We work throughout the county boroughs of Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The challenges our clients face — whether financial hardship, a history of imprisonment, or other difficult circumstances—are often complex and deeply interconnected. That’s why we take a holistic, personalised, and compassionate approach to address each individual’s unique needs and help them build a more secure and fulfilling future.
A Community Interest Company (CIC) is a special type of limited company created in the UK for people who want their business to benefit the community, not just generate private profit. The CIC model was introduced in 2005 and is often chosen by social enterprises and projects aiming for a positive social or environmental impact.
A community where every individual has the skills, support, and opportunities to achieve lasting wellbeing, maintain a secure home, and thrive with dignity and independence.
Empowering people to meet their needs, establish a stable home, nurture their wellbeing, and realise their unique potential through meaningful connections and opportunities.
We listen, respond, and act with empathy, recognising the unique journeys and challenges that people face.
We work together—with individuals, partners, and communities—to build networks of support and connection.
We are committed to providing and connecting people with real pathways to meaningful activity and social participation.
We act transparently and ethically, ensuring trust and accountability in all our actions.
Connecting people with resources and support, enabling them to confidently meet their immediate needs.
Demonstrating, supporting, and guiding individuals through the practical steps required to secure, manage, and maintain a safe and stable home.
Empowering people to recognise, understand, and take proactive control of their own wellbeing through guidance, encouragement, and skill development.
Providing access to, or facilitating connections with, meaningful opportunities for community engagement, training, education, and employment—paving pathways toward financial independence and personal fulfilment.
The origins of Cornerstone are rooted in the lived experience of its founder, who grew up during the turbulence of the “winter of discontent” and a period marked by widespread redundancies. It was a time when traditional expectations—such as stable, lifelong employment in large-scale industries—were rapidly vanishing. Surrounded by an atmosphere of fatigue and diminished hope, opportunities for personal aspiration often seemed limited to whatever was immediately available, with little consideration given to ambitions beyond what was presumed possible at a young age.
These formative years instilled a belief that capability and potential are not defined solely by academic achievement. Instead, Cornerstone was shaped by the conviction that those overlooked by mainstream education and employment systems possess unique skills and passions that, if recognised, could have a profound impact on their lives and communities.
Drawing on this wealth of first-hand knowledge, Cornerstone was established to ensure that anyone facing any kind of disadvantage is no longer ignored. The organisation is committed to unlocking the potential within local communities, nurturing the skillsets and entrepreneurial spirit that so often go untapped. Through tailored support, Cornerstone aims to inspire individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and develop the self-belief and abilities needed to challenge self-limiting beliefs, and even the limitation placed on them by others
Founder and CEO
Hi, I’m Andrew Clarke Founder, CEO, and (allegedly) the boss at Cornerstone Opportunities CIC.I started Cornerstone with the idea that we could do things differently and a decade later, we’re working across Wales with homeless people, veterans, and prison leavers, employing over 30 brilliant staff, and delivering outcomes our Local Authority partners can be proud of.
Head of Homelessness Services
Merthyr Tydfil Project Manager
Caerphilly Project Manager
Hi, I’m Deb and I manage the Caerphilly projects for Cornerstone Opportunities CIC. Our work is funded through the Housing Support Grant, and I lead a hardworking and compassionate team that specialises in supporting people who are rough sleeping in the borough.
Office Manager
Hi, I’m Andrew Clarke Founder, CEO, and (allegedly) the boss at Cornerstone Opportunities CIC. I started Cornerstone with the idea that we could do things differently and a decade later, we’re working across Wales with homeless people, veterans, and prison leavers, employing over 30 brilliant staff, and delivering outcomes our Local Authority partners can be proud of. We’ve now set our sights on something big a Town Centre Regeneration Programme that puts us right at the heart of the Tackling Poverty Agenda in Wales. This includes building our own social enterprises in property maintenance and catering, giving people who’ve been furthest from the workplace the skills, confidence, and even the chance to run their own café. We’re also working with Local Authorities on fresh, practical solutions for those stuck in long-term temporary accommodation easing both the pressures and costs for councils, while giving people real homes and fresh starts. When I set up Cornerstone, I was determined to create a workplace that actually cared for its people so we brought in “yay days,” and hybrid working before it was trendy. Over half our team have lived experience of mental health challenges, which means they truly understand the people we work with and I think that’s one of our greatest strengths. Outside of my ‘CEO duties,’ I’m a passionate Liverpool fan, and I love getting out walking with my two dogs, Zebedee and Daphne (who sometimes tag along on outreach, though Daphne’s more interested in socialising than strategy). I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in our first 10 years and even more excited about what we can do in the next 10. And yes, I’m “the boss”… but between my managers and my dogs, I know who’s really in charge.
