familymatters Tenant Newsletter Winter 2014
Kids in Museums looking for volunteers Page 28
Garden Results
Building for a
Bright Future
Page 26
Page 3
Wintertime Wrap up warm and build a snowman
Welcome to the Winter 2014 edition of the tenants’ newsletter.
T
his edition is packed with lots of useful information and news. There have been some big changes at Family Housing this year. We have a new person in charge. Read the message from our new chief executive on page 3.
Our Family Housing Football Team go further down the league with a defeat against the Street Football Wales female team. However they did manage to raise enough money to push the team over their fundraising target to get to the Homeless World Cup in Chile. Well done boys, even if it was an embarrassment! We have not published an annual report this year in its traditional format. Instead you will find a review of the year on page 11. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay well and warm and see you in Spring 2015!
Carol Telephone 01792 482762 Email carol.johns@fha-wales.com Write to Family Housing. 43 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5PN
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Newsletter Winter 2014
Christmas Closures The office will be closed on Wednesday 24 December 2014 Thursday 25 December 2014 Friday 26 December 2014 Thursday 1st January 2015 Friday 2nd January 2015
Building for a Bright Future As many tenants will know the Association is going through a number of changes.
O
n our website you will see two regulatory reports produced by the Welsh Government – they provide an overall assessment (the HARA) and a financial assessment (the FVJ) of the Association. The reports signal the need for change and raise a number of challenges which we must respond to. This has required the Board to re-evaluate priorities for the Association and focus attention on the actions needed to maintain high quality services to tenants whilst laying robust foundations for the Association to flourish in the future.
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 3
Some changes have already taken place with long standing Board Members and senior staff retiring.
already provide whilst working on sustainable improvements to the organisation that will impact on the outcomes for households and communities.
At the beginning of November I joined the Association as Interim Chief Executive and we launched a recruitment campaign to refresh Board Membership – including tenant representation. As we approach the organisation’s 40th anniversary it is fitting that there is a review of the Association’s core aims and its key priorities in the decades ahead of us. At the heart of that review will be the on-going commitment to put tenants and the services we provide at the heart of all we do. We must work hard to provide assurance to tenants, our partner organisations, funders and Welsh Government, as our regulator, that Family is taking the actions necessary to secure the bright future we all want. This means making some decisions about the priorities that will build on the excellent services we
Over the next few years we will see the completion of a number of high profile housing schemes in Swansea & Carmarthenshire. The local authority in Carmarthen has commissioned Family to develop two significant projects in Johnstown and Ammanford, to provide extra care apartments and a bespoke scheme for older people with dementia. Over the next year we will also see a further extension to our Hazel Court scheme with forty more apartments for people over 55. A number of other developments will provide general needs & supported housing solutions. We are also aware of the need to work closely with all tenants to address the challenges of welfare reforms and particularly Universal Credit. We will want to ensure that we focus on
assisting all tenants to maintain their rent payments and ultimately ensure the tenancy of their home is secure. Working in close collaboration with the Tenants’ Panel, as the Association’s critical friend, will be an important feature in planning for a positive future. We would encourage all tenants to take up the opportunities available to engage with the work of the Association via the Tenants’ Panel, Scrutiny Panel and other forums to work with us to improve our services. It will be through open, honest, strong and respectful partnerships that we can build a bright and successful future together, thus ensuring Family Housing achieves its full potential as the first choice housing provider, employer and partner.
Warm regards Karen Dusgate Interim Chief Executive
Tenants’ Panel
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Newsletter Winter 2014
You said, we did When you give us your feedback, we try to make changes to our services to reflect your views. Here are some examples of things we have changed in 2014.
Bro Preseli Opens August saw the opening of Bro Preseli, our new extra care scheme based in the village of Crymych, in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside. The scheme is based on an innovative design which combines forty apartments, along with a GP practice and a day care centre which will bring many benefits to the local community, giving enhanced health care provision and a pleasant social environment. An open day held just before the first tenants moved into the scheme attracted over 400 visitors and our staff received a great deal of positive feedback about the spacious layout and the imaginative use of light in the building’s design. Tenants have now moved into the scheme and Bro Preseli is rapidly establishing itself as a key community resource for the village of Crymych and the wider area.
You Said
We Did
We don’t want rent statements every quarter
We tailored our services for tenants who have requested either 3 monthly, 6 monthly or annual statements
We want better communication for partially sighted tenants
The newsletter is now on CD and the handbook on DVD
We want help with decorating costs
We have secured discounts for tenant with Dulux paints We also give decoration vouchers if needed
We want help and advice on money matters
We sent a rents newsletter and budget sheet to all tenants We have saved our tenants over £300,000 in total
We want you to help us solve our noise nuisance complaints
We bought noise monitoring equipment
There is too much information in the Lettings Pack for new tenants
We have reviewed the pack with the help of tenants and tailored it to your needs
Tenants at Clos Maes yr Ysgol in Pontarddulais and Francis Court, Rhos wanted more green space
We planted a hedge in Clos Maes yr Ysgol We put 8 new shrub beds in Francis Court
Tenants at Llys Pentre, Swansea wanted to be able to get to their electricity meters
We built new paths to the meters
Tenants at Tan y Gelli, Glanamman wanted to make the roads safer in their cul-de-sac
We installed traffic counters
Our tenants at Woodland Court, Swansea wanted somewhere to meet their neighbours
We installed a bench
We want reminders for our repairs appointments
Text reminders have been expanded and are now sent out 24 hours before an appointment
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 5
Talented Tenants In the last edition we launched our “talented tenants” page. Here are 2 poems from Sylvia, one of our tenants in supported accommodation and Margaret, a tenant from one of our Older Persons’ sites in Swansea.
