InTouch Spring 2015

intouch ISSUE 82 | SPRING 2015 | FREE

The magazine for residents of Wales & West Housing

In this issue...

Making a Difference Awards 2015 Scams: don’t be a victim State-of-the-art extra care scheme coming to Powys Our new look quarterly report

News and General Information | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 03

Editor’s

Letter

Welcome to the spring edition of InTouch - the magazine especially for WWH residents where you’ll find our latest news and lots of useful information.

On Friday 6th November, we’ll be holding our eighth annual Making a Difference Awards at the Vale Resort, near Cardiff. Now firmly established as a highlight of the WWH calendar, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of you, our residents, and make for a great night out. So, if you know someone who makes a real difference to your community, someone who goes that extra mile to help others or has turned their life around, then we want to hear from you! You can find out more about the MAD Awards, this year’s categories and how to nominate on P12.

With spring now in the air, many of you are getting busy in the garden. As you’ll see in our Going Green section, some residents have recently benefitted from extra help to purchase garden equipment thanks to our Making a Difference to Your Environment grant (P26-27).

It is believed that millions of people fall victim to scams every year in the UK. In our Money Matters section, you’ll find information about some of the more common types of scams out there and how to protect yourself from them on P18. And on P28, our Employment and Enterprise Coach Kristin gives her top tips on apprenticeships and summer jobs to some of our younger residents.

We’ve also revamped our Quarterly Report, with a new look infographic so you can see clearly how we are performing (P23). We’d like to know what you think about our new style, so please get in touch to let us know.

We hope you enjoy this edition of InTouch and, until next time, happy reading!

Contents

WWH News & Info Health and Safety Making a Difference Awards 2015 Planned Maintenance PH Prize Draw Money Matters Charity Update Quarterly Report Going Green Work. Skills. Experience Healthy Living Your News & Views Birthdays & Anniversaries

04 10 12 15 16 17 20 23 26 28 30 32 28

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 InTouch 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

Ein hymrwymiad i’r Gymraeg

Mae Comisiynydd y Gymraeg yn edrych ar sut mae’r holl Gymdeithasau Tai yng Nghymru yn delio â’r Gymraeg ac yn diwallu anghenion siaradwyr Cymraeg.

Cynhelir yr astudiaeth am 12 wythnos o ddiwedd mis Mai. Unwaith y bydd hi wedi cwblhau ei hastudiaeth, bydd Comisiynydd y Gymraeg yn gosod safonau newydd ar gyfer pob Cymdeithas Dai, gan gynnwys WWH. Bydd y safonau newydd yn cael eu cyflwyno yn hydref 2015 ac yn dod i rym yn 2016.

Yn y cyfamser, os byddai’n well gennych gyfathrebu â ni yn Gymraeg ac nad ydych wedi rhoi gwybod i ni yn barod, cysylltwch â Mike Richards trwy: E-bost: Michael.richards@wwha.co.uk Ffôn: 0800 052 2526 Yn ysgrifenedig: Tai Wales & West, 3 Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Caerdydd CF24 2UD Yna bydd Mike yn cysylltu i drafod y ffordd orau y gallwn ddiwallu eich anghenion.

Our commitment to the Welsh Language The Welsh Language Commissioner is looking at how all Housing Associations in Wales deal with the Welsh language and meet the needs of Welsh speakers.

The study will take place for 12 weeks from the end of May. Once they have completed their study, the Welsh Language Commissioner will be setting new standards for each Housing Association, including WWH. The new standards will be introduced in the Autumn of 2015 and will come into force in 2016.

In the meantime, if you would prefer to communicate with us in Welsh and have not already let us know, please contact Mike Richards by: Email: Michael.richards@wwha.co.uk Telephone: 0800 052 2526 In writing: Wales & West Housing, 3 Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Cardiff CF24 2UD Mike will then get in touch to discuss the best way we can meet your needs.

Reporting changes to your benefits Did you know it is an offence not to tell the Council about a change of circumstances that affects your benefits entitlement?

This could result in them taking action against you, which could include prosecution. Types of changes that you need to report include: • If the income of anyone in the household changes in any way • If you move or if you leave your home for any period likely to exceed 13 weeks

• If someone in your household starts or ceases to receive any form of benefit • If any rent you receive from a subtenant increases or decreases • If the circumstances of someone in the household changes - e.g. starts work, gets married, etc.

If you have any such changes to report, or if you have any queries, contact your Council.

