Category Archives: Community News

Charity, Community News, Driving, Liverpool, Transport

Britannia Taxis supports disadvantaged youth with latest community donations

BRITANNIA Taxis, Liverpool’s leading private hire operator, is stepping up to support disadvantaged youth in the local community through the Funded by Veezu programme.

Britannia is a regional hub of the UK’s fastest growing private hire technology platform, Veezu, and is supporting Tribe Dance School and Brins Gym to empower disadvantaged youth.

Tribe Dance School, founded in September 2023 by Becky Middleton, hosts acro, ballet, tap and commercial dance classes for children aged 2-11 alongside an adult’s dance class in Roby Community Centre, a Big Help building.

Britannia Taxis has donated £800 to fund dance classes for children from low-income households who otherwise cannot afford to attend, and sponsors one young dancer in particular to progress and attend free classes.

Becky said: “We’re so grateful to Britannia for their support, allowing children from all backgrounds to be able to participate in dance.

“I set up this school after running another class with a friend for over 10 years, before her passing last year. Lots of people reached out with fond memories and great experiences of the class, so I set up Tribe in honour of her and with the hope to help more children grow and develop. Britannia’s kind donation will ensure that nobody is left out.”

Britannia Taxis has also donated £1000 to Brins Gym, a local boxing club that works with young people at risk of antisocial behaviour. The donation will go towards the purchase of a new kit for the gym’s 50th anniversary.

In addition to its donation, Britannia sponsored the Gym’s anniversary boxing show at Rainhill Ex-Services Club which took place on April 19 and welcomed young people from across the Northwest to box against each other.

Andrew Robinson, Coach at Brins Gym and Veezu driver-partner, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Veezu for its ongoing support at such an exciting time for us. Our gym is an important place for so many people as our number one priority is to empower disadvantaged children and keep them on track.

“The best part of running the gym is witnessing how many people we have been able to welcome over the last 50 years, and the difference it has made in the community. With Veezu’s support, our event was a huge success, and the future for Brins Gym looks very bright.”

Rosanna Hynes, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager for Britannia Taxis, said: “Being a local provider, supporting our local community is at the heart of what we do. Both groups do life-changing work in supporting disadvantaged young people and have incredible stories to tell; it’s a privilege to lend our support wherever we can. We are very much looking forward to what the future holds for both these organisations.”

Business, Business News, Community News, FInance

Swansea Building Society Commemorates Successful Faith in Families Centre Renovation

Faith in Families and Swansea Building Society are pleased to announce the successful completion of the renovation project at the Faith in Families Community Cwtch in St Teilo’s Church, Portmead.
Launched in 2023 with a generous £30,000 donation from Swansea Building Society’s centenary year philanthropic initiative, the transformation includes full waterproofing, insulation, and a new roof. This enhancement allows for year-round utilisation of a significant portion of the ‘Cwtch,’ reinforcing Faith in Families’ commitment to serving the local community with childcare and essential support services.

Faith in Families, a Swansea-based charity established in 1999, operates centres in Swansea and Brecon, offering a wide range of services from childcare to lunch clubs. With a vision to build brighter futures and create a city where every child can reach their full potential, the charity plays a pivotal role in uplifting families within the community.

Swansea Building Society’s involvement with Faith in Families began back in October 2022, with a donation facilitated by its Chief Executive, Alun Williams, and Area Manager, Jane Parker. The initial donation kickstarted the renovation project and highlighted the urgent need for a new roof at the Community Cwtch.

Moved by the charity’s plight, Parker orchestrated a project team, convening a meeting with members of the local business community, who were similarly inspired by the organisation’s remarkable story and rallied to offer their assistance.

In a heartwarming display of goodwill and community solidarity, support swiftly poured in. A roof survey was undertaken, along with re-costing of repair work by a quantity surveyor, and a bat survey. Additionally, donations were made by various businesses for materials, labour and scaffolding.