Futility Those laughing young lads thought war was a joke,
The lesson not learnt, more blood to be shed,
My Home
Now cough up their lungs in the yellow green smoke.
Not only the soldier this time to the slaughter is led.
Now I’m in the community,
Their once smart uniforms, now crawling with lice,
The young and the old and the so called freaks,
For an Oak leaf with Bar what a terrible price.
Whose tongue and prayers fifer from the one we speak.
Old hands write letter by flickering light while others.
The horror of war more vile than before, of Auschwitz and Belsen, we cried “No, no, no!”
Twitch in sleep through the noise torn night. Raw recruits new to the front, pray for the barrage to stop,
To pay for Pearl Harbour and A bomb is dropped. The excuse they use, the war in Asia has to be stopped.
Little realising the silence is the password for “Over the top”.
After six weary years, the fire is out and peace is declared,
Many governments squandered the young men that they gave to fight the “War to end all wars”, what a futile phrase.
But over the globe other sparks are igniting elsewhere.
Those guns now silent, the gas has cleared, that battle done.
By Kate Richards 1998 (Now Mrs M. Gilby), tenant of Hazel Court
But in twenty years hence, they squander those hero sons.
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Newsletter Winter 2014
Far away staying at hospital,
I love Robense House, They love me back. How long have I wanted a new home. Now I have one, The staff are lovely beautiful people, It took two and a half years to get here, Now I’m going nowhere. By Sylvia Bradley – tenant at Robense House
If you would like to send us your stories, poems or tell us about your talent, please contact Carol Johns on 01792 482762 or email carol.johns@fha-wales.com
Fundraising Success
Charity Cycle Ride
O
n the 25th of July, twelve FHA staff, and two local firefighters set off on a 58 mile charity cycle from Swansea to Pembrokeshire in support of the Volunteer Led Co-Responder Unit based in Cymych, Pembrokeshire. The Co-Responder Unit based within Crymych Fire Station reduces the time taken for first
aid trained personnel to respond to medical emergencies in the Mid Pembrokeshire area of West Wales. This crucial service provided by Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service provides an invaluable Emergency Response Service to the rural population of Pembrokeshire. Barry Miles, Older Person Services Manager, who proposed the challenge said: “I am amazed at the response and commitment of my
colleagues and fellow cyclists. I am pleased to announce we raised over £1,500 for the Unit which will be used to invest in new lifesaving equipment for the people of Pembrokeshire”. We plan to make the Charity Cycle Ride an annual event, and will update you with our agreed Charity for 2015.
Macmillan
Coffee Mornings Well done to staff and tenants of our older persons’ schemes together with staff at the Walter Road office – they raised over £2,600 for Macmillan. Well done!
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 7
family TENANT
ONE TENANT’S STORY
TENANT SCRUTINY I'm sure you will have heard of the Scrutiny Group being formed over the last eighteen months, so I'm happy to tell you that Tenant Scrutiny has arrived. Tenant Scrutiny gives residents the power to challenge and effect change. My name is Jo Ashford, I am a tenant at Philadelphia Court, Morriston, Swansea, and I hold the position of Chairperson. Layton Fowler, a tenant of Hazel Court, Sketty, Swansea is the Vice Chair. The other members of our group are Jenny Howells (Brecon House, SA1), Clare Jones (central Swansea), Doug Illing (Philadelphia Court) and Mike Wiseman (Hazel Court, Sketty). Scrutiny is all about accountability, and we as tenants can get involved in the performance and the decision making of our landlord. We have the opportunity to hold Family Housing to account for the decisions they make that directly affect tenants. We hope to challenge and test the services they provide for us as tenants, and possibly identify areas for improvement. We are not a big stick with which you can beat Family Housing, but rather a critical friend to look at an area of concern you may have. We will analyse and dissect this particular service to see the way the work is done, and suggest other possibilities. We would hopefully enhance the work of Family Housing and then, by working in partnership, become part of the culture of Family Housing. Initially, from suggestions we received from the Tenant Panel members, we decided on our pilot project which is to be Allocations and Applications for Housing.
written by tenants for tenants
Paul Wiemers BACKGROUND
Paul has been a tenant since 2004 and he now lives in Brynhyfryd in an over 55’s complex. Paul has been involved with the Tenants’ Panel since he became a Family Housing tenant and was elected secretary in 2013. Unfortunately Paul lost his job. The shop where he was working closed and he was offered relocation many miles away which was just not possible. Paul decided to take early retirement and found himself with more time on his hands.
WHAT HE DID NEXT In 2013 Paul attended a Family Housing Open Day at Clarence Terrace in Swansea and spoke to Age Cymru about the possibility of getting on-line with their laptop scheme. He was too young at the age of 62! However, he was signposted to Virgin Media where he could attend a 1 to 1 course at their offices on the enterprise zone. This gave him an appetite for learning. He then took a Communities 1st course for 3 weeks in August at his local library.
We are now in the process of "information gathering" and to this end we have visited other Registered Social Landlords, to see how they work within this area of operation. We have spoken to and received the structure that Family Housing use. We will study all this information to arrive at a conclusion which we will present to the Board of Family Housing.
Shortly afterwards Paul discovered LLETS – the Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service. He completed Part 1 of their course in December and is now doing Part 2. He pays a subsidised fee.
