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Young Wrexham

Housing

Whether it’s a castle or a bed-sit, home is your own space, where you can be safe, comfortable, and a base to build your life.

Finding and moving into a place of your own is one of the most exciting, and one of the most stressful, times in your life. There are many options – from sharing rented accommodation to buying your own house or apartment, and what you do will depend on your financial situation.

There are a lot of decisions to be made before you even start looking for somewhere. What can you afford in terms of rent or mortgage? Location is important – do you want to be near your college or workplace, close to your family, within easy reach of school for your children, close to shops and other amenities, somewhere with good access to public transport?

Or have you become homeless for some reason and need help finding somewhere to stay in the short and long term?

The following contacts will provide practical information, help you to look at your options, and guide you through the process of finding and setting up your home.

Council Housing

Wrexham County Borough Council owns and manages a range of properties in the Borough, from bedsits and retirement accommodation to flats and houses.

Making an Application for Council Housing

To apply for Council housing you must complete a housing application form and return it to one of the Council's local housing offices or Housing Services, Ruthin Road, Wrexham.

If you need any further assistance to complete the form, staff at the local housing offices and INFO Shop are available to help you. It is very important that you complete this form fully and accurately. Housing is allocated on a point’s basis and the information you give on the application form is used to decide how many points you are entitled to.

The booklet ‘Applying for Housing’ gives you all the information you need to know to make an application. This booklet and the Housing Application form can be obtained from any of Wrexham Council’s local housing offices or Housing Services, Ruthin Road, Wrexham. For those who are unable to access the housing offices due to mobility issues, staff are available to arrange home visits.

Tenancy Support

Wrexham County Borough Council Housing Services provides FREE and discreet housing support to ALL Wrexham County Borough Council Tenants who need help to successfully maintain their tenancy.

The service is tailored to meet your individual needs.

Some people find it difficult to manage their tenancy because they are first time tenants; however some existing tenants also struggle to cope.

Who is eligible for support?

Any tenant of Wrexham County Borough Council in the following list can have tenancy support:

If you would like tenancy support please complete the online form.

Young Parents Tenancy Support

Caia Park Partnership

What is Young Parents Tenancy Support?

Young parent’s tenancy support provides intense support to help Wrexham's young parents (aged 16-25) to secure or maintain appropriate safe accommodation in Wrexham.

As part of this support, we also offer workshops focusing on issues relevant to young parents i.e. life & parenting skills, debt & money management, healthy eating & lifestyles as well as one-to-one support and advice & guidance.

How do I get more information?

If you feel that you, or someone you know, may benefit from the service call into the office at Caia Park Partnership anytime during opening hours for a confidential chat.

Opening hours are:
Monday to Thursday – 9.00am till 5.00pm
Friday – 9.00am till 4.30pm

Alternatively you can ring Sharon on 07944 427068 or Bethan on 01978 310984.

Compass Partnership

Tenancy and Family Support Service

The Tenancy and Family Support Service provides support to Young People between the ages of 16-25 years, some of whom may be young parents. Our main aim is for young people to have an opportunity to live independently and safely within their own home and community.

For more information visit Compass Partnership.

Homeless

If you are homeless or under threat of being homeless, contact the Housing Options team on 01978 292949 or 01978 292937. Emergency accommodation may be available to eligible people.

If you do become homeless or are likely to become homeless within 28 days, your Council's legal obligations to you will depend upon your personal circumstances and the reasons why you became homeless. The Council has a duty of care to vulnerable people.

A local authority also has a responsibility to look after you under the Children Act if:

If you are under 16 and are forced to leave home, you can contact your local authority social services department. They will step in if they become aware of what is happening. The local authority may want to talk to your family to see what services it could provide to enable you to stay at home. If this is not possible, the local authority may try to find a relative to look after you or may offer to accommodate you. If you are at risk of suffering significant harm, the local authority may consider taking you into care.

Council Housing Options for those with Special Needs

Adapted Properties

Some Council properties are specially adapted for disabled applicants and Wrexham Council try to allocate these properties to people who need an adapted property. You will need to ensure that you complete Section 11 in the Council’s Housing Application form to be considered for an adapted property.

