Wales establishes ERoSH Cymru

Over 30 representatives of sheltered housing providers and local authorities from across Wales met in Parc Nantgarw on Friday 8 April 2005 to discuss the setting up of a Welsh group to support the work of ERoSH, the national consortium for sheltered and retirement housing.

The group, which will be known as ERoSH Cymru, follows on from initial discussions that took place in Cardiff last year, when the idea of a Welsh group was first explored. Since then, the number of interested organisations has grown.

The move has been welcomed by many providers who have already stressed the need for local representation so that they can benefit from having a focus for discussion of issues that are pertinent to the sector in Wales.

The expectation is that, given the dramatic cuts in the Supporting People programme in Wales, the group will have a very strong campaigning element in order to raise the profile of the sector directly with the Welsh Assembly Government. It also intends to have the capacity to develop good practice in order to promote high standards amongst providers, again with a Welsh focus.

Jackie Bloxham of Wales and West Housing Association, said: 'The setting up of a group in Wales is extremely positive. It is essential to allow for the sharing of good practice and the improving of services to our residents. The group can focus on the sector in Wales separately, but still work closely with the national group.'

Linda Milton, former ERoSH Chair, will be lending her support on the day. She said: 'I welcome ERoSH Cymru, which extends the ERoSH family while keeping its own focus. In doing so, however, it will add considerably to the excellent collaborative work that is happening elsewhere in the UK which is committed to raising the profile of the sector and developing good practice.'

The setting up of ERoSH Cymru is the second national group to be established since the formation of ERoSH in England in 1997. ERoSH Northern Ireland was launched in 2003 with similar goals; namely, to raise awareness amongst professionals, government agencies and the general public of sheltered housing's important role in enabling older people to live independently within local communities.