1971

Ceredigion Care Society was set up in 1971 by a dedicated team of trustees and volunteers with the aim of providing a service for those affected by homelessness and inadequate housing in Ceredigion. The formative years were spent on an array of issues including the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, the acquisition of various properties and the forging of solid working relationships with partner agencies.

2000

In 2000 a Bond Guarantee Scheme was set up. This provided written bonds to single people aged between 16 and 65 who were homeless, living in sub-standard accommodation or in need of housing and welfare advice. The project continues to the present day and covers the entire county. In 2010-11, 127 tenancies were set up with the aid of a bond.

2001

2001 saw the establishment of a Night Shelter in Aberystwyth in response to an increase of rough sleepers in the town. After an initial period of opening during the winter months only, in March 2003 the shelter began opening all year round with space for 5 people. 2011 saw the re-configuration of the Night Shelter. It is now a county wide facility spread over various buildings. Emphasis is now on long-term prioritisation with the view of helping people to address their issues on a more long term basis. In 2010-11, 83 individuals accessed the project on 696 occasions.

2003

2003 saw the introduction of a Floating Support Scheme both in Aberystwyth and Cardigan. The service provides access to one-on-one tenancy related support. The aim is to empower, promote independent living and successful integration into the community. The service has proved invaluable as the statistics testify. During the financial year 2010-11, 245 single clients and 78 families were supported.

2004

In 2004 the Accommodation Officer Scheme was put in place to develop a portfolio of leased and managed accommodation and to work with landlords to improve the standards of private rented sector accommodation throughout the county. The current portfolio consists of 123 units spread over 43 buildings.

2005

In 2005 Ceredigion Care Society began to take on the management of various Emergency Accommodation units for the local authority. Initially this consisted of a 12 bedded unit for single people in Aberystwyth along with a 9 bedded unit for couples and single parents in Borth. In 2007 this portfolio was extended to include a 6 bedded unit in Aberystwyth. At present the Emergency Accommodations managed by the Care Society consist of 3 premises in Aberystwyth and 1 in Cardigan with a total of 25 bed spaces for both singles and couples.

2008

The Young Persons Project was set up in 2008. The project, based in Cardigan, provides accommodation for up to 4 care leavers. With ongoing support the aim is for the clients to develop the relevant life skills before moving on into independent accommodation.

2010

The Social Enterprise Maintenance Scheme was established in 2010. The Scheme addresses the need for affordable, professional and accessible property maintenance and removal services. 2010 also witnessed the Society take on the management of storage facilities in the centre of Aberystwyth.

2011

Recent new initiatives include the formation of an Educational and Prevention Programme in 2011, with its rolling series of talks/ visits to educational establishments throughout the county.

The present year also saw the inauguration of the Clients Activities Programme. The Programme encourages the participation of clients in healthy pursuits as diverse as rambling, gardening and cooking nutritious meals.