Home Access benefitting from its new base at St Paul’s Community Centre

We just wanted to say a big thank you to Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS) for providing us with office space at St. Paul’s Community Centre. Also, like to thank Mark Stillman and Clive Curtis for their fantastic help and support, nothing is ever too much trouble for these guys and we are really grateful. Our experience since moving into St. Paul’s in January has been nothing but positive and we have been made to feel at home very quickly.

Home Access was founded in the mid 1990’s by members of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Penarth to help people struggling to find housing in the local area. Since then, the charity has helped thousands of people access privately rented property by providing a bond guarantee and supported them with issues that have affected the security of their home. These have included help with claims for state benefits, setting up accounts with energy and water suppliers, liaising with property owners, rent smart wales and statutory services. The staff have assisted with school registrations, accompanied clients to health appointments and even helped organise a funeral.

The support given by Home Access has not only helped people into safe and affordable homes it has helped many back into work or supported them through education and training and into employment. Recently one of our clients told us; "I'm really grateful for everything you do to help. I know that I can trust you, and whatever it is I can bring it to you and you'll always help me sort it. All these things usually feel too overwhelming for me to tackle by myself, even though to others they probably seem simple.”

Although staff receive referrals from the local authority and other statutory bodies, the majority of new clients come because friends and family spread the news that Home Access is a great place to get help.

Home Access in now based at St Paul’s Community Centre, Arcot Street Penarth, working alongside GVS and is supported by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The office is open every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Anyone can make an appointment by emailing info@homeaccesspenarth.co.uk or calling 07746 153767, or via our website homeaccesspenarth.co.uk or even just dropping in, the kettle is always on.