Boost for 'Centre of Economic Inclusion'

The business plan behind Wales’ first ‘Centre of Economic Inclusion’, in Llanelli, has been boosted by a collaboration between Carmarthenshire County Council and Social Firms Wales (SFW).
SFW, the National Support Agency for Social Firm Development - which is committed to the creation of employment opportunities for disadvantaged people, through the development and support of Social Firms in Wales - has been working closely with Carmarthenshire council managers to help move the business plan to its current position and to offer advice during the setting up of the new Coleshill Centre.
Recently reopened after a £2million redevelopment, the ground-breaking centre aims to improve the lives and outcomes of disabled and disengaged people by building an enterprise-based community, promoting economic and social inclusion, providing support, training, employment, development and community opportunities for disabled, vulnerable, disengaged and long-term unemployed people. Coleshill also encourages social and economic development and collaboration with groups and organisations having the same goals.
Jon Hobden, Senior Development Manager for the Coleshill development said: “The expertise we have gained and experience offered by Social Firms Wales has been invaluable in helping to create a business plan that fits the Local Authority model, whilst allowing development of activities within the Centre.”
San Leonard, Chief Executive of Social Firms Wales and Voluntary Director of Social Firms Uk said: “Coleshill is leading the way in independent living in Wales and contributing to policy nationally. What is being set up is really exciting and we will be using Coleshill as a model to inform and advise other enterprise-based communities setting up across Wales.”
Councillor Jane Tremlett Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health said: “This is a great example of how working in partnership can really work and take forward an exciting project such as Coleshill, which has never been done before in Wales. We look forward to continuing the work with SFW while leading the way, nationally, on independent living.”

The Coleshill Centre is part of the ADREF project and has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.