Supporting people to live independently since 1999

Supporting people to live
independently since 1999
Contents
Page
The Chairs Annual Report
3
Treasurers Annual Report
4-5
Supporting People Projects Annual Reports:
Contact
Tel. Number
Main Office
01407 761653
Llys y Gwynt
01407 765557
Coedlys
01248 724473
Llys y Gwynt, Y Gilfach & Floating Support
6-7
Lighthouse Day Centre
01407 769995
Coedlys & The Clusters
6-7
Nightstop Ynys Môn
07760 762131
The Lighthouse Day Centre
8-9
Development Team Annual Report
Staff Structure 2013/14
10 - 12
Website
www.digartrefynysmon.co.uk
13
E-mail
enquiries@digartrefynysmon.co.uk
Annual Report from the Chief Executive
rd
As I start my 3 year as Chief Executive at Digartref
Ynys Mon, I take great pride in reflecting on what a
relatively small charity like ours has and can
achieve through the delivery of a range of excellent
services that aim to prevent homelessness and
impact positively on the lives of those affected by
the issue and related causes.
At a time when there is a lot of uncertainty around
future funding and the likely effects on a wide range
of public services, I am particularly proud that
Digartref staff and volunteers, through their
commitment and enthusiasm, have continued to
maintain and deliver vital services that assist so
many of the most vulnerable people in our
community.
For those individuals and families who have
experienced or are at risk of homelessness, the
problem is currently being further compounded as
they also try to deal with the cumulative
consequences of the “austerity measures” such
as:
- the impact of the bedroom tax and a lack of
suitable smaller properties
- local housing allowance not meeting the cost of
rent charges set by landlords
- welfare benefit imposed sanctions leaving some
with no money for food and other basic needs
- cuts across the board to public and voluntary
sector services
- rising utility cots and not enough money to buy the
food they need
- increases in mortgage repossessions and
evictions from tenancies due to debt and
unaffordability
Through the work we do and our day to day contact
with those in need of help, it is no wonder that we
expect to see a growing increase in the need for a
range of preventative and crisis intervention type
services, at both a local and national level.
Despite this predicted rise in need and use of
services, we strongly anticipate cuts to the funding
streams we receive to deliver homeless prevention
projects such as the Day Centre and Supported
Housing during 2015/16 and beyond. As an
organisation we will aim to manage these cuts
effectively and efficiently while maintaining quality
services that assist as many individuals and families
as possible. In doing this there will be a number of
challenges ahead for the charity which will include
new opportunities and innovative ways of working.
Digartref’s new Business Plan for the five year
period 2015 to 2020 provides an overview of the
challenges we like others face and how we propose
to address these while maintaining vital, qualitative
services.
I am highly confident that with the support of our
Board of Trustees, the enthusiasm and commitment
of our staff and volunteers as well as the backing of
our partners and the community in which we
operate, the charity will continue to play a key role
in the prevention of homelessness, indeed the
content of this annual report highlights the positive
outcomes that can be attained.
I believe that by adopting and maintaining a can do
attitude great things can be achieved even in times
of austerity.
Newly Reviewed: Mission Statement, Values,
Aims and Objectives
As part of the Business Planning process over
recent months the charity’s reviewed its Mission
Statement, Values and Aims and Objectives to
ensure they reflect the work undertaken today in
alleviating homelessness across the organisation,
provide guidance and steer for future developments
as well as delivery of services both now and in the
future.
Mission Statement
To alleviate homelessness and the related effects
on individuals, families and our communities”
Values
- To work in an open and inclusive way and be
accountable
- To promote equality and diversity
- To ensure quality of service
- To be efficient and effective
- To respect, support and empower those we work
with
- To value, support and invest in our staff and
volunteers
- To work towards meeting the need of our
communities and develop and maintain professional
working partnerships.
Aim is
The prevention of homelessness and the reduction
of its impact on local communities.
Objectives
Our aim will be achieved through the following
objectives:
- Through the development of homeless prevention
programmes
- Through the delivery of tenancy related support
services and the provision of safe and secure
temporary accommodation
- Through the delivery of a resettlement service
including the provision of advice and information
- Through the delivery of mediation and parenting,
education and training programmes.
Treasurers Report
The improvement which we saw in last year’s accounts continued, with
the company’s accounts for the year ended 31 March 2014 showing a
surplus of £67664. After a number of years of losses this not only
improves the company’s financial position, but also provides confidence
that it can survive in the current climate of funding reviews and cuts and
continue to provide excellent services to its users.
