Contents News Pages 1-4 Coming up Pages 5-6 Health & Wellbeing Pages 7-10 Environment Page 11 Community Safety Page 12 Education, Skills & Training Page 13 Jobs, Business & Income Generation Page 14 Children Pages 15-17

Brackla Community NewsletterBrackla Community Newsletter

Bumper Christmas EditionBumper Christmas Edition Newyddion Cymuned BraclaNewyddion Cymuned Bracla

A show for all the family, bringing stories about Christmas, of fabulous creatures and mythical beings!

At Brackla Community Centre Saturday, 5th December Doors open at 5:30 for 6pm-9pm.

*See page 6 for further information*

The next Brackla Communities First Partnership meeting will

be held on December 7th 2009 at Brackla Tabernacle

from 1pm-3pm All are welcome

1

News Winter 2009

1st

1st Place Winners, The Griffiths Family with

“Daddy’s Little Girl”

2nd Place Winners, Gail and Alex Johnston

with “Eminem”

Joint 3rd Place Winners, Abbie and Jade Walker

with “Biker Boy”

Joint 3rd Place Winners, Brackla Out Of Hours Club with “Bryn the

Scarecrow”

2nd

3rd

3rd

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Scarecrow Competition & Environmental Fun Day “If you go down to the Meadows today, you’re sure of a big surprise”! This was certainly the case when Communities First organised a Scarecrow Competition and Environmental fun day! The area was filled with some unusual characters all painstakingly made by members of the Community. There were scarecrow cowboys, princesses, cheerleaders, babies, and even a duck! Community members were also invited to try their hands at bird box making, willow weaving and solar powered fun! Brian Jones of Keep Wales Tidy and Chris Matts from The Wildlife Trust’s shared their skills by helping to make the bird boxes and feeders while Groundworks Trust experimented with solar power by making biscuits in a solar powered oven! Rhian Langford from Groundworks Trust was on hand to chat about the footpath project and to show their designs of the planned development of the area and Naomi Leeke, community artist visualised ideas for the footpath welcome sign. Councillor David Sage had the honour of judging the scarecrow competition. He said, “It’s not every day you get asked to judge a scarecrow competition, especially one of such high standards, so I was really pleased to be involved. The entrants had clearly put in a lot of effort and it was very difficult to choose a winner. This event was a really innovative way to raise awareness of environmental issues and it was great to see so many people attend and enjoy the activities on offer”.

Brackla Communities First would like to say a big thank you to Deli Bakery, 11 the Triangle, Brackla for the fantastic buffets they have provided and continue to provide for our events.

If you’re in the area, we recommend that you pop in for a cuppa and a piece of homemade heaven!

1st

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Winter 2009 News

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Brackla Communities First Inaugural Partnership Meeting On September 14th 2009, Communities First held their first Partnership meeting in Brackla Tabernacle for members of the community and agencies interested getting information about supporting community development in Brackla. The Partnership is responsible for identifying, prioritising and deciding how it will act on important issues in the community. It also guides your Communities First team on how it works to address these issues to benefit the community. Traditionally the Partnership is made up of equal representation of people from the community members, statutory sector (Local Authority, Police etc), voluntary and business sector. The event was attended by 51 people who represented the different sectors equally. The event was kindly opened by the Mayor, Councillor Jeff Tildsely and chaired by Councillor David Sage. Paula Lunnon, the Co-ordinator for Llangeinor Communities First, provided informa-tion about the Bridgend programme as a whole while Wayne Rose the Chair for Llangeinor Communities First Partnership spoke about his experiences of working in partnership to achieve community goals. Stuart Brown, the Associate Pastor for Brackla Tabernacle spoke of the substantial funding the Tabernacle was able to raise with the support of Communities First. Russell Todd from the Wales Council for Voluntary Action provided information about what support the Partnership could expect to receive. Allison Pesticcio, the Co-ordinator for Brackla Communities First provided an update of the progress made in Brackla to date. Finally, all of the speakers formed a panel so that guests could ask questions about a forming a Brackla Partnership. Although the event sounds as thought it was formal, the speakers were interesting and witty and the questions fired at the panel made for an interesting discussion!! The best bit was the buffet which was available at the start of the event!! If you are interested in joining the Partnership or for further information, please contact the team on 01656 815122

