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Supporting people to live the life they choose.
The aim of the Consortium is to provide support for people who want to live successful lives in the Community. The Consortium provides services under contract with either the Swansea Council or Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
Start the
journey here!
February 2021
4th New supported living locality in Swansea
Swansea Council have awarded Community Lives Consortium our fourth Supported Living Locality we will be supporting 19 people in the
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4th New supported living locality in Swansea
Swansea Council have awarded Community Lives Consortium our fourth Supported Living Locality we will be supporting 19 people in the Mynyddbach and Penderry area from the 1st April 2021.
November 2020
Our Annual report 2019 2020
Have a look at our latest Annual report
May 2018
Another award for outstanding Health and Safety Achievement
Well Done to everyone at Community Lives Consortium for winning another award for Outstanding Health & Safety performance! Here’s a
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Another award for outstanding Health and Safety Achievement
Well Done to everyone at Community Lives Consortium for winning another award for Outstanding Health & Safety performance! Here’s a picture of Deb and Marianne receiving the award.
February 2018
Consortium achieves Cyber Essentials Certification
Community Lives Consortium is pleased to announce that we have achieved our Cyber Essentials
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Consortium achieves Cyber Essentials Certification
Community Lives Consortium is pleased to announce that we have achieved our Cyber Essentials Certification.
Cyber Essentials is an industry supported certification scheme developed by the UK Government who have worked with Information Assurance for Small & Medium Enterprises (IASME), Information Security Forum (ISF) and the British Standards Institute (BSI) to ensure Cyber Essentials certification is one of the most contemporary, comprehensive and innovative cyber security options available – aligned with current cyber security best practice.
The new certification shows the security of our own and our customers systems are taken extremely seriously and is constantly assessing and looking for ways to improve security risk prevention and detection.
We are currently working towards our next level of compliance and become a Cyber Essentials Plus organisation.
January 2018
Our longest supported tenant interviews our longest serving support worker
To mark the turn of the new year, we thought it would be a nice idea to ask Nicola, our
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Our longest supported tenant interviews our longest serving support worker
To mark the turn of the new year, we thought it would be a nice idea to ask Nicola, our longest supported tenant, to have a chat with Mark, our longest serving support worker about his memories of working for Consortium. He’s been with the company since 1991, so he has many memories and stories to share – hope you enjoy!
December 2017
CLC Advent Calendar 2017 and Arethusa One celebrates its tenth anniversary!
We’ve done an advent calendar this year, with each day featuring a different person we support talking about what they’ve
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CLC Advent Calendar 2017 and Arethusa One celebrates its tenth anniversary!
We’ve done an advent calendar this year, with each day featuring a different person we support talking about what they’ve done in 2017, and what they like about Christmas. Please click here to view, or click on the picture below. We really hope you all enjoy!
Also in December, Arethusa One threw a party to celebrate ten years of Jo, Victoria, Rebecca and Sian moving in. There were some very smart costumes on show, and a very special guest made an appearance – can’t really say how many of the guests had been good though!
‘I was really excited,’ said Rebecca,’my mum and dad were coming and some friends.’
‘I helped get the house ready,’ added Sian,’we all did!’
‘I enjoyed seeing Santa with my girlfriend,’ said Jo,’it was a lot of fun!’
‘The food was nice,’ concluded Victoria,’and I liked getting dressed up!’
October 2017
Our 28th AGM at Manor Park Clydach
On the 19th October the Manor Park hosted our 28th AGM. As well as the usual business and financial matters,
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Our 28th AGM at Manor Park Clydach
On the 19th October the Manor Park hosted our 28th AGM. As well as the usual business and financial matters, there were some awards given out to some of the people we support. Clive Jeffries received an Agored Certificate, and Ian Rees picked up an award for the most enthusiastic Time 2 Meet member.
There was also an energetic performance from the Time 2 Sing choir.
Also shown at the AGM was our annual dining event Come Eat With Us. Peter Thomas was victorious this year, but everyone did fantastically so it’s a big well done also to Ian Rees, Phillip Evans and Paul Northey. Hope you enjoy the film!
