EBuzz - October 2016

October 2016

John’s Briefing 10-Y-Fan Challenge A healthy, varied diet White Ribbon Football MHA at Eisteddfod AND MUCH MORE!

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REMEMBER...

EBuzz is put together following John’s briefings every other month. This is your newsletter and it would be great to hear some of your stories!

If you have anything you want to share, please get in touch with Louise Davies via In House, 01495 761104 or email: louise.davies@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy this edition.

John’s Briefing AGM, Board & Governance

We held this year’s AGM on Wednesday: it was good to see so many staff attending to get the summary of the year. Key facts are that turnover is now £20m, we completed several high quality developments last year and the Welsh Government have set a target of 20k new homes over the next five years, so we have some real but exciting challenges ahead.

We welcomed new tenant board member Sandra Flanagan to the Board following this year’s tenant elections. Lynette Glover, one of our independents has decided to stand again for three more years, which is good news for MHA. We also met our new Welsh Government Regulator, Simon Fowler whose role it is to ensure that we're a robust, financially secure organisation. This feeds into our Welsh Government Regulatory Assessment. We started off well under the new regulatory approach: there’s been a move from a marking scheme to an exception report. In MHA’s case there was very little to report, which is extremely positive. The Regulator was impressed with the quality of

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challenge from our Board which adds to our overall strength. One of the key advantages of a strong Regulatory Report is that it puts MHA in a strong position when negotiating with both Welsh Government and also Funders, so apart from the positives of being seen to be a well-run business, we can also be seen as a business worth investing in at low cost to MHA as we present low risk to funders.

Oakley Way - We’ve now moved out all but 11 of 36 tenants of the blocks scheduled for demolition. Many have moved permanently to Old School Close but others have been moved temporarily with a guarantee of a new home in the redeveloped Oakley Way area. We’re working on designing the remaining blocks so that they're as good a place to live as the new build properties.

Development

Masefield – We’ve seen a huge shift in attitude since the works with tenants spending more time enjoying the outside spaces and getting to know each other. It seems that now the buildings are improved, tenants have changed from a transient attitude to investing in their home and community. Not all of the blocks have responded positively but we need to build on the block that has to show the other blocks how looking after their environment can make it better for everyone. Which brings us on to Annual Health Checks which is a new idea to help support more of this in our neighbourhoods.

St Cadocs - starting on site in the next couple of months to build 10 larger general needs units.

Green Lane - nearly completed and we hope to be on site at Poplars Close and Ty Freeman soon.

Old School site - tree has added value to the site with the green being an attractive feature of the development.

Brookside - one last tenant remains at Brookside (currently three on site but we have secured accommodation for two) and we’ll be applying for planning permission to demolish soon.

Annual Health Checks

This concept provoked a real spirited discussion at Board; whilst the idea is to promote a coaching approach to addressing behaviours of ASB, fly tipping e.t.c, some Members thought that this might infringe upon how people choose to live in their homes and suggested a targeted approach to identify potential support: indicators such as rent arrears. So it’s important for us to consider the emphasis of what we’re doing to ensure that tenants are mindful of their responsibilities within their community. It’s important to work positively and empathetically with tenants and we’ve appointed two Tenancy Coaches to do this.

There’s been a decrease in ASB - due to dealing with ASB complaints quicker and being able to provide solutions. The are team finding that if there is a more rapid response to a problem, then the satisfaction levels of tenants is higher

Voids:

We’ve had a spike in expenditure on voids, some of which have been released as a result of older tenants passing away. Some of these properties have had little work done over the years resulting in some cases of around £30k of repairs.

It’s key to be able to move older people to good quality sheltered accommodation to release their homes. We need good marketing material to offer people a good quality alternative, especially in light of the new property standards including carpets and full decoration.

We will have another look at creating an incentive scheme for people to use to move home. With the improved void standard there may well be a greater take up.

Land Availability

Capsel Waste Management

9% of people on the list are in real housing need – bands 1 and 2. More people on the common housing register are in less housing need, could benefit in intermediate rent.

We can offer security of tenancy and want to capture this more. We also need to think about how to provide homes that people want – such as bungalows. These take up a lot of land and will take a long time to make their money back, so we need to be creative with design to offer as much as possible including parking and gardens on roofs.

Welfare Reform

Welsh Government released their target for affordable house building this week and want 20,000 new homes built across Wales by 2020.

There’s not enough land to develop on so we now need to maximise the occupancy of what we have as well as looking elsewhere for available land.

Building

John clarified to staff that when we receive grant from Welsh Government for a development we have to demonstrate that we carried out a robust tendering process, so we can't allocate the work directly to Capsel or DSO. Contractors have to take on projects as design and build, which protects us from risk, but contractors can choose who they want to undertake the works.

Using our DSO as a sub-contractor for work isn't an efficient use of our staff as they don’t always plan works well leaving our guys hanging around onsite costing us around £30 per hour which isn’t profitable. On the other hand, if CAPSEL/DLO can prove cost effective to the Board, in the future when building without grant, we may be able to use our own workforce, but it is essential in the interim that we prove to Board that this would be a good use of resources.

The waste business closed down this summer owing to the criteria set by the insurers which made the scheme unviable. The amount of waste we could keep was too small in comparison to volumes that were needed to make a profit. Couldn't subsidise via rents as these are meant for housing. We’ve written to the First Minister regarding how this trend in increased insurance specifications will affect other recycling businesses as their current insurance policies expire. It will impact on Welsh Government’s recycling targets.

The biggest impact is the assessment criteria of people who are judged as fit for work meaning that we will need to support more people in the future. Great news from the Inclusion team who have helped nine people into work through the Pathways to Careers scheme and a further nine via the Work & Skills Wise scheme.

You don't just get a place to live with MHA, you get support if you need it.

Cx Housing Management System

There are a number of bugs and our balances are not coming through correctly among other glitches in the programming. Civica offered the first web-enabled product that had been developed and we were encouraged to move over to it on price and the offer of working with Civica to create our own product. However, with the bugs outstanding we can't implement yet as the new system will give us less functionality than what we’re currently using. The next release due on 5th October will fix some bugs, but we will wait to see what gets fixed to give us that tipping point to go ahead.

Tenant Insight data coming in, but the system won't make best use of it yet. Currently we're looking at an IT system when what we were sold and wanted was a housing management system that allows us to interrogate the data in a way that's useful to us.

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What’s new in Housing Policy?

By Julie Nicholas

COMPLIMENTS Mrs Mitchel would like to thank Gareth Denley for... ”the response to an emergency call as she had her electrics tripping and her husband is reliant on his stair lift. She said Gareth arrived and took time to investigate and rectify the fault. He was really polite, pleasant and professional and did an excellent job.”

