Here is our latest update, covering:

• Support for Clwb Ifor Bach - Cardiff Council's land lease aims to help plans for the iconic venue's expansion.
• Opportunities for young people with additional learning needs - our scheme providing employment training and support.
• Busy bee floral display - designed by one of our second-year horticultural apprentices to celebrate pollinators.

Council support brings redevelopment of Clwb Ifor Bach a step closer

Clwb Ifor Bach's proposed redevelopment took a step forward recently as Cardiff Council has entered into a long term leasehold of 9 Womanby Street, the property adjacent to the long-established venue.

The agreement, which is intended to help secure the long-term future of the iconic independent music venue, provides Clwb both the time and security to raise the funds required to expand and upgrade its current site and has enabled the iconic venue to move forward with a planning application for the redevelopment.

If the planning application is approved, and funding is secured, Clwb will then enter into a back-to-back lease for 125 years for use of the property at 9 Womanby Street as a live music venue and cultural centre, and the iconic independent venue will be transformed into a contemporary, fully accessible multi-room venue.

Council Leader, and Chair of Cardiff Music Board, Cllr Huw Thomas said: "Clwb Ifor Bach has been part of the fabric of Cardiff's grassroots music scene since 1983, providing a vital platform for many Welsh musicians and bands at the start of their careers, drawing visitors to the city, and contributing significantly to Cardiff's creative and cultural offer.

"We remain committed to delivering our Music Strategy and ensuring music and culture continues to thrive in Cardiff. Entering into this agreement, will help secure Clwb's place at the heart of the live music scene for at least another 125 years, and marks the start of what promises to be an exciting time for music in Cardiff."

Clwb Ifor Bach Chief Executive, Guto Brychan, said: "We have been working with Cardiff Council for a number of years to secure the future of Clwb Ifor Bach, and now, with the option to take on a long-term lease in place, our vision to redevelop both properties into a new, truly accessible, multi venue space has taken a massive leap forward.

"We will now be submitting the planning application that outlines our plans and begin the work to raise the funds needed to realise our ambition. We also celebrating our 40th birthday this year, and this feels like the beginning of a new chapter for us as a venue and one that will secure our legacy for many years to come.

"We would like to thank Huw Thomas and his team for their commitment to the grassroots music sector in Cardiff, and the work done to help us and other venues in the city to survive the challenges of the last few years."

Employment opportunities to empower young people with Additional Learning Needs

A scheme providing young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) the support and training necessary so that they can successfully go onto employment has got off to a successful start.

The Flexible Supported Employment Pathway (FSEP) is a Cardiff Council scheme delivered by the Cardiff Commitment in partnership with the Local Authority's post 16 ALN Team and Cardiff Council's Education Catering Service, as the employment partner.

Providing training and 12-month work experience placements to young people with additional learning needs and/or autism, the scheme aims to prepare and support them in their transition from school to full time employment.

Since launching in May, four pupils aged 16-18 from the Specialist Resource Bases at Cantonian and Llanishen High Schools have gained hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen and accessed work skills training, including the Level 2 Food Safety Qualification.

They will now gain access to a unique opportunity, and transition into paid employment through the Food & Fun initiative, Cardiff's multi-award-winning school holiday enrichment programme which provides children with health and well-being provision during the school holidays.

In addition to the benefits seen by the learners involved, the scheme enables the Education Catering Service to access a previously unrecognised workforce, promoting diversity and inclusivity in their staff.

At the end of the summer holidays, the young people will be supported in applying for vacant positions within the Schools Catering Service and beyond.

Read more here

Ru-bee leads apprentices in a hive of activity

Visitors to Cardiff Castle have been admiring the latest floral design gracing the grounds outside the popular city landmark.

The Badge Bed Bee is the work of Ruby Mason, a second-year horticultural apprentice with the Council's parks team.

"I went with this design to celebrate pollinators and to raise awareness of their importance," said Ruby, 24. "Habitat loss and climate change, as well as pesticide use, are threatening the native bee population and we all need to play our part in safeguarding them and the environment.

"Around 75% of our crops are pollinated by bees so the least we can do is give them a helping hand in the work they do.

"In the winter, the queen leaves the hive and while the workers hibernate she finds a separate place to sleep. If you make a log pile, leave leaf litter on the ground and make a wild area full of grass moss and cover it will give her a safe home.

"And if you are a gardener, growing purple, blue, white and yellow flowers helps because bees can see them better."

Read more here