• Project name: Adra - pioneering leadership in social value
• Lead organisation: Adra Housing Association

Statement of support

At Adra, the essence of leadership lies in the positive impact it creates for communities. The commitment to social value is at the heart of everything it does and this application focusses on the social value work in supporting communities.

The key social value priorities are keeping spend local, creating work opportunities for tenants and the community, protecting and promoting the Welsh language, and reducing the carbon footprint.

They reflect corporate priorities around building quality: supporting communities and people to thrive, decarbonising homes, improving the customer experience and strengthening the business.

Social impact:

In 2023/24, Adra achieved a social value of £9,582,635, up from £5,751,074 in 2022/23. This was done through working with a wide range of local, regional and national stakeholders, partners and contractors on projects and activities that support the social value journey.

Financial inclusion:

The challenges and barriers have predominantly been around the cost of living crisis, with increased demand for support from tenants.

A financial wellbeing coordinator is in place to support tenants with finance related matters, supporting cost of living events and sharing information on issues such as universal credit, fuel and food banks.

Financial support was provided through a new hardship fund in 427 cases, with 518 fuel bank vouchers provided to alleviate energy poverty.

An agreement with Citizens Advice allowed them to refer tenants for debt, budgeting, or benefit advice. In the last 12 months, 124 tenants were referred with £249,125 of debt written off.

Supply chain:

Adra also supports the supply chain and provides opportunities for local businesses/ contractors to thrive.

‘Tendra’ is aimed at fostering growth and development within the local construction sector. Supported by the ARFOR Challenge Fund and funded by the Welsh government, Tendra addresses the challenges faced by small construction firms, especially in navigating administrative processes for applications. The project aims to empower small businesses to confidently bid for work, including larger contracts through platforms like Sell2Wales. Tendra is a testament to Adra's commitment to driving collective growth and supporting the local economy.

94 per cent of Adra’s Welsh suppliers are based in North Wales, generating a social value of £2.1 million. This approach supports the local economy but also reinforces a commitment to community development.

Employment, skills and training: 

Adra has a target to assist 500 people into employment by 2025, with 231 people benefiting in 2023/24. Academi Adra, the flagship training initiative, has generated a social value of £440,515.87, empowering individuals and uplifting communities.

Tailored courses and placements, offer practical skills and real-world experience. To date, 176 individuals have received training or work experience, nine given work experience and 30 supported through apprenticeships. Adra also employed 21 individuals within the business through the Academi Adra programme.

Decarbonisation:

A key initiative has been the development of the Tŷ Gwyrddfai decarbonisation hub - the first of its kind in the UK. A collaborative project with Busnes@Llandrillo Menai and Bangor University, it will ensure that north west Wales is at the forefront of the decarbonisation agenda.

In the longer term, the development will lead to a more qualified and skilled workforce, which will support the local construction sector and ensure that any value generated through decarbonisation and related capital investment will be retained locally. 

It also contributes towards reducing carbon emissions in homes, which in turn will reduce the impact of increasing fuel and energy costs by making our homes more energy efficient and improve the quality of life for tenants.

Outcomes and achievements

We want to make sure that our tenants and communities feel safe and secure in their homes and local communities, as well as having opportunities to thrive through employment and training. There is also a focus on their well-being and making sure they live in quality housing.

We also aim to support the local economy through providing work for local contractors, keeping the pound local and protecting our area’s unique heritage, culture and supporting the Welsh language.

Key facts and figures:

• 250 new homes built
• 86 per cent of tenants reported they felt safe or very safe in their communities
• 93 per cent of tenants felt their homes were safe and secure
• 231 people supported into employment and training
• £20,300 of grants given to local community groups
• £706,902 invested on adaptations within homes
• 105 of homes received energy efficiency work
• 152 people supported though the Tenancy Support service
• £15.2 million invested in major works and improvements to properties
• 493 victims of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse supported
• 54 per cent of suppliers are based in Wales, 94 per cent of those suppliers are based in North Wales
• £55.5 million in total spent with local suppliers
• 370 local people employed by Adra.

