Living: Residents Newsletter Summer 2014

Opening Doors – Enhancing Lives

www.clwydalyn.co.uk

Living Residents’ Newsletter – Summer 2014

Helping Hands Residents of all ages in Treuddyn, helping to improve the bio-diversity of where they live. see page 8-9 In this issue...

Also inside...

Pg 5 Universal Credit Update Pg 7 Visit to Parliament Pg 13 Tan y Fron Welcomes Residents

Pg 3 New Clwyd Alyn Website

Pg 12 Healthy Living Plus much more......

Telephone: 0800 183 5757 or 01745 536800 Email: enquiries@clwydalyn.co.uk Clwyd Alyn Housing Association is a charitable Industrial and Provident Society

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WELCOME CONTENTS

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ÃÃ New Branding

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ÃÃ Leaseholders’ Forum

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ÃÃ Universal Credit Update 5

Our Editorial Panel Our Resident led Editorial Panel are the people behind this newsletter.

They contribute articles, agree the content and design of the newsletter and make sure it reflects that it is as Resident focussed as it can be. They have been working with Worldspan, our new creative design company to produce this newly designed newsletter. We hope you like it.

ÃÃ Food Poverty

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ÃÃ Visit to Parliament

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ÃÃ Community Events

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ÃÃ Energy Saving

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ÃÃ Hurst Newton Gift

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ÃÃ Healthy Living

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ÃÃ Tan y Fron

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ÃÃ St. Asaph Floods

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ÃÃ Planned Maintenance

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ÃÃ Clwyd Alyn Staff Shadow Days

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ÃÃ Gardening Competition 16

Stop Press! Clwyd Alyn’s New Board Members We are pleased to announce that following a successful application process we have two new Board Members who are also residents who took up their roles at Clwyd Alyn’s Annual General Meeting on 8 July. They are Michael Spencer from Mochdre and Harold Martin from Prestatyn. We will provide more information on what they will be doing in our next newsletter.

CONTACT DETAILS We always want to hear about your local news, so please get in touch with Gareth: 01745 536843

gareth.hughes-roberts@clwydalyn.co.uk

Like us: facebook.com/PennafHGroup Follow us: @PennafHGroup

www.clwydalyn.co.uk 2

Gareth Hughes-Roberts.

Residents’ Newsletter, 72 Ffordd William Morgan, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, Denbighshire, LL17 0JD.

NEW BRANDING

New Branding!

We have also been busy working on a new brand for the Pennaf Housing Group! The brand echoes the Celtic knot via the shape of a hexagon, displaying each of the organisation’s brands in a friendly, vibrant and dynamic way.

Each of the individual brands also depicts and shows the connection of being part of the Group, by being in the shape of a hexagon.

The symbols and original branding are clearly illustrated in the centre, for example, for Clwyd Alyn this is the CAHA house centred in the middle in a much more modern way.

New website for Clwyd Alyn

You will have quick and easy access to essential information, you can view what events are happening in your county, homes in development, see who your Housing Officer is and much more!

Why not take a look at the new site, visit: www.clwydalyn.co.uk

Media Social ation Inform

We are very excited to announce we have launched our new website for Clwyd Alyn. The new site is much more user friendly, visually appealing and highlights all the services we offer.

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We would welcome your feedback on the new website, please email: communications@pennaf.co.uk Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2014

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LEASEHOLDERS

Leaseholders’ Forum The Leaseholders’ Forum held on 6 February 2014, attended by 8 leaseholders, discussed the following issues:

Gas safety All leaseholders are reminded that all property owners, (including shared ownership leaseholders), are legally responsible for ensuring their gas fittings and appliances are safe and in good working order – you are advised to have everything checked annually by a Gas Safe registered installer.

ÃÃSub Letting – it was agreed not to pursue this issue any further and to remind leaseholders that their lease does not allow leaseholders to rent out their properties

ÃÃThe Meeting agreed an Action Plan to address the issues raised in the recent satisfaction survey (see article Action Plan)

ÃÃManagement Fees ÃÃLeasehold audit report ÃÃApproved list of local contactors ÃÃAction Plan to address satisfaction survey results.