Applications from Existing Council Tenants

Applications are welcomed from all existing Council tenants wishing to transfer to a more suitable property within the County Borough.

Normally applicants will be required to be a secure tenant of Wrexham County Borough Council prior to applying for a transfer, unless the property has become unsuitable for their needs, e.g. due to a change in family circumstances, health reasons etc.

To be considered for an allocation, you must not be in breach of any aspect of your tenancy conditions. This includes:

You will be told in writing what steps you need to take in order to be considered for an allocation. If you owe outstanding housing related debts, rent arrears, recharges etc to Wrexham Council, you will receive reduced preference on the waiting list through the deduction of penalty points (see the section in the Applying for Housing booklet on “Assessing your Points”).

Mutual Exchanges and HomeSwapper

If you are a secure tenant of the Council or a Housing Association, you have the right to swap (exchange) your home with another Housing Association or secure Council tenant. You must get written agreement from the Council or Housing Association first and can only be refused in certain circumstances, for example: if the property will be too large or too small for your needs.

Wrexham County Borough Council subscribes to HomeSwapper. This is a website which enables Council and Housing Association tenants to find their ideal mutual exchange, searching for potential matches with thousands of other tenants from all over the country. HomeSwapper is easy to use with effective matching. Hundreds of families swap homes via the service every month.

The site can provide you with updates and possible matches by email, text message or your on-line account. Registration is free, easy and secure via the website.

If you don't have internet access or know someone who would like to participate but does not have internet access, a HomeSwapper application form can be obtained from the Local Housing Offices or you can get free internet access at any library within the County Borough.

For more information contact your local housing office or Housing Services, Ruthin Road, Wrexham. You can also go to the HomeSwapper website at www.homeswapper.co.uk.

Housing Associations

Housing Associations are non-profit making, independent bodies which build and manage accommodation and provide support to those in housing need.

In the Wrexham area there are a number of properties managed by different Housing Associations. Unlike the Council, Housing Associations are able to build new properties and so the number of properties they have may increase in the future.

Housing Associations also have their own housing waiting lists from which they allocate 50% of their empty properties. The other 50% are ‘nominated’ to the Council (see below). As well as being on the Council’s waiting list you can apply to the Housing Associations directly.

Housing Associations with properties in Wrexham County Borough

Nominations

Housing Associations are required by the Welsh Assembly Government to help the Council find accommodation for those in need. They must ask the Council to provide names, i.e. “nominees” for at least 50% of their properties that become empty. Wrexham County Borough Council is able to “nominate” applicants from its own housing waiting list to Housing Associations with properties in the Borough.

If you become a Housing Association tenant, your tenancy will be very similar to a Council tenancy although your rights will be slightly different. Rents are affordable and you can claim housing benefit if you have a low income.

If you are on the Council waiting list and want to be considered for a nomination, you should answer ‘Yes’ to the question on page 12 of the Council’s Housing Application Form.

Private Rented Properties

You may also wish to consider renting from a private landlord. There are a number of private rented properties in Wrexham and these properties are usually advertised in the local paper or through local letting agents. You will usually need to have a deposit and one month’s rent in advance to secure a private tenancy. You may be able to get help from Housing Benefit towards your rent.

A full list of local letting agents is available

Purchasing a Property

If you can afford to do so, you may want to consider purchasing your own property. There are a number of Estate Agents in Wrexham that can help you to find what you are looking for, as well as internet sites.

It is a good idea to get financial advice from an independent financial advisor, bank or building society before you go ahead with purchasing a new home to make sure that you can afford to take on all the costs associated with buying a property.

Low Cost Home Ownership

Low Cost Home Ownership aims to assist people who cannot afford to purchase a property on the open market suitable for their needs. Wrexham Council’s Housing Strategy team works with Housing Associations and developers to provide low cost homes that are affordable. There are several options available to help people get on the housing ladder, including shared ownership schemes.

If you are interested in low cost home ownership options, the Council operates a register which is administered by Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd. When properties become available to purchase, the Housing Association contacts applicants on the register with details.

