Welsh Housing Awards 2024
Read all the shortlisted entries into this award category, excellence in housing innovation, at the Welsh Housing Awards (WHA) 2024 and find out who won the award on the night.
This award recognises programmes or projects that clearly demonstrate an innovative approach which has made a real difference to the lives of tenants and customers.
Winning project name
DAHA accreditation for domestic abuse cases at Trivallis
Winning organisation
Trivallis
Statement of support
Trivallis is proud to be the first housing association in Wales to have gained the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation. The accreditation marks a significant milestone in its commitment to tackling domestic abuse and supporting its tenants and residents. This achievement reflects its innovative, comprehensive approach to addressing domestic abuse, which has profoundly impacted the lives of those it serves.
Securing DAHA accreditation required a rigorous assessment of Trivallis’s policies, procedures, and practices, ensuring they met the highest standards for responding to domestic abuse. Its approach is rooted in the understanding that housing providers play a critical role in identifying and supporting victims of domestic abuse. Recognising its vital community role, Trivallis created a holistic strategy focused on prevention, intervention, and risk management. By leveraging strong multi-agency partnerships, the strategy ensures victims can safely stay in their homes or access refuge when necessary.
A cornerstone of Trivallis’ innovative DAHA-accredited approach is separating domestic abuse from anti-social behaviour (ASB) in its case management system, recognising that domestic abuse is not ASB. Its bespoke system enables staff to assess risks, provide safety advice, and connect victims with specialist services. By empowering survivors to make informed decisions about their housing, Trivallis ensures safety and security in the home.
Trivallis staff in frontline roles often have the first opportunity to identify signs of abuse, but there was a hesitancy to act due to being unclear how to safely give advice and practical help to safeguard. Trivallis invested in comprehensive training programmes that equipped frontline staff with the skills to recognise, respond and safely support victims. This training goes beyond basic awareness, focusing on practical skills, including how to approach sensitive conversations, understanding the complexities of abuse, and knowing how to connect victims with the appropriate services. This ensures that staff can act confidently and effectively, providing crucial support at the earliest possible stage.
Trivallis also implemented a robust risk assessment and safety planning process to support tenants at risk of domestic abuse. Using the SafeLives DASH tool, this process identifies those at risk and coordinates safety planning with the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Service, and domestic abuse specialists. Secure referrals, access to refuge, and ongoing practical support are provided, reflecting the latest best practices. This collaborative approach has greatly enhanced tenant safety and wellbeing.
In addition to these initiatives, Trivallis has also worked to create a culture of zero tolerance towards domestic abuse within the organisation and its communities. In 2023 it participated in the White Ribbon Campaign, a global movement dedicated to ending male violence against women and promoting gender equality. Trivallis supported the campaign with a staff event and social media content to raise awareness, educate communities, and foster a culture of respect and safety.
In autumn 2024, Trivallis launched a comprehensive awareness campaign that includes educational materials, workshops and community events. This campaign is designed to challenge the stigma associated with domestic abuse and encourage open conversations about the issue. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, Trivallis hopes to empower its tenants to speak out against abuse and seek help when needed.
Trivallis is also developing a safety pack distribution service to improve security so victims can remain safely within their homes. This includes emergency lock changes, alongside window and door alarms, door chains and boundary checks.
Achieving DAHA accreditation is a validation of Trivallis’ innovative approach and the real difference it has made in the community. Trivallis remains committed to continuously improving its response to domestic abuse and/or sexual violence, ensuring that its tenants and residents can live fear free within their home.
Outcomes and achievements
The impact of its risk-focused frontline approach to domestic abuse and/or sexual violence has been profound. Since implementing these initiatives, Trivallis has seen a significant increase in tenants disclosing domestic abuse and seeking appropriate support. In 2023/24 the team managed 322 cases assessed as high risk to life. This is a clear indication that its drive to create a safe and supportive environment is working.
Detective inspector Sam Thomas of South Wales Police (SWP) has praised Trivallis for its exemplary response to domestic abuse, strong engagement with the MARAC process, and effective partnership with the Domestic Abuse Unit. Trivallis’s work in supporting high-risk victims and progressing Claire’s Law disclosures is considered best practice by SWP.
