Heartofthematter9 english

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of the matter

Don’t fall victim to the loan sharks this Christmas

How are we doing?

A very special Birthday for Doris Winter 2013 / Issue 9

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Tai Calon Tuesday at Market Hall Cinema Win a Newport Gwent Dragons Rugby jersey @taicalon

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Contents z New Contract z Hello z Competition z STAR Survey 2013 z STAR Survey Winners z Best Garden 2013 z Bursary Scheme z Calendar Winners z OCN Courses z Save Money on Bills z Cooking up a Storm z Market Hall Cinema z TPAS Conference z Shout z Bryn Bach Charity Walk z Doris’s special Birthday

p2 p3 p3 p4 p7 p8 p10 p11 p11 p12 p13 p14 p14 p1 p2 p3

Keep in Touch z Davy Evans Court p4 z Warm Home Discount p15 z Tai Fest Funday p16 z Valley Managers p18 z Neighbourhood Managers p19 z Your Neighbourhood p20 z Communities Team p21 z Welfare Reform p22 z Christmas Debt Tips p23 z Beat the Loan Sharks p24 z credEcard Banking p25 z Stop Smoking Wales p25 z Gas Safety Check p26 z Insure Your Home p26 z 2For1 Time Banking p27 z Contact Details p28

What a picture … what a photograph The photograph on the front page of Heart of the Matter was taken by Richard Hall.

Thank you to him for his lovely picture.

New Emergency “Out of Hours” contract We have awarded a two year contract to Wales & West Housing Association to operate our “out of hours” answering service and community alarm system.

Vicki Thomas, Interim Head of Procurement & Performance, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the contract back to Wales and to be supporting a Welsh employer and local jobs.”

Wales & West took over the contract on Monday, 11 November. Its staff will answer our “out of hours” telephone calls on 0300 303 1717 for Tai Calon. It will also take care of the Community Alarm Service which supports people in their own homes and Supported Living schemes.

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There are so many different ways in which you can get in touch with us and keep up-to-date with what is going on.

By Phone: Ring us on 0300 303 1717 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. In an emergency our “out of hours service” is available on 0300 303 1717.

By Email: info@taicalon.org By fax: 01495 290 501.

Visit or write to us at: Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW Website: www.taicalon.org has lots of useful information about us and you can read all our latest news. facebook: join our page by “liking” us at facebook.com/taicalon Twitter: follow us @taicalon If you have a story to tell us, or want us to include something in the next edition, please contact: Hefina Rendle, Communications and PR Manager, at Solis One, or by email hefina.rendle@taicalon.org

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS Solis One will be OPEN on Christmas Eve. It will then be closed Christmas Day until 9am on Thursday, 2 January, 2014.

In an emergency ring our out of hours number 0300 303 1717.

Hello

Please remember that we are likely to experience a large number of calls following the holiday.

and welcome to the Christmas Edition of Heart of the Matter and The Shout.

We have a lot to tell you …and there is a fantastic competition, see below, for you to enter and win some great prizes.

We would also like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

COMPETITION

signed by the Newport 3. What is our new time Gwent Dragons team and banking scheme called? has been kindly donated To enter … send your by jersey sponsor … Robert answers on a post card to Price Builder’s Merchants.

Competitions, Tai Calon 1st prize - Signed Community Housing, Solis Newport Gwent Dragons One, Rising Sun Industrial Rugby Jersey Estate, Blaina, Blaenau 2nd prize - £50 voucher Gwent, NP13 3JW, by email, of your choice press@taicalon.org or send Would you like to win a us a private message on 3rd prize - £25 voucher signed Newport Gwent facebook.com/taicalon. of your choice.

Dragons Rugby jersey or Don’t forget to include your a voucher of your choice? To enter … tell us the name, address and contact answer to the three number. The closing date Just answer three simple questions below: for the competition will be questions – all the answers 1. When was the Friday, 31 January, 2014. can be found in Heart of the “bedroom tax” All the correct entries will Matter – and send your entry introduced? be put into a draw and the to us by the end of January.

2. What card gives you winners selected at random.

The rugby jersey has been rewards?

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STAR – Your Tenants and Thank you very much to everyone who completed our 2013 STAR Survey.

It is the second time we have asked for your views about how we are doing.

Again this year, the survey was sent to tenants and leaseholders. More than 2,300 of you responded.

While the results for 2013 showed we have improved – it is clear we still have much to do.

The results are still being analysed, but here is an overview of what you told us and what we are doing about it.

Overall happiness with the service we give you “More than 8 out of 10 tenants who responded were happy”

That’s up from last year …when it was just over 7 out of 10 tenants and just over 8 out of 10 who live in Supported Living schemes.

However, a small, but important number of tenants, experienced problems in getting hold of the right person, having their query answered in a reasonable time and with the final outcome.

We are very sorry. We are improving our procedures so it shouldn’t happen in future.

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The service we provide

Residents Survey of 2013 Repairs and maintenance are your top priorities “Nearly 8 out of 10 tenants are happy or fairly happy with the overall quality of their home - while it is more than 9 out of 10 if they are in a Supported Living scheme”

If there was an issue, it was about the time it took us to start the work.

