Community Legacy Project
Community Legacy supports people from a range of backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing, build their confidence, learn new skills, and make positive life improvements through the regeneration of empty properties throughout Wales.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project supports the regeneration of our communities, reducing empty property numbers and positively impacting upon the effects of anti-social behaviour, crime, and vandalism. In doing so, the project supports people to learn new skills, develop a sense of community ownership and pride and make meaningful progression into employment or other positive ambitions.
Background
Iain took part in our Community Legacy Projects in both Glynneath and Swansea during late 2020 and early 2021. Now in his mid-50’s, Iain was previously qualified as a chartered accountant, however after redundancy and a period of unemployment, his mental and physical health had suffered considerably. Having lost motivation for his previous area of employment, Iain was keen to develop new skills, whilst using the Community Legacy Project to improve his mental health and wellbeing and meet new people with similar interests.
Journey
Iain joined our Community Legacy Project in Glynneath towards the end of 2020. He quickly took to the project activities and enjoyed meeting new people in his local area. However, as the project was coming to an end, he decided to continue his engagement at our next project in Swansea during early 2021.
Iain freely admitted that he had lost all confidence in securing employment and had lost a great deal of motivation and self-esteem in his life in general. As a result, his mental and physical wellbeing had deteriorated, and was doubtful that our support, or any, would help him. However, as Iain learnt a wide range of new skills and he began to open up to our staff and fellow participants, his confidence began to blossom, and with that, his motivation to progress into employment.
Building upon his new-found confidence, Iain achieved the Level 3 Emergency 1st Aid in the Workplace qualification, took part in CITB Health & Safety Awareness training, and passed his CSCS test.
Next Steps
Following his time with us, Iain was successful in securing part-time employment, supporting his natural progression and return to the labour market. Iain also plans to further his learning in construction skills, accessing a college course when they begin.
“Thank you so much for showing an interest in me, and for the support and help that you’ve given me.”
If you would like to join our next project, please contact us today.
