The Clouds Living Centre in Monkton held its first birthday Party on Friday, May 25. Julie Rice-Monroe, co-ordinator of Clouds, said that the first birthday party was a way of saying thank you to the many residents and organisations that have supported Clouds since it opened. The range of services offered by Clouds has developed significantly over the last 12 months and the centre is now a highly regarded service provider in the Monkton ward. At the well-attended Open Night, the Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Keith McNiffe, enthusiastically endorsed the project saying: "As a founder member of Communities First here in Monkton, it's been good to see projects like Clouds developing. It's a real family centre run by committed people who receive no pay for what they do. Clouds is truly catering for everyone in the community." Clouds began when Julie raised enough funds to take local families on summer trips. When the current premises became vacant she grasped the opportunity to use them and began with healthy eating. She explained: "But a healthy lifestyle means more than food and keeping fit. You cannot ignore issues such as debt, alcohol dependency and lack of skills. We set out to remedy those." Clouds now offer an ever-increasing range of services through working in partnership with organisations such as Communities First, PAVS, Springboard and Haven Credit Union. Clouds marked its first birthday with another highly significant development by announcing a new outreach project in partnership with Jobcentre Plus. Advisory services manager Jayne Kemsley explained that Jobcentre Plus had worked in Monkton over the years providing outreach services via the Action Team. "Funding came to an end, but we have the offer of continuing our presence by way of formal drop-in sessions specifically for incapacity benefit issues in the first instance," she said. "We hope to introduce lone parent advice and support for those looking to return to work or train. Disadvantaged Area Funding which is now in place will offer additional support to those in greatest need." As for Julie, this is just the beginning. "We want to open more Clouds and we won't rest until we reach Cloud Nine," she said.