The group has been formed to look into services supplied by Family Housing that perhaps you think may be bettered. To this end we will in the future be asking for your thoughts and views for possible areas to scrutinise. If you have any thoughts about which area you would like us to look at please let me know by emailing me at scrutiny@familytenant.co.uk.
AND WHAT’S THE RESULT?
Jo Ashford, Chair Family Housing Association Scrutiny Panel
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Paul uses his local library one day a week. He has now gained a number of computer qualifications including a European Driving licence certificate. Paul has been able to use his newly found knowledge to help him write tenant panel reports. He started from scratch and can now use his home computer more efficiently. He has also become more involved with his local Communities 1st and is Chairman of the Hafod cluster group. He has gained in self-confidence. Next he plans a cookery course!
Newsletter Winter 2014
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After he left the Forces in 1957, Tony’s After he leftlife thewas Forces in 1957, Tony’s working mainly in Transport working life was mainly in Transport Management. This included land, sea and Management. land,Tony sea and air transport This and included in the 1960’s sat airand transport and in the 1960’s Tony passed his membership to thesat Institute and his which membership to the Institute ofpassed Transport was followed by the of Diploma Transportfor which was Management followed by the Business and Diploma for Business Accounting. Before Management retiring, Tony and ran a Accounting. Before Tony ran a newsagent’s shopretiring, for many years. newsagent’s shop for many years.
EYY V R U S S E E V T R A T TES toSkUeep FamilHyoHuosiunsign’sg’s hat S E E N I A L T N S E O LINEeam work reallyahrdardto keep Fallmtethilllyethmemonolinnlieenbwesihwteat OTN he EstateseaTm work reablleysth. You can nwow te nt w
USE L CONTACTS FAM USEFUFU L CONTACTS ATAT HOU NG FAMILYILY HOUSISI CAROL JOHNS Tena NG
nt Participation Offic CATe RO JO HN l: L01 Te27 79 na62 2 S48 nt Participation Officer er TeEm l: 01 2 ro 48l.j ail79 27 : ca 62ns@fha-w oh ales.com Email: carol.johns@ fha-wales.com ALISON DAHLGREN Financial ln sion Of ALTe ISl: ON ficer GR27 01DA 79HL EN09 2 48 Financial lncluclu sion Officer TeEm l: 01 2is 48 ail79 27 : al .d09 ahlgren@ a-wales Email: alisonon .com .dahlgren@fhfh a-wales.com TERESA GREENALL Partnership ficer TETe REl:SA NA21 01GR 79EE LL60 2 48 Partnership OfOf ficer TeEm l: 01 2 re 4821.g60 ail79 : te reenall@fha-wales Email: teresasa .com .greenall@fha-wal es.com
Tony was actively involved in Tenant Tony was actively involved Participation and served in as Tenant a Tenant Board Participation served as aHe Tenant Board Member forand over 8 years. was also kept Member for over 8 years. He was also kept busy as Panel Chairman, Chairman of the busy as Panel Chairman, Chairman of the and Housing Management Tenants’ Group Housing Management Tenants’ GroupTenants’ and a Member of the Property Services a Member of the Property Services Tenants’ Group. As well as his voluntary work at Group. AsHousing, well as his work at Family he voluntary was the representative Family Housing, hethe wasTenant the representative for the Panel on Participation forAdvisory the Panel on the Tenant Participation Service Management committee. Advisory Service Management committee. He will be sadly missed. He will be sadly missed.
Meetsome someof ofthe theScrutiny ScrutinyPanel… Panel… Meet Jo Ashford Jo Ashford Scrutiny Panel Chair Scrutiny Panel Chair Jo has only recently got involved Jo with has only recently got involved tenant participation, but with tenant participation, was keen to get involvedbut in was keen scrutiny. to get involved in tenant After completing tenant scrutiny. After completing the training sessions, she was the training sessions, was elected Chair of theshe Panel and is elected Chair of the Panel and looking forward to taking onisher looking forward to taking on her new rôle. new rôle.
Layton Fowler Layton Fowler Scrutiny Panel Vice Chair Scrutiny Panel Vice Chair Layton was involved in the Layton wasPanel involved in years the ago, Tenants’ some Tenants’ Panel some years ago, and when he heard about and when he heard about scrutiny he wanted to get scrutiny he again. wanted to get involved After training he involved again. After training he was elected Vice Chair of the was elected Vice Chair of the Panel by the members. Layton Panel members. livesby atthe Hazel Court. Layton lives at Hazel Court.
Doug Illing Doug Illingmember Scrutiny Panel Scrutiny Panel member Doug has been involved in tenant Doug has been involved in years tenant participation for several participation for several years and is also a member of the and is also a member of Welsh the management team of management team of Welsh Tenants. He has wide experience Tenants. He participation has wide experience of tenant matters of and tenant participation matters will bring these skills to the and will bring these skills to the Scrutiny Panel. Scrutiny Panel.
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 9
The DEMS Team You may have seen these guys around. They are our Direct Employment Maintenance Team DEMS for short. The Team comprises of:
Between them they carry out approximately 2,000 reactive repairs, install approximately 80 kitchens and a substantial painting programme each year.
Steven Jenkins Len Thomas
What you have said:
Paul Hitchings
“FHA kitchen fitter was an example to FHA. Excellent workmanship, clean working, and helpful in every way.”
