New rules to help area's homeless (From Penarth Times)

New rules to help area's homeless

DESPITE claims that the Vale of Glamorgan is the wealthiest area in Wales, Shelter Cymru is constantly battling with homelessness.

A recent survey by Barclays Bank claimed that properties in Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major have nudged the Vale into top slot in the list of prosperous constituencies in Wales.

But Vale Shelter Cymru case worker Heidi Samuel says the survey does not tell the full story.

She told the News: "The hardest part is changing people's perception of what constitutes homeless.

"Because you don't see people sleeping rough, many residents don't think their town has a problem.

But there are all types of homelessness - from over-crowded accommodation to walking out of a seemingly perfect home to get away from violence or sexual, physical or emotional abuse from a partner or guardian.

"People forced to sleep on friends' floors, in Bed and Breakfasts, or the back of a car are considered in need of assistance.

These are the 'hidden homeless'."

She added: "Very often, it's through no fault of their own. Causes can be sudden loss of income, loss of health, mental health or addiction."

New laws adopted by the National Assembly have widened Shelter Cymru's remit, now offering help to a range of people who were once not considered in need of assistance.

In March 2001, the National Assembly introduced the Homeless Person's Order, which extended certain groups of people's rights to help.

These include 16 to 17-year olds, ex-service men and women and ex-prisoners.

Shelter Cymru aims to place families and individuals into suitable accommodation and maintain tenancies.

Heidi said: "We offer advice with benefits, tenancy agreements - anything to do with housing."

Heidi holds four surgeries in the Vale.

The surgeries are Tuesday 10am to 12.30pm in the School House, Wine Street, Llantwit Major and 1 to 4pm in Barry Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB), Broad Street, Barry. Heidi is in Barry again on a Thursday from 9.30am to noon, before moving over to Penarth CAB between 1 and 4pm.

For further information, contact Heidi on 029 2055 6120.