Brackla Neighbourhood Policing Team Bike Coding Day

On Saturday 26th September, Brackla Neighbourhood Policing Team held a Bike Coding Day at Brackla Primary School. The day was a huge success with over 30 children turning up to protect their pride and joy. Each child received a set of bike lights for the darker nights. Brackla Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to thank Communities First, Brackla Primary School for the use of their car park, Brackla Residents Association for the use of their marquee, HR cycles for help with maintenance and the businesses of Brackla for help with advertising.

The next Brackla Communities First Partnership meeting will take place on Monday, 7th December 2009 from 1pm-3pm ,

Brackla Tabernacle, Whitethorne Drive, Brackla.

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News Winter 2009

Saturday, August 29th,2009 BBQ & Sports Day Brackla Residents Association held a Barbeque and sports day on the area of land situated in Clos-y-Waun. The land was transformed into a fantastic sports field, BBQ and seating area, thanks to the shiny new marquee and sports equipment funded by Linc-Cymru and Wales and West Housing Associations. Residents tucked in to the 160 burgers and sausages cooked scrumptiously by the chair and secretary of the association, which were very kindly donated by J&J meats. The kids loved the sports day, which included sack, egg and spoon and running races. With prizes for first, second and third place, the competition was high and Steve Waite did a fantastic job of organising the days sporting events. The local PCSO’s and Communities First team were there to lend a helping hand (and enjoyed a burger or two) along with many other volunteers and the day proved to be a great success and it is hoped that the day will become an annual event. B.R.A would like to thank JJ butchers (for the burgers and sausages), Tesco Stores (for the bread rolls), Linc Cymru and Wales & West Housing Associations, Brackla Communities First, the local PCSO’s and everyone else who helped to make the day so enjoyable.

Brackla gardening competition Linc Cymru resident, Gail Johnston of 55 Glendower Close, Brackla, Bridgend was delighted to win a Brackla Community Council award in the annual Brackla gardening competition. This is the first time a resident of Brackla Meadows, Bridgend has won an award and Linc are very proud of what Gail has achieved. Gail now intends to further develop her garden and no doubt more awards will follow ! If you would like some help or support with getting your garden ready for next years competition, contact your Linc Cymru housing officer for more information on 02920 474764.

4

Winter 2009 News

Tuesday ,October 27th, 2009

Count Brackula Party!

Brackla Meadows had their second Count Brackula event, which was held by Brackla Residents Association on the land

situated in Clos-y-Waun. For just £2 entry, the children had the chance to carve pumpkins,

make masks, goodie bags and even a clay pumpkin! Prizes were given for the best and second best pumpkin design. Although it was an extremely hard decision, Dylan and Callum Penny’s pumpkins proved to be the scariest and they both re-

ceived Halloween sweets for their efforts. Bridges Into Work were also there to offer advice and support to

people seeking work and training opportunities and a ghoulish day was had by all!

B.R.A would like to thank the local PCSO’s, Communities First and all other volunteers for their hard work, and also Linc Cymru,

Co-operative, Lidls and Wales & West for their generous donations of pumpkins

and prizes.

Brackla Residents Association is looking for volunteers and new

members. If you would like more information, please contact Karen Welsby (Chair) on:

07772100519

It’s a learning curve! It’s been a busy few months for some residents of Brackla as Brackla Communities First has recently

organised training courses such as Jewellery, Computers for Beginners and First aid. These affordable courses gave all residents the opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones. A big to Thank you to Adult Community Learning and the Welsh Education Association and also Brackla Tabernacle for the usage of their conference facilities. Watch out for future training opportunities advertised in Brackla Community Newsletters.

