The Grapevine - Summer 2016

The

A magazine for NPT Homes’ Tenants SUMMER 2016 ISSUE 22

Tenant Awards Get your nominations in now!

Page 16

Universal Credit

Meet the team ready to help you with your UC queries Page 18

Who is my Housing Officer?

Contact details for the Housing Officers at NPT Homes.

Page 24

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

In This Issue...

Competition Time and Winners

p2

Workways+ project

p3

Real Lives

p4-5

Whats on at Gwyn Hall

p6

Artwork for Involvement

p7

Working Together to Understand ASB and Digital Helpers

p8

The Big Trip

p9

On the Board

Competition Time...

p10

Community Challenge 2016 and WHQS Haven Housing News

credit voucher to give away to one lucky reader.

p11 p12-15

Our AGM and Tenant Awards

p16

Garden Competition

p17

Universal Credit

Courtesy of The Gwyn Hall in Neath we have a ÂŁ25

p18-19

This voucher could be used to buy tickets for a show or a trip to the cinema for the family.

To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is answer the following question:

If you need Universal Credit help and support what number do you need to call?

Changes to Disability Living Allowance

p20

Top Energy Saving Tips and Handyperson

p21

Handy Hints

p22

Contact the Communications Team with your name, address, contact number and answer by:

Recipe, Suduko and Puzzle

p23

Calling: 01639 505855

Who is my Housing Officer?

p24

Texting: 07772 912064

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

Emailing: media@npthomes.co.uk Deadline for entries is Monday 6th July 2016.

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 ÂŁ50 gift card, courtesy of our contractor Westward Energy Services.

Mrs Dunn from

2

Skewen

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Employment Project re-opens its Doors to Help People Back to Work Workways+ helps local people overcome the barriers of finding employment by providing support with job search, CVs, applications forms, interview skills, telephone techniques, access to training, paid work experience, work trials and taster days for some participants. Participants are then matched with local businesses, helping them gain the vital skills and experience needed to find long term employment.

Ian lost all his confidence and didn’t know how to get back into employment. He approached Workways back in 2012 where he was allocated personal mentor Rebecca James who met with him regularly, worked on his CV and helped build his confidence.

We caught up with past participant Ian Thomas to see how his life had changed since working with Workways.

Tenant Ian Thomas had worked all his adult life until his world was turned upside down. His job at Penscynor Wildlife Park came to an end when the park closed, his relationship was breaking down and he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Ian was having multiple seizures caused by personal stress and lost his driving license due to his illness, resulting in him being out of work for nearly 10 years.

Ian said

Ian was offered paid work experience at Tesco’s Neath Abbey and on completion he was offered a permanent job and four years on he is happier than ever.

“I am so grateful to Workways for helping me find work. My mentor Rebecca helped me so much. She boosted my confidence and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that I perhaps wouldn’t have done so on my own. I am happier now than I’ve ever been, being back in work has boosted my confidence, reduced my stress levels and the daily routine means I now have a more active and healthier lifestyle resulting in me losing 5 stone in weight. I would recommend Workways+ to anyone that is looking to get back in to employment, the training opportunities and paid work experience they offered really helped me find not just a job but a career”.

Are you or someone you know aged 25 and over, living outside of a Communities First area and would like to get back to work? Why not get in touch and see if Workways can help you!

Contact them on 01639 684250 or email workways@npt.gov.uk

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

3

Dyfed Lewis – Living Life to the Full!

To say Dyfed Lewis has lived life to the full would be an understatement. The 66 year old who lives in Lower Brynamman has a long list of achievements and the Grapevine went to meet him to find out more...

4

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

As a teen Dyfed represented Wales in cross country, travelling to France to compete in the youth internationals, finishing in third place.

After growing up on a farm, Dyfed always had a passion for animals, training sheepdogs and being a jump jockey.

His affiliation with horses in particular encouraged him to train as a vet for two years, before an accident cut his studies short.

During a labouring stint for local construction firm Rhys & Thomas in 1972, Dyfed was involved in the building of Maes Y Glyn, in Lower Brynaman, by coincidence, the flats that he has been living in for the last four years!

