Posted on: Tuesday 17 May 2022
A multi-purpose residential and wellbeing hub in Cwmbran, which supports people to live independently, has been described as a prime example of an innovative housing scheme.
Julie James, Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, who also has responsibility for local government and social housing, visited Ty Glas y Dorlan today to announce a new £182m housing fund.
The £3.7m facility in Thornhill, which opened earlier this year, has a range of short-stay and long-term accommodation for people who need extra health or social care support them to live as independently as possible.
The new Welsh Government Housing with Care Fund will increase the amount of extra care housing in Wales by up to a third over the next four years, as well as help people with a learning disability, autism spectrum disorder and other neurological conditions live independently, where possible, in their own homes.
Funding regional residential services for children with complex needs to ensure their needs are met as close to home as possible will also be a key priority, along with investing in intermediate care housing and accommodation for those not yet ready for full independence.
Ms James said: “We know there are many in Wales who can sometimes find it difficult to maintain a home, whether through illness or financial hardship, which can make them vulnerable to homelessness.
“Just as importantly, independence, like that provided at Tŷ Glas y Dorlan reduces pressures on our health and social care services.
“This development and the people living here are a prime example as to why investing in innovative housing projects that meet care needs is so important.”
Tŷ Glas y Dorlan is a collaboration between Torfaen Council, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Bron Afon Housing Association, and was partly-funded by the Welsh Government.
Sarah Paxton, Torfaen Council's Head of Adult Services, Housing and Commissioning, said: “Tŷ Glas y Dorlan has only been open a short time and we are already seeing fantastic outcomes.
“It is an example of the art of the possible with social care teams working in partnership with health, housing, third sector and Welsh Government to enable people to achieve what matters to them.”
During the visit, Ms James also learned about the building's environmental-friendly infrastructure, including solar panels and straw bale insulation, which help to reduce carbon emissions, and a green roof to help capture and store carbon.
Alan Brunt, Chief Executive of Bron Afon, said: "Ty Glas y Dorlan is a building which incorporates our commitment to sustainability. It has an energy efficient A rating and includes a green area on the roof to help with biodiversity, solar panels, and a grey water recycling system using collected water to flush toilets and feed planters.
"It really is the first design of its kind in Torfaen providing homes and services delivering care and social inclusion in our community. “
The minister, who is leading on the Welsh Government net-carbon zero targets, also visited an area of open green space, in New Inn, which is one of more than 120 sites across the borough where routine mowing has been reduced and wildflowers encouraged to grow.
Torfaen Council and Torfaen Local Nature Partnership worked with residents to identify the best place for wildflowers to grow on the site, off Golf Road, as part of the project, which supports the aims of the council’s Biodiversity and Ecological Resilience Plan, Climate and Nature Emergency Action Plan, Wellbeing Plan and Green Infrastructure Strategy.
For more information about Ty Glas y Dorlan you can visit our website, or click here to learn more about nature networks in Torfaen.