Grapevine tenant newsletter

The

A magazine for NPT Homes’ Tenants WINTER 2016 ISSUE 23

New Year, New Home Page 10

Asbestos – The Facts Page 12

The Benefit Cap Page 20

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

In This Issue...

Competition

p2

Gas Safety

p3

Real Lives

p4 & 5

WHQS Update

p6 & 7

A Day Out with our Neighbourhood Team p8 & 9 New Year, New Home

p10

Furnish your Home

p11

Permission for pets

p11

Asbestos – The Facts

p12 & 13

Tenants Commended

p14

Competition Time with We have a £ supermarket shopping voucher to win in time for Christmas thanks to PBM Wales Ltd.

100

Tenant News

p15 & 16

On the Board

p17

Community News

p18

Benefits Help

p19

The Benefit Cap

p20

Reporting Repairs

p21

New Housing Structure

p22

Stay Safe this Christmas

p22

To enter simply answer the following question:

Christmas Recipe

p23

Christmas Poem

p23

What is the name of the new service for tenants wishing to swap homes?

Christmas Opening Hours

p24

This publication can be made available in large print, braille or audio versions by contacting 0300 777 0000.

Contact the Communications Team with your name, address, contact number and answer by: Calling: 01639 505855 Emailing: media@npthomes.co.uk Deadline for entries is Monday 19th December.

Competition winner Congratulations to Joanna Mead from Caewern who won a £25 credit voucher to use at the Gwyn Hall by winning the competition in the last edition of the Grapevine.

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Gas Safety Week Round-up NPT Homes’ gas experts travelled throughout Neath Port Talbot to raise awareness during Gas Safety Week back in September.

The sixth annual Gas Safety Week saw us join organisations from across the UK to raise awareness of the dangers of unsafe gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

To help educate people on the importance of being gas safe the compliance team set up shop in Morrisons Neath, Aberafan Shopping Centre and Tesco Pontardawe, whilst also raising awareness among its 500 employees.

As a social landlord, we are responsible for carrying out annual gas safety inspections at all of our properties.

NPT Homes’ Property Compliance Manager, Neil Davies, said: “Gas safety is a serious subject and holding these events within our communities allowed us to teach more and more of our tenants on how to remain safe in their homes.

With 22 deaths and 1,000 gas-related injuries in the UK in the last three years, it’s vital that people make sure their gas appliances are checked every year by a registered engineer.

In partnership with our contractor Westward, we carry out inspections to ensure all of our properties are compliant and our tenants and their neighbours are safe.

We encourage our tenants to allow us to carry out our inspection first time and to contact us on 0300 777 3000 if they are experiencing problems with their gas appliances.”

To find out about dangers in your area visit www.StayGasSafe.co.uk

Gas Safety Check Winners Carrying out an annual gas safety check is extremely important and it can save your life.

Tenants who keep their annual gas safety check appointment are entered into a monthly prize draw to win a £50 gift card, courtesy of our contractor Westward Energy Services.

The latest winners are: UÊ ÀÃÊ À ÞÃÊ,ÞV ÞÊ vÊ LiÀ`Õ > Ã UÊ ÀÊ vv À`Ê,Õ « Ê vÊ LiÀ}ÜÞ w UÊ ÀÊ À ÃÌ > Ê Ê vÊ LiÀ}ÜÞ w UÊ ÀÊ >Û `Ê >ÌiÃÊ vÊ* ÀÌÊ/> L Ì If you are one of these winners, then please call Dan Wagstaff, Property Compliance Officer on 01639 506692 to claim your prize.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

3

One Man and his Dog David Edgar is one of life’s great optimists.

Ten years ago, he started to gradually loose his sight due to diabetes. Far from letting it get him down, he decided to seize the opportunity and allow his condition to open up a new chapter in his life.

Originally from Merthyr Tydfil, but now living at our Godrecoed Haven Housing complex in Cadoxton, David has thrown himself whole-heartedly in to a life of charity work, raising money for the Neath Port Talbot Guide Dogs fundraising team.

His work includes organising bucket collections in shops throughout the area as well as some slightly more hair-raising activities. David has completed several parachute jumps, bungee jumps and even competed in a New Year’s Day swim in the sea off Swansea, all in aid of his guide dogs charity.

When he’s not fundraising, David is visiting schools, youth groups and social clubs explaining to people the challenges faced by blind people in their everyday lives. Whilst David is an engaging speaker who captivates his audience, the star of the show is his faithful companion – Joker.

The black Labrador has been at his side for two years, guiding him on their travels around Wales and beyond.

David said:

“Joker is fantastic, we go everywhere together. We’ll choose a town or city to visit and just get on the train or bus and go there. A couple of weeks ago, we went to Hereford for the day, had a lovely meal and a couple of pints in a pub before travelling home. Everywhere we go, people just love making a fuss of Joker and he enjoys all the attention.

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He works hard, taking me everywhere and making sure I stay safe when out and about. He’s always well rewarded though and I often treat him to his favourite meal of fish fingers and custard.”

David also has support from his family in looking after Joker. He explains:

“My niece comes to take Joker out for walks a couple of times a week.

Sometimes they even go for long runs in the Brecon Beacons. This helps Joker get all the normal energy that dogs build up, out of his system. This means that when he comes back home he’s ready to be a working dog again.”

Always full of positivity and enthusiasm, David is a popular figure at his Haven Housing complex, encouraging and inspiring his fellow residents to try something new. David said:

“I love living here at Godrecoed. NPT Homes have been fantastic and will soon be moving me into a larger flat with more space for Joker to enjoy. I get on really well with my fellow residents and enjoy talking to them and lifting their spirits if they’re ever feeling a little bit down.”

Through his charity work, David estimates that he has raised around £500,000 over the last 10 years. It was no wonder then that David’s efforts were recognised when he won the Wave radio station’s Local Hero award > `Ê>ÌÌi `i`Ê>Ê} ÌâÞÊViÀi ÞÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ À> }ÜÞ Ê > Ê Ê Swansea. ÃÃÊÊ ÃÊ> ÊiÝ >À ÞÊV iv]Ê >Û `Ê}iÌÃÊ i «ÊvÀ ÊÌ iÊ `Ê6iÌiÀ> ÃÊ charity which provides equipment to help him read letters and documents as well as sending him on IT courses. He’s also recently got involved in NPT Homes’ Digital Helpers programme, which aims to give tenants greater confidence in getting to grips with the internet. David hopes to use these new skills to update the Facebook page of his guide dogs charity as well as helping his fellow tenants at Godrecoed to get on-line themselves.

David shows no sign of slowing down his fundraising exploits just yet. He’ll be getting his walking boots on to tackle the long distance Wainwright Walk in the North of England and the Chartist Walk from Chepstow to Merthyr Tydfil. David said:

“I just love fundraising and I can’t wait to take on these long distance walks.

They’ll be a challenge but I’m always keen to push myself to achieve these feats.”

Given his previous exploits, we’re sure David will take these new challenges all in his stride.

Do you have an interesting story to tell and would like to appear in our ,i> Ê ÛiÃÊÃiVÌ ¶Ê Ì>VÌÊmedia@npthomes.co.uk or call us on 01639 505855.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

5

NPT Homes Leads the Way in Upgrading Properties With the WHQS works to kitchens and bathrooms ongoing, attention is also being turned to the gardens of our properties.

Under a new programme of works, the gardens and boundaries of our 9,000 properties will be inspected and upgraded where appropriate. This could include new fences and ground works to ensure the gardens are safe and secure. This work is in addition to the regular WHQS improvement programme and means we are currently the only housing provider to be offering this service to our tenants. / iÊÜ À Ê} ÌÊÕ `iÀÜ>ÞÊ Ê ÜiÀÊ ÀÞ > > ÊL>V Ê Ê October and over the coming months will be rolled out across Neath Port Talbot.

As well as the programmed works in the Amman 6> iÞ]Ê}>À`i ÃÊÌ À Õ} ÕÌÊÌ iÊV Õ ÌÞÊÜ Ê> Ã Ê >ÛiÊ work done where there is an urgent need or safety concerns.

Amongst the tenants due to have work done are Ì ÃiÊ Ê } wi `Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê À Ì Ê iÀÀÞ°Ê/ i ÀÊvÀ ÌÊ gardens have a six foot drop to the pavement below and so safety fencing will be erected as well as hand rails and improvements to the garden path.

,ià `i Ì]Ê Þv> ÜÞÊ À>` iÞÊÃ> `\ “I can’t wait to have the work done. It will mean that my garden will become safer and more secure with new fences. A new handrail will also mean I can get up the steps to my house a lot easier.”

Overseeing the transformation of the gardens are NPT iÃÊ/i > ÌÊ > à Ê"vwViÀÃ]Ê, Ý> iÊ ÃÊ> `Ê iÌ > Ê* Üi °Ê/ iÞ½ÀiÊÌ iÀiÊÌ Ê ii«ÊÌi > ÌÃÊÕ«`>Ìi`Ê on the progress of the work and to ensure everything goes smoothly. , Ý> iÊÃ> `\ “It’s been an exciting time moving on to the next phase of our home improvement programme and these external works are bringing many gardens up to scratch. My role is to keep our tenants fully informed during the process and to ensure that I relay any of the residents’ queries or concerns to our contractors.”

