Intouch winter 2016 english

intouch WINTER 2016 | ISSUE 88| FREE

The magazine for residents of Wales & West Housing

In this issue...

Christmas Powys's first Extra Care scheme New homes for West Wales residents Cabinet Secretary impressed Cwm Taf fundraising success

We’ve moved!

We have now moved into both our new Head Office and our Ewloe Office.

All our contact details remain the same, it’s just our addresses that have changed:

Archway House 77 Parc Tŷ Glas Llanishen CARDIFF CF14 5DU

LLANISHEN

Tŷ Draig St. David’s Park Ewloe DEESIDE CH5 3DT

EWLOE

We have now successfully completed our move to our new Head Office in Cardiff and our North Wales office in Ewloe - so all of our services are fully operational.

Christmas opening hours EDY S O L C FRIDA

3PM EMBER C 23 DE TO AY UESD T M 8.30A ANUARY 3J

As usual we are closed from Christmas until the New Year

Should you have an emergency during the festive season and need to contact us, please call the Customer Service Centre on

0800 052 2526

Editor’s Letter and Contents| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 03

Welcome from Anne Dear residents

Welcome to the Winter issue of InTouch – the magazine exclusively for residents of Wales & West Housing.

It should come as no surprise that the main feature of this edition is Christmas! As the magazine lands on your doorstep, you will be busy preparing for the festive occasion. We have some useful ideas on making Christmas decorations and presents, visiting markets to buy Welsh products, taking away the worry of cooking for a crowd and what to do with those unwanted gifts, should that happen!

A special thank you goes to the schools who decorated our offices in West Wales & Ewloe – our Cardiff office didn’t take part as we were in the process of moving!

Also in this issue, we are proud to unveil Powys’s first extra care scheme which has just opened its doors to residents – a very warm welcome to you. We’re also delighted that Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant AM was impressed when he visited our new scheme in Abergele, where he met residents and learned about our Kickstart programme which is going from strength to strength.

Other features include fundraising successes from residents as young as 7, Council Tax advice, a review of our Emergency Alarm Service and a new computer club that has been launched for youngsters.

Contents Christmas opening hours Christmas feature WWH News & Info Going Green Quarterly Report Development update Making a Difference to your Future Emergency Alarm Annual Report Money Matters Making a Difference to your Community Charity Update Health & Safety Your News & Views

Follow us on twitter

02 04 16 20 21 28 32 34 36 38 39 42 43

@wwha

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

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

If you have any ideas for InTouch or thoughts on how we could improve, please let us know. We will listen to you - whether it’s a suggestion for a regular feature, or a comment on what you’d like to see more of. Simply email contactus@wwha.co.uk or speak to our PR and Communications Team on 0800 052 2526.

Wales & West Housing, Archway House, 77 Parc Tŷ Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DU Telephone: 0800 052 2526 Text: 07788 310420 Email: contactus@wwha.co.uk Website: www.wwha.co.uk

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive

You can also contact members of staff direct by their email. For example, joe.bloggs@wwha.co.uk

04 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Christmas Feature

Schools deck our office halls in festive spirit Local schools brought some Christmas cheer to our offices in Ewloe and West Wales by making festive decorations for the reception areas.

Staff have settled well into their brand new North Wales office and were delighted when Ewloe Green Primary School took part in a competition to decorate their reception area.

Ruth Dyas, Head Teacher at the school, said: “We were only too pleased to take part. The children enjoyed making decorations for Wales & West Housing as it put them all in a festive mood.

"The winners will enjoy reading new books over Christmas, thanks to the book token prizes.”

The winners were: 1st Sophie 2nd Amber 3rd Ellis

Sophie

Craig Sparrow and Cate Porter help Sophie, Amber and Ellis to decorate the tree at Tŷ Draig, Ewloe Amber

Ellis

Christmas Feature | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 05 Meanwhile, in West Wales, staff at our Newcastle Emlyn office enjoyed receiving decorations from Ysgolion Brynsaron, Penboyr, Cenarth, Beulah and Trewen. Numerous decorations were received and it was a very difficult decision but, unfortunately, there could only be one winner.

The winning decoration, a reindeer, was made by Oliver Phillips, aged 8, from Ysgol Brynsaron, who will receive a gift voucher from Siopp Iago and the winning school was Ysgol Beulah, who will receive a gardening voucher to spend at Trefhedyn Garden Centre.

A huge thank you to all the schools who participated.

The decorated tree at Cwrt y Llan, Newcastle Emlyn

A green Christmas Don’t forget that you can recycle all of your Christmas food leftovers, including your turkey, in your kitchen caddy.

Christmas cards can also be recycled, but wrapping paper unfortunately cannot be recycled. Real Christmas trees can be recycled by taking them to Household Recycling Centres.

06 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Christmas Feature

Make your own Christmas decorations and gifts!

There is nothing better than receiving a Christmas gift that has been made especially for you. It can also be much cheaper for the person making it.

Why not turn last year’s Christmas cards into this year’s gift tags? They look great and you can decide on the size.

Sending Christmas cards in the post can be expensive. See if you can cut down on the amount of cards you post. Only send cards to people you won’t be seeing over the festive season.

Residents from Hanover Court in Barry had fun last year making their own.

Alternatively, get online and send an e-card! They are easy to make and lots of fun. You can even upload personal photos.

Christmas Feature | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 07

Buying Welsh

Merry Christmas! Local Christmas markets and fairs not only boost the festive spirit but also support small local businesses with stalls offering crafts, handmade gifts, food, specialty products and Christmas decorations.

Visit the Welsh Gift Shop online to buy some great Welsh presents: https://welshgiftshop.com/collections/ welsh-gifts-for-christmas Here are some of the Christmas markets being held throughout Wales in December 2016:

Cardiff Christmas Market – open until 23 December Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm; 10am to 7pm every Thursday throughout December

Swansea Christmas Market – open until 21 December Monday to Saturday – 9.30am to 5.30pm; Sunday – 10.00am to 5.00pm

Bodnant Gardens, Llanrwst: Garden Elves’ Workshops.

December weekends 17/18 and Monday and Tuesday 19/20 between 10:30am-2:30pm. Meet the elves in the cosy Old Mill and help them make Christmas crafts and decorations.

Chirk Hall: Traditional Medieval Christmas with all the trimmings. Expect Medieval characters in the courtyard, crafts and more - runs December 17 and 18.

11am until 4pm.

Wrexham: Ysgol Clywedog Christmas Fayre takes place on Wednesday December 14, between 5pm – 7pm. Free entry. Contact Mrs L Hope on 01978 346800

Cardigan Christmas Street Food Market - Friday 16 December 4pm - 9pm and Christmas Fayre/Meet the Reindeer- Saturday 17 10am4pm at The Guildhall

08 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Christmas Feature

Top tips for cooking for a crowd Cooking for a crowd this Christmas (6-8 people)?

Want to take the stress out of the day? Here are some top tips from our West Wales office!

Traditional turkey Prepare your separate stuffing in advance, freeze then take out the night before you prepare your turkey/poultry.

Preheat oven to 190°C/gas 5. Season the turkey, then stuff the cavity with 1 lemon and onion quartered, and 3 bay leaves. Rub a handful of butter under the skin, then roast according to the packet instructions. If necessary, the turkey will stay hot for up to 1 hour in a warm place, covered with buttered foil and a tea towel.

