HOUSING AWARDS

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WELSHHOUSINGAWARDS2015

WELSHHOUSINGAWARDS2015W I N N E R

www.cih.org

Friday 27 November 2015The Vale Resort Hensol, nr Cardiff

GOOD PRACTICE COMPENDIUM

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Welsh Housing Awards 2015 | Good Practice Compendium 3

Welcome to the 2015 Welsh Housing Awards Good Practice Compendium sponsored by HouseMark Cymru.

If proof were needed that innovation continues to thrive in the Welsh housing sector then this collection of projects and initiatives from across the country provide it. Now in its ninth year, the Compendium features the very best of this year’s Welsh Housing Awards entries.

The range of entries was as diverse and innovative as ever and the fact that the challenges housing organisations continue to face are if anything intensifying, make this all the more remarkable.

Our sincere thanks again to HouseMark Cymru for kindly sponsoring the compendium. Without their continued support we would be unable to shine the spotlight on such an array of initiatives that have transformed communities across the breadth of Wales.

Every project shortlisted in the organisation categories is featured in this publication. I would also like to commend everyone who was nominated in our individual category of Housing Hero; these people are quite simply inspirational individuals working within our sector, our organisations and our communities day in and day out to improve the lives of others.

Once again as a judging panel we were genuinely impressed with the exceptionally high standard of entries. The ingenuity and imagination of housing professionals and volunteers across all sectors is awe inspiring. I would like to express special thanks to my fellow judges, Jules Birch, Elin Brock, Yvonne Wilkinson and Neil Howell for giving up their valuable time to help make some incredibly tough decisions on the shortlists and overall winners, the toughest task of all.

The projects showcased here were the focus of celebrations at the 2015 Welsh Housing Awards, their more enduring value is captured in this publication. It is our hope that you will draw on the excellent practice outlined here and make the links with colleagues to ensure that the Welsh housing sector continues to share it’s knowledge and expertise to the benefit of the people and communities of Wales.

Stephen Cook Chair, CIH Cymru

Front cover photograph by Tracy James, winner of CIH Cymru’s photo challenge ‘beautiful buildings’ busting the myth that social housing can’t be anything more than concrete dreary blocks!

“This is Thornley House situated in Barry. I think it meets the theme `beautiful buildings’ perfectly as the design is reminiscent of the art deco period and is totally in keeping with the stunning waterfront location – the frontage also reminds me of being on the promenade deck of a ship!”.

The judges also highly commended the following entrants

• Ben Hennessy• Gareth Thomas• Helen Matthews• Louise Blackwell• Rachel Gardiner-James

Foreword









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TABLE OF SHORTLISTED PROJECTS

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New idea of the year page

Fuel Clubs Carmarthenshire County Council and partners 6

Maintaining high quality homes United Welsh and partners 7

Home family link…don’t walk by Bron Afon and partners 7

Development of the year pageThe Beeches Village Lovell with United Welsh and partners 8

Old Furnace House NPT Homes and partners 8

Kingsmills and Rivulet Road Wales and West Housing and partners 9

Empowering communities page

Carmarthenshire time credits Carmarthenshire County Council and partners 14

Parc Peulwys Cartrefi Conwy with Conwy County Borough Council 15

Ziggies Grow Enterprise Wales and partners 15

Housing-led regeneration pageGolau Caredig ExtraCare Hafod Care Association and partners 9

Pendyffryn Road North Wales Housing and partners 10

Llys Graig y Wion Rhondda Housing Association with Jehu Group 10

Local authority leadership pageTaf Fechan Housing Co-operative Merthyr Valleys Homes with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council 12

West Wales Credit Union – Aber shop front Ceredigion County Council and partners 13

Conwy Housing Solutions Conwy County Borough Council with Cartrefi Conwy 13

Promoting equality and support page

Shine Taff Housing Association and partners 5

Get online with WWH WiFi Wales and West Housing with Cambria Maintenance Services 5

Accommodation solutions project Vale of Glamorgan Council with City of Cardiff Council and partners 6

Most community focused contractor pageKeepmoat Beyond bricks: supporting people, places and communities in Wales 11

Cambria Maintenance Services Working with Wales and West Housing 11

Willmott Dixon Energy Services Working with Welsh Government, LAs and RPs 12

Campaign of the year page

Going it alone board game Grw^ p Cynefin and partners 16

Go4it! Meadow Prospect and partners 17

Sign up to success NPT Homes and partners 17

Best social enterprise page

Community Vocational Academy Môn Communities First with Isle of Anglesey County Council and partners 18