News and General Information | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 05

Anne Hinchey and local historian Peter Metcalfe view the display at Centenary Square in Flint

WWH remembers the fallen heroes of WWI A moving display that remembers the men of Flint who served in WWI has been unveiled at the opening of one of WWH’s newest schemes.

WWH has been working closely with local historian Peter Metcalfe to create the display, which is on show at the new Centenary Square development in the heart of Flint.

The state-of-the-art £3.3m scheme, part-funded by the Welsh Government, has been developed by WWH in partnership with Flintshire County Council, and is seen as the flagship development of the regeneration of Flint, providing 33 apartments for the over-55s.

On the site of the former Delyn Council Offices at Flint House in the town, next to the cenotaph, the fourstorey building was built by Anwyl Construction.

In an act of commemoration, the display tells the stories of some of the local men who went to fight in the Great War of 1914-1918, many of whom sadly never came home.

The display came about when local historian Peter Metcalfe kindly agreed to work with WWH on the project, and focuses upon those men featured within his latest book, Remembered Again: Recalling Flint’s Fallen Heroes of the First World War. Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWH, said: “We’re not just about building homes. As the scheme is next to the cenotaph, we wanted to show respect to the residents in Flint by displaying a wall on each floor and reception area with an exhibition on the Great War specific to the community.

“I would like to pay special thanks to local historian Peter Metcalfe and members of the local community, who have contributed to the exhibition.”

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

Community gets together for road safety campaign ​ esidents both young and old of Ystrad and R Pentre in Rhondda Cynon Taff got together recently to remind drivers and pedestrians of road safety in the area.

The campaign was launched by Age Connects Morgannwg, following concerns raised by older residents regarding incidents with traffic on the A4058 which had left them feeling vulnerable when crossing the road, even on marked crossings.

Several organisations and local businesses supported the Road Safety Week alongside South Wales Police, RCTCBC Road Safety Officers, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Communities First and The Rhondda 50+ Forum.

Various activities, demonstrations and information events were held throughout the week to remind people of the hazards of dangerous driving and speeding and how it affects everyone.

Events took place at Bodringallt Primary School and WWH schemes Llys Ben Bowen Thomas in Ystrad and Llys Nazareth in Pentre.

Road Safety Officers from RCTCBC show resident Margaret Thomas how to use the speed camera

Shelley Bird of Age Connects Morgannwg, who led the campaign, said: “We’ve had a fantastic week engaging with the community and working with various organisations, emergency services and key individuals. Ever since hearing the concerns raised by older residents in the area, our ultimate aim has been to bring road safety to the forefront of people’s minds. We will be re-visiting this campaign during National Road Safety week in November. We hope that we have been able to make drivers ‘think’ and make residents feel safer when crossing the road.”

WWH Housing Officer Alex Morris said: “It is brilliant to see the local community - including some of its youngest, as well as its oldest, members - pulling together and getting right behind the campaign. It is our 50th anniversary year as a housing association and this road safety initiative is a great example of what WWH is all about making a difference to people’s lives, homes and communities.”

WWH’s Alex Morris and Laura Allcott with residents and partner agencies at the road safety campaign in Ystrad and Pentre

News and General Information | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 07

We’ve been shortlisted for a Responsible Business Award!

WWH is a member of Business in the Community Cymru – an organisation which encourages businesses in Wales to play an active role in supporting their communities – and we are delighted to have just been shortlisted for one of their Responsible Business Awards.

When we buy anything for our residents or our staff – whether it is kitchens, tools, uniforms or any sort of equipment, we now use something called our ‘Buy Right’ matrix.

This helps us to judge whether the products and services we are buying not only represent best value for money, but also support the environment, offer work and training opportunities and, wherever possible, keep the Welsh pound in Wales.

The contractors with whom we work also support us in other ways through ‘Buy Right’, many of them through sponsorship of our annual Making A Difference Awards. And now, in our 50th anniversary year, they are also contributing to our three new Making A Difference Funds – Community, Future and Environment.

If you are on Twitter and would like to find out more about the work we have done as a Responsible Business then

please search on #RBWeek.

You’ll see our tweets, as well as those of other companies who support the initiative.

It is because of our ‘Buy Right’ initiative that we have been shortlisted for a BITC Cymru Sustainable Business Award.

The winners will be announced in June at a ceremony at Cardiff City Stadium, so watch this space!

