Intouch Summer 2015

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intouch ISSUE 83 | SUMMER 2015 | FREE

The magazine for residents of Wales & West Housing

In this issue...

Residents celebrate our 50th anniversary Work experience at Wales & West Housing MAD Awards 2015 – who’s your hero?

Making best use of your emergency alarm

Making a Difference Grants

- Your Community -

- Your Environment -

- Your Future -

Do you need help to kick start community activities where you live? Perhaps you want to start a gardening project at your scheme?

Or maybe you need help to get back into work, education or training?

Our Making a Difference grants could help

You can watch the stories of Cheryl and Oak Court Gardening Club on our website!

To find out more, call us on 0800 052 2526, visit www.wwha.co.uk or speak to your Housing Officer

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Editor’s Letter Hello all and welcome to the summer 2015 edition of InTouch, the magazine especially for residents of Wales & West Housing.

As usual we’ve tried to bring you a mix of the latest news from WWH, your stories and advice on a range of issues - including changes to benefits following the recent Budget Announcement (page 33) and how to make the best use of your personal emergency alarm (page 28).

Our Making a Difference Awards are fast approaching, and there’s not long left for you to nominate the unsung heroes of your neighbourhood. So if you know a WWH resident or group whose efforts make a big difference to your community, or someone who’s overcome hardships to turn their life around, be sure to let us know! You can head to page 6 for more information about this year’s award categories and how to make a nomination.

To mark WWH’s 50th anniversary, we introduced a special party grant for you, our residents, to host a celebratory event and bring your community together. We’re pleased to see so many of you getting involved – indeed, we’ve received tons of photos from those of you who have held parties so far! Turn to page 15 to find a special WWH 50th anniversary feature, with a selection of just some of the pics you’ve sent us. If you haven’t yet held a party at your scheme and are interested in doing so, speak to your housing officer, scheme manager or call us on 0800 052 2526 to find out more.

So we hope you enjoy this edition of InTouch. Until next time, take care and happy reading!

Contents

WWH News & Info 04 Going Green 11 Development Update 13 WWH 50th Anniversary 15 Work. Skills. Experience 18 Quarterly Report 23 Health and Safety 28 Emergency Alarm Annual Report 30 Making a Difference to your Community 32 Money Matters 33 Planned Maintenance 35 Charity Update 36 Your News and Views 38 Birthdays and Anniversaries 42

Did you know that you can now get more news and updates online?

Follow us on twitter @wwha

Other languages and formats If you would like a copy of this edition of In Touch in Welsh or in another language or format, for example in large print, please let us know and we will help you.

Contact Us Wales & West Housing, 3 Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Tremorfa, Cardiff CF24 2UD.

Telephone: 0800 052 2526 Text: 07788 310420 Email: contactus@wwha.co.uk Website: www.wwha.co.uk You can also contact members of staff direct by their email.

For example, joe.bloggs@wwha.co.uk

04 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | News and General Information

Minister opens £16.9m Hightown development Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, officially opened our £16.9m ground-breaking affordable housing development in Hightown on 5th June.

of £7.3 million. The project has not only provided dozens of good quality, affordable homes, but also boosted the local economy through creating jobs and training opportunities.

To mark the occasion, the Minister helped residents to bury a time capsule which included a copy of the Wrexham Leader.

“Together with the community resource centre and medical centre, the homes have transformed the centre of the town. The Hightown development is an excellent example of partnership working which is helping to deliver our vision for housing in Wales and I wish all of the tenants every happiness in their new homes.”

Wales & West Housing contracted Anwyl Construction to build 147 good quality, energy efficient affordable homes across two sites on Kingsmills Road and neighbouring Rivulet Road.

Residents first started moving in two years ago and the final development, known as the Tannery on Rivulet Road, was completed in March this year.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, said: “I’m pleased the Welsh Government has been able to support this new housing development with funding

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWH, said: “I am very proud of our biggest construction project for many years which has regenerated the heart of Wrexham, making a positive difference to the community. This was made possible thanks to our partnership and funding from the Welsh Government and Wrexham County Borough Council.”

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Can Do Club wins top award! their hand at various crafts, gardening, games and karaoke, listen to guest speakers, fundraise or simply to share a cup of tea and chat. We know that this helps to break down barriers between the able-bodied and those with disabilities and we are very proud to be able to support this club by providing a venue for it to meet and by funding equipment for activities with our Making a Difference grants.

The Can Do Club, which meets at Ty Ddewi retirement scheme in Ton Pentre, has won the User in Housing Related Support Award at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Cymru Awards 2015.

And Dee Thorne, founder and chair of the club, was a runner up in the TPAS Cymru Outstanding Achievement in Participation Award 2015.

Dee, 59, who has fought back after a devastating stroke 5 years ago left her at the time unable to talk, walk or write, said: “I feel very humble. I don’t do all these things with Dee Thorne in mind. I do it for lonely people out there, to give them somewhere to get together, perhaps learn something new, but mainly so they can talk and hopefully not feel so down anymore.”

Steve Porter, Operations Director at WWH, said: “The Can Do Club has been running since 2013 and has made a terrific difference to the lives of dozens of disabled – and able-bodied – people in the area.

“Every fortnight up to 20 people meet in the communal lounge at Ty Ddewi to try

“We are delighted that the work of this wonderful club has been recognised by TPAS Cymru, and even more pleased that Dee Thorne, the inspiration behind the club, has been personally honoured for her work.”

We’ve been shortlisted for a Top Employers for Working Families Award!

WWH has achieved another first in being the only housing association in the UK to be shortlisted in the Top Employers for Working Families Special Awards 2015.

Working Families recently announced the official shortlist for the awards, which are sponsored by Computershare. WWH was shortlisted for the Best for Supporting Line Managers category, sponsored by Direct Line.

This is the fourth year running the organisation has been shortlisted for a Top Employers for Working Families Special Award, having previously won the Best For Career Progression for Flexible Workers Special Award in 2013.

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Who’s Your Hero?

On Friday 6th November 2015, we’ll be holding our eighth annual Making a Difference Awards at The Vale Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Our Making a Difference Awards recognise and celebrate those people who have had a positive impact on the lives of others. You know who they are - the unsung heroes of your community, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This is your chance to show your appreciation for that unsung hero.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 4th September 2015. If you’d like to nominate someone special, simply call Keri or Sharon in our Communications Team on 0800 052 2526.

The Categories Community Project

Has someone done something in your neighbourhood that has changed life in your area for the better? This category is open to individuals or groups of all ages and the project can be about anything that has benefited to your community.

