Community Legacy Project
The Community Legacy Project purchases and renovates properties that are empty or in disrepair across Wales, reducing the effects of anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism and the detrimental impact this has on our local communities.
In doing so, the project provides skill development opportunities for a range of individuals from different backgrounds. Through supporting the property renovation activities, these individuals develop a range of employability, construction and enterprise skills, achieve accredited qualifications, experience voluntary work placements and move closer towards accessing sustainable employment or self-employment.
“The project was really enjoyable and helped me learn new skills. I was nervous to begin with but as the weeks went by I became very comfortable in interacting with the others. I enjoyed meeting new people, was made to feel welcome and the staff looked after me as they understood my disabilities. This is the best project I’ve been involved with.”
Background
Adrian participated on the Community Legacy Project during 2018. At 56 years old, Adrian lived in Merthyr Tydfil and was supported by Merthyr Valleys Homes. Due to a history of ill health, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and a speech impediment, Adrian was unemployed and had struggled to maintain employment for a prolonged period. Due to his ill health he was also unable to drive, limiting his ability to secure employment.
Prior to engaging with the project, Adrian’s employment history was inconsistent, including working on the production line of a Remploy factory in the 1980’s, working in a care home for a short period of time, followed by labouring and cleaning roles.
Adrian felt that participating in the Community Legacy Project would support him to develop new skills, whilst meeting new people and to develop a routine that would support his ability to access employment.
Journey
Starting in September 2018, Adrian attended the project for 2 days/week, allowing him to split his time effectively between his Job Centre Plus commitments, English and Maths lessons and hospital appointments.
This flexibility allowed him to gain as much as possible from the project without creating barriers in other areas of his life. Not only did he get the opportunity to learn new skills, it also supported him to improve his confidence.Adrian attended the project for two months and in that time put his hand to a range of construction activities, including plastering, floor and wall tiling, garden clearance and general property maintenance activities.
Next Steps
Starting in September 2018, Adrian attended the project for 2 days/week, allowing him to split his time effectively between his Job Centre Plus commitments, English and Maths lessons and hospital appointments.
This flexibility allowed him to gain as much as possible from the project without creating barriers in other areas of his life. Not only did he get the opportunity to learn new skills, it also supported him to improve his confidence.
Adrian attended the project for two months and in that time put his hand to a range of construction activities, including plastering, floor and wall tiling, garden clearance and general property maintenance activities.