Roast potatoes * Par-boil your potatoes for 10 minutes, drain well, and shake to roughen the edges. Cool thoroughly. Now they can be frozen or put in the fridge, covered. When the turkey is cooked, put a pan of fat in and turn up the heat for five minutes.

Spoon the potatoes into the preheated tray, season well with salt and turn to coat.

Roast until golden brown.

Parsnips & carrots * Peel and slice 500g (1lb 2oz) carrots and 500g (1lb 2oz) parsnips, then blanch in boiling water. Drop into chilled water, drain and dry, and refrigerate under cling film.

In the morning, whisk together 2tbsp olive oil, 4tbsp honey and 2tbsp wholegrain mustard and mix with the veg. Place on a preheated tray, season well and roast for 30 minutes until tender.

Sprouts & chestnuts * Three days before Christmas, boil 500g (1lb 2oz) trimmed sprouts for 6-8 minutes, then cut in half and refrigerate under cling film.

On the day, immediately before serving, stir-fry the sprouts for 1-2 minutes, add 2tbsp vegetable stock or water, and cook for 2 minutes. Add 200g (7oz) vacuumpacked chestnuts and cook for 3-4 minutes. Season.

Bread sauce * Heat a finely chopped onion and ground cloves with 2 bay leaves, 600ml (1pt) milk and 50g (1¾oz) butter. Simmer gently for 20 minutes then remove from heat and leave to infuse. Stir in 200g (7oz) breadcrumbs, add nutmeg then season.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stir in a little double cream and serve warm.

Mixed berries sauce * Rather than Cranberry Sauce, why not make a Mixed Berries one instead? Take a 300g (10½oz) pack of mixed frozen berries and simmer for 10 minutes. Add 100g (3½oz) sugar, a few tablespoons of port and a couple of large pieces of orange peel, and cook for a further ten minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened. Transfer the sauce into a jar.

(This will keep up to three months.) * Can be prepared ahead

Christmas Feature| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 09

Vegetarian nut roast This satisfying vegetarian loaf with lentils, chestnut mushrooms and cheese, complements all the classic roast dinner trimmings.

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 15g butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 200g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped 1 red pepper, halved,

deseeded and finely diced 1 large carrot, grated 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika 100g red lentils 2 tbsp tomato purĂŠe 300ml vegetable stock 100g fresh breadcrumbs 150g mixed nuts such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, roughly chopped

3 large eggs, lightly beaten 100g mature cheddar, grated handful flat leaf parsley, finely chopped For the tomato sauce 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1 sprig rosemary 400ml passata

Method 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/Gas 4. Line the base and sides of a 1.5 litre loaf tin with parchment paper.

2 Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan and cook the onion and celery for 5 mins until beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook for a further 10 mins.

3 Stir in the red pepper and grated carrot and cook for about 3 mins then add the oregano and paprika and cook for just a minute.

4 Add the red lentils and tomato puree and cook for about 1 min, then add the vegetable stock and simmer over a very gentle heat until all the liquid has been absorbed and the mixture is fairly dry. Set aside to cool.

5 Stir in the breadcrumbs, nuts, eggs, cheese and parsley and a pinch of salt and some ground black pepper. Stir to mix well then spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and press down the surface. Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins, then remove the foil and bake for a further 10–15 mins until firm when pressed gently.

6 Meanwhile, to make the sauce, heat the oil very gently then add the garlic slices and rosemary sprig and heat without colouring. Pour in the passata and add a pinch of salt and some ground black pepper. Simmer gently for just 15 mins.

7 Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 10 mins then turn out onto a serving board or plate. Remove the baking paper and cut into slices and serve with a little of the tomato sauce.

10 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Christmas Feature

The etiquette of unwanted Christmas gifts We've all been there Christmas day is done and dusted and along with a pile of fabulous pressies and a turkey and Christmas pudding hangover, you've got a few gifts that are so terrible, you know you'll never use them.

So we've put together a handy guide for moving on your unwanted gifts.

Re-gift gifts for different people This method has rules to it: only re-gift things that are brand new and/or have never been used, never wrap homemade or unique gifts, never give gifts within the same group of friends or family that may know where the gift came from and remove all personalised wrapping or clues to where the gift came from. You want to give the impression that the gift and wrapping came from you.

Charity shops Why not donate them to a charity? Your local charity shop will be more than happy to accept anything that you don't want, as long as it's in good condition. Either pick up a donation bag from one of your local shops or donate online. Some of the main charities in the UK that will happily take unwanted items are British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Scope, Help the Aged, Oxfam and British Red Cross to name but a few.

Transform it into something else If you get an unwanted gift, look at it in another way – see if it can be used as something else. For instance, if someone buys you a cardigan but you only like the buttons, remove the buttons and use them to trim another piece of clothing. Likewise, if someone gets you a bath gift set and it comes in a fancy box, use the box for storage. Make sure you think about all possible uses before throwing it in the bin or recycling it.

Swap gifts with other people If you're having an office Christmas party, have a swap gift game or trade presents among friends.

Christmas Feature | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 11 Sell them on eBay

Freecycle You won't make any money from this one, but Freecycle is another option. The idea behind the site is to keep usable items out of landfills. You simply post your item by sending an email to your local group stating what the item is and wait for other freecyclers to respond. All items must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.

Ah, eBay, the handy online auction site that's absolutely perfect for getting rid of unwanted pressies.

Post-Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for this site, with people the world over listing their unwanted gifts before the leftover turkey has even been scoffed. Last year in the first two weeks of January alone, 4,556 new items were listed on eBay as "unwanted Christmas gifts".

Facebook/Twitter The giants of social networking - Facebook and Twitter - have fast become the first port of call for gathering information. They are also a great way to let your friends and followers know that you've got goods for sale or maybe even some stuff to swap or give away for free. But just be careful that the person that gave you the unwanted gift in the first place isn't on there or you could land yourself in hot water.

Amazon eBay isn't the only place to sell your stuff online. Many retail websites offer a sellers’ section, with the best example being Amazon Marketplace.

Listing items is straightforward and Amazon takes care of a lot of the admin for you.

Gumtree Gumtree is now one of the UK's biggest local classified ad sites, and a good place to sell unwanted goods (for free) and maybe even pick up a bargain yourself. The idea is to meet local buyers face to face to cut out postage costs.

Return them to the shop Often stores give gift receipts which allows you to swap unwanted presents by returning them to the store and swapping them for something more suitable without finding out the value of the gift.

A word of warning...

We're not suggesting that you offload all of your presents the second you've finished your Christmas pud. Hopefully most of your presents will be accepted with good grace and a smile on your face, even if they weren't exactly the 55-inch 4K OLED TV that you were after. So make sure you think carefully before ditching any of your pressies, and if you are going to sell or swap them, be discrete and considerate of your nearest and dearest's feelings.

12 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Christmas Feature

onlinE FES Did you know you can track Santa on Christmas Eve? Visit www.noradsanta.org or download their app

Great for the kids! (and adults)

Portable North Pole A message fr om Santa!

Set up a lovely personalised video message from Santa for the little ones to get excited!