Much of the improvement in the financial performance this year can be
attributed to the successful commencement of the Coedlys project in
Llangefni, but management and staff must also be praised for a general
improvement in efficiency through cost cutting and reallocation of costs.
ahead, but past performance suggests that we have the management
and staff to deal with these successfully.
———————————————————————————————-The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement
contained in Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year
ended 31 March 2014, although an audit has been carried out under
Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. No member of the company has
deposited a notice pursuant to Section 476 requiring an audit of these
accounts under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring that the
company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of
At 31 March 2014 the balance sheet showed that the company had net the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the
assets of £868081, £638014 of which is invested in fixed assets mainly state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and if
Coedlys. It should be noted that the Big Lottery Fund hold a charge over its incoming resources and application of resources, including its
Coedlys, and that the deficit on the company’s pension scheme is not
income and expenditure, for the financial year are in accordance with
accounted for as a liability in the balance sheet. While the company will the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply
have to continue making contributions towards the pension deficit, steps with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts,
have now been taken to change the company’s pension commitments
so far as applicable to the company.
and to limit potential further growth of the deficit.
Excluding fixed assets the company had net current assets of £230067
at 31 March 2014, which represents its working capital. If the planned
purchase of the Enterprise Centre at Holyhead proceeds, this will
mainly be financed by bank loan, but it will require some expenditure
from reserves, reducing working capital.
A new business plan is being developed which takes into account the
company’s current financial performance and situation as well as the
changes to our main funding sources. The company has challenges
Supporting People Projects
2013/2014 was an exciting year for the organisation as we expanded our supported housing
services into Llangefni thanks to a substantial grant to purchase a property from the Big Lottery.
The Coedlys core and cluster model as well as the floating support service became operational
on the 20 May 2013.
Despite this new project ensuring an extra 9 bed-spaces for single vulnerable young people on
the island, we still receive too many referrals for the number of spaces available. There is a
constant and increasing need for the services.
Another change during the year was the agreement with Grwp Cynefin and North Wales
Housing was for Digartref to take over the management of 4 single properties 2 in Holyhead
(Grwp Cynefin) and 2 in Menai Bridge (NWH) and as a result safeguarded these ideally located
properties as single supported housing units for young people. In addition, a the number of bedspace at Llys y Gwynt was increased to 9 from 8, as well increasing the available number of
units of accommodation such reconfiguration of services ensures additional value for money for
Supporting People on Anglesey.
Service User Involvement and Training
This has continued throughout the year with young people enjoying themselves and gaining
valuable skills and accreditation with Get Started, Oyster Catcher Chef’s Academy, Residential
weekends, Community Voice, Cookery Course, Fishing Course, SU Review of services,
Anglesey Show, Gardening, Menai Bridge Fair, Trip to Altcourse, African Themed Master class,
Children in Need Fund raising, Christmas Dinner, RSPB Big Bird Watch + many more. A parent
and toddler group set up by the Coedlys Floating Support Service was a success and still
running providing young mums with a safe environment to socialise with their children.
Counselling and Individual Budgeting
At the Coedlys projects, the counselling service which is funded by Families First has made a
great difference with young people being able to access support when needed and not having to
wait for months at a time. The Individual Budgeting Scheme funded through the Supporting
People Programme has also made a good impact, motivating and providing access to
opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible..
Gender
Male
Female
Age Range
16 – 17 years
18 – 21 years
22 – 25 years
Total
64
53
Total
23
61
33
Feedback from young people
“… without your help wouldn’t have a job now”
"The best service I have ever had. Thank you!!"
"The counselling has been really good for me"
"Staff have been really lovely with me"
"I'm glad there is a service like this out there"
"My support worker has been amazing with me She really
helped me. Can't give her enough praise. I also want to say
how good other staff were with me when my support worker
was on holiday, they’re also brilliant. Thank you"
Feedback from agencies
“thank you for your support, without it our job would have
been very difficult”
(Tom Saxon, Oyster Catcher Chef’s Academy)
“It’s been a pleasure co-working with you” (Team Around
the Family)
“On behalf of the Housing Options Team at Ynys Môn
Council, I would like to commend you on the work that you
do with all the young people that you support and assist.
We have first- hand experience of how valuable the service
is, that you provide” (Alwenna Pawson).
“Many thanks to all our support workers and to everyone
else who throughout the year have helped us support
vulnerable young people when they needed us most.”
