Housing for a Fresh Start

A new housing development in Bridgend, South Wales, has opened its doors to support vulnerable people. The building will provide supported accommodation to people who have turned their backs on substance misuse and made a firm commitment to stay drug free.

The housing development, called is designed to provide support to adults who have recovered from a drug problem and require a drug-free living environment. The accommodation will provide a stable, secure and safe environment for tenants. A place where people have easy access to professional support and are provided with a clear alternative to their previous negative lifestyles.  

The development has been supported with a Social Housing Grant (SHG) of £534,642 from the Welsh Assembly Government. 

The Welsh Assembly Government minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Edwina Hart said: 

"The Welsh Assembly Government is pleased to support this project. Substance misuse is a serious problem we are determined to tackle. The housing on offer will deliver a valuable service for the community and offer an important stepping-stone to help those who have made a clear commitment to leave substance misuse behind. Schemes like this provide vital support for vulnerable members of society." 

In total, the building provides five one-bed apartments with a communal lounge area. One of the apartments is fully adapted to cater for the needs of a disabled tenant. This model of accommodation gives tenants privacy and independence, but the communal area helps to ensure that no one becomes isolated or lonely. 

The development will offer a much-needed period of supported accommodation for those people committed to staying substance-free. It’s an important provision, firstly to help people get back on their feet, and secondly to support the move onto independent housing and resettlement elsewhere. 

The Wallich Clifford Community will provide professional support. This support will offer a wide range of personal development opportunities for tenants. These will include life skills training, volunteer work for charities and community groups, visits to local businesses, and the organising of social events. It is an approach aimed at providing positive alternatives to previous negative lifestyles and experiences. 

Tenants will benefit in a number of ways including better employment prospects, less chance of using drugs again, and an improved ability to maintain a tenancy.