Grŵp Cynefin showing the way in tackling youth homelessness
On World Homelessness Day today (Tuesday, October 10) Gorwel, the part of Grŵp Cynefin that provides services to prevent homelessness, is putting a spotlight on the kind of accommodation and support services that can really make a difference, such as Yr Hafod in Denbigh.
Gorwel is supporting World Homelessness Day by raising awareness of the increase in homelessness and how it can be tackled with schemes such as Yr Hafod, located in Grŵp Cynefin’s community hub, HWB Dinbych in Denbigh.
Alongside six high quality self-contained apartments for 16 to 25-year-olds facing homelessness, Yr Hafod offers 24-hour support and links the residents into other services offered by HWB Dinbych. HWB Dinbych and Yr Hafod scheme is supported by Denbighshire County Council.
Osian Elis, Chief Officer at Gorwel, says:
Homelessness continues to rise across Wales as we see the human impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families. We believe it’s important to not only highlight this issue on World Homelessness Day but also showcase the kind of services Wales needs to help people in crisis get back on their feet.
The Welsh Government publishes monthly statistics on homelessness issues including the use of temporary accommodation and rough sleeping. These show that alongside the increase in homelessness over the year, Wales has seen an increase in the use of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation.
The latest statistics show that at the end of July, nearly 11,000 people were living in temporary accommodation with hotels and bed and breakfast being the most used temporary solution [more information here Homelessness accommodation provision and rough sleeping | GOV.WALES]
Noela Jones, Head of Neighbourhoods at Grŵp Cynefin, says: “Everyone working in housing knows how difficult it is for many people in our communities at the moment and the strain this puts on housing services. We need to make sure that how we respond doesn’t add to people’s trauma but helps them build the lives they aspire to.”
Gorwel suggests Wales needs more services similar to those offered at Yr Hafod in Denbigh, especially if further supported by services such as those offered in HWB Dinbych.
HWB Dinbych provides a wide range of programmes and events for people from across Denbigh ranging from education, training and employment support, through to arts and crafts, languages and even a repair shop.
A range of charities and bodies uses the HWB including the Women’s Institute, Coleg Llandrillo Menai and the Job Centre. It also hosts Wales’ first Youth Shedz – an award-winning initiative that provides a safe place for young people to explore who they are, develop pro-social relationships with suitable role models and develop and learn new skills.
Eirwyn Jones from Coleg Llandrillio says: “Being co-located with Yr Hafod, Coleg Llandrillo Menai is ideally placed to engage with the young people and provide opportunities to improve their numeracy, literacy, digital literacy and employability skills. This in turn improves their confidence and self-worth, enabling them to have a brighter future.”
Editor’s notes:
Gorwel is the part of Grŵp Cynefin housing association that provides quality services to support people who have lost or are at risk of losing their homes and people surviving domestic abuse. The organisation works with individuals and families, including tenants of Grŵp Cynefin, within four counties in north Wales: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire.
World Homelessness Day happens every year on the 10th of October. It was established in 2010 and is recognised on every continent excluding Antarctica. More information can be found here World Homeless Day 10th of October
For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Mari Williams, Communications and Marketing Manager, Grŵp Cynefin.
Mari.Williams@grwpcynefin.org / 07970 142 305
10-10-23