Finally, the tenants and staff of Network 4 had collaborated on a film that tells their story from October 2016 to October 2017. There’s tales of events, birthdays, days out as well as personal achievements and skills learned.
August 2017
Success in the City and County of Swansea’s Framework Agreement
Also in the summer of 2017 we tendered a successful bid to the City and County of Swansea’s Framework Agreement.
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Success in the City and County of Swansea’s Framework Agreement
Also in the summer of 2017 we tendered a successful bid to the City and County of Swansea’s Framework Agreement. This was a large piece of work, as we had to provide many pieces of evidence showing how we provide support to our tenants.
One of the categories was how we include the people we support within the recruitment process, so we submitted the four films below as proof of how or tenants are included in all stages.
Our first film shows the people we support undergoing easy to understand recruitment training.
Our second film shows the people we support attending our recruitment fairs and being involved in recording adverts for The Wave and Swansea Sound.
Our third film demonstrates how we include our tenants in the interview process; asking questions, scoring and informing of any success.
In our fourth film we show how our tenants can make changes to any aspects of their support they’re not happy with.
July 2017
Network 2 Summer Barbecue, Pembrey Time Credit spend and more
In July Network 2 marked the summer with a barbecue, kindly hosted by our scheme in the Sketty area. Thankfully
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Network 2 Summer Barbecue, Pembrey Time Credit spend and more
In July Network 2 marked the summer with a barbecue, kindly hosted by our scheme in the Sketty area. Thankfully it stayed dry all afternoon, which ensured a great turnout, and an even better spread. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Time to Meet also organised a Time Credit spend in July, as many of the guys have accrued many Spice Time Credits. We weren’t as lucky with the weather, but at least it stayed dry for our round of crazy golf. The rain in the afternoon made the toboggan run very slippery! Here’s some photos from our day out.
Following on from last month’s videos, here’s more examples of how we provide support to our tenants in different ways.
‘I am given the right level of support for the choice I want to make so I stay in control.’ Linda talks about how she was travel trained by staff members in order to get to her job in Victoria Jayne Flowers in Trallwn, which she thoroughly enjoys.
‘If I don’t have the understanding to make my own choice I am still part of it in any way I can be.’ Staff member Jamie and Floyd demonstrate how, as a company, we use different communication methods to enable choice making.
‘If I don’t have the understanding to make my own choice my parents and carers can be part of making choices for me.’ As a company we understand the importance of having good relationships with the relatives of the people we support. Here’s a film featuring Cara, Katy’s sister, explaining how she got involved in the purchase of a swing for Katy’s garden.
‘What I say is listened to and taken seriously.’ This film features Adam Crowley, who talks about his experience in being involved in Values & Enabling training.
June 2017
Evidencing Support
In June 2017 we produced a number of short videos evidencing the different ways we support our tenants. Here are
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Evidencing Support
In June 2017 we produced a number of short videos evidencing the different ways we support our tenants. Here are the first five videos, all of which fulfil specific criteria. Hope you enjoy them!
‘I have good relationships with the staff who support me.’ Marie talks about her relationships with staff members.
‘I am given chances to be supported by other people with a learning disability who have had similar experiences.’ Craig and Ian talk about peer support at the Time 2 Meet admin group.
‘I am supported to reach my goals and set new ones for myself.’ This video illustrated how Clive has achieved a goal through his Time 2 Meet walking group.
‘I am given information in a way that I can understand and helps me make my choice.’ We discuss how, as a company, we used a survey to ask about their preferred method of communication.
‘My staff know what is important to me and I am supported to have control over these things.’ Lyn talks about the paper making work related activity he has been attending for a number of months.
May 2017
Work Experience
Continuing the theme of last month, new skills, here’s two of the people we support who are currently working one
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Work Experience
Continuing the theme of last month, new skills, here’s two of the people we support who are currently working one day a week each at different businesses based in Swansea.
Firstly, here’s Linda, who wants to share her experience of working at Victoria Jayne Flowers in Trallwn.
Robin tells us about what he’s learned whilst working at House of Frames in Llansamlet.
Huge thanks to Linda and Rob, and everyone at Victoria Jayne Flowers and House of Frames for allowing us to make these films.
Hope you enjoy!