The success of the renovation project would, therefore, not have been possible without the invaluable support of various partners and members of the local business community: Sam Hawking – Sam Hawking Property Lawyers; Mark Dixie – Glamorgan Services; Iestyn Evans – I & G Ecological Consulting; Nick Thomas – Greener Futures; Jason Evans – Evans Banks Planning; Paul Williams – P R Williams Ltd; Andrew Davies – Hurley and Davies; Carl Thomas – Absolute Scaffolding Wales; Jason Lewis – Spartan Scaffolding Solutions; Anthony Harrison & Scott Thornhill – Crest Ceilings and Partitions; Gethin Edwards – EBM; Steve Smith – SRS Building and Roofing Maintenance; Abby Truscott & Mike Coakley – PESS Ltd; and Ryan Miles – Miles Hire Ltd.

Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said:

“The amazing support from Swansea Building Society, local businesses, and partners has been incredible. Their generosity has allowed us to rebuild the space, providing a warm, safe place for children and families when they need it most. This partnership shows how much we can achieve when people and businesses work together for a better future.”

Jane Parker, Area Manager at Swansea Building Society, added:

“We are incredibly proud to have been able to help facilitate the renovation of the Faith in Families Community Cwtch. At Swansea Building Society, we believe in the power of community collaboration and the importance of investing in initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Seeing the completion of this project and witnessing the positive impact it will have on the local community reaffirms our commitment to supporting worthy causes and fostering a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.”

Birmingham, Community News, Events

Celebrate Jamaica’s 60th independence anniversary in style, with music, poetry and tasty Caribbean treats

Jamaica’s 60th year of independence will be marked in style in Birmingham as a special pop-up venue to celebrate the country’s Commonwealth Games performances is launched.

Representatives of the Jamaican High Commission, Birmingham City Council and the Jamaican Tourist Board will be at the event on Wednesday, August 3, as Jamaica House is officially launched at the Glee Club in The Arcadian centre.

Visitors will be treated to music, entertainment and some tasty Caribbean treats, prepared by renowned chef Lorenzo Richards, who is there as part of a series of Commonwealth food events organised by Communities Engage and Thrive.

Organisers from CET, a community interest company based in Birmingham, will be giving away recipe cards and samples of herbs and spices so that visitors can go away and recreate Lorenzo’s healthy Jamaican dishes at home.

Lorenzo, who is of Jamaican heritage and grew up in Birmingham, has worked with stars including Rustie Lee and appeared on TV with the likes of the Hairy Bikers and Omid Djalili. In 2007 he launched his own award-winning Caribbean concept restaurant, the Wildmoor Oak, in Bromsgrove.

Parveen Talwar, from CET, said: “Jamaica gave the world reggae, ska, dub, rocksteady, the world’s fastest (and coolest) humans; it’s the place where fantasies were born.

“It also has amazing, healthy food which Lorenzo will be preparing for visitors. Khadijah Ibrahiim, our dub poet will also be appearing at the opening of Jamaica House, so visitors will be able to fully experience its healthy food and vibrant culture.”

Jamaica’s Tourist Board and Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport are hosting Jamaica House at the Glee Club as part of the year’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of independence. It will be open from August 3 to 7 for people to celebrate the Jamaican team at the Commonwealth Games. There will also be entertainment laid on.

The August 3 launch event featuring CET’s healthy food demonstration runs from 11am to 2pm.

CET is organising a series of events across Birmingham celebrating Commonwealth food and culture, supported by Birmingham City Council. The events are linked with the council’s Cook the Commonwealth project, which is asking for people to submit recipes from around the Commonwealth. (https://www.bvsc.org/blog/cook-the-commonwealth-recipes-needed)

Each event focuses on a different Commonwealth country and all feature a chef preparing healthy dishes from that country. Ghana, Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago, India and Sri Lanka have already been celebrated.

Forthcoming events include a celebration of Kenya on Saturday, August 6, when African dancers and drummers will be appearing at Handsworth Park; Wales and England at Ward End Park on Monday, August 8; Bangladesh at Aston Park on Saturday, August 20, and Pakistan at George’s Park, Lozells on Saturday, August 27.

All the CET events are free to attend. Tickets for the Jamaica celebration are free, and can be booked in advance. They are also available on the door on the day. Visit https://booking.glee.co.uk/19311 to get tickets.

For more details of the other CET events, visit www.cetcommunity.co.uk

 

Community News, Retail

Grade II-listed market hall relaunched for food and wellbeing trade after huge investment

A NEW and innovative community hub and boutique market space has been launched at a historic Ruthin landmark.