Rakes and ladders North Wales Housing 19

Gerddi Gwyrdd Conwy and Denbighshire Care and Repair 19


ShineTaff Housing Association in partnership with City of Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council

The Shine Project is a parenting support service that has been developed as a result of Big Lottery funding. This project, delivered by Taff HA in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan offers parenting support to young parents aged (16 to 25) who are homeless or in danger of being homeless and who are struggling to achieve key milestones in their families’ lives. The support on offer is practical, person-centred and delivered in a variety of settings – in the community, in the young parents’ homes, one to one or in group settings. It is delivered by a team of family support workers and childcare workers, with a wide range of skills and experience. The aim of the project is to build up the skills and confidence of young parents and help them build strong, nurturing families that give their children the best possible start in life.

Judges comments:

“This project has seen huge results from a small team of people, increasing skills and life chances for an impressive number of individuals.”

Contact: Caroline DaviesShine Project ManagerTaff Housing AssociationT: 029 2025 9189E: [email protected]

Get online with WWH WiFiWales and West Housing in partnership with Cambria Maintenance Services

In January 2014, WWH began one of the most ambitious programmes of its kind in Wales - to provide free WiFi to as many of its residents as possible. Introduced as part of WWH’s commitment to digital inclusion, the project aims to improve wellbeing and promote independence by helping residents to readily access services; removing barriers and ensuring everyone can be part of the digital revolution. The programme’s success so far has seen more than 700 residents accessing the free service and consuming bandwidth equivalent of watching 2,500 movies every day for a month. Older residents are online for the first time and say they feel less isolated, are exploring new hobbies and gaining new skills. By completion of the programme in December 2016, WWH will have installed over 400 Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points at over 140 WWH schemes throughout Wales, enabling more than 3,000 residents to get online.

Judges comments:

“This impressive programme has seen Wales and West Housing use it’s pan-Wales coverage to great effort.”

Contact: Richard TrooteHead of ICTWales and West HousingT: 029 2041 5322E: [email protected]

PROMOTING EQUALITY AND SUPPORT This is awarded to:n an innovative housing development that promotes diversity and inclusion; n a housing related project that supports people into independence; n a landlord service set up to tackle poverty, inequality and social exclusion.


Welsh Housing Awards 2015 | Good Practice Compendium6

Accommodation solutions projectVale of Glamorgan Council and City of Cardiff Council in partnership with Age Connect Wales, Care and Repair Cymru, Cardiff Vale University Health Board and Joint Equipment Store

The aim of the project is to facilitate a successful return home for those patients who are ready for discharge but due to housing issues, such as adaptations requiring completion, are unable to return home. The project successfully established a joint Accommodation Solutions Team for Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan. The accommodation solution officers work closely with health and families to assist in hospital discharge. This assistance could be in the form of a referral to the Rapid Response Adaptation Programme, established by the project and led by Care and Repair, offering low level adaptations to ensure a safe and secure home. Assistance can also be given utilising one of the nine adapted flats providing Step Down level access accommodation, aiding reablement and an eventual

successful return home. The service has received a positive response and is at full capacity.

Judges comments:

“This is an excellent example of an effective joint working partnership across two counties which promotes independence.”

Contact: Pam Toms, Housing Solutions and Supporting People Team leader, Vale of Glamorgan CouncilT: 01446 709256E: [email protected]

Fuel clubsCarmarthenshire County Council in partnership with NEST, West Wales Credit Union, Save Easy Credit Union and Energy Efficiency Team

Since 2014, Housing Services has established 14 fuel clubs in areas not on mains gas. The clubs are open to all community members to join so that they can order their oil together to maximise the available discount from the oil provider. Each club has a volunteer co-ordinator(s) whose responsibility is to collate the orders and source the best price for the community.

• The largest fuel club has over 700 members and on average save £4900 per month

• The average savings from all 14 fuel clubs per month is £903

• Current membership for the clubs is over 2300 residents

Two credit unions provide a number of low interest oil loans to the fuel club members. This has enabled tenants, who previously struggled to purchase oil to have the ability to regularly purchase oil, ensuring a warm and comfortable home.

Judges comments:

“The scale of outcomes is very impressive, in particular as it focuses on rural, remote areas. This initiative is about much more than tackling fuel poverty.”