Ms Jones would like to thank Helena Davies for... ”being extremely professional yet friendly and approachable. I feel positive that with her knowledge and support I will be successful in gaining full time employment. I’m looking forward to a brighter future.”

Mr Swift would like to thank MHA & the Safe Hands Team for... ”how well the new alarm system worked. The operator was exceptional and the speed with which it all worked saved a tenants life. The surgeon who treated him said he had died but they were able to get him back and an operation has given him a new lease of life. We sincerely congratulate MHA on the new system installed and the staff operating it.”

Mrs Norman would like to thank Richard Melia and Glenn Neil for... ”the work carried out to the fence – the boys were absolutely brilliant.”

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UK Government: Welfare Reform In September Welsh support providers breathed a sigh of relief when the UK Government announced their rents would not be capped at the Local Housing Allowance rate (the current rates for people living in the private rented sector).

The announcement that the policy would be deferred until 2019 for supported housing, was welcomed by providers who offer services such as domestic abuse refuges and homelessness hostels.

The DWP will bring in a new funding model with the expectation that any costs above the level of the LHA rate will be devolved to Welsh Government to decide about funding.

Welsh Government: Programme for Government Welsh Government have published their programme for Government. This tells us what will be happening in the National Assembly for the next five years. The housing headlines include: • Build 20,000 new affordable homes, of which 6,000 will be available for owner occupiers via the Help to Buy scheme.

• To end the Right to Buy to ‘safeguard social housing in rural communities’.

• Create 100,000 all age apprentices • Introduce a new ‘Rent to Own’ housing model.

• Offer 30hrs of free child care to working parents of 3 & 4 year old children.

• Continue support for the work of Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs).

We will now wait to hear from the Minister with responsibility for housing, Carl Sargeant, on the detail of the headlines and how he intends to work with us to deliver more new homes and policies.

Welsh Government: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 The Act received Royal assent in January and means that everyone renting a home in Wales will be transferred onto one of two new tenancy types, to be introduced after Autumn 2018. We will be giving tenants regular updates on how this will happen as we receive information from Welsh Government.

You can find out more about the Act on the Welsh Government website.

News In Brief Sinky McSinkFace didn’t sink!

Congratulations Karen!

Congratulations to Karen Peploe (nee Williams) who got married to Ian on 16th September.

Wishing you both a happy future together!

New Hub Offices Congratulations to the MHA team and their magnificent raft 'Sinky McSinkface' who, on their inaugural voyage came a very respectable 28th place out of 78 rafts in the Monmouth Raft Race on Sunday 4th September 2016.

Peter and his team took on the task of building the raft from scratch and nerves were jangling when the raft took to the water for the very first time at the race.

Down river, Sinky and the team survived being pelted with eggs, but nothing could stop the team’s true grit and determination: They did MHA proud!

Thanks to everyone who donated – the team raised £212.25 in total and big thanks to those who went to cheer the team on.

Roll on next year!

On Wednesday 31st August MHA’s new hub offices officially opened and the occasion was marked by a celebratory launch event held in the Forum here at HQ. The four new offices which are based within our sheltered schemes at Old Hereford Road – Abergavenny, Trevor Bowen House – Monmouth, The Lawns – Magor and Cwrt Severn – Caldicot, offer staff who work out and about in the areas, the facilities you may need to carry out your day-to-day jobs whilst working away from the main office.

Each office can accommodate two officers and features fast fibre optic broadband, coloured printers, landline telephone, stationery and free refreshments. If you would like further information on access codes for these facilities contact Jemma Browning on ext. 2121. Please note, in order to use the printers in the hubs you will need to speak to IT to have your laptop/tablets configured.

Allpay On 2nd August we introduced a great new way to enable tenants to pay their rent without having to set up a direct debit.

Abergavenny Monmouth

Allpay cards were sent out to all tenants as an alternative method of payment. This caused some confusion as some tenants thought that the Allpay card replaced their tenant rent payment card.

It’s really important to let tenants know that it’s an additional method of payment and that they can still pay in person at a Post Office or Paypoint.

It’s also vital that they keep their tenant rent payment card as it holds their unique reference number.

Caldicot Magor

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2,877 Followers

Following 508

3,010 Tweets

Margaret is a Top Tenant!

@Mon_Housing The latest edition of Money Matters is now online.

It’s a super summer read! #FollowTheBee @Mon_Housing The wonderful Tash @flyingpigschool is using her #PitchYourProject money to run an amazing cooking class! #SweetTreats @Mon_Housing Homeless Resettlement Officer Clare's been #supportingpeoplewales for 14yrs. She helps people settle in their new home. @Mon_Housing Great to see so many people along for our #AGM today.

Thanks to everyone that took part! @ZiggiesMonmouth Well done Sarah Higgins for winning two Ziggies awards including the people’s choice award @ziggies @Mon_Housing @EmmaJ_Parry @Mon_Housing ar y maes efo @CHCymru @ MelinHomes @UnitedWelsh @ CartrefiGwynedd. Dewch I fewn am sgwrs #steddfod16

On Twitter? Why not follow us @mon_housing 6

This summer, our very own Margaret Harris beat off competition from nine other nominees to win the TPAS Tenant of the Year award.

Margaret, who has been keenly involved in tenant participation in Monmouthshire for the past 12 years has passionately raised the profile of social housing in the county. Held in high regard by everyone at MHA, Margaret’s contributions have helped to make a real difference to the services provided by the Association.

John Keegan, said “Margaret has been a very active and enthusiastic member of the MHA team since before transfer. She has grown in knowledge and insight along with MHA on its journey.

Margaret is always ready to contribute, particularly in areas such as governance where she really has grasped the issues and has submitted some top class comments to MHA to help guide us to better practices.

To see Margaret grow in knowledge, self-confidence and enthusiasm has been hugely satisfying for all concerned: Margaret is a very worthy winner indeed”.

e t a Upd Animal sanctuary gets Capsel welcomes renovation boost from Capsel Eisteddfod visitors

Capsel donated 12 days’ worth of free labour to renovate a large property owned by the much loved All Creatures Great and Small charity in Cwmbran this summer.

Capsel’s Property Services team renovated the iconic Wharf House that overlooks Castle Meadows in Abergavenny in preparation for the National Eisteddfod of Wales 2016.

Capsel decided to offer up free labour after visiting the charity and hearing from staff how much they rely on donations and gifts in kind to keep the sanctuary running.

The property was in desperate need of external renovation, so the Capsel team stepped in to give the property a stunning new look in time for the Eisteddfod. Large Capsel advertising boards were erected at the side and behind the property, welcoming the estimated 130,000 people who flocked to the festival.

Rent coming in from tenants living in the property is ploughed straight back into the sanctuary and forms one of the most important income streams for All Creatures Great and Small. Therefore it was vital that the renovation work was carried out, to make the property a desirable, modern home for tenants.