Again, we accept there has been a problem and are making changes to our repairs service.

Repairs and Maintenance

Meanwhile just over 8 out of 10 are very or fairly happy with their neighbourhood as a place to live … the figure rises to nearly 9 out of 10 for those in Supported Living schemes.

The problems highlighted here were to do with anti social behaviour and dog fouling.

Blaina, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar all scored highly for happiness … the lower scores were for Swffryd and Nantyglo.

You also told us that you like your new neighbourhood newsletters and Heart of the Matter magazine. They were your most preferred option for hearing about news, events and activities in your community.

You also told us that you are tuning into Tai Calon on the Radio on BRfm 97.3fm every Wednesday between 10am and 11am. You can also listen again by following the link on facebook.com/taicalon.

***!

Anti social behaviour

Dog fouling

Problems highlighted

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Your Tenants and Residents Survey of 2013

So what could we do better?

“Tenants thought dealing with Tai Calon staff as well as contractors, was generally excellent. The availability of an appointment at a specific time is something tenant’s think is important and needs to be looked into.”

We agree … and are hoping to be able to introduce timed appointments in the New Year.

You also said that we need to deliver on our promises, listen and be more open and honest.

We are working to make sure we do just that.

We also invited you to leave additional feedback and a large number of you did.

We have contacted everyone who had an individual problem or concern. Thank you for your honesty and hopefully we have or are resolving everything for you.

A big thank you also, to those who complimented us on all that we do.

We are trying our best to get it right, first time and every time. From what you have told us … we are getting there … but we still have plenty to do. You continue to be at the heart of everything we do.

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Timed appointments

Listen and be more honest

STAR SURVEY

WINNERS Everyone who returned their STAR Survey were invited to take part in a prize draw.

P.S. If you are still unhappy with the response we gave you please contact Hefina Rendle.

By letter: Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, NP13 3JW. By telephone: 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

By email: hefina.rendle@taicalon. org or by leaving a private message on facebook. com/taicalon.

Eight winners were selected at random by RMG:Clarity, which carried out the survey on our behalf.

And the winners were...

1st Prize £150 shopping voucher – Sandra Smith, Ebbw Vale.

2nd Prize £75 shopping voucher – Alison Meredith, Cwm (pictured).

3rd Prize £25 shopping voucher – Victoria Lewis, Nantybwch.

Five runners-up all received a goody bag – Tracey Davies from Tredegar, Garfield Marshman, Blaina, Andrew Price, Llanhilleth, Ceri Thomas and Yvonne Meredith, both from Aberbeeg.

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Absolutely Beautiful When it comes to gardening Phillip Williams of Tredegar likes to get the whole family involved. Fellow grandparents, Graham and Marlene Williams also from Tredegar agree, because their grandchildren often help out as well.

So it comes as no surprise that the Williams and most of their grandchildren were present when they were jointly awarded the top prize of Best Garden in the 2013 Tai Calon Community Housing Gardening Competition.

It was second year running for Phillip Williams. Last time he won Best Garden after he planted flowers in shoes before displaying them on a wall. This year he made and painted bird boxes with the help of his grown up grandchildren, Gemma, Adam and Amy, and his younger grandchildren Shaun, aged 17, Dafydd, 15, Kirsty, 17 and Matthew 10.

“I got the idea from a television programme and developed it further by getting my grandchildren to paint their own bird box in bright colours before we planted them up,” said Phillip Williams.

However, he admits that it wasn’t all plain sailing. “It was tricky getting the right plants to suit the bird boxes. You have to keep them well watered, even when it’s raining, because the water can’t get in.”

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Graham and Marlene Williams were also chuffed by their win. Part of their garden is on a slope so they have to plan their planting very carefully. However, they do have help from grandchildren, Chloe, aged 11, Owen, 9 and Amelia, 7.

“We’re out in the garden helping everytime we visit,” said Chloe.

“We help lots by planting the bulbs and sweeping up,” added Owen.

One of the judges was Gwynfor Evans of Green Earth at Tai Calon.

Meanwhile, Amelia admitted that her favourite job was cutting off the dead flower heads.

“It was marvellous to visit all the beautiful gardens and meet such talented tenants.

I thoroughly enjoyed judging the competition. It is truly amazing the amount of work that some people have put into their gardens and displays. I can’t wait for next year’s competition,” he said.

Both families had been invited for afternoon tea at Tai Calon where the Williams were presented with a trophy and cash prize. Their grandchildren were also given a prize for their contribution.

Best Beginner Garden was won by Mrs K Woodward of Ebbw Vale.

Madonna Reynolds shared joint first prize in the Best Hanging Basket/Pot or Container with Graham and Marlene Williams, Mrs Reynolds, who also came second in the Best Beginner Garden, only started gardening two years ago when her husband Granville was no longer able to do it.

Phillip Williams and family

“I don’t have green fingers, but my husband has shown me what to do. My only regret is that the judging was a bit too early for my garden,” said Mrs Reynolds who lives in Rassau.