Dyfed was a keen rugby player, playing as a utility back for Tycroes Youth. During this time he was called up to play for Llanelli Youth, playing eight games for the Scarlets before breaking his ankle. Bad timing for Dyfed as at the same time he was called up for Welsh Youth but had to decline due to injury.

He went back to play local rugby for Tycroes and was one of the founder members of Llanidloes Rugby Club playing for them initially and then going on to coach the team.

He then turned his hand to rugby refereeing for 9 years taking charge of his final game in 1994 when Abertilery played Pontypridd.

Dyfed got back into rugby eight years later when he travelled with a friend to Patagonia on a six week trip. During that time Dyfed was involved with Trelew Rugby club coaching them to their first win of the season.

Dyfed said:

“When I reflected on years gone by, I suppose I do have an interesting story to tell. I have just been lucky that sport and animals have enriched my life.”

A typical view of Patagonia

Do you have an interesting story to tell?

Contact media@npthomes.co.uk or call us on 01639 505860.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

5

Advertisement Feature

Beth sydd Ymlaen yn y Neuadd Gwyn What’s on at the Gwyn Hall...

Dosbarthiadau/Classes

Sioeau byw / Live shows

Sinema/Cinema

Dydd Sul/Sunday 19 Mehefin/June 3pm

Pinocchio Ymunwch â Ballet Theatre UK wrth i ni adrodd hanes byped pren cerfiedig o pinwydd gydag ond dim ond un dymuniad ... i ddod yn fachgen go iawn.

Join Ballet Theatre UK as we tell the tale of a wooden puppet carved from pine with but only one wish…to become a real boy.

Dydd Llun/Monday

oedran 3 - 6 years 4.30 - 5.30pm oedran 7 - 11 years 5.30 - 6.30pm oedran 11 + years 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out of the Shadows Dod yn fuan!

Coming Soon!

pob £3 each

Ffilmiau gwych i'r teulu i gyd Great films for all the family

0300 365 6677 gwynhall.com

6

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Artwork for Involvement In summer 2015 tenant volunteers formed a Task & Finish Group to create a Time Credit Scheme that rewards tenants who volunteer with NPT Homes.

The pilot scheme rewards tenants by giving them one Time Credit for every hour they volunteer. When volunteers have saved enough Time Credits they can exchange them on several activities in the Neath Port Talbot Borough.

The Task & Finish Group met every two weeks for four months and have worked hard to promote the scheme. With help from talented tenant and Illustrator Ian Fair, the group have created an eye catching, friendly leaet to explain what the Time Credit Scheme is all about.

Members of the group asked Ian for his help and he has drawn the fantastic pictures you can see on the front cover.

Pick up your copy of the new Time Credit booklet from any one of our offices.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

7

Working Together to Understand ASB In April, we held our first Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) workshop to look at how we as an organisation handle our ASB procedures.

25 people attended the two hour workshop which was held in Baglan Community Church. This included tenants, NPT Homes’ staff and two solicitors that we currently work with.

Co-design expert, Ruth Dineen led the workshop and got everyone to think about the definition of ASB. We also started to explore examples of complaints that we receive from tenants and considered whether we felt they should be considered as low, medium or high level cases.

In our next workshop we plan to explore who we feel would be best to deal with these complaints i.e – NPT Homes, Police or other agencies.

If you would like to get involved and have your say on ASB, come along and get involved.

Call Sian on 01639 506668 or email involved@ npthomes.co.uk

Digital Helpers Our Digital Helpers are a group of volunteers who run one hour taster sessions to give tenants the opportunity to learn more about computers and getting online.

The Digital Helpers have been busy this year and have already delivered a number of one hour taster sessions at five Haven Housing schemes.

• Ty^ Llansawel • Gwyn Court • Mozart Court

Tenant Empowerment Officer Janet Weaver said:

“The sessions have been great and tenants seem to really enjoy them. One resident has attended another scheme and is looking at setting up a Digital Helpers class on a weekly basis.

At these sessions the group help tenants with the basic computer skills and also cover staying safe online.

The sessions are great for all abilities. If tenants have never even touched a tablet or laptop before that’s no problem as the group go and show them everything they need to know.

Some tenants have already set up email and are using the internet to search for benefit advice and visiting price comparison websites to save money on their bills.

