Together Spring 2017

CARTREFI CONWY

R E H T E G O T SPRING EDITION

Wales’ oldest chorister Sally, 93,

is still hitting s the high note

a great S ally who is r of 13 joined grandmothe Choir in the Rwsters a way of Llanrwst as liness and beating lone a has become isolation and ’s hit the high e h s s a it h e hug more on pg 17 notes. Read

IT’S BACK...

CARTREFI CO NWY’S BIG DAY OUT !

THURSDAY 16TH AUGUST 11 AM-3PM

ALSO INSIDE...

NEW WEBSITEOON LAUNCHING S y.org w www.cartreficon 2 PEAK Pg TAKE A SNEAK

Read more o n Pg

ORK? LOOKING FOR W 5 READ MORE Pg

13

enquiries@cartreficonwy.org Customer Service: 0300 124 0040 All calls with Customer Services are recorded Audio copies of this newsletter are available

TAKE A SNEAK PEEK AT OUR NEW WEBSITE The new Cartrefi Conwy website is launching really soon! We hope you’ll like its new improved features as much as we do. It’s really easy to use and has a dedicated tenant zone with useful information on everything from DIY help to handy budgeting tips.

Remember to stay connected and visit our website for: • all our latest news • job opportunities • useful links and contact numbers Plus you’ll find everything you need to make the most of being a Cartrefi Conwy tenant.

TAKE PART, GET INVOLVED, BE HEARD… Our Scrutiny Panel is made up of tenants who help us to keep improving services.

Recently they looked at the complaints process and made a number of recommendations including: • Making sure that all publicity on the complaints process is clear and consistent • Making the complaints form and leaflet available in all Cartrefi Conwy offices, communal areas, community houses and on the Cartrefi Conwy website.

The Scrutiny Panel’s view is that Cartrefi Conwy is delivering a Complaints Process that is improving with a lot of good practice. Customer Service Manager Amy Garner’s response has been to consider and act on a number of the Panel’s recommendations. The Panel will review this report in a year’s time to see the progress made and check the process is working and targets are being met.

The Scrutiny Panel is now looking at the Repairs Service, in particular repairs being completed right first time. We will tell you how this went in our next newsletter.

2

www.cartreficonwy.org

SIGNING UP FOR A CARTREFI CONWY HOME During 2016 we got together with the Scrutiny Panel to look at our tenancy sign up process.

After 4 sessions the group gave us some really useful feedback and recommendations that we took on board:

YOU SAID There needs to be a fact sheet for starter tenancies

YOU SAID Tenants need more information on what support is available to them at the viewing stage

YOU SAID New tenants need more information on how to manage their tenancy before they actually sign up and more support is needed before the tenancy starts

WE DID All new tenants now receive a copy of the ‘Starter Tenancies Explained’ leaflet in their sign up pack

WE DID We are updating the questionnaire that colleagues use at sign up to include more questions to help you with your tenancy agreement

WE DID We now carry out checks with tenants before they sign up. Where needed we will refer them to other supporting services

0300 124 0040

3

THE TEAM GETTING YOU INVOLVED

WHY DON’T YOU GET INVOLVED? Remember there’s lot of ways that you can get involved with us: • Focus groups • Online surveys • Postal surveys • Consultations • Community groups • Community projects • Social activities • Volunteering • Training & skills improvement

Cartrefi Conw y’s Community Involvement Team

The Community Involvement Team are Cartrefi’s people ‘on the ground’ who regularly meet up with tenants helping you to get involved and have your say. If you are interested in getting involved then please get in touch with the team. Call 0300 124 0040 or email laura.thomas@cartreficonwy.org

AND DON’T F ORGE T, IF YO U SIGN UP T WILL BE ENT O VOICES AT ERED INTO O CARTREFI YO UR ‘I’M INVO U LVED’ PRIZE DRAW TO W IN £100!

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £250 Thank you to everyone that filled in their satisfaction survey. Your opinion really matters to us so a massive thank you!

HERE’S A SNAP SHOT OF HOW YOU RATED US LAST YEAR •

90% of tenants are satisfied with the service provided by Cartrefi Conwy. High satisfaction level is something we are proud of.