The Best Community Garden was won by Glanffrwd Court in Ebbw Vale. The patio area at the Supported Living scheme has been transformed into a garden where the residents can sit and enjoy the outside space.

Full list of winners Best Garden 1st Place (two 1st place winners) Phillip Williams and Graham and Marlene Williams 2nd Place (two 2nd Place winners) Mr S. G. Burnett and John Sullivan 3rd Place Mr D. E. J. Dobbs

Graham and Marlene Williams with their grandchildren

Best Beginner Garden 1st Place Mrs K Woodward 2nd Place Madonna Reynolds 3rd Place Mrs V. Morgan Best Hanging Basket/Pot or Container 1st Place (two 1st place winners) Madonna Reynolds and Graham and Marlene Williams

2nd Place Carol Battle Best Community Garden 1st Place Glanffrwd Court

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Beverley is Number One A student has become the first to benefit from a special fund set up by us.

Beverley Lucas, who is a tenant, wanted help with her Welsh studies. So she applied to our Tenant Bursary Scheme and was awarded a tablet computer.

Beverley is deaf and the tablet makes it easier for her to keep up with what is said in class and to complete her course work. She currently has a desktop PC, but the tablet will now give her greater flexibility.

“I now have reliable, portable computer equipment which gives me access to visual aids in the classroom, additional online learning resources and applications that will help me to revise for my exams.

“I am also able to have contact with my tutor and fellow students as my hearing problems can make use of the telephone difficult,” said Beverley who lives in Cwmtillery.

Her aim is to become fluent in Welsh and Beverley is now in her fourth year at the Learning Action Centre in Ebbw Vale.

“They say it takes seven years to become fluent in Welsh. I have already obtained the Mynediad (entry level) qualification and am planning to sit my Sylfaen (foundation) exam next Summer. I would then sit the Canolradd (intermediate) after year six and Uwch (advanced) after year seven,” she added.

The Tai Calon Tenant Bursary scheme is open to tenants, their partners and children.

They can apply for up to £250 to support them in starting or completing a certified training or learning scheme/course.

Ross Watts, Head of Communities added: 10

“We are delighted that we have been able to help Beverley with her studies.

Sometimes, a helping hand, like the one we have given to Beverley, can make all the difference.”

If you would like to apply for a Bursary, please contact the Communities Team on 0300 303 1717 or visit www.taicalon.org.

Focal Fires Did you have a new combi central heating boiler fitted in your home by Wil-mor-wil?

And was it to replace a back boiler?

Yes? Then we will be contacting you about installing an electric Focal Fire.

However, please bear in mind that the fires are ONLY being fitted in homes where Wil-mor-wil replaced the back boiler with a new combi boiler since July, 2010.

2014 Tai Calon Calendar We do hope that you enjoy our second Tai Calon calendar, which is included with your copy of Heart of the Matter.

We had more than 60 entries in our competition and the photographer of each winning picture received £75 in vouchers of their choice.

Sarah Palfrey and Michael Walden won again. They were joined by Tony Byrne, Stacey Hathway, aged 10, Rowen Thomas, aged 7, Jadie Jones, Christopher Thomas, Chamaine Bennett, Mark Burnell, Stacey Bruton and Thomas Rees.

The standard was so high that four runnerup photographs were chosen for the front cover. They were taken by M Thomas, Grant Edwards, Sarah Palfrey and Jadie Jones and each got £25 in vouchers.

We posted all the entries on facebook. com/taicalon and then invited our followers to vote for their favourite. They picked a picture by Rowen Thomas who won an extra voucher for £25. Rowen bought a camera and Lego set with his vouchers. Stacey Hathway had a shopping trip planned and she had

vouchers from a number of different stores.

Richard Hall got a voucher for £50 after we picked his photograph to appear on the front page of Heart of the Matter.

We will be opening the competition again in the Spring. Watch out for news about how to send us your pictures in your Neighbourhood Newsletter.

STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS We have a new training opportunity for 2014.

This OCN accredited course is ideal for anyone interested in joining a committee or perhaps standing as a tenant board member of Tai Calon Community Housing.

The course, Preparing for Board, is run over six weeks in short three hour sessions. Not only does it lead to a qualification, it would also give you the chance to find out more about playing an active role in your community.

In the summer we will be asking you to vote on new Tenant Board members … could it be you? You won’t know what you can do until you try!

Interested?

Telephone, Jayne Lewis, Assistant Company Secretary, on 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

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Could You Save Money on Your Energy Bills?

There is a simple and easy way to find out My Home Energy Switch is a completely free and impartial comparison and switching service.

You could potentially save £114.49 a year in minutes.

My Home Energy Switch is provided by the National Housing Federation – the umbrella body that represents independent, non-profit making housing associations in the UK.

How does it work?

Telephone 0800 001 4706 or visit www. myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk.

All you need is your postcode and a current energy bill. The My Home Energy Switch team will do the rest.

Why switch?

Switching gas and electricity suppliers is an easy way to save money and combat ever-rising fuel prices.

How does the switching process work?

The My Home Energy Switch team will compare prices and select the best value plan for you. The whole process takes no more than five minutes to complete.

How long does it take to complete the switch?

