INVEST LOCAL: THE FIRST THREE YEARS

The evaluation of the first three years of the Invest Local has been launched at The Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay.

Chaired by Huw Irranca-Davies AM, the event was a celebration of the achievements of Invest Local so far.

Dr Duncan Holtom from People & Work presented his findings from the evaluation, and members of Invest Local groups from across Wales talked about the impact that the programme has made on their communities.

Claire from We Are Plas Madoc shared the story of her award-winning play project, The Land – and how Invest Local funding has allowed the project to thrive and develop. And Owain from Invest Local Caerau spoke about how Men’s Shed has improved the mental health of men in his area.

The WarmARTed group from Phillipstown displayed some of their artwork, and chatted to guests about the impact that their group has had on social isolation in their community.

The Invest Local group from Hubberston and Hakin shared the story of their community centre, taken over by the group at the start of the Invest Local programme and now a thriving community wellbeing hub for all ages.

And the Penywaun Forward Together group brought along their book on the history of Penywaun, a small project that’s been a big success in boosting community spirit in the local area.

A summary of the evaluation report is available here.

Or you can access the full version of the report here.

You can also read a blog about the evaluation from Chief Exec Chris Johnes on the IWA’s Click on Wales.