If you think your scheme could benefit from a Digital Helper session, give me a call on 01639 505922.”

• Michaelstone

Digital Helpers

• Riverside Court

8

The tenants whose skills have progressed most have also started learning how to deliver presentations to other tenants at coffee mornings and learnt how to access videos to watch their favourite music and craft demonstrations.

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

The Big Trip The Time Credit Task & Finish Group decided that trips and days out should be organised for volunteers to spend their vouchers.

A group of Haven Housing residents also used their some of their Time Credit vouchers to contribute to a recent trip to St Fagan’s.

In March, the group organised their first trip to the cinema in Pontardawe Arts Centre.

Tenant Jenny Davies said:

“It was a lovely day to go to St. Fagan’s and using my Time Credit to contribute to the travel was even better as it didn’t cost me anything.

It was so nice having a full day out with people from Pantyfedwen and other schemes.

I would definitely go to the next trip.”

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

9

On the Board We have undergone hands on innovative Health and Safety training to give us an understanding of the importance of this to us as a business and our responsibility as a Board.

All Board Members have undergone personal development reviews where they have had the opportunity to meet with myself and Linda Whittaker to reflect on their performance over the next 12 months and discuss how we can best support their development.

We are now really close to the completion of all Offer Document promises that were made to all tenants prior to transfer. Of the 118 promises made only 13 are left to complete.

We have discussed our own attendance at Board and committee meetings and how important it is to the organisation that we meet the 80% good practice guidelines.

Meetings over the last few months have seen managers throughout the business giving us a real flavour for the work they are doing. They have been really useful for us to have a greater understanding and to help us in our decision making We have been presented with key performance indicator data which gives us an indication of the health of the organisation and progress towards achieving our Corporate Plan. We have also heard more about how our work with NPTCBC is alleviating homelessness and received an update on the operation of the housing list.

As mentioned on page 16, our AGM takes place on Tuesday 26th July. Building on the success of last year where we saw record numbers of members in attendance we are really looking forward to this year’s event.

If you are not yet a member and would like to attend please contact Jordannah Britton on 01639 505857. It only costs £1 and gives you a chance to vote on key decisions at the AGM. To ensure your membership is processed in time for you to attend you need to contact us by Tuesday 12th July.

Next month will mark the end of my term as Chair of the Board at NPT Homes. I first became an involved tenant in the pre transfer days when NPT Homes was just an idea. It has been a great experience and I have been proud to play a fundamental role in shaping what the organisation has become. I would like to thank staff for all their hard work and fellow Board members for their support over the last few years.

The Board will decide on their future chair at its meeting in July. I would like to wish them all the very best in their new role.

Roger Williams, Chair on behalf of the NPT Homes’ Board.

Since our Academy was formed back in February the group have taken part in a team building event to allow them to get to know each other and identify their hopes for the group.

They have also received training from Participation Cymru on understanding outcomes, undertaking research and analysing data which has given them the skills they need to look at the performance of NPT Homes.

The group has now started to look at its first theme, partnerships and will be assessing the effectiveness of how we work with others to deliver services for the community.

The information will be presented to the Board and will be made available on our website and in other publications over the next few months.

Free First Aid Course Over 100 people have now taken part in our First Aid Course. The next course will take place on Monday 11th July at our training centre in Briton Ferry. If you are involved in a mini or junior sports team please contact Jordannah Britton on 01639 505857 to get signed up for the next course.

10

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Community Challenge 2016 For the fourth year running, we are investing in the local community by transforming a record eight community projects as part of our Community Challenge.

Before

After

With help from 12 of our main contractors and suppliers eight projects from across the Neath Port Talbot Borough will benefit from free building or maintenance work.

So far, The Apostolic Church in Cwmavon, Rhos Primary School, Cymmer Library, Ystalyfera Community Hall, Sandfields Methodist Church, Waunceirch Primary School and Blaenbaglan Primary School have all received a makeover thanks to this year’s community challenge.

In July, Crymlyn Primary School in Neath will be the last project to benefit in 2016 and will see the school yard and outdoor area transformed thanks to RT Contractors.

