August for a community safety day, thanks to funding from and the support of the Trefechan Communities First Partnership. Despite the terrible weather, over 150 residents (adults and children) attended the event.
A range of advice agencies were in attendance to give advice to residents on community safety. Agencies who attended the event were Safer Merthyr Tydfil, Trading Standards, South Wales Fire Service, Drug Aid, Safe and Sound Project, Care and Repair and the Police.
Tydfil the Turtle also made a special appearance at the event to raise awareness of road safety with the children.
Various other activities also took place on the day with pick-n-mix circus providing circus skills workshops, a bouncy castle and outdoor games.
“ The event was organised to raise awareness of support available to the community around community safety. Despite the weather we were extremely pleased with the attendance at the event and would like to thank all agencies who gave up their time to support our event. A great day was had by all and it was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and discuss any concerns they may have”

Macmillan Coffee Morning

We are holding a coffee morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 26th September 2008 at Trefechan Village Green Cafe from 10.30 am - 12.30pm.
Please come along and enjoy a cup of coffee / tea with a delicious cake or two !!! and partake in our raffle in order for us to raise as much money as we can to support Macmillan fund their vital cancer services.
We look forward to seeing you all on the day

Energy Advisory Surgery

The Energy Advice Centre will be in Trefechan Community Centre on Friday September 5th from 12noon until 1pm offering information on housing insulation and grants, energy efficiency which will help you save money on your bills and free energy saving lightbulbs.
The surgery is free and open to all to attend
*no appointment needed*

Housing Benefit Take-Up Advisory Surgery

A Housing Benefit Take-Up Advice Surgery will be held at Trefechan Community Centre on Friday 22nd August at 12noon until 1pm.
The surgery is free and open to all to access information and advice on housing benefits
*no appointment needed*

Trefechan Young People

Thanks to £1000 funding from the Communities First Trust young people in Trefechan have been taking part in a range of learning outdoor activities. Our young people with support of the Trefechan Youth Club, MTCBC Youth Service and the Communities First Partnership have been able to try out new activities such as raft building, high ropes, quad biking and have learnt new skills such as communication, team building and confidence building.

Current activities for the young people include an intergenerational film project and drug awareness training.

New Deal Lone Parent Advice Surgery

A New Deal Lone parent advice surgery is being held at Trefechan Community Centre on Friday 1st August at 12noon until 1pm.
The surgery is free and open to all to attend to access information on New Deal for Lone Parents.
It is a voluntary programme specifically designed to help lone parents into work. It offers a package of support to help you move towards a more secure future for you and your children

Zoom Cymru - Young People's Project

Are you interested in filming and creative media? If you are a young person and would like to take part in a project on Tuesdays in the summer holidays, please call into out office for a chat.

Canolfan a Menter Tudful Summer Walk Saturday 26th July Meet at Cefn Community Centre 12 noon

Along the Taff Trail to Pontsticill, calling in at the Red Cow Inn. Leaving Cefn Community centre at 12noon. The walk is moderate and should take about 3 hours. Everybody Welcome!

Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful. Taith Cerdded—Ar hyd y Taith Taf I Bontsticill, gan alw mewn I’r Red Cow. Byddwn yn gadael Canolfan Cymunedol Cefn Coed am 12. Dylai’r daith cymryd tua 3 awr. Crosco mawr I bawb.

Community Sports Day - Friday 8th August

Trefechan Communities First will be holding a community sports day on Friday 8th August starting at 11am until 2pm outside the Trefechan community centre.
Come along and try out a variety of sports and activities, the Cardiff City training team will also be in attendance on the day.

Summer Event - Wednesday 20th August

Communities First alongside various agencies will be holding a summer community event from 11am to 2pm in the Community Centre.

Come along and have a go at circus skills with the pick-n-mix circus, outdoor games and get advice and information from a range of different agencies.

The event is free and open to all.

Indiana Jones Experience

As part of the borough wide environment partnership launch we will be having an event on Friday the 12th September 2008 from 5pm to 7pm in the Trefechan Community Centre.

The evening will consist of many different small animals, reptiles and insect. Please come along and meet the critters and experience an exciting evening!

RNID advice surgery

The RNID held an advice surgery on the 27th June in Trefechan, giving information and advice on hearing problems. If you are not hearing as well as you used to, or you feel someone near you is missing out, there's a simple answer. Call 0845 6005555 now and take a five minute telephone hearing check.

If you would like more advice please contact the RNID or pop into the Communities First office for more information.

Merthyr Tydfil Globl Village

Celebrando A Diversidade em Merthyr Tydfil
E Muit Mais
Domingo 6 De Julho 2008
Cyfartha Parque - 11.00 ate 17.00
Evento Gratis
Todos Bem-Vindos

Danca Nativo Americana, Artes Marciais Gatka, Oficinas de Digeridoo, Vendas de Artseanato....

