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Two people with learning disabilities and a support volunteer at a pub in the 1960's

Our story

1970's

Jacqui

Jacqui speaks about her time volunteering in Cardiff Universities Social Services’ pioneering home for people with learning, where students lived with them as friends.

She mentions the conditions at Ely Hospital at the time and a memory of one of the first train journeys for one of the tenants.

1970's

1970's

Mary

Mary explains her role in CUSS’s group home, sharing her memories and stories as a social worker and what it was like working with the first tenants at 12 Ruthin Gardens, in Cathays and how she went on to spend her career supporting people with learning disabilities in a professional capacity.

1970's

1975

Further development

After the success of the first group home, we moved to a more stable home at Kings Road, Cardiff.

For the next 9 years, our volunteers worked hard to raise awareness about our support model of living.  They worked closely with local authorities, hospitals, and universities, sharing important information and lessons.

Their goal was to encourage others in the community to adopt similar support approaches, making a positive impact on more lives.

1975

1975

Expansion

CUSS went on to open more group homes under their supported living model funded by the Welsh Office.

These homes were ran by volunteers and paid support workers. Part of our work at this time included producing reports, evaluations and recommendations for the Welsh Office and Cardiff Council, providing valuable information and guidance based on lived experience.

1975

1977

Short term support in the community

CUSS had many requests from people in Cardiff to help parents and carers of people with learning disabilities who lived at home.

Our goal was to support everyone to have their independence, not just those who lived in forced hospitalisation. 

They made the first Respite home at 2 Boverton Street in Roath. The home was loaned to CUSS by a Cardiff University lecturer who was working abroad at the time. 

1977
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