Melin News Edition 31 Autumn 2016
www.melinhomes.co.uk
Summer of fun We’ve had the bunting up and been out and about at various events this summer so find out what the teams got up to
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Welfare reform
Local Housing Allowance – what you need to know
Energy saving pull-out
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Plenty of tips on how you could save money and energy
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Melin News
Better ways to stay in touch
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ur customer contact team receive on average 7,000 calls a month, the top five reasons for calls over the last three months were:
1 Money Advice – money matters, rent, help and advice. 2 Asset management – repairs, planned works, requesting a surveyor visit. 3 Neighbourhood housing – including housing queries and estate management. 4 ASB – anti-social behaviour concerns. 5 Independent Living – calls from people interested in viewing our properties and rent queries. There will always be someone at the end of the telephone but there are lots of other ways to get in touch with us:
● Email: enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk ● Live chat: Chat to us using the box in the corner of our website. ● Type your message in the contact form on the right hand side of every page of our website (except the home page). ● Find us at www.facebook.com/melinhomes ● Join us on Twitter @melinhomes ● Text: 07781 472210 ● Tel: 01495 745910 ● For emergencies outside of our normal hours of 9am–5pm, please call 01495 325333.
Minister is OK for 4K homes
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his year we will pass the 4,000th home mark! This is a fantastic achievement and a sign of how much we have grown as an organisation since we began in 2007. To celebrate we will be welcoming the Welsh Government Minister Carl Sargeant to an event at our Crownbridge development on October 20th. Stay tuned for more information on this event and others we will be holding to celebrate this milestone.
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In this issue… p5–6 Dementia awareness We have been recognised for our work on becoming a dementia friendly organisation.
p9–11 Summer of fun Read about what our Communities Team and the Melin Bus have been up to this summer.
p13–14 Energy-saving tips Our centre page pullout features all sorts of money and energy saving advice.
p15–16 Your Brexit questions How will Brexit affect Melin and our residents? We answer some of your questions here.
p25 Resident Board elections Would you like to join the Melin Board? Find out how to apply for an information pack.
Let us know! Is there something happening in your community that you would like to see covered in a future edition of Melin News? If so send your stories to news@melinhomes.co.uk or call 01495 745910.
Melin News accessibility If you need this newsletter in large print, Braille, on CD, or explained in a different language, please email us at news@melinhomes.co.uk You can read this issue online at www.issuu.com/melinhomes
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Melin News
Welcome to your new autumn issue
I
am pleased to welcome you to the latest edition of Melin News. It will also be my last as Chief Executive of Melin Homes. I will be leaving Melin at the end of October after a total of 21 years, to take up a new Chief Executive role in England. Leaving Melin was a very difficult decision for me to make because it has been such a big part of my life and career, but the time has come to take on a new challenge.
Mark Gardner
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Residents’ Panel, our residents, the Board and staff team who together make this a very special place to work. The Board is now making arrangements to recruit my successor, but I would like to reassure you all that it will be very much ‘business as usual’ and services to residents will not be affected in any way. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the help, support, guidance and friendship you have given me, and most importantly, for choosing to live in a Melin Home. With kindest regards
Chief Executive
August 2016
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Street name winner O
ne young Ebbw Vale pupil has earned himself a place in the town’s history when his entry for a ‘name the street’ competition was picked as the winner. Our new development in Waunlywd, Ebbw Vale has a new name thanks to Ebbw Fawr Learning Community School (Primary Phase) following a competition launched by our Communities and Development teams. The competition was organised in conjunction with contractors R&M Williams. The chosen name was Clos Hen Ysgol and the winner was pupil Sam Proll. Melin’s Carl Brewster, local Councillor Derrick Bevan and members of R&M Williams attended to present the prize. The contractor arranged for a top sporting name to present the winner with a prize. Former Wales Captain and British Lion Matthew Rees presented Sam with a Welsh rugby jersey signed by the 2016 Six Nations squad. He was also presented with a signed rugby ball and 3D framed picture of the site.
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Melin News
Recognition for dementia awareness W
e have been recognised for our work on becoming a dementia friendly organisation with a presentation of the Alzheimer’s Society logo by Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle. The presentation was in recognition of our bid to create a dementia friendly organisation and provide inclusive and supportive services for people living with dementia, their families and carers. At the event in July at Ty George Lansbury in Cwmbran guests learned about Melin’s work including awareness-raising training, memory box sessions, and a children’s book, all aimed at making communities more dementia friendly. Trained Dementia Friend and Melin’s Living Well Manager Shona Martin has delivered informative myth-busting sessions helping staff to understand what life is like for a person living with Dementia. She has also delivered sessions for staff and their friends and families. People living at our sheltered schemes have been getting the benefit of Memory Box reminiscence sessions that the team has been running in conjunction with Monmouthshire Museum Services.
“ This is a cause I carry close to my heart and feel very passionately about. I am very pleased to hear that Melin is making great strides towards becoming a dementia friendly organisation.” Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said.
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Melin Homes Chief Executive Mark Gardner said: “In Wales there are over 42,000 people living with dementia and as we have an ageing population the numbers are likely to increase. It makes sense that as a caring organisation we do our best to make our services accessible. I’m keen to ensure that all our front line staff are armed with a greater understanding of what it is like to live with dementia.” You can find a Dementia Friends session near you by visiting www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBSession
Georgina joins Craig in going to Cambodia O
ur third annual ‘Could you be the one?’ competition was won by Georgina James, who works in our Being Greener team. She will be joining last year’s winner, electrician Craig Cheedy in Cambodia, building homes with charity Habitat for Humanity for those in need.
“ I couldn’t believe it when it was announced I had won” Georgina said, “I am so looking forward to the new experience, meeting new people and getting to grips with a new culture. The furthest I have gone before now is Greece. I’ve always wanted to travel and the fact that I can do this and help people at the same time is amazing. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to leave a little bit of Melin on the other side of the world.” Mark Gardner said: “The standard of applications was really high again this year. We know that Georgina will make the most of this experience and will be an excellent representative. So she is the one to join Craig and spread a bit of Melin magic this year. We look forward to hearing all about it and digitally following her and Craig on their journey.”
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Melin News
Around the schemes Socialising is easy as A-B-C at Aneurin Bevan Court
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esidents from the Pontypool sheltered scheme have another fun packed social schedule to look forward to. They have already enjoyed a sing-a-long with Gary thanks to funding from Zest! it went so well residents have asked for a return visit. They also had a trip to the garden centre on the Melin bus, where they bought flowers to brighten up their high flower bed on the scheme. They joined residents from Waterside Court planning joint trips to the theatre, holidays and a few day trips. They will be going to see Mamma Mia in October and Kiss Me Kate in December as well as a Tinsel and Turkey holiday to Llandudno in October. They will be having Christmas lunch at Greenmeadow Golf Club. They will be starting the New Year with a break to Torquay.
Community Corner
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ur Communities team has been spreading the Melin magic to some of the community groups which operate in our areas. Over the last few months here is where they have helped:
● Supporting the fundraising at Ty Siriol Ward of Panteg hospital. ● Helping Torfaen Young Carers to improve the ‘down time’ area in the Carers’ Centre. ● Planting at Maindiff Court Hospital in Abergavenny to improve the environment at the hospital for patients. ● Providing transport for Torfaen Carers for a day out of afternoon tea and for clients from Torfaen Mind to go on a hiking trip. ● Worked with local Councillor Wayne Tomlinson on a community garden project in Abersychan. ● Supported Garndiffaith Scarecrow Festival.
August 2016
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Blooming lovely
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s spring sprung so did a new partnership and people living in our Independent Living Schemes worked with Growing Spaces. The registered mental health charity based at Tredegar House in Newport has been working with some of you at our sheltered schemes to make sure your communal gardens are blooming lovely. Growing Spaces aims to provide sensory and dementia friendly gardens and many residents have enjoyed getting out in the garden over the spring and summer. The project has been supported financially by our Residents’ Panel and it has encouraged people who don’t often take part in communal activities to join in, and the gardens are looking great. The project has now visited all of our sheltered schemes.
Castle Court gets summer Bronze
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astle Court in Usk is renowned for its beautiful gardens and communal spaces. Once again this year they have received an award from the amazing Usk in Bloom event, gaining a bronze medal as a reward for the work that they do in their outside areas. The residents at the scheme enjoy a great neighbourhood spirit and celebrate their birthdays with monthly parties at the local meeting hall. It’s a great opportunity to get together and celebrate and is enjoyed by the residents who live there.
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Melin News
Summer of fun O
ur Communities Team made sure that the summer holidays went with a swing and took a bit of Melin magic to our estates. Our ongoing successful fishing initiative continued into its 10th year with our great friends and partners from Merthyr Angling Club. We visited Redhill Lakes in Monmouth; a purpose built fishing facility on the 5th, 12th, and 26th of August and 2nd September. We took a few trips to the Rockfield area of Monmouth with outreach activities in Cornwallis Way, Jordan Way, Primrose Close and others. Some of our staff joined our partners from the Hope Centre & Moorland Community Centre to take part in the Lliswerry Action Day on the 12th. The team hosted an outreach family play session at Cae Nant in Cwmbran on 16th August and supported the Pill Community Clean-up day on the 17th.
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Main picture, left: The team and staff volunteers celebrate a fantastic turn out at Party in the Park Inset pic, left: Catching fish in Monmouth Above: Fun for all at Lliswerry Action Day Right: Some of our staff volunteering for community events
Melin bus is wheelie good for communities T
he Melin bus has been used by many of you to join your neighbours and get out and about. We have also been able to let people from our communities use it too. Recently 15 people from Torfaen Carers Centre were taken for an afternoon tea at a country house hotel. They were booked in for afternoon tea at Lindor’s Country House Hotel in St Briavels in Gloucestershire. The group, who all care for friends and family members every day were able to relax with a walk around the grounds too. They enjoyed woodland walks, wonderful gardens, and fabulous views from the veranda area.
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Melin News
Football side to the sea G
riffithstown AFC Under 14s enjoyed a trip to the seaside thanks to the loan of our Community Bus. Team coach and Care & Repair Technical Officer Stuart Pitt arranged for the bus to take his team to Porthcawl.
“ The Melin minibus was an absolute dream!” Stuart said. “Melin’s community spirit and support for local children is amazing. Well done!” The Melin bus has been used 27 times since April to date and has been boarded by almost 400 people. It has covered a few hundred miles travelling around Wales and even over the bridge to the beach, taking many of you on fun days out. Some of these include taking residents from our sheltered schemes on 12 day trips to Westonsuper-Mare, Swansea, Porthcawl, Barry, Symonds Yat and Tredegar House. The bus has also been used by local schools Woodland Primary, Greenmeadow Primary and Victoria Primary, where we have provided transport to football tournaments as well as Newport Wetlands.
August 2016
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£100 voucher winner Have your say – we might even pay!
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ongratulations to our resident John Sexton of Clearwell Court, Newport who won £100 in Love2Shop vouchers after he completed our resident survey. He told us: “I’d like to pass on a huge thanks to Melin for the vouchers, I can’t actually think of a time where I have won anything before, so I am looking forward to a nice shopping trip.” Keep an eye out for further resident surveys across our estates.
Zest in the park O
ur health and wellbeing initiative Zest was launched in September 2011 due to a growing passion and enthusiasm to improve staff wellbeing. We recently held our second annual Zest in the Park event in Pontypool Park as a celebration. The health and wellbeing themed event featured tips, advice and free fruit from our Zest group as well as plants and gardening advice from Morris’s of Usk and fitness taster sessions from Torfaen Leisure Trust. Greenmeadow Community Farm brought along a number of animals for a meet-and-greet while Cycle Training Wales ensured visitors’ bikes were in tip-top condition with a free service. Pontypool resident Amelia Wilson said: “It is great to have an afternoon of activities for people of all ages. Children can learn about how to stay healthy and about animal care while having fun at the same time. And of course there is something for the older people here as well.” Keep an eye out for further Zest activities for you to get involved with!
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Melin News
Brexit – We answer your questions I
t is fair to say that the build up to the referendum, and the subsequent vote to leave the European Union (EU) has generated a substantial amount of speculation as to what may, or what may not happen to all sectors of the UK economy, housing included. We have received a number of enquiries from the Residents’ Panel about the impact upon Melin residents, and this article aims to address concerns raised.
Q1 – Will rents go up because of Brexit? Rent levels for housing associations in Wales are set by Welsh Government. There are no plans to change this approach because of Brexit. Rents are aligned with the rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with any increase above this level taking account of the need for investment in your homes.
Q2 – Will repairs continue to be done? There will be no impact upon our ability to carry out repairs to your homes. Melin has a maintenance contract in place in addition to its own work force, to carry out day-to-day repairs and planned works (such as new kitchens) and there are adequate funds in our budgets to make sure that services carry on as normal.
Q3 – Will new homes still be built? Yes – Melin has a strong new build programme that will see 194 new homes being built this year, and has plans in place to build more new homes every year. Welsh Government and banks are still keen to invest in new affordable housing, and we work very closely with them to ensure we have the money we need to deliver our plans. In fact, Welsh Government want to see 20,000 new homes built across Wales by 2021, and we’ll play our part in helping to meet that target.
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Q4 – Will EU funds stop now that the UK has decided to leave? EU funds will continue to be available for approved programmes of work up until the point the UK leaves the EU. Melin delivers an energy efficiency programme and its employment programme with EU funds. Welsh Government has made a commitment to utilise all of the EU funds allocated to it whilst the UK is still in the EU. Once the UK government gives formal notice that we intend to leave the EU, it will take at least two years for this to actually happen.
Gas safety week W
e are supporting Gas Safety Week which takes place from the 19th–25th September 2016. Keep an eye out on our website and social media for updates and make sure you book your annual gas safety check with us. Here are some simple steps to help keep you safe and warm in your home:
● Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your appliances, all Melin Gas Engineers are Gas Safe registered. You can find and check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call us on 01495 745910. ● Check both sides of your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card. Make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. You can find this information on the back of the card. ● Have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year. If you rent your home, ask your landlord for a copy of the current Gas Safety Record, it is a legal requirement that they carry out this annual service. If we have your email address, we will send your gas safety check certificate via email, so next time you speak to us keep us updated with your email address. To book your annual gas safety check, email us at enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk or call us on 01495 745910. You could also contact us via Facebook, text 07781 472210, or by using the live chat feature on our website.
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Melin News
Inspirational volunteer O
ur congratulations go out to Carol Wheeler, pictured here on the left, with Alison Shakeshaft, Executive Director of Therapies & Sciences at Aneurin Bevan Health Board’s Volunteering Recognition Awards evening. Carol volunteers tirelessly at Ty Siriol Unit, County Hospital and is the proud recipient of the health board’s ‘Inspirational Volunteer Award’. Carol – you truly are an inspirational volunteer!
Get Gaz and Leccy under control S
mart meters will replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They will provide consumers with accurate bills, near real time information on energy usage in pounds and pence, and greater control over their gas and electricity. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. More than three million smart meters have already been installed. To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier, pick up a leaflet from your local Post Office branch or find out more at www.smartenergygb.org
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Welfare Reform – LHA Local Housing Allowance rates: What you need to know
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rom April 2018, the Housing Benefit you receive will be capped at the Local Housing Allowance rate for your property type and area. If the rent for your home is higher than the Local Housing Allowance you’re entitled to, you will have to pay the difference. This could mean huge changes to how much Housing Benefit you receive, in some cases up to £100 per week so you will need to budget for paying money towards your rent.
Who does this apply to? This only applies to tenants who signed a tenancy from April 2016 and not to tenants who signed before this date.
What is my LHA rate? You can find the Local Housing Allowance rates for your area on your local council website.
Talk to us – we don’t bite If you are affected – speak to our accredited Money Advisors – who can give you advice without judgement and help you with your money, budgeting, grants and benefits. Melin’s Money Advice team put over £1.4 million back into residents’ pockets in the last year. Email: money.advice@melinhomes.co.uk Tel: 01495 745910 You can also contact us on Facebook, or use our live chat feature at www.melinhomes.co.uk Or you can speak to your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales or call 03444 77 20 20.
You could win £25 in high street vouchers!
The Autumn Quiz You could bag yourself £25 worth of high street vouchers. Have a go at our quiz, kindly written by Newport resident Bill Fouweather. If there are a number of correct entries the winner will be drawn from a hat. Good luck!
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What is the collective name for: a. A _______ of diamonds? b. A _______ of monkeys?
10 What is a squirrel’s nest called?
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Elizabeth Woodville was the wife of which English king?
12 What was Shakespeare’s last play?
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Ljubyana is the capital of which European country?
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Who wrote the novel “Wuthering Heights”?
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What was Petula Clark’s first number one hit?
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How many states make up the United States of America?
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Where do Tottenham Hotspur play their home games?
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What is the national flower of Wales?
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The Murray River is found in which country?
11 In which British city was Cary Grant born? 13 Which country does Edam cheese come from? 14 How many 20p pieces are there in £25? 15 What colour is verdant? You can post your answers to Melin News Quiz, Ty Felin, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 0XJ or email them to news@melinhomes.co.uk We’ll announce the winner in the next issue. Congratulations to Stephen Baker from Coed Eva who won the last quiz. £25 high street vouchers on their way to you soon.
Check www.melinhomes.co.uk/news for last issue’s answers
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Care & Repair training speeds up service T
raining completed by Care & Repair staff means that clients get a faster service when they need low level adaptations. All of our caseworkers and the Safety at Home technicians have completed the Trusted Assessor course, which brings them up to the same level as an Assistant Occupational Therapist. The team can now refer directly to our technicians for low level adaptations such as grab rails and half steps. Previously they would have had to follow their first visit with another from a member of social services, who would then ask us to fit the rail or step. Older people now get a more efficient service and less visits, meaning they don’t have to wait as long for the safety measures. To contact Care & Repair Monmouthshire and Torfaen you can either email us at enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk or call us on 01495 745910 or 08450 866441. In the past year (2015/16):
● We helped 3,400 older people; ● The agencies completed 3,051 minor adaptations; ● The average age of the people we helped was 78; ● We accessed over £19,000 of charitable funding for home repairs; ● 95% of people would recommend Care & Repair to others.
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Melin News
Five-star partnerships W e are thrilled to be able to announce that we are continuing our partnership with two of south Wales’ most prevalent sports teams.
Melin is proud to sponsor both Newport County Football Club and the Newport Gwent Dragons for the fifth year running. We have great links with both teams and this is fantastic news for many of our younger readers who can now benefit from some of the amazing opportunities that both clubs offer. In the past some of you or your children and grandchildren have been given the chance to play football or rugby on Rodney Parade and with the expert help of some of the professional players. The teams have given our residents tours of their facilities and some young people have even become match mascots and enjoyed the atmosphere and tension of a big game as they lead the players onto the field. This year it could be you. Keep reading Melin News and clicking on our website to make sure you don’t miss out. If you want to know more about these sporting partnerships email communities@melinhomes.co.uk
Welsh Gov Regulatory Opinion Report A
s a Housing Association in Wales Melin has to meet standards set by Welsh Government. These standards are split into two groups. We have spoken to staff and our Residents’ Panel to identify how we are doing. We have recently been assessed by Welsh Government’s Regulation team. The assessment highlighted some excellent achievements since our last inspection. You can read the report on the How we are doing page on our website, which can be found at www.melinhomes.co.uk/how-we-are-doing
If you are looking to get on the property ladder but think it is a bit out of reach, then you may want to consider our shared equity scheme.
What is our shared equity scheme? It is a scheme designed to make home ownership more affordable for people who can access a mortgage but are struggling to buy a home.
How does it work? You buy the property with the help of an interest-free, equity stake loan funded by us. Our loans are typically 30%–50% of the market value. You do not pay any rent or make loan repayments; the loan is repaid when you choose to sell. The property is 100% yours, our loan is registered with the Land Registry, alongside your mortgage.
Last chance to buy at Heritage Gardens, Blaenavon! We also have funding for first time buyers in Torfaen to buy a home on the open market through a shared equity scheme. Contact NowYourHome on 01495 745 911 if you are interested.
Are you a looking 23 Melin News for jobs, training or placements? Get in touch with Melin Works on 01495 745910 or visit www.melinhomes.co.uk/melinworks
Active Inclusion Fund M
elin Works have paid work placements available to people who live in Blaenau Gwent and other training opportunities in Monmouthshire and Torfaen as part of its Active Inclusion Fund (AIF) projects. Our employment service wants to work with those who are long term unemployed or economically inactive and have complex barriers to employment. Funded by the European Social Fund and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, the AIF aims to support people in overcoming barriers to work through improving skills and qualifications. Stuart Baldwin, Head of the Melin Works team said; “We are excited to be able to offer these opportunities to people who are in need of training and paid work and improving their long term employment options. Interested people need to be long-term unemployed (12 months or more) or economically inactive, aged 25+ and live in Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire or Torfaen.” If you’re interested you can contact the Melin Works team on 01495 745910 or email melinworks@melinhomes.co.uk
Sign up for our free Cisco
training
Melin Homes and Communities First Torfaen are offering a free qualification that can seriously boost your chances of getting a job. The IT Essentials course from the Cisco Networking Academy is not just for those already working in technology. This is IT training with a difference as it will equip you with all the key skills employers look for such as communication skills, logical thinking and team work. The training is open to anyone and is very flexible. Register your interest at www.melinhomes.co.uk/cisco-training or call Louise Kingdon on 01495 745910.
It’s free!
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Community safety T
here has been a dramatic decrease in anti-social behaviour in the Abergavenny area thanks to the work of our Community Safety team. Our officer, Pam Russell joined local Police Officer Lauren Parker on regular visits to the Hillside area of the town in response to reports of an increase in ASB and issues such as off road bikes being a nuisance. The visits took place over the course of a year and are set to continue into the future. During the visits; cards were left for residents who weren’t at home, and a bike was seized. Some of you living on the estate told us you were grateful for the work we did. You helped us too; by giving priceless information on anti social behaviour in the area. Such was the success, other police officers across our communities are asking to be involved in similar work, with a whole raft of new plans to roll out this year. Please get in touch with the team if your community could benefit from this work.
CSG open for members O
ur Customer Services Group was set up to help us improve the services we offer you. Volunteers on the group look at the services we provide, such as repairs, and test us; they carry out inspections and mystery shopping to tell us how we can improve what we do. The areas that the group looks at is determined by what you told us in the STAR satisfaction survey. Their most recent project looked at how we deal with empty properties and lettings. The group produced a report with Communities Officer John Lewis which was ratified by our Leadership Group and Board. The staff responsible for this service area are now producing an action plan to ensure that we can act on the recommendations for improvement. There are currently seven volunteers on the group, but they will always welcome more, so if you would like to get involved email john.lewis@melinhomes.co.uk or call us on 01495 745910.
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Melin News
Resident elections to the Board O
ur rules provide for three of our Board member places to be reserved for residents. That is – a resident of a Melin property whose name appears on the tenancy agreement. Being a Board member gives you a say in how Melin is run and how our services are delivered. Together with other Board members you’ll decide what our future plans are going to be, how our money is spent, and how many new homes will be built. Most importantly, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that Melin is an excellent landlord and that its priority remains the provision of quality affordable homes and great services for the residents who live in those homes. To help you, you’ll get training and information on everything you’ll need to know, and you’ll be part of a team that makes all of the big decisions for Melin. Tenant Board member elections will take place in the early part of 2017, with those elected taking their place on the Board from April 2017. Those elected will serve on the Board for three years, and can stand for election again, but no-one can be on the Board for more than nine years. If you would like to find out more, or put your name forward for election to the Board, please contact Karen Jones on 01495 745910 or email her at karen.jones@melinhomes.co.uk and you will receive an information pack.
Word from a resident board member
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oula Pearson stood as a resident board member for nine years and stands down on March 31st. We spoke to her about what it’s like to be on board. “ It is great to be part of the decision making process and in making sure that Melin’s services are working well for the benefit of all our residents. I got to see first-hand how Melin really changes peoples’ lives and enjoyed every minute of it.”
Have your say – join the Panel W
ould you like a say in the way that Melin shapes its services? Would you like to be involved in service reviews, mystery shopping, reader panels, giving feedback to Melin? Having a say is not just about attending formal meetings – it’s about engaging in whatever form you wish – through local community events, email, telephone, social media and face to face meetings. We want to hear from you if you would like to be a part of a greater residents’ forum. So if you are happy to engage with us but on a more informal level and from the comfort of your own home please get in touch. For more information please contact Caroline Morgan, Communities Manager on 01495 745910 or email her at caroline.morgan@melinhomes.co.uk The Residents’ Panel have updated their Terms of Reference. If you would like to see and comment on the proposed document before it is ratified the AGM please contact Communities Manager Caroline Morgan on the details above.
Recent grants awarded T hese are just some of grants the Residents’ Panel has awarded recently:
● £62.50 to Ebbw Vale sheltered scheme Llys Ebwy towards a new bench; ● £150 to Pontypool scheme Trosnant Villa for hanging baskets; ● £180 to Howell Griffiths Court our sheltered scheme in Abertillery for garden umbrellas and bench cushions; ● £200 to a Melin Works client for driving lessons.
You are invited to...
The Melin l e n a P ’ s t n e d i Res s e m o H n i l e M and l a r e n e G l a u n An Meetings mber
epte on Wednesday 28th S Panel AGM The Melin Residents’ will star t at 5.30pm. gan by 5.00pm RSVP to Caroline Mor ber. on Friday 16th Septem t: 01495 745910 melinhomes.co.uk e: caroline.morgan@ M The Melin Homes AG will star t at 6.00pm.
by 5.00pm RSVP to Karen Jones ber. on Friday 16th Septem t: 01495 745910 homes.co.uk e: karen.jones@melin available. Refreshments will be Glen-yr-Afon Hotel 5 1SY , Monmouthshire NP1 sk U , ad Ro l oo yp nt Po