Congratulations to the young people who
have taken our support and worked hard to
improve their situation. (Managers, Chief
Executive and the Board of Directors,
Digartref Ynys Mon Cyf/Ltd).
Referral Sources of those accommodated
Self
Social Services
Housing Options
TAF/Health Visitors/Mental Health Team
Careers service/Colleges/Job Centre
YJS/Probation Service
Other SH Providers / Shelter Cymru
Private Landlords
Internal projects e.g. for move on
Number Received
19
14
11
12
10
9
7
2
33
Project:
Llys y
Gwynt & Y
Gilfach
Single Moveon units
Coedlys &
Cluster
Coedlys
FS
Llys FS
Accommodated/
Supported
Positive move-on’s
41
5
23
26
22
16
5
6
n/a to FS
n/a to FS
The Lighthouse Day Centre
2013/2014 was another busy year supporting
rough sleepers, homeless people and those at
risk of homelessness, enabling them to find a
route out of homelessness and make a positive
change to their lives. Funding received from
the Welsh Government and SMAT (Substance
Misuse Action Team), together with the
dedicated work of staff and volunteers,
maintained a 7 day service throughout the
year.
The service was also supported by a range of
organisations, groups and individuals from
within the community and received donations
of food and funding. All such support ensured a
safe, comfortable and friendly environment;
nutritious meals and refreshments; access to
I.T, shower and laundry
facilities; advice and
information on housing
and welfare benefits;
signposting and
providing a temporary
address and use of
phone; inclusion
activities and information
on opportunities in the
community.
To give service users a
break from their
circumstances, various
activities were arranged
including art classes,
community trips to Glasfryn Park, Tacla Taid,
Newborough Forest and Colwyn Bay Zoo.
These trips are very much enjoyed and go a
long way in improving well being and
confidence.
During the severe cold weather period in
February and March 2014, funding was
received from Isle of Anglesey County Council
(Welsh Government’s cold weather provision
funding) to:
- Extend the centre’s opening hours.
- Provide emergency packs for rough sleepers,
3 emergency packs were given out.
- Provide assistance with deposits for private
rented accommodation.
Here are a few of the compliments received
from service users:
Male, 47 years
I would just like to say thank you to all of the
staff on duty today. I called into the Lighthouse
for a breakfast feeling a little low in mood and
after spending half an hour in the atmosphere
and company of everyone here, I feel so much
better. Cheers
Female, 54 years
Without the Lighthouse service I would not
have coped during my six week homeless stint
(living in a tent). The staff and volunteers were
all friendly and helpful. It was a pleasure to
come here, get fed and have good company.
The washing and showering facilities were a
godsend too!!
Male, 26 years
The staff and volunteers have been a great
help to me. They made me food and coffees. I
also have had some good chats with most of
them. I would like to thank all the staff and
volunteers - I unfortunately don’t remember
their names but without their help I wouldn’t
have eaten or been warm during my time on
the streets.
A BIG thank you to the staff and volunteers at
the Centre and to the generosity of the
community, you made a difference once again.
People registered
at the service
Males
59
Females
15
Meals Served
Facilities Used
5,075
Shower
155
Computer/Internet
322
Contact with other
agencies/Families
Registered with
local GP
Moved-on to:
Total
74
Laundry
185
2,790
37
Own
Tenancies
14
Supported
Housing
18
Temporary B&B/Hostel
Accommodation
12
Returned to Area/
Unknown
30
Location
Anglesey
North Wales
England
Scotland
Ireland
Other
Total
50
6
9
1
3
5
Age Range
18 – 24 years
25 – 35 years
36 – 55 years
56+
Total
15
26
29
4
Service users accessed the following specialist
support as a result of attending the centre
Community Mental Health
5
CAIS Support Service
16
DYM Floating Support
2
Citizens Advice Bureau
9
Llys y Gwynt Supported Housing
4
North Wales Housing
10
J. O’Toole
10
IoACC Homeless Section
22
NACRO Supported Housing
11
The Development Team
Project
Participants
Number of
Sessions
Get Started
1 Joinery session
27
Accredited Sessions
2 retail/customer service
Get
Started
Promotion
66
Get Started
sessions
Pop-Up Shop Project
7
Get Started is a twice weekly, 14
2 entrepreneurial skills
Graffiti Project
12
week accredited programme of
sessions
Natural Resources
learning covering independent living 1 accredited Health & Safety
6
Wales Activity
skills and employability skills. The
Course
Altcourse
10
project is aimed at NEET 16-25
Allotment
4
Graffiti Project
year olds who access our services
Citizenship Day
3
and external referrals. The
Young people from our Llys Y
Flat Share Training –
10
programme is a stepping stone for
Gwynt Supported Housing
GISDA
young people for getting into
Project worked with the local
education, employment,
primary school, Ysgol Kingsland, in Allotment
volunteering or training.
order to show how graffiti art can be Working with Keep Wales Tidy and
enjoyed in a positive way for their
a local Allotment Tutor which
Get Started Delivery
local community.
enabled increased team working
As part of the Get Started
skills and confidence through
Outdoor Activity for Service
programme the learn4life
positive healthy outdoor activity.
