The Wallich launched its Anglesey Housing First service in April 2013.
Even though it was initially supposed to be just a 12-month pilot, it’s now worked with 330 people on the island over the decade.
In 2022, it was announced by Welsh Government Climate Change Minister Julie James that The Wallich’s service in Anglesey was awarded an official Housing First Wales Accreditation.
In July, service users, project partners and staff – past and present – were invited to an informal celebration.
Now based at Park Mount in Llangefni, over some good food, sunny outdoor space and indoor crafts, everyone came together to recognise the relationships built, homes made and lives bettered by Housing First Anglesey.
Jo Parry, Housing First Service Manager at The Wallich, said:
“It’s been a joy to welcome familiar faces from over the years today. One of our very first clients, Alan, walked through the door and I couldn’t believe it. He’s still in the accommodation we helped him move into and doing really well.”
Jo has worked at the Housing First service on the island since it began in 2013.
Dan Roebuck, who attended the event on behalf of Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Housing Team, said,
“Congratulations on 10 years and working through some trying times and delivering a great service, looking forward to many more years of positive outcomes.”
Sara Jones, also from the local authority Housing Team, congratulated The Wallich on achieving 10 years on Anglesey. She said, “You have done amazing work over the last 10 years, and it’s been a pleasure to co-work with you from the homeless team perspective.”
Over the years, Anglesey Housing First has been commended by Welsh Government Ministers and Members of Senedd, supported by the local community and featured in media like the North Wales Chronicle and BBC Radio 4.
Housing First focuses on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing, accompanied by wrap-around support to maintain the tenancy.
The Housing First perspective considers anyone to be ‘housing-ready’, regardless of mental health, substance use or criminal justice challenges, as long as the right support is also in place.
As part of the Housing First Wales Accreditation, The Wallich must adhere to the Welsh Housing First principles.
At The Wallich, our trauma-informed Housing First support includes access to the right benefits, reducing debt or rent arrears, understanding tenancy rights and responsibilities and planning for the future.
Welsh Government recognises the value of the Housing First model for those with overlapping and unmet needs.
The government has asked all local authorities to consider whether such services are needed as part of their local Rapid Rehousing strategies.