•

88% of tenants felt their rent provides value for money. We are pleased with this result as it puts Cartrefi Conwy in the high performers when compared with other Housing Associations.

•

71% of tenants felt their service charges provide value for money. This is an area we are looking to improve on by reviewing the services we provide.

•

88% of tenants are satisfied with the quality of their home and 86% are satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live.

•

83% of tenants are satisfied with the Repairs and Maintenance service.

•

74% of tenants are satisfied with how Cartrefi Conwy listens to their views and acts upon them.

This puts us very close to the top performing Housing Associations.

You can still complete your survey online at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SBG8MJN By hand and return in the post.

Over the phone by calling 0300 124 0040

4

www.cartreficonwy.org

CREATING ENTERPRISE OFFERS MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU Did you know that social enterprises deliver services or sell products that earn money and make profits like any other business?

But these profits are reinvested into the communities they serve.

Creating Enterprise’s Stepping Stones project goes live this Spring after being kick-started by a cash boost of almost £250,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

This means that until 2021 we will be able to provide high quality volunteering opportunities to help put 30 people a year on the road to permanent employment.

WOW! The project has generated three new jobs, and offers eligible Cartrefi Conwy tenants the chance to take their first step towards employment through volunteering with the Employment Academy. This could be anything from administration and community involvement to helping out with Cartrefi Conwy events.

You can volunteer for half a day or longer; its totally flexible.

WHY CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER? • Gain new skills and experience • Improve employment prospects • Meet new people • Increase your confidence • Access a range of training Plus you’ll receive: • Uniform and Personal Protection Equipment (if appropriate) • Out of pocket expenses • Support of our Mentor • “On the job” support from a dedicated Work Buddy • Personal development • Volunteering counts towards your Job Seekers Allowance hours

PLUS IT’S REWARDING We also have a rewards programme to thank you for your time. This is based on the number of hours that you volunteer. There are three tiers - Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Once you reach each tier you will receive a certificate and be able to choose from a range of rewards.

There’s also an annual celebration to say thank you to all our volunteers.

DON’T DELAY, GET IN CONTACT STRAIGHT AWAY: Speak to Nigel Morgan and be part of one of the most exciting and fastest growing movements in the country.

Call: 01745 335664 Email: volunteering@creatingenterprise.org.uk

inistration Joanne Lloyd volunteer adm n Lloyd assistant with mentor Ffio

0300 124 0040

5

OWAIN JONES

, Owain is young Rhos on Sea man s rie sto s es cc su rly ea omising One of the academy’s the pun) himself into a pr n do ar (p ed gg plu ly nt Jones, who has rece in Llandudno. or with Currys PC World vis ad les sa a as er re ca new Back in 2014 Owain faced a fruitless round of job hunting when he tried to find fresh employment after taking time off to look after his newborn son.

But things took a turn for the better when he signed up for the Employment Academy.

He said: “I’d been working for a time with Crest Co-operative doing property clearances but I left to become a stay-athome dad helping my partner Kate look after our new baby son, Fletcher.

“As he got a little older I decided it was time to go back to work but really struggled to find anything. I applied for about 20 jobs in retail, delivery driving and admininistration but I either got turned down flat or didn’t even get a reply when I sent in my CV. “I then heard about the new Employment Academy, applied for one of its contracts and was lucky enough to be taken on.

“I worked mainly with the property clearance team, getting homes ready for new tenants to move into, which is what I used to do.”

6

www.creatingenterprise.org.uk

Owain’s new set of skills were put into action late last year when he applied for the sales job at Currys PC World.

“Thanks to the help I received from the Academy I went into the interview with real confidence and was lucky enough to get the job.

“Having a job again after a couple of years unemployed is fantastic. It has really turned my life around, provided me with a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and given me back my self-esteem.

“I know I couldn’t have done this without the help of the Employment Academy and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

FANCY SOME HELP AROUND THE HOUSE? Creating Enterprise has a fantastic new Handyperson Service for Cartrefi Conwy tenants. We offer a superreliable service with someone you can trust at a really low rate of only £10 per half hour inclusive of VAT! So, if during your spring cleaning you find you need some odd jobs doing or you’ve got one of those niggly jobs that you never quite get round to - why not give us a call on 01745 335684.

