Well-being of local communities under the spotlight at Eisteddfod debate

Organisations and sectors across North West Wales must increase the pace of joint working to make sure local communities and the Welsh language continue to thrive, now and in the future.

That was the message from a panel debate held at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod in Boduan where a number of organisations and individuals got together to debate issues around local communities.

The event was hosted by Adra Housing Association, with speakers including its Chief Executive Iwan Trefor Jones, Sian Gwenllian, MS for Arfon; Bethan Williams from Mantell Gwynedd; Dafydd Gruffydd from Menter Môn and Councillor Craig ab Iago from Cyngor Gwynedd.

Topics under discussion included housing, the cost of living, employment and training for local people, the economy, Welsh language, community development and resilience, the role of volunteers, the future of the local economies and services provided by the NHS.

Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra, said: “This was a great platform at the Eisteddfod to have a proper discussion around such an important issue. We must all work together in a co-ordinated manner to address the issues raised at the session.

“Partnership working is not new to any of us and as individuals and organisations we are extremely passionate about making a difference to our communities and most importantly our residents.

“What needs to happen next is a real joined up approach, making sure we’re all singing from the same hymn sheets and working for the greater good of our communities.

“It was great to have that commitment at the session. We need to turn those words into action, working as one voice to influence policy and decision making at every level.

“Of course this is not only an issue for North West Wales and organisations working together a lot more closely can only have a positive impact. We look forward to progressing with this renewed energy for the benefit of our communities”.

Note to Editors: In the photo (from left to right): Councillor Craig ab Iago; Sian Gwenllian MS; Bethan Williams; Iwan Trefor Jones and Dafydd Gruffydd.  Chair: Bethan Williams Price.

For further information, please contact the communications team at Adra on 0300 123 8084 or by email: cyfathrebu@adra.co.uk