Contact: Maria Evans, Community Engagement OfficerCarmarthenshire County CouncilT: 01267 228969E: [email protected]

NEW IDEA OF THE YEAR This is awarded to initiatives that demonstrate:n original thinking in the approach to improve a service and/or develop a specific project;n a dramatic improvement in the organisation’s own performance or that of its partner organisations;n a demonstrable impact on the lives of tenants.



Maintaining high quality homesUnited Welsh in partnership with Celtic Horizons and Mears

United Welsh launched its innovative asset management subsidiary Celtic Horizons to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction. Delivered in partnership with Mears Group, it is the first subsidiary of its kind in Wales and the only UK model to include a total asset management service, created with tenants. After a successful launch they wanted a new approach to improve the service, create efficiencies and address the amount of annual repair visits. The answer was the Complete Property Service (CPS) which was developed in consultation with staff and tenants. This innovative approach sees tenants receive annual repairs visits from multi-skilled operatives who undertake a stock condition survey and fix non-urgent repairs. Another part of the innovation is the customer service monitoring with tenants called within 30 minutes of all repair visits to make sure they are happy and to address any issues. There has been a great improvement in satisfaction with tenants saying they are very happy with the service.

Judges comments:

“This innovative new idea is clearly delivering an exceptional service to tenants.”

Contact: Gavin ShortCustomer Experience and Performance ManagerCeltic HorizonsT: 029 2085 5912E: [email protected]

Home family link… don’t walk byBron Afon in partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council, Communities First and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Home Family Link (HFL) hosted by Bron Afon in partnership (funded through Families First) with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Torfaen County Borough Council with Communities First has been a key driver for the development of the Prevention and Early Intervention Strategy in Torfaen ‘Don’t Walk By…’. HFL has a working approach that is focused at supporting the family holistically. This means HFL is able to gain access to households that other services have experienced resistance. They adopt an approach that may be described as ‘assertive outreach’. ‘Trust building’ allows HFL to unpick family and individual issues, their underpinning symptoms and then build support structures that the families themselves have a key role in shaping. HFL is achieving positive outcomes for families through work that is mitigating the impacts of poverty, including; re-engagement of children in education, reducing homelessness, reducing children entering the care system, reducing rent arrears, strengthening ‘family resilience’ and increased skills and employment.

Judges comments:

“This impressive initiative demonstrates fantastic joint working across the county borough.”

Contact: Lisa CharlesCommunity Investment and Inclusion ManagerBron AfonT: 01633 620125E: [email protected]


The Beeches Village, CaerphillyLovell and United Welsh in partnership with Caerphilly Council, Welsh Health Service and Caerphilly County Borough Miners Community Group

The Beeches Village is an exceptional residential scheme in Caerphilly. Built on the former Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital site, this pioneering venture between United Welsh, Lovell, the Welsh Health Service and Caerphilly Miners Community Group has provided 82 homes and a legacy building which supports the cultural heritage of the original site. The development has delivered ‘tenure blind’ architecture; all properties have similar design with affordable housing alongside market priced homes. It tackles the need for homes in Caerphilly and in the process has created jobs helping local youngsters into work as apprentices. The Beeches Village has acted as a catalyst in the transformation of a much loved local landmark, the Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital, into a community resource. It’s a testimony to the development that all residents have signed up to The Beeches Village Community Charter to respect their new community. It is truly the embodiment of the homes for all ethos.

Judges comments:

“This impressive development demonstrates how the history of the place and link to the proud past of the Miner’s Hospital site has been maintained. This project is much more than just a new affordable housing development.”

Contact: Gemma Clissett, Business Development Manager, LovellT: 07816 138239E: [email protected]


DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR This is awarded to projects which demonstrate:n high levels of design and build quality;n working with the local community to ensure local support;n supporting the specific housing need in the area;n value for money.

Old Furnace HouseNPT Homes

The redevelopment of this former sheltered complex was NPT Homes’ first newbuild and faced a plethora of challenges; steeply sloping site, surrounded by existing homes and a tight road network with existing parking problems. Working closely with Eos Architects the scheme design provided an outward looking frontage for the whole development whilst accommodating the gradient and improving the infrastructure for the existing community. Extensive consultation and liaison in conjunction with the selected contractor, Morganstone, ensured that the existing community benefitted from safety talks, crime/fire prevention sessions and Melyn Infants School had its safety posters displayed and the children actually named the development. Three jobs were created and four apprentices from the Cyfle Shared Apprenticeship scheme worked on the development whilst NPT Homes’ own carpentry apprentices, needing to undertake aspects of newbuild work, also attended. Result – 15 much needed smaller properties, the

transformation of a derelict building and a reinvigorated community.