Visit www.portablenorthpole.com

Enter Social Media competitions Around the festive period companies often give away prizes for simply sharing their post Make sure the brand is genuine and read the T and C’s

Home delivery Most supermarkets offer home delivery when ordering online, taking the hassle out of visiting a busy supermarket around the festive period.

?

Doing a big shop?

Visit www.mysupermarket.co.uk where you can compare food shop prices for the big supermarkets

Christmas Feature | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 13

STIVE TIPS Secure websites When buying gifts online make sure the website's address starts with https:// before making a payment

https://

Free calls to family If you have a data contract or WiFi at home why not contact your loved ones (who have the same facility) through your smartphone using services such as Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime Be safe on Social Media Avoid ‘Checking in’ on Facebook revealing your location, especially if you are away for the holidays.

Avoid sharing photos of presents and expensive items - you never know who’s watching!

Local eBay Deals Finder Download this app to find eBay deals close to you to collect!

Hot UK Deals A community for deal seekers! Download the app or visit www.hotukdeals.com

14 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Christmas Feature

WORD SEARCH

Win £30 shopping voucher with our Christmas Wordsearch!

Enjoy this Wordsearch over Christmas. All the words may be found backwards, forwards, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

All correct entries will be put into a prize draw and one will be chosen as the lucky winner of a £30 Argos shopping voucher. Simply send your entry with your name, address and contact details to Jane Janaway, Wales & West Housing, Ty Draig, St David’s Park, Ewloe, Deeside CH5 3DT. The closing date for entries is 16 January 2017.

A Q P O M X D T U W G E L U I J R A B G

B H R H P L O D U R C M G X O H W F Y Z

R G B N E Y E H S M N I F Y H M E S A L

BELLS CANDLES CANDYCANE CARDS CELEBRATE CHIMNEY

L R O J S W C C R O Y S D J L V X Q D K

A E L O P H T R O N S T O C K I N G I W

L A C L B E T R B I H L J T S A H R L F

V A H L S Q E T A R B E L E C E T W O D

CHRISTMAS RUDOLPH SANTA SEASON SLEIGH STOCKING

B B T Y R E Z M W E H T N X N F A J H A

M N R E H R N V B A X M A T V S V C R X M C O E G C A G I C B A E R L D L S S X

TREE WREATH ELVES FROSTY GIFT GIVING

U I E Y E S S K O M R Y H V W M W K L H

I N B E X B G L H N D Z T B Q N F M H Q

L D N N M H N I K N A W Y T E B K G Y S

GREETINGS HOLIDAY JOLLY JOY MERRY MISTLETOE

O E K M A R I O A U G F U N R V I C R E

R D E R L A I H N C A A T E C B I F I R M O E S R T R Y Y L E X L E X Z S E L D

S K X C R Z E I T S A M T S I R H C M N

NOEL NORTHPOLE REINDEER TOYS

A E J L R V N E B S T U R G P R F G M I L V P I U N K G B R L H S V B H N Q A C

T L C V N I U W L G M O I H Z C N O Z F

Christmas Feature | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 15

Feeling the pinch?

Feeling the pinch already? Don’t worry, there are lots of organisations that can help you.

For example, Moneyline Cymru is a notfor profit organisation that offers small short-term loans to customers who are excluded from mainstream credit and an alternative is high cost lenders.

Moneyline Cymru offer loans based on affordability rather than a credit rating score and they make a decision based on talking through the customer’s circumstances, face to face in their branches.

LOANS FROM £100-£1000 CALL US ON: 0345 643 1553 To find out how we can help

Loans can be as low as £100 – £1,000 and repayment dates are set that suit the individual, which can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Moneyline Cymru help customers build financial resilience by offering a savings scheme "Round it up” where customers can put aside some savings by rounding up their weekly loan repayment”.

Flexible Payments Same Day Service On Your High Street Branches across South Wales: Swansea-Bridgend-CwmbranNewport-PontypriddMerthyr-Cardiff

16 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch |WWH News & Info

Powys is proud of its first extra care scheme Montgomeryshire AM Russell George and leading Powys county and town councillors were impressed when they visited Llys Glan yr Afon, our £7.5m development, the first of its kind in Powys to provide extra care.

Councillor Stephen Hayes, Shayne Hembrow, Powys County Council Chief Executive Jeremy Patterson and Russell George AM are impressed with Powys’s first extra care scheme The state-of-the-art scheme, part funded by a £4m Social Housing Grant from the Welsh Government, has been developed by Wales & West Housing in partnership with Powys County Council. We funded the remainder with £3.5m.

Anwyl Construction were contracted to provide 48 energy efficient apartments for affordable rent, bringing the total of our affordable homes in Powys to just under 1000.

The development is our third extra care scheme and follows award-

winning Nant y Mor extra care scheme in Denbighshire, and Llys Jasmine in Flintshire.

Guests enjoyed cookies made by Castell Catering, the catering arm of Wales & West Housing, who will be providing delicious nutritional meals for residents in The Orangery restaurant when they move in.

Shayne Hembrow, WWH Deputy Chief Executive and Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Powys County Council to bring extra care

WWH News & Info| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 17 housing to the county. This scheme is the first of its kind in Powys to provide extra care.”

Councillor Stephen Hayes, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “The state of the art accommodation at Llys Glan yr Afon offers the residents of Newtown and the surrounding area a first class care and support facility right in the heart of Newtown.”

Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said: “I was very impressed by the scheme. It was clear that Wales & West Housing have huge experience in offering a high standard of care and facilities. There is a growing demand for quality social care accommodation in the area, and I’m also pleased that the housing association has also forged good working relationships with many local organisations.”

Road Safety Campaign wins award Staff and residents who worked in partnership with the local Police and other agencies on a road safety campaign in Rhondda Cynon Taf had their efforts rewarded recently when they were presented with an Award at the 10th Police and Crime Commission Partnership Awards.

The campaign saw a range of partner agencies working together to raise awareness of road safety issues in the communities of Ystrad, Gelli, Pentre and Ton Pentre, after older residents raised major concerns about feeling vulnerable when crossing roads in the area.

During the week-long campaign, older residents and children took part in various activities and demonstrations aimed at re-educating people on the hazards of speeding, dangerous driving, illegal parking and pedestrian safety.

Housing Officer Alex Morris and Scheme Manager Jan Bridgeman collected the award on behalf of Wales & West Housing from Police Commissioner Alun Michael and Carl Sargeant AM at the Awards ceremony held in Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

The Award recognises the significant accomplishments and contributions made by those working to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and it specifically celebrates how we work with partners successfully in order to improve working practices, meet the needs of local communities and our mission.

18 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | WWH News & Info

“Kickstart has given us a fresh start” Aaron and Mark have never looked back since moving into their new home in Abergele.

Carl Sargeant, Cabinet Secretary for Communities & Children with Mark, Kazia, Care & Support Manager Gaynor Jones, Support Workers Faye Hughes and Chris Walls, Aaron and Shayne Hembrow, Deputy Chief Executive WWH

Thanks to Kickstart, they have learned to become more independent and have gained confidence to handle everyday situations without the anxiety and stress they had experienced.

