This week we took part in the first of many exciting sessions with the Open University’s Wales REACH project.
Imagine a project that helps people discover the amazing history of their communities.
That is exactly what Wales REACH is all about!
This exciting 2-year project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Wales REACH aims to explore what heritage means to different people across Wales.

Learning together
Taking place at the Open Universities Cardiff office, Innovate Trust, First Choice Housing Association and our friends at Mirus got together to learn about the fascinating history of Cardiff’s heritage.

We learned about Cardiff’s Custom House Building and its canal system.
We looked at old photos of Cardiff and compared them to their current day scenery too.
Inside, we learnt about the ‘Boat People’ and had a fun time replicating the ‘Roses and Castles’ artwork that decorated their canal boats.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the first session, the feedback has been fantastic.
Project participants
The first activity saw people supported by Innovate Trust and Mirus enjoy a fun and engaging discovery session, learning through presentations and historical objects.
Innovate Trust’s outreach focuses on making heritage accessible to individuals with learning disabilities.
Meanwhile, Wales REACH involves a diverse range of participants, including:
- Communities in Gwynedd with strong links to quarrying and slate mining
- People with learning disabilities living in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan (represented by Innovate Trust)
- Residents of Butetown (Cardiff), one of the UK’s oldest multicultural communities
- Communities in semi-rural areas of Pembrokeshire
- Residents of Sandfields in Port Talbot, known for its rich industrial history

Activity feedback
My favourite thing about Today was learning about our history, I'm very interested in history.
- Tommy

It was very interesting comparing the photos of the past with how it looks now.
- Owen T

I liked finding out about the Canal that used to run through Cardiff. I would love to learn more about the history of South Wales.
- Owen S

Project conclusion
The project will conclude with a large exhibition in the National Museum of Wales, showcasing all the hard work everyone has contributed.
We cannot wait!
Judging by the turnout and feedback this week, it feels like it’s going to be a very popular collaboration for 2025.
Wales REACH is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to explore the stories and histories of Welsh communities through the creative arts.