The Power of New Skills: transforming lives in Newport
Homelessness is an escalating issue in the UK, one that has only worsened in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, homelessness rose by more than a quarter compared to the previous year; this is an eye-opening statistic which highlights that need for urgent action. It’s not just about providing shelter; it’s about offering hope, skills, and a path to sustainable independence.
That’s why earlier this year, we teamed up with Newport-based charity, Eden Gate, to help people experiencing homelessness, or as Eden Gate call them, guests, learn new skills and gain valuable work experience so they can more easily find employment.
Let’s find out a bit more about the project and those involved.
Eden Gate
For over a decade, Christian charity, Eden Gate, has supported those affected by homelessness and placed in temporary accommodation within Newport. The charity offers a wide range of transformative services in partnership with churches, local businesses, and third-sector organizations. Their mission is clear: to help people move from despair to hope, from uncertainty to security, and from helplessness to a sense of purpose. Their motto for guests is ‘homeless, not helpless’.
Linc Cymru & The LCB Group
At Linc, we are committed to creating environments where people can flourish. As a socially responsible business focused on building a prosperous and healthier Wales, we saw a unique opportunity to partner with Eden Gate to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those without shelter.
During a regeneration project on Constables Close in Pillgwenlly, where we were working with The LCB Groupto build four houses and seven flats, the contractor generously offered work experience placements to those supported by Eden Gate. This initiative has already provided over 400 hours of hands-on experience, equipping participants with valuable skills that can lead to employment and a brighter future.
Skills & Experience
This project is an extension of Eden Gate’s Shoulder 2 Shoulder programme, designed to affirm the value and purpose of each participant. With the help of a £5,000 grant from votes at the Raising Hope Wellbeing Event, Eden Gate has been able to expand this programme, allowing more people to gain the skills and experience they need.
One of the activities as part of the programme is ‘Construction Skills’. At the Pillgwenlly site, participants engaged in various construction activities. Beyond these technical skills, they also honed transferrable skills such as time management, communication and teamwork, skills that are essential for any workplace.
The Impact
Fran Richley, operations manager at Eden Gate, said: “Our service users, or guests, are often some of the most marginalized in society. We’re working hard to develop an innovative programme that helps them move from a place of dependency to sustainable independence.
“The opportunity to work with Linc Cymru and develop our guests soft and employability skills is amazing. They have enjoyed being able to spend time doing something so beneficial and leave the site knowing that they have made a difference.
“Within the group, we are seeing stronger friendship bonds being formed while they learn the discipline of working, following instructions and achieving goals. Our hope is that even more guests will choose to participate in, and benefit from, the programme.”
Shelly Leonard, Linc’s social value officer, said: “This is a fantastic example of the extra community benefits we bring to every area where we are doing work. It’s given them such valuable experience of teamwork and the power of a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
The Future
Encouraged by the success of the Pillgwenlly project, we’re excited to announce the launch of a similar initiative at the construction site of Newport’s former popular nightclub, Zanzibar. With this new location, we can offer even more work experience opportunities, helping a greater number of individuals gain the vital skills they need to find employment.
As we look to the future, we’re committed to continuing these work experience visits at Constables Close and Zanzibar, with hopes of expanding to other developments soon. Together with Eden Gate, we’re not just building homes – we’re building futures.
If you’re inspired by the work being done at Constables Close and Zanzibar, consider supporting Eden Gate by volunteering and helping them in their mission to bring hope and new opportunities to those who need it most.