Voices for the Future: Community Groups Invited to Help Shape Local Heritage

GAVO is delighted to share an exciting opportunity for adult community groups across Newport, Caerphilly and Torfaen to take part in Voices for the Future — a creative heritage project led by the National Literacy Trust and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This inspiring initiative celebrates the powerful legacy of the Newport Rising and the wider Chartist movement, whose struggle for democratic rights helped shape modern Britain. Now, local people are being invited to explore this history and bring it to life through storytelling and creativity.

What the Project Offers

Adult community groups (ages 16+) can take part in a free series of engaging, accessible workshops, designed to help participants:

• Discover the people, places and events connected to Chartism in their local area

• Take part in fun, interactive creative writing and illustration sessions led by professionals

• Turn historical inspiration into characters, scenes and activities that will shape upcoming Story Quest heritage trails

• Celebrate their achievements in a friendly showcase event, with invitations to future project launches

No prior experience in heritage, writing or arts is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

What’s Included

Groups taking part will receive:

• Local Heritage Workshops

1–2 interactive sessions exploring Chartist history, the Newport Rising and 19th-century life.

• Creative Writing & Illustration Workshops

1–2 sessions with a professional writer and illustrator to help participants develop creative ideas.

• Optional Heritage or Museum Visit

Where possible, groups may visit a relevant local site or museum, with travel costs covered.

• Celebration Event

A supportive end-of-project showcase, plus invitations to future events connected to the trail launch.

Participation is completely free, and workshops can be arranged at your regular venue or a nearby suitable space.

Who Can Apply?

The project is ideal for community groups that:

• Are based in Newport, Caerphilly or Torfaen

• Have 5 or more regular members

• Include adults aged 16+

• May not typically engage with heritage or museum activities

• Are open to exploring local history and trying creative activities

Spaces are limited, so groups are encouraged to express interest early.

Get Involved

If your group would enjoy discovering local history, getting creative and contributing to a real public heritage experience, the National Literacy Trust would love to hear from you.

Applications close on the 27th March 2026.

📧 Email: Leonie.Lock@literacytrust.org.uk

📞 Phone: 07860 357325

Join Voices for the Future and help shape a new chapter in our region’s heritage story.