Caer Las held an Open Day for its Routes project on Friday 9^th May at its office in Forge Road, which was launched by Dr Brian Gibbons, Assembly Member for Aberavon.

Caer Las is committed to tackling social exclusion and has been working across South Wales for over thirty years, helping vulnerable people gain their deserved place as valued members of society. As well as promoting its work in the Borough, the charity also launched its new brand image at the event.

Dr. Gibbons is keen to recognise the valuable contribution of Caer Las and similar organisations in Neath Port Talbot, commenting “I’m really pleased to have been invited to launch the event.  Third sector organisations, like Caer Las, play a vital role; not just in providing essential services that help individuals build better lives, such as the Routes project, but in strengthening our communities.  They bring a different perspective and added value through their skills, knowledge and expertise.  They’re also very effective at reaching and engaging people in finding new solutions to old social problems.  There’s so much we can learn about social exclusion from this sector and its special relationship with the people of the Borough." 

‘Routes’ is one of four Caer Las projects in Neath Port Talbot.  It specialises in advice and support for adults whose circumstances are insecure or unstable and need help to get their lives back on track. 
 

Project Worker, Caroline Hoare explained, “people come to us for help on all sorts of matters; homelessness, debt, benefits, health and lifestyle issues, or to build their skills and confidence to get into education or employment.  Often it’s a combination of things, which have become so complicated that the person can’t find a way out of them on their own”. 

The Forge Road office allows direct and easy access for people wanting to drop in to speak to the friendly and experienced Routes team.  The service is completely confidential.  Caroline added, “it’s important that people are given time and space to be listened to and to move forward at their own pace”

The charity’s Director, Joanne McNally explained the reason for the new image, “We needed an identity that reflects the increasing scope of our work and our new progressive approach.  The re-brand helps us to promote essential services, such as Routes, and to update communities and partners on recent changes in the organisation and our ambitious plans for the future.”

“We’re delighted to be launching our new identity in Neath Port Talbot.  In addition to Routes, we provide tenancy Support services and a Supported Shared Housing Scheme.  And in October last year we were awarded a contract by NPTBC to create a Young Persons supported housing scheme.  The scheme works with 26 of the more disadvantaged young people in the Borough, helping them gain the confidence and skills they need to manage their own home and gain a focus for their future.”  

“Our current work is challenging and inspiring, but we want to do more to tackle social exclusion.  So we’re developing a social research service and looking into the feasibility of creating a self-sustaining social business that will offer more positive opportunities for vulnerable people.”