Neath Valley Heritage Project Secures Major Funding for Social Impact
Transformative support has arrived in the Neath Valley as the charity St Giles has secured a landmark £249,106 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Wales. This significant investment is part of the "Heritage Places" strategic initiative, a bold scheme designed to weave local history into the fabric of community recovery and personal growth across the region.
Focus on Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall
The project centres on Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall, a site that once stood at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. Now, it will stand at the forefront of social change, creating volunteering opportunities for people with lived experience of overcoming adversity. Using some of the buildings and wider site at this historic location, which is cared for by National Trust Cymru, 30 volunteers from under-represented communities will receive training and support.
Starting from April 2026, these volunteers will undergo comprehensive training in heritage skills such as tour guiding, conservation, and event management. They will also gain essential knowledge in areas like equality, diversity, Welsh language, and safeguarding. Additionally, participants will co-produce educational materials, organise events, and contribute to the site's daily operations.
Peer-Led Model for Inclusive Volunteering
At the heart of this initiative is St Giles' peer-led model, which harnesses the benefits of lived experience to foster an inclusive and diverse volunteer workforce. For over 20 years, St Giles has been training and supporting individuals who have faced various disadvantages, using their first-hand insights and professional skills to provide credible and authentic support to others.
This project at Aberdulais marks the first time St Giles has adopted this approach in a heritage setting. It aims to preserve heritage while increasing community engagement and removing barriers to participation, particularly for people with backgrounds in the care system, justice system, and other life challenges.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Andrew White, director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wales, stated: "We're proud to support this project at Aberdulais, which opens up meaningful heritage opportunities for people to experience. Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help preserve a much-loved historic site while empowering volunteers to gain new skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging."
Anne-Marie Rogan, business development manager for Wales at St Giles, added: "St Giles are delighted to have benefitted from this grant from the Heritage Fund for Wales. It will enable us to work with our valued partner National Trust Cymru and open up opportunities for people in the local community experiencing disadvantage, helping them build confidence, skills, and capacity to positively progress their lives."
Alan Evans, National Trust Cymru's general manager for Mid and South Wales Countryside, commented: "We are delighted that St Giles has secured funding to move forward with their Green Community Training, Heritage and Wellbeing Hub at Aberdulais. Together our two charities will reach more communities and benefit more people, increasing their access to nature, beauty, and history."
Site Accessibility and Future Involvement
Aberdulais remains open to visitors from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays, with additional Saturday openings during the summer holidays. Admission is free, allowing everyone to explore over 400 years of history. However, visitors are advised to check the National Trust website for any variations in opening times.
For those interested in getting involved or learning more about the Heritage Places initiative in Wales, further information is available through the St Giles Trust website or by following updates from The National Lottery Heritage Fund on how this quarter-million-pound investment is being utilised.