Run by Castell Care and Support, which is owned by Wales & West Housing, Kickstart is a programme that helps vulnerable people gain the skills they need to be independent, deal with everyday life and then go on to live in their own home.

It first started last May in Abergele and, with staff there 24 hours a day,

it has already made a difference to the individuals living there.

Aaron, 27, had been unwell in hospital for 18 months and was living in a care home before he met Gaynor Jones, Care and Support Manager for Castell Care and Support.

“Gaynor has got me where I am now,” says Aaron. “I first met her in March this year and on 3 May I moved into this great home, which I share with three others. It’s given me the confidence to start NVQ level 3 in Music as I love playing

WWH News & Info | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 19 brass instruments, especially the euphonium. I can also sing too.

“Most of the time we all get on with each other and the staff are really good.”

Mark, who has just turned 20, has been in 17 different homes. “I lived with my mum but after getting divorced she became ill and was unable to look after me and my twin brother so we went into care. I’ve moved 17 times, as far west as Anglesey and now have settled in Abergele.”

Mark has struggled with many aspects of life. He is very creative – see I Believe. “It can be difficult sometimes just going to the shops but since I’ve been here I’ve settled down and can go out and see my friends and family.

I’ve just passed my NVQ level 2 in Performing Arts at Coleg Llandrillo – I’d love to be an actor.”

I Believe

Care and Support worker Nagina Butt says: “It’s been great working here and getting to know the residents. We’ve all clicked.

The residents feel they can talk to me.”

Fellow Care and Support Worker Roy Meyers agrees. “I work in Phase 2 of Kickstart, where residents live in their own home with our support. I have taken one resident out fishing and he was confident to go out on his own for the first time last week.”

Gaynor Jones said: “It has been wonderful to see how the residents have settled into their new homes so quickly and have got on with each other. The Kickstart programme is proving to be a real success and I look forward to seeing Aaron and Mark starting new lives in their own homes in the near future.”

Below are Mark’s inspirational thoughts:

it is fferent light, not how is left di a in ld or w e th e d no one y we will se I believe that one da munities joined, strengths combined, an truly blind. m co ty , er cie is today but bright of the mind when so ck tri a n, io vis a st ju behind, but this is children killed d crimes to endure, an te ha , ar w at d d an arms.

Humanity separate they want is loving l al n he w bs m bo g n in all by dancin ption, greed, passio rru co l ta en m rn ve ound - change ruction, go Environmental dest ture is ours to realise, potential is all ar e fu hearts and eyes, th ed now. ed ne is needed – it’s ill be truly gone. then our troubles w ly on – e on as k or our humanity. nw Billions of voices ca t us free and to save se to y ke e th is n io ss I believe that compa

20 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Going Green

Winter gardening tips Melanie Banner, a resident from Fishguard, has had her allotment for seven years. During the Summer months Melanie spends much of her time at the allotment with her two young children.

Here are three of her top tips for preparing your garden for Winter:

avoid spreading disease from one plant to another.

• Preparing the soil – It’s important to loosen and turn the soil with a fork, then dig in lots of fertiliser. I like to use manure and seaweed. I’m very lucky to live near the sea and, at this time of year, I take a walk down to lower Fishguard to collect seaweed from the estuary. It’s important to do this as opening the soil allows the Winter frosts to break down the fertiliser to feed the soil.

• I like to grow lupines and foxgloves.

Once they have finished flowering I collect the seeds and dry them. Once dry, I plant them in seed trays and keep them in the glasshouse while they grow and establish. During October/November I plant them out in the garden where they can settle for the Winter months. During the Spring, I move them to their flowering position for the Summer.

• Prune all fruiting trees and bushes.

Be sure to use clean sharp tools to

Here are some photos of her productive allotment during the Summer months…

Quarterly Report| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 21

Quarterly Report:

keeping you in the picture Our quarterly report is designed to keep you updated on how we’re doing as an organisation and what we’re doing to improve our services for you – our residents.

These six infographics give key information on how Wales & West Housing is performing in North and South Wales, as you’ll see over the next few pages.

There’s information provided for each of our main systems. These are: • Fix my home • Help me pay • I want a home • Anti-social behaviour • More homes • How we run our business So you can find out everything – from how many homes we’ve built so far this year to how long it takes to fix a repair.

Did you know…?

We want you to find all information regarding our performance and future plans easily.

As a result, we’ve put all our reports in one place on our website for you.

Please take a good look and if you have any comments, let us know by emailing contactus@wwha.co.uk or calling us on 0800 052 2526.

This includes our infographics, annual report, financial statements, Welsh Government financial viability judgement and Welsh Government regulatory report.

To view these reports, visit our website www.wwha.co.uk and click on the ‘our performance’ link on the bottom right of the homepage.

Fix my home Performance

7347 Repairs we’ve completed this quarter

Satisfaction

9.3 out of 10

is the score residents gave us for the repair service they received

% 67%

days 9.3

Repairs fully complete on our first visit

6-10 days 11-15 days 16+ days

The average number of days we took to complete a repair

Feedback from residents What residents like Polite and friendly operative | The quality of work | Easy to report a repair What residents want to see improved More repairs staying fixed | Repairs completed faster | More appointments kept

You told us previously that you wanted us to focus on repairs being completed faster, remaining fixed and us arriving when we say we will. Our focus has been on getting the right operative who has the appropriate skills, tools and materials to undertake the work.

This has meant looking at how we organise work differently across Wales by asking more questions when the work is reported to ensure we understand what needs doing.

0-5 days

Complaints

5

complaints out of

7347 repairs completed

Which is about one complaint for every 1469 repairs completed

our operative’s diary who have better knowledge of the local roads and the right skills to assign jobs appropriately.

This has resulted in us getting through more work which in turn means getting to jobs quicker, but at the same time ensuring that you know we are coming. We will continue to work on this during the Winter months.

We’re also using the right people to organise Quarter 3 (July - September 2016)

Help me pay Performance

1309 Tenancies not in an arrangement to pay off their arrears

We helped residents to: Challenge decisions to end their disability benefit Look for work and review their budgets in preparation for the Benefit Cap Furnish their homes when moving into a new property

85% Tenancies paying their rent on time or paying off their arrears

The number of evictions because of rent arrears

Residents paying by Direct Debit

Complaints

3500 3000

Residents

Support

FOUR

TENANCIES

1

2500 2000 1500 1000

complaint

500 0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay, with payments taken from your bank 50 account on a fixed weekly or monthly 40 date that’s most suitable for you, so 30 you don’t have to worry!

out of

1309 tenancies in arrears

20 10 0

Jan

We have found that one of the things that matters most to you is that you are able to pay the right amount of rent at the right time. In this quarter, 85% of all our residents paid the right amount at the right time.

You are telling us that having a job where the hours and the wages change, often weekly, coupled with the need to keep Housing Benefit up to date on these changes, can make it difficult to know how much rent

Feb

Mar

to pay each week, or month. Our Housing Officers have been working with residents to understand how we can work to resolve this, and in the last 2 quarters we have helped over 100 residents move to having their Housing Benefit paid to themselves, and setting up a Direct Debit to pay the full rent, at the time which suits them best. This means that these residents know exactly how much rent is being paid, and when.

