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“I’m ready to move on, with the
knowledge that other women who may
be feeling like I once did may benefit
from the support CTH provides.”
CHANGING WOMEN’S LIVES
Trudy’s Story:
A new beginning
It’s two years since I moved into
supported housing with
Cymdeithas Tai Hafan (CTH).
After two disastrous relationships
I had lost my confidence and my
self esteem and I just couldn’t
cope. I was alone with my three
boys and two girls, the eldest
suffering extreme ADHD.
My life was chaotic and disruptive
and I felt I could never again trust
in a relationship.
My life has turned around. I have a
voice that is listened to. This has
come about through support.
There is always someone to share my
problems and discuss ways to change
whatever is troubling me, but what’s
good, is it’s my choice. I’ve learned a
lot and I’ve been part of regional
tenants’ get-togethers where CTH
have listened to our needs.
As time has moved on, I’m now
confident enough to help new people
who have arrived on the scheme to
settle in and become part of our
community. I’ve been the birthing
partner of another tenant and I feel
that I’ve made friends for life.
Perhaps the most important thing I’ve
learned is to trust myself. I’ve started
voluntary work in the community and
hope to apply for a job with CTH
once I’ve finished the scheme and
gained experience. I’m happy now
and, most importantly, my children
are happy with life. We have all come
a long way in our time with CTH.
This has not been easy to write but I
feel I owe so much and I think it’s
important to say thank you CTH!
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Cymdeithas Tai Hafan has come
a long way,
to change the lives
of women.
Pioneering work making a
difference to women in Wales!
The history of Cymdeithas Tai Hafan is linked very
closely to the development of Welsh Women’s Aid
supporting women and their children who
experience domestic abuse, with the provision of
refuges, information, guidance and advice.
I was the first Coordinator of Welsh Women’s Aid in
1978, with a small grant from the former Welsh Office
and a handful of refuges starting up across Wales. We
saw the need to assist women and their children in
starting new lives, after fleeing domestic abuse, with a
stay in a safe refuge leading to re-housing and support
for training and aftercare.
Providing a housing route for women and their
children is a vital step to a new life and the housing
provided is designed to meet the need and provide
an opportunity for involvement as tenants in the
management of their homes.
A focus on young people and their needs has led to
links with the National Assembly’s Young People’s
Forum ‘Funky Dragon’ as just one example of the
confidence building and integration in young people’s
wider activities and influence in Wales. Cathy has
developed this organisation with great flair and
commitment for the benefit of thousands of women and
children including many in the Vale of Glamorgan with
projects such as ‘New Dawn’ opening up opportunities
for women , with courses to raise confidence in their
daily lives and I have seen the benefits of this in my visit
to the Barry project.
As Minister for Equalities I was delighted to host the
2007 CTH AGM in the Assembly last September, to
discuss the Welsh Assembly Government’s Domestic
Abuse Strategy and hear more about their work
including their education pack for schools.
Jane Hutt AM
115 High Street
Barry
Vale of Glamorgan CF62 7DT
01446 740981 |
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In 1989 Cymdeithas Tai Hafan (CTH) began from
humble beginnings in an attic room in
Carmarthen, with the aim of enabling women
escaping domestic abuse to improve their lives.
With just one member of staff, Cathy Davies, then the
Development Officer for CTH had an overdraft of
£75,000, no tenants and no houses – though by 1990
the very first foundation had been laid for CTH’s
supported housing scheme in Drefach, Llanelli.
Today, CTH provides support and housing to vulnerable
single parent families and single women of all ages, in
particular those experiencing domestic abuse,
throughout Wales, with 140 staff, 14 offices (the head
office is still in Carmarthen) and a turnover of £4.5
million. Last year CTH supported over 1456 women and
children in 17 counties in Wales – a figure which
continues to increase as the organisation expands.
CTH’s ethos is simple, as Cathy Davies (now Chief
Executive) outlined, “We’re here to enable vulnerable
women and their children who have been abused regain
the confidence and skills to live independently within
the community, by working with them to address their
needs whatever they may be - from post traumatic stress
caused by abuse to mental health issues, drug or alcohol
use, young mums or those who have been in prison or
on probation. We work in close partnership with all the
local authorities where we have projects or schemes
and work with many of their tenants to assist them in
keeping their tenancy.
We’re particularly proud of our lifelong learning project,
New Dawn which is accredited by the Open College
Network and which women whom we support can take
part in to build up their skills to be able to get back into
education or training and to get a job. After all, one of
the most important factors in being and remaining
independent is financial independence. The women we
support don’t want to live on benefits so we provide a
means for them to get back into employment. During
April 06 to March 07 our New Dawn project in the Vale
of Glamorgan supported a total of 165 learners; some of
whom have now gone on to further their career paths.”
Cathy Davies, Chief Executive, Cymdeithas Tai Hafan
For more information visit www.tai-hafan.co.uk
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