A community enterprise based in Tairgwaith has received backing from Communities 2.0, the Welsh Governments digital inclusion programme.

The support will help Canolfan Maerdy improve their office technology and their ability to deliver adult learning opportunities to the community.

Canolfan Maerdy operates a day nursery (Lots Of Tots), offering full day care, afterschool club, holiday facilities, and a breakfast club.

The centre also provides learning opportunities to those in work, seeking work or wishing to improve their health, wellbeing and economic prospects.

These include a range of adult education and vocational learning opportunities in conjunction with various education providers.

The centre also provides a number of clubs which allow people to develop and practise their online skills.

Research shows there is a gap in service provision for young people and this coincides with poor public transport, and low qualification attainment levels.

The outreach provision will allow the centre to focus support on young people who are either NEETs or economically inactive.

The support has included help with the purchase of up to date laptops for training, tablet computers and improvements to the centre’s website.

The programme will also support Canolfan Maerdy with training on Microsoft Office, social media marketing, data protection and Sage accounting.

Development Manager of Canolfan Maerdy, Helen John, said: “We believe the support we have received through the programme will make a real difference to our ability to deliver much needed training in the community.

“The extremely thorough ICT review and helpful guidance we have received will allow us to utilise the technology effectively and efficiently."

Communities 2.0 project director Cathryn Marcus, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this timely investment in Canolfan Maerdy.

"The organisation offers an important service in the Valley areas of Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot and this investment will help the organisation deliver essential training services.