WHQS Improvements Programme – Progress So Far (Figures are correct as of 30th April 2016)

Kitchens 7,335 Completed 84% complete

Window and Door Installations 2,335 Completed Target 2,500

93% complete

Bathrooms 6,702 Completed

Target 8,339

80% complete Target 8,740 Target 4,639

Heating Systems 5,367 Completed

Rewires 4,006

Completed

86% complete

External Wall Insulation and Render 2,161 Completed

Target 3,276

Target 5,900

91% complete

Target 2,319 78% Roof complete Replacements 1,802 Completed

66% complete

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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Are you a Haven Housing Tenant?

We Want to Hear from You! NPT Homes introduced a new service for older tenants who live in Haven Housing. The new service will focus on and aim to deliver on the five themes that tenants told us were important during the consultation exercises. These are:

1

Safety and Security

4

Belonging and Contributing

2

Friendships and Activities

5

Good Environment

3

Support and Independence

We want to find out how people living in Haven Housing feel with regards to NPT Homes delivering on these 5 themes.

The purpose is to continuously work with our tenants in Haven Housing, to improve the services we deliver.

We are holding feedback sessions over the coming months to assess this information but we don’t want to do it on our own.

If you live in Haven Housing and would be interested in getting involved in this new involvement opportunity, please contact Laura on 01639 508479 or email involved@npthomes.co.uk We look forward to working with you on this project!

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NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

A Step Back In Time To mark our partnership with CVS, we held a Big Spring Tea Party in Baglan Community Church for all tenants who have previously attended the Big Sunday Lunch.

The event provided live entertainment, sandwiches and some delicious cakes for all to enjoy. Attendees also had the opportunity to feedback on the previous partnership events between NPT Homes and CVS.

Communal Lounge Refurbishments Work is underway to design a number of mood boards with fabrics, ooring, paint and wall paper options which will be compliant with the RNIB visibly better standard. These mood boards will be shown to tenants in Haven Housing and consultations will take place about the opportunity to have communal areas refurbished.

Tenants have had the opportunity to sample a number of furniture ranges and give suggestions on which they feel would be most suitable for the communal lounges.

If you have any questions please contact Sian on 01639 506668.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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Tenants Present NPT Homes with Projects for Action We have been working in partnership with tenants and the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) to ensure all Haven Housing schemes meet RNIB Cymru’s “Visibly Better” Standards.

As part of the partnership, a group of RNIB Tenant Assessors, who are tenants living in NPT Homes’ Haven Housing, have carried out an audit of Llys Nant Fer, Riverside Court and Pant y Fedwen.

These audits outline how homes, communal areas and external features could be enhanced to meet RNIB Cymru’s Visibly Better standard and support those with sight loss.

The RNIB Tenant Assessors have undertaken sight loss awareness training, Visibly Better environment training and have also visited another housing association’s scheme that has platinum status to understand what accessible design looks like.

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NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

The current RNIB Tenant Assessors Maureen, Jenny and Cheryl have recently presented their findings to NPT Homes’ Director of Assets Steve Tucker. NPT Homes have committed to carrying out these improvements in the next year before undergoing a RNIB status assessment.

These improvements include installing new easy to identify handrails, clear signage with contrasting colours and painting kerbs and raised pavements to prevent trips and falls.

NPT Homes’ Director of Assets, Steve Tucker, said:

“Our RNIB Tenant Assessors have done a fantastic job and have demonstrated excellent knowledge and insight. We have been tasked with addressing the audit over the next year before tenants revisit the schemes to review the changes we have made. These environmental changes will influence safety and confidence for people with sight loss whilst ensuring beautiful homes.”

David Watkins from the RNIB and our RNIB Tenant Assessors have started visiting different schemes to raise awareness of support available for people living with sight loss and carrying out further audits.

Do you want to become a RNIB Tenant Assessor?

Call Amy on 01639 508455 or email involved@npthomes.co.uk

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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Our

AGM

Don’t forget our Annual General Members Meeting (AGM) is being held on Tuesday 26th July.

Attending our AGM is your opportunity to vote on key changes and to help shape the future of the organisation.

It is also a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the services available to you as a tenant and there will also be many opportunities to win some fantastic gifts and prizes.

Tenant Awards –

Your Last Chance to Nominate!

