Delyth Higgins Co-ordinator for Swansea

Local projects Supported between 2014 and 2016

BikeAbility Wales

BikeAbility Wales Benefits of being a RW project: Mentor assisted the trustees and staff to look at future sustainability of the charity with a focus on our publicity/branding. Mentor assisted in the development of the business plan and provided an objective view of what we were doing well/ not so well and our unique selling points.

As a result of working with RW we have: revamped our branding and through the development of the business plan we have updated our prices so they are more realistic and cover more of our costs. focused more on delivering cycle training thus making the charity more economically sustainable whilst promoting cycling as a form of sustainable transport.

Living Here-Working Here Community Group, Mount Zion Chapel, Bonymaen

Overall project Building- improving its energy usage, comfort for users and increasing community use during the week. Garden- already created. Emphasis on growing useful plants/ veg , using recycled materials etc. Some community involvement. Looking to re-establish with Community First. Food Bank- been priority for past year or so. Community use & engagement- getting more local people involved and participating in community events/ projects.

As a result of working with RW we have: Living Here- Working Here Community Group, Mount Zion Chapel, Bonymaen Benefits of being a RW project: had an environmental audit of the building done with recommendations on how to improve lighting, heating and insulation. As a result of working with RW we have: Installed new efficient electrical heating, improved our lighting and explored insulation options.

Lessons learnt Experience shared with colleagues and co-workers elsewhere suggests our experience is not unique Projects in the general area of sustainability are harder to progress in conditions of socio- economic deprivation The starting point of our project is poverty. However, it is acknowledged that when people in a community are faced with issues of day to day survival, it is hard to take any strategic action

GSP Partnership Before....

After.....

GSP Partnership Benefits of being a RW project: Gained valuable advice on use of the building, on issues like energy, water and lighting. Encouraged to think holistically about the building and what we wanted to do with it. Now: Cafe, meetings room, IT suite – a place where members of the community meet. Hope it will lead to more younger people being involved in projects in the community and the partnership.

St Madoc’s Centre, Llanmadoc

St Madoc’s Centre, Llanmadoc

St Madoc’s Centre, Llanmadoc As a result of working with RW we have: Benefits of being a RW project: A mentor to help us explore renewable energy options Receiving advice on funding and projects Networking and contacts Sharing knowledge As a result of working with RW we have: Continued to review and action our environmental policy

Other projects Linden Church, West Cross - energy audit of building Penllergare Valley Woods- engagement strategy Swansea MIND- outside space Swansea Women’s Aid- develop garden The Quakers- growing space

Wheelrights- public engagement around new cycle route Gower Power- member engagement using VocalEyes Coeden Fach Tree Nursery....???