Judges comments:

“This development demonstrates an impressive effort by a new LSVT who’s contractor not only exceeded their targets but delivered a range of outcomes in the local community.”

Contact: Steve Tucker, Director of Assets, NPT HomesT: 01639 506631E: [email protected]


Kingsmills and Rivulet RoadWales and West Housing in partnership with Anwyl Construction and Wrexham County Borough Council

Kingsmills and Rivulet Road is the £16.9m flagship affordable housing development that has transformed what was a run-down area into a much-admired gateway into Wrexham. Wales and West Housing (WWH) contracted Anwyl Construction to build 147 much needed energy efficient affordable homes with open spaces along with a state-of-the-art community resource centre and medical centre. These replaced outdated facilities that were threatened with closure. WWH set out to make a positive difference to the community in partnership with the Welsh Government and Wrexham County Borough Council – and did, by bringing a £50m boost to its economy and providing training and work opportunities for local people. Cllr Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council Leader, said: “I hope builders and housing associations look at what has been created here and use it as their model in order to achieve excellent affordable homes that the people in Wrexham deserve.”

Judges comments:

“This development is about more than just bricks and mortar and clearly demonstrates a strong partnership between Wales and West Housing and Wrexham Council.”

Contact: Jane Janaway, PR and Marketing Officer, Wales and West HousingT: 07881 379098E: [email protected]

HOUSING-LED REGENERATION This is awarded to projects which demonstrate:n new financial/ investment models;n improvement of the physical quality of homes in the community;n empty properties back into use.

.Golau Caredig ExtraCareHafod Care Association in partnership with Hafod Corporate Services and Hafod Housing Association

The re-development of the former Theatre Royal Cinema in Barry, seized the opportunity to create a landmark building at the gateway to the town’s Waterfront. The redundant cinema was replaced with 42 high quality Extracare apartments with associated communal areas. Further benefits have been achieved for the wider community including the eradication of anti-social activity which was occurring in the adjacent park due to the surveillance created from the new apartments with investment also provided for further improvements to the park to benefit local residents. The development has also re-introduced commercial activity into the area by providing shop front units which house a busy hair salon and thriving coffee shop. Whilst the construction phase of the development provided opportunities for training and created and safeguarded local employment, the operation of the scheme provides over 50 jobs and will continue to provide employment and training opportunities for the town.

Judges comments:

“Hafod Care Association has clearly gone above and beyond on community engagement on a very challenging site – a great example of providing more than just housing.”

Contact: Matthew Davies, Director of Development, Hafod Care AssociationT: 029 2067 5860E: [email protected]



Pendyffryn RoadNorth Wales Housing in partnership with Pure Residential and Denbighshire County Council

Pendyffryn Road properties were originally part of Plas Penyddeuglawdd; dating back from the 17th century it is likely to be the oldest surviving building in Rhyl. When acquired by North Wales Housing the Grade II listed building was in a semi derelict condition, and listed as ‘at risk’ by Denbighshire County Council. The ambitious and sympathetic redevelopment and repair programme started in 2014 as part of Denbighshire County Council’s Empty Homes Project. Appointed contractors Pure Residential and Commercial Ltd worked closely with Council Conservation Officers to sympathetically re-develop and repair the Grade II listed building using traditional construction methods and materials. The end result is three two-bedroom houses and three two- bedroom bungalows. Original character features have been retained, old and new living in harmony. North Wales Housing handed over the keys to the happy tenant’s new homes in December 2014 and have since happily settled into their new home.

Judges comments:

“North Wales Housing has impressed us with their ability to maintain the original features of a 17th century building.”

Contact: Paul Diggory, Chief ExecutiveNorth Wales HousingT: 01492 563263E: [email protected]

Llys Graig y Wion SchemeRhondda Housing Association in partnership with Jehu Group

Utilising Social Housing Grant from Welsh Government and intermediate care funding from the local authority, Rhondda Housing Association has been able to redevelop the former Victorian Graig-Y-Wion School to provide 28 affordable and specially adapted homes. Following the closure of the school in 2005 after over 100 years in operation, the site was subject to numerous break-ins and arson attacks resulting in the near total destruction of the school and loss of an important piece of history in Pontypridd. The restoration of this ornate stone building has allowed Rhondda Housing Association in partnership with JEHU Construction to create bespoke housing units unattainable to a traditional new build scheme, with spectacularly large and liveable apartments, flooded with natural light. The development has rescued this local landmark from the edge of the abyss and ultimately secured its future for the next 100 years.