The closing date for nominations is Thursday 30th June 2016.

If you know a tenant living in one of our properties that is making a difference, as an individual or part of a community group, please nominate them now for one of our new awards:

Community Group of the Year

Do you know an NPT Homes’ Tenant who is involved in a local community group?

Has that group shown commitment and had a positive impact on the community in which they live? Then nominate them now!

Example of community groups could be: • Community safety groups • Social clubs • Environmental groups • Resident or Neighbourhood action groups • Arts or crafts groups The above are just examples and could include many others.

Good Neighbour Award

Do you have a good neighbour who you feel deserves recognition?

It may be something they do for you, for your neighbours or for the whole community. It could be as simple as calling in to check you’re ok, putting your bins out or perhaps they are committed to organising local clean-ups or representing the residents group.

If you would like further information, get in touch with Tenant Empowerment Officer, Lynsey Hargreaves on 01639 506662.

The closing date for nominations is Thursday 30th June 2016.

Application forms will be available: • On the Get Involved section of our website www.npthomes.co.uk • By ringing the Tenant Empowerment Team on 01639 506662 • By email at involved@npthomes.co.uk • At one of our offices:

o Head Office, Ty^ Gwyn, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, SA11 2FP o Neath, 23 Windsor Road, Neath, SA11 1NB o Port Talbot, 6 Forge Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1NU o Pontardawe One Stop Shop, Holly Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4ET (Tuesday and Thursday only)

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NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Garden Competition Do you have a prize winning garden or know someone else who does?

This year we will be holding our second annual garden competition, which is free to enter but you don’t have long to submit your entries!

To take part just complete the nomination form on our website or at our satellite offices.

There are great prizes for the winners of each category.

Categories: • Best overall garden • Best communal garden • Best tubs and shrubs

EW • Best miniature garden N If you don’t have a garden, you can still get in on the fun!

Create your own miniature garden in a vase or a shoebox or a plant pot and we’ll pick the best one.

W • Best alternative garden NE Looking at vegetable plots, allotments, herb gardens etc.

Sunflower Competition

FOR W E N 016 2

In addition to NPT Homes’ annual garden competition, NPT Homes is giving youngsters the opportunity to get involved and grow the biggest sunflower.

This is a new competition which gives tenants’ children or grandchildren the chance to pick up and plant a seed in an attempt to grow the biggest sunflower.

Seeds are available from any of NPT Homes’ offices now.

If you are a tenant with a child/ grandchild under the age of 16, just call into one of NPT Homes’ offices to collect a seed or alternatively contact NPT Homes’ Tenant Empowerment Officer Lynsey Hargreaves on 01639 506662.

Closing Date 30th June.

Winners will be announced in this year’s AGM on Tuesday 26th July.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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is here Are you a Tenant claiming Universal Credit?

But I don’t know what this UC is, I am totally confused with the benefit changes.

Worry no more, NPT Homes have a team to help!

What is Universal Credit?

Who is Affected?

A single monthly payment for people in or out of work, which merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that you might be getting now.

Universal Credit was introduced to Neath Port Talbot in April 2015.

These include:

Benefits will be received in one monthly payment for some tenants who meet the following criteria:

• Child Tax Credit

• Single

• Working Tax Credit

• Living alone

• Income Support

• Recently unemployed

• Housing Benefit • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income related employment and support allowance 18

• Under the age of 60 and 6 months

Remember!

If you are currently over 601/2 Universal Credit will not effect you!

FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT HELP CALL 01639 315000

If in doubt give us a shout!

Call us on 01639 315000 Email: universalcredit@npthomes.co.uk Or visit www.npthomes.co.uk and search for Universal Credit How Have we Helped?

When Ms X lost her job and needed to claim UC, no one would help her.

Fortunately she visited our town centre office and was referred to the UC team.

“When the place I had worked for many years closed, I didn’t know where to turn. The Universal Credit team at NPT Homes really helped me. I have never had to use a computer before so it was a relief that someone was able to show me how to do it so I could submit my claim online. I would encourage anyone who needs help or advice to contact the team.”

We have a team available to help you…

NPT Homes has a team available to provide you with Universal Credit help and support.