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

Are you Hightown Community Resource Centre’s Steering Group are calling on residents in Wrexham to get involved in three art projects.

The group want to brighten up the centre with yarn bombing (colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre), a mural and a photography display.

If you can help, please contact 0300 123 2070, or pop into the centre to see Centre Manager Libby Price.

There’s lots going on at Hightown Community Resource Centre – visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ hightowncrc to see the timetable of activities and events.

We’re the top not-for-profit firm in Wales again!

S​ unday Times Best Companies 2015 has ranked WWH as the top not-for-profit business in Wales for the fourth year running.

The organisation, which is celebrating its 50th year, also won the Sunday Times Best Companies Learning and Development Special Award 2015. We were also ranked

3rd in the top not-for-profit businesses in the UK - up two places from its 2014 ranking.

WWH manages 10,000 affordable properties across Wales, providing homes for more than 17,500 people. The organisation, which has a £121m five-year development programme and offices in Cardiff and Flint, also retains the coveted Best Companies three stars award.

Chief Executive Anne Hinchey said: “We pride ourselves on being a values-driven company – to be fair, open, supportive, efficient and responsible – to our staff as well as everyone with whom, and for whom, we work.”

WWH Chair Kathy Smart and Anne Hinchey with Jonathan Austin, CEO Best Companies

News and General Information | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 09

Free pension

statement service A free Government service to help millions of people better understand their State Pension has been expanded.

New Housing

Solutions service The way you apply for social housing in Conwy and Flintshire has changed.

Both Councils and their social housing partners have come together to create Housing Solutions, a single access route to housing (previously known as SARTH).

Applying with each housing provider individually has become a thing of the past, and Housing Solutions now offers a new service which will help you access a range of accommodation options, including social housing, private renting and assisted home ownership.

You can visit our website, www.wwha.co.uk, for some useful FAQs to help guide you, but if you require further information please contact our Housing Options Team on 0800 052 2526 or the relevant local authority.

Anyone over the age of 55 is now able to request a personalised State Pension statement, giving them an estimate of what they are likely to receive based on their current National Insurance (NI) record.

Before, the scheme was only open to people over the age of 60.

Extending the service will equip people with vital information as they consider their options under the new rules.

Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said: “I’ve always been clear that people should be given the freedom to make their own financial decisions – but it’s crucial everyone has all the information to help them to make the right choices.

“We are making sure people have the resources and support they need… so they can take the time to plan how to best use their pension saving for a secure retirement.”

To get a State Pension statement, call Newcastle Pension Centre (Futures Group) on 0345 3000168 (textphone: 0845 3000169). Statements can also be obtained by downloading the application form from the gov.uk website.

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

Community benefits from defibrillator It’s an alarming fact that many towns have no defibrillators available to the community, only those in hospitals.

Scheme Manager Kara Foulkes at Llys Jasmine extra care scheme in Mold, was aware of this and wanted to do something about it.

“I was concerned that residents who have heart-related illnesses might have to wait a long time for an ambulance – which could be a matter of life or death for them.

“So if we managed to have a defibrillator at the scheme, with staff trained on how to use it, we could help to save lives while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.”

A resident who had passed away gifted Llys Jasmine with some money and Kara’s initial thoughts were to put the money towards a defibrillator. She consulted with the residents who were all supportive of her proposal.

Kara then researched into the best type of equipment required at these types of schemes to make sure WWH could provide the best support to residents and the emergency services.

The business case was accepted.

Kara then worked with the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAS) to find the best and most suitable defibrillator, along with pads and training equipment.

Scheme Manager Kara Foulkes with the newly installed defibrillator at Llys Jasmine extra care scheme.

Paramedics provided free batteries and the data from the defibrillator can be downloaded in case of a need for a coroner’s report. The British Red Cross provided training for a number of WWH staff and care staff.

“Mold now has its own defibrillator for the community, and it has also been registered with WAS.” said Kara. “The doctors in the surgery next door, for example, are able to use it when they use a special code, as well as those in supported-living bungalows and flats nearby.

“This has been a positive step – Nant y Môr extra care scheme in Prestatyn is going to have one as well. Wales & West Housing didn’t need to get involved but we recognised the needs of our residents and the local community and did something about it.”

Has the defibrillator been used yet?

“No,” said Kara. “But the difference is we know it’s there when we do need it.”

Health and Safety | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 11

Keep your home safe

when using candles Did you know that tea lights, candles, incense and oil burners are some of the biggest causes of fire in the home?