Hi, I’m Stephen and I’m the Head of Homelessness Services for Cornerstone Opportunities CIC.
My role is all about looking ahead identifying opportunities, securing funding, and building strong partnerships that allow us to grow and strengthen the work we do. I lead on tenders and contract negotiations, working to make sure our services are sustainable and expanding so we can support even more people in need.
While much of my focus is on the bigger picture, I’m still closely involved in the running of both the Caerphilly and Merthyr projects. I make it a priority to stay connected with our teams on the ground, because the decisions I make are always guided by our core values compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping people change their lives.
Alongside my role at Cornerstone, I also sit on the Board for Cyfannol, a charity that supports people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. This experience adds real value to my work, giving me a wider perspective on partnership working and how interconnected support services can create better outcomes for the people we help.
When I’m not in strategy meetings or writing tenders, I’m usually being run ragged by my two dogs especially Daphne, whose golden Labrador dramas could fill a TV series of their own. I’m a big fan of documentaries, love catching up with friends, and I’m rarely one to turn down a good gin.
Hi, my name is Jenn and I manage the Merthyr Tydfil projects for Cornerstone Opportunities CIC. Our work is funded through the Housing Support Grant, and I lead a dedicated and passionate team that provides housing-related support to individuals and families across Merthyr Tydfil. We specialise in supporting prison leavers and people involved in the criminal justice system, helping them rebuild their lives, access stable accommodation, and reduce the risk of reoffending. We also work with people facing a range of other challenges, including homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse and financial difficulties. Our approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and flexible to each individual’s needs. No two days are ever the same and that’s exactly what I love about it! When I’m not managing the chaos of frontline support work, I’m at home managing the other chaos as a mum to a very busy 3-year-old. Thanks to her, I’m fully fluent in Peppa Pig, a walking encyclopaedia of Bluey episodes, and always on call for toddler snacks. Naturally, work is sometimes the relaxing part of my day.
Hi, I’m Deb and I manage the Caerphilly projects for Cornerstone Opportunities CIC.
Our work is funded through the Housing Support Grant, and I lead a hardworking and compassionate team that specialises in supporting people who are rough sleeping in the borough.
Our work is fast-paced and often urgent for many of the people we help, it’s a matter of safety and survival. A big part of what we do involves verifying when someone is physically rough sleeping, which is a crucial step for the local authority to begin looking for suitable accommodation. Homelessness doesn’t always mean someone is sleeping in a shop doorway it can mean staying in unsafe temporary spaces, moving from sofa to sofa, or finding shelter in unexpected places. Every situation is different, but each one carries the same need for compassion, action, and hope.
When I’m not managing the fast pace of frontline work, you’ll often find me in the kitchen as a keen cupcake baker. I’m also a big sports fan, with football being my first love, and I proudly support my team, Cardiff City. Whether it’s in football or frontline work, I believe in showing up with passion, commitment, and heart.
Hi, I’m Angela and I’m the Office Manager at Cornerstone Opportunities CIC. Officially, my job is all the exciting stuff… you know, finance, HMRC, payroll, compliance all the behind-the-scenes jargon that keeps a company running smoothly (and legally!). It might not sound glamorous, but it’s the kind of work that makes sure our frontline teams can focus on doing what they do best changing lives. Of course, I also spend a fair bit of my time being regularly nagged by our CEO apparently, that’s part of my job description too! But I’m not all spreadsheets and tax codes I also love getting out there with our Outreach service in Caerphilly. There’s nothing like being on the frontline to remind you why all the behind-the-scenes work matters so much. Seeing the impact we have on people directly keeps my passion for the job alive and fuels my commitment to making sure everything in the background runs like clockwork. Outside of work, you’ll often find me doing exactly what grandmothers are supposed to dospoiling my grandkids… and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
