New homes to support young people in Aberdare

A new supported housing scheme providing much-needed accommodation for young people in Aberdare has officially opened.

Consisting of five fully furnished modern apartments, The Old Bakery in Trecynon near Aberdare town centre will support young people aged 16 – 21 to develop their independent living skills.

The property is owned by Caerphilly-based housing association United Welsh and managed by the Pobl group, with young people at risk of homelessness referred to live at the scheme by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Supporting People programme.

Support is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week through staff on-site.

Claire Phillips, Partnership Management & Compliance Officer for United Welsh said: “In addition to offering residents high quality starter homes, The Old Bakery will be a life-line for the young people to learn key skills such as getting ready for work and how to manage a property.

“The support will help them to successfully sustain their own tenancies when they leave the scheme but during their time with us, we’re delighted to provide them with a home they can be proud of.”

The refurbishment of the scheme was completed by Kingfisher and as part of the redevelopment, one of the apartments has been adapted for wheelchair access.

Dafydd Davies, Area Manager for Pobl said: “The location of The Old Bakery makes it the ideal place for the residents to access work, education and training opportunities within the community.

“We’re proud to help the residents lead an independent lifestyle while giving them the support they need when they need it.”

Before the residents moved in, a drop-in day was held for neighbours and local people to see the scheme.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Wellbeing, Cllr. Rhys Lewis, attended the drop-in.

He said: “The Old Bakery will offer so much more than a place to live. The services provided will help the young residents to reach their full potential and it was a pleasure to hear how a building with so much history will be used to make a real difference to people’s lives.”