A local housing association has earned high praise and national recognition for its commitment to helping tenants embrace digital technology.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, part of the Pennaf Housing Group, was a runner-up in the Digital Inclusion section of the recent annual ‘Third Sector Awards Cymru’, organised by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).

The association, which manages around 5,700 homes across the region, has organised a wide range of activities and initiatives, with the help of partner organisations, to help residents make the most of new technology.

“We were delighted to be recognised at this national award ceremony recently and would like to thank our partner agencies for their support, and especially thank our brilliant residents for joining us on this digital journey,” said Louise Blackwell, community development officer for Clwyd Alyn.

“We’ve delivered a number of initiatives, with the help of Barclay’s Digital Eagles, and the Natwest Scam Awareness Teams and have also worked closely with Digital Communities Wales.”

“Residents in some our Supported Living Schemes have been given assistance with ‘job ready’ sessions helping them access online job opportunities and improving their CVs while residents at many of our sheltered housing and extra care schemes have really embraced the chance to learn or improve their use of phones, i-pads and tablets, helping them to stay in touch with friends, pursue new hobbies and also seek out money-saving tips and deals,” Louise added.

Ann Rothwell, resident at the Pentre Mawr sheltered housing scheme in Abergele, and Scheme Warden Alison Pring, joined Dr Sarah Horrocks to attend the award ceremony in Cardiff recently.

Alison added: “We’re delighted to be part of the WCVA Award ceremony, It was really inspiring to meet with others, share ideas, and learn more about the great initiatives happening across Wales.”