Good Neighbour

We want to recognize those people whose ‘small’ day to day actions make a big difference to someone else’s life. This category is open to individuals of all ages.

Green Fingers

This category is all about celebrating those great gardeners out there whose handiwork makes somewhere beautiful and brightens up the community.

Open to all ages, both groups and individuals. Photographic evidence is essential for this award.

Fresh Start

This category is for those amazing people who’ve overcome tough times to turn their life around for the better. Open to individuals of all ages.

Local Hero

This award celebrates the extraordinary achievements of those who go above and beyond to help others, or the community as a whole. It’s open to groups or individuals of any age.

Eco Champion

Do you know someone who is into recycling? Do they organise litter picks?

Have they started growing their own fruit and veg? We are looking for individuals or groups of any age who make that effort when it comes to being ‘greener’.

Rising Star

New for 2015, this category celebrates the contributions made by young people to our communities. Open to our residents (or those who work closely with them) aged 25 and under who have had a significant and positive impact on their community.

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Tackling anti-social behaviour:

Community Trigger The Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 has seen the introduction of the Community Trigger to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Community Trigger gives victims of anti-social behaviour the opportunity to request a case review if they feel that no action or inadequate action has been taken by the local public bodies.

North Wales

Anglesey County Council:

01248 750057

Conwy Borough County Council:

01492 574000

Denbighshire County Council:

01824 706101

Flintshire County Council:

01352 702590

A review can be made by the victim or on behalf of the victim by a family member, carer, MP or councillor.

Gwynedd County Council:

A request for a case review can be made if the trigger threshold has been met. The threshold across Wales is three incidents within a six month period, and all incidents must have occurred within one month of being reported.

01978 292000

The Community Trigger application itself must be made to the relevant public body that has received the three reports.

To help, we’ve provided contact details for the relevant public bodies for you.

01766 771000

Wrexham Borough County Council: North Wales Housing:

01492 572727 Grwp Cynefin:

0300 1112122 Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd:

0300 1238084 Cartrefi Conwy:

01745 335361 Clwyd-Alun:

01978 364449 Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board:

01248 682682 (ext 2665)

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South Wales Cardiff

Lucy Baldwin Willcox House, Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff, CF11 0BA Tel: 02920 537199 Email: lbaldwin@cardiff.gov.uk

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend

Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

Paul Lewis Neath Police Station, Gnoll Park Rd, Neath SA11 3BW Tel: 01639 889723 Email: Paul.Lewis5 @south-wales.pnn. police.uk

Julie-Madoc Smart Barry Fire Station, Barry, CF62 3AZ Tel: 01446 450200 Email: Julie.Madoc-Smart@south-wales.pnn. police.uk

Rhondda Cynon Taff

Merthyr

Gwent

Ryan Evans MTCBC, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN Tel: 01685 725472 Email: Ryan.Evans@merthyr.gov.uk

Richard Thomas Ty Elai, Dinas Isaf East, Williamstown, Tonypandy, CF40 1NY Tel: 01443 425613 Email: richard.o.thomas@rctcbc.gov.uk Natalie Kenny Caerphilly County Borough Council, Penallta House, Tredomen Park, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly CF82 7PG Tel: 01443 864374 Email: kennyn@caerphilly.gov.uk

Powys

Fay Smith Powys County Hall, Spa Road East, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5LG Tel: 01597 827315 Email: fay.smith@powys.gov.uk

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Community celebrates

Festival of Nations Residents celebrated cultures from across the world in a family fun day on 15th August at Hightown Community Resource Centre.

The event had activities for all the family, including African drumming, singing from Wrexham’s Singing Hands, karate, line dancing, plus an animal encounter where people met some exotic creatures!

There was also a bouncy castle, giant games, face painting and a design a flag competition.

Hightown Community Resource Centre is in the heart of Wrexham, offering classes and rooms at affordable prices for individuals, families and local businesses to enjoy.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, said: “Wrexham is a multicultural community and I’m delighted to see residents celebrating their different

cultures. It’s also great to see them enjoying the community resource centre which is now in its second year.”

To find out more about Hightown Community Resource Centre, please visit www.facebook.com/hightowncrc or ring 0300 123 20 70 to make a booking.

Need help

finding work?

If you live in Bridgend and need assistance in finding and applying for jobs, Oracle Services can help.

Based in the town centre, the service provides free help with CV and cover letter writing, support with Universal Job Match, assistance with applications and advice on interview skills. There’s also free access to computers.

Oracle Services run sessions for the above every Tuesday from 10am-2pm at The Oracle, 18 Adare Street, Bridgend CF31 1EJ.

For more information, call 0300 0030 261 or email info@oracle-services.co.uk

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Nant y Môr Extra Care Scheme in Prestatyn offers state-of-the-art accommodation for older people

Living at Nant y Môr Geoff and Ruth Woodhead know they can really celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary without any worries as they are living better lives at our Nant y Môr scheme.

Nant y Môr, on the coastal road in Prestatyn, has beautiful views to the sea and mountains.

Geoff and Ruth, who celebrate their golden anniversary this summer, were both struggling to look after each other so found the best solution for them was to move to Nant y Môr.

Ruth said: “Neither of us are well enough to look after each other so although we had to leave a bungalow in Prestatyn, it was a good move – we’re safe. You’ve got your independence with your apartment having its own front door, but you’ve also got help where it’s needed - you’re not lonely.”

Visit www.wwha.co.uk to see our film of Nant y Môr!

To apply to live at Nant y Môr you need to be aged 60 or over, currently living in Denbighshire and in need of care and support.

For more information, call 0800 052 2526 to speak to our Housing Options Team.

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Volunteers create residents’

garden in just a week!

Staff from WWH, Cambria Maintenance and Hafal Cymru volunteered to create a kitchen garden in just a week for residents living in Wrexham.

Backed by £500 funding from AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham) for a greenhouse and £500 from Keep Wales Tidy for tools, plants, compost bins, a wheelbarrow and first aid kit, the volunteers worked with Hafal residents and their carers to turn a back yard into a pleasant garden.

Within a week, Cambria Maintenance laid the foundations and volunteers built raised beds so that residents can now grow their own fruit and vegetables and enjoy healthy meals.

Karen Edwards, Wrexham and Flintshire Practice Leader for Hafal, said: “There was a lot of wasted space at the back of the garden and residents wanted to explore how they could use it, so we

approached Wales & West Housing to ask for support.”