Usually between four and six weeks.

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Will there be any interruption to my supply?

No. The new supplier will continue to use exactly the same wires, pipes and meters that are currently used.

Can I switch suppliers if I have a prepayment meter?

Yes. You can compare prices and switch to a cheaper prepayment tariff. Just select the ‘prepayment’ option when asked how you pay your bill.

Can everyone switch?

There are some circumstances in which people may not be able to benefit from online switching. For example, if you agreed to stay with an energy company for a period of time in return for signing up for a special offer. In those circumstances speak to your supplier first about when you will be free to switch your supply.

Cooking Up a Storm Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies has been cooking up a healthy treat for the Waundeg Warriors at their community flat near Tredegar.

Mr Davies put together one of his signature dishes, Sausage and Stir Fry Noodles, as part of a healthy eating campaign with us.

He said: “It is vital that we instil the importance of healthy eating in our young people and it was a pleasure to work with Tai Calon and the Waundeg Warriors on this project.

Everyone is on a budget but as we’ve proved here, healthy eating does not have to be expensive and time consuming.

With a little planning, we can all enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables at a fraction of the cost of buying ready prepared and produce family meals that we can all enjoy.”

His cooking demonstration was filmed and can be seen on our Facebook page, facebook.com/taicalon, and website, www.taicalon.org.

Ross Watts, Head of Communities, said: “We wanted to show that you still can eat well and relatively cheaply. We were very grateful to Alun Davies for his time and the support he has given us for the project.

We would also like to say thank you to the Waundeg Warriors for their help. ”

Sausage and Noodle stir fry • 12 sausages • 250g egg noodles • 4 large carrots • 2 red peppers • 1 yellow pepper • 200g sugar snap peas • 1 bunch spring onions • 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds • 2 red chillies • Thumb-sized piece of root ginger • 2 garlic cloves • Juice of 1 large orange • 4 tbsp. soy sauce • 2 tbsp. runny honey • 2 tbsp. sunflower oil Method of Preparation: 1. Make meatballs from the sausages by squeezing the meat from the sausages and then patting the meat into meatball shapes. Place the meatballs onto a baking tray and cook them for 12 minutes or until heated through in a 220°C oven.

2. Cut the carrots into matchsticks and then prepare the peppers by deseeding them and removing the pith. Finely slice the peppers. Cut the ginger into matchsticks.

Finely slice the chillies and mince the garlic cloves.

Finely chop the spring onions.

3. Meanwhile, cook the noodles if they need to be cooked or get them to hand if they’re ready cooked. Mix together the honey, orange juice and soy sauce in a small bowl.

4. Heat the oil in a wok and then add the garlic, ginger and chilli and then fry them for one minute. Add the carrots and peppers and cook them for three minutes and then add the sugar snap peas and spring onions for the final minute of cooking.

5. Add the noodles and meatballs to the vegetable mixture and then pour the orange sauce mixture over the top. Heat through until warm and then scatter with the sesame seeds to serve.

Try using sausages that already have lots of flavour – think chilli sausages or herb sausages.

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Working Together for a Better Blaenau Gwent We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tai Calon Community Housing is sponsoring the Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr.

So from January … Tuesdays at the community run cinema will become “Tai Calon Tuesday”. All seats will be just £3.50 … which means

that you and your loved ones can enjoy a cheap night out.

Tenants with 2for1 time banking cinema vouchers will be able to spend them

at the Market Hall from the New Year.

Watch out for more news in your Neighbourhood Newsletter which will be out in February.

TPAS CYMRU CONFERENCE Michael Rose is an involved tenant. In November he attended the TPAS Cymru Conference in Cardiff. As an organisation, TPAS Cymru has supported Welsh social housing tenants and landlords for more than 20 years.

This is what he had to say about the event.

being in 1977 and its work ever since.

“I arrived for registration just after 8am. The idea of the two days is to get involved and engage with other tenants and housing associations.

There was also an opportunity to attend workshops as well as question and answer sessions about the UK Government’s welfare reforms.

On Wednesday morning we heard from Welsh Government Finance Minister, Jane Hutt. She spoke about her friend, the late Val Feld, and of how TPAS came into 14

The next day, it was the turn of Tai Calon’s Director of Communities and Housing, Andrew Myatt, and Andrew MacDougall, Environmental

Improvements Project Manager, to lead on a workshop.

They spoke about how Tai Calon is working with tenants to improve their neighbourhoods. We heard about all the plans for the next few years.

I would recommend the conference to anyone. I certainly enjoyed meeting and discussing ideas with tenants and housing staff from other organisations.”

Shout

Bryn Bach Park sponsored walk for Charity Halloween and Bonfire Night at Davy Evans Court Winter 2013 / Issue 6

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Trip to Six Bells Guardian & Heritage Room

@taicalon

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These Feet Were Made For Walking ...

very proud of what they achieved.”

A group of friends have raised £700 for charity by taking part in a sponsored walk around Bryn Bach Park in Tredegar.

June, who lives at Peacehaven, raised £270.

“I would have liked to have collected more money and next time I will,” she said.