Alex Etheridge Anthony Richards
“I am extremely pleased with my new kitchen. The workman was efficient kind and considerate, especially in obtaining light colours for me, because of my poor eye sight.” Well done! Well done to Steve and Alex for completing their NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing. They completed their course at Gower College taking just 2 years to achieve the qualification. They are both now competent to add plumbing repairs to their skills.
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Newsletter Winter 2014
Family Housing Annual Review 2013-14 Statement from Chief Executive
“
Last year has seen significant change for Family Housing – also significant achievements in terms of the delivery of services and new homes. In partnership with our tenants we continue to look at how we can offer and facilitate meaningful opportunities for tenants to get involved. Staff are also giving their time in the communities we work in, supporting tenants and various charities. Through open, honest and respectful partnerships we will build a bright and successful future together.
“
Karen Dusgate, Chief Executive
Statement from Tenants’ Panel
“
Tenants’ Panel is looking forward to a fresh and exciting future working closely with staff and the Board of Management. We have now formed a Scrutiny Panel to evaluate the services of Family Housing. Our tenants’ website has been created and run by tenants and information on how to get involved is on there. We need more tenants to come forward and get involved with this exciting future.
“
Mike Wiseman, Chair of the Tenants’ Panel
Communities & Services
• We helped 321 people to find a new home • We helped people claim housing and other benefits totalling over £315,000 • We helped people claim grants totalling £24,500 • We helped deal with debts totalling £400K! • We helped people to make energy savings of over £8,000 using Warm Home Discount • We helped 91 people learn how to use computers, tablets and the internet • We teamed up with Workways and helped 6 people access employment training • We held 16 ‘engaging with tenants’ sessions in local communities to better understand your needs • 82% of our tenants are very satisfied with the overall services we provide!
Family Housing Association • Annual Review 2013-14
“A huge thank you to the team from Family Housing for all the hard work and enthusiasm in transforming our sensory garden …” – Parkway School, Swansea
Investing in the future Giving back • 92 hours of staff time were spent working in the community such as schools • Staff raised over £5,000 for various charities
• We are one of the Sunday Times top 100 not-for-profit sector Best Companies to work for in the UK! • We skilled up our staff! - Over 200 staff undertook tailored training courses - 98 staff completed Management Development Training • We’ve grown to 266 employees
Improving your home • We completed £1.5 million worth of planned works to your home • In addition we spent almost £1 million on reactive repairs • 97% of our tenants who received a repair service were very satisfied
Creating Vibrant & Viable Homes • Last year we built: - 9 Affordable Homes for sale - 8 Homes for sale in the private market - 40 Homes for intermediate rents - 40 Extra Care Apartments
• Work is still on site to complete: - 46 Homes for affordable rent - 100 Extra Care Apartments - 11 Dementia Care Apartments
Family Housing Association • Annual Review 2013-14
Financial Summary Family Housing Association (Wales) Ltd Financial Summary for the year ended 31 March 2014
2014 £’000s
2013 £’000s
What We Need To Run The Association What We Are Owed Less What We Owe Leaving What The Association Owns
64,722 90,183 82,832 7,351
61,365 85,830 78,693 7,137
12,130 3,645 809 16,584
11,529 3,790 480 15,799
Less: expenditure on services, repairs, administrative costs and loan interest
16,369
15,744
Surplus For The Year Surplus brought forward from previous years Transfer to/(from) designated reserves
215 5,800 (36)
55 3,242 2,503
Accumulated Surpluses Carried Forward
5,979
5,800
Annual Operations Where The Money Came From Tenants’ rents & service charges, net of voids Government revenue grants, subsidies and Management Fees Other income and interest receivable
Board Members as at 31 March 2014 Mr A Lloyd
Chairman (resigned Aug 2014)
Mrs K Edwards
(co-opted Sept 2013)
Mr M Bourke
(Resigned July 2014)
Mr E Hilton
(From Jan 2014)
Mr B Smith
Mrs R Honey-Jones
(From Jan 2014)
Mrs K Jones
Mr N Tregoning
(From Jan 2014)
Mrs M Watkins
Ms H Selway
(From Jan 2014)
Mr T Larcombe
Mr T Gilby
(Resigned Mar 2014,
Canon J Morrissey
(Deceased Jul 2013)
Mr M Owen
(Co-opted sept 2013, Chairman from Aug 2014)
Deceased Oct 2014) Mr J Pile
(Resigned Mar 2014)
Family Housing Association • Annual Review 2013-14
Financial Summary Castle Housing Association (Wales) Ltd Financial Summary for the year ended 31 March 2014
2014 £’s
2013 £’s
What We Need To Run The Association What We Are Owed Less What We Owe Leaving What The Association Owns
360,500 527,853 265,679 262,174
341,357 534,363 272,599 261,764
128,793 1,242 130,035
127,308 868 128,176
LESS: expenditure on services, repairs, administrative costs and Loan Interest
129,625
89,797
Surplus / (Deficit) For The Year Surplus brought forward from previous years Transfer to designated reserves
410 261,750 -
38,379 87,902 135,469
Accumulated Surpluses Carried Forward
262,160
261,750
Annual Operations Where The Money Came From Tenants’ rents & service charges, net of voids Government revenue grants, subsidies & other Property sales Other income & interest receivable
Our Values Innovation We will seek creative solutions in all we do. Trust We trust people to take reponsibility for their actions and keep to their word. We expect everyone to make decisions and take action for good reason and to act with honesty. Openness We will be open in sharing information and knowledge and we will involve people. Fairness We will treat people decently and be considerate of other people’s views and circumstances.