An information booklet and registration form is available

To find out more information please contact the Housing Strategy department on 01978 315300 or email.

Supported Housing for Young People

Foyer

The Wrexham Foyer provides accommodation for up to 2 years for single homeless people aged between 16 and 25. The project aims to provide the individual with housing related support and assistance in the development of life skills, including budgeting, cooking, employment and training opportunities, prior to moving on to independent living. The Foyer is run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and is close to Wrexham town centre.

To find out more contact the Wrexham Foyer Senior Project Officer on 01978 262222.

Hurst Newton

Hurst Newton provides accommodation for up to two years for single homeless people aged between 16 and 25. The project aims to provide the individual with support and assistance in the development of life-skills including budgeting, cooking, employment and training opportunities, prior to moving on to independent living. Hurst Newton is run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and is situated within walking distance to Wrexham town centre.

For more information contact the Senior Project Officer at Hurst Newton on 01978 363761 or Wrexham County Borough Council’s Housing Options team on 01978 292949 or 01978 292937.

Hafan

Hafan provides short term accommodation for single homeless people aged between 16-25 who the local authority determines to be in priority need of housing. Hafan is run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and all referrals come from Wrexham Council’s Housing Options team.

To find out more information please contact them on 01978 292949 or 01978 292937, or you can contact Hafan directly on 01978 268110.

Preswylfa

Preswylfa provides accommodation for pregnant women or mothers with babies and homeless people aged 16 and over. Preswylfa is run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and all nominations for accommodation come from Wrexham Council’s Housing Options team.

Please contact them on 01978 292949 or 01978 292937.

Barnardo’s Compass Partnership

Compass offers advice and assistance with finding accommodation for young homeless people aged 16-25. They offer a Bond Guarantee Scheme which landlords accept instead of a deposit. They also offer tenancy and family support to young people who have their own homes, so that they are able to live independently and safely within their communities.

For more information contact Barnardo’s on 01978 315130 or email.

Hafan Cymru

Hafan Cymru is a charitable organisation operating across Wales, providing housing and support services to women, men and their children, particularly those escaping Domestic Abuse. They also run a supported accommodation project specifically for young people aged 16-25.

For more information on the services they operate in Wrexham please contact Hafan Cymru on 01978 823077.

Other Supported Housing

KeyRing

KeyRing works with vulnerable people and families who have a mild to moderate learning disability. KeyRing’s Community Living Workers give support to three networks of vulnerable adults in Wrexham to enable them to live independently.

KeyRing has a local volunteer in each area that lives within a 10 minute walk of each member of the network to offer support as and when is needed. This is backed up by a community support worker and the support of the other members of the network. All support is member led and an individual support plan is drawn up with members to enable personal and social development.

To find out more information, contact KeyRing on 07976 854831.

CAIS

CAIS is a voluntary organisation providing a range of services for people who misuse drugs or alcohol. They offer a number of projects in Wrexham for people needing support, some of which can offer supported accommodation for up to two years.

To find out more information please contact them on 01978 367030.

Nacro

Nacro is a national crime reducing charity that works with ex-offenders and disadvantaged people. Nacro run a number of services in Wrexham including housing for ex-offenders and vulnerable homeless people.

To find out more information contact Nacro on 01978 314313.

St John’s House & Richmond House

St John’s House provides a direct access service to homeless individuals managed by The Wallich and offers a safe, secure, temporary home in shared accommodation along with a dedicated and comprehensive personal development plan for each resident, outlining how they want their life to change and how they can be helped to achieve their goals.

The service provides accommodation for six individuals aged 18+ and is staffed 24 hours a day. The project offers short to medium term residencies in preparation for resettlement into permanent homes and helps people with specific needs and problems that are causing or exacerbated by homelessness. St John’s provides support to people in developing independent living skills and facilitates access to other services such as healthcare, training or education.

Richmond House comprises of 5 self contained bedsits which are additional to St John’s and provides support to residents that are further along the journey to independent living. Support is provided on a 24-hour basis with a comprehensive on-call service available to all residents.

To contact St John’s House call 01978 355155 or email.

