Award Nomination for Tai Tarian’s Loan Shark Campaign
Tai Tarian are celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious housing award.
The Neath Port Talbot social housing provider has been nominated in the Building Safer Communities category at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual Welsh Housing Awards ceremony. The recognition comes as a result of Tai Tarian’s work in warning people of the dangers of illegal money lending and borrowing money from loan sharks.
The campaign was funded by a grant from the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit and saw Tai Tarian working alongside colleagues from Coastal Housing to raise awareness of the issue, which is becoming an increasing problem locally.
Launched last year, the campaign has so far reached well over one million people through social media as well as TV, radio and press coverage. It featured various elements including staff training, a community money saving event, and an information leaflet which is given to all new tenants.
At the centre of the campaign was the production of a video which told the harrowing true story of a Tai Tarian tenant who was a victim of illegal money lending. Voiced by an actor, the film recounts the financial difficulties the tenant faced as well as the threats and intimidation he endured as a result of illegal money lending. The film has been watched thousands of times on-line as well as featuring on BBC News bulletins.
Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony, Clare Way, Deputy Director of Housing at Tai Tarian said:
“We are so pleased to have been shortlisted for this award. Staff from across the organisation worked hard on this campaign, so it’s pleasing to see that their good work has been recognised in this way.
“Of course, the message of the campaign is a serious one and we hope we have helped to raise awareness of the dangers caused by loan sharks and illegal money lending.”
The awards ceremony takes place at the Vale Hotel on Friday 23rd November.