Quarter 3 (July - September 2016)

I want a home Performance General needs

Extra Care

50 40

days

211

Retirement

30 20 10

50 40

Homes we’ve let during quarter 3

30

0

On average it takes 32 days to let a property and support residents to set up a home

54%

of the time, the home is suitable for the first person who views it

20 10 0

Satisfaction

9.3 out of 10

is the score residents gave us about our service when finding them a home

Feedback from residents What residents like The location of their home | The service provided by WWH | The features of their home What residents want to see improved Repairs completed faster | Cleaner properties | More suitable properties

As a landlord, we have properties in 15 of the 22 local authorities in Wales. Across these areas there are different ways to apply for housing, Common Registers, Choice Based Systems, and Waiting Lists, which means that applicants have had different experiences of applying for a home depending on where they live. We have listened to you to understand what is important to you when thinking about a potential new home.

You told us that the right property, in the right place, is what matters most to you, and in the Satisfaction Surveys that we carry out, almost half of you told us that it was either the right home, or the right area.

Complaints

0

complaints out of

211 homes let

You also told us that you would like it to be clearer as to what repairs were to be done in the property, and also some of you told us that you felt the property could have been cleaner.

We have set up a review of the system which is in place to identify what work may be needed when a property is about to be vacant, and we are trialling a new approach in Bridgend. As well as this wider review, we will also be looking back at the individual issues that you raised so that we are learning the right lessons to make sure that we minimise these problems in the future.

Quarter 3 (July - September 2016)

@!

$%&

Anti-social behaviour

$%&

@!

Performance

66

NOISE

69

VERBAL ABUSE THREATENING BEHAVIOUR

Anti-social behaviour cases we opened or reopened

Satisfaction

8

out of 10

is the score residents gave us for the antisocial behaviour support they received

Anti-social behaviour cases we resolved

Most common anti-social behaviour issues

Feedback from residents What residents like The speedy response | Being kept informed | The problem being addressed

What residents want to see improved Quicker response | WWH take more action | Police take more action

In this quarter you have told us that you are happy with the response to your concerns, that we kept you informed, and that we helped you address the problem.

We have seen that in this quarter 14 cases were reopened. After speaking to the residents involved we found that it was the same type of problems reoccurring where we had not helped to fix the right problem.

We will be working with these residents in the coming quarter to ensure that we fully

Complaints

2

complaints out of

66

anti-social behaviour cases reported

understand the causes of the problems, and how we can resolve it.

It is important that we ensure that our systems to support residents in resolving problems with their neighbours, or in their community, are delivering the right service.

We have been, and are continuing to listen to residents to understand what is important when contacting us about particular problems. We are using these comments, along with the lessons we have learnt in other areas to improve the service we provide.

Quarter 3 (July - September 2016)

More homes

Homes we were building in quarter 2

Satisfaction

8.5 out of 10

is the score residents gave us about their new home

On site Completed

2016

325

2015

2014

Performance

We completed 57 new homes

Feedback from residents What residents like The amount of storage available | Location | Outside space especially those in atted schemes with balconies What residents want to see improved Communal bin stores | Open plan ats

Following your feedback we are reviewing the design of ats to create a separate kitchen area and avoid the open plan arrangements you told us did not work in all situations. As part of this design review we are looking at where balconies can be incorporated to create the private outside space you told us you liked.

Communal bin store areas are a problem you identified with them as not always being large enough and bags being thrown over the gate.

In your feedback you have put forward the suggestion of a canopy over the bin store to

Complaints

0

complaints out of

57

new homes completed

reduce the ability of rubbish being thrown over. This suggestion is being put forward as part of the design review along with the size of the storage area to enable more recycling zones as requested.

We are pleased that the changes we have made to the kitchen designs have improved the usage of the cupboard space as fed back from your surveys.

Quarter 3 (July - September 2016)

How we run our business Performance All other calls

Repair calls 4

Minutes

31,009

3

3

2

2

1

1

10am 9am

500 The 400 4 3

Money spent

2 1

£

0

500 500

Apr

May

June

average time it took us to answer your calls

Our busiest call periods

300 200 100 0

Value for money

Complaints

£ spent per home

Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016 Q2 2016

11

400 400

300 Q2 2016 300 1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016

Q2 2016

New developments People Maintenance New kitchens, bathrooms & equipment Interest on loans Major repairs Overheads Repayment of loans

200 200

complaints

100 100 0

9am

11am

0

Calls we answered this quarter

10am

11am

Q3Q3 2014 Q4Q4 2014 Q1Q1 2015 Q2Q2 2015 Q3Q3 2015 Q4Q4 2015 Q1 Q1 2016 Q2 Q2 2016

2014

2014

2015

Management

2015

2015

Maintenance

2015

2016

2016

Other

in

total this quarter

How much it costs per home to run our business

We have worked hard to answer calls more quickly and the average time has reduced to less than a minute in the last quarter. At busy times it does take longer and we will continue to focus on reducing this.

We know that getting value for money is important to residents. Our costs of maintenance continue to reduce month on month and we are keeping most other costs constant. We are investing in better IT systems so that our staff can work remotely more effectively and deliver the full range of housing

services in residents’ homes and so reduce the need to travel back to the head office.

The eleven complaints in the quarter were largely about repairs and maintenance (5) and handling of ASB (2). Of these 3 were upheld.

Quarter 3 (July - September 2016)

28 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Development update

Residents move into West Wales homes Two developments opened in West Wales recently with one at Brynsalem, Felinfach, and one at Foel Goch, Bow Street, Aberystwyth Residents and children enjoyed ice cream while Cllr Ellen Ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, officially opened the developments.

A new bench was placed on both estates for all to enjoy.

Local councillor Lynford Thomas attended the opening at Brynsalem and local councillor Paul Hinge was welcomed at the Foel Goch opening.

It was a great opportunity for everyone to meet each other and it was excellent to see families settling in to their new homes.

Brynsalem has 23 properties, allocated to applicants with a local connection to Felinfach or surrounding villages, and

Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn and Rhodri Jones with residents at Brynsalem

14 families have been housed at the development.

At Foel Goch 26 properties have been allocated to applicants with a local connection to Felinfach or surrounding villages and 16 families have been housed there.

A successful handover also took place at Clos-yr-Helyg, Crymych. Staff from the Development and Housing Teams were on hand at the site of the former Pembrokeshire highways council depot to welcome new residents to their new homes. The development comprises 18 properties - six 2 person x1 bed flats, five 4 person x 2 bed homes and seven 5 person x 3 bed homes housing 12 families in total.

Clos yr Helyg Crymych

Development update| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 29

Cabinet Secretary impressed Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant AM, was impressed when he visited our £2.4m affordable development in Abergele.

Pupils from Emrys ap Iwan Foundation School got together with residents from Ty Gwynn Jones, a supported housing scheme next to the development, to come up with the names, Llys Jenkin and Llys yr Ysgol.

Carl Sargeant AM met residents and was given a tour of the scheme, which comprises 31 x 2 and 3 bedroomed houses and flats.

Resident Michelle Roberts, 40, who suffers from various chronic physical

health conditions, has a wetroom downstairs plus a stairlift.

Michelle said: “Our new home is beautiful, amazing, fantastic, cosy, warm, homely and just wonderful.