“There were about 350 of us who did the Memory Walk and to have been part of it really made me happy.”

Ten from Cwmrhydderch Court in Cwm and another from Peacehaven Court in Tredegar had been determined to take part in the Memory Walk organised by Alzheimer’s Society.

Lee agrees. “I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis) so could only walk around once. I wanted to do it because people in this area are so good to me and I wanted to repay their kindness by raising money for charity,” he said.

They all live in the Supported Living schemes run by Tai Calon Community Housing and some also have disabilities.

Nick, who is the resident’s spokesperson at Shout 2

Cwmrhydderch, couldn’t take part, however, he supported his friends.

“It was a fantastic effort by everyone and is typical of the court with everyone coming together for a worthy cause,” said Nick.

“Some of them ran around the lake, not once, but twice. We also had a sweet stall which raised £46. I am surprised it wasn’t more money because they were going like hot cakes. I am

The friends handed over a cheque for £700 to Mike Smith from Alzheimer’s Society. He thanked them for their hard work. “The course was a 1 ¼ miles long and for some of

them to do it twice was outstanding. This money will go a long way to supporting people with dementia and their carers.”

As for the friends, they are already planning to take part in next year’s event. Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout September and October.

Hear what they had to say ... on YouTube.

Above: Some of the team members who took part in the Memory Walk

A Very Special Birthday for Doris Happy Birthday to Doris Johnson who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She was born on 23 November, 1913. The young Doris Leadbeater lived in Albany Road, Blackwood, until she was 14 when the family moved to Treowen, Crumlin.

Doris Johnson, who was Jen Barfoot, Chief Executive of Tai Calon, and Doris the 7th of 16 children, went Johnson. into service at the age of keep the brain going and 14 and worked in Weston- 62 at the Avana Bakeries and only gave up then enjoy the occasional small Super-Mare, London and because she was past the glass of sherry.”

Brecon. retirement age.

She has four When she was 19, she met The proud mum of Melvyn grandchildren, twelve her husband Roy, a miner, and Michael, Mrs Johnson great grandchildren at a dance at Crumlin was asked what she and one great, great Miner’s Institute. They thought about reaching grandson. married in July, 1935, and the age of 100: “I would Mrs Johnson has lived moved to Llanhilleth. rather be 40,” she replied. at Grace Pope Court in Mrs Johnson puts her long “I still manage to get out Llanhilleth for nearly four life down to being active. and about a lot. I also play years.

She worked until she was bingo five times a week to Shout 3

Halloween and Bonfire at Davy Evans Court Tenants and friends of Davy Evans Court, one of our Supported Living schemes in Abertillery, celebrated Halloween and Bonfire night.

They enjoyed ghost stories and learnt about the local history. They also had fun collecting “pennies for the guy�, because they wanted to keep the tradition alive.

Below: Residents from Davy Evans also recently enjoyed a trip to the Six Bells Guardian and Heritage Room.

Shout 4

The Warm Home Discount Scheme The deadline for applying to the Warm Home Discount scheme is Friday, 14 March, 2014.

The scheme is funded by energy suppliers and shouldn’t be confused with winter fuel payments. Those who receive an income related benefit and those of pension age can apply. Contact your energy supplier for more details. www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discountscheme has more information as well.

Energy Saving Tips... Energy Saving Tips... Energy Saving Tips...

1. Stay warm, cut costs. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save you as much as £60 per year. Also, keeping your heating on constantly on a low heat could potentially save you more money than switching it on and off for big blasts of heat.

2. Get cosy. Wearing more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house, and putting an extra blanket on the bed means you won’t be tempted to turn the heating up.

3. Turn the pressure down on the power shower, you’d be surprised how much water they use - sometimes even more than a bath.

4. Heat your home with cooking. Leave the oven door open after cooking to let the heat warm your kitchen. The oven might give off enough heat for you to adjust your thermostat.

5. Shrink your bills, not your clothes.

90% of a washing machine’s energy expenditure is spent on heating the water, so if you wash your clothes at 30-40 °C you’re saving significant amounts of money.

6. Switch it off and save. Unplug all the appliances that you aren’t using regularly - even chargers continue to use electricity when they aren’t charging. Also, make sure you’re not leaving appliances on standby.

7. Make things easy for your fridge and freezer. Keeping them full means they don’t have to work as hard and therefore they use less energy.

8. Use the right ring for the right thing. If your cooker has a small ring, use a small pan. You might only be heating up a small meal, and doing so in a big pan wastes a lot of energy.

9. Close the curtains. Shut out the winter nights and keep your heat in, but make sure you don’t drape your curtains over radiators as this will send the heat straight out of your windows!

10. Want a cuppa? Only boil the amount of water you need instead of filling the kettle up. The kettle uses a huge amount of electricity every time you turn it on.

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A Record Breaking Day Out More than 700 people attended our third tenant funday in July. Tai Fest which was held at our office in Blaina broke all previous attendance records.

The day had been organised by Kelsey Watkins from our Communities Team, shortly before she left to take up a new job.

Kelsey had been delighted by the turnout.

“Tai Fest was another great, free, family day out. The clouds meant it wasn’t too hot and every one had a fabulous time.