April 2017
New Skills
In March and April we were looking at new skills learned by the people we support. Here are some films
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New Skills
In March and April we were looking at new skills learned by the people we support. Here are some films that provide examples.
The people we support discuss their Interview and Recruitment training:
Ian Rees talks about his eight week work experience placement at the Consortium office:
Also, Lyn from Network 5 wanted to tell everyone about his latest venture, paper making, so please click here to read all about it.
Well done all!
February 2017
Network 2’s Valentine Disco
Love was certainly in the air this month, as the Network Valentine Party saw an amazing turnout at Dunvant Workingmen’s
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Network 2’s Valentine Disco
Love was certainly in the air this month, as the Network Valentine Party saw an amazing turnout at Dunvant Workingmen’s Club.
‘I really enjoyed helping the staff make and put up the decorations’, said Rebecca, ‘and it was great to see so many people here!’
January 2017
Network & CLC Newsletters
Late 2016 and early 2017 saw the first editions of two of our Networks’ newsletters, jam packed full of news
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Network & CLC Newsletters
Late 2016 and early 2017 saw the first editions of two of our Networks’ newsletters, jam packed full of news and events. ‘Here’s the Score from Network 4’ was followed closely by Network 8’s ‘Collabor8.’ Please click on the links to view and download.
Please click here to view and download the Network 4 Newsletter.
Please click here to view and download the Network 8 Newsletter.
You can also view and download the Consortium’s Staff, Tenants and Relatives Together Magazine here.
December 2016
Consortium Christmas 2016
Christmas is a time very much enjoyed by the people we support, and can also be a very busy, sociable
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Consortium Christmas 2016
Christmas is a time very much enjoyed by the people we support, and can also be a very busy, sociable time! Here are some pictures from the Network 1 and 4 Christmas parties. Hope everyone had a good one!
October 2016
Consortium’s 27th AGM and Time 2 Meet’s Halloween Party
On October 6th Consortium hosted its 27th AGM at the Manor Park, Clydach. There were performances from the Line Dancing
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Consortium’s 27th AGM and Time 2 Meet’s Halloween Party
On October 6th Consortium hosted its 27th AGM at the Manor Park, Clydach. There were performances from the Line Dancing group and the Choir, and each Network talked about and presented what had been happening during the last year. The now traditional “Come Eat With Us’ film was also shown, and Averil Hughes received a special award for most hours involved/volunteered within Time 2 Meet.
Please click here for our 27th Annual Report which has a lot of stories about what activities the people we support and our staff were doing between April 2015 and March 2016.
We also had a great turn out in October for Time 2 Meet’s Halloween Quiz and Coffee Morning. Everyone had put in a lot of effort and looked amazing, and the mummy game was absolutely hilarious! Congratulations to Leanne, who won first prize in the quiz; a ticket to see Swansea City play Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve at the Liberty Stadium. In a very close call, Jennifer took the award for best costume. Huge thanks to those who made cakes, and well done everybody!
August 2016
Network 6 Summer Party and Big Picnic event!
In August 2016 Network 6 had a summer party held at the Four Winds, Port Talbot. The entertainment was provided
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Network 6 Summer Party and Big Picnic event!
In August 2016 Network 6 had a summer party held at the Four Winds, Port Talbot. The entertainment was provided by DJ Mad Jay, and a good time was had by all!
August also saw the second Time 2 Meet Big Picnic event, at Aberavon Beach. It wasn’t the warmest day, but it was at least dry, so the hardy souls that did turn up had a good time!
June 2016
Over 200 people attend the Time 2 Meet Summer Ball
In June 2016 207 people attended the Time 2 Meet Summer Ball, held at the Manor Park Hotel in Clydach.
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Over 200 people attend the Time 2 Meet Summer Ball
In June 2016 207 people attended the Time 2 Meet Summer Ball, held at the Manor Park Hotel in Clydach. A three course meal was enjoyed by all, as was the disco! Everyone looked really smart, as you can tell from the pictures.
Mandy Grove
Phil O’Sullivan and Derrina
Ian Rees
Glenda Leonard
Norma and the ladies
Steve Reed
The Meadowcroft Massive!