5

What's Coming up Winter 2009

“A show for the whole family by award winning writer and director Tim Baker”

“Winter is traditionally a time to gather together with our families and friends to share the fun, laughter and magic of storytelling with each other. Following our own tradition of bringing stories to life - stories about Christmas, of fabulous creatures, magical beings, some funny, some a little bit thought provoking, others fast and furious - all explored through a mix of performance with live music, we have created a fantastical new show to bring light and laughter across the festive season.”

At Brackla Community Centre, Whitethorne Drive, Brackla

Tickets: Adults £3

Child & Concessions £2 Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £9

For tickets or more information, contact Brackla Residents Association on:

07772100519

Saturday, December 5th 6pm-7pm

Brackla Residents Association is giving you the opportunity to win a family ticket for four for the show.

If you are between 5-16 and to be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is write a poem about Christmas. This can be about anything to do with Christmas from Rudolf the

Red Nosed reindeer to spending the day with family and friends. Entries to be dropped off at: Action for Children centre, Clos-y-Waun, Brackla meadows

Closing date Thursday 3rd December, 2009

To win a family ticket of four for “Tall Tales”

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Winter 2009 What’s Coming up

Will be Held by South Wales Police Portacabin @ Brackla Primary School

Saturday 19th December 10am until 12pm

Come and enjoy free tea/coffee cakes and biscuits and join us in

wishing the Community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Christmas Coffee Morning

Winter Fun Day

BRA are holding a Winter Fun Day on 12th December 2009 at Brackla Community Centre, Whitethorne Drive 12pm-4pm.

Come along for: Potter making

Willow weaving Face painting

Stalls Hot food

Carol Singing and much, much more

For further information, please contact

Brackla Residents Association on:07772100519

Happy Seasonal Greetings!

Communities First & Partners wish all of you

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Health and Wellbeing Winter 2009

Television in the UK is going digital and Digital UK is the not-for-profit organisation leading switchover. 1 Switchover happens in Wales in 2009 and 2010 • Different areas are switching at different times • To find out when you switch, visit our postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk or call us on 08456 50 50 50* 2 You don’t have to buy a new TV • Almost all sets can be converted with a digital box • However, it you do want to buy a new TV, look for the Digital logo. This means it’s designed to work

through the switchover 3 It doesn’t have to be expensive • Prices will vary depending on which service you choose There are two ways of going digital • A one-off payment with services such as Freeview or freesat from Sky • A monthly subscription with services such as Sky TV or Virgin Media 4 Digital TV gives you more channels and services • You’ll receive a greater selection of TV channels such as BBC 3, ITV2 and More4 • In addition you’ll receive radio stations, interactive features, subtitling and audio description 5 Digital UK is here to help • We offer independent and unbiased advice to guide you through the switchover • There is also a Help Scheme for those who need the most assistance. You will be eligible if you are 75

or over, or entitled to certain disability allowances

If you have any questions call 08456 50 50 50 visit www.digitaluk.co.uk

Bridgend & District Age Concern now have a volunteer representative covering the Brackla area. Carolyn Lewis will be present at the over 50’s club held at Brackla Community Centre between 1:30pm –3:30pm and will be available to help with form filling and offering advice. For further information contact Carolyn on: 01656 663432 or email carolynlewis3105@live.co.uk or contact Wendy Brigg Age Concern Bridgend and District

Co-ordinator voluntary services on : 01656 785910.

Communities First Trust Fund

Could your local group benefit from some funding? The Trust Fund aims to support any type of activity that involves local people of all ages, to help them

make a real difference to the community they live in. Grants can be awarded up to £5000 to build on existing activities or initiate new ones. These activities

must provide some measure of economic, environmental or cultural benefit and must benefit the Communities First area.

