A support group offering supported living to young people facing homelessness is celebrating 20 years.

Pobl Group in Brecon celebrated in style, by inviting past and current clients, referrers and partner agencies to celebrate with them. The celebration was held at Cwrt Afon on Castle Street.

Pobl Group Brecon have been part of the change for homeless people in Brecon and the surrounding area with Cwrt Afon on castle street providing seven self-contained flats, which provide a safe and stable environment for young people to rebuild their lives.

The team extends its reach through a floating support service, assisting individuals in their own homes across the South Powys area. Help includes liaising with various agencies, attending external appointments, and accessing the right support and the right time.

Speaking to The Brecon and Radnor Express, Project Worker Engagement and Awareness officer Delyth Thomas said: “I’ve seen so many young people come through the door for various reasons. They’ve all managed to succeed in life. I started the project because I wanted to show that even though you might not have thad the best start in life and might end up in a homeless project, with the right support and care, you musn’t let it dictate the rest of your life. You can make something of yourself and become a valued member of sosciety.”

One person who had vital support from Pobl, then known as Gwalia, was 36-year-old Karen: “I lived in the top flat of Cwrt Afon. Delyth was always the one who was there for me. Delyth understood me. Having that trust with one person, me and Delyth really connected. I was an ex-heroin addict, had a lot going on, no family, and this became my family. I would not have this life if it wasn’t for Pobl. People seem to think drugs, acohol, housing and family issues go away when you’ve got everything sorted. But I’ve always been able to come here and speak to one of the team. They’ve always supported me.”

Karen, who now has a 9-year-old son, couldn’t see her life becoming what it is. “I thought I’d be found dead somewhere to be honest. I get tearful. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

The Brecon Pobl group used the celebrations to highlight their many success stories, with many who once lived at Cwrt Afon now living in their own homes, starting families, and working fulfilling jobs. But today’s current cost of living challenges and rising rental prices has become a barrier to those looking to move out of Cwrt Afon and start somewhere new.

“There’s twelve, thirteen people going to view the same property. Their chances are quite slim,” Project Support Worker Linda says. “We do try and look for property for them, but it’s very difficult. Being a rural area, the cost of the flats they go to see are quite expensive. I feel there’s nothing for them to move onto. If they’re working part time and do too many hours, they get penalised. It’s difficult for them to even save money for a bond and for a deposit.”

“The rentals in the area are out of their reach, and many people’s reach, especially for young people,” Delyth adds. “They want to stay in Brecon. I don’t know why I try and tell them but they want to stay. It’s difficult.”

They hope that more single tenancy homes can become available.

Karen, who lives in home in Brecon, is proof it can happen. “I’ve got my son, we’ve got a house, we’ve got a roof over our heads, we’ve got food in the cupboard, I can actually pay my bills. My son is in school. I’m living like a normal person. We’re happy. I would not be where I was without Pobl.”