We can help you submit a claim, offer budgeting and money advice and even help with Jobcentre appointments.

FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT HELP CALL 01639 315000

19

Changes to Disability Living Allowance Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

What Happens If I Ignore My Letter?

For people aged 16 to 64, PIP is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It was introduced in Neath Port Talbot in June 2013 for people claiming for the first time.

If you do not claim PIP your DLA will stop.

For the time being, those currently on DLA have kept this benefit. However, DLA will gradually be stopped and instead, claimants of DLA will need to claim PIP.

Who’s Affected?

Those currently on DLA aged between 16 and 64.

Do you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?

People whose fixed DLA awards have ended over the last year or so have been invited to claim PIP. If you are still on DLA you will get a letter about PIP.

I Was Given a Life or Indefinite Award of DLA! Even those on indefinite awards will need to claim PIP instead of DLA.

Have You Received Your Letter Yet? It is expected that everyone will be contacted by September 2017.

If you are affected you should receive a letter explaining that DLA will be stopping and explaining how to make the PIP claim.

20

How Do I Get PIP? Wait until you get a letter inviting you to claim PIP. The PIP claim is a three stage process: 1. You will make a telephone call to register the claim and give basic details 2. Complete a claim form – you will need to supply details of health problems and difficulties with daily living (care) and mobility 3. Have a face to face assessment – most claimants will have to attend an assessment centre to be assessed by a health care professional

What If I Get Less PIP Than I Get On DLA? If you are not happy with you PIP decision you can ask for it to be looked at again.

If they do not change the decision or you are still unhappy about the new decision then you can appeal and have your claim decided by an independent tribunal.

Is There Help For Me? NPT Homes has a team to help with benefit claims and appeals. If you would like to speak to a member of our Financial Inclusion Team, please call 01639 506623 or email financialinclusion@npthomes.co.uk

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Top Energy Saving Tips With just a few simple changes to your lifestyle and your home, you could be saving hundreds of pounds off your bills.

1

Turning your thermostat down by 1°c can save you as much as £60 per year.

2

You can save nearly £50 a year just by using your kitchen appliances more carefully: • Use a bowl to wash up rather than running a tap • Only fill the kettle with the amount of water that you need.

3

Compare gas and electricity prices to make sure you’re on the cheapest tariff for you.

4

Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save £8 off your energy bills each year, per person.

5

Turn your lights off when you’re not using them.

6

Switch off or unplug any chargers or appliances you don’t need on. If they have a stand-by light, a display or are hot to touch they’ll be using energy just by being plugged in.

7

Washing at a lower temperature will use less electricity. Washing at 30°c rather than 40°c can save you a third of the cost to run the cycle.

Handyperson

As summer approaches, we can make your garden blooming lovely.

Our handyperson can help with: • Lawn cutting • Strimming/bush cutting • Planting/pruning • Weeding/weed spraying • Flower bed maintenance • Hedge cutting • Pressure washing • Rubbish clearance

Call today for a free quote on 01639 508463.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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Handy Hints Stopping a Water Leak on a Pipe The majority of NPT Homes properties have something called a Ball-a Fix Valve fitted to the pipes on sinks and baths.

This valve can be used to turn the water off to a leaking pipe or tap without having to turn off the main water supply to your home.

They can be turned off with a flat headed screwdriver by running the valve a half turn against the flow of the water.

These valves are most commonly found under the sink or directly behind the wash hand basin (see photos right). They can also be found on pipes to baths – but you may have to remove the bath panel to access them.

Since January 2015 – March 2016 we have removed 355 chimneys as the installation of electric fires means they are no longer All tenants have access to our repairs contact centre and out of hours needed. emergency telephone line, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Report a Repair

Please provide as much information as possible when reporting a repair. The more detail you can provide the quicker we will be able to deal with your request.

Call: 0300 777 3000 Email: repairs@npthomes.co.uk Emergency Repairs: call 0300 777 3000, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Please note if repairs are reported out of hours and found not to be an emergency, then a re-charge will be made for the cost of the call out.

To enquire about an existing repair, please telephone the contact centre on 0300 777 3000 Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm.

22

Examples of emergency repairs include: An immediate danger or health hazard to occupants Serious damage to the property No essential services i.e light, power, water and sanitation Full details on our website.