Encouraged by this support, 10 residents formed a committee and planned the garden makeover. They also received training on healthy eating and cooking, and gained a recognised horticultural qualification Agored Cymru Level 1 in Horticulture & Community Gardening.

Shane Hughes, Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer, said: “We’re happy to support a community initiative like this – it ticks all the boxes and I look forward to seeing Hafal home grown produce in the future.”

Vy Cochran, Community Development Project officer for WWH, said: “It’s brilliant that we’ve seen this garden grow. It’s a great community project for residents! ”

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Bridgend residents open

community garden Anne Hinchey opens the garden at Cwrt Anghorfa

Residents at Cwrt Anghorfa in Bridgend have also celebrated the opening of their community garden.

The event saw those living at the retirement scheme coming together to for a party in the sunshine in June. The garden was then officially opened by Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWH, during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Over the past two years, the garden has undergone a radical transformation thanks to the efforts of Cwrt Anghorfa’s Gardening Club. Founding member and green fingered resident Val Davies, 71, has been the main inspiration behind developing the gardens for all to enjoy.

After moving to Cwrt Anghorfa in July 2013, Val shared her visions for the garden with fellow residents and was soon joined

by Maurice Wood, Phillip David, Joy Essex, Des Hughes, Eddie Williams and Penny Alford to form the gardening club.

The group approached WWH for financial assistance from our Making a Difference grants, which paid for a level access pathway, gazebo, two large raised beds, garden lights, tools and a new fence to provide security. Builder’s merchant Jewson provided up to £3000 for materials, and the group recently bought a shed thanks to a donation from the community council.

Scheme Manager Lucy Clewlow said: “The transformation of the garden has been unbelievable and the gardening club has made a huge difference to the residents.

It’s as if they have had a new lease of life - even residents who were housebound are now able to come out to the garden to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds.”

To find out more about our Making a Difference to Your Environment grant and how we can help, contact Sarah Willcox, Environmental Assistant, on 0800 052 2526 or email contactus@wwha.co.uk

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James’ dream of

independence comes true

James, centre, with the team at the site of his specially adapted new home in Ruabon

Thanks to the partnership of WWH, RL Davies, Disability Wales and the Welsh Government, James Cope, 32, is finally starting to see his dream of independent living come true.

“Now I have returned home, I am ‘disabled’ in more than my body. I cannot live the life I choose, and I am certainly unable to socialise as I would like to. My needs are met by carers.

James, a graduate, is a powered wheelchair user and currently unemployed, although he works as a volunteer for the local police force three mornings each week. Having tasted freedom and independence at university, he has since felt trapped.

“To outsiders I am not seen as an entity as my wheelchair is always perceived first. I have to rely on my parents for support with night calls and to provide me with the necessities of daily life; from basic food and drink, to personal care and household chores.

“I have felt I am impeded by the barriers that are set before me within society as I’m not able to live an independent life like other people of my own age, away from my parents.

“Now, thanks to the patience of WWH and their developers RL Davies, my very specific needs have been acknowledged and my dream is finally becoming a reality. I will have a new bungalow specially built for me in Ruabon.

14 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Development Update “Wrexham Council were instrumental in providing a direct payments package and in securing my future accommodation.

My thanks also go to the support and help I received from Lesley Griffiths AM, Ian Lucas, MP and Paul Swann from Disability Wales.

due to the detailed planning involved in creating a customised space. Small items such as cupboard finishes in the kitchen, choice of worktops and more importantly handles that I can grip along with taps that I can turn and rocker light switches that are large and within my reach.

“In addition and more specifically, my future home has been incredibly exciting

“My dream is finally coming true – all I need now is paid employment!”

Minister praises Rhyl development Finance Minister Jane Hutt paid a visit to our new development in Rhyl, known as Parc Brickfields, and was impressed by the way in which Welsh Government funding has been spent.

The £2.3m development on Cefndy Road is backed by £2.1m from the Welsh Government’s innovative Housing Finance Grant scheme.

The investment is helping to provide 24 affordable homes, comprising 16 houses and eight apartments, which are much needed in Rhyl.

The Minister said: “The Welsh Government is committed to delivering quality, affordable homes and the Brickfields development in Rhyl will help make a real difference to the lives of people who live in them and the community as a whole. It is also playing an important role in providing a boost to the local economy through jobs and training opportunities.”

Finance Minister Jane Hutt with WWH Deputy Chief Executive Shayne Hembrow (centre) and the team at Parc Brickfields.

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WWH 50th Anniversary:

Join the party!

Throughout 2015, WWH is celebrating its 50th anniversary – and we want you, our residents, to celebrate this very special year with us. So we introduced a grant of up to £250 for you to host a WWH 50th anniversary party at your scheme or in your community.

It’s great to see many of you have successfully applied for a grant and hosted an event at your scheme already; indeed, we’ve received tons of photos from your celebrations so far! From tea parties in the communal lounge to family fun days and BBQs in the garden, here’s just a snapshot of some of your 50th celebrations.

Hanover Court, B rid

: WrexhamWWH , h t a p m w Cwrt Pent lebrated with a specialious! ce s delic Residents ake – look c ry a rs e iv 50th ann

gend: Residents came to gether and had a lovely time at th eir party in the communal lounge recently.

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d: Over Brackla Meadows, Bridgen a BBQ and er for 100 residents came togeth ne. The event fun and games in the sunshi proved a huge success!

Norbury Court, Cardiff: Th e Venerable

t am: Residents go Hill Court, Wrexh y with a bouncy

n da together for a fu us much painting, food pl s n’ re castle, child ial cake en made a spec ev p ou gr e Th e. mor hold r helping them to to thank WWH fo the party!

Peggy Jackson, Archdeacon of Llandaff, and children from Cantonian Hig h School Access Base joined residents for a garden party. The children also planted a plu m, pear and apple tree to mark the occasion.

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Sydney Hall Court, Flintshire: A family fun day was organised by reside nts with games, a BBQ and stalls after they received £230 from WWH to help make it happen.

Byron Court, Vale of Glamorgan: The group raised a

glass and enjoyed a WWH 50th annive rsary celebration lu nch at the Gold Club in St Athan.

Keep an eye out in the next edition of InTouch for more photos from your 50th anniversary celebrations – and if you have a party coming up, be sure to send us a picture at contactus@wwha.co.uk

Residents Clos Tan Y Fron, Bridgend: themed

iian had lots of fun with a Hawa school the of rt sta BBQ party at the tle, games and holidays, with a bouncy cas face painting for the kids.