In recent years such items have become a more and more popular way to add relaxation to our homes which has also seen an increase in the number of related fire incidents.

Here are some useful tips to help keep your home safe: • Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. And remember, TVs and other plastic surfaces are not heat resistant.

• Put them in a proper holder.

Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over.

• Always leave at least 10cm (4 inches) between burning candles and tea lights.

• Never place them under shelves or other enclosed spaces.

• Keep candles, tea lights, matches and lighters away from children and pets.

Fire damage caused by an unattended tea light at a property in London

• Do not place candles near curtains, furniture or anything else that can catch fire, like your hair and loose clothing.

• Always put candles and tea lights out and leave to cool down before you try to move them.

• Never leave lit candles or tea lights unattended.

• Double-check they’re out. Candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out.

• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.

12 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Making a Difference Awards 2015 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.

On Friday 6th November 2015, we will 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 who have had a positive impact on other people’s lives. You know who they are the unsung heroes of your community, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This is your chance to show your appreciation of these individuals.

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 absolutely anything that has brought about a benefit to your community.

Good Neighbour Good neighbours have a listening ear, helping hands, and a warm heart. We want to recognise 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.​

Fresh Start This category is all about amazing people who’ve overcome tough times to turn their life around for the better. Perhaps they have overcome illness, supported family members through difficult times or returned to work/ education after a long time away. 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.

If you’d like to nominate someone special, simply call Keri or Sharon oin our Communications Team on 0800 052 2526 – you can nominate over the phone or we can send you a nomination form. The closing date for your nominations is Friday 4th Sept 2015.

Development Update | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 13

New homes for Merthyr Tydfil thanks to church partnership Work has started on an innovative new housing development in Merthyr Tydfil which will see 13 affordable homes built on the site formerly occupied by a church.

WWH is working in partnership with the Church in Wales, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the Welsh Government to deliver more affordable homes for the area.

Seven new houses and six flats will be developed on the site of the former St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Abercanaid.

The sale of the land by the Church in Wales will facilitate the enhancement of the current community and worship space.

The development is funded by WWH and the Welsh Government Housing Finance Grant. The deal - the first of its kind in Wales between the Church in Wales and WWH was brokered by Faith In Affordable Housing.

Contractor Greenwich Communities have just started on the site and the homes are expected to be completed by January 2016. The properties will be for affordable rent via WWH and Merthyr Tydfil CBC’s Housing Choice scheme.

The partnership will bring 13 new homes to Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWH, said: “This is an exciting development in Abercanaid which will provide new affordable housing on the site of a disused church, as well as a brand new church facility for the congregation of, and community around, St Peter and St Paul’s. We have a strong partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and this is another example of that in action.”

Alex Glanville, head of Property Services for The Church In Wales, said: “The Church in Wales is delighted to be working with Wales & West Housing on this project in Abercanaid. It is a demonstration of our commitment to serve Welsh communities both by allowing our land to be used to build housing to help those in need, but also providing modern facilities for worship and community activities.”

Sharon Lee, of Faith in Affordable Housing said, “I’m delighted this development will bring much needed homes to people in Merthyr Tydfil.

The FIAH project was able to bring the church and Wales & West Housing together to make this happen. I’m also particularly proud that it’s in my hometown.”

To find out more about the scheme, and to register your interest, please call our Housing Options Team on 0800 052 2526.

14 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Development Update

Artist’s impression of the new scheme

State-of-the-art extra care scheme

coming to Newtown, Powys WWH and Powys County Council are working in partnership on the development of a new state-of-the-art extra care scheme in the picturesque town of Newtown, Powys.

This exciting new scheme will provide state-of-the-art accommodation for people aged 55 and over with care and support needs.

Situated on Cambrian Way, overlooking the beautiful River Severn, the development will consist of 39

extra care apartments and will benefit from many of the features at our two existing extra care schemes, Nant y Môr in Prestatyn, Denbighshire and Llys Jasmine in Mold, Flintshire.

The new extra care development at Severnside is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2016. Expressions of interest are now being welcomed from people aged 55 and over who would benefit from care and support options provided by extra care housing.

Preference will be given to people already living in Powys.