The town’s Grade 2-listed Market Hall has been redeveloped as a multi-purpose venue for artisan and independent traders, artists and creatives, and sustainable food and wellbeing organisations from across the region.

Managed by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) – with support from the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund via Denbighshire County Council – the aim was to create a warm, welcoming environment, reinforced by the inclusion of a ‘social supermarket’ and ‘wellbeing café’.

DVSC Chief Officer Tom Barham is confident they have achieved that vision and was delighted to unveil the revamped site alongside dignitaries such as the Mayor of Ruthin, Cllr Heather Williams, and Cllr Hugh Evans, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for the Economy.

“We are delighted to launch this new and ambitious social business, with the Ruthin Market Hall providing the central focus for a range of food and wellbeing enterprises,” said Mr Barham.

“This project will be an exemplar in rejuvenating a historic local building, encouraging volunteering, promoting enterprise and inspiring young people to be social entrepreneurs.”

He added: “We are committed to serving the needs of Ruthin – and the whole of Denbighshire – in trying to improve wellbeing through food, culture and enterprise.

“We also plan to support climate action, ethical trading and the circular and green economies, so it’s a very important initiative.”

Cllr Evans was in agreement and thanked the DVSC for bringing the popular building back to use.

“The Market Hall is well-placed strategically in Ruthin and will provide a focus for a wide range of food and wellbeing projects from 2022 onwards,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing the market here again and also this being a hub for the community and businesses.”

Clwyd West MP David Jones was also in attendance and added: “I’m so pleased to see the restoration of the historic Market Hall, which is going to again be a huge asset to the town and wider area.

“It’s the first of many improvements and developments we hope to see here in Ruthin over the coming months – there are exciting times ahead.”

Funded by Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), DVSC delivers third sector support across the region through volunteering, training, guidance and advice, by offering grants and funding support, and networking to help influence public services.

For more information, visit www.dvsc.co.uk or email tom@dvsc.co.uk. Follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.

Community News

New vision for community charity as £50,000 revamp to Ruthin landmark unveiled

A COMMUNITY charity recruited a new Chief Officer following significant investment in a rural town centre.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) will unveil a £50,000 revamp of the popular Naylor Leyland Centre in Ruthin this month.

Match-funded by the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Fund, the Well Street landmark has had a complete overhaul including internal redecoration, carpets and flooring, IT, electrics, and a refurbished exterior.

Meanwhile, the nearby Grade 2-listed Market Hall is also undergoing a transformation and will open as a community market later in the year.

DVSC has taken on administrative, creative and enterprise staff to add to their team, and with Tom Barham now in place as Chief Officer, the future is looking bright.

With years of experience at North Wales Police, Bangor University, and the veterans’ charity Alabare, the father-of-two is well placed to take the organisation forward.

“Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council has a brilliant track record of supporting the voluntary sector across the county and an incredible team here in Ruthin who are eager to see the Naylor Leyland Centre reopen this summer,” said Tom.

“We are looking ahead with confidence having made great strides during the pandemic to upgrade our facilities and refocus DVSC’s vision to support charities, community organisations and social enterprises.”

He added: “We operate across the whole of Denbighshire, but these iconic buildings in Ruthin are great assets for the community post-Covid, with large meeting spaces for local groups and charities to congregate safely.

“We want to amplify the amazing work of community groups in Denbighshire and the activities and support they provide, and this gives us a stronger platform to do that.”

Chair Sandra Donoghue, from St Asaph, said the coming months will be pivotal for the charity.

“The last year has been very challenging, and like all services we were in uncharted territory, but DVSC is well placed to have even more of an impact going forward with Tom at the helm,” she said.

“There are good times ahead, we have a strong, proactive board who are deep-rooted in the community and keen to build a legacy for future generations.”

Former MP for Delyn Sir David Hanson and ex Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane are among those to have joined the Board, which also includes local businesspeople.

“I’m pleased to see Tom join DVSC at such an exciting time – there are real challenges to support voluntary organisations in Denbighshire, especially after the last year and Covid-19 events, but the new leadership team look forward to that and will be working hard,” said Mr Hanson.

“I’ve joined DVSC to support that work as it’s important that a wide North Wales experience is given to the Chief Officer – it’s going to be a busy and productive time.”