How to Apply

Contact the Communities First Team : 01656 815122 email: bracklacommunitiesfirst@live.co.uk

or Contact the Communities First Help Line to get more information, application forms and advice

Tel: 0800 587 8898Email: help@wcva.org.uk

Visit: www.wcva.org.uk

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Winter 2009 Health and Wellbeing

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

DUE TO THE HUGE SUCCESS OF THE FOOD CO-OP MORE VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED, COULD YOU SPARE 1HR OF

YOUR TIME TO HELP?

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP PLEASE CALL 01443 402317 TO FIND OUT MORE,

OR POP INTO BRACKLA COMMUNITY CENTRE BETWEEN 1:15-2:15PM ON

FRIDAY AND SPEAK TO ONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS

Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients 300ml (½ pint) semi skimmed milk 1 small carton fruit yoghurt 1 banana 4-6 strawberries Method 1. Add the fruit, yoghurt and milk to the

blender 2. Switch on the blender for 30 seconds —

ensure the lid is secure 3. Check if the fruit is blended. If not, switch

on the blender again 4. Pour the smoothies into glasses NB Try using different types of fresh, canned or frozen fruit, as well as other types of yoghurt

Sausage Casserole Ingredients 1 pack sausages 1 onion, chopped 1 carrot, sliced (optional) 100g/4oz mushrooms, sliced 250 ml / ½ pint stock made with a vegetable or beef stock cube 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 1 tsp mixed herbs 1 dessert spoon oil Method 1. Place sausages in heat proof dish and

place in oven 180°C / Gas Mark 5 for 20-25 minutes until golden brown

2. Fry onion in oil, add mushrooms, stock, chopped tomatoes and herbs

3. Drain fat from sausages, cover with tomato mixture and return to oven for 20-25

4. minutes 5. Serve with mashed potato, jacket potato or

new potatoes.

Brackla Fruitilicious Food Co-op EVERY FRIDAY

1:15-2:15pm

Brackla Community Centre ( Whitethorn drive )

Great value bags of quality fruit, veg and

salad at just £2.50 each

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Order and pay for bags in advance and col-lect the following week

Healthy Start Vouchers accepted

For more information call 01443 402317

Please note orders must be collected by no later than 2:15pm. Produce can not be kept

for the following week. Unfortunately no refund can be given if

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Health and Wellbeing Winter 2009

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) in Wales HEES in Wales was introduced in October 2000. Householders may be able to claim a grant of up to £1500 under the scheme, which allows for a range of energy efficiency measures to be carried out. Households will also receive tailored energy efficiency advice, provided by Eaga Partnership's Home Visits team in accordance with the Energy Savings Trust's Code of Practice. TEL: 0800 316 2815 To qualify you should fit one of the following criteria: Householders in receipt of:-

• Working Tax Credit (Household income under £15,050) • Householders with a child under 16 and in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

Housing Benefit (plus child benefit for a child under 16) Council Tax Benefit )plus child benefit for a child under 16) Child Tax Credit (household income under £15,050

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) Plus in Wales

HEES Plus in Wales was introduced in October 2000. Householders over 60, a lone parent family, or those that are sick or disabled may be able to claim a grant of up to £2,700 under the scheme, which allows for a range of energy efficiency measures and may include gas or electric central heating systems. Households will also receive tailored energy efficiency advice, provided by Eaga Partnership's Home Visits team in accordance with the Energy Savings Trust's Code of Practice. TEL: 0800 316 2815 To qualify you should fit one of the following criteria: Householders who are 60 or over and receiving:-

• Minimum Guarantee • Council Tax Benefit • Housing Benefit • Householders who are a lone parent family with a child under the age of 16 who are in receipt of

the following benefits: Housing Benefit

Council Tax Benefit Working Tax Credit (household income under £15,050) Householders, with a child under 16 receiving child benefit, receiving:- Housing Benefit (which must include a disability premium) Council Tax Benefit (which must include a disability premium) Working Tax Credit ( household income up to £15,050 and including a disability premium) Disabled Person's Tax Credit Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include Constant Attendance Allowance) War Disablement Pension (which must include the mobility supplement or Constant Attendance

Allowance)

Blooming Lovely! Brackla Residents Association would like to thank the Eden Project and International Flower Bulb Centre for their very kind donation of 250 bulbs as part of The Big Bulb Plant. These will be planted around the Brackla Meadows area. Please keep an eye out for fliers advertising when this will happen if you would like to be involved in the planting.

