Gaer Community Network’s Social Mission:

“…Improving the quality and conditions of life for all the inhabitants of the Gaer Sub Ward, by advancing educational opportunities and providing and managing facilities in the interest of social welfare, the environment, leisure and recreation. These to be provided without distinction of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious or political affiliation…’

The Gaer Community Network (GCN) is the local community association working in the Gaer sub-ward. The GCN has been working within the community since 2001 and looks to support community development. In 2002 the Gaer sub-ward was awarded Communities First funding which is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative for tackling social deprivation and encouraging social inclusion. The GCN became the lead body in the Gaer for this initiative.

September 2005 saw the GCN become a local employer when it took on a community centre manager and support worker. The centre manager’s role was to develop local activities, training and to set up social enterprises. The GCN became a limited company by guarantee in 2006.

The GCN took the opportunity of taking on the playgroup in September 2007 and to develop childcare services in the Gaer. The playgroup became registered with the CSSIW in September 2009, which has allowed the group to extend its services including the running of the Wrap Around Care and After School and Holiday Club.

The GCN also voluntary manages the Gaer Community Centre ensuring that the community has a welcoming and active community facility. The Centre houses some of the GCN’s childcare services and also provides a range of courses and training opportunities, some of which are provided by the GCN itself. There is also activities such as job clubs, bingo, play club, choir and youth clubs running.