Mr Ruane added: “We are blessed with a rich network of voluntary organisations in Denbighshire. They are the building blocks of our civic society, and many have been severely challenged by Covid.

“Tom has shown great vision, energy and capacity in the few short weeks he has been in place. He will now lead a team which is dedicated to reinvigorating our voluntary sector in Denbighshire post-Covid.”

Funded by Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), DVSC delivers third sector support across the region through volunteering, training, guidance and advice, by offering grants and funding support, and networking to help influence public services.

For more information, visit www.dvsc.co.uk or email tom@dvsc.co.uk. Follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.

Community News, Tech

Social enterprise IT programme helps vulnerable connect in pandemic

A SOCIAL enterprise volunteer who fell through the net when trying to get online is finally able to access the web thanks to the generosity of two Flintshire organisations.

RainbowBiz CIC supports some of the most vulnerable people in the county via a series of initiatives, one of which saw them receive funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation to supply laptops and tablets for marginalised members of the community.

But one man they struggled to help was Harry Homer, from Connah’s Quay.

Harry had no phone, no internet, and no way of utilising a device to communicate with family and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cue Phill John and the team at 4G4U, based in Flint; they supplied him with free Wi-Fi, new equipment and training so he can now easily keep in touch with those closest to him.

Sue Oliver, Director of RainbowBiz CIC, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to help so many people get online to access our regular weekly social events on Zoom.

“Many who have loaned our equipment also received several hours of training and additional support from our new project facilitator, Ian Forrester, who has been an incredible addition to our small team.

“However, we did struggle to help Harry as he didn’t have a smartphone or Wi-Fi at home, so we asked 4G4U if they could help.”

Phill John, Managing Director of 4G4U, added: “We were more than happy to donate our time, services and equipment to ensure Harry can access the internet and keep in touch with his friends and family.

“4G4U has been a part of the Welsh Government’s Access Broadband Cymru scheme and in cases like Harry’s – a customer who fell through the net and was unable to access data conveniently – we are able to step in and help.”

Ian believes the RainbowBiz CIC IT initiative has been “so important” in keeping people connected during the pandemic, and thanked 4G4U and the Steve Morgan Foundation for their generosity.

Harry echoed those words and said: “It is fantastic to be able to now have a tablet and Wi-Fi so I can see my friends from RainbowBiz CIC and listen to my favourite music online, especially Elvis Presley.

“The equipment is so easy for me to use for all sorts of things, I’m very grateful to Ian and Phill for their support.”

For more information on RainbowBiz CIC, visit www.rainbowbiz.org.uk.

Visit www.4g4u.org for more on 4G4U, part of the NorthWales Media Group.

Business, Community News

Top businessman returns to site where he was a teen apprentice to help save it from ruin

A LEADING businessman has returned to the place he was a teenage apprentice to help a team of volunteers bring a North Wales landmark back to life.

Scott Davis, CEO of The Ethikos Group, is supporting the ‘Guardians’ working to preserve the Grade II-listed John Summers Clock Tower site in Deeside.

The building opened in 1907 and was home to the general office of Shotton Steelworks – now Tata Steel – on the banks of the River Dee, before closing in 2009 and falling into serious disrepair after being sold by the company.

However, memories of its former glories are very much alive; it was here Scott arrived as a 16 year-old to begin his tenure as an apprentice electrician.

Now aged 39, he has gone on to have a successful career in the electrical and manufacturing sectors and later with wife Gail, founded Ethikos, which owns firms including the Delta Rock Group Ltd and Gilks (Nantwich) Ltd, with operations in Deeside, Cheshire and Anglesey.

“When I heard about plans to turn these rundown buildings into a hub for the community, particularly the heritage skills centre, I had to get involved,” said Scott.

“We have helped with lighting and manpower and plan to do more, including supply of materials and labour. Whatever we can do.”

He added: “I’ll never forget being dropped off for my interview and walking through the large, beautiful wooden revolving doors into reception, the green tiles, the ornate staircase with the JSS (John Summers and Sons) crest, the smell, the people – it’s a very special place that means a lot to me.

“As a team we would work on all aspects of the building, including some of the maintenance, so it would be incredible to see it restored and given a new lease of life.”