Tŷ Nos

Tŷ Nos night shelter is run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and offers temporary overnight accommodation, food and washing facilities for people over the age of 18 who have no permanent place to live. The shelter is open from 8pm and is situated at the former Maes Y Dre Community Centre on Holt Road, Wrexham.

Save the Family

Save the Family provide homeless families with support and a place to call home for as long as it takes them to get back on their feet. They are a support network and extended family to those who may never have had someone to turn to or depend on, with support continuing after the families have left their accommodation. They have six properties within Wrexham County Borough specifically for families who find themselves homeless.

Save the Family empower families to fight themselves out of a crisis situation by creating a secure community which provides training and educational programmes to equip them for the future.

To find out more information please contact Save the Family on 01244 813562 or visit www.savethefamily.uk.com

Shelter Cymru

Shelter Cymru offer a range of housing advice and advocacy for anybody needing help or looking for more information on housing or debt related issues.

To find out more please contact Shelter Cymru on 01978 317911.

Support for Private Rented Tenants

If you are in private rented property you may be unaware of your rights with regards to your tenancy. There is information and support available to private rented tenants who may be experiencing difficulties with their landlords.

You can contact Shelter Cymru on 01978 317911 or Compass Project on 01978 315130 for more information. If you are under 25 you can contact Response on 01978 314314. You can also contact the Housing Options team on 01978 292937 or 01978 292949.

The Housing Standards team of Wrexham Council regulate the condition of privately rented houses including houses in multiple occupation and may be able to help you if you have problems with the condition of your property.

Their contact number is 01978 315300.

Gypsies and Travellers Support Scheme

Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd work with gypsies and travellers to provide extra housing management support to families and individuals who require help in maintaining their tenancies successfully. The support is available for gypsies and travellers who decide to settle in the housed community or if they have an occupancy agreement elsewhere. The support can include help with matters such as benefits advice, rent and utility bills.

For further details contact the Supported Housing Team at Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd on 0345 230 3140.

Harassment/Anti-Social Behaviour

Your home should be a place of safety and enjoyment. It is your right to live in peace and safety without being affected by anti-social behaviour and disruptive neighbours.

If you are being affected by noise nuisance you can contact Wrexham Council’s Environmental Health department on 01978 298989.

If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant and are experiencing harassment or anti-social behaviour in your property, or if the person who is causing the nuisance is a Council or Housing Association tenant, you can contact the Council or Housing Association and/or the Police to report it.

For Council tenants, please contact your local housing office.

If you are Housing Association tenant the contact numbers are below:

You can also contact the Police on 0845 607 1002 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Conflict Resolution Service

The Conflict Resolution Service provides independent, impartial and confidential support to help individuals work through issues within families that can lead to exclusion from the family home. The service is also available to those in other circumstances where there is conflict within the home such as difficulty with neighbours. The mediator will meet with both parties separately or together as appropriate to enable a compromise agreeable to both parties.

The service is operated by The Wallich and is available to anyone over the age of 16. Referrals are available through Wrexham Council’s Housing Options Team on 01978 292937 or 01978 292949.

Domestic Violence

Hafan Cymru

Hafan Cymru (Formally Cymdeithas Tai Hafan) is a charitable organisation operating across Wales, providing housing and support services to women, men and their children, particularly those escaping Domestic Abuse.

For more information on the services they operate in Wrexham please contact Hafan Cymru on 01978 823077.

Wrexham Women’s Aid

Wrexham Women's Aid offers a free, non-judgmental and confidential service providing information, emotional and practical support to women and their children who have experienced, or are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. They provide an inclusive service for all women, with and without children, regardless of race, age, disability, sexual orientation and religious beliefs. They also have a refuge which offers safe temporary accommodation, with resettlement support available to women leaving the refuge.

Wrexham Women’s Aid also runs outreach support and a freedom programme, as well as a drop in centre; all of which provide practical information and support for women experiencing domestic abuse.

To find out more information please contact Women’s Aid on 01978 310203 (24 hours) or visit www.wrexhamwomensaid.org.uk or call the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 801 0800 (calls are free from a landline).