The Time 2 Meet Choir rock out!
May 2016
Train the Trainers students graduate with honours
In May 2016 four of the people we support passed the ‘Train the Trainers’ course which was facilitated by Swansea
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Train the Trainers students graduate with honours
In May 2016 four of the people we support passed the ‘Train the Trainers’ course which was facilitated by Swansea People First. Laurie Morgans said of the group, ‘I was so impressed with their final presentations, and this was down to the hard work they put in throughout the course. You could see their confidence grow weekly, so a huge well done to all!’
Robin Savours
Nicola Roberts
Craig Roberts
Rebecca Evans
Time Banking guru Edgar Cahn attended the Co Production Network for Wales launch
Nicola, Linda and Rick were delighted to meet Edgar at this event, held in Welshpool on 26th May. The ladies also confidently gave a presentation, which was very well received by all in attendance.
April 2016
The people we support voice our adverts on The Wave and Swansea Sound
In April 2016 as part of a recruitment drive we start advertising on our local radio stations, The Wave and
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The people we support voice our adverts on The Wave and Swansea Sound
In April 2016 as part of a recruitment drive we start advertising on our local radio stations, The Wave and Swansea Sound. The people we support took an active role in the process, visiting the radio station and providing audio clips for the adverts.
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Rebecca Evans
“I really enjoyed the visit, it was brilliant’, said Rebecca, ‘I enjoyed meeting the DJs Phil, Leighton and Badger, and everyone was so friendly. Thanks very much to Kerry and Rhydd for inviting us down!” -
Craig Roberts
“I was a bit nervous at first but I soon got used to it. It was a lot of fun!” -
Marie Williams
“It was great being shown round the studios and seeing how things work. The recording bit was fun too!”
February 2016
The Assemblers start their third order
In February 2016 The Assemblers Group starts its third order, six complete fingerprint sensor complete Flexi Units. Lyn Kultcher “I
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The Assemblers start their third order
In February 2016 The Assemblers Group starts its third order, six complete fingerprint sensor complete Flexi Units.
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Lyn Kultcher
“I go to the Assemblers group every Monday, and I enjoy it, I think it’s great. We build touch sensor locks for a company called Connective Touch.” -
Adam Crowley
“We have a lot of fun in the group but we are also learning new skills. We are planning a trip up to Cardiff to visit Vision 21 in the near future which I am looking forward to.”
November 2015
Future of Support for Living in Swansea
In the November 2015 the Consortium supports the Swansea Provider Forum to set up 2 days for people and their
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Future of Support for Living in Swansea
In the November 2015 the Consortium supports the Swansea Provider Forum to set up 2 days for people and their families, commissioners and organisations providing support to consider how we develop new ways of supporting people to live the lives their choose in the Swansea area with the resources available to them.
October 2015
AGM & 26th Annual Report – April 2014 to March 2015
Please click here for our 26th Annual Report which has a lot of stories about what activities the people
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AGM & 26th Annual Report – April 2014 to March 2015
Please click here for our 26th Annual Report which has a lot of stories about what activities the people we support and our staff were doing between April 2014 and March 2015.
November 2014
Progress after 25 years
In March 2014 the Consortium supports 275 people and employs 756 staff.
November 2014
What Matters to Us
‘What Matters to Us’ is launched to turn our networks into organisations controlled and led by the people that they
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What Matters to Us
‘What Matters to Us’ is launched to turn our networks into organisations controlled and led by the people that they support.
More Stories – 2014
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Leanne Byrnes –
“I like my new home, I like my staff, I have been going out to parties, the cinema, and local pubs. I am also having a new car. This morning I completed a membership form for the Time to meet project.”
November 2013
Time to Meet progresses in first year
Time to Meet has over 300 members and organises 23 groups and events in its first year. More Stories –
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Time to Meet progresses in first year
Time to Meet has over 300 members and organises 23 groups and events in its first year.
