Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar shortlisted for national award 

AN innovative project which allows disadvantaged people living in Carmarthenshire to build skills and confidence has been shortlisted in the 2011 Welsh Housing Awards.

 

Over 200 people, mainly those living in Communities First areas, have benefitted from Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar courses, learning basic skills in building trades including carpentry, tiling, plumbing and plastering.

Of those that have taken part, around 30 have been able to secure jobs, and many more have felt confident enough to enrol on further education courses.

The programme has now been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru, which has shortlisted it for an award in its Developing and Regenerating Communities category.

Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar has been running for just over a year, and was developed in partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services division, Communities First, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL).

It was created to align with Carmarthenshire County Council’s £203million Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme, when it was realised that there was opportunity to develop links and training with the local construction industry and training providers.

The council’s Head of Property Services, Phil Lumley, said: “We are really pleased that Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar has been recognised on a national level by CIH Cymru.

“This project was started as a pilot in 2010, and has since surpassed all our expectations. We have been truly inspired by the way people have taken this opportunity with both hands – especially those that have used it to literally change their lives.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved, and would be delighted if this was reflected with success at the Welsh Housing Awards.”

Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar is a six-week course delivered entirely in the community.

It includes a trip to a local construction site to provide an inspirational example of ‘real’ tradesmen at work, as well as an introduction to various college-based building courses. 

As part of the course, participants are also given the chance to make something to keep at home as well as something to contribute to the community – for example a picnic table or a bench set that is donated to a local school, family group or park.

The programme was designed to encourage people to build capacity for their own future – building their confidence, self esteem, enthusiasm and empowerment, increasing social interaction within the community as well as aiming to target the community’s economic environment.

Anyone can register their interest in attending a course. Call 01554 784605 for further information.