And we know tenants enjoyed it because of all the lovely compliments on the day and afterwards on our Facebook.”

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Philip Crozier and Dr Norma Barry

The event was paid for by Keepmoat, one of our contractors working with us to bring your homes up to Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Jen Barfoot, Chief Executive, said: “We are very grateful to Keepmoat for its sponsorship. The money we had set aside to pay for Tai Fest can now be used for other things to benefit tenants.”

However, the day was tinged with sadness. Philip Crozier, who has been Chair of Tai Calon, stood down at the end of the Annual General Meeting, which was held during Tai Fest.

Philip Crozier who was previously the Chair of the Shadow Board for 18 months, said: “I am very sad in lots of ways about standing down. However, I am very proud of everything that the Board and Tai Calon has achieved.”

As we announced in your Neighbourhood Newsletter - the new Chair is Dr Norma Barry.

Dr Barry grew up in the South Wales Valleys and worked for the then Welsh Office and more recently the

Welsh Government. She is a former Senior Civil Servant with extensive central government experience and an excellent knowledge of Wales’s economic, political and social challenges.

She now runs her own company, InsideOut: Organisational Solutions which delivers a wide range of services for public and voluntary organisations, and private companies.

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News from Your Neighbourhood Teams Its now been a year since we set up our neighbourhood teams. They deal with everything from rents, anti social behaviour, neighbourhood management and the letting of homes.

The aim is to improve the way we work and our services to tenants. Each area has a Valley Manager. They are:

Ceri Owen for Sirhowy

Phil Hackling in Ebbw Fach

Rachel Mason in Ebbw Fawr

They also have responsibility for other specialist areas as well.

to identify any issues in your community. We also produce and deliver local newsletters, which have stories and details of events in your area.

Government’s bedroom tax offering advice and support.

Ceri Owen looks after income management, Phil Hackling, anti social behaviour and lettings and Rachel Mason, Supported Living.

So what have they been up to?

Hello from your Neighbourhood Teams, 2013 has been a very busy year for us.

We carry out regular neighbourhood walks 18

Your Neighbourhood Mangers are now a familiar face to you, so if you have any questions or problems please do get in touch with us by telephoning 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

We have also visited more than a 1,000 tenants affected by the UK

We successfully helped 56 tenants apply for a one off Discretionary Housing Payment. This means those tenants received extra money to pay the shortfall in their rent.

We also arranged for 19 families to move to smaller homes so that they’re no longer affected by the bedroom tax.

There are many different ways in which you can pay your rent. Our new direct

debit scheme means you can choose the day of the week or month when the money comes out of your account.

We have also listened to feedback from new tenants and have improved our pre-tenancy procedures.

We are now getting a 100% satisfaction rate from people signing up and having the keys to their new home.

We do our best to work with and support tenants if a problem arises with their tenancy.

This usually involves us

working with Blaenau Gwent Council’s Environmental Health and Social Service departments, Gwent Police as well as organisations which can offer free and independent debt advice.

While we are able to help most people, we will evict those who don’t pay their rent or cause a nuisance to others.

We are heavily involved in community activities and have helped set up tenant and resident associations.

We can also offer practical

support in the form of a £250 grant.

The Future…

We have lots planned for 2014 … we are looking at different ways in which we can make a real difference in your community.

Remember that we are here for you. So please contact us if you have any concerns or suggestions … and if you have any stories for your Neighbourhood Newsletter.

Thanks, Your Local Neighbourhood Team.

These are your Neighbourhood Managers

Andrew Offers

Angharad Lewis

Briony Harris

Darrell Dewar

Gill Roberts

Helen Megraw

Karen Croft

Lisa Webley

Robert Kidd

Tracey Meryick

Emma Ridout

Natasha Jones

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Your Neighbourhood, Your Choice Hello, I am Andy MacDougall, Project Manager.

We are spending £14 million over the next few years to transform and regenerate the open spaces and public areas in your communities. This is part of the £111 million being invested by 2015 to bring all your homes to Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

At the heart of our consultations are you … the tenants and residents living in Blaenau Gwent.

Since April we have carried out roadshows in 12 neighbourhoods.

On average more than a quarter of tenants and residents living in the different communities have given us feedback on what they want to happen in their area.

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We’ve been out and about meeting you on our roadshows

Working and Learning Together Better car parking and play areas have been common themes.

We use the feedback you gave us to put together a development action plan.

For example, in St James Way, Tredegar, we have now obtained planning permission for a car park and landscaping scheme.

During our roadshows, a number of people have expressed an interest in getting more involved.

As a result we will soon be offering environmental improvement training to tenants via the “Transforming Open Spaces� initiative.

If you would like more details about this or more information about Your Neighbourhood, Your Choice, please contact me on 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

During the year our Communities Team has been busy in your neighbourhoods.

They helped organise a number of community clean up days, in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, and family events in your neighbourhoods.

Please do get in touch if you would like them to do something in your area.

They can also arrange a range of training courses, from learning about customer care to IT skills. The courses are free and we can help with transport and childcare.

