A pioneering supported housing scheme in Bangor is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year of helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives and move towards independence.
The scheme at 137 High Street is delivered through a partnership between Cyngor Gwynedd and North Wales Housing, and forms part of a wider strategic effort across the county to prevent homelessness and provide long-term housing solutions.
Originally developed through a partnership involving Adra, Cyngor Gwynedd and North Wales Housing, the scheme transformed a long-derelict High Street building into 12 supported homes designed to provide both accommodation and tailored support.
The project is part of Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to create 83 supported housing units across the county to tackle homelessness and reduce reliance on emergency accommodation.
Since opening, the scheme has supported 19 people, with four positive move-ons into more permanent accommodation. Residents have also made meaningful progress across other areas of their lives, including gaining employment, accessing education, improving their health and wellbeing, and developing greater financial independence.
Osian Elis, Head of Supported Housing at North Wales Housing, said:
“Supported housing changes lives. It provides not just a safe place to stay, but the practical and emotional support people need to rebuild confidence and create a more secure future. With the right support, people can and do make positive changes, and it’s fantastic to see the progress residents have made in such a short time.”
Lorna Hughes, Supported Housing Manager at 137 High Street, said:
“Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement and reflects the success of the scheme in providing not just safe accommodation, but the support people need to move forward with their lives.”
As one of the first residents to move into the scheme, Rain McLean has found the support from the team invaluable.
“Before moving to 137 High Street, I’d had very difficult experiences in unsuitable temporary accommodation, and my mental health really suffered. Having my own space here – somewhere that meets my needs as a wheelchair user, has been life changing.
“I feel safe here, and with the support from staff, my mental health has improved hugely. I’m getting out and about again and have recently applied to college, which is something I wouldn’t have felt able to do before.”
Looking ahead, partners are committed to building on this success by supporting more people into long-term homes and continuing to strengthen the service.
Councillor Paul Rowlinson, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said:
“Tackling homelessness is one of our key priorities and this development in Bangor is an important part of the work being delivered through Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing Action Plan.
“I’m pleased that this project is helping more people move out of homelessness and into a more stable future. It shows what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared determination to make a real difference to people’s lives.
“By working together, we are not only providing homes, but also the support people need to rebuild their lives. That is central to our commitment to prevent homelessness and ensure that everyone in Gwynedd has a safe and secure place to call home.”