HERE’S WHAT SOME TENANTS SAID ABOUT USING THE E HANDYPERSON SERVIC

“Olly re-felted my shed roof on Tuesday this week and what a good job he’s done and he also tidied up all his rubbish and left everything tidy.” Tenant, St Andrew’s Ave Llandudno received February 2017 “The handyperson is a great service. I’m more than pleased with the service I’ve received from Olly, he is very pleasant and his work is really good and I’ll be using the service again in the next few months.” Tenant, Cysgod y Gogarth received April 2017

THE CREATING ENTERPRISE TEAMS ARE DOING GREAT WORK IN: • Getting properties ready to move in • Painting and decorating • General property maintenance • Ground works • Gas servicing This is great news for you as the money we save through Creating Enterprise: • Creates new jobs • Improves the services we give you • Means there is more money to reinvest into the homes you live in • Helps build much needed new homes

COMING SOON Look out for the new Creating Enterprise website

www.creatingenterprise.org.uk You can find out about new jobs with Creating Enterprise by following us on Facebook

01745 335684

7

where

YOU

LO E LIVE

C R A P PEULWYS

STERS G N U O Y D E IT IR P S Y IT N COMMU G CLEAN IN R P S A S Y LW U E P C R A GIVE P A huge thank you to the children who helped their local community to give Parc Peulwys a major spring clean.

The team’s litter picking efforts ensured their Green Flag estate was left spic and span and everyone involved were rewarded with some well-earned bacon butties at the community centre.

Great job done!

KEEP IT CLEAN – NO MESSING CAMPAIGN! Dog fouling and littering – let’s put a stop to it together!

Dog fouling and littering are in the top five complaints made to the Conwy County Borough Council.

Litter is a blight on our beautiful county and not disposing of dog fouling properly is a offence viewed very seriously by our Local Authority. It is not only unpleasant, it’s dangerous. When pet owners allow their dogs to foul and don’t pick it up, the resulting mess can end up on shoes and clothing, wheelchairs, bicycles, prams and toys. It spoils other people’s enjoyment of their neighbourhood and public places.

8

www.cartreficonwy.org

Dog fouling can also cause diseases, most notably toxocariasis: a parasitic infection that most commonly affects children and can, in some cases, lead to blindness.

Both littering and dog fouling are not only anti-social but also illegal. There are strict laws in place with Enforcement Officers patrolling areas known to be problem ‘hotspots’ issuing fixed penalty fines to anyone caught breaking the law.

Despite this there are some dog owners and members of the public who continue to drop litter and fail to clean up after their dog.

Conwy Ambassadors are employed to educate and raise awareness of dog fouling, littering and recycling in schools, community groups, residents’ associations and housing association tenants. You’ll see the ambassadors out and about giving out information and advice. They also give out free dog bags and stubbies for putting your cigarette ends in.

For the campaign to be a real success we all need to help put a stop to this widespread problem.

Help report incidents on-line at www.conwy.gov.uk/litter Phone on: 08000 934 364 or Email: dogfouling@conwy.gov.uk

Further information in relat ion to dogs, fouling and Dog Control Or ders can be found at www.conwy.gov.uk/d ogs

BEWARE - FLY TIPPING AND SIDE WASTE ISSUES The Council has been investigating ongoing problems with fly tipping and side waste issues at Tre Cwm (Hospital Estate) in Llandudno and other areas in the county.

Council Officers are investigating all complaints and searching waste left on alleyways, roads and car park areas for evidence. The officers are increasing their patrols and CCTV is in use to identify further offenders.

Enforcement Action in relation to these issues is taken by: • Issuing a formal caution • £75 fixed penalty fine • Prosecution The Council’s refuse and recycling scheme does not allow side waste to be placed out for collection and means putting out any rubbish next to your refuse and recycling bins is an offence.

It’s everyone’s duty to get rid of their waste appropriately. This means recycling what you can and ensuring the rest fits into your bin. If not, you need to get rid of your waste in an alternative approved manner for example taking your waste to the local tip yourself or paying for the removal of waste by an approved person who will give you a Waste Transfer Note.