Family Housing Association (Wales) Ltd, 43 Walter Road, Swansea SA1 5PN. Telephone: 01792 460192 email: info@fha-wales.com Website: www.fha-wales.com
Family Housing Association (Wales) Ltd Welsh Government Reg No L002. Registered with the Financial Services Authority mutual societies registration 21057R. Charitable Status Castle Housing Association (Wales) Ltd Welsh Government Reg No P097. Registered with the Financial Services Authority mutual societies registration 26187R. Charitable Status
Adolygiad Blynyddol Tai Teulu 2013-14 Datganiad gan y Prif Weithredwr
“
Mae Cymdeithas Tai Teulu wedi gweld newidiadau mawr dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf- a chyflawniadau sylweddol hefyd o ran darparu gwasanaethau a chartrefi newydd. Rydym yn parhau i edrych ar sut allwn ni gynnig a hwyluso cyfleoedd ystyrlon i denantiaid gymryd rhan, mewn partneriaeth â’n tenantiaid. Mae staff hefyd yn rhoi eu hamser yn y cymunedau rydym yn gweithio ynddynt, ac yn cefnogi tenantiaid a gwahanol elusennau. Drwy bartneriaethau agored, gonest a pharchus, byddwn yn adeiladu dyfodol disglair a llwyddiannus gyda’n gilydd.
“
Karen Dusgate, Prif Weithredwr
Datganiad gan y Panel Tenantiaid
“
Mae’r Panel Tenantiaid yn edrych ymlaen at ddyfodol ffres a chyffrous ac at weithio’n agos gyda staff a’r Bwrdd Rheoli. Rydym bellach wedi ffurfio Panel Craffu, i werthuso gwasanaethau Tai Teulu. Mae ein gwefan i denantiaid wedi cael ei chreu ac yn cael ei rhedeg gan denantiaid, ac mae gwybodaeth am sut i gymryd rhan ar y wefan. Rydym angen mwy o denantiaid i ddod ymlaen a chymryd rhan yn y dyfodol cyffrous hwn.
“
Mike Wiseman, Cadeirydd y Panel Tenantiaid
Cymunedau a Gwasanaethau • Rydym wedi helpu 321 o bobl i ddod o hyd i gartref newydd • Rydym wedi helpu pobl i hawlio budd-daliadau tai a budd-daliadau eraill gwerth mwy na £315,000 • Rydym wedi helpu pobl i hawlio grantiau sy’n dod i gyfanswm o £24,500 • Rydym wedi helpu i ddelio gyda dyledion sy’n dod i gyfanswm o £400 000! • Rydym wedi helpu pobl i wneud arbedion ynni o fwy na £8000 drwy’r cynllun Disgownt Cartrefi Cynnes • Rydym wedi helpu 91 o bobl i ddysgu sut i ddefnyddio cyfrifiaduron, tabledi a’r rhyngrwyd • Rydym wedi gweithio mewn partneriaeth gyda Workways a helpu 6 o bobl i gael mynediad i hyfforddiant cyflogaeth • Rydym wedi cynnal 16 o sesiynau ‘ymgysylltu â thenantiaid’ mewn cymunedau lleol i ddeall eu hanghenion yn well • Mae 82% o’n tenantiaid yn hapus iawn gyda’r gwasanaethau cyffredinol sydd yn cael eu darparu gennym!
Cymdeithas Tai Teulu • Adolygiad Blynyddol 2013-14
“Diolch yn fawr iawn i’r tîm o Gymdeithas Tai Teulu am yr holl waith caled a’r brwdfrydedd i drawsnewid ein gardd synhwyraidd ... “ Parkway School, Abertawe
Buddsoddi yn y dyfodol Rhoi yn ôl • Treuliodd staff 92 awr yn gweithio yn y gymuned, er enghraifft mewn ysgolion • Cododd staff fwy na £5,000 i wahanol elusennau
• Rydym yn un o 100 o Gwmnïau Gorau y Sunday Times yn y sector nid er elw i weithio iddynt yn y Deyrnas Unedig! • Rydym wedi uwchsgilio ein staff! - Cymerodd mwy na 200 aelod o staff ran mewn cyrsiau hyfforddi pwrpasol - Cwblhaodd 98 o aelodau o staff Hyfforddiant Datblygu Rheolaeth • Rydym wedi tyfu i fod yn dîm o 266 o staff
Gwella eich cartref • Cwblhaom werth £1.5 miliwn o weithiau wedi’u cynllunio i’ch cartref • Gwariom bron i £1 miliwn yn ychwanegol ar waith atgyweirio adweithiol • Roedd 97% o’n tenantiaid a gafodd waith atgyweirio wedi’i wneud yn hapus iawn gyda’r gwasanaeth
Creu Cartrefi Llewyrchus a Hyfyw • Y llynedd, adeiladom: - 9 o Gartrefi Fforddiadwy i’w gwerthu - 8 o Gartrefi i’w gwerthu yn y farchnad breifat - 40 o Gartrefi I’w rhentu am bris canolradd - 40 o Fflatiau Gofal Ychwanegol
