CTA were awarded a grant to financially assist in undertaking a feasibility study into a web-based community information system for the rural areas of Carmarthenshire. In the phase 1 part of the project, CTA were asked to set up a steering committee and a technical consultation group and meet with community councils and associations. Phase 1 of the project showed overwhelming support among the communities for the project concept.

Carmarthenshire Women’s Food and Farming Union - Promoting Local and Welsh Produce in Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Women’s Food and Farming Union’s main aims are to promote local and Welsh food products, particularly those produced within Carmarthenshire, and to support Carmarthenshire’s local communities. Financial assistance from the RSTP grant was used towards the cost of marketing activities such as producing posters, bilingual banner stands, guest speakers, demonstrations, monthly adverts in local papers to raise awareness of their work, and to try to increase membership.

Carmarthenshire Tourist Association - Community Website

An innovative project called the Community Information System (CIS) went live last November (2004), with its aims to reduce isolation of communities and help bring them together. Carmarthenshire Tourist Association is managing the site. So far sites for Carmarthen, St Clears, Llanarthne and Llandovery are up and running, with potential for a further 68 community websites. The project gained £120,000 from RSTP. The money was used to install hardware and software, provide IT equipment, training, and pay for marketing. On each site there is potential for local information, community history, a photo gallery, plus notice boards and live chat rooms.

CAVS Environmental Forum

This project has laid the foundations for the development of a voluntary sector Environmental Forum within the overall framework of the Community Planning structure in Carmarthenshire. It involved a research project aimed at gathering information about the potential of the voluntary and community sector within the county to engage in environmental projects e.g. recycling. The research focused specifically on groups within the voluntary and community sectors which have an interest in or connection with environmental matters. Information was collected on current activities in relation to environmental projects and the potential of groups to get involved in future environmental projects.

Cherished Properties Marketing Initiative

The Carmarthenshire Heritage and Regeneration Trust have undertaken a project to identify by consultation, research and survey work, the key buildings in Carmarthenshire that are in need of regeneration and are unlikely to attract investment from the private sector and are not in the development programmes of relevant public and voluntary sector bodies. The process has been inclusive involving Carmarthenshire County Council planning and conservation teams, the National Trust and specialist funding bodies. A long and short list of suitable properties was defined as well as case studies and a suitable development protocol.

Project Llais

Project Llais secured funding to run a series of weekend workshops which created the opportunity for the young people of Carmarthenshire who were interested in developing artistic skills such as acting, performing, singing and dancing. In addition, to offer the opportunity to engage in ‘back stage’ skills such as technical requirements, costume and make up. This is part of a long-term activity, which has enabled the groups involved to perform shows in their own local areas. Receiving the grant has helped to raise the awareness of the project, and also help to increase group membership.

Milltir Sgwar

Milltir Sgwar secured funding to run a Young People Festival. The event was of major importance to young people within Carmarthenshire as it was aimed to tackle and provide information on issues facing them such as lack of knowledge on the types of traditional skills and quality jobs available in Carmarthenshire, and information on leisure facilities and events. The event through the various workshops aimed to increase the appeal of skilled trades as a profession. It made the young people aware of public business support agencies within the area and possibly encourage them to open their own businesses.