Our story

1985

Rolling out the CUSS model

With support from local councils, CUSS established the Opportunity Housing Trust (later renamed Mirus in 2012). This was a big organisation created to spread the CUSS supported living model throughout Wales.

They gave advice, guidance, employees and trustees to the new charity.

It was a way to help even more people across the country benefit from the CUSS model.

1985

1988

Innovate Trust, Mencap, and Cartrefi Cymru

After many years of rapid expansion, CUSS has several homes in both South and North Wales.

However at the time, we felt that an all-Wales body would be more appropriate for rolling out services and it wanted to focus on its existing operations rather than expanding further.

Innovate Trust worked with Mencap Cymru, the Welsh Office, and parent’s groups to share their operations and together, with new agreements from local authorities, they created Cartrefi Cymru.

This new charity would follow the same model as CUSS.

1988

1980's

Peter

Peter Tyndall talks about his time as the first organiser/director for Cardiff Universities Social Services (CUSS).

He shares how the charity started many other charities like Opportunity Housing Trust and Cartrefi Cymru to share their groundbreaking model and approach to social care. Peter went on to a successful career in the Irish civil service.

1980's

1991

Quest

CUSS started a new agency called Quest to help people with learning disabilities find jobs. This was the first of its kind in Wales.

Quest became the founding member of the Wales Association of Supported Employment Agencies.

1991

1997 to 1999

Further expansion

CUSS was approached by the Jane Hodge Foundation and the Bro Morgannwg Hospital Trust in response to the “Challenges and Responses” report, to assistive with the development of an emergency care provision for people with learning disabilities.

2 purpose built properties were constructed on both Pembroke Road and New Road completed in 1997 and 1999 respectively to provide emergency accommodation to those in crisis.