The last issue of the Newsletter published results of the recent survey of all leaseholders. Since then, the Leaseholders’ Forum has agreed an Action Plan which includes the following:

A major problem caused by defects is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can kill in less than 2 hours. It is a gas which has no smell or taste and is quite invisible, killing up to 50 people a year and causing hundreds of injuries.

More information is available on all gas safety issues from the Health and Safety Executive website: www.hse.gov.uk/gas/index

Window Replacements Throughout 2013/ 2014 the Team undertook window replacement works at all leasehold schemes for the elderly. The latest scheme is Ty Gwylfa, Prestatyn.

Residents are giving very good feedback about our contractor – Snowdonia Windows.

ÃÃThe Team will attend all future events that interact with residents and promote the work the Team undertakes

ÃÃDuring 2014/2015 a full review of management charges will be undertaken to aim to have similar charges across all schemes

ÃÃMonthly inspections need to be drawn wider to communicate with shared owners in dispersed stock

ÃÃDuring 2014/2015 the Team will aim to form at least one more recognised Resident’s Association

ÃÃThe Team will promote the ‘Right To Buy and the Right To Acquire’ processes and ensure all residents are aware of all forms of home ownership options

ÃÃThe Leaseholders’ Forum will produce a specialist leaseholder’s newsletter during 2014/2015.

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COMPLAINTS & COMPLIMENTS PROCEDURE Residents are reminded that if you have any complaints about our leasehold service performance, or indeed any compliments to make, in the first instance contact Rob Hopkins – Leasehold and Sales Manager on 0745 536824 or via email at: robert.hopkins@pennaf.co.uk.

Universal Credit Update

Universal Credit Update Universal Credit is the new Benefit which the UK Government is bringing in over the next few years and under their proposals most of the range of benefits which Residents can receive will be brought together within one monthly payment to the Resident.

In North Wales, the roll-out of Universal Credit started at the Shotton Jobcentre from the 7th April 2014. However, at this stage, this will only be applicable to new claimants living within post-code areas CH5 1,CH5 2,CH5 3,CH5 4 and CH5 9 who meet the claimant criteria, which for this stage of the roll-out excludes couples, households with children, and those living in certain types of supported housing. In addition Universal Credit is a working-age benefit and therefore will not apply to those of pensionable age.

So, if you are a single person of working age making a new claim in any of the above areas, you will now receive Universal Credit and not the means-tested benefits it replaces such as Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income Based), Tax Credits and Housing Benefits. Existing claimants will continue to receive their current benefits such as Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance and will not be transferred to Universal Credit at this stage.

There are some key elements of Universal Credit that Residents need to be aware of, including: ÃÃ Payment will be made monthly direct to your bank account ÃÃ You will only receive one monthly payment which will include assistance with Housing Costs (Housing Benefit) As a result Residents need to carefully consider any budgeting implications of receiving monthly

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payments, particularly if you are used to receiving payments every fortnight. Also as Universal Credit will include help towards the rent, Residents must ensure that they have arrangements in place to pay their rent in line with their tenancy obligations.

Clwyd Alyn has Officers that can assist Residents with any budgeting difficulties experienced and should you require help then please contact us on 0800 183 5757.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2014 5

FOOD POVERTY

The worrying rise in food poverty in the UK 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK.

Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.

In 2013-14 foodbanks fed 913,138 people nationwide.

Of those helped, 330,205 were children.

Rising food and fuel prices, static incomes, unemployment and changes to benefits are some of the reasons why increasing numbers are being referred to foodbanks for emergency food.

Foodbanks help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems. A simple box of food makes a big difference.

All food is donated by the public and sorted by volunteers. Frontline care professionals such as doctors and social workers identify people in crisis and issue a food voucher.

Clients receive three days of nutritionally balanced, nonperishable food in exchange for their food voucher.

Foodbanks also make time to chat and to signpost clients to other helpful services.

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Why do people need emergency food?