If you are having difficulties managing your waste or want to report fly tipping please contact Environment, Roads and Facilities on (01492) 575337 to get advice.

0300 124 0040

9

TIPS ON RECYCLING

FACTS AND TIPS ABOUT RUBBISH AND RECYCLING

To help you out with your day-to-day rubbish or if you’re having a spring clean, here are a few handy hints and tips to boost your recycling and reduce your waste:

1. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN RECYCLE Paper, card, glass, aluminium and steel cans, plastic bottles and food packaging (except plastic films and bags), kitchen foil, aerosols, juice cartons, household batteries, garden waste, textiles, food waste.

If you are still unsure then get in touch with your local Council or visit their website.

2. PUT IT IN THE RIGHT PLACE To make sure the rubbish you put in your recycling bins/boxes can be recycled, make sure it is clean and in the right container. This helps ensure that the recycled materials are of good enough quality to be used again.

Some things can’t be collected with your kerbside boxes/bins but can be taken to recycling centres (car batteries, mattresses, paint, scrap metal, carpets, tyres) and some supermarkets collect old carrier bags and energy saving lightbulbs for recycling.

10

www.cartreficonwy.org

3. TRY AND AVOID WASTE WHEREVER YOU CAN Use reusable items and avoid disposable or single-use items as much as possible – instead use reusable bags, reusable drink containers.

Before putting something in the bin check if it can be fixed/repaired, give it to someone who can make use of it or donate it to charity.

When it comes to food, keep an eye on use by dates and try not to let things go off without being used – planning meals before you shop can help and lots of things can be frozen to keep them longer.

4. BUY RECYCLED AND SECOND HAND By buying recycled and/or second hand you are helping to preserve natural resources and save energy - helping to look after the planet and probably saving some money too!

PERHAPS YOU’VE GOT AN IDEA TO KEEP YOUR COMMUNITY TIDY?

Chest provides funding Remember Cartrefi Conwy’s Community le projects that of up to £3000. We support small-sca in local communities. improve the quality of life for our tenants

WHAT WILL THE GRANT PAY FOR? • Community group activities and events • Equipment & materials for Community Groups • Improve local community recreational facilities • Undertake small scale environmental improvements • Learning opportunities and Training programmes.

efi Conwy ived money from Cartr ce re ve ha or Si n Sa l go Ys ing project. towards their bee keep go to t es ch ity un m m co

• Renovating or building improvements to enhance the use of a builidng

0300 124 0040

11

SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER HOLIDAYS ARE GREAT TIME TO…

Talk to us before things get out of control – Amanda and Katy are Cartrefi Conwy’s Financial Inclusion Advisors and they are here to help. All discussions are confidential and they can visit you in your home or can meet you in one of our offices - whatever suits you best.

Relax, explore, excite and share fun times together with family and friends.

DIRECT DEBITS MAKES IT EASY TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR RENT PAYMENTS

But don’t get caught out - choose wisely if borrowing money.

Direct Debit payments can be collected weekly or fortnightly any day of the week or monthly on the 1st, 7th, 16th, 20th & 23rd.

Make the right choices this summer otherwise you could end up with more than the holiday blues.

SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL MONEY LENDING Specialist officers are on hand to support and assist victims and advise on debt and other problems.

It is important to know that borrowing from an unlicensed lender is not an offence. The offence is committed by the lender not the borrower.

Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit will not take action against any individual who has borrowed money but will offer support to help you manage your money.

Plus they have helped a lot of people have their loans written off! Just think how that would feel, the chance to start afresh …

If you are a loan shark victim, or think there may be a loan shark operating in your area, contact the 24 hour victim support hotline 0300 123 3311 (all calls are completely confidential).

12

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

www.cartreficonwy.org

COMING SOON Look out for touch tone payment service - our new secure, automated phone service that you can call any time and make a rent payment.

ARE YOUR HOME AND BELONGINGS PROTECTED? Imagine taking the roof off your home, turning it upside down and giving it a little shake – now imagine what it would cost to replace your things that fall out and get broken or damaged.

