Talking about the importance of social homes at the TPAS Cymru conference

The Bevan Foundation was pleased to be invited to run an interactive workshop at the TPAS Cymru conference on 13^th November.

The Bevan Foundation was pleased to be invited to run an interactive workshop at the TPAS Cymru conference on Wednesday afternoon, 14^th November, in Llandrindod Wells.

Our Senior Policy and Research Officer, Wendy Dearden, led a group of social housing tenants and housing engagement officers through a quiz-like session which both reflected the findings of our housing research and tested people’s knowledge about the history of social housing in Wales.

Wendy reflected upon how the Welsh homes of today, their location, form and tenure are inextricably linked to our industrial past. The three quiz rounds focused upon a time before social housing; the era of homes for heroes; and social housing in a devolved Wales.

Each team was given time to discuss the questions before Wendy led them through the answers – recounting the story of social housing in Wales along the way and sharing some of her own experiences of working in a variety of housing roles.

Wendy included insights from the Bevan Foundation’s most recent housing reports which focus on the reality of life in temporary accommodation for a record number of households in Wales and the shortage of social homes.

An important message from the session was that boosting the supply of social homes is key to moving people on from temporary accommodation. The Bevan Foundation believe that it is the only tenure that can provide a truly affordable, secure and sustainable housing option for those on the lowest incomes. It’s also the best place for those who have experienced the trauma of homelessness to rebuild their lives.

Wendy reminded everyone about the Bevan Foundation’s appeal to give the hope of home this Christmas.