• Registered users login
• Contact us
• Cymraeg
• Enter Search

RCT People First represents the interests of people with learning disabilities who live in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area in South Wales. Their aim is to empower people with learning disabilities to challenge prejudice and discrimination through training, education and support.

A Young Roots award of £24,300 was made to RCT People First for a two year project which saw a group of young people (aged 13-19) with learning disabilities undertake a programme of activities allowing them to learn about their heritage, Welsh heritage and culture, the heritage of the South Wales valleys, the impact of industry and family history.

RCT People First working in partnership with special schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff provided many of the students with their first opportunity to explore heritage. The activity programme included heritage site visits, museum based learning sessions and practical skills workshops. The young people produced a DVD, a video diary and a live performance.

• To provide young people with learning disabilities their first experience of their local, regional and family heritage and help them gain an understanding of what heritage is.
• To increase the young people’s knowledge and understanding of their heritage in order to give them a sense of who they are and where they have come from.
• To provide an experience of hands-on learning rather than the more traditional class room based learning, which is not ideal for people with learning difficulties.
• To help the young people to learn skills, including IT skills and gain confidence in communicating and interpreting their heritage
• To ensure that the participants receive accredited awards in recognition of their activities on this scheme.

• A new audience has been introduced to heritage.
• A DVD of South Wales heritage has been produced for use in local schools.
• The importance of heritage in giving people and communities an identity and sense of belonging has been communicated to a wider range of people.

• An increased knowledge of Welsh heritage, which has been communicated to others.
• An increased knowledge of issues such as; women’s role in the miners’ strikes, of how life in Wales has changed, the influence of the past on the present and how it can effect them, their experiences and skills.
• Participants have gained confidence and self-esteem and skills in drama, film making, socialising, listening, applying themselves and communication.

• Drama based learning was a highly effective way of engaging interest, communicating issues and providing learning opportunities for the participants.
• Storytelling is a very effective way of teaching young people about heritage.
• The need to have a clear work plan, timetable and set budget for all activities.
• The need to obtain legal support and guidance on agreements with contractors.
• The need to assess and communicate with partners the level of activity and ability required of the participants in each activity, and the suitability of sites to be visited.

• The DVD is available and in demand as an educational tool.
• Young people have developed a sense of pride and a genuine interest in heritage, which motivates them to participate in a wide range of other heritage activities, events and visits.
• Participants have expanded their social and educational networks and this will continue as they are involved with new activities, increasing their confidence, self esteem and skills.
• Experience gathered throughout the project has provided ideas and opportunities for future heritage work with young people who have learning disabilities.

• Vacancies
• Accessibility
• Terms and conditions

• Copyright © [] Heritage Lottery Fund