If you haven’t held a party in your community yet, then why not apply for a grant and join in the fun! To find out more, simply speak to your scheme manager or housing officer, or call us on 0800 052 2526.

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Making a Difference

to Your Future Earlier this year, we introduced our Making a Difference to Your Future grant to mark our 50th anniversary. This saw us allocating a pot of £50,000 to help you take part in work, education or training opportunities, or overcome any barriers that have been stopping you in these areas.

with accessories and waterproof clothing.

Natalie says: “The bike has given me an independence that I didn’t have before and I am very grateful. Since having the bike, business has really picked up and I am looking after 10 cats, 3 dogs and 5 chickens over the next 3 weeks!” Good luck with your venture, Natalie!

We’re delighted to see how some of you have benefited from the grant since. Here’s just a few of our residents’ stories on how the grant has helped to turn their lives around.

Natalie’s story

Jennifer’s story

Natalie Rohman, 28, from Cardiff, started up her own pet care business recently.

Natalie loves her job which involves pet sitting, walking animals and feeding them whilst their owners are away or in work.

However, Natalie was struggling with transport between clients’ homes and didn’t have the appropriate clothing to walk the animals. So, having remembered seeing an article in InTouch, she applied for a Making a Difference to Your Future grant, from which she received a bicycle

Jennifer Lunt, 30, from Maes y March in Mold, is a single parent of two children, Oliver, 6, and Isabelle, 8. She has worked in care since she was 17 and enjoyed mental health nursing for eight years. She decided to study for a nursing degree and enrolled at Chester University.

“I didn’t see myself ever going to university but am glad I did,” she said. “I want to gain more skills to allow me to further my career. But I didn’t have a laptop or

Work.Skills.Experience | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 19 printer so I had to rely on the university’s resources. This was a struggle, balancing looking after the children with working on the computer in the library.

Jennifer applied for a grant from WWH and now has a laptop and printer to enable her to work from home. “My course finishes in 2018 – I’m doing this for my children so they can see how worthwhile it is to have a career.”

And here’s just some of the other items we have provided via our Making a Difference to Your Future grant to help our residents:

• University books • Welding course • Forklift truck refresher course • Taxi licence • Tools • Desk and chair • Medical receptionist course • Work clothes

James’ story James Fitzgerald, 63, has lived in Plas Foryd, Kinmel Bay, for a year. He too was struggling without a laptop.

Having just completed a diploma in Forensic Science at Coleg Llandrillo, James is now studying a Medical Sciences degree at Bangor University. “I never stop learning,” he said. “When I complete my degree I want to work in the police force as a forensic scientist but I didn’t have a computer. So when I saw an article about the MAD grants in InTouch, I applied. Six weeks later I received a laptop! I’m really pleased!”

Could a Making a Difference to Your Future grant help you?

Then get in touch!

There’s no set limit on the amount you can apply for, and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

The amount awarded will be what you need to help turn your career or education dreams into a reality. This could include paying for specialist training, suitable clothing for job interviews or purchasing equipment to help you start your business.

For more information, contact our Employment and Enterprise Coach Kristin Vaughan on 0800 052 2526 or email kristin.vaughan@wwha.co.uk

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Work Experience at WWH: Our residents join the team In the last edition of InTouch, we told you about our work experience programme at our head office in Cardiff.

The two week programme was created especially for WWH residents who are unemployed or looking to gain new skills.

In July, we introduced our successful candidates, Kyle Hexter, Kosar Darwish, Sarah Denton and Leanne Davies to the WWH team.

They each spent time learning about WWH and different work place roles in a variety of departments - from Housing, and Property Services to PR and Comms, HR, Admin, ICT and Finance.

Our work experience candidates also received a nationally recognised qualification in employability skills - namely the Agored Cymru Level 1 Maintaining Work Standards – as well as advice about further employment opportunities and training and a certificate of achievement.

We also had a three month placement at WWH to offer one of the candidates at the end of their placement, following a review of their progress and an interview.

Our fab four all did exceptionally well, and though it was a tough call, our team was delighted to offer Kyle Hexter the opportunity to continue working with us for a further three months.

Talking about the work experience programme, Cate Dooher, Head of Corporate Services at WWH, said: “This is the first time that we have offered work experience opportunities to our residents. It was a real pleasure to host the programme and staff from right across WWH got involved, enabling us to offer Kyle, Kosar, Sarah and Leanne a whole range of opportunities.

“I know as an organisation we have really benefitted from the programme and staff have really enjoyed having our residents with us and welcoming them to the team. The participants made a fantastic contribution and have helped us to shape the programme moving forward.”

Here’s how Kyle, Kosar, Sarah and Leanne got on during their time with us, and what they thought of life at WWH.

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Kyle has now started a 3 month work placement at our head office in Cardiff

Kyle Hexter, 17, Cardiff “I found out about the work experience programme from a family member who had received InTouch. Having just finished an ICT course at college, I thought it would be a great idea in order to gain experience and get the Level 1 Maintaining Work Standards qualification, which will help me to get a job.

“It was great to have an input into WWH’s work and I got stuck in and treated it as my actual job. I’ve worked all over the offices and have also been out meeting other residents. As a resident myself, it’s brilliant to get that inside view - understanding the processes and how or why things are done. And finding out about the WWH values too, that was really good, it struck me how the values are very important to everyone here.

“Before I came on the work experience programme at WWH I was fixed on ICT as a career, but the experience has really opened up my mind to other job roles I could look at in the future.

“My confidence has grown massively, especially with talking to strangers and working in an office environment. You can really be yourself here and the people are great. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

Sarah Denton, 47, Cardiff “I found out about the work experience placement from a member of the WWH team. I’ve really enjoyed my time here – particularly the hands-on parts, meeting the lovely people and learning about the values of the organisation.

“The experience has allowed me to learn many new skills and improve my existing skill set. It’s benefited me personally – it’s given me a sense of purpose.”

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Kosar, 39, Cardiff “I come from Northern Iraq and have lived here for just over 12 years. Before coming to the UK, I did a degree in statistics and I used to teach maths. I’m now a self-employed interpreter and work in a restaurant too.

Leanne Davies, 36, Merthyr Tydfil “I’m currently training to be an administrative assistant and I also volunteer. I wanted to further my career and experience, so when I found out about the WWH work experience programme I decided to give it a go.

“I’ve enjoyed working in all the departments whilst I’ve been at WWH and I’ve tried lots of different things.

I especially enjoyed working with the Housing Options Team and HR. It’s a new experience, new environment and I’ve picked up lots of skills.

