Supporting communities to shape the future of Wales' former coalfields
Across Wales' former coalfield communities, local buildings, green spaces and community facilities are much more than physical assets. They're places where people come together, access support, build confidence and create opportunities for future generations.
Helping communities protect and take ownership of these places is at the heart of two exciting new projects that the Coalfields Regeneration Trust will be delivering in partnership across Wales.
The Collaborative Community Ownership Support Service (C-COSS) is a two-year Wales-wide programme led by DTA Wales, with Building Communities Trust and the Institute of Welsh Affairs. It focuses on practical asset transfer support, particularly in Wales’ most deprived areas, including governance, building management and technical advice.
CRT will also be delivering a five-year programme in Wales led by the Community Land Scotland (CLS). This is three-nation programme and a collaboration of partners including CLS, CRT, Shared Assets, the Ubele Initiative, CLES and Cwmpas. It supports marginalised and disadvantaged communities at an earlier stage, helping them build capacity, explore ownership models and strengthen community wealth building.
Made possible through investment from The National Lottery Community Fund – thanks to the National Lottery players – both projects will help more communities explore ownership of the places that matter to them, providing practical support at every stage of the journey – from developing ideas and building local capacity, through to community asset transfer and the long-term management of community spaces.
Whether it's supporting a community organisation to take on a valued local building, helping residents explore new ownership models or building the skills and confidence needed to sustain community assets for the future, these projects represent a significant investment in the long-term resilience of Wales' coalfield communities.
To help deliver this work, we're recruiting for two new Development Officers alongside a Development Manager to lead CRT Support in Wales. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to work alongside communities, partners and local organisations to help create lasting social and economic impact.
If you're passionate about supporting community-led regeneration and helping communities shape their own future, we'd love to hear from you.
Interested in being part of this work? Explore our latest vacancies and find out how you can help shape the future of coalfield communities in Wales.
