In 2009 Resources for Change were appointed by the Wales Co-operative Centre to act as advisors on their Social Enterprise Support Project, which was to support co-operatives and social enterprises in the European Union designated Convergence areas of West Wales and the Valleys.

The Project is referenced in the Welsh Assembly Governments 'Social Enterprise Action Plan for Wales' and aims to create 50 new social enterprises and 300 new jobs over the next five years as well as helping more than 150 existing social enterprises to develop and grow.

Resources for Change were part of specialist team, put together by the centre, to give social enterprises help and advice in areas of organisational development. These advisors cover six different areas: business planning, marketing, financial planning, human resources, managing change and law and governance.

During 2009, Resources for Change supported a number of social enterprises including:

• Progressing a full business plan for Gr8 Radio, based in Cardiff, who are tackling the challenge of moving towards sustainability.
• Producing a social audit to demonstrate the impact of a charity and social enterprise supporting local cancer patients.
• Investigating the potential of timber and textile recycling and reuse.

To find out more about this work contact Alison Davies, Co-ordinator for the support contract.