Users with Natural Resources
coordinator has delivered:
Wales
6 sessions on Healthy Eating and
————————————————
Fitness
The young people undertook an
22 sessions on Career
accredited Wildlife Survey at
Preparation/Action Planning
Newborough Forest to increase
Long Term Outcomes
1 session on IT Skills
awareness of their local
Local Authority
7
surroundings and to build upon their accommodation
Pop-Up Shop
team-working skills.
Placed in Supported Housing 17
A GwirVol funded project which saw
Returned to family
20
Altcourse ‘Choose Life’ Visit
young people create a variety of
Staying with friend
17
crafts that were sold in a week-long Funded by Crimebeat £500; this
pop-up shop. £164 was raised and year we took 10 young people, 4
Supported Lodgings
3
shared equally between the
staff and 1 volunteer. All 10 young
Private Accommodation
14
Tenovus Charity and Alder Hey
people who attended were
arranged
Children’s Hospital.
motivated to avoid prison at all
Unable to contact/unknown
4
To prepare for the project the
costs following this experience and
Supported
to
relocate
to
following sessions were delivered:
speaking with the inmates.
5
new area
5 Craft Sessions
Learn4Life Development Worker
Accreditation
Positive
Outcomes
100
83
12
13
18
2
n/a
3
n/a
27
7
12
2
4
6
1
5
1
n/a
n/a
3
10
4
3
1
10
10
Short Term and Long Term
Outcomes for young people
accessing Nightstop 2013—2014
Short Term Outcomes
Mediation
15
Referred to Local Authority
42
Alternative Accommodation
arranged by young
29
people/external agency
Referred to Local Authority
2
Referred to Supported
25
Lodgings
Referred to Voluntary
2
Support Agency
Returned to family
4
Stayed with friend
9
Alternative accommodation
arranged by Nightstop
4
service
Working with other services
3
Community Voice
The Community Voice worker has
been in place now for just over a
year. Various activities have taken
place with Service Users that aim to
support them in having a say in their
local community. Achievements
include:
use to assist those that have had
their benefits stopped.
The Voice Project
“The Voice” project was set up in
2013 and aimed to consult with the
Young People on services that
affected them. This involved a
series of workshops aimed at
Rough Sleepers Consultation
empowering & educating young
17 people attended a consultation
people on the importance of having
with Rough Sleepers with the aim of their say, particularly in the political
having an open discussion to gauge environment. Currently, there are 8
their interests and concerns with
members of this group.
regards to changes in Welfare
Reform and their potential impact. In The workshops covered include
addition, it was also an ideal
understanding the Welsh Assembly;
opportunity to highlight any emerging “where do I fit in?” and the
needs. Recommendations from this importance of voting; “why
work has produced 15 Emergency
bother?”. These were followed by a
Backpacks which were distributed in visit to the Senedd in Cardiff in
early 2014 and a Rough Sleepers
March and finally a visit to the local
Guide.
council offices.
unfortunate position they found
themselves in.
The group then conducted a
consultation with the general
public, teachers and pupils
through a questionnaire. 475
responses received reinforced
the need to deliver politics
through the education
system. The group are now
focussing on submitting a
petition to the Welsh Assembly
and hope to take this evidence
to Westminster during a scheduled
visit in November 2014.
helpful and available”
“We were able to have an open
discussion and come to some
————————————————- agreements which helped the
relationship”
Mediation
Personal Development
Number of referrals received April
Programme
2013 to March 2014 : 59
Number of referrals becoming
Counselling Development workers
cases : 46
continue to deliver accredited ‘Health
Number of referrals declined : 13
& Personal Development’ sessions
Sanctions Consultation
One of the outcomes of this project
on the Get Started Programme in
An area of concern identified by
was to investigate whether politics is Of 46 cases engaged :
Holyhead, and will now be extending
Service Users was that of being
taught in schools, as the young
this to Llangefni Get Started Project.