Today people across the UK will struggle to feed themselves and their families. Redundancy, illness, benefit delay, domestic violence, debt, family breakdown and paying for the additional costs of heating during winter are just some of the reasons why people go hungry.

What’s in a foodbox?

Each foodbox contains a minimum of three days nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food.

Foodbanks rely on the support of local communities. A typical parcel will contain most of the following: Milk, sugar, fruit juice, soup, pasta sauces, sponge pudding (tinned), tomatoes, cereals, rice pudding, tea bags/instant coffee, Instant Mashed Potato, rice/pasta, tinned meat/fish, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit, jam, biscuits.

Information contained in this article has been provided by The Trussell Trust, one of the largest Food banks in the UK. For more information on foodbanks please visit www. trusselltrust.org/foodbankprojects or telephone them on 01722 580 180

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STATISTICS

Some eye opening statistics – Every day in the uk:

71 properties are repossessed (based on Q1 2014 trends).

It costs an average of £29.65 per day to raise a child from birth to the age of 21.

277 people are declared insolvent or bankrupt.

This is equivalent to one person every 5 minutes 12 seconds.

This information has been compiled and supplied by: themoneycharity.org.uk

Visit to Parliament Residents from Llys Emlyn Williams Supported Living scheme in Holywell, visited Parliament recently after impressing their local MP with their interest in issues affecting other young people in the area.

David Hanson MP for Delyn recently attended a ‘Big Debate’ event at Llys Emlyn Williams. He was so impressed with their enthusiasm and

interest in current affairs and issues affecting them that he invited a group of them down to tour the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Clwyd Alyn funded the travel costs for the trip, with a £606 grant from the Corporate Common Fund.

The residents loved their trip, which not only helped promote their independence and selfconfidence, but also showed how young people can have a real say in decisions that affect their lives.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS It has been a busy 6 months, with lots of exciting projects and community events happening across North Wales, from pumpkin carving at Halloween to making DVDs for Big Energy Saving Week and making bird boxes!

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Spooky fun with magic and pumpkin carving in Gaerwen for Halloween

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Children and young people from Garden City and Sealand communities in Deeside celebrate their half term holidays with a Community Disco!

Ysgol Glan Gele visit to Pentre Mawr, sheltered housing scheme to sing Christmas carols!

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Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2014 9

ENERGY SAVING

Residents helping others to save money on energy Residents have been helping others to save money on their fuel bills. Mandie Bassett, has been working with Louise and Gareth (Community Involvement and Development Team) to produce a DVD to share energy saving information with others across the regions.

Ten top tips to help you check, switch and insulate 1 Check your bills carefully and read your meter regularly. This will allow you to check how much energy you use and make sure you’re paying the right amount.

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2 Talk to your supplier if you think your bill is wrong or you have problems paying. They’ll be able to give you advice about available support or talk you through repayment options.

3 If money is tight, contact your local Citizen’s 3.

Advice Bureau. They can check to see if you are getting the benefits you are entitled to, or if you can get help paying your bills.

4 Make sure that you’re on the cheapest tariff.

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Check with your supplier and use an accredited switching website to see who’s offering the best deal. Tariffs are changing in 2014 so it is important that you are aware of your current deal and any changes your supplier is planning.

5 Most energy suppliers offer fixed price tariffs, 5. where the price of a unit of energy will stay the same for the length of the deal. These can work out cheaper in the long term and make it easier to budget – although you might need to pay by direct debit and your bills will still go up if you use more energy.

For more information, visit:

www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk www.facebook.com/PennafHGroup 10

6 If you use a pre-payment meter, remember 6. that standing charges will be added daily – even when you aren’t using energy. Check how much they are and keep your meter topped up even during warm weather to avoid unexpected charges.

7 If you use heating oil as your main fuel, buy 7. before winter and see if there are any local oil buying clubs you can join. If not, you might want to start your own.

8 Make your home energy efficient – insulate 8. lofts and walls, double glaze or use thick curtains to keep the heat in. Get your boiler serviced or replaced to ensure it is energy efficient. There are schemes to help with this.