Scheduled works to other gardens across Neath Port Talbot will commence over the coming months.

WHQS – Making Great Progress 2,766 6,673 new

7,171

bathrooms

2,812 window and door installations

external wall insulations and renders.

kitchens

4,391 rewires

5,349

1,985 roof replacements

new heating systems

(*figures correct as of 19th October)

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NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

WHQS at Haven Housing Ty^ Gnoll Newydd New life is being breathed into one of our Haven Housing schemes thanks to a £1.6m redevelopment.

Ty^ Gnoll Newydd in Neath was built in the 1980s and the 30 bed complex is now in need of extensive refurbishment to bring the accommodation up to a standard fit for the 21st century.

Work is currently on-going to convert the existing bedsits into one bedroom flats, with new kitchens, wet rooms and heating systems whilst also improving access in and around the scheme.

The communal areas of the scheme will also be refurbished in >VV À`> ViÊÜ Ì ÊÌ iÊ, Þ> Ê >Ì > Ê ÃÌ ÌÕÌiÊ vÊ `Ê*i « i½ÃÊ­, ®Ê 6 à L ÌÞÊ iÌÌiÀÊÃV i i°Ê

Ty^ Gnoll Newydd

Llys Nant Fer Opening One Haven Housing scheme that has already benefited from WHQS refurbishment is Llys Nant Fer in Gwaun Cae Gurwen. ,ià `i ÌÃÊÌ iÀiÊÀiVi Ì ÞÊVi iLÀ>Ìi`Ê the re-opening of the communal lounge with a party with food, music and games. They were joined at the party by residents from the Pant y Fedwen Haven Housing scheme in nearby Cwmgors.

Normally, tenants remain in their homes whilst undergoing WHQS improvement works but, due to the scale and complexity of this work, residents have been given new temporary accommodation so that the transformation can be carried out as quickly as possible. ,ià `i ÌÊ ÀÀ> iÊ Àii Ü>ÞÊV> ½ÌÊ wait to move back in to Ty^ Gnoll Newydd: “The work is going to dramatically change our homes and I can’t wait to see the new updated accommodation. I’ve loved living at Ty^ Gnoll Newydd and I’m excited to be able to move back in next year.”

The transformation of their homes is expected to be completed by the middle of 2017.

The lounge, which is a communal space for residents to meet and socialise has undergone a radical transformation to bring it up to modern standards. It has had a complete facelift with new electrics, decorations and flooring. It consists of separate dining and living room areas with co-ordinating soft furnishings.

All interior design has been done Ì Ê iiÌÊÌ iÊ, ½ÃÊ6 à L ÞÊ iÌÌiÀÊ standard. The standard aims to ensure that supported housing providers in Wales can help meet the needs of residents who are living with sight loss.

The furnishings and colour scheme were

also chosen by the residents themselves during a consultation exercise prior to the refurbishment starting. ,ià `i ÌÃÊ vÊ >iÃÊ9Ê >ÀÀi Ê Ê Ystalyfera and Mozart Court in Sandfields have already been consulted on their colour choices in readiness for their forthcoming communal lounge refurbishment and we will be rolling out further consultations at other schemes over the coming months.

One of the residents at Llys Nant Fer, Joy Chiverton said: “The new lounge is wonderful. It has really created a space where we enjoy spending time and has really enhanced the community feel here.

It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the re-opening with my fellow residents as well as our friends from Pant y Fedwen.”

Mozart Court Whilst the residents at Llys Nant Fer make the most of their new lounge, those at Mozart Court in Sandfields are eagerly awaiting their own transformation to be completed. ,ià `i ÌÃÊ >ÛiÊLii Ê }Êv ÀÜ>À`Ê to the renovation of their new lounge by preparing the area themselves.

They have donated some old, surplus furniture to local charity and second hand shops as well as selling some items in order to raise money for charity. Through their hard work, the residents have so far managed to raise almost £200 which will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society, NPT Homes’ chosen charity for 2016.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

7

A Day in the Life of... the Neighbourhood Team Every day our teams work hard right across Neath Port Talbot, ensuring that our tenants, properties and communities are great places to live.

Our neighborhood team play a big role in achieving this. You’ll see them out and about throughout the Borough, cleaning, cutting and clearing our properties and gardens, whatever the weather. We recently spent some time with the team to see what their typical day is like.

8:30 We meet with Matthew, Senior Neighbourhood Co-ordinator to go through the itinerary for the day.

Mathew’s job is to look after the teams that are out and about completing a variety of jobs around Neath Port Talbot.

He visits the teams on-site making sure that everything is going smoothly and that they have all the equipment and supplies that they need to complete their tasks.

9:30 The first visit of the day is to Sandfields where we visit Ian and Chris who are busy clearing the garden of a void property. Years’ worth of garden waste and rubbish had built up behind a garden wall and had become compacted and woven with weeds.

The wall has previously been demolished and now Ian and Chris have to clear out all the rubbish. So far they’ve filled nine skips with rubbish, weeds and debris. The task is complicated by the fact there’s no side or rear access to the property and so all waste has to be carefully carried through the house using buckets.

10:45 As we’re in Sandfields, we call at another property nearby. We recently undertook some work at the property and we call to check with the tenant to see if she was happy with the work we completed. She’s really happy and very thankful to us.

11:30 Next stop is Cwmavon to visit a tenant who moved into the property recently.

Work needs doing to the garden so we’re there to see exactly what’s needed.

We have previously laid a new path and removed overgrown trees and shrubs and now agree to order some top soil so that the garden can be levelled and then seeded.

Whilst there we notice that one of the garden walls seems to have been damaged by tree roots. We’ll report that to our repair section for further investigation and to make it safe.

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12:45 Our next visit is to Cimla and two different properties. Tenants at both properties will shortly be moving out and have asked us to provide them with a quote for clearing and tidying their gardens ready for the next tenants. We make a quick inspection to see what needs doing and we’ll be back in touch shortly to give them a price.

13:30 We move on to Croeserw and visit a tenant who has recently moved in to one our our houses. Each new tenant of NPT Homes gets a first cut of their lawns a couple of weeks after moving in and here our team of Mark, Jo and Phil are hard at work. They’re giving the back gardens and front hedge a trim to make sure they’re looking good.

14:30 We now head to Dyffryn Court Flats in Taibach where we meet cleaner *>Õ °Ê ÃÊÌ>Ã Ê ÃÊÌ Ê ii«ÊÌ ÃÊL V Ê> `Ê Ì iÀÃÊ>À Õ `ÊÌ iÊ À Õ} Ê }Ê good. He’s busy vacuuming the communal areas before going outside to clear the parking area of litter. He’s very popular amongst the residents who are thankful to him for keeping their block in excellent condition.

15:15 Final call of the day is to a property in Melyn to inspect an area of the garden where Japanese Knotweed is suspected of growing. We confirm that it is Japanese Knotweed, probably encroaching from the nearby railway line. We make arrangements for its destruction and safe removal, which has to be done under very strict conditions.

16:00 We now head back to the office to catch up on admin and to make a few calls in relation to the properties we visited today.

It was an interesting day out which showed the variety of tasks our Neighbourhood team undertake in looking after our properties.

More than the Day Job NPT Homes staff are committed to providing tenants with safe and secure places to live. Now it seems that this service has also been extended to animals too. ,iVi Ì Þ]Ê iÊ vÊ ÕÀÊ i } L ÕÀ `ÊÌi> ÃÊÜiÀiÊ clearing the garden of an empty property in Cwmllynfell and came across a pond containing some gold fish. With the pond due to be filled in in readiness for the new tenants, the fish were left in a bit of a spot.

Luckily our Neighbourhood officer Stephen kindly agreed to rehome them in his own garden pond. The team returned to the property the following day to collect the fish and transfer them to their new home.

Meanwhile, another of our Neighbourhood teams were called to make safe a hole that had appeared on a grass verge in Sandfields. When the team of / Þ]Ê-ÌiÛi]Ê >i }ÜÞ ]Ê > i Ê> `Ê,iiViÊ>ÀÀ Ûi`Ê to inspect and repair the damage, they spotted something moving at the bottom of the hole.

Upon closer inspection, it seemed that a couple of hedgehogs had made their way into hole.

Luckily, the team were able to reach down into the hole and free the trapped hedgehogs who were then released unharmed.

We’re now happy to report that the fish have settled in well and are enjoying life in their new surroundings.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

9

New Year, New Home?

Are you looking to swap your home with another tenant?

Whether it’s to move to a bigger property or to be closer to work k or family, f il you can now easily find a swap with the launch of the online Home Swapper service.

All you have to do is just sign up to www.homeswapper.co.uk to register your details and to specify what type of property you’d like to move to. The system then does all the hard work and searches its vast database to find properties that match what you’re looking for.

Top tips to get the best out of Home Swapper:

The Home Swapper website is the UK’s largest community of social housing tenants looking for a house swap. Currently used by 500,000 people around the UK, it makes swapping houses both locally and nationally easier than ever.

UÊ Use the ‘additional text’ box on your advert to let others know what you are looking for, as well as what you are offering.