All Creatures Great and Small has helped many thousands of injured, abused, unwanted and orphaned animals with rehabilitation and rehoming since opening in 1992.

Capsel nominated for prestigious awards Capsel has been shortlisted for not one, but two prestigious awards.

The company finds itself up against heavyweights including Welsh Water and Public Health Wales in the category of Best Internal Communications Campaign of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Cymru Awards.

Meanwhile, Capsel has also been shortlisted in the Excellence in Marketing category of the Monmouthshire Business Awards.

Get Ready for Winter with Capsel As the cold weather begins to bite, we’ll all be turning our central heating systems back on in preparation for the winter months ahead. And of course, keeping your central heating system running as effectively and safely as possible is of paramount importance.

Capsel’s great value Ready for Winter gas and heating health check is just £40 including VAT, and includes:

• Boiler safety check • Radiator and pipework check • Radiator bleeding Capsel also offer a one-off boiler service for just £55 including VAT* And a brand new boiler with full installation service is just £1,450 including VAT* Don’t take the risk! Get your gas and heating system ready for winter with Capsel.

Don’t forget – if you recommend Capsel to a friend, neighbour or family member and they then use Capsel’s services, you both get a £5 high street voucher!

Email info@capsel.co.uk or call 0333 207 9000 to book an appointment today.

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Ten Y Fan Challenge

By Ceri Melhuish-Thomas

It’s only up and down... but 10 times in 24hours? That’s the equivalent of 42miles!

Bring on Ten Y Fan. One foot in front of the other, up and down 10 times Pen Y Fan Mountain, Brecon, in 24 hours.

The MHA Mountaineers set off at 6pm on the Saturday night in a very foggy and wet car park. This was climb number one. All hopes and spirits were high. There was laughter and camaraderie.

We got to the top ready for the team photo. We were like a scene from the “Sound of Music”. Quickly did we realise that “the hills are alive” and set off on the decent. Quickly did we THEN realise the enormous task we were undertaking. 22.5 hours left with 9.5 climbs to go!

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The night drew in and we were getting wetter and wetter. Visibility was poor due to the fog and the fact it was night time too. We looked like we had only just finished a shift in the mines. Head torch on and we went up one by one, following the path lit only by glow sticks.

The team comprised of Emily, Ceri, Dom, Dewi, Katie, Sarah, Jacob, Dean and Alan. The MHA Mountaineers. With some small amount of hill training under our belts we all found the task quite daunting. But we persevered.

Climb after climb and morale slipping away we carried on.

Some passed their expectations and completed more than they thought they would.

Legs battered and toes bruised the MHA Mountaineers were a prominent part of the challenge with some carrying on throughout the night and into the early hours.

Day break and we were still at it. Some had been home for a comfortable sleep and a cheeky glass of wine (Alan) and some had a few hours in the car with the heating on.

The end was in sight. Dean’s end was at 11am. 10 climbs done.

I took slightly longer with cutting it fine for time, with a total of 10 climbs in 23 and a half hours!!

The Ten Y Fan challenge will remain in all of our minds and hearts as the hardest thing we all have ever done. But the realisation that overall £50,000 was raised for LATCH has us all beaming with pride.

Roll on next year! Anybody that’s interested then get in touch and see you on the mountain!

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Orlando, Florida

By Lorna Selmer

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Honeymoon Island This is a small island state park offering numerous nature-based activities such as hiring a bike, sailing, jet skiing, kayaking and dolphin watching on a catamaran or just relaxing on lovely beaches with There’s so much to do in Orlando. Whilst I love the hammocks hanging from palm trees. There are two sun, shopping and am a bit of a history geek, Jamie little restaurants on the beach front for a welcome really loves films and keeping active, we are never stuck for things to do. We managed to cram a lot into cold drink in the Florida heat. our holiday, so I’ve tried to just give a little overview St Augustine of our favourite days/attractions.

St Augustine is one of America’s most historic cities and was the backdrop for Martin Luther King Jr. Universal Studios & Universal Islands of and the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. It’s the Adventure nation's oldest city and has plenty of attractions and Universal Studios is a real working studio and has museums. Our favourite things to visit were: rides, behind the scenes tricks and scenes from famous films. The newest attraction is the Wizarding • The Spanish Military Hospital Museum World of Harry Potter – where they have recreated a • The School House - the oldest wooden school full size Diagon Alley for you to walk around! house in America • The Jail - the oldest jail in America Some of the movie-themed rides here include: We got married on 6th May 2016 before heading to Orlando, Florida for our Honeymoon. We’ve been to Florida quite a few times before and we are now addicted!

Terminator 2:3D, Men in Black Alien Attack, The Simpsons and AMCs Walking Dead attraction. They have live performances and special effects shows throughout the day, as well as a parade and a night time Cinematic Spectacular.

You can get the Hogwarts Express over to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The theme park is separated in to ‘lands’ that bring the films to life. The islands include: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and our favourite Marvel Super Hero Island!

Disney’s Epcot Epcot is made up of Future World and World Showcase. In Future World you can experience the past and future of technology advancements.

Attractions include: Test Track where you get to design your own custom concept vehicle, then test it out on the track in a SimCar and Mission Space which simulates a realistic launch into space as you and your crew pilot your capsule to Mars.

World Showcase is centred around a beautiful lagoon and highlights the art, architecture and culture of different countries. Each country features entertainment, attractions, dining and shopping unique to their culture.

Every evening Epcot presents IllumiNations Reflections of Earth illumination and firework show.

This is worth waiting for and is the perfect way to end your day at Epcot.

There is also a distillery and chocolate factory with free samples galore! You can tour the city by air, sea or by a Tour Trolley and we would highly recommend one of these as there is so much to see!

Amway Centre This is Downtown Florida’s main sports arena, and is the home of the Orlando Magic’s, the Orlando Titans and the Orlando Solar Bears. We managed to get tickets to watch the Orlando Predators from the Arena Football League. We were pretty limited as there isn’t much sport on in May in Florida, but we thoroughly enjoyed the game and the typical AllAmerican atmosphere.

Celebration at Disney The town is directly connected to the Walt Disney World resorts. It's the perfect town, with little boutique shops, organic green grocers, a cinema, restaurants and coffee shops. We spent a morning here, having a chilled break from busy Florida. We had breakfast overlooking the lake, before walking the nature trail off the back of the perfect American neighbourhoods and then on past the million-dollar listings.

If you have any suggestions of other places we could visit in Orlando, I’d love to hear them as I’m always planning our next trip!

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Why not say hello to all the new starters on

Kristian Chard Information Services Support Officer I’m 23, I live in Ebbw Vale. I started working at MHA in June after working for Merthyr Valleys Homes as a Digital Inclusion Officer. My hobbies include football, Jiu Jitsu and fiddling with cars (Although I tend to break them.) Self-confessed Subaru geek, the noisy Silver one is mine, sorry for the headaches!