BAWSO

BAWSO is voluntary organisation, providing specialist holistic services to Black and Minority Ethnic women and children, who are, or are about to be made homeless through a threat of domestic abuse, or who are suffering or fleeing domestic abuse in Wales. It is affiliated to Welsh Women's Aid and works closely and in partnership with other women's aid organisations.

For more information contact BAWSO on 01978 355818 or email.

Dyn Project

The Dyn Project gives support and advice to men who are experiencing domestic abuse from a partner. They can be contacted on 0808 801 0321.

A directory of Housing Support Schemes in Wrexham can be found on Wrexham Council’s website.

Remaining in your own home

You may wish to stay in your own home but are having difficulties in coping with your property due to a disability, financial issues or ill health. There may be ways in which you can be supported to stay in your home without having to move.

Below is some information that may be of help to you if you wish to remain in your current property.

What to do if you are facing eviction or repossession

If you are finding it difficult to pay your rent or mortgage and are in arrears, or if you are facing repossession there may be some help available to enable you to remain in your own home. To find out more information please contact Wrexham Council’s Housing Options Team on 01978 292949 or 01978 292937. You can also contact Shelter on 01978 317911, or if you are under 25 you can contact Response on 01978 314314.

Equipment & Adaptations

If you have a disability you may be able to get help to make your home more suitable for your needs. The booklet ‘Adapting your Home’ published by Wrexham Council gives you more information on the help available.

The information below gives further advice on some of the grants available.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Disabled Facilities Grants are available for a range of works necessary to help a disabled person to remain living independently at home. This includes access to essential amenities such as toilets and bathroom and kitchen facilities, and adapting the controls of any heating, lighting or power supplies to make them suitable for use.

Grants are available to persons of all ages, with a disability or life limiting illness. Except in the case of a child with a disability, a person applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant will be subject to a test of financial resources to see whether the applicant would have to contribute to the cost of the works.

If you or a person who lives with you are experiencing difficulties in getting around in your home, or are having difficulty with bathing facilities in the home due to illness/disability, then the first step is to contact the Contact Assessment Team of the Adult Social Care department, on 01978 292066. They will pass your request to the Occupational Therapy team who may contact you to obtain further information. Your referral will be prioritised according to your needs and a member of the Occupational Therapy team will arrange to complete an assessment with you.

Minor Adaptations

Some adaptations are able to be provided on a shorter time span than a Disabled Facilities Grant through a Minor Adaptations Grant. Minor Adaptation Assistance is awarded on a discretionary basis to all tenures (except Housing Association tenants) to pay for qualifying adaptations to their home. All applications for Minor Adaptations Assistance must be supported by an Adaptation Care Plan produced by a member of the Occupational Therapy team.

To find out more information please contact the Housing Renewal team of Wrexham Council on 01978 315300.

Financial Information

Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance

If you are on a low income then you may be entitled to help towards paying your rent and council tax. To be eligible to claim Housing Benefit you must be liable to make rent payments on the property which you live in.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) applies to all private tenants who make a claim for Housing Benefit. Claims are calculated using LHA rates which are provided monthly by the Rent Officer.

Housing Benefit normally starts from the Monday following the date that you submit your claim, therefore it’s important that you do not delay in returning your claim form.

Claim forms are available from the Housing Benefit section, any local housing office or from Contact Wrexham.

To find out further information please contact the Housing Benefit Section on 01978 292033 or visit our website.

Welfare Rights

The Welfare Rights team provide advice and help to claim benefits that you may be entitled to. To find out more information please call 01978 298254.

Debt Advice

If you are struggling with debt there are organisations who may be able to help you. For more information please visit the moneys section of Young Wrexhamcontact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Wrexham on 01978 364639. The National Debtline may also be able to help and you can contact them on 0808 808 4000.