• Project name: Cosy and Warm
• Lead organisation: Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association

Statement of support

Our Cosy and Warm project is our initiative to support our contract holders through the cost of living crisis. As part of the project, we do the following:

• Run five slow cooker sessions per week as part of six weekly blocks across Merthyr Tydfil.
• Support families including children to develop cooking and budgeting skills. For example, knowing the cost of a homemade chicken stew compared to pre-made packs in supermarkets.
• Support with financial inclusion throughout the project.

With these hubs, we also provide:

• A slow cooker cooking book that also provides energy advice and a section on how Merthyr Housing can help and support in these difficult times. The book is published in English, Welsh, Polish and Portuguese.

As part of the project we also allocate heating vouchers to those who are struggling to keep up with their heating payments. This funding was secured through the Ffos Y Fran intermediate grant, where we received £15,000 to issue these top-ups. We also work with Evouchers to generate vouchers within one working day.

In block one of our sessions, we use funding from Street Games Wales to provide activity packs to families, to support them in getting active together as a family. These packs include Fitbits, tennis sets, skipping ropes, and lots more, to support Public Health Wales' recommendation of getting active for an hour a day.

Our sessions have led to further support for our tenants, including DAF applications for soaring energy costs and white goods. We have made referrals to partner agencies such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Riverside for high level utility debts and wider support needs.

Partner organisations such as Merthyr Tydfil Credit Union and Communities for Work support our sessions to promote the support they can provide.

Outcomes and achievements

• Provided 300 warm packs to our most vulnerable tenants. This included a hot water bottle, a fleeced blanket, a wall thermomotor, and a box of cuppa soups.
• We established five hubs to run slow cooking classes, where a free slow cooker was provided, and weekly ingredients and support and advice are provided. We run the following classes in six-week blocks:
  • Mondays at Dowlais Engine House
  • Mondays at Treharris Boys and Girls Club
  • Tuesdays at St David's Community Hall
  • Thursdays at Kevin Ryan Court, Georgetown (two sessions).

Over 100 residents have benefited from participation in the Cosy and Warm project and we will be starting our next block of sessions at the beginning of October.

• Project name: Town Centre Hub
• Lead organisation: Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Statement of support

The Hub was established in January 2021 as a pilot project in a small, single room facility just outside Merthyr Tydfil town centre. It was developed by the housing department of the local authority as an early intervention and prevention service aimed at combating homelessness. The initiative was a response to the Welsh government’s “No-one left out” strategy, which had led to a significant increase in the number of people placed in unsuitable temporary accommodations in Merthyr Tydfil. Recognising the urgent need for an accessible service, the hub was created to help prevent evictions and support individuals in securing alternative housing as quickly as possible.

The service rapidly expanded as the need for early intervention became apparent. It became clear that homelessness prevention required addressing the root causes early, well before an eviction notice is issued. The hub’s approach involved connecting individuals with the appropriate support services at the right time. This included income maximisation through benefits, employment skills development, and referral to third-sector support services; while providing the much need specialised advice on housing legislation, eviction notices and mediating with landlords.

To meet the growing demand, the hub collaborated with local authorities employability team to explore service expansion. Funding was secured through the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to acquire a more suitable building and appropriately staff the service. By December 2023, the hub relocated to a larger facility in the town centre, significantly enhancing its accessibility. The new location also facilitated partnerships with other local authority departments, such as social services’ early help service, and provide space for third-sector organisations in a “partnership corner”. This collaborative environment ensures seamless referrals and integrated support, preventing individuals from reaching a crisis point.

The town centre hub operates under the slogan “Together we can”. During the pandemic, many people became deskilled or struggled to access services due to operational changes. The hub’s staff representing various departments are committed to empowering individuals and encouraging self-sufficiency. This is supported by providing access to computers for tasks such as applying for benefits like universal credit, searching for jobs, bidding on social housing and seeking private rental properties. Staff are available to assist those who help to learn to use resources as well as providing specialised advice and support.

Key teams based at the hub include the housing early intervention team consisting of a welfare benefits officer and a disability housing officer, the hub co-ordinator, customer service staff, the employability team, and the Childrens Social Services’ early help service. The facility is also utilised by other local authority service, including those involved in immigration resettlement programs, adult social services, and the revenues and benefits teams.

The hub operates as a “drop-in” service, accessible to all for a wide range of needs. It is a solutions-focused service dedicated to providing advice and support, preventing individual’s from reaching an urgent crisis point, and helping them to find the necessary resources to address their challenges.

