The journey of LocalMotion in Carmarthen, from a CAVS perspective
In May 2020 shortly after the first Lockdown of 2020 we were approached to see if we would like to be involved with an exciting new way of working, LocalMotion.
LocalMotion is a collaboration of six funders who would like to work together with local people and organisations in Carmarthen to support local people to address social, environmental and economic priorities that matter to them.
LocalMotion is asking what communities, civil society, public and private sectors, and funders could do if we work together. The six funders that make up LocalMotion are: Lloyds Bank Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Lankelly Chase Foundation, Tudor Trust and City Bridge Trust.
We are working together towards a shared ambition for long lasting positive change that would help make Carmarthen work better for people who live and work there, who are on low incomes or experiencing inequality.
The last couple of years has been tough! Covid 19 has been an unprecedented, urgent challenge for communities and those that work with them.
“We know that we don’t have the answers here. We also know that you know Carmarthen much better than we ever could and that there is good work already going on locally that we would like to understand better.
We hope that by working together with local changemakers like yourself, from different sectors across the whole town we could learn together what makes a difference to places and how funders like us could work more effectively with local places. We are currently scoping out what LocalMotion could achieve, with a view to making a long-term funding commitment depending on the outcome of that scoping work.” Kathleen Kelly LocalMotion
CAVS thought it was a great opportunity to be able to be part of this exciting new adventure to empower local people to not just have their say but to see how they can make a difference themselves, with potential, for example, to take on running of a high street, to gain new skills or to set up a social enterprise with support.
The start of a new adventure was born later in 2020. A Core Group was established and have been working together to see how to engage with local citizens, and those that work in Carmarthen. At times working collaboratively brings its challenges and making decisions has not been easy. But we have started with the Llais Caerfyrddin project, working during the summer to gain insight from local people. Training for the group has been invaluable and we have gained some fantastic knowledge one thing for me that stands out is – ‘Good enough for now good enough to try?’
Systemic Change takes time, which has been recognised by the funders, working with local people to engage with them is key to making a difference. This is grassroots up rather than top down.
“We would like to create a happier, more prosperous Carmarthen through building collaboration around our many cultural and heritage assets where we build a shared picture of the future of Carmarthen.
Our goal is to create the happiest and most prosperous town in Wales, with creativity and culture at the root of improving people’s well-being and delivering a more equitable and inclusive economy for everyone (including creating the future skills and collaboration tools that the Town can use to write its own future and make best use of its many cultural and creative assets).”
Llais Caerfyrddin – we will be visiting venues across Carmarthen to find out local people’s views on how they feel about Carmarthen. (Information on peoplespeakup.co.uk )
This is an exciting time for Carmarthen, a time for you as local citizens to have your views heard, a time when we can work with you, and you can lead the way.
CAVS feels really privileged to be part of this inspiring work and is here to support you if you want to start a new group or organisation, or if you require support with your current organisation.
CAVS has been involved with the other 5 places, the Funders, and worked collectively. Finding out what is happening in each of the areas has been insightful.
Jackie Dorrian – CAVS Senior Development Officer (Health & Wellbeing)
A social, economic and environmental justice movement
By communities, for communities
