Housing in a Wellbeing Economy

Join our May forum, on Thursday 11th May from 7pm till 8:30pm, via Zoom, where we will be discussing the housing system in Wales, and what needs to change to ensure everyone has access to comfortable, affordable and secure housing. What are the disruptions and innovations that point towards a sustainable and affordable housing system for the future, what’s the role of the private sector, what’s happening near you, and what are your ideas?

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/housing-in-a-wellbeing-economy-tickets-617238104787

Everyone is welcome, and your perspectives will help us all develop a collective vision of the future for housing in a Wellbeing Economy here in Wales. We will have a panel of experts to provide some thought-provoking contributions, before opening up to discussion with people and organisations across Wales.

Ruth Power, CEO of Shelter Cymru

Ruth started out in local authority and housing association homelessness services in Cardiff and London, and later set up and managed accommodation-based services, such as an independent women’s refuge; and the first mother and baby supported home for teenagers, for a black-led housing association. She was London Regional Director for Advice UK for 5 yrs and worked for 15yrs+ in criminal justice. Ruth joined Shelter Cymru as CEO during the pandemic. She chairs Homes for All Cymru and is a member of the Ending Homelessness National Advisory Board, established by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Climate Change. Ruth will give Shelter Cymru’s perspective on the current housing emergency and how we can think differently about people and homes.

Linda Whitaker, CEO of Tai Tarian

Linda has been CEO at Tai Tarian since it was set up in 2011 following the transfer of 9000+ properties from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. The organisation, one of the largest housing providers in Wales, has been innovative from the start and was the first to pledge, back in October 2019, that it would reach Carbon neutrality by 2030. Linda’s career started in the finance sector but moved into housing over 30 years ago, her last post before being appointed as CEO was as Director of Housing within the Welsh Government.

Rowland Jones, MD of RJ Chartered Surveyors

Rowland Jones is a Chartered Surveyor and has been active in the property sector in South and West Wales for over 40 years. The impact of property within the economy of the area has always been an area of considerable interest and how property can improve and sustain SME’s operating within the region. In recent years he has been actively trying to develop ways in which the private sector can play a meaningful and sustainable role in the delivery of affordable housing to rent for the long term.

Claire White, Community Led Housing Enabler, Cwmpas

Claire White is a community-led housing enabler for the Communities Creating Homes programme at Cwmpas, a development agency working for positive change that puts people and planet first. Claire supports communities to explore how they can do housing differently and works with them to deliver their own genuinely affordable, low-carbon homes. She is also a trustee of the Community Land Trust network which has a mission to see a community land trust in every community that wants one. The network is aiming to bring community ownership of affordable housing and land into the mainstream of public policy and market practice.

David James, Rural Housing Enabler, Monmouthshire

Dai is an independent consultant working in South East Wales, whose objective is to help deliver affordable housing for local people in rural areas of Monmouthshire. His post is hosted by Monmouthshire Housing Association, and funded by Welsh Government, Monmouthshire County Council, MHA, Melin Homes, and Seren. Dai is also working independently with local community councils to facilitate the development of affordable homes for local people.

Register your free place at this open discussion forum, hosted by Wellbeing Economy Cymru and facilitated by Dawn Lyle from 4theRegion.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/housing-in-a-wellbeing-economy-tickets-617238104787