For more information ring the Communities Team on 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

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Welfare Reform Earlier this year the UK Government began its planned changes to the benefit system.

Sarah Freeman, our Economic and Financial Inclusion Manager, explains what has happened and what is yet to come.

She also has some tips on how to avoid getting into debt this Christmas and how to avoid the illegal money lenders.

She also has news of a new type of bank account called credEcard … it won’t let you go overdrawn, you can ring fence money and earn cash rewards as well.

Welfare Reform Well, welfare reform is well and truly underway, a number of changes have already happened such as the bedroom tax while others have been delayed. Here is a brief run down of the changes that could affect you:

Bedroom Tax The bedroom tax came into effect in April this year. Just to recap, anyone claiming housing benefit and living in social housing would have their housing benefit cut if they are deemed to have a spare bedroom. That’s a reduction of 14% for one bedroom and 25% for two or more bedrooms.

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So how many bedrooms are you allowed according to the UK Government

• A girl or boy are expected to share a room with a brother or sister if they are both under 10 • In cases of shared custody, where a child lives, will depend on which parent receives the child benefit • If you are disabled and need a spare bedroom for a carer who doesn’t live at your home, they may be entitled to a bedroom.

• One bedroom for the tenant and their partner • One bedroom for anyone aged 16 or over (such as a grown up child) or a couple over 16 • Two sisters or two brothers under 16 are expected to share a bedroom

We have contacted everyone affected by the bedroom tax. Even if you didn’t need help at the time, please do contact your Neighbourhood Manager on 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm if you are now struggling to cope.

Universal Credit

month and in arrears.

Universal Credit was due to start in October, but has been delayed. It merges six benefits into one: Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, ESA, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and Housing Benefit. Universal Credit will be paid into a bank account, once a

It will be a huge change for people used to receiving money at various times throughout the month.

Christmas Tips Here are my five top Christmas tips to stay debt free:

1 2 3 4 5

Be realistic about what you can afford. There’s no point in getting into debt for Christmas and having to worry about how you will pay the money back for the rest of the year.

Shop around for the best deals.

Use Ebay and voucher websites to get the lowest price and avoid high interest shops such as Brighthouse and Pay As You View.

Remember the New Year bills.

Gas and electric bills which arrive in January and February will normally be higher than at other times of the year… so do allow for this in your budgeting.

Make home made presents.

Nothing is more personal than a home made present, get creative and save money!

If you have overspent – GET HELP NOW! Don’t ignore the problem as it won’t go away. Avoid companies that charge you for their help.

Claims for Universal Credit will have to be done online. We can help with training in IT skills and in accessing the internet or a computer, if you don’t have either.

Debt and repayment worries If you are struggling to sort out your finances, now is the time to get the help you need.

You can speak to us, by ringing 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. There are also a number of organisations that offer FREE and INDEPENDENT advice.

National Debt Line www.nationaldebtline.co.uk or call 0808 808 4000, Monday to Friday between 9am and 9pm and on Saturday from 9.30am-1pm.

Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call 08444 772020

Step Change

www.stepchange.org or telephone its FREEPHONE helpline, 0800 138 1111 Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm.

Your Benefits are Changing

a

www.yourbenefitsarechanging.co.uk or call 0300 303 1073 or text Change to 80018 Remember, we won’t know if you have a problem unless you tell us.

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BEAT THE LOAN SHARKS – BITE BACK! Who do you turn to when the rent’s overdue, the gas bill’s higher than you expected, or the washing machine breaks down?

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of turning to a loan shark.

That’s the advice of the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit.

The Unit, which is part of Trading Standards, finds and prosecutes illegal money lenders across Wales.

Loan sharks will rip off borrowers by charging very high interest rates. An APR of 150,000% isn’t unheard of!

“Sharks don’t give you paperwork explaining the terms of the loan, and you have to keep paying them back until they decide you can stop. They may appear friendly when they offer the loan, and when you pay - it’s when you can’t pay that you see the other side of them”, explains Steven Hay, WIMLU manager.

It can get worse than just being ripped off. Loan sharks use threats and sometimes violence to make sure their victims keep paying. Steven Hay 24

warns that the helpful person who offers to lend you some cash may not be such a good guy. “Victims have found themselves forced into criminal activity to pay back the sharks. We have come across children pushed into shoplifting, and women pressurised into prostitution by these criminals.”

If you are a victim of a loan shark victim, or think one is operating in your neighbourhood, telephone the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit on its 24 hour Hotline: 0300 123 3311. You can phone anonymously if you want.

The bank card and current account that gives you cash rewards This month we are joining forces with credEcard to offer a different type of banking to tenants. credEcard is a pre-paid Visa debit card which gives you up to 15% cash back and up to 60% online discount with over 1,600 retailers every month.

Anyone signing up for credEcard gets a bank sort code and account number … so money can be paid into the account and you can pay bills, like your rent, by standing order.

There is a small monthly fee of £1.50 but the advantage of credEcard is that you can’t go a penny overdrawn.

It is simple to sign up for the card, there are no credit checks. All you need is proof of your ID and address and as a tenant of Tai Calon you are guaranteed a card, regardless of your credit history.