More Stories – 2013
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Christine Turton –
“I love history, particularly the Tudors, so I loved my visit to Hever Castle with staff support. It’s where Anne Bolyn spent her early youth.” -
Jenny Davies, Swansea Participation Service – Partner Organisation
“The Time 2 Sing choir has confirmed my belief that everyone can enjoy singing. Music is a brilliant way to bring people together, combining skills of teamwork, listening and sharing. Long may it continue!” -
Lisa Hopkins – Family Member
“My son is enjoying Life, which is great! The only difficulty for me is trying to fit in with his wonderful social life! Thanks for everything you and the staff do, his quality of life is truly enhanced and he’s happy as Larry!”
November 2012
Prospects
9 tenants and 57 staff join us from Prospects, we work to help them feel part of the Consortium.
November 2012
Time 2 Meet
Time 2 Meet begins to help people organise the things that matter to them.
November 2011
No loss of support
We start to make cuts to help the Local Authorities save money but we do not reduce support or lose
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No loss of support
We start to make cuts to help the Local Authorities save money but we do not reduce support or lose jobs.
More Stories – 2011
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Lianne Oakes –
“Moving into the consortium where I have great staff to support me. It has changed my life for the better. I am able to get out and about in the community and have fun. I have also got engaged to Josh, the love of my life.”
November 2010
Support People to live the lives they choose
We start using system thinking to help us to become more person centred and use our resources better. Our purpose
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Support People to live the lives they choose
We start using system thinking to help us to become more person centred and use our resources better. Our purpose becomes to ‘Support People to live the lives they choose’.
More Stories – 2010
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Gary Lawry –
“Since I have been with Community Lives I have been on my first holiday by myself without my family. I went to Puerto Pollensa in Spain. I loved it.”
November 2010
Progress after 21 years
We are employing over 600 members of staff.
November 2008
Direct Payments
We start to support people to manage their own Direct Payments in Swansea.
November 2006
Community Lives Consortium
We change our name to Community Lives Consortium.
November 2005
Progress after 16 years
Over 200 people are supported to live in their own homes. Our relative group forms. We introduce our website with
Click here for more information
Progress after 16 years
Over 200 people are supported to live in their own homes. Our relative group forms. We introduce our website with it’s videos and talking pages, there are now computers in most tenants homes.
More Stories – 2005
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Christopher Bate –
“I am going to jump over a car!” -
Rhian Harris – Team Member
“My fondest memories in CLC are of the amazing people I have met and worked alongside, I have grown older and wiser and have made and miss lots of friends, so my thanks go to some of the people that are no longer with us…”
November 2004
First tenants on the Board
Nicola Roberts and Christopher Edwards become the first tenants on the Board.
November 2004
Progress after 15 years
We employ over 500 people.
November 2003
Own homes not care homes
Most of the people we support choose to not live in care homes. Their support is regulated as domiciliary care.
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Own homes not care homes
Most of the people we support choose to not live in care homes. Their support is regulated as domiciliary care. Service, Team, & Housing Support Coordinator roles created.
More Stories – 2003
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Maureen Donovan –
“I came to Ty-ni in 2003, staff introduced me to swimming 2005 which I absolutely love. Now 9 years on staff support me in going swimming once a week.” -
Lee Jenkins – Team Member
“I have been here for 11 years. I did have hair, then it went silver, now I don’t have any. Thank you CLC” -
Chris Scullion – Social Services Colleague
“I have witnessed the vast improvements in peoples lives since people have been living in supported living rather than residential care homes and am proud to have worked alongside the Consortium in achieving this. People now have much more say and control in their everyday lives. They have greater spending power and opportunities to enjoy life to the full.” -
Mrs J M Jones – Family Member
“I couldn’t want for a better staff team to support my daughter, she has a good life and a lovely home. I feel well informed about the things that are going on.”
November 2001
Sub groups and forums
Sub groups and forums are set up to involve lots of people in the management of the Consortium. More Stories
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Sub groups and forums
Sub groups and forums are set up to involve lots of people in the management of the Consortium.
More Stories – 2001 / 2002
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Clive Jeffries –
“Being with Community lives, I have been able to achieve many goals and be as independent as I can be. A highlight was travelling to Somme and visiting all the places I am interested in to do with World War 1.” -
Christine Harries –
“Without the staff’s help I would never have found out that I had a brother. It is wonderful, he visits me regularly and this has changed my life” -
Alice O’Sullivan – Team Member
“I would not want to work anywhere or with anyone else in Wales.” -
Tenant Services Department
“It has been lovely to see the people we support gain more independence over the years with regards to their money. We have felt great to be involved with new ideas and approaches to this work and to develop our support in line with the modern living.”