Outcomes and achievements

The old hub had previously provided vital housing support to 80 households per month, addressing homelessness risks, income maximisation, and employment needs. Since the opening of the new town centre hub in December 2023, over 5,900 individuals have accessed its services, with 1,464 engaging with the housing early intervention service.

Key achievements include:

• Homelessness prevention: 1,464 have engaged with the housing early intervention service, 142 cases were assessed as being at risk, but only 39 required legal assessment under the Housing (Wales) Act
• Employment support: 614 people engaged with the employability team for training and job prospects
• Family support: 10 families received early help to prevent more serious interventions
• Digital inclusion: 229 people accessed digital booths to combat digital poverty
• Community engagement: Over 3,000 people attended events and accessed general advice services.

The hub's accessible services and partnerships have positively impacted the Merthyr community, receiving excellent feedback and becoming a well-recognised resource to the people of Merthyr Tydfil.

• Project name: HWB Dinbych
• Lead organisation: Grŵp Cynefin

Statement of support

HWB Dinbych is a centre located in Denbigh that provides educational, employment and wellbeing opportunities for the local community. In partnership with various third sector organisations, the centre offers essential support and serves as a vital resource for Denbigh ensuring that residents have nearby access to advice and information. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, HWB Dinbych has evolved into a community hub that empowers individuals to thrive. This collaborative effort addresses local challenges, expands opportunities, and helps to alleviate poverty.

In recent years, HWB Dinbych has established an open-access service with a full-time receptionist, allowing individuals to receive support during opening hours. This has enabled access to food bank vouchers, energy vouchers, signposting, and referrals to other agencies, including Citizens Advice, homeless prevention, Shelter Cymru and debt advice.

Over the past year, the project has collaborated with the Job Centre (DWP) to eliminate travel barriers for individuals needing to attend appointments, successfully reaching those who are not in work, education, or training. This ensures that individuals receive the support they need to enhance their employment prospects by connecting them with existing job  centre resources such as Working Denbighshire, Careers Wales, Business Wales, and Shelter Cymru (My Home Denbighshire).

HWB Dinbych has fostered a strong relationship with the local school to ensure teachers are well-informed about the services available to support parents. This partnership allows parents to access services during times of crisis, providing timely assistance and ensuring that the community can navigate challenging situations while enabling children to participate in available activities.

The Fit and Fed project, in collaboration with the Denbigh Youth Project, has achieved success in engaging families and children during school holidays over the past year. It has offered free healthy meals paired with physical activities and new experiences for children and young people. Additionally, this initiative has led to an increase in parental involvement, with more parents exploring volunteering opportunities, fostering a genuine sense of community.

Furthermore, HWB Dinbych has initiated various community engagement efforts by collaborating with partners like Denbigh Youth Project, Youth Shedz, and Coleg Llandrillo to facilitate programs that promote social inclusion and foster belonging among Denbigh residents. These initiatives include cook-and-eat workshops, art sessions, gardening projects, and confidence-building sessions. All these activities encourage community members to come together, share experiences, and support one another. HWB Dinbych continues to collaborate with Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board by offering the Art For Health initiative, which provides free art sessions four times a week, allowing individuals to enjoy art classes led by a qualified instructor and offering a supportive space to discuss life's challenges. The project has also partnered with the stroke prevention team to facilitate blood pressure checks in a comfortable environment right at their doorstep.

HWB Dinbych has partnered with Vale of Clwyd Mind to create a weekly walking group that encourages both physical exercise and conversation. The initiative aims to support mental wellbeing by providing a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can share their experiences and build friendships. A cup of tea is provided at the end of each walk, giving everyone a chance to talk and get to know the staff members of HWB Dinbych and encourage individuals to access other support available.

HWB Dinbych has successfully supported a group of volunteers in running a monthly Repair Café, with around 10 volunteers participating. Community members can bring items in for repair, showcasing the volunteers' unique skills in supporting one another and the community. The  centre opens its doors once a month on a weekend to reach individuals who might otherwise be unable to access HWB services due to work commitments.