Judges comments:

“An excellent example of bringing an empty property back into use, redeveloping a site at the heart of the community into affordable housing.”

Contact: Lian Carter, PR and Media OfficerRhondda Housing AssociationT: 01443 424212 E: [email protected]


KeepmoatBeyond bricks: supporting people, places and communities in Wales

At Keepmoat, we put communities at the heart of what we do. Our work goes beyond bricks and mortar; we integrate ourselves within communities and work closely with residents and partners to leave a long-term positive impact. We are committed to providing opportunities for local people by creating apprenticeships, paid work experience, and under-graduate placements. Around 50% of our workforce in South Wales are trainees. In the last year, we have dedicated 650 man hours to community and charity projects in South Wales alone. We are proud Corporate Sponsors of domestic and sexual violence charity Hafan Cymru – this year our annual fundraising Masqueraid Ball raised £5,500 to support their work. From assemblies and site visits, to mock interviews and trade demonstrations, we work with schools and colleges to inform of the dangers of playing on building sites and inspire the next generation of construction professionals. We even helped a Cubs Group build a bug hotel!

Judges comments:

“An extremely impressive range of achievements from a contractor which seems to really understand the positive impact it can have in the communities it serves.”

Contact: Rachel Bettison, Marketing and Communications Manager, KeepmoatT: 07971 605862E: [email protected]

Cambria Maintenance ServicesWorking with Wales and West Housing

Established in 2010, social enterprise Cambria provides repairs and maintenance for Wales and West Housing’s 17,000 residents. One of only two living wage maintenance companies in Wales, Cambria employs 160 staff all working in their own communities, whilst its targeted training programme has resulted in three apprentices gaining full-time employment within the company. As part of its commitment to social responsibility, all main supply contracts have community benefit clauses in operation and Cambria has ploughed around £35m back into the Welsh economy by actively choosing Welsh supply chains and manufacturers. Furthermore, every operative is given one working day a year to donate their skills to local causes, on full pay. Altogether, Cambria aims to do the right thing by delivering what matters to customers and providing an efficient service, targeting employment and training opportunities for residents and embracing social responsibility to make a difference to people’s lives, homes and communities.

Judges comments:

“An excellent example of how a now established social enterprise is making a real difference within the communities it serves.”

Contact: Peter Jackson, Head of Cambria Maintenance Services, Cambria Maintenance ServicesT: 029 2084 7600E: [email protected]

MOST COMMUNITY FOCUSED CONTRACTOR This is awarded to a contractor that:n has demonstrated a proven track record in embracing the targeted recruitment and training

agenda, for example through the i2i Can Do Toolkit;n has shown innovative delivery of community benefits; n demonstrated practical examples of delivering corporate social responsibility objectives to

Welsh communities..



Willmott Dixon Energy ServicesWorking with Welsh Government, local authorities and registered providers in mid-north Wales

Willmott Dixon Energy Services have been the managing agent for Welsh Governments Warm Homes (Arbed) programme in north and mid Wales for the past 3 years. In this period we have helped 1,000’s of families live in healthier, warmer, and cheaper to heat homes. As a contractor we believe in leaving a lasting legacy in the communities in which we work, in this programme we have achieved the following:

• Offered 42 work experience placements.

• Donated over £55,000 to local communities and an additional £33,186 of Staff time, £6,325 Cash donations, £15,985 gifts in kind

• Made carbon savings & SAP benefit to approx. 2,900 properties

• Invested the Welsh Pound back into the communities in which we work creating sustainable communities to work and live in.

Judges comments:

“An excellent application demonstrating how Willmott Dixon is delivering social community benefits in Wales.”

Contact: Phil Young, Arbed Manager,Willmott DixonT: 01745 827113E: [email protected]

LOCAL AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP This is awarded to a local authority that:n leads local partnerships to deliver housing solutions;n takes a strategic lead in community regeneration;n promotes a multi agency approach.

