A housing collective is creating a fair lettings service to help those in private rental accommodation.

Basecamp Cooperative recently received a visit from Sir Fynwy Torfaen MS Lynne Neagle at their new Chepstow premises in St Maur, twelve months after relocating there.

Founded in 2018, the group has implemented various community initiatives and is presently establishing an ethical lettings agency to assist individuals renting privately.

Ms Neagle expressed her appreciation for the tour of Basecamp’s Chepstow hub during her visit and praised their commendable community work. She thanked the staff for meeting with her and for their commitment to supporting Monmouthshire residents. She Anticipated seeing the cooperative expand over the coming years.

As well as its housing activities, Basecamp manages a CPCAB-approved counselling training facility, providing classroom-based courses at Levels 2, 3, and 4.

The curriculum prioritises hands-on and experiential education, with placement components that enable students to gain qualifications as counsellors.

The group also delivers counselling sessions both online and in person, with no delay and a fourteen-day period from initial self-referral to scheduled appointment.

Working alongside the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations, Basecamp coordinates a neurodivergent support circle for adults in Chepstow and has recently begun a trial session for teenagers aged 13 to 18.

The younger people’s group provides a secure environment for building connections, discussing personal experiences and developing approaches for everyday living.

The adults’ gathering is now entering its second year and maintains an informal setting for networking and mutual assistance.