On Wednesday 26 February, a new service supporting people with housing, homelessness and benefits opened. The project will assist people in Pontypool, Cwmbran and Blaenavon and is run by leading Welsh homelessness charity, The Wallich.
The Wallich works across Wales and has specific expertise in homelessness and preventing risk of homelessness. The new Tenancy Support service will work with people to make sure they stay in suitable, secure accommodation, help people in crisis and act as a mediator between tenants and landlords, in the private and social sectors, to ensure nobody becomes homeless.
The Welsh Government’s annual rough sleeping numbers estimated seven people slept on the streets of Torfaen in November 2019 during a two-week count – an increase from five people the previous year and reports of zero people sleeping rough in 2017.
Commissioned by Torfaen County Council Supporting People funding, The Wallich’s Torfaen Tenancy Support service will act as a preventative approach, not only to rough sleeping, but also debt and rent arrears, which is an increasing issue for tenants and landlords alike. The crisis support team is also available for people who are street homeless, sofa surfing or in temporary accommodation and need advice.
The Wallich’s main office in Torfaen is based on Hanbury Road, Pontypool, and is open for advice and support 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturday mornings.
The charity will run drop-in sessions across the local authority to help as many people as possible in the community.
| Day | Time |
Location |
| Monday | 9am – 4pm | Cwmbran Job Centre |
| Tuesday | 10am – 12.30pm | Blaenavon Community Campus |
| 1.30pm – 4pm | Pontypool Job Centre | |
| Wednesday | 10.00am – 4.00pm | Pearl Assurance House, 12 Hanbury Road, Pontypool |
| Thursday | 9am – 4pm | Cwmbran Job Centre |
| Friday | 9am – 4pm | TCBC Civic Centre, Pontypool |
Torfaen Tenancy Support service will be holding an open day between 11am – 1pm, Wednesday 26 February, where members of the public and other agencies can find out more about the project.
Gareth Jones, South East Wales Area Manager for The Wallich, said,
“It’s bittersweet that we have to bring our services to Torfaen. While we’re looking forward to working with the wonderful community, it’s a shame that growing homelessness and demand for help is what brings us here.
“However, as well as helping people with their housing and financial situations, anyone using the Torfaen Tenancy Support service will have the opportunity to access The Wallich’s breadth of learning and development projects.
“We believe preventing homelessness is about more than a roof over someone’s head, we want to also help people boost their confidence, skills and employability, with the hope of a brighter future, as well as addresses their accommodation needs.”