• Mae gwaith yn parhau i gael ei wneud ar y safle i gwblhau: - 46 o Gartrefi i’w rhentu am bris fforddiadwy - 100 o Fflatiau Gofal Ychwanegol - 11 o Fflatiau Gofal Dementia
Cymdeithas Tai Teulu • Adolygiad Blynyddol 2013-14
Crynodeb Ariannol Cymdeithas Tai Teulu (Cymru) Cyf Crynodeb Ariannol ar gyfer y flwyddyn a ddiweddodd 31 Mawrth 2014
2014 £’000 oedd
2013 £’000 oedd
Yr Hyn Sydd Ei Angen Arnom i Redeg y Gymdeithas Yr Hyn Sy’n Ddyledus i Ni Llai Beth Sy’n Ddyledus Arnom Ni Yn Gadael yr Hyn Sy’n Ddyledus i’r Gymdeithas
64,722 90,183 82,832 7,351
61,365 85,830 78,693 7,137
12,130 3,645 809 16,584
11,529 3,790 480 15,799
Llai: gwariant ar wasanaethau, atgyweiriadau, costau gweinyddol a llog ar fenthyciadau
16,369
15,744
Gwarged Am y Flwyddyn Gwarged a gariwyd ymlaen o flynyddoedd blaenorol Trosglwyddiad i/(o) gronfeydd dynodedig
215 5,800 (36)
55 3,242 2,503
Gwarged Cronedig a Gariwyd Ymlaen
5,979
5,800
Gweithrediadau Blynyddol O Ble Daeth Yr Arian Rhenti tenantiaid a chostau gwasanaethau, heb unedau gwag Grantiau refeniw gan y llywodraeth, cymorthdaliadau a Ffioedd Rheoli Incwm arall a llog derbyniadwy
Aelodau’r Bwrdd ar 31 Mawrth 2014 Mrs K Edwards
(Cyfetholwyd Medi 2013)
Mr M Bourke (Wedi ymddiswyddo Gorffennaf 2014)
Mr E Hilton
(O fis Ionawr 2014)
Mr B Smith
Mrs R Honey-Jones
(O fis Ionawr 2014)
Mrs K Jones
Mr N Tregoning
(O fis Ionawr 2014)
Mrs M Watkins
Ms H Selway
(O fis Ionawr 2014)
Mr T Larcombe
Mr T Gilby
(Wedi ymddeol Mawrth 2014,
Mr A Lloyd
Cadeirydd (Wedi ymddeol Awst 2014)
Canon J Morrissey (Wedi marw Gorffennaf 2013) Mr M Owen
(Aelod cyfetholedig Medi 2013, Cadeirydd o fis Awst 2014)
Wedi Marw Hydref 2014) Mr J Pile
(Wedi ymddiswyddo Mawrth 2014)
Cymdeithas Tai Teulu • Adolygiad Blynyddol 2013-14
Crynodeb Ariannol Cymdeithas Tai Castell (Cymru) Cyf Crynodeb Ariannol ar gyfer y flwyddyn a ddiweddodd 31 Mawrth 2014
2014 £ oedd
2013 £ oedd
Yr Hyn Sydd Ei Angen Arnom i Redeg y Gymdeithas Yr Hyn Sy’n Ddyledus i Ni Llai Beth Sy’n Ddyledus Arnom Ni Yn Gadael yr Hyn Sy’n Ddyledus i’r Gymdeithas
360,500 527,853 265,679 262,174
341,357 534,363 272,599 261,764
128,793 1,242 130,035
127,308 868 128,176
Llai: gwariant ar wasanaethau, atgyweiriadau, costau gweinyddol a llog ar fenthyciadau
129,625
89,797
Gwarged Am y Flwyddyn Gwarged a gariwyd ymlaen o flynyddoedd blaenorol Trosglwyddiad i/(o) gronfeydd dynodedig
410 261,750 -
38,379 87,902 135,469
Gwarged Cronedig a Gariwyd Ymlaen
262,160
261,750
Gweithrediadau Blynyddol O Ble Daeth Yr Arian Rhenti tenantiaid a chostau gwasanaethau, heb unedau gwag Grantiau refeniw gan y llywodraeth, cymorthdaliadau ac arall Gwerthu tai Incwm arall a llog derbyniadwy
Ein Gwerthoedd Arloesi Ymddiried
Byddwn yn ceisio atebion creadigol ym mhopeth a wnawn. Rydym yn ymddiried ym mhobl i gymryd cyfrifoldeb am eu gweithredoedd ac i gadw at eu gair. Rydym yn disgwyl i bawb wneud penderfyniadau a chymryd camau am resymau da a gweithredu gyda gonestrwydd. Bod yn agored Byddwn yn agored wrth rannu gwybodaeth ac yn cynnwys pobl Tegwch Byddwn yn trin pobl yn weddus a bod yn ystyriol o farnau ac amgylchiadau pobl eraill.
Cymdeithas Tai Teulu (Cymru) Cyf, 43 Heol Walter, Abertawe SA1 5PN Rhif ffôn: 01792 460192 e-bost: info@fha-wales.com Gwefan: www.fha-wales.com
Cymdeithas Tai Teulu (Cymru) Cyf Rhif Cofrestru Llywodraeth Cymru L002 Cofrestredig gyda chydgymdeithasau’r Awdurdod Gwasanaethau Ariannol Rhif Cofrestru 21057R Statws Elusennol Cymdeithas Tai Castell (Cymru) Cyf Rhif Cofrestru Llywodraeth Cymru P097 Cofrestredig gyda chydgymdeithasau’r Awdurdod Gwasanaethau Ariannol Rhif Cofrestru 26187R Statws Elusennol
Street Football
Wales Tournament On September 6th, FHA sent a six-a-side team to Cardiff to participate in a fundraising tournament for Street Football Wales.