If you’d like to find out more about our latest extra care scheme in Newtown, contact our Housing Options Team on 0800 052 2526, or email the team at housingoptionsteam@wwha.co.uk Alternatively, you can call Housing Officer Rhian Marsh on 07539 118 684 or email rhian.marsh@wwha.co.uk

Planned Maintenance | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 15

Resident Beryl Haslam looks out of her new windows onto her garden below at Sydney Hall Court

Planned Maintenance

A new window on life Beryl Haslam has lived at Sydney Hall Court, Connahs Quay, for nine years and has always enjoyed looking out of her windows onto her garden.

As part of the planned maintenance programme, Cambria Maintenance have replaced the old windows throughout the scheme with new ones.

“I really like my windows – they are better than before,” said Beryl. “The Cambria workmen were nice and did a good job.”

Below are the properties that we plan to upgrade in the third quarter during 2015: Kitchens Oak Court, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan Continuing with: Powell Road, Buckley, Flintshire Becketts Lane, Buckley, Flintshire Bathrooms Great Western Court, Cardiff

Windows Only Hanover Court, Llandudno, Conwy Windows & Doors Finch Court, Llandrindod Wells, Powys Heighway Court, Llandrindod Wells, Powys Llys Heulog, Llandrindod Wells, Powys

16 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | PH Jones Prize Draw

PH Jones Prize Draw WIN £250, champagne, chocolates and a bouquet of flowers!

You could also be a WINNER! Simply have your gas boiler serviced on the first appointment, or give us at least 48 hours’ notice to re-arrange the visit for a time that is more convenient for you.

Our latest winner in North Wales is Mrs Gregory from Wrexham, who is pictured with her prizes. She was very pleasantly surprised!

Mr Harry Vane of Twyncarmel in Merthyr Tydfil is our latest winner from South Wales. He was very pleased to have won and he kindly donated his flowers and goodies to WWH’s staff charity, Cancer Research Wales.

Mrs Gregory from Wrexham

Mr Jones from Pentre in the Rhondda (pictured) was also a winner from the 3rd quarter in 2014. Mr Jones said he will be using his £250 to decorate his hallway.

£ £

Mr Jones from Pentre, Rhondda

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Money Matters | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 17

Rent-to-own stores: are they really right for you?

Whether you’re moving into a new home or replacing items that you’ve had for years, all of us need to make big financial outlays now and then to buy new home goods.

However, many people don’t have the money to purchase items outright and instead buy through rent-to-own stores (otherwise known as hire purchase stores) such as BrightHouse, Buy As You View and PerfectHome. Though they may seem easy and affordable, the total amount you pay when purchasing goods from such stores is actually far greater than the item’s worth.

this 0% period to clear some of your existing debts, rather than build up more debt.

Bank loans: Like a credit card, a loan from your bank allows you to pay back a set amount each month over an agreed amount of time. If you are on income based benefits (income support, pension credit, JSA, ESA) you may be able to get an interest-free budgeting loan from the Department for Work and Pensions - speak to your local job centre for more information.

For example, an LG 50” Plasma 3D Smart TV from a well known rent-to-own store was recently advertised at a cash price of £1299.99, with a weekly repayment plan of £14.46 over 156 weeks – a total cost of £2255.76. The same TV in a popular high street technology store was priced at only £619. That’s a difference of £1636.76!

Credit unions: People who already save with their local credit union can access credit up to three times the amount of their savings for a 1% charge per month (12.6% APR). Those who are not existing customers, but need to borrow in an emergency, can borrow up to £500 with an interest charge of 2% per month (26% APR). Credit unions will always lend responsibly and work out a realistic budget with customers.

If you want something and don’t have the means to pay for it up front, ask yourself whether you really need it. The best option would be to save up for the item, but if you do need to borrow money it makes sense to know what your options are for borrowing at a lower rate of interest.

Moneyline Cymru: This organisation is available for people who cannot get a credit card, bank or Credit Union loan. They are responsible lenders and more affordable than doorstep lenders. You can contact Moneyline Cymru on 0845 643 1553 or visit moneyline-uk.com

0% interest credit cards: If you have a good credit score your choice will be greater, but even if you have a poor credit score you can still get a 0% credit card, just usually over a shorter period of borrowing. You have to ensure you pay back at least the minimum amount every month and you also need to pay back in full before the end of the 0% period. If you already have bad credit, use

For further advice, speak to your Tenancy Support Officer or contact:

Step Change - 0800 138 1111 or visit www.stepchange.org National Debtline - 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.org Money Advice Service - 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Scams: don’t be a victim 18 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Money Matters

Scams are fraudulent schemes to con you out of your money - it is estimated that millions of people in the UK fall victim every year. In this article, Mike Shears, Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor for South Wales Police, gives us advice on how to spot a scam and keep your money safe.