For more information about credEcard visit www.credEcard.com, telephone 0844 412 1717, or contact us on 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

We know how hard it can be to give up smoking but when you’re ready to stop you don’t have to go it alone.

Stop Smoking Wales offers free, friendly, local, NHS support that really works. Research has shown you are four times more likely to quit with a support programme like Stop Smoking Wales than in any other way.

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Tenants contents insura

BEING IN TO WIN IT

Tenants contents insurance Tenants contents insurance Tenants contents insurance

Two lucky tenants are each £200 richer – just because they were in when we came to carry out their annual gas safety check.

Didyou you know?

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Tenants contents insurance is available for Tenants contents is available fo Tenants contents insurance is available for less than you may think, starting at just starting at just lessthan than you may think, less you may think, starting at just £1.50* per week…

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Don’t it!

Don’tmiss miss Don’t miss it!

Irene Harper from Ebbw Vale (pictured) and Sarah Edwards from Tredegar won after their names were selected at random in our prize draw.

The annual gas safety check is not only a legal requirement – it is also there to keep you and your loved ones safe in your home.

It costs us £50 every time our gas engineers are unable to get into a tenant’s home to carry out the check.

So keep your first appointment and you too will be entered into our prize draw.

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it!

• Friendly claims service, to make sure you are looked after properly No excess – nothing to to paymake when youyou make claim after properly • Friendly claims service, sure are alooked Contents asservice, new clothing and linen) Friendly to you make sure youhousehold are looked after prop ••No excessreplaced – claims nothing to pay(excluding when make a claim •• Friendly claims service, to make sure you are looked after properly Rented goods included Contents replaced as new (excluding clothing and household linen) • No excess – nothing to pay when you make a claim •• No excess – nothing to pay when you make a claim Rented goods included • Contents replaced as new (excluding clothing and household • Contents replaced as new (excluding clothing and household linen) Rented goods included ••Rented goods included

Call our insurance team on Call our3031717 insurance team on 0300 0300 3031717 Call insurance teamteam on Callour our insurance

0300 03003031717 3031717

*£1.50 is based on standard cover for £9,000 of standard contents cover.

Quote is subject to eligibility criteria.

Premiums quoted insurance taxstandard (IPT) at contents the appropriate *£1.50 is based oninclude standard cover forpremium £9,000 of cover. rate.

Quote is subject to eligibility criteria.

FP8478.10.13 Premiums quoted include insurance premium tax (IPT) at the appropriate rate. *£1.50 is based on standard cover for £9,000 of standard contents cover.

FP8478.10.13 Quote is subject to eligibility criteria.

Premiums quoted include insurance premium tax (IPT) at the appropriate rate.

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*£1.50 is based on standard cover for £9,000 of standard contents cover.

Quote is subject to eligibility criteria.

Premiums quoted include insurance premium tax (IPT) at the appropriate rate.

FP8478.10.13

on

2for1 Time Banking Launch We have revamped our Time Banking scheme with the launch of 2for1 at the Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr.

More than fifty tenants and children joined us for the event with a free, private showing of the family film “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2”.

2for1 is a great way to help us and earn a special treat.

For every two hours of your time, we will give you one time banking voucher.

You could spend them on everything from a manicure to a day trip … and from the New Year – to watching a film at the Market Hall as well.

There are lots of great ways to earn a 2for1 voucher.

You can take part in a community event, be a neighbourhood advocate or attend a meeting. What you do and how much time

you give us, is up to you.

Getting involved can mean you make a real difference.

Jen Griffiths is a member of the Quality Design Forum. It is responsible for monitoring the fixtures and fittings we use as well as the standard of work carried out.

Jen Griffiths added: “The taps chosen for the new bathrooms in Lower Hilltop were a cylinder type and temperature controlled.

Anyone with arthritic hands would have difficulty turning them on and off.”

She raised the problem at QDF. Technical Services Manager, Andrew Cooke and Mike Betty, Quantity Surveyor, found a replacement lever tap,

which was approved for use

by QDF. It will now be used in all future installations and in homes where tenants are struggling to use the other tap.

“This really goes to show how we can really make a difference. We would also like to thank Andy, Mike and the rest of the team for their hard work in sourcing the replacement tap,” said Jen Griffiths.

To find out more about how you can get involved speak to a member of our Communities Team on 0300 303 1717, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

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If you would like this booklet on audio CD, in Braille, in large print, in an alternative language or in a format you can read on a PC please contact us.

Os hoffech gael y llyfryn hwn ar CD sain, mewn Braille, mewn print bras, mewn iaith arall neu ar fformat y gallwch ei ddarllen ar gyfrifiadur personol, cysylltwch â ni.

Jeśli chcesz broszury na CD audio, w alfabecie Braille’a, dużą czcionką, w innym języku lub w formacie można odczytać na komputerze prosimy o kontakt.

Visit our offices or write to us at: Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent. NP13 3JW

Telephone us on: 0300 303 1717

Email us at: info@taicalon.org

Text taicalon to 60030, followed by your message.

Find us on the web at: www.taicalon.org

Fax: 01495 290 501