9 Save money and energy – don’t leave 9. applicances on standby or leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily. Fix leaking taps and always turn off the light when you leave a room.

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Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £250 a year on household energy bills. Visit the Energy Saving Trust home energy check at: hec.est.org.uk. Use this check to get a full report with details “Mandie is one of a of your home’s number of our residents energy use and who has been helping us the savings you to get the message across could make. about where to access advice and how to save money on fuel,” said Louise Blackwell, Community Development Officer.

Computer gift for Hurst Newton supported living scheme Two Hurst Newton residents, Richard Davies and Jacob Grey visited Ecosystems along with staff to collect a gift of laptops.

Ecosystems were so moved to hear what a difference the donation would make to the young people that they offered to donate a further 12 laptops to the 12 bed scheme.

Having access to computers has already had a major positive influence on the residents. It enables them to update their CVs and access information about training, jobs and ‘moveon’ accommodation on line and also helps as they complete training courses offered through Clwyd Alyn’s own ODEL training programme.

Chris Littlewood Managing Director of Ecosystems IT said: “The Hurst Newton scheme is an excellent initative that provides safe comfortable accommodation for young homeless people between the ages of 16 and 25.

Unfortunately, this age group of homeless people seems to slip though local and central government support and is in most cases left to fend for themselves.

Providing a safe secure place for this group is the first rung on the ladder for them to be able to take an active positive part in our society. If, by our donation of equipment that we have collected and refurbished from local companies like Moneysupermarket.com, we can help improve the lives of the people who are on the scheme, then the true meaning of ethical sustainable recycling has been achieved.”

For more information about Ecosystems IT see their website www.ecosystems-group.co.uk

“Our friends at Moneysupermarket.com told us about Ecosystems which refurbish all their old computers and when we contacted them we were absolutely thrilled that they kindly agreed to donate two computers, keyboards, and screens,” Louise Blackwell, Community Development Officer .

Social housing fraud On 5 November, the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 was brought into force in Wales. It came into force in England in October.

Unlawful subletting of social housing is the single largest category of fraud loss to local government, according to the Audit Commission. It is estimated that some 98,000 social housing properties in England and Wales are unlawfully sublet (up from 50,000 in 2009), at a cost to the public purse of £1.8bn. The Act aims to ensure that social housing is kept available for those in greatest housing need.

The Act aims to tackle social housing fraud by: 1. creating a new offence of subletting social housing; 2. giving powers to local authorities to prosecute, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of a housing association; 3. providing that residents who unlawfully sublet cannot regain security of tenure by moving back in; and 4. giving rights to recover from residents any profits made from unlawfully subletting via an “unlawful profits order”, in favour of the landlord.

The offence is punishable by a fine of £5,000 if the tenant “knowingly” sublet the property – that is they knew it was a breach of the tenancy. There is a greater offence of “dishonestly” subletting – which applies where a tenant sets out to make a profit at the expense of the landlord.

This offence is punishable by an unlimited fine and up to two years’ imprisonment.

The Act also envisages greater powers for those who are investigating potential frauds to have greater access to data, which will be granted by regulation.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2014 11

Healthy living – get your 5 a day throughout the day We all know it’s important for us to eat a variety of at least five portions each day. But how many of us actually manage it?

5 A DAY portion sizes – how much is a portion of fruit and veg?

For adults The rough guide below can help you work out whether you’re eating your 5 A DAY A portion of fruit (80g) is roughly equivalent to:

ÃÃA slice or half a large fruit, e.g. a slice of melon or half a grapefruit, large slice of pineapple ÃÃ1 medium sized fruit e.g. an apple, banana, pear, nectarine ÃÃ2 small sized fruits, e.g. 2 plums or satsuma’s, 7 strawberries A portion of dried fruit (30g) is roughly equivalent to:

ÃÃA heaped tablespoon of dried fruit e.g. sultanas, raisins, figs.

A portion of vegetables (80g) is roughly equivalent to:

ÃÃ3 heaped tablespoons of peas, beans or pulses, e.g. kidney beans, chickpeas ÃÃ2 broccoli spears, 4 heaped tablespoons of green beans ÃÃA dessert bowl of salad.