Thank you so much for this great opportunity to grow as a family and enjoy our fresh start.”

The scheme is also home to Kickstart, a support programme run by Castell Care and Support. Please see page 18.

Shortlisted for an award We’re delighted to announce that our scheme at Cefn Coed, Scleddau, has won the All Wales LABC Building Excellence Awards 2016 for Social Housing and has now progressed to the prestigious National LABC Awards at the Westminster Park Plaza in London.

30 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | WWH News & Info

We're looking for more Tigers The Tš Curig Tigers are a football team created and led by the Foyer service users. With the support of staff, the squad is made up of current and former residents of the project.

They play in the Aberystwyth 6-a-side league and their weekly fixtures have proved to be a focus for a lot of them, from which they have built up their skills and confidence that have been transferred into other aspects of their lives.

There is currently a squad of eight who turn up every week to participate in the competitive fixtures but, due to its relative professionalism, there is an ever growing demand from others to join in the training sessions. We are therefore looking at the possibility of creating an 11-a-side team.

The sessions are open to any of the 20 residents on the project, both male and female, and any of their friends. When we first entered the league around 18 months back we only had one lad in full

time employment with all the others, for numerous different reasons, not in any form of education, training or employment.

Today every one of the lads have gone on to secure employment which they put down, in part, to the confidence gained from being part of the team.

This season saw the Tigers finish in a very creditable fourth place and also saw goalkeeper Sion Clifton awarded Player of the Season for the entire league, having received the most man of the match nominations.

We have also had support from a local business, Clive's Menswear, who bought some match day kit for the team, which was a great boost for the boys to have someone believe in them enough to put their business name to it.

WWH News & Info | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 31

Love food, hate waste Why does food waste matter? Wasting food and drink is a waste of money.

Did you know that the average family could save up to £700 a year, simply by throwing away less food?

Love Food Hate Waste is a national initiative to try and address this issue. It offers practical tips about a range of food-saving measures, from planning to food portioning, and from better food storage to using up leftovers.

Here are just a few of their top tips to help you start wasting less food and drink, save money and help the environment.

• Check the date labels. ‘BEST BEFORE’ dates refer to quality rather than food safety, so foods with a 'best before' date should be safe to eat after the 'best before' date, but they may no longer be at their best. ‘USE-BY’ dates refer to safety, so food can be eaten up to the end of this date but not after. Did you know, to extend the life of food beyond its date you can freeze it right up to its ‘use by’ date, then defrost and use within 24 hours?

• Planning meals ahead is one of the simplest ways to save money, make sure you only buy what you need and use up what you already have. Before going shopping, check what's in your cupboards, then make a list so you only buy what you really need.

• Store your food correctly to keep it fresher for longer. For example, put apples in the fridge, potatoes in a cool dark place, and bread in a cupboard or freezer.

• Last night's leftovers could be tonight’s feast. You don't have to be a domestic god or goddess in the kitchen - finding some simple new recipes for using up the food you have can make a big difference between food ending up in the bin along with your money, and eating tasty food and your cash staying safely in your pocket.

Love Food Hate Waste also offer training sessions for a range of organisations including local authorities, businesses and community groups, who wish to take an active role in reducing food waste. The training covers the background and issues around food waste, the key behaviours to help reduce food waste, and support on engaging with others and passing on the messages.

More details about this initiative can be found at wales.lovefoodhatewaste.com

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

Window of opportunity for mums back to work

Bob Jenkins gives Gemma and Marie an insight into Solar Windows Cardiff residents Amy (28), Gemma (32), and Marie (30) recently completed a week’s “fast-track to the workplace” programme at our Head Office, learning about WWH and various roles in HR, Finance, Housing Options and the Customer Service Centre, coupled with transferable and employability skills training.

They also had the opportunity to design and build a small product and pitch it to a panel of judges as a way of developing confidence, taking initiative, and testing presentation skills.

On the final day, Bob Jenkins, Operations Manager at Solar Windows, Caerphilly, gave an overview of Solar and their work with WWH, as well as hosting mock interviews. Bob commented: “Entering or returning to the world of work when you have family commitments is not easy and the toughest challenge is building

confidence to apply for jobs. This course provides an ideal opportunity to do this.”

Despite juggling childcare, all of the mums were keen to learn how work “can work” for them through family friendly policies, including flexible working.

As one of the top 30 family friendly employers in the UK, Chief Executive Anne Hinchey says: “For WWH flexibility is part of business as usual. We made it a corporate priority to support our staff to deliver services to residents while making sure that they still had the time needed to meet family commitments."

If you are interested in registering for the next work experience course, or gaining other employment or training support, visit “Get job ready” on our website or call 0800 052 2526.

Making a Difference to Your Future | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 33

"There’s more room for Henry here!”

Karen Buxton, 46, was one of the first residents to visit our new office in Ewloe, as she is a cleaner there!

Karen has been a Wales & West Housing resident in Northop, Flintshire, for 12 years and loves both her home and job.

“My children Liam, 23 and Kelly, 20, have grown up in our Northop home so it really has been a family home,” says Karen.

“The new office is very impressive – there is more space than in the Flint office and it’s good to have everything under one roof. Instead of having to store everything under the stairs, there is now plenty of room – especially for Henry the vacuum cleaner!”

Pre-Hospital Communication Guide The app that helps communicate with those who have had an accident that need additional communication help:

• People who are Deaf or hard of hearing • People for whom English is not their first language • People with learning disabilities • People whose illness or injury affects their communication The app uses images and a small amount of text to help you find out important information about someone or what has happened if they have had an accident.

Download the app for free! iOS - search for ‘PreHospApp’ Blackberry – search for ‘pre-hospital app’ Android – search for ‘Pre-Hospital Communication App’

34 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Emergency Alarm Annual Report

How are we doing?

A review of our Emergency Alarm Service July 2015 – June 2016 During the past year we have continued to develop our service and worked on improving the quality of our call handling. We have some new team members and have worked hard on updating the team's training in all areas, but particularly around Data Protection and Safeguarding.

We have attended meetings with North Wales Police, Ambulance and Fire Services and NHS Wales, working with other Alarm Services to develop a consistent approach to our dealings with the Emergency Services.

We have also met with other social landlords and talked with them about how our Alarm Service can provide support to their residents who have problems with anti-social behaviour.

In November 2015, we attended the Telecare Services Association annual conference, where we met with other service providers and viewed a range of new telecare products on the market.

In last year's report, we told you about a review of our computer systems and the software that we use to answer and respond to alarm activations from our customers. We have carried out a competitive tender process and selected a new provider for this equipment, which is being installed at our new offices.

We have also added a new Customer Service Officer to our team, giving us a total of four and allowing us to make sure that we have a supervisor in the office to support our team during the weekend and evenings.

In the period from July 2015 – June 2016:

3,916 emergency

459 calls each day

calls

Our team answered

11,127 alarms connected

* targets set by Telecare Services Association

167,701 calls

100%

answered in 3 minutes (target = 99%)*

99.3%

answered in 60 seconds (target = 97.5%)*

7,308 homes with alarms

We made

64,239 calls to check you are okay

28

comments were investigated and answers provided to the customer No serious complaints were recorded during the period

Emergency Alarm Annual Report | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 35

Each year we send out a survey to ask how you feel we are doing:

99%

said our staff were courteous

98%

said our staff were helpful

96%

98%

said we provide value for money

said we were professional

431

surveys were returned

96%

said they were happy with the speed of response

95%

said they were satisfied with the service

What you said about our services: "The service provides a feeling of security for both my mother and myself. Thank you."

