Two North Wales organisations have joined forces to foster connections between Gwynedd and Cornwall.
Housing association Adra is partnering with GISDA, which works with 16-25-year-olds facing homelessness, vulnerability, or disadvantage, to investigate the tourism industry in both regions.
The project will consider the impact of tourism on language, culture, and the affordability of housing for young people within the communities.
A project team travelled to Cornwall to visit organisations including St. Petrocs – an organisation working to end homelessness in Cornwall, the Cornish Language Office and Cornwall Council.
Gemma Owen, Adra’s Affordable Housing Assistant Manager, said:
“It was a privilege to be invited to Cornwall to see all the amazing work being carried out.
“It was great to see the similarities between the Welsh language and Cornish and to discuss the council's plans to promote the language and grow the number of speakers over the next few years. We were surprised at how similar Cornwall is to North Wales in terms of the landscape and the challenges faced.
“Seeing the work undertaken has been truly inspiring, as was seeing the difference made to Cornish communities. It was refreshing to see such forward-thinking organisations.”
Jess Brown, Adra’s Lettings Officer, added:
““I am very grateful for being a part of such an inspiring experience.
“Cornwall and North Wales have more in common than we know. It was a privilege to meet such inspirational people and organisations, especially to understand how they are tackling the housing crisis and homelessness. I have learnt so much and I am looking forward to working with these organisations in the near future.”
Siân Tomos, Chief Executive of GISDA, said:
“It was a very successful trip and the potential for collaboration is huge.
“I would like to thank Adra for their support and their willingness to work with us to create this important partnership. We will now go about spreading what we have learned and developing new opportunities for others as well.”
The project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Taith Programme.
