A pioneering housing initiative co-ordinated by Caerphilly County Borough Council is continuing to transform lives and prevent homelessness.
The Caerphilly Keys project helps private landlords find long term tenants for their properties, whilst preventing homelessness. There are currently 41 landlords signed up to Caerphilly Keys, offering 97 properties throughout the borough.
Since it launched in August 2018, Caerphilly Keys has successfully rehoused 271 people. One of the tenants housed through the project has seen their life transformed. Michelle* had spent time in prison, followed by several months in temporary accommodation and then, because of deteriorating mental health, admission to hospital for 8 weeks.
On discharge from hospital, Michelle was rehoused through the Caerphilly Keys scheme, where she received weekly visits from a housing support worker. After moving to her new property, Michelle’s confidence began to grow, and she began to take control of her finances and deal with her own correspondence. Support visits reduced as Michelle’s independence increased.
Michelle began volunteering in a local café and soon felt ready to return to employment. She now works part-time for a local charity supporting vulnerable adults, running creative writing and arts and crafts workshops. Michelle said “The support provided by Caerphilly Keys helped me reach the point that I’m at now. My new role has given me a sense of purpose and had a positive impact on my mental health.”
Cllr Shayne Cook, Cabinet Member for Housing at Caerphilly Council, said “Caerphilly Keys was the first of its kind for a local authority in Wales. It has delivered fantastic results and prevented many people from becoming homeless. Housing has a massive impact on both physical and mental health, and Michelle’s story shows what a huge difference having a safe and secure home can make to people’s lives.”