"I have filled in this form for my mother and these are her answers and comments. My mum is extremely happy with the service provided and she would be lost without it. As her son I am the first number on the list as I live close by and I cannot thank staff and the service enough for their help and consideration.

Many, many thanks!"

"Wonderful service! Particularly to aged persons living on their own, similar to myself - a widower for ten and a half years. It is of great comfort when one is feeling lonely and unwell.

Your alarm user service should be more publicised!"

"There have been several incidents over these past couple of years where this service was invaluable."

Looking forward During the rest of 2016 and into 2017 we will be focusing on training the team to use our new software and talking with our customers to help work out how we can use the new innovations to improve

the quality of the service we provide.

We will keep you updated on changes in the coming year, but please rest assured that we will still be here around the clock, whenever you need us.

If you have any comments about our service or suggestions for improvement, please contact our Customer Service Centre Manager, Christine Bowns.

0800 052 2526

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

Can you reclaim some of your Council Tax? Tens of thousands of people who are living or have lived with someone with a 'severe mental impairment' may be able to reclaim Council Tax, according to money advice website MoneySavingExpert.com Here's how to claim: Someone who has been medically certified as having a permanent condition that affects their intelligence and social functioning (eg, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's) is 'disregarded for Council Tax purposes' in England, Scotland and Wales – in a similar way that students are, for example.

Normally if there's only one person living in a home, you get a 25% Council Tax discount. But if you live with someone with a severe mental impairment and no other adults – or only adults who are disregarded for Council Tax purposes – you can also claim 25% off. You can reclaim retrospectively too.

Anyone with a severe mental impairment who's living alone shouldn't be paying any Council Tax at all.

It's impossible to put an exact figure on the number of people who live with someone who's severely mentally

impaired and overpay Council Tax, but three major charities – the Alzheimer's Society, Parkinson's UK and the Stroke Association – say that awareness of the tax saving is extremely low among those affected and their loved ones.

If you're among those who've been missing out on the saving, not only can you make sure you benefit from the 25% discount in future, you can also reclaim retrospectively if you've overpaid at any point since 1993. It's likely 10,000s or even 100,000s may be due a refund.

Money Matters | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 37

Who's eligible to be disregarded for Council Tax purposes?

There are a number of reasons why someone could be disregarded for Council Tax . If someone is severely mentally impaired, they'll be disregarded if both of the following apply: 1. They've been medically certified as being severely mentally impaired.

For example, if they have dementia, Parkinson's, severe learning difficulties or have had a stroke.

2. They're eligible for at least one of the following benefits: (these aren't all means-tested, and they don't actually need to claim any benefits to get the discount):

- Attendance allowance under Sec 64 of the Social Security Contributions & Benefits Act - Severe disablement allowance - The highest or middle rate of the care component of a disability living allowance - The daily living component of personal independence payment - An increase in the rate of your disablement pension - Disabled persons tax credit - Incapacity benefit - Employment and support allowance - Unemployability allowance or supplement - Constant attendance allowance or income support with disability premium.

Who else qualifies for a Council Tax reduction?

Claiming a 25% discount isn't only restricted to those living with someone with a severe mental impairment. If you're the only adult living with someone who falls into any of these categories of people who are disregarded for Council Tax purposes, you should be able to claim: • People in detention • People to whom child benefit is payable • Apprentices • Foreign language assistants • Students on full-time courses • Students under 20 undertaking qualifying courses

• Student nurses • Youth training trainees • Patients where hospital is their main residence • Patients in homes • Care workers • Residents of hostels, night shelters • Members of international headquarters/defence organisations • Members of religious communities • School and college leavers • People with a relevant association with visiting armed forces • Foreign spouses of students

If you think you qualify for a discount because you live with someone in any of these categories, you should contact your council. You may also be able to reclaim for previous years (providing you have evidence to support your claim).

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

Cracking the code

Children in Bridgend are excited about a new computer code club that has been launched in Bridgend town centre thanks to funding from Wales & West Housing.

Shaun Edwards, who is the driving force behind the project, said: “We had no money to buy the computer equipment we needed to set up the Club, so we approached Wales & West Housing, who kindly agreed to fund the six laptops we needed. With 18 children already on our books, we are hoping to run multiple sessions of the Club each week”.

The Code Club, which teaches youngsters aged 9 – 11 the basics of computer code by learning to create games, animations and websites using specially created resources, was launched in October and will run every Saturday morning from its base at ORACLE SERVICES in Bridgend.

Sharon Rouse, Chief Executive Officer of ORACLE SERVICES, explained how they

encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to come to The ORACLE. "The Code Club is a great opportunity for us to engage with young people and, in turn, their parents. We've worked in partnership with WWH for a number of years and their generosity has enabled us to set this project up”.

Chair of Wales & West Housing’s Board, Sharon Lee, who went along to present the Club with their new computers, added: “At Wales & West Housing we believe in doing all we can to make a difference to people’s lives, homes and communities. This is why we wanted to get involved with this fantastic project that supports and encourages our young people so much.”

Charity Update| intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 39

Care leavers' charity receives £10,000 Wales & West Housing Board members were so inspired by a charity providing invaluable support to care leavers, that they have made a generous donation of £10,000.

The Care Leavers Foundation was set up in 1999 by three people who contributed just £5, and within seven years had grown into a national charity.

Through no fault of their own, many 18-29 year-olds will have lived in more than 20 different foster and/or children's homes by the time they leave care.

They need support, encouragement and financial aid as they often have no family to rely on. Grants issued by the foundation aim to support personal development, education, training and employment opportunities.

Janet Rich, Founder and Trustee of the Foundation, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the charity for such a generous gift. “We have approximately £50,000 worth of grants each year and we could give away five times that amount if we had it. This gift will help us to bolster our grant-making in the Principality and ensure more Welsh care leavers are able to live securely in their homes and get on with making an adult life for themselves without the threat of financial hardship.”

Pictured are Anne Hinchey, WWH Chief Executive, Janet Rich, Care Leavers Foundation, Sharon Lee, Chair of the WWH Board, and Matthew Taylor, Care Leavers Foundation representative.

Sharon Lee, Chair of Wales & West Housing, said that it is an honour to support such an inspirational charity.

“The Foundation offers young people an excellent opportunity to access the best possible support to help them achieve their full potential. As a socially responsible organisation Wales & West Housing are delighted to support a charity which supports some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.”

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

In memory of Uncle Charlie Jak Beddows, aged 7, a pupil at Ysgol Henry Richard in Tregaron, recently held a Macmillan coffee morning in memory of his Uncle Charlie, after watching an advert for the cancer charity on TV.

After watching the advert Jak asked his mum Louise if he could hold his own Macmillan coffee morning to raise money in memory of his uncle Charlie, who had sadly passed away in September 2010 with pancreatic cancer.