Common types of scams Doorstep scams: These involve fraudsters trying to scam you after knocking at your door. Doorstep fraud can take many forms including: pressure selling, unfair contracts, overpriced or substandard building work, phoney consumer surveys and bogus charity collections. Such frauds involve promoting goods or services that are either never delivered or are of a very poor quality. Fraudsters may also bill you for work that you didn’t agree to.

Postal scams: Many mass marketing postal scams trick you into parting with money or providing your bank details in the belief that you will win a cash prize. Always remember that you cannot win money or a prize in a competition if you have not entered it! And you shouldn’t be asked to pay a fee to claim a prize in a legitimate competition.

Online scams: These scams can sometimes be more difficult to spot, so be cautious when you’re on the web. Do not open attachments from unsolicited emails as they could contain a virus, and never respond to email requests that appear to be from banks, online market places etc. that request personal information or passwords. If you’re a member of a dating site, do not give out your personal information and never respond to requests for money, no matter how legitimate the story from the other person may seem.

Money Matters | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 19 Telephone & mobile phone scams: One common phone scam is to receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank or even the police.

They’ll tell you that there is fraudulent activity on your bank account and then ask you for password and PIN details. NEVER reveal these details on the phone. Neither your bank nor the authorities will ask you for such information.

With text messaging, be wary of text messages saying you have won a prize - you could be paying up to £2 per text message by replying. Also, if you receive messages offering you money for an accident do not reply STOP - this can be a way to get personal details.

Remember: If it sounds

too good to be true,

it probably is!

ActionFraud is the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. If you spot a scam, or have been scammed, report it.

You can contact ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or online: www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Handy hints to protect yourself • Never give out personal information and passwords unless you are 100% sure of the person’s legitimacy.

• Destroy personal information before throwing it away - cut up bank cards and shred documents.

• Do not sign up for charities, products, competitions etc. unless you have researched the company or charity.

• Never send or give any money to someone you don’t know.

• Do not send any money or pay fees to claim prizes or lottery winnings.

• Visit the Action Fraud website (www.actionfraud.police.uk) for more advice about scams, or download ‘The little book of big scams’ from the Metropolitan Police website www.met.police.uk

£ £

£

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

Cancer Research Wales is

now our official charity partner ​ e are delighted to announce W that Cancer Research Wales is now our official charity partner for the next two years.

Our dedicated charity team, led by Senior Admin Officer Di Barnes, is already planning fundraising activities for the coming months.

Planned activities to date include a mammoth sponsored bike ride leaving WWH’s Flint office in North Wales to our Cardiff office in the south. Staff will also be holding bake sales, taking part in the charity’s annual Pink and Blue Walk, tackling the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge and holding ‘dress down Fridays’.

WWH has raised a total of £75,000 for three major charities over the past six years, including Alzheimer’s Society, Help for Heroes and Stroke Association Wales.

WWH chose Cancer Research Wales after our staff were given the opportunity to select a charity they wish to support. Cancer Research Wales was the overwhelming winner, with our team keen to raise money for Wales’ cancer charity.

All money raised through the partnership will stay in Wales to support the charity’s work, such as the pioneering research projects being carried out by internationally

renowned scientists and PhD students, and Wales’ only specialist cancer library.

Laura Priddle, Fundraising Manager for Cancer Research Wales, said: “We are extremely grateful for WWH’s support and are really looking forward to working together to raise as much money as possible to help give brighter futures to those affected by cancer.”

Di Barnes added: “Everybody has been touched by cancer at some point in their lives and in recent years we have had a number of staff who have either fought the disease themselves or had a close family member who has suffered from it.

As well as raising money for a truly worthy cause, we are also looking forward to the team-bonding, fun and the satisfaction that fundraising involves.”

Leah, Peter and Di are just some of our staff getting ready for the great WWH North to South bike ride

Charity Update | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 21

Pictured (left to right): Corporal Natasha Moore, Flight Sergeant Kev Wilkin, Kathy Smart (Chair of WWH Board), Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE (SSAFA Chief Executive) with Sergeant Lisa Millar and Flight Sergeant Al Crawford.

WWH donates £10,000 to

Armed Forces charity SSAFA We recently donated £10,000 to SSAFA, the military charity that provides lifelong support for members of our Forces and their families.