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

If I had to be stuck in a lift with anyone it would have to be Ryan Giggs, he’s my absolute hero!

Helena Davies Work & Skills Wise Officer I have come to MHA straight from prison... I worked to coach and support offenders towards employment. I have 6 years’ experience within the employment sector.

I have 2 cats Dennis & Vinnie and I like holidays.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

I would like to be in lift with Michael Kors – for the handbags, and also Gerrard Butler I don’t think I need to explain more.

Gerald Weaver Estates Officer I started with MHA on 11th July, since then I have been made to feel most welcome, and look forward to the future with MHA. Out of work I enjoy most sports, I play golf for a number of reasons, there’s the competitive side (I like to win), the fitness side and of course the social side. I have played in many European countries, America, Australia, the Caribbean, Ireland and Scotland next year.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

There would be one of our fantastic Paralympian’s, Ritchie McCaw (Ex NZ Rugby captain), John Bishop, Pavarotti & my mother who would keep everybody calm and was a wealth of knowledge on most subjects. And could I have a bottle of Red wine and some Cheese & Biscuits please?!

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Claire Osman Income Officer I’m Claire and I started working in the Income Team in MHA in July – a slight change in direction for me as I came from the support team in Newport City Homes. I started my housing career with MHA (back then MCC) and left in 2009, it feels great to be back! My first few months have been busy but fun and I look forward to meeting those of you I haven’t yet.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

Now if I was stuck in a lift with anyone I would have to choose Aiden Turner (AKA Poldark), anyone that has watched Poldark will know the reason for this! I actually walked passed him in Cardiff Bay once – but missed my chance!

Claire Inglesby Housing Support & Resettlement Officer I've been a support worker for the past fourteen years predominantly working with young people in the South Wales Valleys. I was born in Liverpool and come from a long line of scousers. I grew up in Cheltenham and came to live in Wales 17 years ago where I have since married and had two daughters. My hobbies include reading and writing poetry for children. Sadly never been published.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

I would like to be stuck in a lift with Louis Theroux. It would have been my dream once to be stuck with Philip Glennister but I met him recently and it was a disappointment.

Craig Carter Heating Engineer After 15+ years I finally get the chance to work For MHA! The week of work experience with Engineer Bob Michael must have left an everlasting effect! I've throughly enjoyed my start, everyone has been very welcoming.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

Hmm, easily my wife! Parents to four small scallywags so the opportunity for a quite five mins without the constant "DAD can we" would be bliss!

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...continued

Victoria Cleave Admin Assistant – Sustainable Communities I am returning to work after taking a break to look after my daughter. Prior to this, I worked for First Campus at the University of South Wales, generating events with the aim of encouraging children to remain in education after they leave school. I also worked in the Public Protection Unit of Gwent Police, and in Financial Services, dealing with endowment complaints, for over 8 years. I enjoy reading, writing and scuba diving.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

I would have loved to be stuck in a lift with Terry Pratchett. I am sure his remarkable whit and intelligence would have kept me entertained until help came.

Gary O’Rourke Heating Engineer

Sarah Stephens Sales & Lettings Officer My background is 12 years in a housing association in Newport, then time out for my family. I am really excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Capsel team and am looking forward to helping grow the business. I look forward to meeting you all and having the opportunity to work with you in the future.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

As to who I would choose to be stuck in a lift with... it’s cheesey but... it would be my hubby Spencer!

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Tracy Riggs Apprentice Plasterer

Catherine Campbell Apprentice Plumber

Dewi Rowe Heating Engineer

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...continued

Sandra Flanagan Board Member I’m Sandra and originally from Scotland. I retired at the end of last year and moved from Newport to Abergavenny. My working life was spent in finance and for the last 10 years I was a legal cashier for a firm of solicitors.

I’m married with two sons and three grandchildren. I was so impressed by MHA since becoming a tenant that I wanted to be part of it and was thrilled to be voted on to the board.

My hobbies include reading, swimming and I have just finished a course in QIGong, the ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.

We wish them the best for the future

Helen Mabbitt Money Advisor

Jade West (Homesearch Officer) is going off on adoption leave. All the best Jade!

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My time at MHA to aid a new Lottery bid and to also identify gaps.

I helped plan the summer activities and did the admin for them. I have learned lots whilst working with the team and thoroughly enjoy it. I am treated no differently to a fully paid member of staff and I am given responsibilities and deadlines, just like everyone else.

I also help out in Corporate Services with press releases, PR on Facebook and Twitter and general admin duties. The team are also fab and really allow me to explore my inner creativity. I even enjoyed stuffing 300 envelopes- nothing like a bit of escapism to brighten the day!

Whilst I was looking for work, I wanted to volunteer within the housing sector.

I was keen to work in engagement or something similar and so it was the way forward. I sent over my CV to Dominic at Dad’s Can and he agreed to meet with me. In the meantime I had applied for a position with MHA as an engagement officer however, I was unsuccessful due to lack of experience, after all, I haven’t worked for over 5 years. It was now even more important that I did the volunteering. I wanted to show my capabilities and that I was ready for the world of work.

I started with Dad’s Can in May and it was very surreal to be in a work place where everyone was so nice! I was convinced it was just because I was new, turns out they are all actually very nice people.

Dad’s Can work consisted mostly of research in order

I can honestly say there have been no negative experiences here, anything I haven’t been comfortable with has been explained or I have been shown first. I am left to my own devices but also checked up on and supported throughout.

I would like to thank everyone here for making my time so enjoyable and encouraging me to push myself further, also for all the support I have had with my recent application. My talents have not gone unnoticed and it’s so great to be recognised and thanked for the work I have put in, but quite frankly, I think it’s you guys who have given me the best thing.

Thank you

Stacey Stacey joined MHA on 26 September as a PR & Admin Support Assistant as a full time member of staff in the Corporate Services Team.

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A Healthy, Vari With so much conflicting information out there around what constitutes as ‘healthy eating’, it is easy to see why so many people seem to be confused about what we should and shouldn’t be eating.

Use the Eatwell Guide to help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food.

It shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group.

Each serving (150g) contains

13%

Fat

Saturates Sugars

3.0g 1.3g LOW

LOW

4%

7%

Salt

34g 0.9g HIGH

To try and increase awareness of how we achieve a ‘healthy diet’, the Food Standards Agency produced a healthy eating visual tool called the Eatwell Guide.

The guide uses a plate to represent the 5 different food groups that we should all be including in our

Eatwell Guide

Check the label on packaged foods Energy 1046kJ 250kcal

Most people are aware that what we eat can impact on how healthy our bodies are, but living in an increasingly body and image conscious society, people are always looking for that ‘quick fix’ fad diet that promises unrealistic and unsustainable weight losses. From a public health perspective, these diets may not necessarily be as ‘healthy’ as we think, quite often they require you to leave out essential food groups from your diet in order to achieve your goal.

