Building for Europe

In 1996 Catalyst Communities secured £170,000 from the European Social Fund to enable residents of the Friary Park Estate in Acton, West London, build and manage their own community centre. The Building for Europe project trained local residents in design, construction skills, childcare and office skills. The project has not only resulted in a facility which benefits the community, but has improved the employment prospects of those taking part.

The Building for Europe project was an innovative attempt to tackle poverty and social exclusion on this estate of 237 households. Led by Catalyst Communities Housing Association and with Ealing Tertiary College and other local colleges as partners, the project provided training in a variety of skills for unemployed tenants, and resulted in the construction of a much needed Community Centre building.

Although the number of tenants who enrolled on training courses was lower than had been anticipated, and their support needs were much greater than had been expected, those who did complete their courses were positive about their experiences. Many trainees have developed greater self confidence and increased motivation. Several trainees have progressed to full time education or employment.

Building for Europe taught us a lot about what to do when embarking on innovative Housing Plus activities.

We have learned important lessons from our mistakes, and Catalyst Communities' experience could prove useful to other organisations that may be embarking on similar projects.

The full story of the Building for Europe project is contained in the Project Evaluation Report, which can be downloaded in PDF format below. Alternatively you can follow the link below to a summary page containing the main good practice guidance.

Good practice guidance

Project evaluation report  

January 1998 (81KB / 30 pages)