Wrexham Council Local Estate Offices & other Council Services

Broughton Estate Office
27 Derby Road
Brynteg
LL11 6LW
01978 722020

Caia Estate Office
7 Churchill Drive
Wrexham
LL13 9HH
01978 317040

Gwersyllt Estate Office
2 Wheatsheaf Lane
Gwersyllt
LL11 4EU
01978 722100

Plas Madoc Estate Office
50 Peris
Plas Madoc
LL14 3LF
01978 813000

Rhos Estate Office
Station House, Brook Street
Rhosllanerchrugog
LL14 2ED
01978 832900

Contact Wrexham
16 Lord Street
Wrexham
LL11 1LG
01978 292000

Housing Services
Ruthin Road
Wrexham
LL13 7TU
01978 315300
housing@wrexham.gov.uk

Homelessness Service
Lambpit Street
Wrexham
LL11 1WH
01978 292947/292949/292937
Out of Hours: 01978 264240

Adult Social Care
Crown Buildings
Chester Street
Wrexham
LL13 8BG
01978 292066
socialservices@wrexham.gov.uk

Occupational Therapy Service
Crown Buildings
31 Chester Street
Wrexham
LL13 8ZE
01978 292066

Local Housing Associations

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Ltd
72 Ffordd William Morgan
St Asaph Business Park
St Asaph
Denbighshire
LL17 0JD
Tel: 0800 183 5757
www.clwydalyn.co.uk

Wales & West Housing Association
Unit 2, Acorn Business Park
Aber Road
Flint
CH6 5YN
Tel: 0800 052 2526
www.wwha.net

Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd
54 Stryd Y Dyffryn
Denbigh
LL16 3BW
Tel: 0345 230 3140
www.taiclwyd.com

Habinteg Housing Association
(Provide housing for people with
mobility problems only)
Regional Office, Beech House
Woodland Park
Bradford Road
Chain Bar
Bradford
BD19 6BW
Tel: 0845 6023626
www.habinteg.org.uk

Other Organisations

Shelter Cymru
PO Box 2293
Wrexham
LL11 0FB
Tel: 0845 075 5005
01978 317911

Age Concern North East Wales
Suite 2, Daniel Owen Precinct
Mold
CH7 1AP
Tel: 08450 549822

Wrexham Foyer
Crescent Road
Wrexham
LL13 8HF
Tel: 01978 262222

Hurst Newton
Bersham Road
Wrexham
LL14 4HD
Tel: 01978 363761

Hafan
Wrexham Foyer
Crescent Road
Wrexham
LL13 8HF
Tel: 01978 268110

Preswylfa
Wrexham Foyer
Crescent Road
Wrexham
LL13 8HF
Tel: 01978 268109

Barnardo’s Compass Partnership
2 Grosvenor Road
Wrexham
LL11 1BU
Tel: 01978 315130
compasspartnership@barnardos.org.uk

Hafan Cymru
Midland Bank Chambers
High Street
Ruabon
Wrexham
LL14 6AA
Tel: 01978 823077

Citizens Advice Bureau
35 Grosvenor Road
Wrexham
LL11 1BT
01978 364639

INFO Shop
2 North Arcade
Chester Street
Wrexham
LL13 0JU
01978 358900

KeyRing
PO Box 2172
Wrexham
LL13 0WH
Tel: 07976 854831

CAIS
Grove Park House
Grove Park Road
Wrexham
LL12 7AA
Tel: 01978 367030

Nacro
35 Chester Street
Wrexham
LL13 8AH
Tel: 01978 314313

St John’s House
Chester Road
Wrexham
LL12 7AX
Tel: 01978 355155
Fax: 01978 361991
st.johns@thewallich.net

Tŷ Nos
Holt Road
Wrexham
LL13 7LU
Tel: 01978 291274

Wrexham Women’s Aid
6 Temple Row
Wrexham
LL13 8LY
Tel: 01978 310203

BAWSO
33 Grosvenor Road
Wrexham
LL11 1BT
Tel: 01978 355818
Wrexham@bawso.org.uk

Dyn Project
Tel: 0808 801 0321

Save the Family
Plas Bellin Hall
Oakenholt Lane
Northop Hall
Flintshire
CH7 6DF
Tel: 01244 813562
info@savethefamily.uk.com
www.savethefamily.uk.com

Welfare Rights Unit (WRU)
Gladman Buildings
Unit 5 Edison Court
Ellice Way
Wrexham
LL13 7YZ
01978 298254