Ethikos – formed from the Greek word ‘ethos’ – is focused on inspiring future generations of apprentice engineers and electricians, and Scott believes the John Summers site could be a driving force behind that.

“We need to encourage more boys and girls to look at apprenticeships, something this site was renowned for,” he added.

“Without the start I had in my career I would not be where I am now, it laid the foundations for me, foundations that are not there for many youngsters today.

“With plans for a heritage skills centre and training, Vicki Roskams and the team behind this project are aiming to rediscover lost crafts and trades, which is vital for our communities.

“I’m fully behind the concept and hope others will be able to enjoy the experiences and grounding I had; there is no substitute for that – this will be a remarkable legacy.”

Vicki, Director of The Enbarr Foundation in Queensferry, thanked Scott and the ‘Guardians’ for their determination and dedication and is focused on bringing the scheme to life in the months ahead, including new sections of the roof.

She said: “I cannot thank Scott and his team enough for all the support they’ve given us.

“To hear stories of his apprenticeship all those years ago shows how this building means so many things to so many people.

“We will keep fighting, keep working and will not stop until the site is completed.

“And like me, Scott has a pure ambition to grow and invest in skills in this region, something which is going to be pivotal as we move forward with renovations and supporting the community out of COVID.”

Vicki added: “We have received amazing generosity and backing over past years and welcome any support from organisations or people who would like to donate time or services to this project.

“Together we can help our local area build its way back after an unparalleled and challenging 12 months.”

For more information or to support the project, email vicki@enbarrenterprises.com or visit the Guardians of the Clocktower Facebook page.

Charity & CSR, Community News, Environment, North of England

Yorkshire-based safety company partners with local community groups to support flood clean-up efforts

Following the recent floods across South Yorkshire, which have cost many their homes and businesses, the UK’s leading safety company, Arco, has stepped in to help in the worst-affected areas, working with local groups and donating protective equipment and flood clean-up kits.

Doncaster Young Farmers mobilised 100 of its members to undertake clean-up operations in Fishlake Village. To keep the team safe, and to assist with the clean-up, Arco donated flood kits and equipment including: Tyvec coveralls, respiratory masks, hard hats, safety glasses, wellies, gloves, mops and buckets, shovels, squeegees and disinfectant. Arco also provided tea, coffee, sugar and paper cups to the team helping them keep going during the clean-up.

In addition to this the local Arco retail store manager in Doncaster, Simon Walshe, quickly identified where Arco could be of help and approached local flood donation centres to see what was needed. Donations of essential kit have been given to St Peter’s Church Community Group (Bentley) and Stainforth Town Hall (Fishlake).

David Evison, managing director at Arco, said,

“As a business with long-standing roots in Yorkshire and a leading safety company, we recognise how severely the floods have impacted many communities and wanted to help those affected.

“Our team’s expertise enabled us to quickly identify the critical issues and best solutions, boost stock of essential equipment and get it delivered to those who needed it.

“As flooding looks set to continue we advise everyone to be prepared, be aware and take action. This time of year is risky for both the public and businesses, as the winter weather takes its toll. We want to ensure our customers are prepared and safe and we can provide expert advice and a comprehensive range of solutions to improve safety whatever the weather.”

Arco, the UK’s leading health and safety expert, has recently launched a campaign to enable businesses and services to deal with extreme winter weather, so they can keep workplaces both safe and open throughout periods of extreme temperatures, heavy snow/rainfall and icy conditions.

To offer further assistance, the safety expert also has a number of advice sheets available online for businesses to download, to aid in the planning, preparation and clean-up of extreme winter weather events including flooding.

Community News, Construction, South West

South West builders merchant giving away wood

RGB Building Supplies is offering excess wood to the local community and groups at no cost.

Its Barnstaple, Bodmin, Exeter, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, Launceston, Okehampton, South Molton, and Tiverton branches have spare pallets and wood from packaging that people are invited to pick up and make use of for projects, or to help with local bonfire night celebrations.

Lee Kift, Branch Manager at RGB Barnstaple, commented:

“The wood is perfect for community organisations who are organising firework displays, or for people looking to complete small projects in their homes. The items generally go into a skip to be destroyed, but as the wood is perfectly usable, we want to offer it out and we welcome people to our branches to pick up what they need.”