“I’ve loved working with spreadsheets and other administrative tasks such as writing letters and making telephone enquiries. Working in housing was great too. I’ve enjoyed everything to be honest!

“Everyone here has been lovely and it’s an excellent organisation to work for.

The placement has been very useful and beneficial for me. I would encourage other residents most definitely to apply – everyone here is very helpful and it’ll be a great experience for you too I’m sure.”

“It’s given me loads of confidence coming here, especially about getting back into the workplace. I’d definitely encourage other residents to apply for future opportunities– it’ll give you the confidence needed and will stop you from being nervous about going back to work.”

Stay tuned for further WWH work experience programmes coming soon, including opportunities in North Wales! And if you want advice or assistance on getting back into work, education or training, contact Kristin Vaughan, our Employment and Enterprise Coach, on 0800 052 2526 or email contactus@wwha.co.uk

Quarterly Report | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 23

Quarterly Report: keeping you in the picture In the last edition of InTouch, we introduced our new look quarterly report to keep you updated with how we’re doing as an organisation.

Homes

many residents are in rent arrears and how long it takes to let a home.

In each issue, we’ll also provide you with a special feature with further information on one of these areas.

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These new infographics present the key facts about howisWWH is performing in a nu ance urhood Neighbo clear pictorial format, as you’ll see over 2015 the next 4120 pages.

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2014 Within our infographics we’llVAgive you N DA LI SM E IS the lowdown onN Oeach of our key systems – building homes, repairs, rent and neighbourhood nuisance (P24-25).

So you can find out everything - from how many homes we’ve built so far this year and the most commonly reported anti-social behaviour issues, to how TH E M AI

N AN TI-SO

CI AL BE HA

VI OU R ISS

UES

AN IM AL E NU ISA NC

This time, we’ve focussed upon repairs (P26-27). We know that when something breaks or goes wrong, you want us to fix the problem quickly.

So our special feature infographic is all about how many repairs we’ve completed so far this year, how long they take to complete, issues encountered and what WWH is doing to make our repair service even better for you, our residents.

Please take a good look and if you have any comments, or if there’s something further you’d like to see within our future infographics, we’d love to hear from you.

You can email us on contactus@wwha.co.uk or call us on 0800 052 2526.

24 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Quartly Report

Healthy Living | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 25

FOCUS ON WE MADE 13,101 REPAIRS

January - June 2015

2273

2264

2154

2075

2288

2047

GRO

E

8,394

UN

3,307

DSWO

532

Average number of days to complete all repairs DAYS

20 15 10 5 0

15.55

14.56

13.09

10.56

14.50

Jan-Mar 2014

Apr-Jun 2014

Jul-Sep 2014

Oct-Dec 2014

Jan-Mar 2015

The time it takes to complete repairs are longer than we would like...

17.20

Apr-Jun 2015

We are improving our computer system to help us understand jobs better and schedule more work into a day.

More work done means less waiting time!

RK

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- SKILL LTI

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First six months (2015)

N REPAIRS % of all repairs completed in one visit

%

100 75 50 25 0

63.69

62.00

62.43

65.07

62.55

61.17

Jan-Mar 2014

Apr-Jun 2014

Jul-Sep 2014

Oct-Dec 2014

Jan-Mar 2015

Apr-Jun 2015

Reasons for not completing jobs on a first visit Further materials required 4% Couldn’t access property to complete repair

23% 49%

Large repair requiring further visit 5%

Two person repair requiring further assistance

19%

Specialist trade Work that is ongoing to improve our first visit fix rate Continually looking at the right parts to have on the van by looking at common jobs Training operatives to do work on repairs that often need more than one visit, such as specialist windows Extending and improving the appointment system to decrease access issues

7.31%

Appointments met

FEBRUARY Su 1

92.69%

Appointments re-arranged

Mo

Tu

We

Th

Fr

Sa

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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15

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FEBRUARY

28 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Health and Safety

Making best use of your personal alarm

Your WWH personal alarm

So how does the service work?

Sometimes we all need a bit of extra support and help. Our personal alarm service can provide you with peace of mind by helping you to live independently in your own home.

We can provide you with:

WWH has been providing its Connect24 telephone and telecare services for over ten years – we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We currently provide support to over 8,500 households across Wales, answering an average of 495 calls a day.

• A small alarm unit in your home, plugged into your electricity supply and your telephone line.

• An alarm button that can be worn as a pendant, on a wristband or clipped to your clothing.

If you get into difficulty, you can press your alarm button and our experienced staff will answer your call immediately.

Health and Safety | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 29 We can talk to you via the alarm unit and you will be able to answer us.

We record all your important details on our secure computer system and when you press your alarm button we can call the help you need. Sometimes a chat with our staff may be enough, but we can also call a relative, friend or carer if required. If the situation is more serious, we can alert your doctor or ring for an ambulance. We will stay on the line with you until help arrives so that you don’t feel alone.

We are able to provide this service to any of our residents, as long as there is a suitable telephone line and power socket, for a small weekly charge.

If you’d like to find out more about our Connect24 personal alarm service, just call us on 0800 052 2526.

Already have one of our personal alarms?

Here’s some top advice for making the best use of your alarm system: • Get into the habit of wearing your personal alarm at all times in your home. There are key times when people may have a fall – such as getting up at night to pop to the loo, or getting in and out of the bath or shower.

• We advise that you keep your alarm button close to hand when in the bath or shower, just to be safe. Don’t worry about getting it

splashed a little, it will still work afterwards.

• Please don’t be worried about accidentally setting off your alarm – we really don’t mind and would rather you be safe. In fact, we receive approximately 1,500 accidental calls per month, so it’s part of our day-to-day activity.

We’ll simply check you’re okay.

• Make sure you check your pendant is working once a month. Just press the button to set it off and tell us it’s a test call. If you haven’t activated your alarm within 3 months, we’ll contact you to check it.

• If you don’t have a pendant at the moment and just have a pull cord in your home, then we encourage you to contact us for a pendant – it’s free for WWH residents.

• If you have any questions about your alarm, contact us on 0800 052 2526 or activate your alarm to speak to one of our call handlers.

We answer approximately 10 emergency calls a day. Here’s just a few of our customer’s comments: “The alarm was answered promptly and they got help to me quickly.

Without the alarm I could have been on the floor for quite some time. I wear the pendant every day and feel safer knowing it is there.”

“Mum broke her hip outside and the alarm system still worked perfectly. It’s an excellent service.”

