North Wales Housing have launched a Community Fund to provide assist voluntary, community, recreational or residents groups that are based in the counties of Conwy, Gwynedd, and Ynys Mon.
These organisations/groups should be developing projects and initiatives that benefit the local community .
Awards typically range from £25 to £250 and is subject to set criteria. For more information visit the Community Fund page.
For the past four years we have held an annual Fun Day which all residents are invited to. This year, following consultation with tenants and staff, we have made the decision not to hold one.
This decision comes after reviewing previous fun days, looking at feedback and listening to views during consultation for the Tenant Participation Strategy. Due to our geographical spread it’s also difficult to find a suitable location that’s suitable for most residents.
What’s going to be happening instead of the fun day?
If you would like more information on tenant engagement and the methods you can use to become involved then contact Iwan Evans on 01492 563232 or email on [email protected]
You can read more about tenant engagement in our Local Tenant Participation Strategy .
Come along to a free Energy Advice Event at the Eagles Hotel, Llanrwst on Friday 10th July (10am – 3pm).
Get advice and support on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce your fuel bills.
A brand new board game has been launched which highlights the realities of independent living for young people in North Wales. The game has been developed by young people who have had real life experience of the difficulties of independent living and homelessness.
The creation of the board game called ‘Going It Alone’, supported by North Wales Housing, Grŵp Cynefin, Cartrefi Conwy and the Bus Stop Project, stemmed from a leaflet that was made to help young people learn about life skills such as budget management and living costs.
The young people behind its development felt that the interactive nature of a board game would be a fun way of getting people to talk about the issues whilst at the same time learning about the realities of potential homelessness.
Bringing these issues to life, research was carried out and found that the interaction of playing a board game was more beneficial to young people than the more obvious route of creating a digital game.
Developed by the Young Housing Network, the game will be available for schools and community groups in Conwy and Denbighshire to access and use as a learning tool.
Gemma Closs-Davies, Youth Homelessness Project Co-ordinator explains:
Going it Alone is similar to the Monopoly board game in many ways. You travel around the board and interact depending on what scenario card you pick up. You have four pay days and four bill days throughout the game, and you need to manage your money to ensure you have enough to get you around the board.
Prior to the launch, we’ve tested the game at a number of pilot sessions, and we’ve had very positive feedback from young people and practitioners alike.
As the game has been developed by young people who have had real life experiences of these problems it includes realistic scenarios that can be used as discussion points. These events created within the game mirror what can happen in real life.”
Iwan Evans, Tenant Participation Co-ordinator at North Wales Housing, who’s been involved in the project said:
North Wales Housing is proud to be part of this project. Our tenants really enjoyed taking part, using their personal experience to help develop the game. We hope the board game will go on to benefit many young people. The young people involved, members of the Young Housing Network, are also developing a website that provides essential information to young people that are thinking about living independently.”
The game was launched at TAPE, Colwyn Bay where a giant floor game of the Going it Alone board game was unveiled.
If you require more information regarding the ‘Going it Alone’ board game, or for details of support for young people facing homelessness, contact Iwan Evans on 01492 563232.
The Young Housing Network are currently recruiting for new members and are meeting at Ty Hapus in Llandudno on Tuesday the 14th July at 5pm. Download flyer here
Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, officially opened Hafod y Parc, a pioneering Extra Care scheme by North Wales Housing on Thursday 20th November 2014.
Hafod y Parc is a £11million new build Extra Care scheme, on Kinmel Avenue, that offers those over the age of 60 an enhanced choice, providing independent living with a care and support programme that can be adapted and assessed as their individual needs change. The scheme has benefited from over £6m from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant Programme.
Residents, staff and guests came together to celebrate the official opening of the scheme and Lesley Griffiths AM unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Afternoon tea was served accompanied by performances by local school Ysgol Glan Morfa Choir.
Guests also took the opportunity to have a tour of the wonderful, high spec facilities at Hafod y Parc. Set within beautiful picturesque leafy wooded parkland, the scheme includes a host of modern yet homely communal areas including lounges; restaurant; hairdressers and pamper treatment room; snooker and games room; IT room and much more.
Construction was completed in April 2014 and all of 49 one and two bedroom apartments are occupied. Residents have quickly settled into their new home, setting up numerous social activities and even forming a resident band.
Hafod y Parc resident Betty Fraser said:
“Hafod Y Parc is the finest place I have ever had, I have never felt so happy and contented in all my life. There is wonderful food and unconditional support from the staff, it is out of this world!”
Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty said:
“I am very pleased that the Welsh Government was able to support the facility here at Hafod y Parc which will make a real difference to people’s lives, and will help protect people from becoming isolated or lonely.”
“Schemes like this support a range of housing needs and I have met a number of residents today who are all extremely happy with their new homes.”