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For children The amount that children should eat depends on their size and age.

A good guide to a portion for them is the amount they can fit in the palm of their hands. It doesn’t have to be expensive! You can keep costs down by buying canned fruit and veg, which doesn’t go off quickly but avoid tins with syrup and salt. Frozen fruit and veg last longer and local markets are great places to pick up fresh fruit and veg at cheaper prices.

Visit 5 A DAY portion sizes and guide from the Change 4 Life and NHS websites: http://www.nhs.uk/ Change4Life/Pages/five-a-day.aspx

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Tan Y Fron

Tan y Fron – Opening doors – Enhancing lives All residents have now moved into the new Tan y Fron Extra Care scheme in Llandudno, starting a new era of independent living for older people in the area.

Tan y Fron includes 46 high quality individual one and two bedroom apartments around an impressive courtyard area where over 60s can live independently in their own homes while having access to care services and a wide range of communal facilities.

Mr Philip Arnold, aged 90.

Mr Arnold lived in Abergele before moving to Tan y Fron. His wife developed Alzheimer’s and had to move into a nursing home in Rhos on Sea. “Living alone was very hard. It was so isolating. I’ve never been able to cook so I was surviving on ready meals. Here there’s a superb restaurant with really good first class food. I am very happy here and I have to say the chef and his team are fantastic!”

Moving to Tan y Fron has already made a massive difference to the resident’s lives:

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Mrs Beryl Ellison, aged 82.

“Before moving to Tan y Fron I lived in a private apartment scheme where there was a real issue with the neighbours. I was very anxious a lot of the time and wasn’t eating properly.

Moving here has really made a huge difference in my life. I am more out-going, I eat better, my health and well being has really improved. Having care at hand gives great peace of mind. At Tan y Fron residents are living a lot, and laughing a lot! That’s the real difference it has made”.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2014 13

ST ASAPH FLOODS

St Asaph Floods Residents hit by the St Asaph Floods Organise a Celebration for 100 Year Old Neighbour.

A group set up to help victims of the St Asaph floods came together to celebrate one of their neighbour’s 100th birthday.

The Residents from Llys Esgob Morgan who were hit by the devastating flood which hit the town in November 2012 were brought together by Age Connects as part of the Ark project.

Recently, they got together to celebrate the 100th birthday of neighbour Rose Jennings, buying her flowers, balloons and arranging for the erection of a bench with her name engraved on it.

The plan was put together during their coffee and support group meetings which were set up to help people rebuild their confidence after the trauma of the floods and to strengthen the community in the process.

“We would not have done this if it hadn’t been for our weekly meetings.

It has helped us to build a stronger community. So, something good has come out of something bad.”

P U O R G R OU rner, up the street Just round the co small group meet r ou o, tw at y da Thurs people of the flood Warm welcome for . d can only do good It helps to talk an

about the river Most of us worry e us all shiver It really does mak never happen again And Yes! It may ens come the rain? pp ha at wh s ow kn Who g lder as we go alon Some need a shou ng. perhaps sing a so – er sw an an d in f We’ll oup uch within that gr m so ed ar sh ve p! e’ W we let out a whoo ’ ts ec nn Co ge ‘A Thanks to brighter again Things are looking g – much less rain Weather’s improvin t and have a chat It’s good to mee t.

– whose name is Pa dy la ly ve lo at th h Wit

Irene Gibbons, gan, Llys Esgob Mor St Asaph.

March 2014

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Planned Maintenance At the end of March 2009, 85% of our properties met the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, and we are striving to ensure that all our properties meet or surpass this standard by the end of 2015.

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What are we doing to achieve this?

We are working hard to achieve the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by working with contractors and implementing planned maintenance programmes to upgrade areas of your home.

These programmes include: Kitchen replacements, partial and full bathroom refurbishments, window replacements and boiler replacements.