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Winter 2009 Health and Wellbeing

Direct Debit (per month) Cash (per month)

All in one £30.60 (cons £20.00*) £36.00 (cons £20.00*)

Timezone £17.85 £20.70

Relax ‘n’ Splash £20.50 (cons £13.15*) £24.40 (cons £13.15*)

Family all in one £76.50 -

Family Relax ‘n’ splash £50.50 -

Bridge Kids £12.40 £15.50

Bridge kids plus £23.15 -

Pay ‘n’ play - £3.15 (6 months)

Booking Card - £9.00 (per year)

All In One This card offers unlimited use, during public sessions, of all facilities plus free use of the crèche**. A Family All In One card is also available up to five people (max two adults). Timezone The Timezone card offers, at selected times, unlimited use of most facilities during public sessions. The card can be used Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and from 3pm on weekends. Relax ‘n’ Splash This card provides unlimited use, during public sessions at all swimming pools and health suites (sauna, steam room, ice room). A family Relax ‘n’ Splash card is also available, up to five people (max two adults). Bridge Kids The Bridge Kids Card is available to children under 16. Like the All In One card it provides access to all facilities (in accordance with current restrictions for under 16s). Many of the children’s school holiday activities are free to Bridge Kids Card holders (restricted one session per activity per day). Bridge Kids Plus Includes all the benefits of the Bridge Kids Card and also includes swimming lessons.

Bridge Kids Plus Includes all the benefits of the Bridge Kids Card and also includes swimming lessons. Pay ‘n’ Play The Pay ‘n’ Play Card is a concessionary* card which allows access to all public sessions at a discounted rate. It is available to individuals claiming benefits, full time students, children in full time education and the over 60s. Swim 60 Plus Swim 60 Plus offers unlimited use, during public sessions at all swimming pools and health suites to customers over the age of 60. It includes aquafit and use of the hydrogym. Concessions Concessions are available for All In One and Relax ‘n’ Splash categories. See Pay ‘n Play conditions. Corporate Bridge Cards Available for companies/organisations wishing to purchase group membership at a discounted rate. For further information contact Wayne Hall on 01656 642690. * Child Tax Credit does not qualify for concessionary rates. ** Up to two children

11

Environment Winter 2009

Brackla Meadows Footpath Update

When Brackla Communities First held their first consultation day back in April 2008, one main area of concern became apparent:-the footpath leading from Clos-y-Waun to Bridgend town centre. Taking on board the residents concerns, the team began working in partnership with community members and various agencies to establish what needed to be done to the area in order for the path to become less intimidating and unpleasant to use. In the last Communities First newsletter the team reported that work had begun to improve the lighting and aesthetics of the area and now the team are happy to report back that even more work has been carried out. In September, Groundworks Trust landscaped the verges along the footpath and removed the litter that had accumulated. This made such a difference to the area, but work doesn’t stop there. Also in September, community artist, Naomi Leeke carried out a consultation to find out peoples ideas of what they would like to see on the welcome sign she will be designing with members of the community. Then, on October 28th, Communities First, Groundworks Trust, Brackla Residents Association and community members took part in a community planting day, with over 800 daffodils, tulips and primroses being planted along the footpath. As you will recall, Brackla Residents Association received £10,500 from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Local Environment Quality Fund. Some of the LEQ team visited on 19.11.09 to view the progress and were very pleased with the results. We need volunteers to help to maintain the footpath. If you are interested, please contact Brackla Communities First on: 01656 815122.