S
treet Football Wales is an organisation that works with homeless and socially excluded people to improve their lives, opportunities and health through the medium of football. They were fundraising to send a male and female side out to Chile for the Homeless World Cup, a truly global tournament featuring 49 nations beginning on 19th October. This is obviously a cause close to the heart of the FHA football team, who brought with them a cheque for £400 as a donation from the Association.
bruising encounter with the Welsh Warriors Ladies Street Football side that will live long in the memory and the kneecaps!
Unfortunately, FHA failed to impress on the pitch, losing all three of their group games as well as a fourth place play- off game, including a
More info go to www.streetfootballwales.org
Bruised egos and ankles aside, a good day was had by all and, most importantly, plenty of money was raised to send the Welsh squads to Chile. As I write, the tournament is now but five days away so good luck from Team FHA to both the men’s’ and ladies’ teams on their Chilean adventure!
Cymru am byth!
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 19
Head Office Reception Refurbishment
For those of you who have visited us at our Head Office (41 to 43 Walter Road, Swansea) recently you will have seen that we are in the process of refurbishing our reception area.
F
or the duration of the refurbishment period visitors will access the offices via a temporary reception within 41 Walter Road. We are grateful for the patience and understanding each and every visitor has shown when they have called in to the temporary facility. What has been very interesting to us has been the general comments received about how the temporary reception has been more welcoming and comfortable to use when compared
to the original reception which had a very high and large reception desk. Our proposals for the new reception, which will be back in 42 Walter Road, will more reflect the format of the temporary reception, that being an open plan arrangement. Further to the improvements proposed for the reception we are taking the opportunity of creating new interview rooms and toilet facilities. The interview rooms will be glassed walls which will ensure the open
New Texting Service 4u You can now check your rent balance and contact us about your tenancy by text. Just text ‘Bal’ to 0755 465 4400 to check your rent account and text a message to 0755 4654800 for tenancy matters other than repairs or rents.
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Newsletter Winter 2014
plan and well lit atmosphere created by the reception is maintained into the interview rooms. Those interview rooms and modern toilet facilities will be accessible directly from the new reception which will particularly help those visitors with prams and mobility difficulties. We anticipate that the new reception will be open to visitors from the middle of December 2014 and look forward to any comments you have when you visit.
Rent Balance:
£230
Home Insurance My Home – Contents Insurance Home Contents Insurance may be the last thing on your mind, especially when you have lots of other outgoings.
B
ut have you thought about how you would replace all your furniture and other possessions if the worst happened and you had a fire, flood or burglary?
My Home Contents Insurance offers affordable contents cover for leaseholders and tenants. Phone 0845 337 2463 for further information. Around £9,000 of home contents cover for less than 75p a week. Ten good reasons to choose My Home Contents Insurance:
1. Flexible payment options – pay as you go, fortnightly, monthly or yearly by direct debit. You can also pay by cash, cheque, postal order, credit or debit card.
2. No Fuss- It’s quick and easy to apply, by filling out a simple form or giving us a ring.
3. Realistic cover-
6. C overs accidental damage to - furniture, belongings and internal decorations.
7. C overs accidental damage to – fixtures, such as toilets and washbasins.
8. Covers – lost or stolen keys and freezer contents.
9. No need to – have a special door or window locks.
10. You need home contents insurance because if a flood, burst pipe or fire damages your home, Family Housing will repair any damage to the structure but we won’t replace any damaged carpets, furniture and personal possessions or even redecorate your home.
available from just £9,000 (under 60’s at £41.58 per year) and £6,000 (over 60’s at £23.94 per year).
4. No excess – you won’t have to pay the first part of any claim.
5. Comprehensive cover- theft, water damage, fire and other household risks.
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 21
What your Jobcentre can do for you! Are you looking for a job? As we approach the busiest time of year, many of the big retailers recruit seasonal staff. The majority advertise via their own websites and your jobcentre will have a list of Christmas vacancies.
Work Experience Do you want to gain experience, pick up new skills and make your CV stand out from the crowd? Then improve your chances of finding work, through work experience. If you’re 16 to 24 and you’re in receipt of benefits, you can get a work experience opportunity through Jobcentre Plus.They can last between 2 and 8 weeks.
Prince’s Trust Jobcentre Plus has worked closely with the Prince’s Trust over the last few years. Unemployed youngsters aged 16 -25 can attend a 13 week programme which improves confidence, social skills and increases employability. Prince’s Trust also run sector specific courses – they work with employers such
22 familymatters
as, Asda, Marks & Spencer, HSBC and Swansea City Football club, and lots of young jobseekers have progressed into work through these courses.
Social media for job searching Are you aware social media is the fastest growing method of recruitment? You can become a friend of Jobcentre Plus on Facebook, or use hashtags to see what’s being shared on Twitter, such as #jobs, #vacancies or #careers. For the latest news from DWP you can search #getbritainworking.
Newsletter Winter 2014
Work Clubs Do you have internet access for your jobsearch? Many of the local libraries have free internet access. Anyone who’s unemployed can join a work club. Family Housing can offer internet basics to tenants who want to learn how to “get on line” and receive support to help return to work. If you are interested or want more information on any of the above, contact Teresa Greenall, 01792 482160, mobile 07811355881 or email teresa.greenall@fha-wales.com
Want to find Employment Opportunities, Traineeships, Work Experience, Work Ready Skills?