.Taf Fechan Housing Co-operativeMerthyr Valleys Homes in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Taf Fechan Housing Co-op is the first housing project in Wales to be funded through a loan agreement between a local authority and a housing association. The leadership from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has allowed access to cheaper finance and has helped to create a new style of co-operative housing. The Co-op has transformed a boarded up block of flats that 12 months ago was valued at only £4000 per flat. All apartments are now let and the majority of households are working and already adding value to the Gellideg community. The refurbishment has improved the area of Gellideg and fits into the wider investment in the area. Merthyr Valleys Homes has now seen demand in properties in the nearby area increase. The co-op has been visited by Barnet, who recognises this model of council investment through a co-operative as a potential option to the London housing crisis.

Judges comments:

“An outstanding example of political leadership of a non stock-holding authority.”

Contact: Michael Owen, Chief Executive, Merthyr Valleys HomesE: [email protected]



Conwy Housing SolutionsConwy County Borough Council in partnership with Cartrefi Conwy

Conwy Housing Solutions delivers a range of services focusing on “preventing homelessness wherever possible and where homelessness is unavoidable, supports households to prepare for settled and sustainable housing”. Its ‘one stop shop’ approach to housing options offers its customers four core services:

1) Homefinder – providing housing options advice, managing the ‘Common Housing Register’ and allocating social housing

2) Lettings and Property Management – managing private rental properties and offering local landlords support, advice and assistance

3) Homeless Prevention – preventing homelessness and working with clients to resolve housing needs by identifying long term housing solutions

4) Tenancy Liaison – enabling positive life choices that support independent living and sustainable tenancy conduct.

The local authorities leadership on the homelessness agenda has brought partners together to provide co-ordinated service delivery and has improved outcomes for its customers. The service can evidence significant improvements in performance since opening its doors in the Summer of 2014.

Judges comments:

“By focusing on the end goal of sustainable tenancies this project has embraced the prevention agenda.”

Contact: Martin CooilHousing Partnerships ManagerCartrefi ConwyT: 07733 012501E: [email protected]

West Wales Credit Union – Aber shop frontCeredigion County Council in partnership with The Wallich, Tai Ceredigion, Mid Wales Housing Association, Cantref, Digital Communities and Aberystwyth Town Council

The Credit Union shop front in Aberystwyth brought eight separate organisations together to provide a vital resource for the north of the county. The local authority recognised the potential for the credit union project to hit a number of key strategic goals in the county, most notably around financial inclusion, and welfare reform. After being approached by the housing team, The Wallich agreed to renovate their property and used their own funds to help make the scheme viable. In addition to pump priming the project, The LA also committed its team resource to overcome some of the staffing issues that hampered the start of the project. Funding was forthcoming from the RSL sector and town council to enable the shop to open. This is a really good example of organisations putting their money and staff resources together to achieve far more in partnership, than they could do individually.

Judges comments:

“Ceredigion County Council has demonstrated a very flexible approach to responding to local issues and co-ordinating a partnership approach.”

Contact: Sue ThomasStrategic Housing ManagerCeredigion County CouncilT: 01545 574120 E: [email protected]


Carmarthenshire Time CreditsCarmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Spice and Carmarthenshire Communities First

In 2012 our tenants developed their own involvement plan “Creating Better Communities Together”, and in this plan a time credit system was referred to as an incentive scheme to make tenant involvement more rewarding and helping to increase tenants’ opportunities to co-produce delivery. The Time Credits programme started in Carmarthenshire in January 2013 a partnership between Carmarthenshire Homes Standards Plus, Spice, Carmarthenshire Communities and tenants and residents of Carmarthenshire. The incredible growth of the Carmarthenshire Time Credits project that now sees over 750 members that give more than 30,000 hours to their community supporting:-

• lunch clubs

• older people

• families

• IT sessions to supporting Universal Credit

• community activities

• fuel clubs

• gardening projects and community pride

• new initiatives such as the Carmarthenshire Street Buddies programme, where tenants and residents are taking a key role on estates and at events, this has led to more residents engaged, better neighbourliness and improved relationships.

Judges comments:

“This impressive yet simple idea to attract people has seen a significantly large take-up.”

Contact: Clare TinklerTeam LeaderCarmarthenshire County CouncilT: 01554 899289E: [email protected]

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES This is awarded to projects which demonstrate:n provision of recognised training and education opportunities to residents;n innovative community development initiatives; n involvement of customers directly in assessing, shaping and improving specific services.