Allot of gardening! Brackla Residents Association are Proud to announce that they now have an allotment plot which has kindly been donated by the Allotment Society. They hope that this will become a Communal Community plot, enabling residents of all ages and abilities to interact together and produce delicious fruit and vegetables. If you would like to be involved with the allotment or any other gardening activities taking place or if you could help with providing equipment (eg shed, tools, seeds etc), please contact B.R.A on: 07772100519

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Winter 2009 Community Safety

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE TABLES BRACKLA WARD CHRISTMAS 2009 The Brackla Neighbourhood Policing Team are planning a number of crime prevention initiatives over the next few weeks and

leading up to Christmas.

These will be in the form of Crime Prevention Advice tables in the Brackla Ward. The tables will provide information on different aspects of crime prevention advice and events will be tailored to focus on

certain issues connected with the run up to Christmas.

PCSO Steve BOWEN, who is co-ordinating the events said “ they are open to all members of the public who wish to attend for advice or even just to pop along and meet their Brackla

Community team”. More information can be found at the OurBobby.com website under the Brackla ward.

Thursday 17th December, 10.30am-12.30pm in conjunction with Brackla surgery. Target: safer drinking/burglaries/safer taxies. Wednesday 23rd December, 5pm-7pm Co-Op, the Triangle. Target: Burglaries: leaving houses unlocked with loads of presents for easy pickings.

Wednesday 2nd December, 5pm-7pm, Co-Op, The Triangle, Target: shopping/handbags/presents left on view. Tuesday 8th December, 5pm -7pm, Meadows, Clos y Wern. Target: Shopping/handbags/presents left on view in cars. Friday 11th December, 5pm-7pm, Co-Op, the triangle. Target: Safer drinking/safer taxies/handbags/presents left on view in cars.

SOUTH WALES POLICE HEDDLU DE CYMRU

COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT

PENCOED POLICE STATION

BRACKLA WARD

Police Surgery If you would like a confidential chat with a member of your neighbourhood policing team, pop into the Police and Housing surgery at the Action For Children Centre,

Clos-y-Waun every Thursday from 10:30am-12:30pm.

Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are intended to give you an opportunity to highlight the community issues that are having an impact on your quality of life and to assist in deciding which issues are dealt with as priorities. PACT meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of every month. Please see www.ourBobby.com / www.bracklacommunitiesfirst.btik.com for the date of next PACT meeting and the PACT priorities for the month.

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Education, Skills & Training Winter 2009

What is Bridges Into Work?

The Bridges Into Work Project is a European funded project working across six area of South

Wales—Bridgend is one of these areas. The aim of the project is to support local people to gain the skills and confidence to help them move

towards employment.

How Will I benefit?

The Bridges Into Work Project is here to help if you are not working, work less than 16 hours a

week or not in full time education.

Our team will give you the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications for the job you want.

You can access a wide variety of free courses

and benefit from one to one support.

Through such support we will help to identify your needs including childcare where available.

For further information, please contact the BRIDGES INTO WORK team on: 01656 642619 / 642605 or email us at bridgesintowork@bridgend.gov.uk

So if you are looking to return to work Or just want to try something new then come and join us!

Bridges into Work are hoping to deliver the following training in the near future:

These training courses will be accredited and Childcare can be arranged but you will need to contact the team ASAP in order

to book a place. If you would be interested in partaking in any of the above courses or would like

other courses delivered currently unemployed, please contact Bridges Into Work on : 01656 815121

• Food Hygeine (1 day) • Health and Safety at work • Manual Handling • First Aid (1 day) • Essential First Aid at work (1 day) • Play Training • Fabric Craft

• Construction Site certificate • First Aid for parents • Introduction to Youth Work • Confidence Building • Gardening • Horticulture

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Winter 2009 Jobs, Business & Income Generation

LOOKING FOR WORK? Take a look at the Brackla Communities First website, we have a job vacancies page advertising local jobs

and links to other useful job sites .GO TO www.bracklacommunitiesfirst.btik.com

Save with Bridgend Lifesavers Credit Union

Start saving right way with just £2 and two forms of

identification.