Mark Edwards, NPT Homes’ Applications and Allocations Team Leader said:

“We are thrilled to be making Home Swapper available to our tenants. It means that anyone wanting to swap houses for any reason now has access to thousands of properties throughout the UK.” It’s quick and easy to use and is now available to all NPT Homes tenants.

For help in registering with Home Swapper, please call Mark Edwards on 01639 505989 or email homeswap@npthomes.co.uk

UÊ Draw up a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘would likes’ for your new home.

UÊ No matches? Try broadening your search.

You may find your dream home in an area you hadn’t thought of looking in.

UÊ Check your account regularly, and get into the habit of signing in.

UÊ Download the free mobile app for automatic alerts to matches.

UÊ Use the Home Swapper Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information.

UÊ Please respond to ALL messages left by others, even if it is a polite ‘No, thank you’. Home Swapper provides you with template responses to save you time.

UÊ Stay polite, even if their home is not what you are looking for. Don’t waste other people’s time or leave them hanging on, waiting for a response.

UÊ Make sure your rent account is paid up-todate. Arrears could lead to us refusing or delaying your move.

UÊ Make sure you close your account once you have swapped, to avoid receiving further alerts and messages from Home Swapper and other users.

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Furnish your Home with Us If you’re looking for affordable, good quality furniture, then we can help.

Through our Furnished Lets scheme you can purchase furniture and appliance packages to help turn your house into a home.

The scheme was launched to provide an alternative for tenants who were taking out loans or high interest ďŹ nance agreements to buy essential furniture for their homes.

Now, the scheme can provide you with the opportunity to hire a furniture pack, depending on the size of your family, property and the type of furniture you require. If you receive housing beneďŹ t for your property then you may also be entitled to receive a contribution for the furniture service.

Items available in the basic pack include a sofa, bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, a fridge freezer and a washing machine.

Joining the scheme means you will rent the furniture for the duration of your tenancy which will not only contribute to the overall cost of the furniture, but will also enable the furniture to be renewed every ďŹ ve years and replaced due to wear and tear or accidental damage as and when necessary. Ă•Ă€Â˜ÂˆĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂŠ iĂŒĂƒĂŠ ĂƒĂƒÂˆĂƒĂŒ>Â˜ĂŒĂŠ ÂœĂ€`>˜˜>Â…ĂŠ Ă€ÂˆĂŒĂŒÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂƒ>ˆ`\ĂŠ

“This furniture scheme is able to give new and existing tenants a helping hand to make their house a home. It’s important that people have access to good quality furniture and appliances to ensure that they and their families are settled in their homes.�

If you’re interested in Furnished Lets scheme or want more information please contact Jordannah Ă€ÂˆĂŒĂŒÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ01639 505857 or email BSAFurnitureLets@npthomes.co.uk Any electrical items hired through this scheme will need to be safety checked by NPT Homes electricians every year.

Permission for Pets If you’re thinking of getting a new pet please be aware that the tenancy agreement between us asks that you get our permission ďŹ rst. It is important that you obtain permission before you take in the animal.

Now, following consultation with our tenants and feedback from animal welfare agencies we have adopted a new procedure which you need to follow if you want to keep a pet in one of our properties.

One change is that tenants living in general needs ats with a communal entrance or no direct access to the outside will no longer be given permission to house cats or dogs.

However, don’t worry if you already live in a property like this and already have permission for animals, they can continue to live with you but permission will not be granted for any new pets.

Please also bear in mind that if you already have a pet

but don’t have the necessary consent, you will be required to submit a retrospective request for permission.

Permission to keep a pet will be granted depending on the following conditions being met.

UĂŠ Â˜ĂžĂŠ>˜ˆ“>Â?Â­ĂƒÂŽĂŠĂƒÂ…ÂœĂ•Â?`ĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂŒĂŠLiĂŠ >Â?Â?ÂœĂœi`ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠV>Ă•ĂƒiĂŠ>ĂŠÂ˜Ă•ÂˆĂƒ>˜ViĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ >Â˜Â˜ÂœĂž>˜Vi]ĂŠÂœĂŒÂ…iĂ€ĂœÂˆĂƒiĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠÂ“>ÞÊLiĂŠ Ă€iÂľĂ•ÂˆĂ€i`ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂ€iÂ“ÂœĂ›iĂŠĂŒÂ…i“ÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ …œ“i° UĂŠ9ÂœĂ•ĂŠÂ“Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂŠiÂ˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€iĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠÂ…ÂœÂ“iĂŠ ÂˆĂƒĂŠÂŽiÂŤĂŒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ>ĂŠVÂ?i>Â˜ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂœĂ€`iĂ€Â?ÞÊ Vœ˜`ÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠLĂžĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂŒĂŠ>Â?Â?ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠÂŤiĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ vÂœĂ•Â?ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠV>Ă•ĂƒiĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠ`>“>}iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ ÂŤĂ€ÂœÂŤiĂ€ĂŒĂž]ĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠLÂœĂ•Â˜`>Ă€ÂˆiĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠ ĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ}>Ă€`iÂ˜ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠVÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜>Â?ĂŠ >Ă€i>ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠÂœĂŒÂ…iĂ€ĂŠĂœ>ÞÊLĂ€i>VÂ…ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ ĂŒi˜>˜VÞ°Ê9ÂœĂ•ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠLiĂŠĂ€iĂƒÂŤÂœÂ˜ĂƒÂˆLÂ?iĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ iÂ˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠvÂœĂ•Â?ˆ˜}ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠVÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜>Â?ĂŠ >Ă€i>ĂƒĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠVÂ?i>˜i`ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ`ÂˆĂƒÂˆÂ˜viVĂŒi`ĂŠ ĂŒÂœĂŠ>ĂŠÂ…Âˆ}Â…ĂŠĂƒĂŒ>˜`>Ă€`°Ê Â˜ĂžĂŠĂƒÂœÂˆÂ?ˆ˜}ĂŠ ĂŒÂœĂŠVÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜>Â?ĂŠ>Ă€i>ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠĂ€iÂľĂ•ÂˆĂ€iĂƒĂŠ VÂ?i>˜ˆ˜}ĂŠLÞÊ */ĂŠ œ“iĂƒĂŠĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠLiĂŠ Ă€iVÂ…>Ă€}i`ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Â° UĂŠ9ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠÂŤiĂŒĂŠÂ“Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂŠLiĂŠÂŽiÂŤĂŒĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ>ĂŠÂ?i>`ĂŠ ĂœÂ…iÂ˜ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜>Â?ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠiĂ?ĂŒiĂ€Â˜>Â?ĂŠ VÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜>Â?ĂŠ>Ă€i>ĂŠÂˆÂ˜VÂ?Ă•`ˆ˜}ĂŠĂœ>Â?ÂŽĂœ>ĂžĂƒĂŠ >˜`ĂŠ}>Ă€`iÂ˜ĂƒÂ°

UĂŠ9ÂœĂ•ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠLiĂŠĂ€iĂƒÂŤÂœÂ˜ĂƒÂˆLÂ?iĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠÂ“iiĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ ĂŒÂ…iĂŠĂœiÂ?v>Ă€iĂŠÂ˜ii`ĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ>˜ˆ“>Â?ĂŠ iÂ˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>`i¾Õ>ĂŒiĂŠÂŤĂ€ÂœĂ›ÂˆĂƒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ V>Ă€iĂŠĂƒÂ…ÂœĂ•Â?`ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠLiĂŠĂŒ>ÂŽiÂ˜ĂŠÂˆÂ?Â?]ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ “œLˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ`iĂŒiĂ€ÂˆÂœĂ€>ĂŒiĂƒĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠÂˆvĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠ >Ăœ>ÞÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠÂŤĂ€ÂœÂŤiĂ€ĂŒĂžĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠ ÂœĂŒÂ…iÀÊÀi>ĂƒÂœÂ˜ĂƒÂ° UĂŠ7Â…iÂ˜ĂŠ>ʓi“LiĂ€ĂŠÂœvĂŠĂƒĂŒ>vvĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ>ĂŠ VÂœÂ˜ĂŒĂ€>VĂŒÂœĂ€ĂŠĂ›ÂˆĂƒÂˆĂŒĂƒĂŠĂžÂœĂ•]ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠĂœÂœĂ•Â?`ĂŠLiĂŠ iĂ?ÂŤiVĂŒi`ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠÂŤĂ•ĂŒĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ`Âœ}ÉV>ĂŒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ>ĂŠ ĂƒiÂŤ>Ă€>ĂŒiĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœÂ“]ĂŠÂˆvĂŠĂ€i¾ÕiĂƒĂŒi`°ÊÊ/Â…ÂˆĂƒĂŠ ÂˆĂƒĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠÂ…i>Â?ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂƒ>viĂŒĂžĂŠÂœvĂŠÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ ĂƒĂŒ>vv° If you have any queries about keeping animals in your home, or if you would like to apply for permission contact your /i˜>˜VÞÊ,iÂ?>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ OfďŹ cer (formerly Community Housing OfďŹ cer) If you need help or advice on the best way to look after your pets, then take a look at the following websites. www.rspca.org.uk www.dogstrust.org.uk www.cats.org.uk

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

11

Asbestos – The Facts What is Asbestos?

