Chair of Trustees - Professor Peter Mackie Peter is a Professor at Cardiff University and has been a board member at Llamau since 2009. Expand Professor Peter Mackie Pete is a Professor at Cardiff University and has been a board member at Llamau since 2009. Pete has a particular research interest in the housing experiences and pathways of vulnerable people. Pete has particularly focused his research on youth housing and homelessness, a field in which he has sought to understand the experiences of young people from their perspectives.
Vice Chair - Wendy Richards Wendy is an Associate at Atkins, one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies where the Atkins core business is helping clients to plan, design and enable major capital programmes. Expand Wendy Richards Wendy is an Associate at Atkins, one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies where the Atkins core business is helping clients to plan, design and enable major capital programmes. Wendy's 30 years' experience has seen her undertaking a range of work from community consultation workshops with tenants for Registered Social Landlords to delivering strategic land allocations for volume house builders. Wendy is also currently a front of house volunteer at the Architecture Centre in Bristol.
Vice Chair - Adrian Peters Adrian had an academic career for 30 years and was Professor of Microbiology and Dean of Cardiff School of Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University until 2017. Expand Adrian Peters Adrian had an academic career for 30 years and was Professor of Microbiology and Dean of Cardiff School of Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University until 2017. He has considerable experience of strategic planning, business management, governance and performance management. Adrian is passionate about improving public health and health inequality and recognizes the critical role played by the third sector in placing housing at the heart of public health.
I'm at risk of becoming homeless Expand If you are at risk of becoming homeless, your local authority has a duty under the Housing (Wales) Act to look into your situation and how they can help you. If you are threatened with homelessness within the next 56 days your local authority must take all reasonable steps to find you alternative accommodation. If you are worried about being given accommodation in a mixed-gender environment because of your previous experiences, you should explain this to your local authority. Your Local Authority Housing Team will look into your case and if you are in Cardiff or Newport, you may be referred to Llamau’s gender-specific services. In Cardiff, you should visit the Housing Options Centre on Hansen Street or call 029 2057 0750 or out of hours call 029 2087 3141. In Newport, you should visit the Information Station at Station Buildings, Queensway or call 01633 656656.
I don't have anywhere to live Expand If you are a woman, are homeless, in need of some support, and would feel unsafe in mixed-gender accommodation because of your previous experiences, you will need to contact your Local Authority. Your Local Authority Housing Team will look into your case and if you are in Cardiff or Newport, you may be referred to Llamau's gender-specific services. In Cardiff, you should visit the Housing Options Centre on Hansen Street or call 029 2057 0750 or out of hours call 029 2087 3141. In Newport, you should visit the Information Station at Station Buildings, Queensway or call 01633 656656.
I'm worried about 'Honour' Based Violence or Forced Marriage Expand 'Honour' Based Violence (HBV) is serious. It is based upon cultural/traditional perceptions of individuals bringing 'shame' or 'dishonour' to their family or wider community. Forced marriage is a form of HBV. If you are experiencing, or afraid that you are at risk of, Honour Based Violence or Forced Marriage, you should call the Forced Marriage Unit Helpline: From the UK call 020 7008 0151 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) From overseas call +44 (0)20 7008 0151 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Out of office hours call 020 7007 1500 and ask for the Global Response Centre. For more information on Honour Based Violence and Forced Marriage, you can also visit Live Fear Free.
I'm worried about Female Genital Mutilation Expand If you have experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or are worried about having FGM performed on you, there are people who can provide confidential help and support. You can call the NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550. Lines are free and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email [email protected] If you think you are in immediate danger of having FGM performed on you or being taken abroad to have FGM performed on you, you should call the police on 999.
I've been raped or sexually assaulted Expand If you have been raped or sexually assaulted you may want to consider getting medical help because of the risk of pregnancy and STIs. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide services to victims/survivors of rape or sexual assault, regardless of whether the victim/survivor chooses to report the offence to the police. SARCs are designed to be comfortable, providing private space for interviews and examinations, and some may also offer counselling services. SARCs have specialist Independent Sexual Violent Advocates (ISVAs) who are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next, and to support you through this. You can find your nearest SARC by calling the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or emailing [email protected]
I don't feel safe in my relationship Expand If you (or someone you know) are in immediate danger, you should call the police on 999. If you have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence in your relationship or at home, you should call the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800. You can call the helpline for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email Live Fear Free on [email protected] or talk to someone confidentially using the Live Fear Free live chat service. Helpline staff will help you talk about your feelings, explore options, access local services, and to identify ways in which you can increase the safety of you and your children whether you would like to stay in, or end, your relationship. Information can also be provided on local services that can help to support and protect you as well as give you information on your rights and options. If you live in Caerphilly, Merthyr or Monmouthshire you can contact us directly about the support we provide in these areas. In Caerphilly contact us on 02920 860255. If you're in Merthyr contact us on 01443 414736. If you're in Monmouthshire contact us 01873 733590. If you're in Newport contact us on 01633 244 134.
