Community Legacy
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
Dale took part in our Community Legacy Project in Swansea during 2021. Although extremely keen, willing, and motivated to access employment, Dale had struggled to date due to being unable to read or write, whilst also acting as a full-time carer for his brother. These issues, coupled with financial hardship, had resulted in numerous barriers, meaning Dale had been unable to access and sustain employment. Dale was referred to our project by JobCentre Plus Swansea as he felt the support would enable him to develop the confidence and skills required to take his first steps into employment.
Journey
Dale joined us during March 2021 and quickly became one of the most popular members of our project. Although initially lacking in confidence and self-esteem, he soon started to excel in our supportive learning environment, through learning new skills that led to improvements in his communication, motivation and self-worth.
The project supported Dale to develop a new work routine whilst being considerate of his caring responsibilities and commitments. During the project, our Engagement & Wellbeing Officer supported Dale to access support from the Carers Trust, whilst also helping him with utility bills and communication with the Job Centre,
Although Dale was unable to read or write, he showed great dedication in successfully passing the CITB Health & Safety Awareness training, providing him with the necessary knowledge and confidence to then go on and pass his CSCS test.
Next Steps
Equipped with new skills, confidence and motivation, Dale now plans to access employment in construction, meaning he can better support his family financially. We are all extremely proud of Dale, and the significant changes he made to his life during his time engaged with our project.
“I really loved coming here, it’s changed my life and I’d come back in a heartbeat.”