April 2000
Progress after 11 years
150 people are supported to live in their own homes. Click here for more information
November 1999
Tenant Participation
Our first Tenant Participation group is set up. Click here for more information
September 1994
Our staff team grows
By September 1994 we are employing 300 staff. Click here for more info
April 1993
We support 100 people
By April 1993 we are supporting 100 people to live in their own homes. Click here for more information
April 1990
We start to support people
By the middle of 1990, 15 people are living in their own home and we employ 20 people. More Stories
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We start to support people
By the middle of 1990, 15 people are living in their own home and we employ 20 people.
More Stories – 1990
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Phillip Stott –
“I had a great time at my 65th, the choir was lovely.” -
Geraldine Jones – Longest serving Team Member
“It is 24 years since I started with CLC. I have enjoyed my job helping people live independent lives and becoming part of a community. I have seen many changes over the years there was a time when I had a picture in my office of Rick and a set of darts (never used). I must say that we would not be the company we are today if it wasn’t for the Support staff many of whom work over and above their role.” -
Jacqui Budge – Team Member –
“Over the years there have been many changes ,I think especially recording,when back in the day we just wrote a short statement in the house diary, but one thing has remained the same that is the excellent service we provide always tenant led which improves every year.” -
Stuart Harper – Board Member –
“Employed as a social worker 41yrs ago I accompanied a young man to Hensol Hospital, the only facility available, in order to give his mum a break. 41yrs later that not so young man is living in his own tenancy with support from the Consortium.” -
Phil Davies – Social Services Colleague –
“CLC; you, the community, are brill! I have grown up with you for the past 25 years and feel proud to be part of the family.”
September 1989
Nicola Roberts
I got married when I joined Community Lives, Brian and I have been married 16 years. More Stories – 1989
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Nicola Roberts
I got married when I joined Community Lives, Brian and I have been married 16 years.
More Stories – 1989
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Nicola Roberts –
“I got married when I joined Community Lives, Brian and I have been married 16 years.” -
Hiliary Ryan, First Choice Housing Association – Partner Organisation –
“First Choice has enjoyed a productive and valuable relationship with the Consortium over the past 25 years. Our shared aim of wanting to provide the best services for adults with a learning disability has ensured our joint working has always been successful and a positive experience for those adults.” -
Ainslie Aldron – Social Services Colleague –
“My memories span around 26 years, I seem to have got older but most of the service users do not seem to have changed at all! CLC have moved with the times from resettlement (Hensol and Ely) and introduction of small residential care homes (1990’s) to supported living (1998+) and lastly the biggest achievement is the empowerment of people particularly Time 2 Meet which not only provide social events but gives them control.”
July 1989
West Glamorgan Housing Consortium begins
The Consortium is set up, to coordinate support and housing for people who have a learning disability in West Glamorgan.
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West Glamorgan Housing Consortium begins
The Consortium is set up, to coordinate support and housing for people who have a learning disability in West Glamorgan.
1989 – West Glamorgan Housing Consortium Begins
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Maurice Wilde – Retired first Chairman and Founding Member –
“West Glamorgan Social Services recognised the need for an independent organisation to create good quality accommodation and support for people with learning disabilities in the county. In making this happen the support of Social Services Managers such as Mike O’Leary, Mike Thomas and Richard Leggett must be recognised together with the determination of the Consortium’s first Director Chris Smith.” -
Chris Smith – Retired first Chief Executive –
“When appointed Director of WGHC in 1989, my remit was to find other agencies to provide housing and support for prospective tenants. Eventually the Consortium had to do it itself and now look where it is today. Best Wishes for another 25 years.” -
Margaret Evans – Retired Director of development –
“It was exciting times at WGHC almost going into unknown territory but always knowing that we were helping people to rightfully have their own homes with the right level of support to achieve this, we were pioneers of choice, independence and better lives.”