You can then save as little or as much as you want using, standing order, cheque, cash, payroll

deduction from certain employers, also benefit payment

You can also apply for a Loan

• Instant loan charged at 26.82% APR • Secured loans charged at 7.2% APR

We also offer FREE life assurance and child trust

funds.

You closest credit union can be found at the Action for Children centre, Clos y Waun, every Tuesday

10-11:00am Or the co-op store on the triangle , every Friday 10-

12pm

For more information please call 01656 729912

Sam Lott A4E Employment coach

Is based at the Action for Children Centre, Clos-y-waun Every other Thursday, 2- 4:30pm

(Next date 3rd December 2009) Or contact her direct on: 07850 909285

The Take Up Team is part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s (BCBC) Benefits Service. It has been setup to increase awareness and make it easier for people on low incomes to get the help available towards their rent and Council Tax. The Take Up Team offers a personal, professional and confidential service. It provides advice over the phone, home visits to assist with completing the Benefits application form, and a Fast Track service that will ensure your claim is normally processed

The Take Up Team can be contacted on 01656 643362 or by email:benefits@bridgend.gov.uk. Talk to Chris or Nicola to find out more about this new dynamic service and how it could benefit you, your family or your friends. Visit Us Come and talk to Chris and Nicola on Thursdays between 10.30 and 12.30pm at the Action for Children Centre , Clos y Waun, Brackla Meadows. We look forward to answering your questions.

Bridgend Housing & Council Tax Benefits—THE TAKE UP TEAM

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Children Winter 2009

Brackla Out of Hour Club situated in

Brackla Primary School is open Monday – Friday School Term 3:15-6pm,

£6 per session

February Half Term £10 per day

CSSIW registered - provide care for children aged 3-11yrs old

Contact Mrs Claire Coskun,

Senior Playworker Tel: 07969944056

“….Brackla live is continuing to be a huge success and members are growing with each event. Can I say a huge thank you to all involved for their volunteer work and for all the funding that has made Brackla Live possible. A huge thank you to Brackla Community Council, Wales and West Housing, Linc Cymru Housing, Communities First,

South Wales Police, Bridgend Youth Service and the community members who have given up their time to help at the events. The young people of Brackla would like to pass on there gratitude for providing them with something fun and accessible for them to do once a f ortnight, allowing them to make new friends and participate in fun games and activities. By working together we will continue to make Brackla Live a success in the New Year.”

PCSO Davies Says….

Brackla Live is looking for volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare on a

Friday night and would like to help out, please contact PSCO Kerry Davies on:

07805301477

Forthcoming Brackla Live Dates

December 18th - Christmas Fun

15th January 2009 29th January 2009 12th February 2009

26th February 2009 12th March 2009 26th March 2009

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Winter 2009 Children

JUST FOR FUN!

For answers go to www.bracklacommunitiesfirst.btik.com - news

How do you make milk shake ? Give it a good scare !

Why did the burglar take a shower ? He wanted to make a clean getaway !

What do you call a man who steals

cows ? A beef burgler !

17

Winter 2009 Children

Action 4 Children Family Centre (Clos y Waun)

Drop in Surgery available every Thursday from 10:30 – 12:30 for the following: • Wales and West Housing Association (Tel. 0800-0532526)

• Linc – Cymru Housing Association (Tel. 02920-473767) • Communities First (Tel. 01656-815120)

• South Wales Police (Tel. PCSO Kerry Davies 07805301477) • Take up Benefits Team (01656-643362)

Action for Employment (every other Thursday. Tel. 07850-909285 )

Brackla Residents Association Meets last Tuesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:00pm

(Tel. 07772-100519)