We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded £249,106 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Wales. The funding will create volunteering opportunities for people with lived experience of overcoming adversity at Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall in the heart of the Neath Valley.
Using some of the buildings and wider site at the historic location, which is cared for by National Trust Cymru, 30 volunteers from under-represented communities will receive training and support to work in our Green Community Training, Heritage & Wellbeing Hub.
The funding success comes just two years on from the announcement of St Giles’ partnership with National Trust Cymru, enabling our work in helping people facing the greatest adversity to realise a positive future at Aberdulais.
Starting from April 2026, the volunteers will undergo training in heritage skills such as tour guiding, conservation, event management, alongside essential knowledge in areas like equality, diversity, Welsh language and safeguarding.
They will also co-produce educational materials, organise events and contribute to the site’s operations.
The volunteers will be drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds such as people with experience of the care system, the justice system and a range of other life challenges.
Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wales, said:
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”
At the heart of this project is St Giles’ peer-led model, which harnesses the benefits of lived experience to foster an inclusive, diverse volunteer workforce which represents the broader community.
For over 20 years, St Giles has been training and supporting people who have experienced a range of disadvantages to support others going through similar challenges, using their mix of first-hand insights and professional skills to provide credible, authentic support.
The project at Aberdulais is the first time St Giles have adopted this approach at a heritage setting. It aims to preserve heritage whist increasing community engagement and removing barriers to participation.
Anne-Marie Rogan, Business Development Manager for Wales at St Giles, said:
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.
Whilst offering their core services onsite St Giles also assists National Trust Cymru with the ongoing care and maintenance of Aberdulais, helping to ensure a sustainable future for the site.
Alan Evans, National Trust Cymru’s General Manager for Mid and South Wales Countryside added:
We are delighted that St Giles has secured funding to move forward with their Green Community Training, Heritage & Wellbeing Hub at Aberdulais. Together our two charities will reach more communities and benefit more people, increasing their access to nature, beauty and history.
Aberdulais remains open to visitors 9.30am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays (and Saturdays in the summer holidays), where over 400 years of history can be explored free of charge to everyone. Before visiting, please check the Trusts’ website as opening times and days may vary: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aberdulais