30 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Emergency Alarm Report

Emergency Alarm Annual Report 2014-2015 Our performance Here are some facts so you can see how we performed during 2014-2015, including the number of calls we answered, how quickly we answered them and how well we dealt with them.

Volume of calls

Quality of service

From 1st July 2014 – 30th June 2015:

We have surveyed a selection of customers who use our Emergency Alarm service. We received 282 replies to our survey and you told us:

• We answered 180,594 calls, an average of 495 calls each day.

• 3112 of these calls were emergencies, where we sent out the emergency services or some other form of help.

• We made 53,816 calls to check you were okay.

• We have continued to increase our number of customers and now provide our service to 8,543 homes.

• Our operators are courteous and professional 99% of the time, helpful 98% of the time and that you are satisfied with the service you received from the team (in general and on a particular occasion) 97% of the time.

• More than 96% of you also told us that you consider the Emergency Alarm service to be value for money and 97% of service users are happy with the speed of response of our operators.

Thank you for completing our surveys and for your comments. Every comment we receive is passed to the appropriate operator.

Speed of answer The Telecare Services Association (TSA), who audit our service, set standards around the time we should take to answer your calls.

Life threatening calls answered within 60 seconds Life threatening calls answered within 3 minutes

TSA Target Our Performance 98.5 % 99.2 % 99 % 100 %

As you can see, in both of these measures, we performed better than the standards set by the TSA.

Emergency Alarm Report | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 31

Looking back Since our last report was published, the number of homes connected to our services has increased by just over 3,000, having commenced two new contracts, one with Newport City Homes and one with RCT Homes.

Here are some examples of comments we have received: “Without the alarm Dad would not be able to stay in his own home. I’m so grateful for all help to keep him where he’s happiest.”

“I am filling this form in for my mother with her present. My mother and myself cannot thank or praise the staff enough. All of the staff we have both dealt with have been excellent in all aspects of the service provided. I hope the emergency call system is kept going because of its value to vulnerable people. Again many thanks.”

Between 1st July 2014 and 30th June 2015, we received 45 comments requiring investigation by the supervisor of our Emergency Alarm Control Room. In all cases, a satisfactory response was provided to the customer.

We also received two complaints about the service from customers during this time.

On both occasions, full investigations were undertaken, staff training carried out and measures have been put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of either of the problems.

We have added additional capacity to our Emergency Alarm Control Room, with two additional lines allowing us to handle calls from additional types of alarm units.

We have updated some of our processes due to feedback received from customers, one area in particular relates to the contacting of customers’ relatives in the event of an emergency situation. We regularly talk to customers asking for updates on the contact information we hold and we have recently begun leaving voice-mail messages on answer phones if we are unable to reach a relative in the event of an emergency.

Another big change during the past year is that we have taken over a greater role in looking after the safety of the Wales & West team. Members of staff who are out and about regularly are now equipped with a device that lets us know where they are at all times. If an alert is triggered on their device, the Emergency Alarm room staff are able to locate them from GPS co-ordinates and arrange to send emergency services to their assistance.

Looking forward During the rest of 2015 and early 2016, we will be reviewing the software that we use in the Emergency Alarm room to ensure we have the latest capabilities. We will be going through a formal process with suppliers to look at all available options before reaching a decision on the system that best fits the needs of all our customers.

We are also continuing to review our processes and staff training, to ensure the overall quality of our service continues to improve and meets your needs.

If you have any queries or comments about this report, please contact Jayne Orchard on freephone 0800 052 2526

32 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Making a Difference to Your Community

Making a Difference to Your Community: Getting together at Llys Hafren Residents at Llys Hafren retirement scheme in Newtown have been enjoying a weekly Friday Brunch Club thanks to our Making a Difference to Your Community grant.

The residents wanted a weekly social event to get together for a chat and something to eat. They needed more crockery, cutlery and a new cooker, so the Residents’ Association successfully applied for our community grant. Now more and more residents are getting together and having a great time at the scheme every Friday!

Resident Mrs Mary Rooke said: “The Brunch Club is the best way of getting people together. The food is so nice and everybody here enjoys it!”

Our Making a Difference to Your Community grant can help you to kick start ongoing community activities where you live. You don’t need to be a formal group to apply.

The idea is to get you and your neighbours together on a regular basis to build a closer community.

Here are some examples of the items we’ve funded for groups: • Cooking equipment and utensils • Craft equipment and materials • Gazebos and outdoor furniture • Outdoor and indoor games • Bingo machines, dabbers and tickets • Wii Fit consoles, boards, controllers and games But these aren’t the only things we’ll fund – if you have an idea just call us for a chat!

For more information about our Making a Difference to Your Community grant, email Claire Hammond at claire.hammond@wwha.co.uk or call 0800 052 2526.

Money Matters | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 33

The Budget Announcement: What it means for you The benefit cap will be reduced to £20k from £26k from April 2016

On the 8th July the new Government announced its first budget, a large part of which was cuts to benefits. In this article, we highlight some of the areas and how they may affect you in the next 12-18 months.

If the total amount of benefits you receive is greater than the limit set, your Housing Benefit will be reduced by the excess amount.

It’s important to note that these changes will not affect people of pension credit age, so if you are aged 63 or over you will not be affected.

The cap will apply to the combined income from the main out-of-work benefits (Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support and Employment Support Allowance) and other benefits such as Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Carer’s Allowance.

Working age benefits will be frozen for 4 years (including Working and Child Tax Credits) Though residents won’t actually see a cut to benefits, this will mean that their incomes will not rise in line with other goods or services. So, as gas and electricity may increase, your income won’t increase in line with it. This means that making the most of the money you have is even more important. So now is the time to shop around, cut back on your expenditure where you can and deal with debt issues if you’re not already doing so.

£

£

£

If you are entitled to Working Tax Credit you will be exempt from the cap. You’ll also be exempt if anyone in your household claims Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance or the support element of Employment and Support Allowance.

£ £

£

£

£

34 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Money Matters It’s possible that if you are a single parent or couple with 3 or more children you may be affected by the cap from April 2016.

Child Tax Credits (Universal Credit) will be limited to two children from April 2017 for any new claimants and existing claimants who have more children after 2017.

Child Tax Credit is worth £53.50 per child per week to anybody claiming, so this is a significant reduction in what you will receive.

Our Tenancy Support Officers (TSOs) are continuing to help residents cope with the impact of welfare reform. We’re assisting residents who are struggling to afford the shortfall caused by the bedroom tax and benefit cap, or who have been affected by changes to their disability benefit.