Head of Young People's Services (Caerphilly and Torfaen) - Cath Gallivan Get to know Llamau's Head of Young People's Services (Caerphilly and Torfaen) - Cath Gallivan Expand
Head of Young People's Services (Newport, RCT and Merthyr) - Jane Oates Get to know Llamau's Head of Young People's Services (Newport, RCT and Merthyr) - Jane Oates Expand
Head of Young People's Services (Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, West Wales) - Joe Payne Get to know Llamau's Head of Young People's Services (Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, West Wales) - Joe Payne Expand
Treasurer - Tom Breed Tom Breed is a qualified chartered accountant and is Financial Director at Capital Law. Expand Tom Breed Tom Breed is a qualified chartered accountant and is Financial Director at Capital Law. Previously he was Financial Planning & Treasury Manager for Clarion Events Limited. Prior to that, he worked at a metal trading company in the City of London. Tom qualified as a chartered accountant with Bright Grahame Murray and has a BA from the University of Birmingham.
Someone I know is at risk of becoming homeless Expand If someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless, your local authority has a duty under the Housing (Wales) Act to look into your situation and how they can help you. If the person is threatened with homelessness within the next 56 days your local authority must take all reasonable steps to find you alternative accommodation. If they are worried about being given accommodation in a mixed-gender environment because of their previous experiences, they should explain this to their local authority. The Local Authority Housing Team will look into their case and if they are in Cardiff or Newport, they may be referred to Llamau’s gender-specific services. In Cardiff, you should visit the Housing Options Centre on Hansen Street or call 029 2057 0750 or out of hours call 029 2087 3141. In Newport, you should visit the Information Station at Station Buildings, Queensway or call 01633 656656.
I am worried that someone I know isn't safe in their relationship Expand If you think that someone else is in immediate danger, you should call the police on 999. If you are worried that someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it may be difficult to talk to them about it, unless they have acknowledged the abuse openly with you. It may be frustrating, but you will need to give them time to confide in you about the abuse. If someone does confide in you that they are experiencing domestic abuse, this is a positive step and you should try to keep the lines of communication open so that they do not become more isolated. They may be feeling ashamed and their self-esteem may be very low, and you should reassure them that the abuse is not their fault. Try not to be judgemental if they aren't ready to do anything to end the relationship yet. One of the best things you can do is point them in the direction of some professional help. The Live Fear Free Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and calls are free. You can call 0808 80 10 800 or email [email protected] or talk to someone confidentially using the Live Fear Free live chat service. Helpline staff will help to talk about feelings, explore options, access local services, and to identify ways in which safety can be increased irrespective of what choices the person may be making about their relationship. Information can also be provided on local services that can help to support and protect them as well as give them information on their rights and options.
I've seen a woman sleeping rough Expand If you are worried about someone who is sleeping rough, you should alert professionals about it. You can use the Street Link app to alert the local authority homelessness teams of the location of the rough sleeper so that their outreach teams can provide support. Alternatively you can find the contact details for the Local Authority housing and homelessness teams on their websites. If you are worried that it would not be appropriate for the woman you are worried about to live in mixed-gender accommodation, you should speak to the local authority about her needs. If the woman is in Cardiff or Newport, she may be referred to Llamau's gender-specific accommodation projects. In Cardiff, you should visit the Housing Options Centre on Hansen Street or call 029 2057 0750 or out of hours call 029 2087 3141. In Newport, you should visit the Information Station at Station Buildings, Queensway or call 01633 656656.
I am Sleeping Rough Expand If you are already sleeping rough, it’s really important that you speak to the housing team at your local council so that they know that you need accommodation and support. You can read our tips on speaking to your local council to help you get the support you need. If you have no choice but to sleep rough tonight, it’s important to try to keep yourself as safe as you can, and to approach local street homelessness services for support. If you have access to the internet or a mobile phone, you can call Llamau’s Youth Homeless Helpline, run in partnership with Shelter Cymru, free of charge, on 08000 495 495. Highly trained colleagues and volunteers will help you to access safe temporary accommodation and provide advice on how to keep yourself safe. If you are in immediate danger, you should call the emergency services on 999.
