A housing association which came into being only three years ago has clinched a hat-trick of awards for projects involving close liaison with tenants.
Cartrefi Conwy came away with three awards from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service annual ceremony in Cardiff.
The glittering event was attended by representatives of the housing sector from throughout Wales.
First prize in the Val Feld Wales Communication in Housing category went to the “Going It Alone?” project which was launched only in April.
The project involved the production of a bilingual guide for young people aged 15 – 21 on independent living, giving down-to-earth advice and information on what to expect when about to move into their own accommodation.
The leaflet was produced in partnership with North Wales Housing and Cymdeithas Tai Cymru, Bus Stop Project and the County Council’s Youth Homeless Outreach Service.
Vicky Kelly, Cartrefi Conwy’s community involvement co-ordinator, said the response to the scheme had been extremely positive.
“The emphasis is on a planned, supported move into independence and encourages young people to fully consider all their options and the realities of ‘Going it Alone’,” she said.
“To accompany the leaflet there is a “signposting” card listing all relevant agencies and support groups in the area, and the next phase will be to develop a USB containing the information and to produce a short film demonstrating the possible scenarios facing young people.
“Shelter Cymru think it is an excellent user-friendly project and they are considering rolling it out in other parts of Wales,” Vicky added.
The association also picked up second prize in the same category for its Family Fun Day, held in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, last August and attended by 700 people. There were games and attractions for young and old, the highlight being a Cartrefi’s Got Talent contest.
The idea for the Fun Day came from the association’s first conference in 2009 when the feedback from tenants was very positive – and yet many felt more should be done for young families and younger people.
“The Fun Day involved lots of activities but also gave tenants an opportunity to air their views and to interact with staff,” said Vicky.
Another second prize came in the category for Tenant Participation and it was for work done with the Glanrafon Re-Start Group, a group of nine young mothers living on and around the Llanrwst estate.
The mothers, who attended weekly sessions with SureStart, were keen to develop their local play-park which had become dilapidated and unattractive.
The group members sought the views of people in the area on what facilities they wanted and then chose the most attractive plans submitted.
Grants were raised and the refurbished park will be officially opened this summer with a community fun-day.
Gwynne Jones, Cartrefi Conwy’s Director of Operations, said: “This triple success is a significant achievement, bringing public attention to the work we’re doing in support of our vision – creating communities to be proud of.”