W
e are now using two community hubs to help people get online, get job and housing advice or just to call in for a chat. Tesco Fforestfach in Swansea has a community room where we hold a drop-in every Friday 2.30 – 4.30pm. There is free Wifi and you can use equipment provided by us to learn how to use the Internet. I can also be found every Wednesday from 10 am – 12.00 p.m. at Un Sir Gar Hub, Stepney St, Llanelli. The Hub brings together employment and training advisors in one place to support you in your search for work and training opportunities. Or come along to use the free computers for your job search!
Come in for a chat and let me help you get started! One tenant who contacted me had been out of work for a few years. I referred him to the Lift Programme mentors, who supported him with the fees to gain an S.A.I. card enabling him to work in the security sector. He has now gone on to find a full time job!
Teresa Greenall Partnership Officer teresa.greenall@fha-wales.com Phone me on 01792 482160 or text me on 07811355881
Pictured with some of the Hub staff; Teresa, Alex, Eliot
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 23
Fun Time at Family
We held a number of events this year for tenants and our local communities alike.
Llanelli Fun Day
At Easter we held a fun day in Morfa, Llanelli. This is an area where we have a lot of homes. There was children’s entertainment in the form of Pick-a-Mix who had a disco with games and prizes for everyone. Our staff and Tenants’ Panel members enjoyed themselves with giant connect 4, penalty shoot outs and face painting. The Family Housing football team took on the local kids. We are not sure who was most exhausted afterwards! Whilst the children were entertained, grown-ups could get advice from the many stall holders. It also gave us a chance to ask our tenants about our services and ask the community what they wanted to see in their area.
Litter Pick
In October Family Housing Staff together with the Community Engagement Team, Keep Wales Tidy, and Tidy Towns held a “Pride in your Patch” Litter pick on the communal grounds surrounding Pen-y-Morfa community centre.
24 familymatters
Tenants and residents were invited to volunteer their time and have the opportunity to earn a time credit that can later be spent in a variety of ways. Newsletter Winter 2014
Barbeque
Tenants of our supported housing schemes in Swansea came together to hold a barbeque by the beach in the summer.
Vetch Veg
In August we took part in a Big Lunch event at the old Vetch field in Swansea. Our tenants of Swan Gardens (our Chinese elders’ scheme) provided the food and everyone in the local community came together to provide entertainment. Football was heavily featured as the venue was once the home of Swansea City football club and Lee Trundle came along to give support.
A great day was had by all and helped new tenants to get to know their housemates.
BBC Event
We were very pleased to be involved in a series of programmes the BBC are making about community and loneliness. Each will feature a celebrity who goes back to their local area. For Wales, Alex Jones of the One Show was featured. She comes from Tycroes near Ammanford. Family Housing have a large estate in central Ammanford and this features in the programme which is due to air before Christmas. We held a get together at a local community hall and hope that the boost given by the presence of Alex and James Martin, the TV chef, will inspire our tenants and neighbours to plan more events and projects for the local area. We will keep you posted in future editions of Family Matters.
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 25
Garden Results 2014 Best Front Garden
Best Back Garden
Best Container / Hanging Basket
1st M r Goodbourn, Swansea
1st C hris Playle, Swansea
1st Vernon Hodson, Swansea
2nd Mr Ruse, Swansea
2nd Kim Somerfield, Llandeilo
2nd R ichard and Diane Cullen, Swansea
3rd Alison Morgan, Ammanford 4th John Owen, Ammanford
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Newsletter Winter 2014
3rd M r Goodbourn, Swansea 4th Mrs Bevan and Mr & Mrs Evans, Swansea
Best Communal Garden – Non Supported Housing
Best Communal Garden – Supported Housing
Best Communal Vegetable Garden
1st Mrs Bevan and Mr & Mrs Evans, Swansea
1st Uplands Scheme, Swansea
1st Allt y Werin
Best communal garden – older persons’ schemes
Joint 2nd The Manse and Allt y Werin, Swansea
3rd The Manse
3rd Morriston Scheme, Swansea
Calendar Competition
1st Henry Hopkins, Swansea 2nd Princess of Wales Court, Swansea
4th Robense House, Swansea 5th High Street, Swansea
2nd Robense House
Unfortunately there were only 2 entries for the calendar competition this year and due to cost, the Tenants’ Panel have decided not to print one.
Joint 3rd Francis Court, Rhos and Traherne Court, Neath Abbey
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 27
FHA Estates Team 98.31%
4
Estates Service Monitoring In order to ensure that we provide the best service possible, we have recently introduced a system to monitor the quality of service that you receive. We have developed a Picture Guide and Monitoring Form to allow our tenants to score us on our performance. This will in turn enable us to tailor our service so that we provide excellent quality in all areas. Our Estates Team may approach you to provide you with a copy of our Picture Guide and Monitoring Form or when you
next see them on site please feel free to approach them for a copy. Alternatively an electronic version is available on the Tenants Web Site ‘Family Tenant’: www.familytenant.co.uk under the ‘For Tenants’ tab. Feedback received to date indicates that 98.31% of tenants rate the estates service that they receive as either Good or Excellent.
Kids in Museums looking for Volunteers Do you want to help support museums and galleries to run projects that invite and involve more families, teenagers and babies? Would you like to develop your skills and be part of an award winning volunteer team? Why not meet up with Catherine Townsend, originally a volunteer and now a Kids in Museums staff member. She will talk through Kids in Museums flexible roles and varied time commitment opportunities.
Get in touch on 020 7250 8338 or email Catherine@kidsinmuseums.org.uk
familymatters Newsletter Winter 2014 28