Category Archives: Community News

Charity & CSR, Community News, News, Recruitment

UK recruiter launches three-year plan to actively promote positive social, economic and environmental changes within UK communities

‘Acorn Impact’ by Acorn by Synergie has pledged to dedicate 10,000 working hours to tackling barriers to employment and enhancing social mobility in local communities
A new purpose-driven initiative to create positive social, economic and environmental impacts within UK communities has been announced by one of the country’s foremost recruiters, Acorn by Synergie.
‘Acorn Impact’ will see 10,000 hours of company time dedicated to enhancing social mobility in local communities over the next three years, helping the people the recruiter works with focus on achieving their true potential.
The 10,000 hours will include actively engaging with diverse communities via partnerships, networking events and jobs fairs to attract talent from under-represented groups, providing workshops and mentoring to help people progress further in their careers, plus more.
The new strategy also aims to reduce inequalities by providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background and reflects Acorn by Synergie’s belief that successful businesses must play an active role in addressing social challenges.
To mark its launch, companies including engineering giant Smiths joined representatives from training and employment specialists Maximus at Acorn by Synergie’s UK headquarters for a special ‘Acorn Impact Workshop’. The event, which was also attended by members of the public, provided job seekers with an inside look at the manufacturing and production sector.
The event facilitated shared experiences between employers and career experts to help give those attending the best chance of gaining employment and excelling within the sector, with the aim of getting them into the workplace.
Owen Pottow, a job seeker from Newport, explained their reasons for attending: “I’m looking for a job and when I heard about the event I thought it could help me. They talked through different types of job roles in manufacturing which was interesting as I didn’t realise there were roles other than picking and packing in the warehouse. I’m leaving today with much more knowledge and feeling motivated to get to work!”
Held in collaboration with Maximus, which has been delivering employability services for more than 70 years to help people to find and stay in work UK-wide, the session was the first of multiple activities Acorn by Synergie will be following over the next three years under its new Acorn Impact strategy.
Stella Jones, Regional Account Manager at Maximus said: “We have worked with Acorn for many years; they cover a variety of sectors which almost gives us a one stop shop for helping our candidates with discovering other areas of work that they may not have considered previously.
She added: “The beauty of this event is that it’s face-to-face rather than online and anonymous – that is so valuable and will mean a lot to the attendees.”
Lawrence Beach, client development director for Acorn by Synergie led the event and said: “Acorn by Synergie has been working ever more closely with local communities to help close the loop between job seekers from all backgrounds and real-life work experience in recent years.
He added: “Introducing Acorn Impact as a formal business strategy that will ensure this approach now becomes integral to the work we do in bringing employers and candidates together nationwide was the logical next step for us, therefore, as a leading recruiter for the UK.”
Centred around five strategic pillars – Social Mobility, Community Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, Ethical Sourcing, and Employee Wellbeing and Development – the initiative will now be rolled out company wide to help create positive social, economic, and environmental change within communities across the UK.
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn by Synergie, added: “As an organisation we’re really passionate about being socially responsible and working together in a way that helps us all to do right by the people and communities around us.
“With this in mind, over the next three years, Acorn by Synergie is pledging to dedicate a minimum of 10,000 hours of company time towards initiatives and activities which will enhance social mobility. Our aim is to help build a more inclusive and equitable society where people from all backgrounds can thrive, helping to create a brighter future for all.”
Business, Community News

Swansea Building Society Steps In to Support Tata Steel Employees Amid Redundancy Announcements

With the recent announcement of job losses at Tata Steel in Port Talbot, Swansea Building Society is providing support to those impacted. As part of their dedication to the community, the Society will hold ‘drop-in’ clinics at the steelworks, offering details on their savings account options to the affected staff.

Swansea Building Society, an independent mutual Building Society established in 1923, provides mortgages and a range of straightforward savings accounts. Unlike many financial institutions, Swansea Building Society does not offer investment advice linked to the stock market or pensions. This position allows them to offer a ‘safe haven’ for Tata employees who may be receiving redundancy funds and potentially a further 25% tax-free pension lump sum, depending on their age.

To further solidify their commitment, representatives from Tata Steel visited Swansea Building Society’s branch on Portland Street in Swansea on 17 July 2024. During this visit, they met with managers and staff to discuss the planned support initiatives and how best to assist the Tata Steel employees.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Our hearts go out to the employees of Tata Steel and their families during this period of uncertainty. As a local building society, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for those navigating the financial implications of redundancy. Our ‘drop-in’ clinics are designed to offer assistance and peace of mind to those affected.”

