WIREDGOV

Construction work has started on a £1.1 million Welsh Government community project on Anglesey which will provide valuable support to local children and their families.

The capital funding is being used to refurbish the Jesse Hughes Community Centre, which provides key education and training opportunities for young people in Holyhead, and to create a new linked Flying Start centre on the site.

Flying Start - the Welsh Government’s flagship early years’ programme - provides free part-time quality childcare for 2-3 year olds, parenting support, an enhanced health visitor service and help for early language development.

The funding will see the creation of a Flying Start childcare setting which will enable 48 toddlers to benefit each day from the programme, plus office accommodation and a venue for group work.

The improvements to the adjacent community centre will ensure the building is safe, secure and fit for purpose.  The centre is home to valuable community facilities, such as parents and toddler groups, community groups, a weekly youth club,  and a Pupil Referral Unit for young people unable to attend mainstream education.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths said:

“We want communities across Wales to be vibrant places to live, with good infrastructure and accessible services. I’m delighted the Welsh Government has awarded over £1.1 million to support this integrated community project. 

“The start of work marks a significant milestone. The Flying Start centre will support the expansion of the scheme in Holyhead and help ensure children and families in the area are given the best possible start in life.

“The refurbished Jesse Hughes Centre will provide a safe, secure and inspiring environment for the key community services based there. Centres such as this which provide valuable education and training opportunities are key to our vision of improving people’s skills and tackling poverty across Wales.” 

Bethan Hywel Jones, Supporting Families Unit Manager, Isle of Anglesey County Council, said:

“We have been extremely fortunate to secure this capital funding from both the Flying Start capital grant and the Vibrant and Viable Places grant in order to make this a truly sustainable community hub. I would wish to thank the Welsh Government, elected members and officers who supported this grant application. 

“The opportunity to combine these two grant schemes has meant that we can provide for a number of community services under one roof; providing learning opportunities for pre-school children and young people and out of school activities that provide a range of services to assist young people to reach their attainments. The grant funding will support the delivery of Flying Start in Holyhead and provide invaluable opportunities for children and their families.” 

The project is being funded through a Flying Start capital grant of nearly £857, 000 and a Vibrant and Viable Places grant of £ £295,000.  

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