South East Wales Carers Trust
The Cii support people of all ages, background and genders to develop construction skills through our various renovation projects, such as the Lottery-funded Community Legacy Project. We also deliver commercial renovation projects, utilising our model of supporting people to learn skills through these projects.
The South East Wales Carers Trust is a leading provider of practical services for unpaid carers and people with care needs in Wales. The Trust had recently purchased a café that was attached to their offices and carers hub in Pontypool and wanted to convert the café into a disability-friendly working space for staff and carers whilst creating access between the current building and the café.
Project activities
The project was completed as part of the National Lottery Funded Community Legacy Project. During the project, the wall between the café and Trust office was taken down, with a large disability-friendly door installed. All windows were replaced with new U-PVC units, whilst the external door was widened for wheelchair access and a ramp installed. Internally the café furniture was removed, all walls and ceilings re-skimmed, first and second-fix electric work completed, partitions erected that created a break-out room and cupboard, whilst new laminate floor suitable for wheelchair use was installed.
Participants
In carrying out this work, the Cii supported a wide range of carers to develop confidence and self-esteem and learn construction skills in this active learning environment. Over the project period seven carers ranging in age from 15 to 45 were referred to the project, learning new skills in plastering, carpentry and brick-work.
Two of these carers, a father and son team, were successful in achieving the CITB Health & Safety Awareness Certificate and successfully obtaining their CSCS card, a mandatory requirement for site work.
The project was a success, with the renovation completed to a high standard, whilst supporting the employability of a range of carers supported by the South East Wales Carers Trust.