Residents who have worked with our TSOs have not only been happy with the advice and assistance they have been given, but have also seen an improvement in their finances due to the money gained or saved.

On average, residents have seen their finances improve by approximately £800 per year thanks to the help of our team. This has been through

accessing schemes such as the Warm Homes Discount, applying for grants for household goods, applying for help with water bills, negotiating with creditors and applying for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).

Our TSOs have also advised residents on making the best use of their money, getting the best deals and making their money go as far as possible.

With more and more people becoming affected by changes to the benefits system, we are keen to make sure you get the help and advice that you need.

If you would like any help or information regarding your finances please get in touch.

Call us on freephone 0800 052 2526 to arrange a chat with your Tenancy Support Officer.

Planned Maintenance | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 35

Tracey praises Cambria WIN £250, champagne, staff for her new kitchen chocolates and a beautiful bouquet in the

PH Jones Prize Draw!

Our lucky winners are:

Tracey Leyshon from Bridgend sang the praises of Cambria kitchen fitters Mike and Robbie as well as Nick the electrician for their recent work.

Tracey said: “They were always friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had. My new kitchen looks stunning and I can’t fault it.”

Mr & Mrs Nelson from Cardiff who said “We are very pleased and will spoil the grandchildren with the winnings!”

You could also be a WINNER! For your free entry, simply have your gas boiler serviced on the first appointment, or give us at least 48 hours’ notice to rearrange.

Below are the properties that we plan to upgrade from October to December 2015: Kitchens

Rhiw Cae Mawr, Bridgend Rhiw Tremaen, Bridgend Continuing with Powell Road, Buckley and Becketts Lane, Buckley

Bathrooms

Park Leigh Court, Wrexham

Windows Only

Celyn Avenue, Cardiff Cwrt Pentwmpath, Llay, Wrexham

36 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch |Charity Update Lilian and Bill married three years later and went on to have a son in 1945. Lilian is now a proud grandmother of two.

The couple travelled many places together over the years, and even lived in Spain.

They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a trip to Kenya, where they went on safari before travelling to Mombasa on the Indian Ocean.

“You must make the best of life” WWH resident Lilian Hardy tells her story On 2nd April this year, Mrs Lilian Hardy of St Catherine’s Court, Caerphilly, celebrated her 90th birthday.

“I’ve had a good life, I’ve been very lucky,” says Lilian. “I’m always content and the good Lord looks after me.”

Born and raised in Cardiff, Lilian moved to St Catherine’s Court in 1989 with her husband Bill. They met when Lilian was 17 years old.

Lilian recalls: “I lived in Roath at the time and Albany Road was the place where all the young people used to go, to the coffee bars. We used to all meet and parade up and down Albany Road, that’s where Bill and I met out one day.”

Lilian and Bill were married for 57 years, before Bill sadly passed away 14 years ago.

Now at the age of ninety, Lilian is most grateful for all the wonderful things she has seen and done- and still enjoys doing: “People think because they get old, life comes to a stop. But I’m still interested in things that go on in the world. I’m still independent, I drive and I run the coffee morning here every Tuesday - I have done ever since I moved in. I’m never bored!”

Indeed, celebrating 90 years is perhaps even more remarkable for the fact that Lilian has fought cancer five times since her thirties.

“I just enjoy life,” says Lilian. “I know that Wales & West Housing raises money for Cancer Research Wales, so I hope my story can help someone else. You don’t know what’s in front of you, so you must make the best of life.”

Cancer Research Wales is our official charity partner for 2015-2016. If you’re holding an event to help us raise money for Cancer Research Wales, be sure to let us know and we’ll share your photos and story in InTouch. Contact us on 0800 052 2526 or email contactus@wwha.co.uk.

Charity Update| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 37

Operation Christmas Child: can you help?

This year, WWH staff will again be supporting the Samaritans-led Operation Christmas Child.

The scheme sends gift-wrapped shoeboxes filled with simple gifts to children around the world who would otherwise not receive anything. The boxes are filled with goodies and marked for a girl or boy in one of the following age categories: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14 years.

If you’d like to help us with this fantastic cause, then we would love to hear from you!

You can help by donating a wrapped shoe box filled with items such as: • Mini soccer balls • New short-sleeved shirts and tees, minus any wording/branding • Small flashlight with batteries • Good quality melamine plate, bowl, and/or cup • Soap and a plastic soap dish that has a cover • Toothbrush in a toothbrush holder • Paper, pencils, erasers and sharpeners for all school-aged kids. And good quality pens for kids aged 10-14, in black, red, green, and blue.

• Skipping ropes • Plasters • Combs • Hair bands and bobbles • Sweets • Simple watch for ages 10-14 years • Socks • Toy trucks, cars or planes • Dolls

We also know that many of our residents love knitting! So if you are part of a knitting circle or if you knit at home, we would be very grateful if you could make hats, gloves or scarves of any size, shape or colour for our gift boxes. We can even put out a request for donations of wool if need be!

Our deadline for all donated shoe boxes or knitted items is Friday 6th November 2015.

For more gift ideas, visit the Operation Christmas Child webpage at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk

If you would like to donate a filled shoe box, knitted items or would like further information, please give us a call on 0800 052 2526 and ask for Louise Carpanini.

Alternatively, you can email us at contactus@wwha.co.uk

38 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Your News & Views

Your News & Views Residents get knitting!

Lots of you have been in touch with photos to showcase your knitting talents in recent months.

Knitting is a fab creative hobby for all ages, and some studies state that it can even help to tackle stress and depression.

Joining a knitting group is a great way to meet new people too, so why not find out if there are any groups in your community and give it a go!

Brian’s latest

knitting creations!

Doyle Court knitters donate to orphanages abroad The knitting group at Doyle Court in Cardiff meet every Friday to knit and crochet beautiful colourful blankets and clothes. They donate all their work to the Dorcas Group who meet in the Tabernacle in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan. All their blankets, scarves and other wonderful items are then parcelled up and distributed to orphanages throughout Romania.

Beryl Lowther, who leads the group in Penarth, sent the knitters at Doyle Court a thank you letter to say how much their work will be appreciated.

Brian Bishop, a resident of Ty Pontrhun in Merthyr Tydfil, with jumpers knitted for his great grandson.

The Dorcas Group of Doyle Court

Your News & Views | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 39

Retirement can be a new lease of life!

