Llandovery Events and Community Activities: Meet Our New Support Coordinators
Excitement is brewing in Llandovery as two dynamic individuals step into roles pivotal for community growth and development. Maggi Swallow and Tiago Gambogi, both proud residents of Llandovery, have been appointed as the Llandovery Events Support Coordinator and Llandovery Community Activities Support Coordinator, respectively. Their appointment marks the dawn of an ambitious venture—the Llandovery Support Coordinator’s Project—a two-year initiative fuelled by a generous National Lottery Community Fund grant. Led by the Llandovery Youth and Community Centre (LYCC) and a steering group through the Rural Futures Programme this project aims to tackle critical issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, accessibility to essential services, and fostering community resilience.
Central to the project's mission is a surge in community activities and volunteering opportunities from 2024 through to early 2026. Residents can anticipate an array of enriching experiences, from Luncheon Clubs and Repair Café workshops to Cooking on a Budget sessions and circular economy initiatives like plant and seed swaps. Additionally, existing services addressing the cost-of-living crisis will be amplified to ensure residents receive any necessary support. However, the scope of the project also extends beyond these initiatives. Maggi and Tiago are committed to enhancing access to vital services like lifelong learning, health and fitness, and arts and culture. Career events, Welsh language courses, mental health first aid courses and film nights are among the initiatives designed to enhance residents’ local experiences.
Maggi Swallow, a seasoned professional with a diverse production background spanning three decades, will act as Events Support Coordinator. She says “The prevailing circumstances are sombre, marked by the cost-of-living crisis and the burden of escalating energy bills and food prices, so there is a real need for a surge in proactive spirit and enthusiasm. This project has the potential to foster self-sufficiency in numerous activities and events within Llandovery, offering a valuable coping mechanism during trying times”.
Originally from Brazil, Tiago Gambogi, has been instrumental in setting up, running, and monitoring a variety of projects within community settings. As Llandovery Activities Support Coordinator, he echoes the sentiment, stating, "Community engagement and empowerment are at the core of our mission. Through initiatives like volunteer and skills share registers, fundraising support for local groups, and the development of growing spaces, we aim to strengthen social connections and enable residents to shape their collective well-being."
As the Llandovery Coordinator’s Project unfolds, the coming months will be brimming with opportunities, stronger connections, and thriving community initiatives. Together with the entire Llandovery community, Maggi and Tiago are primed to create a positive and lasting impact.
Please let the co-ordinators know about events or activities you have planned so they can be shared through the project’s regular publicity. Whether you have ideas for community projects or need guidance on how to get involved, we are here to listen and support.
Contact: Maggi at llandovery.lesc@gmail.com or Tiago at llandovery.lcasc@gmail.com or pop in for a chat at Llandovery Youth and Community Centre, Gerwyn House, 19 Market Square, Llandovery SA20 0AB. They can be reached by phone at 01550 721499.