The Future

Asbestos is a natural mineral found in rocks all over the world. It has been used for about 150 years because it is strong, flexible, resistant to decay and has insulating qualities. Õ ` }Ê >ÌiÀ > ÃÊV Ì> }Ê>ÃLiÃÌ ÃÊÜiÀiÊÜ `i ÞÊ used from 1930 to the mid-1980 and products containing chrysotile asbestos were used until 1999.

Therefore, houses and flats built or refurbished prior to 2000 may contain asbestos.

What we are Doing?

NPT Homes’ Asbestos Compliance Team ensures that all of our properties are managed in accordance with statutory regulations. As part of this process NPT Homes has undertaken over 9,000 surveys of its properties and analysed 1,500 suspected asbestos materials. This has led to almost 3,500 asbestos containing materials being removed from our properties.

Please remember that asbestos does not pose a danger to health if it is in good condition and is not damaged or disturbed.

Also included, will be an asbestos leaflet providing general information on asbestos and details on how to get Landlords Permission for any DIY work or alterations to your home that may disturb asbestos – see: What are my responsibilities if I am a tenant?

What are the Risks?

Even if there is asbestos in your home, it is not a problem if it is managed correctly. Asbestos is not dangerous when in good condition. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when it gets damaged or is disturbed during work on your home. Therefore, removal of asbestos will continue as part of the ongoing improvements programme where asbestos is likely to be disturbed or is found to be damaged.

Asbestos Plan for: 123 Any Street

Tenant health and safety is our primary concern and for this reason we are providing all tenants with a simple asbestos plan. The plan shows the areas where asbestos containing materials have been identified or are suspected – these materials do not present a risk unless they are damaged or disturbed.

Therefore, before attempting any DIY or disturbing the fabric of the building you must contact NPT Homes on 0300 7770000 to get Landlords Permission.

Key:

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From next year, NPT Homes will start distributing an asbestos information pack to all tenants which will include a plan of your property indicating those areas where asbestos containing materials are present (see diagram below).

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’S) have been detected in these rooms or areas of your property indicated by the dotted lines. Please contact NPT Homes before undertaking DIY/home improvements in these areas. Tel: 0300 777 0000.

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Where Asbestos may be Found Here are some of the asbestoscontaining products that might be found in the home:

UĂŠRooďŹ ng felt made with bitumen UĂŠ ÂˆĂ€iĂŠĂƒĂ•Ă€Ă€ÂœĂ•Â˜`Ăƒ UĂŠ ÂœĂ€Ă€Ă•}>ĂŒi`ĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœw˜}ĂŠĂƒÂ…iiĂŒĂƒ UĂŠ,œœvĂŠVÂ?>``ˆ˜} UĂŠ iVÂœĂ€>ĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠViˆÂ?ˆ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒ UĂŠ,œœvĂŠĂƒÂ?>ĂŒiĂƒĂ‰ĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠ

Residential property

UĂŠ,>ÂˆÂ˜Ăœ>ĂŒiÀÊ`ÂœĂœÂ˜ÂŤÂˆÂŤiĂƒĂŠ ĂŠ

A Asbestos cement water tank

UĂŠ-œˆÂ?ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂ›iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠÂŤÂˆÂŤiĂƒ

ĂŠ *ÂˆÂŤiĂŠÂ?>}}ˆ˜}

UĂŠ Â?ÂœÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠ UĂŠ >ĂŒÂ…ĂŠÂŤ>˜iÂ?Ăƒ UĂŠ Â?Ă•iĂŠÂŤÂˆÂŤiĂƒĂŠ UĂŠ/iĂ?ĂŒĂ•Ă€i`ĂŠ`iVÂœĂ€>ĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠwÂ˜ÂˆĂƒÂ…ĂŠ (Artex)

Outside

Inside

C Loose ďŹ ll insulation D Textured decorative coating eg artex ĂŠ ĂŠViˆÂ?ˆ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒ ĂŠ ĂŠL>ĂŒÂ…ĂŠÂŤ>˜iÂ?

G Toilet seat and cistern

How can I identify products or materials containing asbestos?

You cannot tell whether a product contains asbestos simply by looking at it. Often asbestos is masked by other materials or is dyed, which disguises its true colour. If in doubt, it can be analysed by a laboratory. ,i“i“LiĂ€]ĂŠÂŤĂ€Âœ`Ă•VĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠVÂœÂ˜ĂŒ>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ>ĂƒLiĂƒĂŒÂœĂƒĂŠV>Â˜ĂŠÂ?ÂœÂœÂŽĂŠ identical to those that do not.

What if I think there is asbestos in my home?

If you are in doubt as to whether any material contains asbestos, or if you think your home contains damaged asbestos material, then don’t try to deal with it yourself: Ring NPT Homes on 0300 777 3000 or email asbestos@npthomes.co.uk

ĂŠ ĂŠLi…ˆ˜`ĂŠvĂ•ĂƒiĂŠLÂœĂ?

O Gutters andAsbestos cement downpipes

ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠ>ÂˆĂ€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠVĂ•ÂŤLÂœ>Ă€`ĂŠ>˜`É or sprayed insulation coating boiler

ĂŠ*ĂŠĂŠ -ÂœvwĂŒĂƒĂŠqĂŠ ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ>ĂƒLiĂƒĂŒÂœĂƒĂŠ cement

ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂœ>Â?Â?

ĂŠ+ĂŠ ĂŠiĂ?ĂŒiĂ€ÂˆÂœĂ€ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ˜`ÂœĂœĂŠÂŤ>˜iÂ?

ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€ÂˆÂœĂ€ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ˜`ÂœĂœĂŠ panel

ĂŠ,ĂŠ ĂƒLiĂƒĂŒÂœĂƒĂŠVi“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœv

ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠ>Ă€ÂœĂ•Â˜`ĂŠLœˆÂ?iĂ€ ĂŠ ĂŠ 6ÂˆÂ˜ĂžÂ?ĂŠyÂœÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒ

S Asbestos cement panels ĂŠ/ĂŠ ,œœw˜}ĂŠviÂ?ĂŒ ĂŠrĂŠ ĂƒLiĂƒĂŒÂœĂƒĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Â?>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ Âœ>Ă€`

ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠLi…ˆ˜`ĂŠwĂ€i

What are my responsibilities if I’m a tenant?

Please remember that changes to the structure or the fabric of your property including DIY work are not permitted under the tenancy agreement without prior approval in writing – please contact us on 0300 777 3000 to get Landlords Permission for any such work.

It is important that you: UĂŠDO NOT drill a hole through any asbestos materials UĂŠDO NOT cut or break off any parts of asbestos products UĂŠDO NOT rub down asbestos panels or `iVÂœĂ€>ĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠVÂœ>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}Ê­ Ă€ĂŒiĂ?ÂŽĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠĂƒ>˜`ÂŤ>ÂŤiĂ€Ă‰ÂŤÂœĂœiÀÊ tools UĂŠDO NOT use wallpaper scrapers on asbestos products

Should you want further information on asbestos in the home please contact us at: asbestos@npthomes.co.uk or call 0300 777 3000 and ask for the Asbestos Team.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

13

Tenants Commended Congratulations to the tenants who picked up honours at our annual Tenant Awards.

There were four award categories ĂŒÂ…ÂˆĂƒĂŠĂži>ÀÊqĂŠ"Ă•ĂŒĂƒĂŒ>˜`ˆ˜}ĂŠ6ÂœÂ?Ă•Â˜ĂŒiiĂ€ĂŠÂœvĂŠ ĂŒÂ…iĂŠ9i>Ă€]ĂŠ iĂœĂŠ6ÂœÂ?Ă•Â˜ĂŒiiĂ€ĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ9i>Ă€]ĂŠ Community Group of the Year and Good Neighbour of the Year. /Â…iĂŠ"Ă•ĂŒĂƒĂŒ>˜`ˆ˜}ĂŠ6ÂœÂ?Ă•Â˜ĂŒiiĂ€ĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ9i>ÀÊ award went to John Thomas who lives in a NPT Homes Haven Housing scheme. John was nominated in recognition of his volunteering with NPT Homes. He organises and provides entertainment for social activities within his own scheme, in other schemes and at NPT Homes’ events, to reduce isolation in older people. /Â…iĂŠĂœÂˆÂ˜Â˜iĂ€ĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ iĂœĂŠ6ÂœÂ?Ă•Â˜ĂŒiiÀÊ Award was Jade Williams. Jade only started volunteering with NPT Homes earlier this year but has already represented the views of young people on a number of different projects including the NPT Homes Academy and the Digital Helper’s project. Jade has shown a real dedication and commitment towards volunteering between her Youth and Community studies and working locally with young people in Port Talbot.

14

The Community Group of the Year award went to the residents association at Llwynon Haven Housing scheme in Crynant. Every year the association choose a charity to support which is either local or one which is close to their hearts.

They are very passionate about raising money throughout the year by organising events with rafes, afternoon tea and bake sales, and concerts with local entertainment.

This year they have raised over £2,000 for LATCH, a Welsh children’s cancer charity.