“This investment has not only provided much needed homes, it has supported the economy by boosting jobs and growth and provided training opportunities for local people.”
Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing added:
“We’re so proud of Hafod y Parc, it’s an exceptional scheme and it is easy to recognise the appeal of the development.”
“Older persons deserve more choice in later years and Hafod y Parc offers a very enhancing alternative to home living and residential care. For us, Extra Care is all about enabling people to make considered housing and care choices with the freedom of flexibility as their own needs change.”
Got a question you’re dying to ask North Wales Housing’s Chief Executive, Paul Diggory? Anything you want to know about North Wales Housing?
This is your opportunity to ask away. Paul will be taking the stage and hosting a live Facebook chat on Thursday 27th November from 1.30pm – 2.30pm.
Post your questions to Paul directly on our Facebook page or send us a direct private message on Thursday 27th November from 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Can’t make it? Send us a message in advance and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.
A film produced by North Wales Housing tenants about the history of Conwy Borough Football Club was premiered at their club house on Sunday 19th October 2014.
The premier was part of a fun day organised by the football club. Club General Manager Tony Thomas and Vice Chairman Darren Cartwright thanked NWH tenants and TAPE Community Music and Film, who facilitated the filming before premiering the film to spectators on the big screen.
The film follows the history of the club from its inception in 1977 and its journey through the years to now, and the current development of the new club house. Tenants have been involved during every aspect of the production process from planning and storyboard creation through to filming, interviewing, sound and lighting, editing and production stages.
You can watch the film here:
If you would like to be involved in similar projects in the future contact Iwan Evans on [email protected]
North Wales Housing has held its annual Summer Fun Day extravaganza with tenants from across Gwynedd and Conwy joining together to take part in the free community day.
Held at Ysgol Morfa Rhianedd, Ffordd Cwm, Llandudno, guests were able to enjoy a host of activities including face painting, arts and crafts, treasure hunt, play area and garden area. Life size Disney caricatures kept the children entertained whilst live music was performed by local group, the Ghostbuskers.
Free lunch and free transport was arranged to bring residents to and from their homes and the sun shone all afternoon for the guests.
Iwan Evans of North Wales Housing said:
“We’ve had some brilliant feedback from tenants that came along to enjoy the day which is fantastic. This is an important day in the North Wales Housing calendar. Not only is it a really fun day but it gives people the opportunity to chat to people from both within their communities and from other nearby towns.”
Members of the North wales Housing team were also on hand to offer support and advice regarding any aspect of their tenancy. Information from other partner organisations including the Credit Union, Crest, Bus Stop and Conwy Council recycling will also be available on the day.
North Wales Housing has announced details of its annual Summer Fun Day extravaganza!
Widely considered a highlight of the year for the association and often attended by hundreds of tenants, this year’s event will be held on Wednesday 20th August at Ysgol Morfa Rhianedd, Ffordd Cwm, Llandudno.
With the fun kicking off at 11am until 3pm, visitors can expect a whole host of activities and challenges. Already on the bill are a DJ, talent show, face painting, arts and crafts, treasure hunt, play area, garden area and various sports activities, with more to be confirmed.
Everyone attending can enjoy a free lunch and free transport will be arranged to bring residents to and from their homes. All of the association’s tenants across North Wales have been invited to attend.
Iwan Evans of North Wales Housing said:
“This is an important day in the North Wales Housing calendar. Not only is it a really fun day but it gives people the opportunity to chat to people from both within their communities and from other nearby towns.”
“We’ve got loads of activities arranged from the sporty and active to the more sedate and relaxed. We’d encourage all of our tenants to join us on the day!”
Members of the North wales Housing team will also be on hand to offer support and advice regarding any aspect of their tenancy. Information from other partner organisations including the Credit Union, Crest, Bus Stop and Conwy Council recycling will also be available on the day.
For more information about the fun day please contact us on 01492 572727 or [email protected]
A group of North Wales Housing tenants are set to bring Conwy Borough Football Club to the silver screen as part of an exciting new film project.
The group of North Wales Housing tenants are mid-way through the project which is being facilitated by TAPE Community Music and Film. North Wales Housing tenants have been involved during every aspect of the production process from planning and storyboard creation through to filming, interviewing, sound and lighting. As the project develops in the coming weeks, the group will also be involved in the editing and production stages.
With established links between North Wales Housing and Conwy Borough FC, the two organisations have been keen to work together for the benefit of the local community. . The film will follow the history of the club from its inception in 1977 and its journey through the years to now, and the current development of the new club house.
Iwan Evans of North Wales Housing said:
“This is a brilliant project that is gathering momentum every week as the participants become increasingly inspired, engaged and committed to the project. The group have been able to take real ownership of this project and are hands on at every stage – I’m really looking forward to viewing the finished work.”
