Voucher initiative offers practical support to turn houses into homes
A NEW initiative designed to support people moving on from homelessness has been launched in Conwy, offering practical help to those settling into new accommodation.
The “Welcome Home” scheme will provide residents with vouchers to purchase essential household items, helping them create a comfortable living space as they begin a new chapter.
The vouchers can be used at “Choose to Reuse” shops operated by Bryson Recycling, located at household recycling centres in Mochdre and Rhyl. The shops stock a wide range of affordable pre-loved goods, from kitchen essentials to decorative items.
Bryson Recycling, which delivers waste management services on behalf of Conwy County Borough Council, has donated £5,000 worth of vouchers to support the scheme. The organisation also runs recycling centres in Mochdre and Abergele, where reusable items are saved from landfill and resold to benefit the community.
Gareth Walsh, Head of Regional Operations at Bryson Recycling, said the initiative would have a lasting local impact.
He said: “We are proud to be working alongside Conwy County Borough Council to deliver the Welcome Home scheme. By giving reusable items a second chance we can support residents at a crucial time while also reducing waste and building a more sustainable society.”
Council representatives say the scheme recognises the challenges people face when moving into a new home after experiencing homelessness.
Councillor Mike Priestley, Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Infrastructure, said: “Moving into a new home after experiencing homelessness is a significant milestone, but it can also be a challenging time financially. The Welcome Home scheme provides practical support to help residents settle in with dignity and comfort.”
Richard Bartram, Housing Partnership Manager at Conwy County Borough Council, added that the scheme is part of a wider collaborative effort.
He said: “For many households, experiencing homelessness is an incredibly difficult time. When we support a household into a new home, it’s a key moment, and this scheme allows us to help them turn that house into a home.
“Homelessness should be rare, brief and unrepeated, and collaborative schemes like this go a long way towards achieving that.”
Councillor Stephen Price, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning, Audit and Regulatory Services, described the initiative as a “fantastic and most welcomed” step in supporting residents.
The “Choose to Reuse” shops offer a wide selection of affordable items, including kitchenware, children’s toys and decorative pieces, helping families furnish their homes at low cost while promoting sustainability.
Residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the council’s Housing Solutions Team for support.
