Supporting independent living

• Project name: Connections at the Oche
• Lead organisation: Tai Tarian

Statement of support

Our 'Connections at the Oche' project has been delivered in our Haven older persons schemes by our fantastic team of independent living officers as a way of reducing isolation, improving engagement and enhancing the wellbeing of our older tenants. 

A project that was started in just one of our 15 schemes through listening to tenants feedback around the activities they wanted to engage in has now led to a large community being created through the sport - spanning over 10 of our Haven schemes, with over 60 tenants now signed up to the teams. 

Tenants of all different backgrounds and ages come together, supporting one another to take part in this fun activity weekly . The atmosphere in our communal spaces is fantastic when these darts matches take place - from fun banter, to real heartwarming support for each other - it really is a joy to witness. We have supported them to set up tournaments between schemes widening their communities even further and significantly reducing loneliness and isolation. We see people in these events who never before engaged in communal activities, whether that's taking part in the darts, helping with the buffets or just supporting, they are there and the feedback has been great: 

Jeff (83), a player for the “Gwyn Court Dinosaurs” (one of the dart teams), expressed his gratitude for the scheme: “I must say well done to Tai Tarian for starting this brilliant initiative. When I first moved into the scheme (Gwyn Court) it was during COVID and to be honest, I was very down in the dumps. But Kirk (ILO) made me so welcome and I can now really call this my home. The ILO, Kirk, and the services available have been second to none. It’s also been piece of mind for my sons who now know that I’m in good hands and they have less to worry about. There is a real community atmosphere at the schemes and the chance to socialise is great. I love being part of the darts set up, I’m not a “bingo” person. This activity gives us all something to look forward to, its something I enjoyed when I was younger and its just great to know I can still do it!”

“It’s great to get out, meet new faces, and just have a bit of fun. I didn’t think I’d be any good at darts, but I surprised myself! When you get older you need to keep active, not only in body, but also the mind. I had never played darts before, but here we are. Who said you cant teach an old dog new tricks!” Brian Cooper (76), Gwyn Court Dinosaurs.

The project has proven to be much more than a game. It provides older and vulnerable tenants — including those with mobility issues — with an accessible, inclusive, and engaging way to stay active, social, and connected. The project demonstrates how a simple activity can deliver significant benefits to wellbeing and community life.

We'd love to see the hard work of the team and tenants recognised in the Welsh Housing Awards - it would be the cherry on the cake and no doubt an extra reason for a celebratory tournament. 

Outcomes and achievements

Activities delivered

• Regular darts matches between Haven schemes 
• Friendly competitions, often with themed team names and trophies, to encourage participation and team spirit
• Social gatherings before and after matches, often supported by shared refreshments, encouraging wider community involvement
• Inclusive play opportunities, with adaptations (such as seated play and lighter equipment) enabling participation from residents with mobility issues
• Matches/events to raise money for good causes (Macmillan 12 hour darts marathon scheduled for 10th October 2025, almost £700 raised so far).

1. Social & community benefits

• Increased interaction between residents from different schemes, building friendships and reducing loneliness
• Interaction with the “wider community” by involving friends and family of the tenants
• Creation of a light-hearted league structure that provides regular social contact and gives residents something to look forward to
• Strong community spirit developed, with schemes supporting each other both on and off the oche.

2. Physical & cognitive benefits

• Gentle activity through standing, throwing, and walking to collect darts — supporting balance and coordination
• Inclusive for those with mobility challenges, with adjustments ensuring everyone can join in. Even tenants with sight impairment join in (but we make sure they are facing the right way before letting them throw!)
• Mental stimulation through scoring, strategy, and memory, helping residents stay cognitively active.

3. Emotional & wellbeing benefits

• Boosted confidence and self-esteem from participation, competition, and achievement
• Rediscovery of past interests and hobbies, bringing joy and a renewed sense of purpose
• Shared laughter and enjoyment reducing stress and improving overall mood.