The ďŹ nal tenant award of the evening ĂœiÂ˜ĂŒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ Ă€Âˆ>Â˜ĂŠ7Â…iiÂ?iĂ€ĂŠĂœÂ…ÂœĂŠĂœÂœÂ˜ĂŠ ĂŒÂ…iĂŠ œœ`ĂŠ iˆ}Â…LÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ Ăœ>Ă€`°Ê Ă€Âˆ>Â˜ĂŠ was nominated for the award by his neighbour after he acted quickly to call an ambulance when they were seriously ill and he has been credited with saving their life.

The best communal garden award went to the residents of the Maeshir Haven Housing scheme in Glyneath. ,ÂœĂžĂŠ ÂœÂ…Â˜ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂ…ÂˆĂƒĂŠÂ˜iˆ}Â…LÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ Ă€ÂˆĂŒÂœÂ˜ĂŠ iĂ€Ă€ĂžĂŠĂœÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠLiĂƒĂŒĂŠĂŒĂ•LĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ shrubs whilst Denzil Tristram from Melyn took the honours for the best overall garden for the second year in a row.

A children’s sunower competition was also run for the ďŹ rst time this year to see who could grow the tallest sunower. This category was only open to children or grandchildren of NPT Homes tenants. The prize for the tallest sunower was awarded ĂŒÂœĂŠ >Ă€Ă€ÂˆĂƒÂœÂ˜ĂŠ,ÂœLiĂ€ĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠ>}i`ĂŠĂŒÂ…Ă€ii]ĂŠ whose sunower grew to 8 ft. 7 inches. Second place was awarded ĂŒÂœĂŠ ˆ˜}ĂƒÂ?iÞÊ,iiĂƒ]ĂŠ>}i`棊]ĂŠĂœÂ…ÂœĂƒiĂŠ sunower grew 5 ft. 2 inches.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Meanwhile, the annual garden competition was a closely fought affair. Now in its second year, the competition aims to ďŹ nd the tenants who’ve spruced up their shrubs, have perfect pots or beautiful borders.

The competition was judged by fellow NPT Homes tenants, who visited each entrant’s garden to inspect them for themselves.

Kingsley Rees Sunower Competition Runner up

Brian Wheeler Good Neighbour Award

Jade Williams New Volunteer Award

Llwynon Haven Housing Community Group of the Year

John Thomas Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Maeshir Best Communal Garden

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Tenants Get Social

The Haven Housing social group goes from strength to strength with many new volunteers coming on board over recent months. Each one brings lots of with new energy and ideas with them as well as helping to organise events or provide entertainment to fellow tenants.

Over the past couple of months the group have got together for a variety of events. >V Ê Ê Õ}ÕÃÌÊÜiÊ i `Ê iÊ vÊ ÕÀÊ« «Õ >ÀÊ }Ê-Õ `>ÞÊ Lunches. Held at the Four Winds Hotel, the event saw 55 tenants get together to enjoy each other’s company and a delicious two course meal. The afternoon also included bingo and a raffle.

/ iÊ iÝÌÊiÛi ÌÊÜ>ÃÊ>Ê`>ÞÊ ÕÌÊÌ Ê >ÀÀÞÊ Ã > `Ê Ê September. About 52 people were on the trip and all took a windy walk along the promenade, picked up some local souvenirs and then enjoyed an ice cream or coffee in Marco’s café, overlooking the seafront.

More recently tenants have been on a Christmas shopping trip to Abergavenny and got together for a wonderful Christmas lunch including a Christmas quiz and a Christmas hat competition.

More events are planned in the New Year, including a trip to the pantomime and shopping excursions. To get involved contact Amy Hines on 01639 508455 or email amy.hines@npthomes.co.uk

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

15

Become a Tenant Assessor!

Following consultation with tenants, we have created an exciting new opportunity for you to get involved in the work of NPT Homes. / iÊ/i > ÌÊ ÃÃiÃà ÀÊÀ iÊ >ÃÊLii Ê `iÛ Ãi`ÊLÞÊ>Ê}À Õ«Ê vÊÌi > ÌÃÊ ÊV Õ VÌ ÊÜ Ì ÊÌ iÊ/i > ÌÊ « ÜiÀ i ÌÊ> `Ê i } L ÕÀ `Ê `i«>ÀÌ i ÌÃÊ>ÌÊ */Ê iðÊ/ iÊ À iÊ> ÃÊÌ Ê iÌÊÌi > ÌÃÊvii`L>V Ê information to NPT Homes on Ì iÊÃÌ> `>À`Ê vÊV i> iÃÃÊ> `Ê > Ìi > ViÊ ÊÌ i ÀÊV Õ > Ê L V ÃÊ ÀÊÃV i iðÊ/ iÊÀ iÊÜ>ÃÊ `iÛi «i`Ê ÛiÀÊ>Êà ÝÊ Ì Ê«iÀ `Ê Ü iÀiÊiÛiÀÞ iÊ} ÌÊÌ }iÌ iÀÊÌ Ê ` ÃVÕÃÃÊÌ iÊ«ÕÀ« ÃiÊ vÊÌ iÊ« Ã Ì ]Ê Ì iÊ«À Vi`ÕÀiÃÊ> `ÊÌ iÊ Ã«iVÌ Ê «>«iÀÜ À °

ÌÊ ÃÊ «i ÊÌ ÊÌ ÃiÊ Û }Ê Êy>ÌÃÊ ÀÊ >Ûi Ê Õà }Ê ÃV i iÃ]Ê> `Ê iÌÃÊÌi > ÌÃÊ ÌiÊÌ iʵÕ> ÌÞÊ vÊÌ iÊ V i> }Ê> `Ê}À Õ `ÃÊ > Ìi > ViÊÃiÀÛ ViÊ «À Û `i`]Ê>ÃÊ«À Ãi`Ê Ê Ì i ÀÊÃiÀÛ ViÊÃÌ> `>À`ðÊ/ ÃÊ >ÃÃiÃà i ÌÊ ÃÊÀi}Õ >À ÞÊvi`Ê L>V ÊÌ Ê */Ê iÃÊ> Ü }Ê ÕÃÊÌ ÊÌ> iÊ>VÌ ÊÜ iÀiÊ iViÃÃ>ÀÞ° vÊÞ ÕÊÜ Õ `Ê iÊ ÀiÊ v À >Ì Ê Ê ÜÊÞ ÕÊV Õ `ÊLiV iÊ>Ê /i > ÌÊ ÃÃiÃà À]Ê« i>ÃiÊV Ì>VÌÊ/i > ÌÊ « ÜiÀ i ÌÊ"vwViÀ]Ê Þ ÃiÞÊ >À}Ài>ÛiÃÊ Ê01639 506662Ê ÀÊi > Ê lynsey.hargreaves@npthomes.co.uk

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Ty Maes Marchog Garden The communal garden at Ty^ Maes Marchog in Banwen was in full bloom this year. The colourful garden is tended to by a group of residents led by Gwyneth Morgan. Now in her nineties, Gwyneth has been gardening all he life and says it’s a great excuse to get outside and socialise with her fellow tenants. Amongst her gardening colleagues are Gareth Pugh and Victor and Doris Hales.

16

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

>Ì Ê

>Û iÃÊ iÜÊ

> ÀÊ vÊÌ iÊ >À`Ê vÊ */Ê ið

On the

Board

Following a recent recruitment process Jonathon Davies has been appointed the new Chair of the Board of NPT Homes.

Êv À iÀÊ i«ÕÌÞÊ ivÊ ÝiVÕÌ ÛiÊv ÀÊ >À` vvÊ> `Ê6> iÊ -Ê/ÀÕÃÌÊ> `Êv À iÀÊ > ÀÊ vÊ-iÀi Ê À Õ«]Ê >Ì Ê LÀ }ÃÊÜ Ì Ê Ê>ÊÜi> Ì Ê vÊ Ü i`}iÊ> `ÊiÝ«iÀÌ ÃiÊ Ê}À Ü }ÊÃÕVViÃÃvÕ Ê À}> Ã>Ì Ã°Ê ÃÊÀ iÊ>ÃÊ > ÀÊ Ü ÊLiÊÌ Êi ÃÕÀiÊÌ >ÌÊÌ iÊ À}> Ã>Ì Ê ÃÊ>VV Õ Ì>L iÊÌ ÊÌi > ÌÃÊÜ iÊ Ì À }ÊÌ iÊ«iÀv À > ViÊ vÊ */Ê ið -«i> }Ê>L ÕÌÊ ÃÊ>«« Ì i Ì]Ê >Ì ÊÃ> `\ “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of NPT Homes. I am excited at the challenges that lie ahead and working with my fellow Board members and NPT Homes staff in growing the organisation. I’m also keen to work with tenants and to ensure that they are at the heart of everything we do.” Ê `i«i `i ÌÊ i LiÀÊ >ÃÊ> à ÊLii ÊV «Ìi`Ê Ì ÊÌ iÊ >À`]Êv À iÀÊ ivÊ ÝiVÕÌ ÛiÊv ÀÊÌ iÊ* ViÊ> `Ê

À iÊ Ãà iÀÊv ÀÊ Üi Ì]Ê- i ÞÊ Ãà °Ê- i iÞÊLÀ }ÃÊ> Ê «ÀiÃà ÛiÊÀ> }iÊ vÊiÝ«iÀÌ ÃiÊ> `Êà ÃÊÌ Ê Ì iÊ >À`°