Outcomes and achievements

• 40 individuals accessing art sessions weekly
• 149 referrals to Coleg Llandrillo courses in from September 2023 to March 2024
• Eight to 12 regularly attending the walking group weekly
• 86 local young people have attended the fit and fed session between September 2023 and April 2024. Over the summer holiday 480 pack lunches were distributed in a project partnership with Denbighshire Lesiure and Denbigh Youth Project facilitated in a local playing field
• Two volunteers supporting the gardening project attending three times a week
• 97 individuals supported in Job Club from April 2023 to March 2024.

• Project name: NCH's Regeneration and Community Development
• Lead organisation: Newport City Homes

Statement of support

NCH regeneration and community development Team [RCD] has adopted an assets based community development [ABCD] model to foster partnership and collaboration with community groups and partners. By moving away from traditional top-down approaches that tell communities what to expect, NCH has embraced an inclusive approach that empowers residents to take control of their communities and co-create sustainable solutions.

The team has developed and strengthened local community connections with a mission to support and create thriving communities. The team understands the Newport communities by identifying their strengths and assets, by the creation of a live asset mapping document. The team has developed and implemented plans to increase connectivity in communities, using the skills and assets within them to achieve more, and work with partners who share their passion to deliver maximum benefit to communities throughout Newport.

The communities served by NCH have faced numerous challenges over the years, from the pandemic, the ongoing energy crisis, reduced local statutory services, and lack of funding. NCH has taken innovative steps to support community groups in response, by repurposing unused buildings so that community groups can thrive and be supported on their journey to sustainability.

One key aspect to this approach is the empowerment of communities. NCH invites community groups to propose ways they can maximise the use of available NCH-owned land or buildings. NCH then works with these groups to ensure the space is effectively managed and maintained by the community itself. This process has created lasting partnerships, allowing community members to take ownership of local spaces and resources, while NCH provides ongoing support in the form of advice, free use of buildings, and help in accessing external funding. This works to give communities more control over their lives, where they live, and the services and activities that happen in their locality.

As an example, NCH supported the Sudanese Community Association with a HUB space in Pillgwenlly; MenShed Newport with units in NCH Depot; and Bettws Foodbank with a commercial unit in Bettws. Venues are owned by NCH but given to community groups to allow them to thrive, fostering sustainability within the community.

NCH’s collaborative efforts have offered increased opportunities for grant funding. By co-producing projects with community groups, one example can be seen through the working partnerships with Warm Wales, where the NCH team was able to obtain grant funding of £500,000 from the Energy Saving Trust [Redress grant] to support customers on energy advice and guidance.

Through partnership with Monnow Primary School, NCH was able to:

• Obtain £30,000 to create a community building for extra circular provision via the Save the Children funding
• Secure multiple Keep Wales Tidy grants to the total of £30,000 in partnership with local community members and groups to bring unloved green space back in to use.
• Support a local youth charity Urban Circle to secure £150,000 funding from the Shared Prosperity project.

The collaborative, ABCD approach ensures that communities are seen as contributors rather than service users, building trust and creating a sense of ownership among residents. By focusing on partnership and co-production, NCH has been able to strengthen relationships with community groups, enabling them to build thriving, resilient communities that are better equipped to overcome local challenges. The work of NCH’s RCD team has not only transformed physical spaces but has also had a lasting impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of Newport’s neighbourhoods, proving that collaborative working can create meaningful, sustainable change.

Outcomes and achievements

Over the last year the team has supported two community groups with community-based venues. Each with multiple outcomes of their own:

Sudanese community

• 500+ members and growing
• Delivering services to support the community including bespoke mental health with ABUHB, Police / councillor/ PM sessions, multi RSL housing surgeries
• Planned delivery of parent baby groups/ ESOL classes/ Arabic classes/ counselling sessions
• Working with other agencies to help build community cohesion – including Gwent Police, ABUHB
• Linking with other community groups in area that don’t have a space of their own
• Learning phase for group – supporting with sustainability / bid writing, and group plans to purchase own building in future.

Bettws Foodbank:

• Collaborative between NCH departments and local contractor A.P Waters - who contributed with a full building refit
• The group has supported over 400 adults and 300 young people with 400 parcels in the last 10 months alone
• The Foodbank provides an opportunity for local people to volunteer and acquire transferable skills.

Additional outcomes:

• The RCD team has supported over 10 community groups in the last year alone, many would have dispended
• Successfully obtained over £1 million of external funding in the last two years to support community groups across Newport.