Shelter Cymru, Wales’ leading people and homes charity, is marking 35 years this year and has donated a collection of material, telling the story of the organisation and its campaigns since 1981, to the Welsh Political Archive at The National Library of Wales.

The collection outlines official documents including reports, commissions of enquiry, fundraising, campaigns, T-shirts, Posters, Videos, and photographs.

The Welsh Political Archive was set up in 1983 to co-ordinate the collection of documentary evidence of all kinds about politics in Wales. It collects the records and papers of political parties, politicians, quasi-political organisations, campaigns and pressure groups; leaflets, pamphlets, other printed ephemera, posters, photographs, and tapes of radio and television programmes. Its work is not restricted to a specific department within the Library.

Rob Phillips, Welsh Political Archive’s assistant archivist, said: “This is a wonderful collection which really gives an insight into the work of Shelter Cymru over the last three and a half decades, where the stories are brought to life through photographs and recordings of people speaking about their personal experiences.

“The campaigning side of Shelter Cymru’s work is also well represented through posters, badges and banners as well as pioneering efforts to focus on the specific housing needs of groups such as women and young people. The archive will be a goldmine to anyone interested in the modern social history of Wales.”

Shelter Cymru added: “We are delighted that The National Library of Wales are archiving the work of Shelter Cymru as a valuable resource for future generations.  Since our inception in 1981, we have worked tirelessly for the people of Wales helping them fight for their rights, and campaigning against homelessness and bad housing.

“We have also influenced Welsh housing  policy over the years to promote our underlying principle that everyone in Wales deserves a decent and secure home.  This archive is testament to our work with people in Wales over a 35 year period and is a fitting way to mark this milestone.  However, the campaign to end homelessness and bad housing continues.”