Parc PeulwysCartrefi Conwy in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council

Cartrefi Conwy’s successful but brave ‘big vision’ for Peulwys was to bring about physical and cultural change through environmental regeneration, not only through a £4M improvement programme to the homes but also to the landscape, creating a park atmosphere, adopted and owned by the community to put the ‘Park’ into Peulwys. This community driven project included over 21 consultation events, the formation of the ‘Friends of Parc Peulwys’ community group, and a horticulture course which saw the formation and rejuvenation of two environmental focused community groups. The ‘real’ involvement of young people from the local area was key to this project’s success. From bulb planting to the creation of 1600 woodland trees as well as the production of the inscription on the Parc Peulwys Stone; the local residents participated every step of the way. The great work at Peulwys has not gone unnoticed. Cartrefi Conwy is the first housing association in Wales to win a Green Flag Award for a housing estate.

Judges comments:

“A fully integrated approach to rejuvenating a difficult, large, failing estate.”

Contact: Owen VeldhuizenCommunity Regeneration ManagerCartrefi ConwyT: 01745 335530E: [email protected]

ZiggiesGrow Enterprise Wales and partners

Ziggies is a family engagement project that adopts a peer mentoring approach to giving parents the confidence to support their child’s reading through interactive story telling, craft and games. Now in Partnership with Sport Wales, Cardiff City FC, Swansea City FC and Sport RCT, Ziggies further supports families with physical literacy through the delivery of Play to Learn games and activities. All activities are specifically designed to ensure grown ups have to support their children to complete them. This encourages team work, problem solving and promotes family fun. It also gives parents the confidence and self worth to realise that irrespective of heir own literacy levels their support is key to their child’s development. The development of the volunteer and attendees of the weekly sessions is key with each delivery partner working together to the best support, training and experience is provided by this strong and innovative new consortium of partners.

Judges comments:

“This project embodies empowerment within communities and focuses on children and therefore the future.”

Contact: Catryn Grundy, Social Regeneration Programme ManagerRCT HomesT: 07824 541620E: [email protected]


CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR This is awarded for campaigns that:n are responding to a particular need or challenge that will impact on either the organisation,

tenants or the wider community;n can demonstrate successful partnership working with other organisations, where appropriate;n can demonstrate a positive impact as a direct result of the project.

Going it alone board gameGrw^ p Cynefin in partnership with The Bus Stop Project, North Wales Housing and Cartrefi Conwy

The ‘Going it Alone’ board game is a bilingual educational resource that highlights the realities of independent living and youth homelessness. The game has been developed by the Young Housing Network (YHN), a partnership initiative between Grw^ p Cynefin, the Bus Stop Project, North Wales Housing and Cartrefi Conwy. The YHN works on projects to publicise the differing housing issues that affect most young people and this interactive board game is their latest project. Many YHN members have experienced housing difficulties or homelessness, and felt that if information had been readily available to them they might have made different life decisions or would have been better equipped to live alone. The new board game developed by young people for young people explores the realities of independent living in an interactive and fun way, enabling participants to discuss and learn as they move around the board.

Judges comments:

“We all know how difficult it is to engage with young people – this project is a creative way to interact with ‘tenants of the future’.”

Contact: Gemma Closs-DaviesYouth Homelessness Project CoordinatorGrw^ p CynefinT: 07717 543198E: [email protected]



Go4it!Meadow Prospect in partnership with RCT Homes, Sport Wales, Families First, Cooking Together, Therapy Centre, Cwm Taf NHS Health Board, Jehu and Come Outside

Go4it! is a project which works with families from RCT to support them to live a more active and healthy lifestyle. They do this in a number of ways:

• help pay for sports equipment and kit

• provide FREE taster sessions for families to try new activities locally

• provide FREE family cooking sessions

• provide in house ‘sofa coaching’ to establish a personalised action plan and support for families to make lifestyle changes

• provide home visits from a dietician to provide practical, affordable solutions to eating healthier

• provide a life coach who can help parents to deal better with everyday stresses and mental wellbeing.

Through funding from Sports Wales, Families First and Jehu, Go4It! has made significant changes to families in RCT. With over 300 families signed up and attending sessions in their locality, they are on the way to making lasting lifestyle changes for families across the borough.

Judges comments:

“This project demonstrates how tenancy management is far broader than just dealing with housing matters – good example of the positive impact of health and housing collaboration.”