If you haven’t thought properly about insurance cover, you could be in for a shock about just how much it would cost you to replace your belongings.

The National Housing Federation and Thistle Tenant Risk offer you My Home Contents Insurance with premiums starting from as little as £1.65 a fortnight, and just £1.25 a fortnight for (for tenants aged 60 and over). Premiums can be paid alongside your rent.

For more information contact My Home Insurance 0845 337 2463

ROVING REPORTERS NEEDED!

SUMMER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY THE TOURNAMENT 25TH AND 26TH JUNE So excited to be sponsoring the first Tournament event in Conwy.

At the height of midsummer, June 24th and 25th in the year 2017, a great throng of knights, nobles, men at arms, archers, Vikings, musicians, strolling players, actors, jugglers, merchants and jesters will make their way to ye walled town of Conwy to take part in one of the most entertaining historical re-enactment events to be seen for many a long year!

Win VIP tickets for the jousting tournament get in touch to be entered into our prize draw: call 01745 335345, email communications@ cartreficonwy.org or message us on Facebook.

Plus we’ve got great activities and giveaways all weekend on our stand so make sure you stop by. www.thetournament.co.uk

BIG DAY OUT 2017 IS ON 16TH AUGUST

Fancy having a go at journalism, comic book production or photography? Are you aged between 15 and 25? Why not join our roving reporters at this year’s Big Day out?

We are looking for 5 willing and able volunteers to work with TAPE Community Music and Film to produce a Cartrefi Conwy podcast and BIG Day Out comic book.

Volunteers should: •

be 15-25 years old

•

have an interest in media production and happy to chat with members of the public

•

be available on the 16th August as well as able to attend a training session at TAPE’s studio before the Big Day Out.

Our 5 volunteers will be given a digital camera to say thank you for supporting the BIG Day Out Interested in getting involved?

Tell us in 100 words why you want to get involved and email your response to communications@cartreficonwy.org Alternatively you can call Guto on the Communications team on 01745 335544 for more information.

Don’t miss our best event of the year!

Join us again at The Big Day Out for an exciting, fun-packed, informative and entertaining day out – there really is something for all ages.

We’ve also got loads of top prizes to win.

Keep your eyes peeled for your VIP invite that will arrive with the next newsletter in JULY.

0300 124 0040 13

GEAR UP FOR SUMMER HOME SAFETY Burglary is a serious issue and can affect anyone at any time.

these could all make a thief’s job easier. Keep them out of reach.

In a bid to prevent opportunist thieves, we want to encourage tenants to review their security in order to stop burglars from targeting their homes.

Keep photographs of valuable items such as jewellery.

Always close and lock your doors and windows when you are not at home.

Security mark electrical items and other valuable property – this should increase your chances of being reunited with your property if you are a victim of burglary and it can also discourage a burglar from stealing the item in the first place.

Close and lock doors of rooms you are not using.

Good lighting on the outside of your property can put off or draw attention to a thief.

Don’t leave patio or conservatory doors and windows open or unlocked.

If you have a burglar alarm always set it before you go out.

Here are some simple tips to reduce the chances of being a victim of crime:

Lock up before going to bed.

Don’t leave any bicycles or tools out. Keep them locked away, note serial numbers and keep a photographic record of valuable property.

Don’t hide spare keys under flowerpots or doormats – this is one of the first places a thief is likely to look.

Never leave keys within view or in easy reach of a window, a glass pane or in the lock –

REMEMBER TO COME AND SAY HI TO TY TURTLE, PENNY PIG AND LUCKY WHEN YOU SEE US OUT AND ABOUT. Thanks again to everyone who helped us choose our mascot names and congratulations to our young ‘Name our Mascots’ competition winner Alfie Richards.

14

www.cartreficonwy.org

Anybody witnessing anyone acting suspiciously should call North Wales Police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999. Information can also be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Stay connected or get in touch with North Wales Police for all the latest news on staying safe and secure throughout the year. www.north-wales.police.uk/

Source North Wales Police

HOMES REWARDS IS HERE - WIN £100’S EVERY MONTH We’re now rewarding our loyal tenants every month through a range of new exciting draws with hundreds of pounds up for grabs.