Barrie Evans, Steelworker and Community Union representative, added:

“We are all really grateful for the empathy and support shown from all the team at Swansea Building Society during this very difficult and stressful period, not just for the Tata workforce, but also the contractors and the wider supply chain, during the transition to greener steelmaking in the UK. We would like to thank Swansea Building Society for the continued support and look forward to seeing you during the drop-in sessions at the Port Talbot site in the near future.”

Swansea Building Society encourages all affected Tata Steel employees to take advantage of the ‘drop-in’ clinics. These sessions will provide a supportive space to discuss the use of the Society’s range of accounts as a safe and secure home for their savings.

Business News, Community News

Swansea Building Society Sponsors Swansea City FC for 2024/25 Season

Swansea Building Society has reaffirmed its support for Swansea City Football Club with a renewed partnership for the 2024/25 season. As part of this commitment, Swansea Building Society will continue as the back of shirt sponsor, ensuring their logo features prominently on both the home and away kits.

Building on a successful four-year sponsorship deal with the Championship team, Swansea Building Society’s ongoing commitment solidifies the close ties between both organisations.

In a change to previous years, Swansea Building Society’s logo will appear slightly differently on the 2024/25 season away kit. While allowing the Society’s colours of green and white to stand proud on the home shirt, a colour change will appear on the away shirt to provide a fully immersive kit. The logo will be greyscale on the away shirt, aligning with the overall kit design and matching the new colour scheme adopted by all logos and sponsors. This change ensures a cohesive and stylish look for the team while on the road.

The partnership between Swansea Building Society and Swansea City AFC has flourished over recent years, with the Society providing valuable sponsorships to support the club’s success. Notably, the executive lounge at the Swansea.com stadium was renamed the Swansea Building Society lounge in recognition of this enduring collaboration.

Swansea Building Society has a long history of serving the South Wales area, offering a range of savings and mortgage products since its founding as a mutual in 1923. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

For over a century now, both Swansea Building Society and Swansea City AFC have played crucial roles in the fabric of Swansea’s history and growth. The Society celebrated its centenary last year, and it is 100 years since Swansea Town, as the football club was known at the time, earned its first league honour in 1924. Since then, both organisations have thrived, achieving significant milestones and contributing to the prosperity of the Swansea community.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are thrilled to renew our support as the back of shirt sponsor for Swansea City AFC for the 2024/25 season. Our longstanding partnership with the club highlights our shared dedication to the Swansea community. This year, with the new colours on the away kit, we continue to reflect our innovative spirit and commitment to the club’s success. We look forward to another exciting season and wish the team all the best on and off the field.”

Lee Merrells, Head of Partnerships at Swansea City AFC, added:

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Swansea Building Society for the upcoming season. Their ongoing support is invaluable to us, and their presence on our kits exemplifies the strong bond between the club and the community. The updated colours for the away shirts not only enhance the overall design but also demonstrate our collaborative efforts to bring fresh and cohesive aesthetics to our fans. We are excited about the season ahead and the continued success of our partnership with Swansea Building Society.”

Business, Business News, Community News, Events

Emerald Tattoo Emporium opens in Pontardawe

A new, high-end tattoo studio will open its doors for the first time this weekend in Pontardawe, offering a boost to the town. 

Emerald Tattoo Emporium will open its doors in what is a well-known building in the town at 6 James Street. The site was previously the home of West Wales Gun Co, which traded from the premises from 1969 for some 50 years.

The new studio has been launched by experienced tattooist Sam Fisher and will complement his existing studio, Emerald Tattoo Company based in Talbot Green, Pontyclun.

Emerald Tattoo Emporium will hold an open day on Saturday June 8, starting at 12 noon. Anyone is welcome to pop in and chat with Sam and other artists.

Sam Fisher said:

“We are very excited to be launching a second studio in what is a thriving town in Pontardawe. When I first moved to the area a year ago, this amazing building caught my attention as a perfect location for a tattoo studio. I was lucky that it became available, and we are delighted to be launching this weekend.

“Anyone is welcome to pop by for a chat and a drink. We are happy to discuss any concepts around tattoos or art, or simply chat about the history of the building.”

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.