MED

38% 15%

of an adult’s reference intake Typical values (as sold) per 100g: 697kJ/ 167kcal

ta n

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Potatoes

v

Fr

ui

d

Raisins

Cous Cous

Whole wheat pasta

Porridge

Rice

Lentils

Tuna

Plain nuts

Beans lower salt and s ugar

Chick peas

Spaghetti

L o w f at s o f t ch e es e

n Leaince m Semi skimmed

milk

Crisps

Eat less often and in small amounts

Veg O il

Soya drink

Be an

s, p Ea ulse s, fis so t more h, eg u gs, mea b r eans red ced t and other proteins and p and fish proc per we ulses, 2 portions of sustainably ek, one esse of which is oily. Eat less d mea t

and Dairy

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Lower fatad spre

Plain Low fat y o g hu r t

s tive rna alte and

fat wer tions se lo Choo ugar op s lower

Per day Source: Public Health England in association with the Welsh Government, Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland

Limit fruit juice and/or smoothies to a total of 150ml a day.

sugar

Bagels

Frozen peas

Sauce

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and salt fat,

Eat at leas t5

Chopped t omatoe s

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Water, lower fat milk, sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count.

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po rtio ns

nd it a fru f o les ty ab rie et va eg

6-8 a day

ith

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Choose foods lower in fat, salt and sugars

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ay ery d s ev e l b eta veg

2000kcal

Oil & spreads

Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amounts

2500kcal = ALL FOOD + ALL DRINKS © Crown copyright 2016

ied Diet diets in order to keep them healthy. This is important as no single food contains all the essential nutrients that our bodies need, therefore eliminating a group from your diet all together, can mean that your body may not be getting all the essential micro and macro nutrients which are essential for normal functioning.

Outside of the plate the guide also shows which foods should be eaten less often (as they are high in fat and/or sugar) as apart from energy, they provide very limited nutrients. Hydration is also an important aspect to keeping our bodies healthy and the guide suggests a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water to be consumed each day.

The key to a healthy diet is moderation and balance.

The Eatwell Plate is a guide to the proportion of foods we should eat from each food group – the larger the segment the more it should appear in our diets. Most of what we eat should come from ingredients shown in the two biggest food groups – starchy foods, fruits and vegetables. The meat, fish, eggs, beans group and the milk and dairy products group are smaller, illustrating that quantities from these groups should be less. Only occasional or limited intakes of foods high in fat is signalled by this being the smallest section of the plate. It is not necessary to follow the model rigidly at every single meal; instead aim to get the balance between the different food groups over the course of a day or even a week.

An easy exercise you can carry out to see how your diet compares with the Eatwell Plate is to make a list of everything that you ate & drank yesterday (or if you can’t remember an average typical day). Draw a rough outline of the plate and then try to fit the food & drinks in the appropriate segments of your plate. You may need to split some ingredients from composite dishes, but remember even though a food may fit into one of the segments, if it is high in fat and/or sugar it will need to sit outside of the plate. When you are finished look at your results to see if you are getting the ratios right, are there any gaps and identify if there are any changes you need to make?

Here are a selection of “Pickles” that you have awarded to your colleagues recently: Natasha Jones has ‘pickled’ Jessie Sibthorpe for… "helping the Engagement Team with staffing the Road to Rio launch in Newport on Friday – a joint project between MHA and Newport City Homes. Thank you Jessie!"

Claudia Blair has ‘pickled’ Mared Dafydd for…”organising great Welsh language taster sessions ahead of the Eisteddfod.

Diolch, Mared!”

Kerris Winter has ‘pickled’ Cally McCarthy for… "preparing and providing the Income Team with a comprehensive process map of UC and how we should be dealing with calls that come in when tenants claim it etc."

Anna White has ‘pickled’ Marc Weaving, Nick Brown and Kelvin Mustow for… "stepping up to cover standby for both plumbing and gas breakdowns when a colleague was ill.”

Do you think your colleagues should be recognised for their additional work efforts? Going above and beyond customer expectation and showing a good service. Then award them a pickle via In House.

A prize will be awarded to the employee with the most deserved pickles during the quarter.

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GEMS Staff Suggestion Scheme

The new and improved GEMs suggestion scheme was launched at the Staff Conference with some of you winning some goodies too!

You know the business better than anyone else and can clearly see where efficiencies can be made or where staff will benefit from improvements.

Submit your ideas online by completing the new form on In House. This speeds up the process for validating original suggestions meeting the criteria below.

What Constitutes a Good GEM • If it improves services delivered to the tenants/ stakeholders • If it improves quality, efficiency and/or effectiveness of services provided • If it makes life easier or contributes to the wellbeing of colleagues • If it has the potential to save MHA/tenants money

Some Examples • Use WhatsApp when communicating with tenants – capturing younger customers and it’s free!

• Library in staff forum area with self-help books, e.g. stress management.

• Replace ‘holding’ music with important messages for tenants waiting to be transferred to a staff member • Change to better quality materials/appliance parts to reduce repair call-outs

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What Does Not Constitute a GEM • An improvement you would have been expected to implement naturally as part of your daily duties • General maintenance/repairs/improvements to HQ or surrounding areas, appliances, or buildings owned by MHA (this needs to be reported directly to the Facilities Team)

Some Examples • Door signage • Car parking • Waste/recycling • Tea & Coffee facilities • Heating

Process & Timescales Applications can be made on In House – I want to “Make a GEMs Suggestion” (or email suggestions@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk) We will acknowledge receipt within a week and your suggestion will be verified by the GEMs Panel within 3 weeks.

D

W

£50 will be awarded for each original suggestion.

(Dependent upon the suggestion, it maybe your responsibility to ensure this is actioned).

Please note: Issues with trades/off-site staff accessing In House online will soon be overcome.

In the meantime please email all suggestions to suggestions@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Wher

If you have a suggestion and would like to be in with a chance of winning £50, please complete a GEMS form via In House or use the cards and GEMS post boxes allocated around the building.

Suggestion Action Putting a poster together for people who sit at desks for long periods. Diagrams of exercises to help stretch, reduce tension around the neck / shoulders and back. This can be done several times a day if needed.

A poster will be produced.

GEMS Staff Sugge

stion Schem

e

Name: Job Title: Directorate:

re? (Would th

ea, give as m

is change take

uggestion

uch detail as

possible, incl

uding costs if

The NEW Covalent Browser is due to launch this November!

Training will be rolled out in October, it is imperative that everyone is introduced to the new system.