Home Rewards will give you the chance to win £100’s every month through: IPAY – rewarding you for paying your rent on time. If you are up to date with rent payments you are automatically entered into the monthly draw. The prize is £200.

I’M PROUD – rewarding you for looking after your home and being proud of where you live and the community you live in. Tenants are identified during Home Partner visits and your name is added to the monthly for draw to win £100.

I’M INVOLVED – rewarding you for being involved, having your say and helping us to shape our services. When you get involved with Voices@Cartrefi, filling in questionnaires, coming along to consultations or attending events your name is automatically added to this quarterly draw to win £100.

COMING SOON www.mycartrefi.org

I’M CONNECTED – rewarding you for using our online services.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH REC ENT I PAY WINNER ANNE PHEASEY

To find out how you can win £100’s visit cartreficonwy.org/ homerewards or call 0300 124 0040. *Terms and conditions apply with me and does a lot for me around the house, such as hoovering and cleaning every week so I think I’ll be treating her to something because she deserves it.”

How does it feel winning the i pay award?

“I’m absolutely over the moon and I always make sure to pay a little bit extra on top of my rent every time so that I’m a little better off at the end of the year when we get our rent free weeks.”

What are you going to spend the money on?

“Well believe it or not I have 28 grandchildren, with another two on the way so you can imagine that some of the money will be going towards them. But my daughter who lives locally is brilliant

Any budgeting tips?

“I would say the advice that my mother passed onto me and that I pass onto my children - even if you are struggling with money, make sure that the rent is sorted first and foremost (along with clean curtains). If you have a roof over your head that is the most important thing - everything else then can be sorted from there. Also, once you start getting into rent arrears it really does grow and grow, and it’s very hard to get out of that cycle.”

Any money-managing tips?

“Well I always say make sure to put a little bit of money away every month even if it’s £5 here and there because it does help to leave it to mount up over time. Also if you have any spare money left after paying bills it might be a perfect time to put it aside and forget about it for a while as a rainy day fund.”

And don’t forget, if you are having problems budgeting we are here to help.

We have a dedicated financial inclusion team who can help you get back on track.

0300 124 0040 15

N IO T A R B E L E C E L DOUB N A H C E F IR A F N IN LLA It was a double celebration in Llanfairfechan when we opened our latest new development ‘Maes Glanarfon’ and a few weeks later, the Friends of Llanfairfechan Community Library celebrated the reopening of their library after a massive £47,000 face lift.

205 construction jobs including four apprenticeships were involved in building Maes Glanarfon. The development has 28 affordable homes and was finished three months ahead of schedule and providing a major boost for the local economy.

One of the apprentices, Josh Jones, now lives in one of the properties with his partner and his mum lives next door.

The Friends of Llanfairfechan Community Library also launched a short story writing and logo competition for the school children to enter.

Local mum Kirsty Merrell Daily said it was a great idea, which, along with the short story competition, would really fire the imaginations of youngsters.

She praised the Friends of Llanfairfechan Community Library committee for the hard work and dedication that they put into its re-modelling.

“People say that books are a thing of the past but I definitely don’t agree.”

A huge thanks to the school children of Ysgol Babanod Llanfairfechan and Ysgol Pant y Rhedyn who took the starring role as they sang at both events.

Click on the link to view a short video taken during the reopening celebrations.

Great working together with the volunteer group in partnership with Brenig Construction https://youtu.be/kuXc5HqtLrY and Conwy Library Services, to save this great community hub.

16

www.cartreficonwy.org

ALTOGETHER GROUP’S ST DAVID’S DAY CELEBRATION

The Rwsters Choir, including Sally, enjoyed the top billing at a special St David’s Day celebration organised by the All Together Group at the Eagles Hotel in Llanwrst. Over 40 local residents tucked into delicious afternoon tea and were also treated to a performance of traditional Welsh songs and clog dancing courtesy of pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy.

The Altogether Group meets every Friday and celebrates special occasions throughout the year as well as fundraising for their charity along the way.

out of the house and got me meeting people.