Chief Executive of SSAFA, Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE, met with our Chief Executive Anne Hinchey and Chair of the Board Kathy Smart at RAF St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan recently to receive the cheque.

WWH chose SSAFA, formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, as its Board charity because of its work in Welsh communities providing practical, emotional and financial support for those who have served in the Forces.

“We are so pleased to be able to

support such a worthy cause,” said Kathy Smart. “We are only too aware of the difficulties that many of our servicemen and women and their families face, which is why we want to help make a difference. I hope our contribution will go some way to assisting those who need SSAFA’s help in our communities across Wales.”

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray said: “We are delighted that Wales & West Housing has chosen to support SSAFA’s work in Wales. It is clear that they are an organisation who care a lot about their clients and we have much in common, in terms of values. SSAFA understands the unique challenges that veterans and serving personnel can face and that’s why we offer lifelong support to the whole Forces family.”

22 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Make It Happen

Make It Happen...

We did, in Ty Ddewi,

Rhondda Cynon Taff Our scheme Ty Ddewi in Ton Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taff, is home to the Can Do Club Disability Group – an inspirational group of people led by the particularly amazing Dee Thorne.

The Can Do Club formed in recent years after the local council-run disability group lost its funding. Resident Dee, with the support of WWH staff, quickly set up a club at her scheme so that her friends from the former group had somewhere to go.

The group now meets weekly at Ty Ddewi and has members from all around the Rhondda with a diverse range of needs.

They take part in a range of activities including gardening, jewellery and craft making, computers and games. They’ve been greatly helped by two volunteers, Tony and Sandra Slade from RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme) who come to the sessions each week to teach activities.

Dee takes part in a glass painting class with the Can Do Club

The group have been successful in applying for a Making a Difference to Your Community grant (formerly the Make It Happen grant). They were interested in exercising, but the cost of a weekly tutor was too much, so instead they applied for a Wii-Fit which they could use whenever they wanted. They now regularly use the console for Zumba and singing, as well as a range of games and sports.

The Making a Difference to Your Community grant also paid for jewellery and craft making equipment which the group plan to make items with and sell to raise funds.

The grant has helped to make a real difference to those who attend the Can Do Club, allowing them to access a range of activities suitable to their needs.

Residents enjoy a game of ten pin bowling on their Wii-Fit

For more information about our Making a Difference to Your Community grant, contact Claire Hammond (Resident Participation Strategy Officer) by emailing claire.hammond@wwha.co.uk or call 0800 052 2526.

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

Quarterly Report:

Keeping you in the picture Since 2012, we have been telling you how we are doing as an organisation with our regular Quarterly Report section in InTouch.

We decided to explore other ways of sharing this information with you, so that key facts are presented to you in a clear pictorial format using infographics. Our plan is to publish the infographics in each InTouch, so we can keep you informed about how WWH is performing.

You’ll find some new features in our latest infographic, such as word clouds (shown below) These word clouds work in a simple way: the more a word/term has been used in your feedback to us, the bigger and bolder it appears in the word cloud.

So, for example, when we asked new residents what they would like to see

improved when moving into one of our homes, the most popular answer was ‘cleaner properties’.

Similarly, we’ve used word boxes, where again the bigger and bolder the text and the bigger the box it sits in, the more popular that particular answer (shown below).

Our Resident Participation Steering Group (RPSG) members have recently been asked for their opinion on our new infographic, and now we’d like to hear from you.

So please take a good look and if you’ve any comments we would be very pleased to hear from you. You can email us on contactus@wwha.co.uk, or call us on 0800 052 2526.

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

infographic

Money Matters | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 23

infographic

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

Staff and residents get busy gardening

at Hope Court

WWH staff donned their gardening gloves to help residents build their new raised planting beds at Hope Court retirement scheme in Cardiff recently.

The team headed to the communal garden at Hope Court on Wednesday 1st April to lend a hand for the day.

The event came as part of WWH’s volunteering programme, which allows every member of staff in the organisation to receive a full working day - every year - to give their time to volunteering at resident projects across Wales.

Both residents and staff spent the day getting their hands dirty and mucking in together - building the wooden raised beds from scratch, filling them with soil and preparing them for planting.

The gardening project came about after the group approached WWH for funding for a shed to keep their gardening equipment safe.

WWH Environmental Assistant Sarah Willcox was amazed by the interest shown by the resident group and saw real potential.

