Cyngor Gwynedd works with Betsi Cadwaladr to support vulnerable people at risk of homelessness

During Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, Cyngor Gwynedd and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reaffirm their commitment to helping vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness. Since September 2022, two dedicated officers have helped over 100 people in Gwynedd stay in their homes, with 40 more currently receiving assistance.

Supporting tenants to remain in their homes is an essential part of the Council’s Housing Action Plan. In September 2022, Cyngor Gwynedd and the Health Board appointed two officers to support those with mental health and substance abuse issues.  

Ensuring that no-one is homeless is a key priority outlined in the Cyngor Gwynedd Plan 2023-28. Schemes such as developing more supported housing units, providing accommodation for homeless young people, and offering support to private landlords to provide more housing are underway to achieve this goal. 

These initiatives fall under the Council’s £140 million Housing Action Plan, to ensure that the people of Gwynedd have access to a suitable home which is of a high standard, affordable and improves their quality of life.  

Catrin Roberts, appointed through this scheme as Cyngor Gwynedd’s Senior Housing Solutions and Mental Health Case Worker, said:  

‘’Building on our working relationship with the Health Board to support vulnerable people is an essential part of the jigsaw if we are to help tackle some of the root causes of homelessness. 

“I work closely with Craig Hughes from the Substance Misuse Service at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, which is a position funded through Cyngor Gwynedd. 

“By offering timely multi agency support, we can reduce the risks caused by drugs or alcohol to individuals, families, and the local community and help prevent problems and difficult situations from escalating in the first place.  

“By working together to address a person’s health and well-being, we can create a support network which will help individuals regain stability in their lives and help prevent homelessness.” 

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd Housing and Property Cabinet Member, said:  

“I'm delighted to see the Council is working in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to support vulnerable individuals and take proactive steps to prevent homelessness.  

“Tackling Gwynedd's housing crisis is a complex challenge, with the causes of homelessness driven by so many factors including mental health struggles, substance misuse, relationship issues, job loss, and the high cost of living. Additionally, the unregulated housing market further exacerbates the situation by pricing people out of their own communities.  

“In response to these challenges, the Council's Housing Action Plan is not just about developing more housing; it also aims to provide early support to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place.”  

Phil Forbes, Clinical Lead and Development Manager Supported Housing for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, added: 

“This partnership approach has produced significant benefits for service users, in acute care and the community. This excellent approach minimises the risk of homelessness and allows us to plan together – to intervene as early as possible – and produce positive outcomes. An individual’s wellbeing begins with having a sustainable and suitable place to live and that has been the starting point for our initiative. The officers involved are seen as part of the team in our acute service and community services.”