Some of the improvements include: • Bespoke tabs with YOUR data & actions • Bespoke Managers tabs with data & actions of staff you manage • Can be accessed and viewed on iPads • Easier navigation • Important information & reminders • Most current PI information • Up to date progress against the Corporate Plan • Access to future Corporate Plans • Be able to view MHA’s Corporate Risk Register We have designed the Covalent Browser with you in mind, and we hope that you will benefit from a more user focussed system.

Details of S

What? (Is yo ur id

Covalent Browser

known)

In the meantime, please can you all ensure that all your actions are up to date. Thank you.

place)

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A

B

A

B

A

B

A

A

B

B

B

Top (left to right): Nicholas Thompson (Dads Can), Dewi Parry, Graham Harvey, Michael Harper, Geraint Jones, Lee Roberts, Kris Chard Bottom (left to right): Dean Phillips, Matthew Holly (Dads Can), Adrian Evans, Alex Caswell

WHITE RIBBON

FOOTBALL On Friday 15th July 14 teams battled it out at Tai Calon’s 2nd White Ribbon Football Tournament. The five-a-side event was held at Beaufort Welfare Ground in Ebbw Vale to raise awareness about violence.

MHA entered two teams into the competition (A&B), with the A's reaching the semis but being denied a place in the final by getting knocked out by Tai Calon (B) on penalties. The B's, despite a brave defensive effort, didn't manage to make it through the group stages.

MHA A's top scorer, with four goals, was Dewi Parry.

His goals were reminiscent of Dirk Kuyt's Hatrick Vs Man Utd with the strike distance of all four goals combined being about two yards.

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The B's put all their focus on defending and didn't manage to put the ball in the net but were denied on a few occasions by what can only be described as 'wonder saves'... or terrible misses!

It was a good day out and generally a good atmosphere (apart from a few who thought it was the Champions League final) and all for a good cause.

MHA will be looking to enter again next year so keep a look out for details if you're interested in joining the fun.

A rare attack from MHA (B)

Patient build up play from MHA (A)

The pledge signed by all the participants

Adrian 'Safe Hands' Evans pulls off a great save

Winners, Linc with their trophies

Group Game 1 Group Game 2 Group Game 3 Group Game 4 Group Game 5 Group Game 6 Quarter Final Semi Final

MHA (A) MHA (A) MHA (A) MHA (A) MHA (A) MHA (A)

1 1 4 1 1 0

-

0 0 0 3 0 1

Tai Calon (A) Linc United Welsh Ebbw Fawr Charter Housing FC Tredegar

MHA (B) MHA (B) MHA (B) MHA (B) MHA (B) MHA (B)

0 0 0 0 0 0

-

1 0 0 0 1 2

Tai Calon (B) Bron Afon Newport City Homes Bridgend DFC Hugh James Solicitors AP Waters

MHA (A) 0 - 0 Bron Afon MHA (A) win on penalties MHA (A) 2 - 2 Tai Calon (B) Tai Calon (B) win on penalties

Linc won the tournanment by beating Tai Calon (B) in the final.

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Tenant Insight Figures We recently carried out the first of our Helping us to Help You tenant insight surveys. Here’s a taster of the results that we have so far and how the profiles have changed since our report in February.

Employment Status

Access to Transport

Tenants may have access to more than one method of transport

60%

58%

57.2%

50%

More tenants have access to private vehicles and less have access to public transport.

Less retired tenants and more employed & unemployed.

40% 30% 20%

14%

10% 0%

Retired - 38.1%

4% Car

Public Friend’s Transport or Family’s Vehicle

Taxi

1.2%

0.4%

1.5%

Bicycle

Motorbike

No Access to Transport

Employed - 30.7%

Social Media Accessed Facebook

= 699 Unemployed - 24.3%

738 tenants told us that they use at least one of these sites.

Twitter

= 120

YouTube

= 219

Other - 6.9%

How the internet is accessed Mobile (107) PC (911) Tablet (49) PC/Mobile (229) PC/Tablet (104) PC/Tablet/Mobile (132) Tablet/Mobile (26)

Tablet PC

Mobile

More tenants have access to the internet.

We are sending a series of short tenant insight surveys to all our tenants. If you are speaking to a tenant please encourage them to complete and return any surveys that they receive. Also if a tenant tells you about any changes in circumstance please update the relevant area of Capita.

If you would like any further information about the surveys or would like some help updating Capita, please contact Claudia Blair or Nathan Cook in Corporate Services.

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Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Your Annual pension statement is now available to view at My Pension Online The Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Pension Fund administered by Torfaen County Borough Council

Sign up today!

If you've already signed up

If you’re not already using My Pension Online, it’s really simple to sign-up on our website www. gwentpensionfund.co.uk

You can see your Annual Benefit Statement now.

• See other documents we put into your pension account.

• We’ll email you to let you know when we send you something new.

• Everything stored safely for you, so you can look at them whenever you want to.

Click on the My Pension Online link (at the top of the screen).

1. You’ll need your National Insurance Number and your Post Code.

2. Choose a User Name and Password.

3. Answer some security questions.

When you’ve registered we’ll post a PIN number to your home address.

When you get your PIN number (in about 5 days) you can then login to see your own pension account. online.

Planning your retirement See instantly how any of the following might affect the value of your pension: • Retiring early, or retiring late.

• Changing the hours that you work.

• Swapping some of your yearly pension for a oneoff lump sum of money when you retire.

What is my pension online?

• It’s our new free 24/7 service that lets you see your own LGPS pension account online.

• See the value of the pension you’ve built up.

• Check the information we’re holding for you, and tell us about any changes.

• Easy for you to do your own retirement estimates, and see instant results.

E: mypensiononline@torfaen.gov.uk • T: 01495 742299 We’ll send information to you electronically (such as by putting it into your pension account, or by emailing it to you) unless you write to us to say that you don’t want to receive information this way.

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MHA at Eisteddfod 130,000 people flocked to Abergavenny’s Castle Meadows this summer as Monmouthshire hosted the National Eisteddfod of Wales – and MHA were there as part of the Community Housing Cymru (CHC) stand at the week-long festival.

with the Property Services team renovating the landmark Wharf House which overlooks Castle Meadows prior to the event. Festival goers were welcomed to the Eisteddfod by a large Capsel sign erected on the side of Wharf House.

Ben Hennessy, Ceri Melhuish-Thomas, Claudia Blair, Emma Assender, Emma Parry and David James volunteered on the stand throughout the week, talking with festival goers about MHA’s work. David James was also part of an expert panel discussing the links between housing, young people and Welsh language communities.

Emma Parry, MHA Senior Homesearch Officer, said: “It’s almost 20 years since I was last at the Eisteddfod so I was intrigued to see how much it had changed.

I have to say that I really enjoyed my day, but sad it went so quickly! There was a great camaraderie and exchange of ideas in the CHC tent, I made some new friends and there were some great creative ideas coming from the children’s art competition. I am definitely going again next year!”

