Range of community groups attend third drop in session

Around 20 groups and services gathered at the facility in Llandeilo with the aim of improving the lives of residents.

While enjoying a free coffee, biscuits and socialising, attendees had the chance to speak to various representatives about their problems.

Around 20 community groups were in attendance. (Image: Christoph Fischer)

Hope, the suicide prevention line were there. (Image: Christoph Fischer) Adfeiriad offered mental health support to carers. (Image: Christoph Fischer) Carmarthenshire Enterprise Hub provided support to business owners. (Image: Christoph Fischer) Llandeilo Mayor Charlotte Morgan said: “The 2 hours we run for the hall is filled with friendliness and chatter.

“As we are heading towards winter, we hope the free WI Coffee Morning will provide a meeting point for those feeling lonely or isolated. There's no need to have a reason for visiting other than wishing for some company over a coffee.”

Councillor Kate Glanville added: “It’s so important for people to learn how much support there is for everyone. I hope more people hear about our event and decide to pop in for a free coffee and an informal chat.”

Some of the attendees and their services were:

• Adfer Energy Redress – help with energy bills
• Carmarthenshire Enterprise Hub – business support
• Hope – suicide prevention line
• Adfeiriad – support for carers and mental health
• Care and Repair scheme – improve homes and enable elderly people to stay in their own property longer
• Elidir and Mencap – work for people with additional learning needs
• Mind – mental health support
• Sanctuary y Noddfa – after hours mental health support
• Delta Wellbeing – provides new initiatives

Elidir were there to help people with additional learning needs. (Image: Christoph Fischer) Housing support was available. (Image: Christoph Fischer) A leaflet from Carmarthenshire County Council about social prescribing. (Image: Christoph Fischer) A CarmDAS leaflet offering support to those in abusive relationships. (Image: Christoph Fischer) Llandeilo Mayor Charlotte Morgan and county councillor Edward Thomas were available to hear about locals’ concerns.

There was also advice on domestic abuse or health care and local active groups such as the Rotary Club, Permaculture Upcycling, Tenovus Cancer Care and Llandeilo Friends of Dementia.

Councillor Christoph Fischer said: “At every event I acquire a lot of new information. So many ways our lives can be improved by picking up a leaflet or speaking to one of the representatives.

“Each drop in has new groups and additional services joining us, and even if you personally do not need support.

"It’s amazing to see how much is out there, and maybe you can spot something just right for your neighbour, friends or relative, who are struggling with one thing or another.”

The session was organized by Llandeilo Town Council, the Llandeilo Community Action Hub and Nacro Connecting Carmarthenshire, with funding from the CK Making a difference grant.

Community Gateway Officer Catherine Hyndman said: “Nacro are proud to be part of the Llandeilo drop in event, we are proud to provide a valuable information service to the community along with all the other agencies.”

The next drop-in session will take place on October 15 from 11am-1pm in The Civic Hall and the following meeting is scheduled for November 19.

If an organization wants to be part of the next event, they can email clerk.ltc@gmail.com or Robert.Ramsaha-Southall@nacro.org.uk.