60th anniversary real life stories: Janine
Janine was homeless and living in a mother and baby hostel with her six-month-old son, when she was offered a Wales & West Housing home on the Hillfort estate in Cardiff. That was 21 years ago.
She says: “I remember when I first walked into the house, one of the bedrooms was painted bright pink like a princess palace. I was given paint vouchers to redecorate it for my son.
“I was really lucky. My neighbour had a baby the same age and we became good friends. We had no money and would spend our time in the garden with our children. We’re still neighbours and close friends and our children have grown up together.”
Over the years, Janine has become an important part of the community where she lives and works. Together with her neighbours, she’s volunteered her time to organise activities and entertainment for children and their parents on the estate. In 2010 they set up Unity in the community, a community-based project to organise free events.
“It was tough bringing up two children on my own,” says Janine, who lives with her two sons aged 21 and 17.
“When they were little, I asked my neighbours if there was anything for kids and mothers to do and there wasn’t. So, we got in touch with Communities First and they funded a family fun day.
“It all took off from there really. Some of the mothers got together, we put in a bid to the National Lottery and got funding for activities.
“We’ve been doing it for 15 years. Our own kids have grown up and gone to university and there are new families coming to our events now.”
The Unity volunteers have also grown in confidence and their services have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.
“In lockdown, families were struggling, so we opened our community shop,” Janine explains.
Claire Hammond, WWH’s Resident Participation Strategy Officer, helped them to access organisations and supermarkets where they could collect food and other items to stock the shop, so residents can get low-cost meals and free items they need. Community Development Officer for the area, Herman Valentin, also helped them to organise fun days and apply for funding for their events.
“My family was worried when I told them I was moving to Ely. But I have never felt as safe as I do living here. It’s a lovely place and feels like a village. The community looks out for each other.”
“Wales & West Housing staff have been really helpful,” Janine continues.
“They are great landlords. They’ve had a massive impact on me and the community where we live.
“I’ve had opportunities to be part of the Resident Participation Steering Group for WWH residents, and I’ve done courses with TPAS. It’s helped me build my confidence.
“I love living in my Wales & West Housing house in Ely. It’s a great community. My neighbours are like family. I’m so glad I made my home here.”