Communities First is the Welsh Assembly Government's flagship programme to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales.

It is founded on the principle that poverty and disadvantage are created by a complex number of factors, such as poor educational achievement, poor housing and environments, substance misuse, local job markets, benefit systems, stigma and perceptions about people and places etc. If we want to address poverty and inequalities then we must understand what the causes are. Communities First provides opportunities for people living in areas we term to be disadvantaged, and the agencies that deliver services in those communities, to examine the realities of poverty and to learn and work together to address it.

Communities First is about people challenging the barriers, whether they be real or perceived, which prevent residents from fulfilling their own potential and from effecting change where they live. It is about supporting communities, groups and individuals to find their voices and use their skills and experiences to change, challenge, negotiate, persuade, and jointly plan for the benefit of their communities.

The vision is underpinned by key principles which include:

• Promoting social justice, creating an equitable environment where people believe in their personal power to change things for the better

• The promotion of a culture in which diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is a reality. Local people must be involved in leading the Communities First process

• A recognition that change requires time, and therefore the Communities First programme is a long term investment in communities

• Disadvantaged communities making a long lasting difference to the life of their community and to the systems, policies and institutions which contribute to their disadvantage.

As part of the ongoing work of partnerships the Welsh Assembly Government has said that tackling child poverty should be an overarching principle in all work being carried out.

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