Mared Dafydd, MHA Risk and Business Assurance Manager, was one of the local volunteers who took part in raising money for the Eisteddfod. Mared helped raise awareness locally and helped out with various tasks during the week – including ironing costumes, helping out back stage and looking after judges and officials. Mared was also part of a group that entered the recital competition and featured on the main Eisteddfod stage on Friday afternoon.

Capsel were also well represented at the Eisteddfod 26

Mared Dafydd, MHA Risk and Business Assurance Manager, said: “It was wonderful having the Eisteddfod in Abergavenny. It’s such a colourful, lively and friendly festival which everyone can enjoy. It’s also a celebration of the Welsh culture and language and it was amazing to hear so much Welsh spoken around the town. I hope the Eisteddfod has inspired many to learn the language and encourage others to do the same.”

School Art Competition Hundreds of children from schools across Monmouthshire submitted an incredible range of artworks to MHA’s school art competition earlier this year.

overwhelmed by the quality of the pictures we received for our competition and was thrilled to be able to present the top prize to such a talented young artist.

The aim of the competition was for children to create artworks based on the theme of Home, with the winning entry to be used as the new homepage image for the Monmouthshire Homesearch website, which relaunches this autumn.

As this picture will feature prominently on the Homesearch website, which is viewed by thousands of people looking for a home every week, it was important we chose a winning entry that not only represented community spirit but also provided a strong visual that people would recognise. I hope the children of Monmouthshire that entered this competition had fun designing their entries and I’m just sorry there couldn’t have been more winners!”

Winner Hayley Dorrel scooped the top prize of £500 for her school as well as a tablet computer and art set.

Winning entries from all the schools that entered also received a tablet and art set, while runners-up also received an art set.

Welsh Arts Council Creative Agent Claudia Peake helped to judge the competition with MHA’s Head of Sustainable Tenancies, Amy Brine. Staff from MHA helped select a shortlist of 10 entries.

Artist Claudia Peake said: “Hayley’s entry was filled with highly individual homes; each one patterned differently to the one next door. The artwork is bold, colourful and full of variety and makes a welcoming and happy scene. We were unanimous in agreeing that Hayley’s creation was perfect for the Monmouthshire Homesearch website.”

Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) Head of Sustainable Tenancies, Amy Brine, said: “‘I was 27

Team Spotlight on...

The New Homes Team The New Homes team came Meet the team Karolina takes care of about following the Housing & ending tenancies and Communities restructure. Since supports tenants in doing everything they need to May they’ve been dedicated to make sure the ending giving our new tenants the best of their tenancy goes smoothly. She’s developed chance of moving from a starter a comprehensive checklist tenancy to assured tenancies. so that tenants can There are a lot of benefits to remember everything they need to move out. She also supports the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire this approach; firstly tenants are service. supported and signposted to Nigel manages voids and makes site visits to services and secondly they are decide what needs to helped towards a more stable be done in each vacant property. He completes form of tenancy contract.

work sheets that are sent to Sian Hughes in Building Services to be undertaken.

He will talk to each tenant to advise them of the work that needs to be done.

Clare Inglesby, Housing Support & Resettlement Officer helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Working with the Homesearch Team she supports people to prevent them from becoming homeless. Clare doesn’t just support MHA tenants, because of the unique way her post is funded via Supporting People grants, she can provide assistance to anyone, including those in private rentals before their situation becomes critical.

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Emma Gallo and Lorraine Denley are the team’s Housing Officers and for the first year of a new tenancy deal with all queries from new tenants, including handling rent arrears. They begin by picking up new tenants from the Homesearch Team, deciding to whom to allocate properties, checking that the property bid for is suitable for the individual and taking them to see the property before they decide to accept it. Working closely with tenants means that they can signpost them to support and services from Work & Skills Wise to Money Wise, helping them to manage their budgets and become great neighbours and community advocates. They also refer tenants to the Income Team in cases where rent arrears are a problem.

Jemma Browning, is a Housing Management Trainee and has spent the last three months of her placement with the New Homes Team. Alongside shadowing Officers and helping the team out in general, her largest role has been to assist with the development of the New Homes Offer. Jemma has worked on developing this with the Julie and the rest of the team which was rolled out at the beginning of October. Jemma has now left the team to undertake her next placement within the Engagement and Inclusion teams.

Julie Nicholas manages the team and is focusing on developing a great pretenancy service: • Getting tenants ready for their new tenancies • Letting homes to people who can afford and manage them • Access to all the services they need • Ensure that MHA properties are maintained to a high standard • Support people to become independent by supporting them from day one – doing with them, not for them • Helping tenants become good tenants, neighbours and community activists Julie’s also keen to ensure that the team enjoys their role and remain curious and able to share and support each other. As signposters to other teams and services, the team ensures that they can refer tenants to services that will best help them.

They’re also using different ways to achieve this – when PayPoint could no longer receive returned keys at the end of tenancies, Nigel came up with the idea of asking St David’s Foundation to provide this service instead. Realising that the charity has a clear and recognizable presence in towns across Monmouthshire, Nigel has made an agreement that tenants can return their keys to a St David’s store – in return for a donation.

Good news story: Mr Jones* is an elderly gent who was facing eviction from his home in a caravan. Having lived on private land for the past 40 years, Mr Jones faced losing his home when his landlords passed away. Clare was able to assist him into moving into a new home, helping him raise the funds to buy white goods to enable him to set up home and took him through the process of signing up to a tenancy, moving in and getting settled. After four decades of living in cold, cramped conditions where his fridge was kept outside, Mr Jones is now settled in his flat. *Name changed

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Impact of Actions from Complaints Complaint 1

Complaint 3

Complaint Investigated by: Elizabeth Jones

Complaint Investigated by: Mared Dafydd

Complaint details: Issues with Monmouthshire Homesearch due to incorrect banding.

Complaint details: Tenants daughter has received letters from MHA following her informing us of her mother’s death. Letters have been sent from Neighbourhoods and Resources. Death certificate was sent in a letter on 20th August saying that there was no estate (copy on Documotive but no reference on Capita). A letter has been sent on 16th November chasing the arrears. Other issues also raised regarding the process.

Complaint outcome: A review has been carried out in line with the medical welfare process and with the current medical advisor. Concerns with the quality of the decision and length of time taken to reach that decision from the Medical Advisor. Subsequently the performance of the GP originally used for medical assessments has improved and we have had no further issues.

Complaint 2 Complaint Investigated by: Andrea James Complaint details: Garage allocated in December.

Issue with the lock of the garage reported in January.

Final response in July advising that site was going to be a new build site and therefore no works would be carried out.