Everyone is so nice, people help you put your coat on and are ready for a chat.”

Since making their debut at the Older Person’s Day the Rwsters have gone onto to perform at other events and recently sang with the Welsh National Opera Society.

Sally and the Rwsters have also gained attention from both local and national press and were featured on ITV Wales news.

Sally told us: “Signing up to sing with the Rwsters was the best thing I’ve ever done.

I never went out really after I had a fall in my old house in Trefriw where I’d lived for 46 years and moved across the road to a bungalow.”

“I never went out much and was getting a bit lonely. Then Alison Hughes who works for Cartrefi Conwy visited and asked me to join the choir.”

“I’d never sung before and never been on a stage. No one ever asked me to. But after I went along I really enjoyed it. It’s pulled me

WATCH https://vimeo.com/206240698

0300 124 0040 17

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITY EVENT Members of Chester Avenue community house ran their very successful first Dementia training session - with big thanks to tenant board member Colin Matthews.

Dementia Friendly Communities is a programme that helps to create dementia-friendly communities across the UK. From governments and health boards to your local corner shop and hairdresser, they all share part of the responsibility for making sure that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community. www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20079/ dementia_friendly_communities

APPRENTICES LEAD 50 MILE CHARITY TREK By the time you’re reading this our colleagues will have completed a 50 mile challenging trek along the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.

Fronted by Chief Executive Andrew Bowden, together with a group of eager colleagues who all volunteered themselves to endure the walk in the name of charity! The walk was organised by our Modern Apprentices, Hannah McGoona, Jade Jones and Alex Bond who worked really hard to make this a success!

All sponsorship money from this walk is being split between two charities, The Alzheimer’s Society and Awyr Las, the North Wales NHS charity supporting the By Your Side campaign.

In the last 18 months Cartrefi Conwy has raised £4K+ for Alzheimer’s Society.

18

WATC H /217689669

https:// vimeo.com

Cartrefi Conwy are proud sponsors of RGC rugby club and Rhyl FC and with it we get home match tickets to offer tenants, plus mascot days. What’s more we are working closely with both clubs to give our tenants the chance to get their sporting talent scouted.

PROUD SPONSORS

RGC has had a great first season in the Premiership and made history against Pontypridd with their fantastic win in the WRU National Cup Winners 2017 final – we’re incredibly proud to sponsor the team and to see rugby talent nurtured here in North Wales.

Rhyl FC has not had the best season on the pitch and has been relegated but the Lilywhites are already fired up to bounce back next season. Off the pitch the club has had a great community season – well done!

Both clubs are joining us at our Big Day Out event so come along to meet and play with your local sporting heroes.

Remember to stay in touch with Cartrefi Conwy and be on the ball to win tickets to see the teams as they kick off next season.

CARE TO COOPERATE Llandudno and Llanrwst tenants have taken part in two ‘Care to Cooperate’ discussions talking about how to improve their care services.

Both groups are keen for members to join and support each other with future care needs. It’s about voicing your choice - your wants and needs for your care.

Call 0300 124 0040 and ask to speak to Nerys Veldhuizen for more info.

Independent Living - can we help?

Do you know someone who lives in a Cartrefi Conwy property that might need some help to live independently at home?

Get in touch call 0300 124 0040 or email independentlivingservice@ cartreficonwy.org

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Older Person’s Day 28th September Venue Cymru Join us once more as we celebrate in style the wonderful contributions our older champions make in our communities.

19

INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICE Our Independent Living Coordinators on hand to assist you with: Emotional support and guidance Reporting repairs and housing related issues Managing important paperwork and correspondence Organising access to other services and professional help Support and promote an active social life Staying safe in your home

0300 124 0040

!

www.cartreficonwy.org

Are you interested in the Independent Living Service?

Yes:

o

No:

o

Do you know someone who would be interested in the Independent Living Service?

Yes:

o

No:

o

First Name

Surname

Address County

Postcode

Contact number Email Send to: Cartrefi Conwy, Morfa Gele, North Wales Business Park, Abergele, Conwy LL22 8LJ or email to: independentlivingservice@cartreficonwy.org