A Place to Bloom: New Home for Children Opens in Merthyr Tydfil

The Flowers represents a £3.6 million investment from the Housing with Care Fund, supported by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership.

The home, managed by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, provides a nurturing environment for up to 12 young people, offering longer-term accommodation, emergency assessments, and specialist support for those with additional needs.

This supports the Welsh Government’s commitment to eliminating profit from the care of children looked-after, ensuring that services prioritise the wellbeing, rights, and futures of young people.

Officially launched by Dawn Bowden MS: Minister for Children and Social Care, The Flowers includes a range of facilities designed to help children feel safe and supported.

Each bedroom has been carefully designed with colourful walls, patterned rugs, and storage for toys, books, and pictures. Shared spaces such as the gym, living areas, and garden encourage play, exercise, and connection, while sensory and therapy rooms offer tailored support for emotional and developmental needs.

Cllr Jane Gebbie, Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership, said:

“Every child and young person deserves the best possible start in life, and that begins with a warm, safe home, a sense of belonging, and the hope of a brighter future. I’m proud that our regional partnership has played a key role in bringing The Flowers to life.

“From the sensory room to the vibrant bedrooms and welcoming lounge, every detail reflects a deep understanding of what children need to feel safe, valued and supported. This is a powerful example of collaboration that we must learn from and replicate, so that every young person across our region has the opportunity to thrive.”

As a safe and therapeutic environment, the development reflects the ambitions of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg 10-Year Capital Strategy, which sets out a long-term vision for integrated, person-centered care across the region.

Nia McIntosh, Joint Regional Commissioning Officer for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership, said:

“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.”

Cllr Louise Minett-Vokes, Cabinet Member for Social Care at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council added: 

“We’re dedicated to helping people with care and support needs live independently. The Flowers is a shining example of our commitment to providing essential accommodation and support for those who need it most.”

For more information on capital schemes in Cwm Taf Morgannwg, please contact hello@ctmregionalpartnershipboard.co.uk, or visit our website: www.ctmregionalpartnershipboard.co.uk