• Project name: Barcud Scheme Co-ordinators
• Lead organisation: Barcud Cyf.

Statement of support

Barcud Housing Association’s sheltered housing team provides essential support services through nine schemes across Ceredigion and Powys. The schemes offer elderly and vulnerable adults over 55 a tailored housing and support service, enabling them to maintain independence and a high quality of life. The team works beyond housing, collaborating with individuals, families and service providers, creating personalised support plans aligning with each resident’s goals.

The team is led by Louize Evans, who brings vast experience in the care sector. Under her compassionate leadership, ten scheme coordinators - Nerys, Sophie, Ursula, Tess, Rachel, Meinir, David, Olwen, Phillip and Roy - provide dedicated support across the schemes. During absences, they cover each other's duties, ensuring continuous, reliable support for tenants and their families.

Each tenant is supported by an on-site scheme coordinator who ensures residents feel safe and encouraged to live independently. Coordinators assist with various needs, from mental health to financial management, helping residents navigate challenges like dementia, learning disabilities, and sensory loss. By building meaningful relationships, the team provides comprehensive personalised support, fostering a sense of control and independence for residents.

A strong community spirit is central. The on-site scheme coordinators encourage a community atmosphere, where neighbours look out for each other and actively participate in social activities. Social isolation, is addressed through regular events, fundraising activities, and engagement with the wider community. These efforts have been effective in maintaining residents' mental and physical wellbeing, preventing loneliness, and enhancing overall quality of life.

The team collaborates with many external organisations, providing holistic support for residents. Partnerships with Health and Social Services, Age Cymru, and local mental health teams ensure residents receive specialised care, including hospital transport, dementia support, and assistance with benefits like Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance. These partnerships are essential for delivering comprehensive services that help residents remain independent.

Commitment to equality and diversity is woven into Barcud’s service delivery. Support is inclusive and adapted to the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with neurodivergence, behavioural issues, substance misuse problems and disabilities. This personalised approach results in high levels of resident satisfaction, as evidenced by positive feedback and strong Star Survey results.

The sheltered housing team’s success is evident in positive outcomes for residents. Close relationships between scheme coordinators and tenants lead to improved mental and physical health, and reduce loneliness. Social isolation has been successfully tackled, with many residents engaging in community activities.

Collaboration with health services and local organisations provides residents with essential support to manage chronic health conditions and dementia. Assistance with financial matters, including budgeting and benefit applications, reduces stress and allows residents to live more comfortably. Feedback from residents and partner organisations consistently highlights the value of the personalised support provided.

James, a tenant’s son, expressed his gratitude for the scheme:

“I would just like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to Barcud and its invaluable sheltered scheme at Penrodyn. The scheme coordinator, Nerys, and the services available have been second to none. As you may know, my mum, who is almost 80, moved into the scheme in April. It was a breath of fresh air for her to have less worry, support, and the chance to socialise with like-minded tenants. During her recent battle with breast cancer, the staff helped my mum enormously, relieving a lot of strain on my family.”

The team’s efforts strengthen the sense of community and safety, contributing to the success and sustainability of the schemes. Their proactive approach ensures residents enjoy fulfilling, independent lives, while reducing the strain on healthcare services by supporting individuals in their own homes.

Outcomes and achievements

Barcud Housing Association’s sheltered housing team provides tailored support to elderly and vulnerable adults across nine schemes in Ceredigion and Powys. Led by Louize Evans, the team of 10 scheme coordinators works closely with residents, families, and external services to promote independence and enhance quality of life.

The coordinators offer on-site, personalised assistance, addressing mental health, financial management, and challenges such as dementia and sensory loss. Their efforts reduce social isolation by fostering a community atmosphere, organising events, and encouraging neighbourly support.

Collaborating with health and social services, Age Cymru, and local mental health teams, the team ensures residents receive specialised care, including hospital transport and financial aid. This comprehensive support reduces stress and allows residents to manage chronic conditions while remaining independent.

Positive outcomes include improved mental and physical health, reduced loneliness, and high resident satisfaction. The schemes have also eased pressure on healthcare services by supporting individuals at home, demonstrating the team’s vital role in maintaining community wellbeing.