News from the Board ̽ÃÊLii Ê>ÊLÕÃÞÊÌ iÊv ÀÊ ÕÀÊ >À`Ê i LiÀÃ]ÊÜ Ê >ÛiÊLii ÊÕ `iÀ} }Ê>Ê Õ LiÀÊ vÊÌÀ> }ÊÃiÃÃ Ã°Ê }ÃÌÊÌ iÊÌÀ> }Ê> Ài>`ÞÊV « iÌi`Ê ÃÊ> Ê iÊÛ i ViÊ>}> ÃÌÊÜ i ÊV ÕÀÃi°Ê ÀiÊÌÀ> }ÊÜ ÊLiÊ Õ `iÀÌ> i Ê ÛiÀÊÌ iÊV }Ê Ì Ã° ÃÊÜi Ê>ÃÊÕ `iÀ} }ÊÌÀ> }]ÊÌ iÊ >À`Ê i LiÀÃÊ >ÛiÊLii Ê >Û }Ê iÊÌ Ê iÊ iiÌ }ÃÊÜ Ì Ê ÕÀÊ iÜÊ > ÀÊ Ã ÊÌ >ÌÊÌ iÞÊV> Ê}iÌÊÌ Ê ÜÊi>V Ê Ì iÀ° ÌÌi `> ViÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ Ê ÃÊ ÞÊ «i ÊÌ Ê AGM Hailed a Success */Ê iÃÊ i LiÀÃ°Ê vÊÞ ÕÊÜ Õ `Ê iÊ / ÃÊÞi>À½ÃÊ ÊÜ>ÃÊ> Ê ÕÌÃÌ> ` }ÊÃÕVViÃðÊ/i > ÌÃÊ> `Ê Ì Ê>ÌÌi `Ê iÝÌÊÞi>ÀÊÞ ÕÊV> ÊLiV iÊ ÃÌ>vvÊ >`Êëi ÌÊÃiÛiÀ> ÊÜii ÃÊ« > }Ê> `Ê À}> à }ÊÌ iÊ >Ê i LiÀÊLÞÊV> }Ê01639 508468 or iÛi ÌÊÜ V Ê> i`ÊÌ Êà ÜV>ÃiÊÌ iÊà ÃÊ vÊÌi > ÌÃÊ> }ÊÜ Ì Ê i > }ÊCorporateServices@npthomes.co.uk° } } Ì }ÊÌ iÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊÌ >ÌÊ */Ê iÃÊ> `Ê ÌÃÊ«>ÀÌ iÀÃÊV> Ê ÌiÀ >Ì Ûi Þ]ÊÌi > ÌÃÊV> Ê« V ÊÕ« vviÀ° i LiÀà «Êv À ÃÊvÀ Ê> ÞÊ */Ê iÃÊ vwVi°Ê i LiÀà «ÊV ÃÌÃÊ ÕÃÌÊË£°

ÕÀ }ÊÌ iÊiÛi }]ÊÌi > ÌÃÊ«À Û `i`Êi ÌiÀÌ> i ÌÊ> `Ê Ã ÜV>Ãi`ÊÌ i ÀÊÌ> i Ìð iÞÊÃÌ> i `iÀÃÊÃÕV Ê>ÃÊ- ÕÌ Ê7> iÃÊ* Vi]Ê `Ê> `Ê7iÃÌÊ 7> iÃÊ ÀiÊ> `Ê,iÃVÕiÊ-iÀÛ ViÊ> `Ê, Ê Þ ÀÕÊ>ÌÌi `i`Ê> `Ê >ÃÊÜi Ê>ÃÊ ÕÀÊ ÕÃiÊ1 ÛiÀÃ> Ê Ài` ÌÊÌi> ÊÜ Ê> Ê}>ÛiÊ > `à Ê>`Û ViÊ> `Ê v À >Ì Ê ÊÌ iÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊÌ iÞÊ vviÀ°Ê / iÊ Ê« >ÞÃÊ> Ê « ÀÌ> ÌÊÀ iÊ ÊÌ iÊÀi >Ì Ã «ÊLiÌÜii Ê */Ê iÃÊ> `Ê ÌÃÊ i LiÀÃ]Ê} Û }ÊÌ i Ê> Ê «« ÀÌÕ ÌÞÊÌ Ê w `Ê ÕÌÊ ÀiÊ>L ÕÌÊÌ iÊ À}> Ã>Ì Ê> `Ê ÌÃÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊ> `ÊÌ Ê Û ÌiÊ Ê « ÀÌ> ÌÊ`iV à ÃÊÌ >ÌÊÜ Ê «>VÌÊ Ê ÌÃÊvÕÌÕÀi°

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

17

The Biggest Challenge Yet NPT Homes’ 2016 Community Challenge has come to an end with several community facilities throughout Neath Port Talbot benefiting from free building and maintenance work.

The partnership project involved NPT Homes’ main contractors and suppliers, who, as part of their contracts with us, must give something back to the community.

This can involve transforming school yards, churches or community halls.

Cwmavon Apostolic Church, Waunceirch Primary School and Cymmer Community Library benefiting from a makeover.

Contractors provided their skills and expertise in undertaking the projects and were joined by over 20 members of staff from NPT Homes who volunteered their time.

In total over 350 hours were spent working on the different projects.

In 2016, a record eight projects were undertaken with Crymlyn *À >ÀÞÊ-V ]Ê, ÃÊ*À >ÀÞÊ School, Sandfields Methodist Church, Ystalyfera Community > ]Ê >i L>} > Ê*À >ÀÞÊ-V ]Ê

The Community Challenge will return in 2017. Keep an eye on our website and social media accounts to see how your community project could benefit.

One of the projects to have benefitted from a makeover in 2016 was Sandfields Methodist Church in Port Talbot. Speaking on their behalf, Peter Davies said: “The work completed by NPT Homes and their partners has been wonderful. The new kitchen we received has given the church a new lease of life and means that we can now become a hub for many community activities.”

Use your mobile or tablet Ì ÊÃV> ÊÌ ÃÊ+,ÊV `iÊ and watch a video of the 2016 Community Challenge. You may ii`ÊÌ Ê` Ü >`Ê>Ê+,Ê reader app first.

Community Development Fund St Joseph’s School and Sixth Form in Port Talbot recently became the latest beneficiary of NPT Homes’ Community Development Fund.

The fund was set up to help people throughout Neath Port Talbot to enhance their environment, neighbourhood or community through the funding of specific projects. It supports initiatives such as making improvements to the community’s environment, improving social, cultural and recreational opportunities, creating new community facilities and supporting innovative approaches to crime prevention.

Amongst the successful applicants this year was St Joseph’s School in Port Talbot. They applied for a grant to create a new outdoor learning space and community

18

garden within the school grounds.

It will be used by students to relax and get away from the stresses of the school day.

Assistant Head Teacher, Mr Steven Jones, said: “This new garden is a vibrant, interactive space for students to learn and develop. We are thankful to NPT Homes for the funding they provided through their Community Development Fund.

We are also thankful to some of our students for coming up with the idea and then working hard to clear an overgrown parcel of land and transforming it into this wonderful area.”

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Universal Credit Help is Here Having problems claiming Universal Credit?

Have you: UÊ ii Ê Ê1 ÛiÀÃ> Ê Ài` ÌÊv ÀÊà ÝÊ Ì Ã]ÊÌ i Ê >`Ê«À L i ö UÊ >`ÊÌ iÊÜÀ }Ê> Õ ÌÊ«> `ÊÜ i ÊÀi ÌÊÜ>ÃÊ VÀi>Ãi`Ê Ê «À ¶ UÊ >`Ê iÌÌiÀÃÊÃi ÌÊÌ ÊÃ>ÞÊV > ÊV Ãi`¶ UÊ >`ÊÌi i« iÊV> ÃÊvÀ Ê1 ÊÌ ÊÃ>ÞÊV > Ê >ÃÊÌ ÊLiÊÀi` i¶ UÊ >`Ê«>Þ i ÌÃÊ >ÌiÊ ÀÊ V ÀÀiV̶ UÊ >`ÊÌÜ Ê«>Þ i ÌÃÊ ÃÌi>`Ê vÊ i¶ UÊ ` ½ÌÊ ÜÊÜ >ÌÊÌ Ê` ¶ Universal Credit Team

“The Universal Credit team helped me through the issues I was experiencing and enabled me to resolve my problems by helping me to put in a compliant to the DWP.” The DWP replied and they: UÊ Ý« > i`ÊÜ >ÌÊ >`Ê happened UÊ « } Ãi` UÊ Ýi`ÊÌ iÊ«À L i UÊ*> `ÊV «i Ã>Ì

If you’ve had problems with your Universal Credit claim then call the UC Team on 01639 315000. They can help advise you on what you can do and how to complain to the DWP. The DWP will have to answer, acknowledge and investigate the issues.

It also raises issues with the DWP and helps them to change the way they work and to make the process easier going forward by fixing common errors.

If you need help or advice to do this then contact NPT Homes’ Universal Credit Team – 01639 315000 universalcredit@npthomes.co.uk

Billions of pounds of unclaimed benefits Research from the charity Turn2us has shown that almost half of families on low incomes are not taking up the benefits they could be entitled to. This may be because some families do not think that they are eligible while others are unsure of how to get help or where to go for it.

