Groundwork in North Wales Winter Newsletter

Welcome to Groundwork’s winter e-newsletter. At Groundwork we help people to change their own lives for the better, by engaging them in physical environmental improvements. We work in partnership with communities and the public, private and voluntary sectors, to deliver projects which help people to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their employment prospects through gaining green skills and green jobs.

Some news of our latest projects

Green Jobs created across North Wales

Groundwork is helping to create new green jobs for young people across North Wales through delivery of the Department of Work and Pensions Future Jobs Fund programme. We have already placed 30 young people into jobs and will place a further 40 over the next few months. The Rt Hon Peter Hain, Minister for Wales visited the project in December to meet the first group of young people who have been placed into jobs.

Could you place a young person in your organisation for 6 months at no cost to your organisation and give them an opportunity to experience work? Contact Nia Lederle, Employment and Education Manager on 01978 757524 nia.lederle@groundwork.org.uk

STOP PRESS: Our 2010 Primary Education Programme is out - call 01978 757524 to receive a copy

Groundwork and M&S Transform Wrexham Play Area

Our Environment team have just completed the M&S Greener Spaces project at Bryn Y Cabanau in Wrexham. Thanks to funding from the M&S plastic bag charging scheme*, we have redeveloped a run-down play area in Hightown. Community consultations and activity days were held to ensure local residents and volunteers were involved in the design and delivery of the project. The area is now finished with a new trim trail, play equipment, picnic area, and beautiful mosaic sculpture, seating and planting. The whole space has been transformed from a neglected site into a bright, green, welcoming space which the whole community is now enjoying.

If Groundwork can help you transform your local area, please contact Christine Bowyer, Environment Manager on 01978 757524, christine.bowyer@groundwork.org.uk

Young people in Flintshire to Transform Allotment Site

Our Greencare project helps disadvantaged young people in Flintshire, by providing training and volunteering opportunities with local community projects. Young people in Saltney are starting work on an exciting new project. They have secured an agreement in conjunction with Saltney Town Council to regenerate an old, neglected allotment site and turn it back to fertile and useful allotments for the local community. The young people involved in the Greencare project will work learn how to grow organic fruit and vegetables and to eat healthily.

If we can help your community to be healthier in 2010 please contact Chris Fox, Health Manager, on 01978 757524 chris.fox@groundwork.org.uk.

*In May 2008, M&S introduced a 5p charge for food carrier bags, to encourage customers to reduce plastic bag usage . All profit from this charge is going to Groundwork to invest in ‘Greener Living Spaces’ like Bryn Y Cabanau Play Area