Cabinet Secretary Visits The Flowers, a Haven for Young People in Merthyr Tydfil

In a heartwarming display of commitment to the well-being of young people, the Cabinet Secretary of Housing, Jayne Bryant MS, recently visited The Flowers, a revolutionary project in Merthyr Tydfil that's set to change lives for children who are looked after.

This project is being delivered with £3.6 million in capital funding from the Welsh Government’s Housing with Care Fund, supported by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership.

The Flowers, a property owned by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTCBC), will provide a safe and nurturing home for up to 12 young people. It has been beautifully redeveloped to offer a range of services, including longer-term accommodation, overnight crisis and emergency assessments, and short breaks for young people with additional needs. This haven is set to open its doors later this year, with staff currently being recruited to provide high quality care and support.

Cllr Louise Minett-Vokes, Cabinet Member for Social Care said: "We're dedicated to helping people with care and support needs live independently, and The Flowers is a shining example of this mission in action.

“The provision of the Housing with Care Fund is a significant step towards providing essential accommodation and support for those in need. This continued commitment to the program demonstrates a dedication to improving the lives of children, older individuals, and others with care and support needs.”

It's essential to remember that children in care often find themselves in this situation due to circumstances beyond their control, such as abuse, neglect, or family breakdown. They need our compassion, understanding, and support to heal and thrive. As the Cabinet Member for Social Care emphasised, "These young people deserve our care and compassion, and we're committed to providing them with the best possible start in life."

Nia McIntosh, Joint Regional Commissioning Officer for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership added: “Young people have told us that truly feeling at home goes beyond having a roof over their heads - it’s about belonging, identity, and connection. Through our shared commitment to the Eliminating Profit agenda, we are creating homes where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

‘The Flowers’ is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we listen to young people and work together to meet their needs. It shows how we can create not just housing, but sanctuaries - places that nurture wellbeing and open doors to brighter futures. We will continue to learn from projects like this to shape future developments that put young people at the heart of everything we do.”

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has made tremendous strides in developing children's services, transforming from having no children's homes in 2022 to having two currently and opening another four in the next 18 months. This remarkable progress is a testament to the power of collaboration and the elimination of profit agenda, which has had a significant impact on the trajectory of children's services in MTCBC.

As the project nears completion (July 2025), the community is hopeful with excitement and anticipation. The Flowers is more than just a building – it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to supporting young people in need. As we look to the future, it's clear that this incredible initiative will be a beacon of light, inspiring positive change and empowering young people to reach their full potential.