Val Williams of Norbury Court in Cardiff tells her story Since retiring at 60 from a technician’s role with the Science Advisory Service, I have volunteered at St Fagans - originally in the museum conservation laboratories and recently in the gardens there.

At present I am a volunteer in the Herbarium of Cathays Park. I work behind the scenes with a colleague on a collection of grasses Val, right, with fellow volunteer Francis Simpson obtained over several decades from sites all around the world specimens and compare the DNA for and recently donated to the museum. identification purposes.

My role in the ‘dream team’ is to carefully strip specimens from the unsuitable paper on which they were originally secured for ease of transport to the UK. A colleague then replaces the grass specimen on to conservation grade acidfree sheets. After filing, present research students and future generations will be able to access the information in the

We usually carry out this work in a laboratory, but, for Volunteers` Week we sat in the foyer of the main museum so everyone could see what we do.

It is satisfying to know that I am still able to contribute my time in this way, and look forward to meeting each Tuesday with interesting friendly experts in the various fields (around the coffee table)!

Val Williams BSc

40 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Your News & Views

Caerau is blooming

thanks to the Potters!

The Caerau Potters have been busy bees in the garden at Caerau Court, Cardiff - as you can see from these stunning photos.

Resident gardeners Stan, Debbie, John and Chris have been working hard since 2011 to transform the grounds around their home into a beautiful haven for those living there to enjoy.

Funding from WWH’s Making a Difference grants has provided a shed, benches and bird feeders. The group now tend to a range of flowers, fruit, vegetables, wild flower garden and have even built a fishpond – which Jess the cat enjoys as you can see!

Gnome, Sweet Gnome

Phil Howells, Site Superintendent, sent in this charming photo of the garden at Ty Pontrhun, complete with gnome

Your News & Views| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 41

Ann visits Buckingham

Palace with the WI Ann White, WWH Scheme Manager in Cardiff, was lucky to win a golden ticket to attend a royal garden party this summer on behalf of the WI.

Here Ann tells us how “it’s not all Jam & Jerusalem”!

“The Women`s Institute was founded in Canada and the first group in Britain was founded in Wales in 1915. We are known for ‘Jam and Jerusalem’- this is because in 1924 at our AGM we sang ‘Jerusalem’, which has since become a tradition, and in 1940 during war time the Ministry of Food allocated sugar to the WI to preserve food for the nation that would otherwise have gone to waste.

“To mark our centenary on June 2nd, the WI held a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Every group in Wales was allocated a place and I was delighted to draw a golden ticket.

“The WI now has some 212,000 members. We are inspired to change things for the better - tackling the issues that matter to members. We campaign nationally on all sorts of topics from health to the environment.

“The residents in Cardiff where I work were keen to know all the details and others were interested to help me choose what to wear. One resident suggested I wear lemon whilst eating a slice of my signature lemon cake - when I saw this daffodil dress I knew it was right.

“The WI has given me the opportunity to make a difference in my community, to go places and try new things. You can have three visits to a group to find one that suits you before you consider joining, so why not try it out - there is plenty of fun and friendship at a group near you.”

“At the party I chatted to the WI Calendar Girls, who printed their famous calendar in 1992. We talked about charity work and I told them about WWH’s fundraising and how we’re supporting Cancer Research Wales.

Ann White

Go to www.thewi.org.uk for more interesting information or call 02920 221 712

42 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Birthdays and Anniversaries

Little Lil celebrates her 100th birthday Resident Lilian Griffiths of Danymynydd, Bridgend, celebrated her 100th birthday on 22nd June.

The celebrations saw family, friends, neighbours and WWH staff gather together for a special party to wish Lil many happy returns.

Popular resident Lil also received some special surprise visitors in the form of WWH Chief Executive Anne Hinchey and the Mayor of Bridgend County Borough, Councillor Richard Young and his wife, Annette Young.

Lil was born in Pontycymer on the 22nd June 1915, just 10 months after Britain declared war on Germany and entered into the First World War.

One of seven children, Lil says that she had a good family and worked hard; although there was always food on the table and a happy family around her, money was tight.

Lil met her husband Albert Griffiths, a miner, at a local dancehall. They married when Lil was 22 years old and went on to have two children, Alun and Linda. Now a grandmother of three, Lil is very proud of her grandchildren’s achievements in becoming a doctor, a vet and a teacher.

And now what’s next for Lil? When blowing out her candles, she declared: “I’ll see you all at my 200th birthday!”

Scheme manager Yvonne Humphreys said: “Lil has always been very chatty and loves to tell stories of the valley, where she has lived all her life. She is a very well respected and loved member of the Danymynydd community, and we are all so very proud of her.”

Birthdays and Anniversaries | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 43

Inez celebrates Happy Birthday her 90th birthday Connie & Jean!

Inez White of Four Elms Court, Cardiff, celebrated her 90th birthday on Saturday 1st August. Inez, who has been a WWH resident for 30 years, has played an active role in many resident participation activities over the years, including Only Residents Aloud and the Resident Participation Steering Group (RPSG).

Claire Hammond, WWH’s Resident Participation Strategy Officer, has worked closely with Inez over the years and says: “Inez is a very special lady; despite having just celebrating her 90th birthday she is still giving her time to help WWH and our residents. Inez is always so enthusiastic and grateful - it is such a pleasure to spend time with her.”

Connie Thomas celebrated her 80th birthday on the 22nd March. She celebrated her special day with friends, family and neighbours at Constantine Court in the Rhondda.

Connie also had a surprise when children from the local school in Llwynypia sang songs from the film ‘Frozen’. Everyone enjoyed their singing so much they wanted to know when they could return!

Jean Jackson, also from Constantine Court, celebrated her 80th birthday on the 4th June - for which the primary school children gave a much enjoyed repeat performance for the residents.

06 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | News and General Information

2015 Who’s Your Hero?

Do you know someone who makes a real difference to your neighbourhood?

Someone who goes the extra mile to help friends and neighbours? Perhaps they have started a youth or community group? Maybe they tend a beautiful garden, or perhaps they grow fruit and veg, or have overcome big problems to get back into work?

Whatever their story, we want to hear it!

On Friday November 6th we are holding our 8th annual Making a Difference Awards.

The categories this year are:

• • • • • • •

Community Project Good Neighbour Green Fingers Fresh Start Local Hero Eco Champion Rising Star*

It’s free to enter - you’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain! * new for 2015

For further details, or to request a nomination form, call Keri Jones or Sharon Buckley on 0800 052 2526 any time and we’ll be happy to help.

Nominations close on Friday 4th September 2015.