Come and celebrate the diversity of Merthyr Tydfil at the Merthyr Tydfil Globla Village Event on the 6th July at Cyfartha Park from 11.00 to 17.00. Event is free and there is a range of activities available from native american dancing, african drumming, digeridoo workshops, plus much more!

War on Waste

The following materials can be included in your kerbside recycling collection:
- Cans - food and drink cans
- Glass - bottles and jars
- Newspaper and magazines - all other papter (including shredded), envelopes, yellow pages, junk mail
- Plastics - bottles, food trays, yoghurt pots, cling film, plastic bags
- aerosols
- Aluminium foil
- Cardboard - all household cardbaord i.e. ceral boxes (without inserts), toilet/kitchen rolls (inserts only), cardboard packaging
- Corrugated cardboard - larger boxes flat packed
- Tetra Paks - juice cartons
- textiles

Please rinse all container/cartons. Please place paper/card/magazines/textiles in a separate bag as these need to be kept dry and free from contamination.

If you have any queries or require further information please call 01685 725138

Are you over 60 and need advice on pensions?

Are you over 60 and need advice on pensions and pension credits?

The Pension Service can help with queries and give information on what you are entitled to.

The Communities First Team can help to arrange either a home visit or an appointment in another convenient location. If you would like to find out more please contact us at our office.

Advice Surgeries on benefits

The following free advice surgeries will be held at the Trefechan Community Centre for free advice and information for local residents:

Friday 27th June 12 to 1pm RNID - providing advice and information for deaf, hard of hearing people and for people suffering from tinnutus. The RNID will also be bringing along equipment for residents to view

Friday 11th July 12 to 1pm Bridges to work - providing advice and information for 16yrs olds to 18yrs who are looking for employment or training

Friday 18th July 12 to 1pm Prime Cymru - providing advice and information for residents over 50 who need employment advice or who are looking to set up their own business.

National Play Day - Bryn Bach Park

National Play Day is taking place at Bryn Bach Park on Wednesday 6th August 2008. Trefechan Communities First will be running a coach trip to this event. The coach will depart Trefechan Community Centre at 10.30am and return at 4pm. The trip is free to under 16s. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. A £1 contribution is required for all accompanying adults. Tickets available for the Communities First office. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Credit Union

The Trefechan Communities Team are working with the credit union to establish a weekly collection point. We will keep you updated on developments.

Funding Advice

Are you looking for funding for your community group?

The Council will be holding a funding fair on Wednesday 11th June 2008 from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Hills Plymouth Cricket Club in Merthyr Tydfil. There will be advisors from a range of funding organisations available to help you.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is also holding a funding advice Surgery on Tuesday 17th June 2008 at the Voluntary Action Centre in Merthyr Tydfil. To book a one to one session with the funder please contact either Samanthan Turner or Carol Evans on 01685 353933 or 01685 353984.

If you would like further assistance on developing your group e.g funding advice, marketing advice, training advice etc please contact Sally Mcintyre Communities First Development Officer at our office.

Benefit Entitlements for the over 60s

Are you aged 60+?

Do you need help and advice on benefit entitlements and claim form completion?

If so please contact Local Pension Service on 01675 306614 to book or home visit. Alternatively, please come along to our office and we can complete a referal for you and arrange a visit.

Merthyr Tydfil Welsh language Initative and Centre - Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tydfil

Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful Welsh Centre's Coffee Morning - Every Monday Morning there's the chance to meet other Welsh Learners/speaker over coffee, games and activities. Warm welcome to learners of all levels.

Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful Bore Coffi'r Canolfan - Pob bore dydd Llun mae yna cyfle i gwrdd a siardwyr a ddsgwur Cymraeg eraill dros paned, gweithgareddau a gemau croeso i ddysgwyr o bob safon

Time Monday / Dydd Llun 11.30 to 12.00

Where / Ble ?

The Welsh Centre Pontmorlai, Merthyr Tydfil
Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil

ASDAN training - Are you aged 16 or 17?

Are you aged 16 or 17 years old?
Have you just left school or dont know what do to in the future?
Want to earn £50 a week while learning new skills?
We will be running an ASDAN Course in the next few months in Trefechan, for young people aged 16 to 17 years old. If you are interested please contact us for more information.

Advice Surgeries - Coming Soon !

We will be holding drop in advice surgeries over the next few weeks for local residents in the Trefechan Community Centre

Friday June 13th 12.30pm to 1.30pm - Ageing Well Advisor - Advice for the over 50s on Security, health and well being, Benefits, Grants etc.

Friday June 27th 12pm to 1pm - RNID - For advice for people with hearing difficulties and for interested families and careers. They will be providing advice and demonstrating equipment which is available to help.

JobsMatch - Date to be confirmed - For advice for residents looking for work or looking for training to help them get back into employment

PrimeCymru - Date to be confirmed - For advice for the over 50s who are looking to set up their own business or social enterprise as well as general employment advice

Trefechan Young People Get Arty!

Young People Get Art Smart!

Thanks to funding from the Princes Trust, our young people have been busy producing art work to go in their new youth club facilities. The Day was a great success!