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000

Recipe: Maureen’s Chicken Stew Serves: 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Method:

• 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1” cubes)

1. Place cubed chicken in a large saucepan, add enough water to come half way up the pan. Bring to the boil, add the stock cubes then reduce to a simmer.

• 1 large carrot

2. Whilst chicken is cooking, peel and chop all the vegetables into approximately same size chunks. Roughly chop onion and leek.

• 1 medium parsnip • 1/2 a medium swede

3. Chicken pieces should now be cooked. Give a good stir, making sure the stock cubes are thoroughly dissolved. Add all the chopped vegetables and top up the pan with water to cover the meat and vegetables by at least an inch.

• 1 large onion • 1 leek • 4 medium potatoes • 2 chicken stock cubes

4. Bring back to boil then simmer for approximately 15 – 20 minutes until vegetables are cooked. Add frozen peas in last five minutes if desired. Can also be thickened with cornflour. Add salt if required.

• Water

Serve with lots of crusty bread.

Sudoku Picture Puzzles 7

1 7

4

Can you put the pictures together to come up with the right answer?

5 2 9

8

6 4

5 1 7 5

3

8

6 7

9

1. Theatre show

3

8 9

2. Movie

1 6

3. Famous song 1. The Jersey Boys. 2. Chicken Run. 3. Penny Lane.

NPT HOMES - TO REPORT A REPAIR CALL 0300 777 3000

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Who is My Housing Officer?

Below are a list of our housing officers who can help you with any housing related questions or concerns.

Port Talbot Eleanor Rees Community Housing Officer 01639 506077 Community Housing Officer for Tywyn Ria Cuss Community Housing Officer 01639 506026 Community Housing Officer for Little Warren Wyn Thomas Community Housing Officer 01639 505992 Community Housing Officer for Aberavon and Baglan

Stephanie Rees Community Housing Officer 01639 506014 Community Housing Officer for Margam, Taibach, Goytre and Velindre Kathleen Roberts Community Housing Officer 01639 506075 Community Housing Officer for Cwmavon

Rachel Corish Community Housing Officer 01639 508465 Community Housing Officer for Abergwynfi, Blaengwynfi, Bryn, Cymmer and Glyncorrwg

Andrew Osborne Community Housing Officer 01639 506074 Community Housing Officer for Croeserw

Shane Jones Community Housing Officer 01639 506642 Community Housing Officer for Sandfields Central

Pontardawe

Neath Anthony Crecraft Community Housing Officer 01639 505996 Community Housing Officer for Briton Ferry Tracey Davies Community Housing Officer 01639 506037 Community Housing Officer for Melyn and Cwrt Sart Richard Jenkins Community Housing Officer 01639 505977 Community Housing Officer for Meadow Road, Westernmoor and Tonmawr Donna Williams Community Housing Officer 01639 505920 Community Housing Officer for Cimla

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Cerys Lewis-Rosser Community Housing Officer 01639 506083 Community Housing Officer for Sandfields West

Kacy Clark Community Housing Officer 01639 505999 Community Housing Officer for Skewen, Llandarcy and Jersey Marine Peter Buckingham Community Housing Officer 01639 506017 Community Housing Officer for Neath Town, Fairyland and Tonna Byrnmor Steel Community Housing Officer 01639 505980 Community Housing Officer for Aberdulais, Cilfrew, Cadoxton, Caewern, Dulais Valley and Longford Lauren Jones Community Housing Officer 01639 505982 Community Housing Officer for Resolven, Clyne and Glynneath

Sean Anderson Community Housing Officer 01639 505901 Community Housing Officer for Brynamman, Tairgwaith, Cwmgors and Gwaun Cae Gurwen Deborah Wallace Community Housing Officer 01639 505976 Community Housing Officer for Cwmllynfell, Cwmtwrch and Ystalyfera Patricia Thomas Community Housing Officer 01639 505978 Community Housing Officer for Alltwen, Rhos, Ynysmeudwy and Godrergraig Bryan Cuss Community Housing Officer 01639 505979 Community Housing Officer for Pontardawe and Trebanos

NPT HOMES - FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES CALL 0300 777 0000