Communities First Overview

Communities First is the Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship programme to improve the living conditions and prospects of people living and working in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales.

It is based on the principle that poverty and disadvantage are created by a number of factors, such as poor educational achievement, poor housing and environments, substance misuse, local job markets, benefit systems, perceptions about people and places etc. If we want to address poverty and inequalities then we must understand what the causes are.

Communities First provides opportunities for people living in areas we term to be disadvantaged, and the agencies that deliver services in those communities, to examine the realities of poverty and to learn and work together to address it. Communities First is about people challenging the barriers, whether they be real or perceived, which prevent residents from fulfilling their own potential and from effecting change where they live. It is about supporting communities, groups and individuals to find their voices and use their skills and experiences to change, challenge, negotiate, persuade and jointly plan for the benefit of their communities.