About Building a Legacy
The Lottery-funded project Building a Legacy renovates properties that are empty or in disrepair across Wales. Our aim is to reduce 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 individuals from a range of backgrounds. Through supporting the property renovation activities, individuals develop their employability, construction and enterprise skills, achieve accredited qualifications, experience voluntary work placements and move closer towards accessing sustainable employment or self-employment.
Unlike a simulated training environment or classroom, the project provides a real construction setting that allows participants to learn new skills quickly and take ownership of their work. During the renovation all participants reported improvements in their confidence and self-esteem.
Background
The project participants were from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age, gender and skill level. Each had personal reasons for engaging with the project, from developing the skills necessary to access employment in the construction industry, developing the skills required to maintain their own homes to improving their self-confidence, motivation and social skills. Over a three-month period, the property was fully renovated with the participants learning a range of new skills under the guidance of our fully qualified and experienced Project Tutors.
Unlike a simulated training environment or classroom, the project provides a real construction setting that allows participants to learn new skills quickly and take ownership of their work. During the renovation all participants reported improvements in their confidence and self-esteem, a proportion took part in Health & Safety Awareness training and went on to pass their CSCS test and claim their card, whilst some of the participants were successful in securing employment as a direct result of the project.
Upon renovation completion the property was marketed and sold within a few days, which was testament to the standard of renovation completed by the project staff and participants. Funds raised from the sale of Heol Parc Glas were re-invested into the purchase of the next property, supporting further skill development opportunities.
The Community Legacy Project and this particular property in Merthyr Tydfil was also the subject of an ITV Wales News at 6 feature, broadcast during November 2018.