For more information on this and planned maintenance in your area visit:

www.clwydalyn.co.uk/planned-maintenance

Rhyl Gala Charity Presentation Evening Clwyd Alyn Housing Association sponsored the ‘Best Neighbour’ Award at the 2014 Mayor of Rhyl’s Gala Charity Presentation Evening at the Pavilion Theatre.

The Award was won by Teresa Higgins who was nominated by Shirley Lewis.

Teresa, a member of St Mary’s Church, was given the award for, ‘the kindness and compassion shown to her neighbours, regularly checking on and helping elderly neighbours as well as fund-raising for charity.’

Clwyd Alyn tenant Harold Martin was also presented with an award at the Mayor of Rhyl’s Gala Charity Night when, in his role as Station Director of Point FM Radio, he received the ‘Mayor’s Special Award’ presented to the radio station for the local radio coverage of the area.

Teresa said: “I’m very excited to win this award. I wasn’t expecting anything like this. These awards show what a great town Rhyl is.”

“We’re thrilled to win the award. It is in recognition of what we are trying to do for the community. We are trying to put something back into the community,” said Mr Martin.

The award was presented by Mrs Eurwen Edwards OBE, BEM Hon President of Pennaf and Dr Sarah Horrocks, Chair of Clwyd Alyn Housing Association.

Pictured from left to right are: Shirley Lewis who nominated Teresa for the award; Dr Sarah Horrocks, Chair and Board Member of Clwyd Alyn Housing Association; Front: Teresa

Higgins ‘Best Neighbour’ Award Winnner and Mrs Eurwen Edwards OBE, BEM Hon President of Pennaf.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2014 15

CLWYD ALYN

My Shadow Days with staff from Clwyd Alyn Housing Association

By Mike Bradshaw (Resident of Clwyd Alyn, Quality Partner, part of the Service Improvement Committee, Resident Ambassador and part of various other groups).

Last year, I was approached

by David Lewis, Head of Maintenance at Clwyd Alyn, to shadow various staff.

From February 2013 to December 2013 I completed 6 days of shadowing various employees including, Asset Management Officers from the Clwyd Alyn Maintenance Team, Asset Management Officers who deal with empty properties, a day with a Maintenance Supervisor at PenAlyn and an afternoon with a member of the Call Centre Team. After each day, I wrote a report on my findings and submitted it to David Lewis.

Shadowing various staff was a great experience, giving me the opportunity to see how Clwyd Alyn staff conduct themselves during their working day.

The experience certainly was an eye opener. I now understand how they deal with various jobs, where some jobs are granted and some are not. This also gave me more of an insight as to why some jobs are rejected.

Whilst shadowing the Call Centre staff, I found out that they do far more than answer calls. They take rent payments, process housing applications and much more. For this, I applaud them.

I would like to thank the staff at Clwyd Alyn, who I shadowed, they made me feel at ease and most of all welcome. Thank you to Gareth Williams, Stuart Williams, Andy Roberts (PenAlyn) and Karen Davies (from the Call Centre).

I am on various panels within Clwyd Alyn. All staff from the Chief Executive downwards make you most welcome and at ease. For me it is like an extended family and has given me a new lease of life.

Thank you.

CALLING ALL KEEN GARDENERS! How does your garden grow?

Are you interested in sharing your garden with our dedicated panel of judges?

You can enter the individual garden section or you can enter your scheme or estate in the scheme category.

This year we have also added, a hanging baskets/pots section especially where you don’t have a garden and best vegetable patch/ allotment (although please note we are not judging individual produce).

There will be a cash prize of £40 for the winner in each category, £20 for second place and £10 for third place.

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Also, we are encouraging people to send their own photographs, preferably digitally, so you can be sure to capture your entry looking at its best.

So, all you need to do is send in your digital photo by e-mail to: gareth.hughesroberts@clwydalyn.co.uk as soon as you are able, but with a closing date of the 31st August 2014, letting us know what category you wish to enter.

If you are not able to send in your own photograph, don’t worry. You can contact Gareth Hughes-Roberts on: 01745 536843 and we will arrange for your entry to be photographed.