Development Plan for the Craft Sector

Three local organisations approached Reach with Expressions of Interest related to the crafts sector. They came from different places including social isolation, outreach training and selling crafts. A common factor across these EOIs was the identified need for a craft network to support the sector. These organisations formed a steering group and one bigger project was developed. In November 2016, a specialist in crafts markets was appointed to look at: Ways of developing the skilled crafts sector and maximising the economic potential for high-quality, locally-made crafts and identify ways of passing on skills Ways crafts can be used to decrease social isolation and increase well-being in the elderly and socially isolated including those who are housebound. Consultation took place over six months with crafters and stakeholder organisations with a craft event, ‘Made in Penybont’, held in February 2017. 

The resulting Development Plan recommends:

• Developing and piloting a craft network
• Engaging support agencies into the network to enable the elderly and isolated to use their crafting skills and attend meetings and events
• Developing a calendar of craft events across the County Borough increasing opportunities for business networking and sales opportunities
• Provide formal and informal training on crafts and business skills.