Plas Madoc Communities First (PMCF)

What is Communities First and how is it going to help the people of Plas Madoc?

Communities First is a long-term programme (intended to run for 10 to 15 years) developed by the Welsh Assembly Government to help improve some of the most needy communities throughout Wales.

The mission statement from the Welsh Assembly Government's Communities Directorate reads:

“To tackle social disadvantage and to help build successful, sustainable communities in which those living are more confident, creative, and employable”

Strategy & Action Plan

It is a new approach to community regeneration where people from within the community play a major part in bringing about change.

In order to make this happen, PMCF was formed in 2003 as a limited company and a registered charity. Its goal is to listen to and involve the people of Plas Madoc in making improvements based on their needs.

The mission statement for PMCF is:

“ People working together, improving today and shaping tomorrow to create a safe, attractive and sustainable community in Plas Madoc; where people want to live, work and visit.”

PMCF's Strategy & Action Plan (SAP) details how it will make the improvements that the community has identified. The SAP is based upon a large consultation exercise, which took place in 2003 when residents of Plas Madoc were given the opportunity to put their views forward. The SAP provides lists of all the actions that are needed to bring about positive change, it also identifies the different organisations that we believe will be needed to help the process. You can read the PMCF Strategy & Action Plan by clicking here.

We work in partnership not only with the local community, but also with the Welsh Assembly Government, national and local voluntary and community organisations, statutory bodies and the private sector to help make the Communities First programme as successful as possible for those living and working in Plas Madoc.

This involves:

Developing New Partnerships - we are always looking for new partnerships with organisations that could add value to the programme in Plas Madoc, as long as they share the objectives of regeneration in Plas Madoc.

Capacity Building - A vital part of the initiative is assessing the level of training and skills development that is needed to increase the ability of the community to make the programme work, and help them gain experience.

Communication - our open communications strategy ensures that the community and the outside world are always kept informed about what is going on throughout the Programme.

Equality - everything we do in Plas Madoc must always be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, physical or mental ability, or any other factor.