Emplas is supporting a pioneering programme designed to support people get into work by developing new skills, and regenerate and improve the thermally efficiency of homes.
The Community Impact Initiative (Cii) is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise based in South Wales.
The core mission is to transform lives and reinvigorate communities by regenerating long-term empty homes and using those projects as a platform to support individuals facing barriers to employment or social participation.
“We provide positive opportunities for people in the community by building skills, giving people the opportunity to meet new people, and to build and improve their confidence, through the regeneration of empty homes”, explains Ellen McCubbin, Marketing & Communications Officer, Cii.
She continues: “The houses we take on tend to be big projects – wholesale refurbishment – homes, which would otherwise be left in a derelict or semi-derelict condition.”
“We’re not a construction company, what we do is give people the opportunity to develop new skills, and in the process, renovate properties to fund future schemes.”
“Empty homes have a very negative impact on communities. By breathing new life into them, we’re also improving the communities we work in.”
Those supported by the Cii span from 16 years old and upwards, coming via college programs or local council referrals. Many have struggled to find or maintain stable employment, are often young, or socially isolated.
The Cii schemes offer participants a chance to build new skills, gain confidence, and access new career pathways. “It’s a lot of learning for the participants, and they can join us for various reasons”, Ellen continues.
“Some join to get used to the practical skills side of things, and some join to just meet new people and try something different, be a bit more active.”
“It gives them a lot of direction. It’s especially important for younger people, fresh out of school or college, not really sure what they want to do.”
Cii projects aim to give those who sign up to the scheme practical hands-on skills in a real working environment, construction qualifications including CSCS cards and support to forge a career within the sector.
“You see it all the time on the projects. They [participants] come in, they say they want to be, for example, a ‘brickie’ and then they spend time on the project and get to do carpentry. They’re like, ‘You know what? I want to do carpentry.’ It sets people on a new direction. It happens quite a lot – it’s always really nice to see”, Ellen adds.
Emplas is supporting two flagship regeneration schemes in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare. This includes supplying seven windows manufactured in the ultra-energy efficient Profile 22 system and PVC-U front, back and sliding patio doors for the property in Aberdare.
Sustaining a Legacy Project
Sustaining a Legacy Project – Merthyr Tydfil is a year-long initiative focusing on sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
The project aims to support participants to better understand how individual and collective actions can have a positive environmental impact, and the proactive steps that everyone can take to improve energy efficiency.
This includes how insulation and energy efficient building materials, including energy efficient windows and doors, can be used to insulate homes to reduce energy consumption, and have a positive and sustained impact on the climate and environment.
Building Resilience in Communities
Building Resilience in Communities – Aberdare is a six-month project aimed at community engagement and improving local spaces, set to complete by end of July this year.
BRiC has been designed to regenerate empty properties and return them to the housing market, reducing empty property numbers and reducing the effects of antisocial behaviour, crime, and vandalism.
Each project involves a full regeneration of a severely dilapidated home, turning them from uninhabitable shells into valuable housing assets. The sale proceeds from completed properties are reinvested into future projects, forming a self-sustaining funding loop alongside support from key funders such as the National Lottery Sustainable Steps Fund and the Commonwealth Fund.
Support from business is also critical because it supports those taking part in developing skills which will allow them to develop a career in the wider construction industry.
Craig Harris, Cii, Tutor highlights the impact: “A lot of the people who join the scheme have never really got started after leaving school, either because they haven’t had the opportunity, or something has perhaps knocked them sideways and they haven’t got back on their feet.
“We help them to build confidence and skills through practical training. Knowing how to fit a window or door gives them opportunities to progress – as well as a sense of achievement, which in turn helps to restore their inner confidence.”
“We take them through the complete installation from rip-out of old windows, to prep, installation, glazing and de-glazing, weather sealing and finishing.”
“Support from companies like Emplas, is vital in making the work we do viable, and supporting people in developing new skills and pursuing an exciting new career, while also returning homes to the community.”
Jody Vincent, Sales Director, Emplas, said the trade fabricator was committed to supporting the communities in which it worked.
“It’s important to remember that we all started somewhere, and we all got that first career opportunity. For a lot of people it isn’t always easy to get that break.”
“The construction industry faces a real skills shortage so supporting people to get back into or to enter work is a win, win, giving the industry the skills it needs.”
“At the same time supporting communities by bringing otherwise empty or unused properties back to life is another. We’re delighted to have been able to support the Community Impact Initiative in its work in South Wales.”
