Latest news with #NorthWalesHousingAssociation
Business News Wales
6 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Social Housing Associations Highlight Community Impact at Eisteddfod
Providing a quality home is essential to people's health and well-being and has wider positive impacts on the local community. That was one of the key discussion points at a discussion hosted by four north Wales social housing associations on the Eisteddfod Maes in Wrexham. The impact of the housing sector, the importance of the social value provided to local communities, supporting tenants through the cost of living crisis and community engagement were some of the other key topics discussed at the session. On the panel were Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra; Osian Elis, Head of Supported Housing at North Wales Housing Association, Ffion Pittendreigh, Community Initiatives Manager at Grŵp Cynefin, Claire Morgan, Head of People from ClwydAlyn and Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn. A panel spokesperson said: 'We were delighted to host such an important discussion on the Eisteddfod Maes. 'Social housing associations across north Wales provide a valuable role and have a significant impact on communities, providing quality homes and being significant employers. 'But we are more than simply housing associations- we provide a range of additional support to our customers. 'The cost of living crisis continues to have an impact on tenants right across the region and we have been providing a supporting role through helping direct tenants to advice and financial support. This helps their health and well-being in terms of maximising their income and providing practical energy efficiency advice and support to reduce increasing fuel bills. 'Community engagement is a significant element of our work. We work with a range of community groups to arrange educational, environmental and social events and initiatives to support our tenants. This is supported by projects to make our communities safer. 'The social housing sector also supports the local economy by awarding contracts to small and medium sized businesses, as well as larger contractors. This helps keep the pound local, supports local firms to employ local staff and helps protect the Welsh language and culture by providing quality jobs locally. 'But we cannot do this work alone and we have examples of great partnership within the housing sector regionally and nationally, but also with a wide range of public, voluntary and private sectors – all working together to support tenants and help our communities across north Wales to thrive.'
South Wales Argus
19-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Digital skills grants expanded for social housing residents
This initiative aims to help more social housing residents become confident digital technology users. The grants, which have already seen success with Monmouthshire and North Wales Housing Associations, are designed to boost digital confidence and skills among residents. The Minimum Digital Living Standard outlines the basic digital needs for inclusion in modern society. The pilot projects have shown benefits for residents, with workshops at North Wales Housing Association helping people overcome fears about online scams and rediscover memories through virtual tours. North Wales Housing's director of operations, Claire Shiland, said: "Digital Communities Wales has been instrumental in helping North Wales Housing Association navigate and explore a Minimum Digital Living Standard with our residents. "Their expertise and collaborative approach have enabled us to better understand the digital needs of our residents." The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Wales has been leading the way on digital inclusion for over ten years, and I'm exceptionally proud of our work on the Minimum Digital Living Standard. "This citizen-centred approach recognises that digital inclusion means more than just internet access – it's about having the essential digital goods, services and skills to fully participate in modern life." The Welsh Government continues to work with the University of Liverpool, alongside Cwmpas, Loughborough University and Good Things Foundation, to ensure the standard acts as a framework towards universal digital inclusion. Registered social housing landlords can apply to join the programme until June 9.
Pembrokeshire Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Wales expands digital access for social housing residents
MORE people in social housing will soon become confident digital technology users, as the Welsh Government has expanded its successful Minimum Digital Living standard grants to reach more housing providers across Wales. The Minimum Digital Living Standard establishes the minimum needs, defined by citizens and organisations, for digital inclusion in modern society. Building on successful pilots with Monmouthshire and North Wales Housing Associations, the grants help social housing providers boost their residents' digital confidence and skills. Digital Communities Wales has supported the pilots, where required, with basic digital skills training for residents to use technology safely in their daily lives. The pilot projects have shown clear benefits for residents. At North Wales Housing Association, workshops helped people overcome fears about online scams while enabling them to rediscover memories through virtual tours of meaningful places from their past. North Wales Housing's Director of Operations, Claire Shiland, said: 'Digital Communities Wales has been instrumental in helping North Wales Housing Association navigate and explore a Minimum Digital Living Standard with our residents. Their expertise and collaborative approach have enabled us to better understand the digital needs of our residents. It has been more about the simple measures of access and skills, it is a stepping stone towards helping us to begin shaping a more inclusive, digitally confident community.' The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: 'Wales has been leading the way on digital inclusion for over ten years, and I'm exceptionally proud of our work on the Minimum Digital Living Standard. This citizen-centred approach recognises that digital inclusion means more than just internet access – it's about having the essential digital goods, services and skills to fully participate in modern life. 'Digital exclusion often reflects wider inequalities in society. That's why we're taking bold steps to ensure everyone can benefit from digital technology if they choose to.' The Welsh Government continues to work with the University of Liverpool, alongside Cwmpas, Loughborough University and Good Things Foundation, to ensure the standard acts as a framework towards universal digital inclusion. Registered Social Housing Landlords can now apply to join the expanded programme until 9 June, with successful projects starting in July.
Leader Live
28-04-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Six families get keys to their new homes in Rossett
NWH has purchased the family homes at the Trevalyn Place development at Rossett - all within a short walking distance of schools, and other local amenities. Six families moved into their new homes last week with the others expected to move in over the next 18 months. Lauren Eaton-Jones, NWH Assistant Director of Development, said: 'We are extremely pleased to have been able to buy these homes for local families and all at the heart of the Rossett community. 'They have been built by the developer Castle Green and are built to the highest specifications, meaning they will be economical to run.' Paiten Hall (below) was the first resident to move in last week. Paiten Hall was the first resident to move into the new development in Rossett. (Image: NWH) She said: 'This is a wonderful new start for me and my little family.' TOP STORIES TODAY Among the other residents getting their keys were Huwey Williams and Kara Taylor. Huwey said: 'This is somewhere nice for our family to grow up and in a lovely place.' Thirty-three of the properties at the development are bought under what is called a Section 106 agreement, which means properties are allocated as affordable homes and form part of the developers' planning permission. A further eight plots on the site are due to be finished and become available in the summer, with the remaining plots due to be completed by summer 2026. The properties are built to EPC A and include solar panels, which will keep running costs to a minimum. North Wales Housing Association provides homes and delivers services to over 2,700 homes in north Wales.