Almost half of unemployed people who can receive Jobseekers Allowance do not claim it and many disabled people also think that it is too difficult for them to apply for support such as Employment & Support Ü> ViÊ> `É ÀÊ*iÀÃ > Ê `i«i `i ViÊ*>Þ i ÌÊ>ÃÊ they would not pass the assessments.

Indeed, Turn2us has also found that 68% of people aged 65 and over said that they have not checked or claimed potential benefits entitlements because they did not think that they were eligible meaning that thousands of pensioners are losing out on Pension Credit.

The same research has shown that nearly a third of the people surveyed said that they would cut back on food rather than apply for benefits and almost 40% would cut back on gas or electricity first. As a result over 13 billion pounds in benefits are going unclaimed each year and people are not getting the minimal help they are entitled to.

Benefits awareness NPT Homes have a Financial Inclusion Team who can assist you to maximise your income by providing benefit checks to asses your entitlement to benefits, help you to claim benefits and to challenge and appeal benefit decisions.

If you are struggling financially or if you are suffering from ill health and would like to check what benefits you may be entitled to please contact the team on 01639 506623.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

19

The BeneďŹ t Cap What you need to know If you’re working age there may be a limit on the total amount of beneďŹ t your household can get.

This is called a beneďŹ t cap.

How does the beneďŹ t cap work?

If you’re getting certain beneďŹ ts, there may be a limit to how much income you can get. If your income goes above this amount, your ÂœĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ i˜iwĂŒĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ1Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€Ăƒ>Â?ĂŠ Ă€i`ÂˆĂŒĂŠ is reduced until your income falls below the limit.

From November 2016 the beneďŹ t cap was reduced and is now set as follows:

Which beneďŹ ts exclude you from the beneďŹ t cap You won’t be affected by the beneďŹ t cap if you or anyone in your household (a partner or dependent child or qualifying young person) qualiďŹ es for any of the following beneďŹ ts: UĂŠ7ÂœĂ€ÂŽÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ/>Ă?ĂŠ Ă€i`ÂˆĂŒĂŠ UĂŠ ˜`Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂ€Âˆ>Â?ĂŠ ˜Â?Ă•Ă€ÂˆiĂƒĂŠ i˜iwĂŒ UĂŠ >Ă€iĂ€Â˝ĂƒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜ViĂŠ UĂŠ7>ÀʍiÂ˜ĂƒÂˆÂœÂ˜ UĂŠ ÂˆĂƒ>LˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ ÂˆĂ›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜ViĂŠ UĂŠ ĂŒĂŒi˜`>˜ViĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ*iĂ€ĂƒÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ ˜`iÂŤi˜`i˜ViĂŠ Payment UĂŠ À“i`ĂŠ ÂœĂ€ViĂƒĂŠ ˜`iÂŤi˜`iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ Payment

UĂŠĂ‹ĂŽn{Â°ĂˆĂ“ĂŠÂŤiĂ€ĂŠĂœiiÂŽĂŠÂˆvĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠ>ĂŠ couple or have children

UĂŠ À“i`ĂŠ ÂœĂ€ViĂƒĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤiÂ˜Ăƒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ Scheme

UĂŠĂ‹Ă“xĂ‡Â°ĂˆÂ™ĂŠÂŤiĂ€ĂŠĂœiiÂŽĂŠÂˆvĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠ>ĂŠ single person

UĂŠ7>ÀÊ7ˆ`ÂœĂœÂ˝ĂƒĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ7>ÀÊ7ˆ`ÂœĂœiĂ€Â˝ĂƒĂŠ pension

Which beneďŹ ts are included in the beneďŹ t cap UĂŠ iĂ€i>Ă›i“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ>Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ1Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€Ăƒ>Â?ĂŠ Ă€i`ÂˆĂŒ UĂŠ …ˆÂ?`ĂŠ i˜iwĂŒĂŠ UĂŠ >ĂŒiĂ€Â˜ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi

UĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂ•ÂŤĂŠÂœvĂŠ “Â?ÂœĂžÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ Support Allowance UĂŠ9ÂœĂ•ĂŠÂ…>Ă›iĂŠĂ€i>VÂ…i`ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ>}iĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ qualify for state pension credit UĂŠ Ă•>Ă€`ˆ>Â˜Â˝ĂƒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ Â?>ÂˆÂ“ĂŠ1Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€Ăƒ>Â?ĂŠ Ă€i`ÂˆĂŒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠ or your partner are working (self-employed and employed) and you earn at least ÂŁ430 in your Universal Credit monthly assessment period.

If you’re worried about the reduction in your beneďŹ ts then please contact the Financial Inclusion Team on 01639 506623 or email ďŹ nancialinclusion@ npthomes.co.uk

Tax Credits – Is your claim up to date?

Don’t forget that if you receive working or child tax credit it is important ĂŒÂœĂŠĂ€iÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ>Â˜ĂžĂŠVÂ…>˜}iĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠVÂˆĂ€VĂ•Â“ĂƒĂŒ>˜ViĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ ĂŠ,iĂ›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ Ă•ĂƒĂŒÂœÂ“ĂƒĂŠ ­ , ÂŽĂŠÂˆÂ“Â“i`ˆ>ĂŒiÂ?Þ°Ê

>Â?Â?ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ , ĂŠÂ…iÂ?ÂŤÂ?ˆ˜iĂŠ0345 300 3900 or visit ĂœĂœĂœÂ°}ÂœĂ›Â°Ă•ÂŽĂ‰Â“>˜>}iÂ‡ĂžÂœĂ•Ă€Â‡ĂŒ>Ă?‡VĂ€i`ÂˆĂŒĂƒ

UĂŠ …ˆÂ?`ĂŠ/>Ă?ĂŠ Ă€i`ÂˆĂŒĂŠ UĂŠ-iĂ›iĂ€iĂŠ ÂˆĂƒ>LÂ?i“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ ÂœLĂŠ-iiÂŽiĂ€Â˝ĂƒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ7ˆ`ÂœĂœi`ĂŠ*>Ă€iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ ˜V>ÂŤ>VÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ i˜iwĂŒĂŠ UĂŠ7ˆ`ÂœĂœi`ĂŠ ÂœĂŒÂ…iĂ€Â˝ĂƒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜Vi UĂŠ ˜Vœ“iĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ UĂŠ “Â?ÂœĂžÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ Â?Â?ÂœĂœ>˜ViĂŠ (except those in the Support Group) UĂŠ7ˆ`ÂœĂœÂ˝ĂƒĂŠÂŤiÂ˜ĂƒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂˆÂ˜VÂ?Ă•`ˆ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ age-related component UĂŠ ÂœĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠLi˜iwĂŒĂŠqĂŠĂ•Â˜Â?iĂƒĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ supported accommodation

20

Our Financial Inclusion Team: (L-R) Kathryn Newman, Emma Williams, Peter Southall, Fur Parri Thomas, Lowri Thomas, Antonella Needs and Nerys Rees.

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Reporting Repairs All tenants and leaseholders have access to our repairs contact centre and out of hours emergency telephone line. "ÕÀÊV Ì>VÌÊVi ÌÀiÊ ÃÊ «i ÊvÀ Ê n> È« Ê `>ÞÊÌ Ê À `>ÞÊv ÀÊ Ài« ÀÌ }Ê> ÊÀi«> ÀðÊ"ÕÌà `iÊ vÊ Ì iÃiÊ ÕÀÃÊ> `Ê Ê«ÕL VÊ `>ÞÃÊ ÞÊi iÀ}i VÞÊÀi«> ÀÃÊÃ Õ `ÊLiÊ Ài« ÀÌi`°

The time taken to respond to the emergency will depend on the exact nature of the problem and could take up to 24 hours.

Ý> « iÃÊ vÊ> Êi iÀ}i VÞÊÀi«> ÀÊ V Õ`i\Ê UÊ Ê i` >ÌiÊ`> }iÀÊ ÀÊ i> Ì Ê hazard to occupants

To report a repair:

> \Ê0300 777 3000 > \Êrepairs@npthomes.co.uk

UÊ-iÀ ÕÃÊ`> >}iÊÌ ÊÌ iÊ property

Please note: The email and web reporting facility is for nonurgent repairs that do not need an immediate response

UÊ ÊiÃÃi Ì > ÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊ °iÊ } Ì]Ê power, water and sanitation UÊ-iÀ ÕÃÊy ` }Ê> `Ê i> Ã UÊ vÌÊLÀi> ` Ü Ã UÊ > >}iÊÌ Ê` ÀÃÊ ÀÊÜ ` ÜÃÊ that makes the home insecure

/ Êi µÕ ÀiÊ>L ÕÌÊ> ÊiÝ ÃÌ }Ê Ài«> À]Ê« i>ÃiÊÌi i« iÊÌ iÊ V Ì>VÌÊVi ÌÀiÊ Ê0300 777 3000 `>ÞÊÌ Ê À `>ÞÊLiÌÜii Ên> Ê Ì ÊÈ« °