Contact: Catryn Grundy, Social Regeneration Programme ManagerRCT HomesT: 07824 541620E: [email protected]

Sign up to successNPT Homes in partnership with Swansea City Football Club Community Trust, Coastal Housing Group, RCT Homes and Valleys to Coast Housing

“Sign Up To Success” is an employability programme aimed at 16-24 year olds to support them to remove barriers to employment and help them progress closer to the labour market. It is a unique project which brings together four leading RSLs with Wales’s Premier League Football Club, Swansea City, to bring sustainable life improvements to the hardest to reach young people not in education, employment or training across the South Wales area, resulting in outstanding outcomes for the young people involved. It harnesses the Premier League’s positive role with RSL’s community commitment. Of 39 participants, 17 progressed into work, 36 gained additional qualifications, 8 successfully completed work experience and all learners completed employability skills sessions in order to remove any barriers they have when applying for work. Many of the Learners completed sector specific qualifications which improved their chances of gaining sustainable employment by helping them secure valued workplace skills.

Judges comments:

“A great project which is utilising the prominent brand of Swansea City to support disengaged young people.”

Contact: Jonathan Morris, Strategic Partnership and Business Development Manager, NPT HomesT: 07816 796443E: [email protected]


BEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE For example:n a social enterprise that supports people with support needs to access employment and

training;n a business supported or set-up by a landlord that provides targeted work and training

opportunities for tenants and service users; n a social enterprise using a pioneering model, partnership arrangement or producing an

innovative project.

Môn Communities First with Community Vocational AcademyIsle of Anglesey County Council in partnership with Magnox, MACRO, Probation Service and Coleg Menai

Môn CF is a social enterprise in Anglesey driving the community to greater prosperity. Their drive and ambition is focused on enabling individuals to fulfill their potential – and their focus is on providing vocational training, qualifications and volunteering opportunities. From age 14 years upwards Môn CF provides an outlet for people to flourish by acquiring new skills, developing their self-confidence, passing work-related qualifications, making a valuable practical contribution to their community but most importantly to feel valued. By tailoring a work-based learning opportunity via Community Vocational Academy Môn CF ensures every individual, regardless of ability or academic achievement, is provided with a chance to work alongside trained and experienced mentors. The Mentors provide support, encouragement and the injection of belief which many individuals have lacked throughout their lives. Success is measured in the number of people Môn CF supports into paid work and the lives changed for the better.

Judges comments:

“This impressive project demonstrates how housing-led collaboration and the availability of a range of vocational placements has put housing at the hub of this activity.”

Contact: Rita LyonCluster ManagerMôn Communities FirstT: 01407 762004E: [email protected]



Rakes and laddersNorth Wales Housing

Launched in October 2014, Rakes and Ladders is North Wales Housing’s in-house grounds maintenance team. The team delivers a range of gardening, grounds maintenance, and other property maintenance services to tenants of the association across North Wales. Now a year old the social enterprise has grown, now employing and trained eight people, which include two apprentices and two trainees. The team has also encouraged communities to come together through gardening. The knowledgeable and enthusiastic teams have helped start up gardening clubs and organised planting days in schemes with residents and have many other plans in the pipeline.

Judges comments:

“This relatively new enterprise has had an impressive start – it’s great to see the ownership of corporate social responsibility taken in-house.”

Contact: Sian ParryCommunications and Marketing ManagerNorth Wales HousingT: 01492 563263E: [email protected]

Gerddi GwyrddConwy and Denbighshire Care and Repair

Gardens surround homes, homes where we live. We grow old, less able; homes become less suitable. Outside, the garden needs care and attention, inside the home, the same is true. Pride stops us asking, but weeds, like rust, never sleep. See the garden, see the home; tend one and gain trust to tend the other. Sitting, cold and worried looking out, grass green, flowers bright but out of reach. Seasons turn, grass brown, flowers faded. The gate hinge slips in the wind; the weed strewn path, they feel despair, too much to do! Gerddi Gwyrdd cuts grass, trims flowers, trust grows. “Can you fix the gate? ... and the path?” Trust grows…. “The leaking roof? Can you fix that too? Can I get help with the heating?” Garden tended: House repaired: People cared for. Now sitting warm and secure, enjoying the view.

The garden is the pathway to the home!

Judges comments:

“This is an impressive partnership with a range of different partners which is now clearly well established in the community.”

Contact: Rhian CattellPerformance and Development OfficerConwy and Denbighshire Care and RepairT: 0300 111 2120E: [email protected]


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