- 36 young people remained in the
sanctioned by JSP and what process people felt that at present it was very
Work has also included 2 x three day
family home
should be followed. An easier guide “ad hoc” and had they been aware of
Health and Wellbeing residentials in
was created and is currently being
this topic leaving school, potentially - 3 young people returned home
Bethel which 13 young people
reviewed by IoACC to determine its they may have not been in the
participated in.
- 7 planned move
Service user feedback:
“ Mediation kept the relationship
with our daughter open at that time”
“The mediation service was a
crutch to us and they were always
Through consultation with
participants a summer programme of
activities and workshops about
improving physical and mental
health has been designed.
People
Engaged
Project
Awareness Sessions in Schools and Colleges
An Introduction to Homelessness
Communication & Conflict Resolution
Planning for Independent Living
Housing and Homeless Drop in Hours (Coleg
Menai)
Parc Menai
Bangor Site
Llangefni Site
Community Projects and New Initiatives
Community Development
This year has seen the following
activities and achievements:
The Investors in Volunteers
Status has been achieved
To achieve Investing in Volunteers,
39 Workshops
900 students
51
The Volunteer Conference
The first official Volunteer
Conference took place in July
2013. This was a great opportunity
for volunteers to hear about the
wider company and influence the
development of the volunteer
process and experience. The next
meeting will take place on 25th
November 2014 (details tbc).
Service and Volunteer Promotion
Digartref attended Holyhead
Festival, Llangefni Festival, The
organisations need to meet nine
Anglesey Show, a Well-Being
indicators which look at how
Event with the Hergest Unit, and a
volunteers are valued and
volunteer promotion meeting with a
supported throughout the company. Quaker Group in Holyhead.
17
Volunteer Handbook
During the last year, a handbook
for all new
volunteers in the
company has been
developed. This
will be included as
part of the
induction process
and will be a
handy tool for
volunteers to take
home and refer
when needed (in
addition to the
support provided
by project leads).
Peer Education
Working in Partnership with the
Conwy Youth Homelessness
Project, 6 young people were
recruited and trained as Peer
Educators. Supported by TAPE
Community Film, the group
developed seven educational clips
exploring Top Tips for Independent
Living, House Sharing, Budgeting
and Relationship Conflict. The films
have received a lot of positive
feedback from local students who
found they could relate to the
characters in the film and
understood how homelessness can
affect anyone.
The High Sheriff Supported Work
Placement Scheme
This project supported 24 young
people in the community aged 1625 who were homeless or
vulnerable to becoming homeless;
explore conservation as a potential
career avenue. Groups from
across the island were supported to
complete up to 15 weeks voluntary
work with a range of partner
organisations including the North
Wales Wildlife Trust, the AONB
team (area of outstanding natural
beauty) and Keep Wales Tidy.
Board of Directors
Chair:
Steve Jones
Vice Chair:
Judith Rutter
Company Secretary:
Teresa McMullan
Treasurer:
Dafydd Ll. Jones
Board Members:
Marilyn Blackburn
Barbara Hughes
Julia Morgan
Chief Executive:
Wendy Hughes
Development Projects
Manager:
Alison Capstick
Counselling Development Worker:
Rhian Price
Community Development Worker:
Katharine Harper Williams
Resettlement Development Worker:
Nia Hughes
Learn4Life Development Worker:
Rowan Hodgkinson
Community Voice Worker:
Kirsty Akrill
Administrator:
Annette Greenough
Admin Assistant:
Chelsea Hagan
Finance Officer:
Sharon Jones
Day Centre Supervisor:
Scott Golder
Coedlys Manager:
Shell Waters
Llys y Gwynt Manager:
Ameina Khan
Day Centre Workers:
Mark Hughes
Allan Williams
Alex Davies
Support Workers:
Eirian Huws
Rhian Hughes
Asst. Support Workers:
Sion Rowlands
Hannah Adams
Stephanie Beckett
Hilarie burns
Floating Support Worker:
Chrissie Wood
Key Workers:
Di Marshall
Michelle Miles
Keith Williams
Melanie Moore
Project/Sleep-in Workers:
Hayley Owen
Relief Key/Project Workers:
Lisa Williams
Elen Williams
Floating Support Worker:
Jeanette Jones
Sue Hodson
Cleaner:
Ffion Griffiths
Volunteers
Volunteers
Supporting People Projects Manager:
Jennifer Saboor