Complaint outcome: There is now an allocation process in place (there wasn’t one previous to this complaint). Garages are now allocated by the admin assistant in Neighbourhoods. Also a list of garages not to be let to be provided i.e. those identified to be demolished or having development works in the near future.

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Complaint outcome: Amend wording of Rent Procedure to ensure that all tenancies ended following a death should be treat sympathetically.

If a tenancy is ended following the death of the tenant, no contact should be made with the family regarding void work until the keys have been returned. Awareness sessions to be provided to all staff who are likely to deal with family or friends of a deceased tenant. Also details to be recorded on Documotive AND Capita.

Complaint 4 Complaint Investigated by: Michele Morgan Complaint details: The delay in tenant turning off the stop cock resulted in further damage to the property and personal belongings.

Complaint outcome: New tenants will be shown the location of the stop cock at sign-up and the New Homes and Neighbourhood teams will also be shown this to ensure they are equipped to do it. The location will also be held on Total.

Sponsorship Here’s a list of all the local projects and groups that we’ve supported so far this year as part of our corporate social responsibility policy.

Purple Wings is a charity that supports people following colectomy as a result of bowel disease. Trustee, Patrick Jukes, one of our tenants approached us for help to sponsor the group to climb Snowdon earlier this year. It takes a lot of heart to climb one of Britain’s highest mountains, but their nerve was tested in 60mph winds and driving rain. Naturally we were thrilled to support them and donated £100.

Caldicot Town Team is a group of people passionate about revitalising the town centre, promoting local enterprise and making Caldicot a thriving centre for the community. Having set up a small retail space in the town centre, they’re now busy taking bookings for pop-up spaces for local tradespeople and craftspeople. We’ll be helping them out by supplying electrics to the store.

Caldicot RFC have a great centre from which they run the local football team and act as a hub for local events and celebrations. The hall needs a new coat of paint and internal doors and we will be helping to make that happen.

Housing Camp Cymru is an ‘unconference’ event where anyone can take their ideas and questions and pitch them in an open forum. MHA loves to support this concept and for the second year running has pledged £100 towards it.

Dingestow Short Bowls Club is a local group that loves to play bowls. The group needed a new set of equipment, including a second hand mat roller and also a bowling chute both making it much easier for elderly players and those in wheelchairs to enjoy the sport.

Tenants at Cwrt Severn are going on a coach trip with MHA’s very own answer to Brendan (off of Coach Trip). The trip has been organised to help involve all tenants, get them out and about as a community and visit local places. The trip took place on 20th September and took our merry group of day-trippers to Weston-Super-Mare.

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Send us a pic of your pet!

The pets will be published in the next edition and you could win a £10 High Street Voucher.

Email Louise Davies with a pic of your pet and tell us a little bit about them.

Visit the ‘Staff Room’ area on

to vote for the cutest pet.

Sookie Mark Winstanley

Mia & Princess Kate Bradbrook

Riley Graham Harvey

Rupert Alisa Price

Jasper Stacey White

Sookie is about 7 years old and came to us as a kitten from a friend at MCC. She is the one cat that rules the roost in our house, despite there being 3 older cats.

She had 6 kittens, one of which is Floof. She is also a surrogate mother for Tinkie who we saved from near starvation.

Mia and Princess have been part of our family for 4 ½ years. They love eating (especially potted plants!) and have an acquired taste for rubber, after I made the mistake of leaving my wellies outside drying one afternoon. Happy to say they’ve progressed onto wheelie bin wheels now and the occasional carrot haha!

We took Riley in as a stray and took her to the Vet to get checked over only to discover she was pregnant!

We kept 1 kitten and found homes for the other 4.

Rupert is 5 years old and is a stubborn bulldog who likes his own way. He loves cheese & cream and drives in the car. He hates going for walks, I need to drag him.

Jasper is a 3 year old German Shepherd cross Rotty. We rescued him from a house when he was 15 weeks old, he had been left alone in the shed by his owner, they had put him ‘for sale’ on Facebook because he was "too much to handle"!

She behaves more like a dog than a cat. She comes when you whistle and has a toy snowman that she takes everywhere.

She's a grumpy old lady and loves to hiss at her daughter every time they pass each other.

He has such a character and we have constant bulldog talks and he loves you talking to him.

A bulldog moto is "I will do this in my own time and takes a while to think about it"

He gets into all kinds of mischief like borrowing socks from the wash and burying them!

Congratulations to Polly (and her owner Katie Knill) on winning June’s Pet Corner competition!

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CuIsine Corner

Welcome to Cuisine Corner! We all love food and it’s always good to get some inspiration from others about what to cook and where to go. Each edition, we want some tantalisingly tasty, tried and tested recipes and reviews to feature in Cuisine Corner.

RECIPE

Restaurant Review

Alfred's Bar & Grill, Pontypridd - By Graham Harvey Sausage Casserole

Located in Pontypridd's Market Square, Alfred's is a popular place for food and drinks with the locals.

Alfred's is one of the few bars in town with an outdoor seating area, so it's nice to grab a drink in the sunshine before you go in to eat. The bar area is furnished with comfy sofas and tall bar stools so there is always somewhere to sit and relax before your meal. There are a wide selection of on-tap beers, ciders and ales to choose from as well as an extensive cocktail menu. There are always ample staff serving, so you're never waiting long at the bar.

There is a good choice of food on the menu with fish and game being the speciality. Having chosen our food, we made our way to the order area, where all the fresh produce is displayed in

glass counters in front of the open kitchen area. As well as the menu, there is also a good choice of daily specials on offer. The service is always friendly and fast and the food always tastes delicious!

Alfred's can cater for tables of two or large groups of people. It's best to book early for a weekend table as its usually pretty busy all through the evening, meaning there's always a lively atmosphere.

After eating we headed back downstairs to the bar (where there is a DJ and dance floor and sometimes live bands) to enjoy a few more drinks... we decided not to hit the dance floor. alfreds-bar-and-grillpontypridd.co.uk

Ingredients • 8 sausages • 1 onion, chopped • 2 carrots, sliced • 100g mushrooms, quartered • 1 tin of tomatoes • 1 tin butter beans (undrained) • 1 chicken stock cube • 1tsp paprika • 1tsp mixed herbs • 100g water • Pinch of salt and pepper • 1tbsp oil Method • Heat the oil in a big pan then cook the sausages.

• Once browned, add the onions and carrots.

• As the onions soften, throw in the mushrooms and mix in the paprika and herbs.

• Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

• Serve with a good helping of mashed potato or pop the potato in the mix and serve with extra vegetables.

If you would like to share your ideas with us, then please get in touch with the Corporate Services Team.

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PRESS RELEASES

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ok We now have 2 active Facebo www.facebook.com/Monmou

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s th at they can Don’t forget to tell our tenant ate with all the use this pa ge to keep up-to-d have going on latest events and activities we within their communities.

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IN HO

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