Rhondda Housing Association (RHA) Find Your Future project Simone Devinett and Shelagh Iles

RHA Background RCT populations of 236, Properties 65 Staff 6 Community Development Team, 3 on FYF project team. RCT is the 3 rd most deprived local authority ward in Wales: high unemployment, low educational attainment and poor health. 4,111 People in receipt of JSA 17,380 People in receipt of Esa and Incapacity Benefits.

Where the project came from? Through consultation we learned that: For many, entering training or volunteering was too daunting Participants needed more time and intense support to build confidence More social events and informal meetings would initially appeal to them Being part of a peer group was important Being with people who have similar experience is helpful.

Find Your Future Project Project remit: Participants will increase their confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to become involved with community life and wider society. Participants will be supported to improve their health and wellbeing and develop new skills. Participants will feel less isolated as a result of new community groups being set up. Participants can access a range of vocational training and volunteering opportunities.

The Process Personal Support. One to One visits. Confidence building. Personal Development. Long term support. Peer Support groups. Local groups set up. Opportunities to develop social skills. Explore health and well-being. Build new skills. Groups supported to become independent and sustainable. Vocational skills and employment. Essential skills Vocational training Volunteering opportunities Job Clubs - CV and application writing, interview preparation Assistance for those who have business and enterprise ideas.

Engagement & Monitoring Referrals through Housing Officers, Financial Inclusion team, partners, community events and site/estate visits Completion of initial assessment, identifying levels of confidence and self-esteem, current social engagement and future aspirations. Client led* Slow process, one to one support until ready to engage with peer support group. Regular progress assessments.

Achievements to date: Engaged with 124 People. 92 people more involved in community life 75 people have built new life skills * 65 people have competed vocational training 25 people have gained employment Peer support group running independently Phoenix Initiative – tenants IT business * New Connections group received an Inspiring Learners Award with RCT Adult Education.

Participants Journey… Find Your Future project film: ‘I would say that during the learning process I have learned as much from those attending the courses as I have from tutors and trainers. Learning for me is about gaining knowledge, skills and experiences, while having fun. It’s a difficult thing to do, to take the first steps, but for me it was the most important step I've ever taken. I would like to think I can help and support many others, the way I have been helped and supported along my journey’. Tim. Aged 52.

New Connections

Phoenix Initiative

Why it works… Developed in response to tenant feedback and wider consultation Participant led, buy-in Regular contact and progress assessments Peer mentors Facilitate necessary training We go out to the community Steering group consisting of staff, project participants, tenants and partner agencies Work with specialist partners

Final thoughts The involvement and engagement of tenants is fundamental to success. For any project to work it must be relevant and meet tenant needs. ‘Rhondda Housing’s Find Your Future project was one that embodied responsiveness and empowerment …the project demonstrated clear, positive outcomes for those involved’. Auriol Miller, Cymorth Cymru.

Any Questions? For further information contact Simone on: Tel: