Member Article

Grŵp Cynefin strengthens its housing team

Grŵp Cynefin who is responsible for 4000 properties across North Wales is strengthening its team of staff by appointing four new officers within the Housing Department.

All four have taken up their posts over the past few months, and are getting to know, chat and visit tenants within their specific areas.

Meleri Williams, 26, is from Bala in Gwynedd; Awel Morris, 38, was born in Powys, whilst Catrin Lois Roberts, 32, is originally from Trawsfynydd. The housing society’s fourth new officer is Rhys Edwards, 31 from Bala. Awel, Catrin and Rhys have been appointed as Housing Officers, whilst Meleri is a Welfare Officer for Grŵp Cynefin.

All four officers have differing backgrounds, but they all say that being able to work for an organisation who has a reputation as a fair employer to the 246 staff at Grŵp Cynefin has been important to them.

“I was fully aware that Grŵp Cynefin had a good reputation locally, had a great team working for the organisation and that terms and condition of employment were good. It was also important for me to be able to work locally through the medium of Welsh,” explains Catrin Lois Roberts who lives with her young family in Frongoch, near Bala.

“As a mother of three young children, the opportunity to work part-time was also very important so that I had a good balance between family and professional life.

“I really enjoy the work, I’m getting to know the tenants and the area, and I am able to be on hand to offer advice or guidance to people in difficulty or with problems - making the job worthwhile.

Catrin had a background in local government, while Meleri Williams graduated in psychology from Bangor University before taking up her post as an assistant psychologist for children and young people in the Wrexham area.

“It was time for a change and I wanted to work closer to home through the medium of Welsh. No day is ever the same here,” explains Meleri who works as a Welfare Officer supporting tenants who need support with their income or protecting their welfare benefits.

“I spend half my time in the office and half my time out visiting tenants in their homes. Some struggle with their benefits, some are unwell and others have disabilities which make life difficult.

“I can offer tenants practical support with paperwork, involve other agencies to improve their quality of life at home and challenge any inconsistencies in support from the Department for Work and Pensions.”

Grŵp Cynefin was no stranger to Awel Morris, who has worked for the housing association for two years.

“I worked as a Communications Officer and saw the opportunity to develop my skills and move into the Housing Department. I enjoy being amidst people, chatting with tenants, offering them support and travelling the area visiting tenants in their homes who may need some extra support.

“I really enjoy working with people, so this job is ideal because I’m in the midst of people at work on a daily basis. It’s a part-time job that gives me the best balance of working, earning a salary and spending time with family.”

Rhys Edwards decided to change his career path, joining Grŵp Cynefin after a number of years working a police officer.

“I was ready for a new challenge and saw the job advertised on the web. After a period working as a police officer, and the news that we had a child on the way, it was time to change careers to ensure more flexible working hours around the new family unit.

“I work within Conwy and part of Denbigh, and I’m also responsible for the older tenants of Denbigh. I really enjoy the work; no two days are the same. Grŵp Cynefin has a close family-knit atmosphere. I’ve been warmly welcomed as part of the team and that is credit to everyone who works here.”

Shan Lloyd Williams, Grŵp Cynefin’s Chief Executive, said: “The backbone of every good organisation is its staff. We pride ourselves on having a dedicated, talented team of staff, who have great ambitions and aim high. We are pleased to welcome the new officers and wish them all the best in their roles.

“The fundamental principle of Grŵp Cynefin is more than housing, and our professional colleagues are the ones that drive this work forward. Thank you very much for your consistent and dedicated work supporting people and communities with their housing needs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .