Check out the beautiful Bettws Brook

It’s certainly been a year like no other.

Managing the operational impact of coronavirus has been challenging at times, but even though some of our plans were derailed or delayed, most of our services are now back up and running, and we’re ready to make further improvements to the services we deliver. Thank you for your patience and appreciation over the last year. I’m so incredibly proud of how colleagues have adapted to support and keep you safe in your homes at a time when home has never been more important. Our services have been delivered by colleagues, customers, communities and partners pulling together and supporting each other. It’s definitely been a time to be proud of living and working in Newport. This edition of Bridge Brief is packed with information to help you as an NCH customer, and celebrate how we’ve worked together over the last unusual year. We’d also like to hear more from you, take a look at page 16 on NCH Connected to give us feedback and suggestions on improvements you would like to see in your community. The joy that our customers at Aneurin Bevan Court get from spending time in the garden together is undeniable on page three whilst Steve, our watercourse caretaker supervisor, explains below what we are doing to improve the environment for the community in Bettws. Page 8-9 gives you a round-up of some of the new homes we’re building across Newport. Our brilliant colleagues have pulled together some great moneysaving tips on page six, whilst also demonstrating how we’ve helped customers facing money worries to maximise their income and reduce their outgoings. We may be able to help you too, so do get in touch. If you’re online, our website and social media channels have lots of news stories posted regularly to keep you updated on what’s happening at NCH and how we’re working in our communities so keep an eye out or follow us to find out more. Finally, please take care and remember that we are here to support you when you need us.

Ceri Doyle Chief Executive

NewportCityH @NewportCityH newportcityhomes.com

Customers in Bettws told us they were unhappy that overgrowth was blocking their views of the wellloved brook that runs through the estate.

Bettws Brook improvements

Our Watercourse Team saw they could improve the landscape while balancing the need to protect the wildlife that makes their homes deep in the bramble patches around the brook.

They’ve been able to clear areas of dense invasive plants, giving customers a view of the water again, and now wildflowers and saplings are making a return. The team removed lots of litter and fly tipping from the area. Thanks to the many passers-by who complimented the team as they were at work in this beautiful area. A top group of volunteer litter pickers are doing a great job of keeping the area tidy.

Steve Caddy, our watercourse caretaker supervisor

TV stars at Aneurin Bevan Court

Did you spot some familiar faces on ITV Wales in May? Some of our customers at Aneurin Bevan Court in Duffryn were interviewed for a story about Mental Health Awareness week.

A group of customers have been working with our colleagues and the Mental Health Foundation’s Standing Together project, to turn a patch of outdoor space into a beautiful garden. The lottery-funded project also saw weekly sessions set up with 10 or more customers joining in each week to have a catch up, to share memories and photos from when they were younger. Christine said: “I’ve enjoyed the calls each week. It’s been a great help to me as I have been isolated with no family in Wales.” Ruth said: “I can come out here, I can be very uptight, very ‘oh I can’t cope with this’ and as soon as I get dirt under my nails because I haven’t put my gloves on, I’m at peace.” Her neighbours said they love chatting and laughing outdoors with each other. They said gardening as a team “lightens the atmosphere” and makes them “feel better”. That’s not all that’s been going on at Aneurin Bevan Court, customers have also been raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, through raffles, selling jars of sweets, and handmade crafts. They’ve raised an amazing £2,230 this year! Clare Rogers, the daughter of a customer featured in the piece, enjoyed seeing her “camera shy” mum on the TV. She told us: “I honestly cannot thank Julie and her team enough for keeping mum and the other customers safe for all these months.”

Mental health support

Scan this QR code or visit

mentalhealth.org.uk

for advice and support if you’re struggling with your mental health.

Living at Aneurin Bevan Court

If you would like to live in this lovely community or another one of our independent living schemes for over 55s, get in touch with us to find out more. You’ll have to register with Newport City Council’s Home Options, but we can help you do this.

(L to R) Christine Oakey, Wendy Peareth, Jeanette Rogers and Ruth Knight

Here for you

The last year has seen our services change to make sure we can keep them running while keeping you and our colleagues safe. Behind the scenes are a team who care so much about being here for you when you need us.

Victoria Marasco, Homes & Income Officer Like most parents, adjusting to working from home alongside caring responsibilities for two young children felt impossible at times. I work with our customers to recover outstanding debt, manage their rent accounts and support them to ensure they can sustain their tenancies. A lot of my role involves building and maintaining relationships with customers which helps me to better work out how best we can support them. Covid has had a huge impact on many people’s finances, so knowing my team and I can make a difference and stop customers getting further and further into debt is really rewarding. If any of these things are affecting you, please get in touch with us and we will help. Lisa Ash, Resident Services Officer I work at my dining table in the same room where my toddler plays, my partner eats and watches TV and our dogs bark at whatever they think has got too close to the garden wall. My three-year-old doesn’t understand when I’m working, answering customer phone calls that come through to my laptop. But most customers completely understand when they hear him in the background. Many say: “If you need a minute to sort him out, please go on”. They have similar problems so it feels like we are in it together.

“They have similar problems so it feels like we are in it together.”

Sherie Greer, Homes & Income Officer

When Wales went into its first lockdown in March 2020, it felt as if the world was holding its breath in anxious anticipation of what was to come. At times, it was as if the world had stood still, but inevitably life carried on regardless, although for many in a very different way. As an income officer, I’m used to dealing with day to day queries whilst dealing with other pressures but last year was like no other. People were losing their jobs or suddenly finding themselves on furlough and unable to manage their bills. Many found themselves trying to navigate a complex benefits system for the first time, and some just needed to hear a friendly voice on the other end of the phone. Please contact us as we can help by making sure you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to and giving you lots of help and advice.

Each year, we work with contractors and businesses to improve our homes and communities. As part of this, our contracts ask them to give something back to Newport – any ‘extra’ they could do to benefit the communities they’re working in.

The Jehu Group donated £3,600 to Maindee Primary School to support their online and distance learning plans. Thanks to our work with P&P Builders pupils at St Julian’s Primary School now have this fabulous covered rack to keep their bikes safe and dry. Pupils wanted one to encourage them to spend more time cycling.

Earn while you learn. We need three apprentices.

We’ll be posting adverts for apprenticeships on our website and social media in July. Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to learn a new skill and gain recognised qualifications and experience. We will be looking for a carpenter, a plasterer and a painter/ decorator. Each apprentice will be buddied up with one of our experienced trade colleagues who will teach you the tricks of the trade. Callum Butcher, Apprentice Multi-Skilled Electrician said: “My electrical apprenticeship with Newport City Homes has been really enjoyable. I’ve learnt so much and have been supported throughout the experience. I would highly recommend Newport City Homes as an employer.”

Work for Newport City Homes

All of our job vacancies are advertised on newportcityhomes.com Check regularly as we would love you to work for us.

Newport Veterans Hub

Thanks to support from Jehu, the Newport Veterans Hub has a home at Rodney Parade where they can meet up each week. A donation of £3,120 will cover their costs, resources and training. Membership has increased and it gives veterans from across the area something to look forward to each week. They welcome new members so visit newportveteranshub.org.uk/ for more information.