Swansea residents encouraged to engage in climate and community action
The Cii has announced plans for a new community project focused on sustainability in Swansea. This groundbreaking National Lottery funded initiative will use the renovation of a rundown, empty property as a vehicle to teach local people sustainable retrofitting skills, helping them to gain experience and engage with climate action in a practical way.
Those involved in the renovation will have the chance to learn new skills, achieve qualifications, build their confidence and, ultimately, save on their energy bills through energy efficiency techniques.
The project will take place in central Swansea, an area easily accessible by public transport, and will start in August. The Cii will begin advertising spaces on the project very soon and encourage anyone over the age of 16 who would like to know more about the project to get in touch.
The project is the first of three in a series of projects designed to tackle fuel poverty and engage people in climate action across South Wales. This comes at a difficult time for many communities in South Wales, as people struggle to afford the basics like food and fuel. The Cii aims to highlight the links between fuel poverty and the climate crisis through this project, with retrofitting featured as part of the solution to both issues.
Abi Lewis, Head of Engagement and Wellbeing at The Cii, is looking forward to supporting a new cohort in Swansea. She said: “We’re excited to be back in Swansea, delivering a new project which will help people make positive, sustainable changes in their lives while also creating much-needed affordable housing for the community.”
About the CiC
The Community Impact Initiative is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers innovative community regeneration projects to achieve positive socio-economic change across South Wales. We believe in a future where our communities can flourish and prosper, and we work hard to provide opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged individuals to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Our community regeneration projects support people from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing, build their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, achieve qualifications, and make positive life improvements through the renovation of empty properties in our local communities. We regenerate and invigorate our community spaces, returning empty properties to the housing market, improving living standards, and providing an affordable and effective solution to the housing and empty property issues of Wales.
The project will be delivered in partnership with Rounded Development Enterprises and Afallen and will follow PAS 2035, a framework for sustainable and holistic retrofitting.
The grants are administered by The National Lottery Community Fund and have been made possible by financial institutions such as banks and building societies voluntarily offering funds from accounts unclaimed after 15 years for good causes. The Fund work with The Welsh Government on the priorities for grant programmes.
For more information, visit: https://www.the-cii.org or contact Catrin Evans at 07506 728338 or email catrin.evans@the-cii.org