• Project name: Extra care at Hafod
• Lead organisation: Hafod

Statement of support

At Hafod, we are proud to deliver extra care schemes that do far more than simply provide a roof over someone’s head. Our approach is rooted in our vision ‘to play our role in helping communities thrive by hearing people’s voices, giving support when it matters, on the terms people want.’ 

Our three extra care schemes, Ty Heulog, Golau Caredig, and Ty Cwm, are wonderful examples of how this vision comes to life. 

Our extra care model offers people an alternative to traditional residential care, providing flexible support that adapts to changing needs. We’re committed to co-creation, community connection, and wellbeing, supporting people to live independently, while ensuring help is always available when needed. 

At the heart of our approach is listening. We design and deliver support on people’s terms, not ours. One family member captured the difference this makes, “You gave my father-in-law 12 years he wouldn’t have had otherwise.” 

This gentleman, a resident at Ty Cwm, was physically able but had a poor short-term memory. Living in extra care gave him the freedom to maintain his independence, socialise on his own terms, and receive support when he needed it. He had dinner with other residents each day before returning to his flat to do a crossword, the best of both worlds. 

Each scheme reflects the diversity of the people who live there. Residents are not passive recipients of support or care but co-creators of their homes. At Ty Heulog, tenants recently chose new colour schemes for communal areas and led planning for inclusive events like “A Day at the Races” and “Breakfast with Santa”. The scheme fosters independence, with colleagues supporting residents to join local gyms, organise coffee mornings, or take part in community fundraisers. 

Golau Caredig, in Barry, offers fully accessible, modern homes for life, with an onsite restaurant IT suite, and hair salon. Situated in the heart of Barry, it’s a community hub, open to local people who join for meals, walking groups, and poetry clubs. This integration reduces isolation and builds connections across generations. One resident said, “When I moved in, the pressure lifted.” From trips to Barry beach and lively bingo sessions to uplifting musical entertainment, this vibrant scheme consistently enriches daily life. 

From collecting for the foodbank to supporting a local dog charity, our third scheme, Ty Cwm in Merthyr, shows how small initiatives can make a big difference. The much loved “Tuneless Choir,” led by the receptionist Kayleigh, creates a sense of belonging and joy. Residents get together to sing their favourite songs, from The Rolling Stones to Spice Girls, and now they’re all learning to play the piano! The scheme also works closely with local schools through intergenerational garden projects. These activities prove that age or ability are never barriers to connection or community. 

Collaboration underpins everything we do. From working alongside housing support teams to ensure smooth transitions, to raising over £500 for Velindre Cancer Centre through resident-led fundraising, our partnerships strengthen wellbeing and demonstrate the power of community. 

In our extra care schemes, we can measure success by the experiences of our residents and feedback consistently shows they feel supported, respected, and valued. They take pride in their homes, lead their own clubs, and make key decisions, from choosing paint colours to planning celebrations. As one resident put it, “it’s our home and we make the choices.” 

At Hafod, extra care is not just a model of housing, it’s a commitment to people and community connection. By getting the basics right, connecting with our residents and communities to build meaningful relationships, and investing in the future, we create homes where people can live independently and thrive.

Outcomes and achievements

Hafod’s extra care schemes consistently deliver life-changing outcomes for residents across South Wales. From increased independence and reduced isolation to improved wellbeing, this is achieved through tailored support that evolves with the needs of residents and vibrant environments that build connection. 

Each scheme is different, shaped by its location, the unique character of its residents, and the makeup of the local community. But the common thread is community, a deep sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared purpose. 

At each scheme we see integrated housing, care, and community services support smoother transitions and better health outcomes. Our resident-led events and inclusive activities build confidence and mental wellbeing, and we know that creative projects, like the choir and intergenerational partnerships, reduce loneliness and promote joy and resilience. 

Our colleagues are embedded in daily life at the schemes, with managers organising events not only for their residents, but for local community members too. To write this submission, we spoke to Lea, Laura, and Sarah, three passionate colleagues who lead these schemes. Each spoke so beautifully about their residents and communities, and the compassion, pride, and respect in their words perfectly captured what extra care at Hafod is all about.