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

Our story

1977

Hamilton Street

The trial for short term support was a big success, and many people in Cardiff needed on this service.

CUSS bought a new home on Hamilton Street in Pontcanna with a loan from South Glamorgan County Council.

Hamilton Street became Innovate Trust’s permanent base for our new respite services.

1977

Quick fact

A team of volunteers
3 Employees
2 Supported Living Homes

1981

Local Authorities adopts the CUSS approach

In response to the work of CUSS and the student volunteers, the social services department at Cardiff County Council set up a new department called NIMROD.

Its purpose was to copy and expand the way CUSS helped adults with learning disabilities.

This meant more people could get the support they needed.

1981

1983

All Wales strategy

After the Ely Hospital scandal, the Welsh Office took action and introduced the ‘All Wales Strategy’ to improve services for people with learning disabilities.

This new legislation cited CUSS as an example of best practices that others should emulate when developing new services for people with disabilities. 

Because of this, many long-stay institutions started to close down, first in Wales and then in other parts of the UK. It was an important step in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities.

1983

1984

Sharing the CUSS model

In response to the All Wales Strategy, CUSS took a lead role in either directly setting up new services or training and consulting. 

The student volunteers from CUSS travelled around the UK to teach other universities about their approach. They even wrote their university papers and dissertations about CUSS and the charity’s work.

They wanted to spread their knowledge and help more people understand and use our model.

1984
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