I can't stay at home any more Expand Many of the young people we support became homeless because they could no longer stay in their family home – sometimes because of difficulties with relationships and sometimes because it isn’t safe for them to stay at home any more. If you are experiencing violence, abuse or threatening behaviour at home, it is really important that you seek support to find alternative accommodation. If you’re in Wales and are at risk of becoming homeless in the next 56 days, your local authority has a duty to find you alternative accommodation, particularly if it is not safe for you to stay at home. If you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship with other people at home, Family Mediation could be a good option for you. Llamau’s Family Mediation is very successful at helping to resolve issues between young people and their families, and could support you to continue living at home. You can get in touch with our Family Mediation services using the following details: In Cardiff - 029 2087 3570 In Vale of Glamorgan - 01446 748852 In Newport - 01633 244 134 In RCT - 01443 432 260 In Caerphilly - 01633 244 134 In Merthyr Tydfil - 01685 379 999 In Monmouthshire - 07966 981120 In Torfaen - 01633 244 134 In Bridgend - 07966 981076 / 07966 981048 In Neath Port Talbot - 07542330270 If you are under 18 and are being asked to leave home or are experiencing violence, abuse or threats at home, you should contact Children’s Services at your local council. If you’re at school or college, you should speak to a teacher or trusted adult who can support you or help you with contacting your local authority. If you have been asked to leave home and do not have a safe place to spend the night, you can call Llamau’s Youth Homeless Helpline, run in partnership with Shelter Cymru, free of charge, on 08000 495 495. Highly trained colleagues and volunteers will help you to access safe temporary accommodation and provide advice on how to keep yourself safe. You can also get confidential free support from ChildLine on 0800 1111 and at www.childline.org.uk
I am sofa surfing Expand Many young people stay with friends or people they don’t know because they don’t have anywhere else to live. Even though you are not sleeping on the streets, this is still classed as being homeless, and you should seek help from your local council. You should approach your local council to explain your situation and to make a homelessness application. They are required to consider your application and your situation before deciding whether you are eligible for support. If you are under 18 and are sofa surfing because you have been kicked out of your home or have experienced violence, threats or abuse at home, you should contact the children’s services team at your local council. If you’re at school or colleges you should speak to a teacher or trusted adult about supporting you to approach your local council. You can call Llamau’s Youth Homeless Helpline, run in partnership with Shelter Cymru, free of charge, on 08000 495 495. Highly trained colleagues and volunteers will help you to access safe temporary accommodation and provide advice on how to keep yourself safe. If you are in immediate danger where you are staying you should contact the police on 999.
Accessing Llamau accommodation Expand Our accommodation projects support young people aged 16-25 in Wales and women who have experienced domestic abuse or women who would not feel safe in mixed-gender accommodation. To live in one of our supported accommodation projects, you have to be referred by your local council in an area where we have accommodation projects. Local councils will offer different types of accommodation and we can’t guarantee that you will be referred to Llamau.
I need help with talking to the council Expand You don’t have to be sleeping on the streets to get help from your local council. If you are homeless or likely to become homeless in the next 56 days (this includes sofa surfing or staying somewhere temporarily) you should approach your council for help and it will have to follow the following procedures. You will be able to make a homelessness application The council will interview you and make an assessment of your circumstances and needs If you meet certain criteria, you may be given interim accommodation while the council continues its assessment of what help, if any, to offer you The council must inform you in writing of its decision about whether you are entitled to help – the letter will either be sent to you or left at the council’s offices for you to collect. If the council decides that it can’t help you, the letter must explain the reasons why. You can ask for a review of the council’s decision, but you must do this within 21 days of receiving the decision letter, and we would recommend getting advice to help with this review process. Even if the council decided that they can’t provide accommodation for you, you are still entitled to help and advice to avoid losing your home or to find somewhere else to live. If you live in Cardiff and are aged 16-20 (inclusive), you can contact Llamau’s advice services which we run in partnership with the council. You can visit the office at 53 Charles Street, call 029 2087 3570 or email [email protected] If you live in the Vale of Glamorgan and are aged 16-25, you can contact Llamau’s advice services which we run in partnership with the council. You can visit the JIGSO office at 236 Holton Road in Barry, call 01446 748852 or email [email protected]
I don't feel safe in my relationship Expand If you are in immediate danger, you should call the police on 999. If you have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence in your relationship or at home, you should call the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800. You can call the helpline for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email Live Fear Free on [email protected] or talk to someone confidentially using the Live Fear Free live chat service. Helpline staff will help you talk about your feelings, explore options, access local services, and to identify ways in which you can increase the safety of you and your children irrespective of what choices you may be making about your relationship. Information can also be provided on local services that can help to support and protect you as well as give you information on your rights and options.
I've seen a young person sleeping rough. What can I do to help? Expand It is important that any young person who is sleeping rough approaches their local council for help. If you have seen someone sleeping rough, you can contact StreetLink via their website or app. Street Link will ask you for some details about the person, including where they are sleeping, so that they can connect with local services such as day centres, outreach teams or night shelters. If you are comfortable talking to the young person, you can also ask them if they have approached their local council for support. Many young people simply don’t realise that there is support available for them, and often don’t know how to access it. If you are comfortable doing so, you could support them to approach their local council, ensuring that they are able to make a homelessness application and that an assessment of their needs and situation is completed. If you have seen a young person sleeping rough and it is outside of office opening hours, you can call Llamau’s Youth Homeless Helpline, run in partnership with Shelter Cymru, free of charge, on 08000 495 495. Highly trained colleagues and volunteers will help you to access safe temporary accommodation and provide advice on how to keep yourself safe. If you are worried that the young person is in immediate danger, you should call the emergency services on 999.
I'm worried about a young person who I don't think is safe in their relationship Expand If you are worried that they are in immediate danger, you should call the police on 999. If you are worried about someone who has experienced or who is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence in their relationship or at home, you can call the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800. You can call the helpline for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email Live Fear Free on [email protected] or talk to someone confidentially using the Live Fear Free live chat service. Helpline staff can provide advice and guidance on how to support the other person and help them to stay safe. It will always be their own choice about whether to leave the relationship, and you should do your best to be understanding and supportive.