Tenants who have benefited from its initiatives have shared powerful stories of how the support from Trivallis has helped them break the cycle of an abusive situation and safely rebuild their lives. These stories are a testament to the effectiveness of its approach and the difference it has made to the lives of tenants and residents.
Shortlisted entries
Merthyr Tydfil CBC - Marsh House Support Accommodation
Application entry
- Project name: Marsh House Support Accommodation
- Lead organisation: Merthyr Tydfil CBC
- Partner organisations: Pobl and Merthyr Valley Homes
Statement of support
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTCBC) is committed to addressing the significant housing challenges in our community. With a steady increase in people presenting as homeless post-pandemic, we have implemented innovative solutions that meet immediate housing needs while also contributing to long-term stability and quality of life. The housing crisis, exacerbated by post-pandemic pressures, has dramatically increased the demand for temporary accommodation, rising from around 50 individuals before the pandemic to 150-160 currently.
In response to this growing need, MTCBC have repurposed the old Glan Yr Afon Residential Care Home into supported and temporary accommodation. Completed in March 2024, this project now houses 32 residents, including 10 hostel spaces for young people and 22 temporary, supported accommodation for adults. This strategic repurposing of an existing building offers a timely, cost-effective solution that maximises available resources to tackle the housing crisis in our community.
The facility is designed to prioritise independent living, with each room featuring en-suite bathroom facilities and studio-style kitchenettes, meeting the standards set by ‘The Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation – Wales) Order 2015’. This ensures residents have the privacy and independence they need while maintaining a high standard of living. The project was funded through the ‘Transforming Towns’ initiative, with additional support from MTCBC, highlighting our commitment to revitalising the community and delivering essential housing solutions.
The Marsh House project not only addresses the need for temporary housing but also provides residents with access to comprehensive support services. By establishing a community hub, we have co-located essential services, improving communication and service delivery. This integrated approach ensures that residents receive tailored support that meets their individual needs, including long-term housing plans and attention to mental and physical wellbeing.
Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the privacy and independence afforded by the en-suite facilities and kitchenettes. Survey results show a significant increase in resident satisfaction, with many expressing gratitude for the high-quality accommodation and the comprehensive support services available on-site. These positive responses validate our approach and reinforce our commitment to continuous improvement.
A cornerstone of our project is the community hub, which offers flexible office and support space for a variety of service providers. Operating independently from the accommodation units, the hub is accessible to the wider community, fostering inclusivity and support. Its ability to serve both residents and non-residents ensures that support services are available to all who need them.
Personal stories from residents further highlight the success of our innovative approach. Individuals who previously struggled with homelessness and mental health issues have found stability and support through the services provided at Marsh House. These success stories illustrate the transformative impact of our housing solutions on residents' lives.
In summary, MTCBC’s commitment to innovation in housing has led to significant improvements in customer satisfaction and community wellbeing. The Marsh House project exemplifies how creative solutions can address complex housing challenges while providing comprehensive support to those in need. We are honoured to apply for the excellence in housing innovation award and look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents. Building on the successes of the Marsh House project, we remain dedicated to further innovation and community support.
Outcomes and achievements
Since moving to Marsh House, the project has experienced numerous positives. The wonderful new building features great community spaces used by outside agencies, residents, and staff for gardening, social interactions, and wellbeing evenings. Regular activities are held with residents, including cooking sessions with international recipes, the latest being from Italy.
In July, a successful sports day and picnic at Cyfarthfa Park brought together staff and residents from Marsh and other Pobl projects for a memorable day. Support sessions are at an all-time high, with increasing engagement hours. The garden area is being finalised, adding a barbecue, football table, and seating with benches.
Collaborations with Tydfil Training, Compass, Multiply and Valley Steps deliver accredited courses such as First Aid, Food Hygiene, Tenancy Readiness, Budgeting, Paediatric First Aid, literacy and numeracy, mental health, wellbeing, resilience, and mindfulness. Residents are earning qualifications and feeling more positive about their futures.
The in-house counsellor has proven highly popular, regularly seeing numerous residents. The first four months at Marsh House have been fantastic, with extremely positive client feedback and much more to look forward to. The project is proud to report no notices served, positive move-ons with several residents recently receiving keys to their new properties.
