Introducing a pioneering scheme to provide housing to homeless people in Gwynedd

Cyngor Gwynedd has taken the first steps in introducing the pioneering 'Housing First' scheme to Gwynedd by appointing the homelessness and rough sleeping charity, The Wallich, to lead the new service.  

   

Housing First is a method of solving homelessness by focusing on moving people experiencing homelessness immediately into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional support and services as needed.  

 

Almost 1,000 people presented as homeless in Gwynedd during 2023-24, with an increasing number presenting with complex needs, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, and a history of offending. 

 

The principle behind the service is that people experiencing homelessness with chronic housing and support needs need to be offered a 'house first' – rather than being placed in emergency accommodation, which is often unsuitable for their needs, then temporary accommodation, before moving to a permanent home. Once they have a safe and long-term home, caseworkers can then offer intensive support built around the individual’s specific needs.   

   

Cyngor Gwynedd has awarded the Housing First contract to The Wallich, which is the largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity in Wales. The service, which is funded by Cyngor Gwynedd through the Welsh Government's Housing Support Grant, will provide support from experienced case workers to over 20 individuals throughout the county.  

 

Ensuring that no one is homeless in the county is a key priority for Cyngor Gwynedd and plans are underway to develop more supported housing units, create accommodation specifically for young homeless people, and provide specialist mental health support to support vulnerable people to stay in their homes. All these plans come under the Council's £140 million Housing Action Plan.  

 

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing and Property Cabinet Member, said: “The Housing First model uses the home as a starting off point, rather than the end goal, and allows people experiencing homelessness to receive support that is suitable for their own particular needs in a safe and stable living space.  

 

“I welcome this new initiative and look forward to the Council partnering with The Wallich to provide the best opportunities for people experiencing homelessness in Gwynedd to rebuild their lives. 

 

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to tackling homelessness, with each case and story being so unique – this method is part of a multipronged strategy by Cyngor Gwynedd to try to prevent, defeat and end homelessness in the county.”

 

Sophie Haworth-Booth, Strategic Operational Lead for The Wallich, said: “The Wallich opened Wales’s first Housing First scheme more than 10 years ago – and it works! We’re incredibly excited that our team can now share their expertise to support people with a housing need in Gwynedd. A roof over someone’s head is the first step out of homelessness, it’s the crucial wrap around support which also keeps people in their home for the long-term. We cannot wait to see the positive impact the new service will have on the local community.  

  

“The new Gwynedd Housing First service will also bring five new jobs to the area. If you have experience in housing or homelessness and feel determined to support people into a bright future, have a look at our careers and apply.” 

 

The Housing First service is a specialist service available by referral only. If you are homeless, or worried about someone sleeping rough, contact Cyngor Gwynedd’s homelessness service:  

• 01766 771000  

• digartef@gwynedd.llyw.cymru  

 

More information about jobs with The Wallich through the Housing First scheme; Jobs at The Wallich · The Wallich