ÀÊ ÕÌÊ vÊ ÕÀÃÊi iÀ}i VÞÊÀi«> ÀÃÊ « i>ÃiÊV> ÊÌ iÊÃ> iÊ Õ LiÀÊ> `Ê Þ ÕÊÜ ÊLiÊ` ÛiÀÌi`ÊÌ À Õ} ÊÌ Ê ÕÀÊ V> ÊÌi> Ê vÊiÝ«iÀÌð

* i>ÃiÊ ÞÊÀi« ÀÌÊi iÀ}i VÞÊ Ài«> ÀÃÊÌ Ê ÕÀÊ ÕÌÊ vÊ ÕÀÃÊÃiÀÛ Vi°Ê i iÀ}i VÞÊÀi«> ÀÃÊ ÕÃÌÊ ÞÊ LiÊÀi« ÀÌi`Ê`ÕÀ }ÊV> ÊVi ÌÀiÊ UÊ > }iÀ ÕÃÊÜ> ÃÊ> `Ê Ì iÀÊ «i }Ê ÕÀÃÊ vÊn> È« Ê elements. `>ÞÊÌ Ê À `>Þ°Ê vÊÀi«> ÀÃÊ>ÀiÊ * i>ÃiÊ«À Û `iÊ>ÃÊ ÕV Ê Ài« ÀÌi`Ê ÕÌÊ vÊ ÕÀÃÊ> `Êv Õ `Ê v À >Ì Ê>ÃÊ« Ãà L iÊÜ i Ê ÌÊÌ ÊLiÊ> Êi iÀ}i VÞ]ÊÌ i Ê> Ài« ÀÌ }Ê>ÊÀi«> À°Ê/ iÊ ÀiÊ`iÌ> Ê Ài V >À}iÊÜ ÊLiÊ >`iÊv ÀÊÌ iÊV ÃÌÊ Þ ÕÊV> Ê«À Û `iÊÌ iÊµÕ V iÀÊÜiÊÜ Ê vÊÌ iÊV> Ê ÕÌ° LiÊ>L iÊÌ Ê`i> ÊÜ Ì ÊÞ ÕÀÊÀiµÕiÃÌ°ÊÊ UÊ V i`ÊÌ iÌÊ­ vÊÌ iÀiÊ ÃÊ ÞÊ one)

Reminder */Ê iÃÊ` iÃÊ ÌÊÃÕ«« ÞÊ ÀÊV > }iÊ } ÌLÕ LÃÊqÊÌ ÃÊ ÃÊÞ ÕÀÊÀië à L ÌÞ°Ê vÊÞ ÕÊ ii`Ê i «ÊÌ Ê` ÊÌ ÃÊ« i>ÃiÊ V Ì>VÌÊ ÕÀÊ > `Þ«iÀÃ Ê ÃiÀÛ ViÊ­01639 508463®ÊÜ Ê Ü ÊLiÊ« i>Ãi`ÊÌ Ê} ÛiÊÞ ÕÊ vÕÀÌ iÀÊ v À >Ì Ê> `ÊµÕ ÌiÊ >Ê«À Vi°Ê

Handy Hints How to Unblock a Drain and Kitchen Sink If a blockage occurs and the sink is full of water, try and remove the blockage by using a sink unblocking product such as a plunger which can be bought at hardware shops and supermarkets. Please follow the product instructions carefully.

UÊ Û `ÊL V >}iÃÊLÞÊÕÃ }Ê>Ê sink waste catcher, available from most hardware shops UÊ Ê ÌÊ« ÕÀÊv>ÌÊ ÀÊ Ê ÀÊ >À}iÊ particles of food down your

sink as this will block the system UÊ*ÕÌÊ> Êv `ÊÜ>ÃÌiÊ Ì ÊÞ ÕÀÊ recycling bin UÊ >ÌÊ> `Ê Ê­Ü i ÊV ®ÊÃ Õ `Ê be put into an empty tin or carton and discarded in your bin rather than down the drain Baths and Wash Handbasins To prevent blockages please remove hair and soap from the plug

area. If water begins to drain away more slowly, use an appropriate unblocking product, following instructions very carefully.

Toilets Never flush disposable nappies, sanitary items, food or similar items down the toilet. Please be aware that the cost of clearing drains blocked by this type of waste will be your responsibility.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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New Housing Structure The housing service in NPT Homes is changing in order to improve the way in which we deal with our customers.

Income – anything related to your income and payments

There are now five teams who will deal with all housing matters. To help you to know which team to contact please see below:

UÊUniversal Credit

Tenancy Relations – anything relating to your tenancy and community UÊ,i ÌÊ>ÀÀi>ÀÃ UÊAnti-social behaviour UÊCondition of property and gardens UÊAny request to change a tenancy UÊManaging the estate where you live UÊAny queries, support or help to manage your tenancy

UÊ,i ÌÊ«>Þ i ÌÃ UÊSerious rent cases UÊFinancial advice

Specialist Services – anything related to supporting tenants to sustain tenancies UÊHaven Housing UÊTenant Empowerment UÊTenancy Support Service

UÊFormer tenant arrears

UÊIntensive Housing Management service

UÊPayment options including Direct Debits and rent collection

UÊFurnished Lets

Lettings – anything relating to a change of accommodation and empty properties UÊApplying for a new home UÊA swap with someone else UÊ `` }Êv ÀÊ>Ê i UÊAllocations UÊEmpty properties UÊSign ups to new tenancies

Business Unit – anything related to improving our business and service UÊDeveloping policies and procedures UÊCo-designing services with tenants and partners If you need to contact us telephone 0300 777 0000 and ask for the team that you need to speak to or email landlordservices@ npthomes.co.uk

Christmas Anti-Scam Prevention Advice Every Christmas hundreds of people fall victim to scams, here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the crime.

1. Do not give any personal information to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

2. Many frauds start with a phishing email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details.

3. Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed and ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring

For more anti-fraud advice please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Please remember to report any scams to Action Fraud even if you have not lost any money as you may help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

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NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Boxing Day Soup

Recipe from www.bbcgoodfood.com

Use up your leftover Christmas Day vegetables in this comforting winter soup Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30-45 minutes

Ingredients: UÊ 1 tbsp sunflower oil UÊ 1 medium onion UÊ 2 celery sticks, chopped UÊ ÓÊ i` Õ Ê« Ì>Ì ]Ê>L ÕÌÊÎxä}É£Ó âÊÌ Ì> ÊÜi } Ì]Ê peeled and cut into small chunks UÊ 1 tbsp curry paste UÊ 1.2l vegetable stock, made from a stock cube UÊ 550g leftover roasted or boiled vegetables, ÃÕV Ê>ÃÊ ÀÕÃÃi ÃÊëÀ ÕÌÃ]ÊV>ÀÀ ÌÃ]Ê«>Àà «ÃÊ> `Ê squash, roughly chopped

Method: 1. To fry the vegetables, heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in the celery and fry for 5 minutes, then tip in the potatoes and fry for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring often.

2. Stir in the curry paste, let it cook for a minute or so, Ì i Ê« ÕÀÊ ÊÌ iÊÃÌ V °Ê À }ÊÌ ÊÌ iÊL Ê> `ÊÃÌ ÀÊÜi °Ê Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

3. To serve, tip the leftover veg into the pan and warm through for a few minutes. Pour the soup into a food processor or blender and blitz to a smooth purée. Thin down to the consistency you like with hot water or stock (we added 300ml) then taste for seasoning. Cool and freeze, or serve in bowls.

The Everlasting Turkey Thanks to Fred Lobes from Briton Ferry for supplying this poem.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love said to me I’ve bought a big fresh turkey and a proper Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas, much laughter could be heard As we tucked in to our turkey – a most delicious bird.

On the third day of Christmas, came the people from next door, The turkey tasted just as good as it had done before On the fourth day of Christmas, we had the turkey cold, With mashed spuds and salads, our appetites to hold.

On the fifth day of Christmas, outside the snowflakes scurried, But we were nice and warm inside, we had the turkey curried.

On the sixth day of Christmas, the Christmas spirit died, The children fought and bickered – we had the turkey fried.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love he did wince, When we sat down at the table and was offered turkey mince.

On the eighth day of Christmas, the dog ran for shelter, He’d seen our turkey pancakes and the glass of alka seltzer.

On the ninth day of Christmas, by lunch time Dad was blotto, He knew the bird was back again, this time as risotto.

On the tenth day of Christmas, we were drinking home-made brew, As if it wasn’t bad enough we were eating turkey stew.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, the Christmas tree was moulting, With chili, soy and oyster sauce, the turkey was revolting.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, we had smiles on our lips, The guests had gone, the turkey too, we dined on fish and chips.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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Christmas Opening Hours Our ofďŹ ces will close at 1:00pm on Friday 23rd December and then re-open on Tuesday January 3rd.

If you need to report an emergency repair over Christmas, please contact our emergency repairs line on 0300 777 3000.

For details of what an emergency repair is classed as please see page 21.

Merry C hristmas and a Happy New Year

Go Green This version of the Grapevine is available on-line at:

www.npthomes.co.uk. If you want to receive future copies via email rather than through the post then please let us know. Just e-mail us at:

media@npthomes.co.uk

Keep up to date with the latest NPT Homes news by connecting with us on Social Media Twitter - @npthomes

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NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000