So thoughtful Jak decided on a date and who he wanted to invite. The afternoon was very successful and he raised ÂŁ200.

His mum and all his family are very proud of him and thought it was a lovely thing for a 7 year-old to do.

Charity Update | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 41

Giving to Pink Residents at our retirement schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil raised ÂŁ1,659 on Friday 14 October along with staff from Wales & West Housing.

The funds were donated to Cwm Taf Local Health Board’s campaign to set up a specialist breast care cancer unit in the health board area which covers residents from Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff local authority areas.

Ty Gwaunfarren held a coffee morning with lovely cakes made by Tina Power, a valued friend of Ty Pontrhun, for whom she does a lot of baking. All the cakes were sold out.

As a result, Tina had to unexpectedly bake more cakes for Ty Pontrhun who held an afternoon tea. As well as cakes, residents also had some delicious sandwiches.

It was the second time that Ty Pontrhun had collected for cancer within a week, as they had an event to raise money for Macmillan Nurses a few days earlier.

42 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Health & Safety

Tackling doorstep crime The Police Crime Commissioner has been working with South Wales Police, partner agencies and local residents to develop a new approach to tackling doorstep crime and scams.

Each of the seven local authorities within South Wales has supported this new approach to the traditional ‘No Cold Calling’ campaign.

This new initiative was launched with a South Wales wide media campaign to raise awareness and inform residents of their right to say no to uninvited traders and nuisance callers.

Every household is being offered a sticker and booklet, which also signposts people to further information on postal, telephone and online scams.

Police Youth Volunteers and Police Community Support Officers are delivering the booklet and sticker to our most vulnerable communities.

If you know of any other local community service which may be a good channel to get this resource out to residents, particularly vulnerable community members, please send the details through to: Deanna Lynda Young, Email: Deanna.

Young@south-wales.pnn.police.uk Tel: 07469 907906.

Your News & Views | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 43

Macmillan coffee mornings Hanover Court, Bridgend

Wilfred Brook House, Cardiff

On Friday September 30th Hanover Court retirement scheme in Bridgend held a Coffee Morning in support of Macmillan cancer charity.

On 21st September residents at Wilfred Brook House in Grangetown, Cardiff, held their coffee morning and sale of goods, which they also turned into an impromptu Macmillan coffee morning.

The day was organised by Ann Arnold, with the help of Irene and Flo. Several residents helped with the decorating and there was a huge array of raffle prizes.

The residents who attended this event wish to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all who donated money, sold raffle tickets and took entry money on the day, raising an impressive £550!

Llain Las, Pembrokeshire Residents and staff at Llain Las held a Macmillan Coffee and Cake Afternoon on 28th September.

All the cakes were made by residents and a total of £500 was raised. A resident artist drew pictures of classic cars, which were auctioned, and another male resident auctioned an hour of his services - putting up shelves, photographs, etc. A raffle was also held and a wonderful afternoon had by all.

WWH staff members provided the cakes, Lyn Block brought along her crystal wares and homemade candles and Vicky Leach sold her Heavenly Scents. A fantastic £90.31 was raised thanks to the generosity of residents and donations from the sale of wares.

Well done everyone!

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

Harvest Festival gift

Residents at Ty Ddewi retirement scheme in the Rhondda were delighted recently to receive a harvest festival hamper from the children at School Street, in Ton Pentre.

Halloween treat Pictured are ghoulish and ghostly residents from Llys yr Onnen retirement scheme in Mountain Ash, enjoying their Halloween party.

Your News & Views | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 45

Branching out into street art Friends of Hightown Community Resource Centre (FOHCRC) were awarded a grant from Gwanwyn to celebrate creativity for those aged over 50. The group used the money to host workshops which included yarn bombing (knitted street art).

Paula Hack, Chair of FOHCRC, said: “It was great to see members of the community leading this project and sharing skills between themselves.”

The group proudly displayed their yarn bombing, pictured here.

Residents hit the right note with charity Fiona Mcbeth, who works for MmiM, said: “We use the word meatballs as people come in all different shapes and sizes, like meatballs, but together can create a tasty outcome or meal!”

Wales & West Housing residents from Nant y Mor invited the local community to join them for an afternoon tea and tombola, raising £192 for MmiM. Kind-hearted residents at Nant y Mor extra care scheme wanted to put something back into the community so held a fundraising event for a mental health charity in Rhyl.

Musical Meatballs in Mind (MmiM) is a music/performance therapy group for adults whose lives have been affected by mental health issues.

Nant y Mor resident Mary Forbes said: “I like to support local charities and really enjoyed the day.”

The money will go towards marketing materials for MmiM. For more information on MmiM please telephone 01745 336787.

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25 Years at Gerddi’r Ffynnon, Aberystwyth Agnes Prosser is 98 years old and has lived at Gerddi’r Ffynnon since it first opened on 18 November 1991.

She recalls that day very well and says: “It was very exciting. There were three lots of us moving in that day, myself and my husband Verden, Thelma, Cilla and Harold; of course they’ve all gone now. We were all on the same landing, you see.

"The removal men really struggled because they were all here at the same time. It was a right mess, boxes and furniture everywhere. After they left, we were asking one another – do you have an odd chair or this and that, that doesn’t belong to you? It was quite funny.

"The communal lounge was just an empty room. By that first Christmas we had all contributed spare tables and chairs, pictures and other homely items and we made it our communal lounge. Verden and I had a gramophone. It wouldn’t fit in our flat and we didn’t want to get rid of it so we put it in there and we all enjoyed listening to the music together. There was an old tatty Christmas tree and trimmings in there, too.

“Nothing was done in the garden for at least 10 years. Mary Oliver and I were sitting outside one day and Rita the Warden was away. Mary said: “Wouldn’t it be nice to get some flowers in before Rita gets back?”

“So we dug a strip along the wall and put some in. One of the residents said it was lovely so see the flowers.

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Celebrating 60 years together Pictured above is Agnes (right) with fellow resident Mary Reed

Next thing we know someone else had put some in and then more and more arrived, and the garden started to take off.

Mr & Mrs Hoy, from Llain Las Independent Living Scheme in North Pembrokeshire, celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 15th September.

“Some new residents moved in and one of them was a good gardener – I think we all got garden fever after that and we went on to win lots of competitions. It was a great way for us all to get together and we were all very proud.

“I’ve loved living here, I don’t know what I would have done after my husband died if it weren’t for the other residents. Everyone has always been very supportive and looked after one another.

“I had a fall a little while ago and hurt my back, so I wasn’t able to go out much but the residents would get the wheelchair and take me down to the communal lounge every afternoon for tea.

“I’ve been very happy here and Iwouldn’t change it for the world.”

They moved to Fishguard following Bob's retirement from the RAF in 2009 to be near their son and family.

They had visited Fishguard whilst Bob was stationed at Brawdy RAF base in Pembrokeshire and loved it so much that they decided to retire here.

The residents and Independent Living Officer, Helen Lucas, took them out for lunch and an enjoyable day was had by all. They were presented with gifts and they also received a card from the Queen (as seen in the photograph above).

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To register your interest contact: Fran Maclean, Community Benefits Officer on 02920 414039 or visit www.wwha.co.uk and click ‘Get job ready’ in the Residents’ Area.