Latest news with #CommunityImpactInitiative
Business News Wales
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Regeneration Project Receives £477,285 to Tackle Empty Homes in Wales
A housing regeneration project has received a substantial funding package to address the high number of empty properties in Wales. Community Impact Initiative has been awarded £477,285 by the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund to continue work regenerating empty properties in the upper reaches of the Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon valleys through its Building Resilience in Communities (BRiC) project. There are more than 120,000 unoccupied homes in Wales (about 8.2% of all dwellings) according to the Office for National Statistics. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council says there are currently 2,704 known empty properties in the local authority area. Through the BRiC initiative, long-term empty properties are purchased, often at auction, refurbished to a liveable standard and returned to the housing market. Established in 2016, the initiative also offers a volunteer working programme to anyone over the age of 16, enabling people to learn new skills, adapt to a work life balance, and develop confidence in the construction industry. Rhys Kedward, 16, became involved with BRiC after looking for opportunities to build his hands-on experience in construction while studying in college. 'They teach you the way you're able to be taught,' Rhys said. 'I prefer to be shown how to do something rather than told. For some people it's the opposite but they adjust to you. 'I wasn't the best in school but here it's helped me learn.' Paul Gall, 49, moved from Bristol to Treforest and began working on the project last year. 'My partner was diagnosed with epilepsy ten years ago, so I stepped away from the trade to care for her around the clock,' Paul said. 'I worked in Germany as a plasterer, became a qualified carpenter in Bristol, and I was a project manager, too. But being away from the site for so long has knocked my confidence. 'Working with different people again has been beneficial for me. You'd never see me raise my arm in meetings and make suggestions on projects a few years ago.' Volunteers can sign up to assist on a project at the Community Impact Initiative website. Kate Breeze, Executive Director of the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund, said: 'The Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund is delighted to support a project that addresses such an important issue within the area of benefit. BRiC does inspiring work reducing empty property numbers while empowering people to learn new skills, develop their sense of community pride, and provide support into further employment.'
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Entries open for 2025 Social Business Wales awards
The annual awards, hosted by the Social Business Wales programme, celebrate the most inspiring and innovative social enterprises in Wales. Categories include "One to Watch" for enterprises under two years old, "Innovation of the Year," and "Environmental Social Enterprise of the Year." This year sees the introduction of a "Women's Champion of the Year" category, and a social impact award. The Community Impact Initiative (Cii), based in South Wales, was awarded the Social Enterprise of the Year title in 2024. Trystan Jones, their chief executive, said: "Winning a Social Business Wales award has been very meaningful for all of us." Down to Zero, a Rhondda Cynon Taf-based social enterprise, was named the "One to Watch." Project manager, Tom Addiscott, said: "It has given us kudos as a company, raised our volunteer numbers, and given our staff that 'feel good factor'." Glenn Bowen, director of enterprise at Cwmpas, said: "The Social Business Wales awards are about shining a light on the incredible work happening across Wales's social enterprise sector." Entries are open until Monday, July 14, with winners announced at an event in October.
Business News Wales
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Entries Open for 2025 Social Business Wales Awards
Social Business Wales award winners 2024 Social enterprises across Wales are being encouraged to celebrate their impact and enter the 2025 Social Business Wales Awards, which are now officially open for entries. Delivered by the Social Business Wales programme, the annual awards recognise the most inspiring and innovative social enterprises in Wales – organisations that are making a real difference to communities, the environment, and the economy. This year, categories include: • One to Watch – for emerging enterprises less than two years old • Innovation of the year – for creative enterprises developing new products and services • Environmental social enterprise of the year • Social enterprise building diversity, inclusion, equity and justice award • Community-based social enterprise – a place-based organisation making a big impact • Wales social enterprise of the year There's also a new 'Women's champion of the year' category, and a social impact award which will honour an organisation which brilliantly proves its impact through data and powerful storytelling. The 2024 Social Business Wales awards were held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, where the South Wales-based Community Impact Initiative (Cii) won the Social Enterprise of the Year award. The Community Impact Initiative Trystan Jones, Chief Executive of the Community Impact Initiative, said: 'For the individuals we work with, seeing us win the Social Enterprise of the Year award gave them confidence that we know what we're doing, that we're an organisation worth talking to. 'Externally, it was the cherry on the cake. 'Internally, winning rubber-stamped our belief in what we're doing. It provided proof of the positive influence we have. It was a powerful affirmation. 'Winning a Social Business Wales award has been very meaningful for all of us.' Rhondda Cynon Taff-based social enterprise Down to Zero won the 2024 One to Watch award. Project Manager Tom Addiscott said: 'We were very proud of the One to Watch award. It has given us kudos as a company, raised our volunteer numbers, and given our staff that 'feel good factor'. That kind of recognition for volunteers is very important, and was wonderful to see.' Glenn Bowen, Director of Enterprise at Cwmpas, said: 'The Social Business Wales awards are about shining a light on the incredible work happening across Wales's social enterprise sector. 'We've seen how an SBW award win can raise an organisation's profile and open doors to new opportunities – and this year's simplified online entry system makes it easier than ever to take part.' Entries are open until Monday 14 July, with winners to be announced at a celebration event in October. To enter or find out more, visit the Social Business Wales website here.