With Sarah’s assistance, the group came up with a plan to improve the gardens together.

Sarah then helped the residents to apply for the Making a Difference to Your Environment grant in order to get the necessary gardening goods for the project. Their successful bid has resulted in WWH funding a new patio area, two raised beds, a storage shed and soil.

The residents plan to use one raised bed for flowers, herbs and fruit trees, and then a larger raised bed for vegetables.

Tony Morton, 78, former engineer and resident at Hope Court, said: It’ll be nice to see the ladies coming out into the garden – they’ll want to keep it in order now that we’ve done all the heavy work. I was more than happy to give my time to building the raised beds and getting involved because I want to give a bit back to the community.”

Scheme Manager Steven Christie said: “It’s great to see all the residents together and joining in. There’s a lot of interest in the gardens here, and hopefully there’ll be even more now the raised beds have been built.

“Wales & West Housing have done a lot for us here, and the gardens and patio will prove a great resource for the residents in the coming summer months.”

Going Green | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 27

Green-fingered residents

delighted with new greenhouse Residents at Hanover Court in Bridgend will be busy growing even more of their own fruit and veg this summer, after WWH provided funding for a communal greenhouse through it’s Making a Difference to Your Environment grant.

The residents have been working extremely hard over the last year to improve the scheme’s communal gardens and make them enjoyable for the community. After meetings with WWH’s environment team, the residents at Hanover Court were initially granted funding for a large raised bed where they have since been growing tomatoes, beetroot, aubergine, and peas.

Although the green-fingered residents have done very well with their grow-your-own endeavours, they have struggled to grow vegetables and flowers from seed, so they approached WWH this year for some additional funding from the Making a Difference to Your Environment grant (formerly known as the Environment Fund).

Following a number of consultations and support from Environmental Assistant Sarah Willcox, WWH provided funding for the purchase of a

brand new, sturdy greenhouse.

The greenhouse has now been built and the happy residents have already been out in the glorious sunshine to start growing their vegetables and flowers from seed; they are even expecting a bumper crop from this year’s planting!

The residents explained there has been a new lease of life at the scheme thanks to the development of the garden and the men of the group even enjoy a cheeky whiskey while they are out together gardening!

For more information about our Making a Difference to Your Environment grant, contact Sarah Willcox (Environmental Assistant) at sarah.willcox@wwha.co.uk or call Sarah on 0800 052 2526.

Residents Evelyn Elsbury and Eddie Atkins of Hanover Court, Bridgend

28 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Work.Skills.Experience

Dear Kristin Our Employment and Enterprise Coach Kristin gives you her advice on apprenticeships and summer jobs.

Kristin writes: For quite some time apprenticeships fell a little off the radar, but lately there is a big push on creating apprenticeships for young people like you. These days apprenticeships can be even more productive than in the past.

Most apprenticeships offer someone the chance to work and gain experience, learn their way to a professional qualification and also earn some money.

A good organisation will help and support their apprentice through their qualification which means you will not be on your own.

Some apprentices will be paid on a lower rate than regular staff which is something you will need to ask about, but many will offer a competitive salary and all of the benefits that a regular employee would be entitled to. Depending on your circumstances, there may also be other benefits you could be entitled to.

Dear Kristin, My dad is always on my back saying that I should get an apprenticeship like he did when he was younger, but I keep telling him that times have changed. I am 18 years old and I have completed school with GCSEs. I don’t fancy going to college full time but I am finding it hard to get into work because I don’t have any other qualifications. Would an apprenticeship help me?

Dan

On top of this, after training an apprentice for a year or more and supporting them through their qualifications, the company you are working for may offer you a longer term position.

In summary, apprenticeships can work out fantastically well for the right person.

Apprentices are able to: • Gain valuable work experience • Gain professional qualifications • Start earning money straight away If you want to know more about apprenticeships you can get in touch with me or search on line at www.careerswales.com

Work.Skills.Experience | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 29

Dear Kristin, I’m a 23 year old student and really want a summer job but don’t know where to look. What support is there for me?

Gemma

Kristin writes: A summer job is a great way to earn some money and gain experience. Depending on whether you are thinking of coming home for the summer, your student union may be able to help you with finding a suitable job. There are also lots of websites that help students such as www.studentjob.co.uk, www.summer-jobs.co.uk and www.e4s.co.uk plus many more. You also need to have an up-to-date CV. Alternatively, you may want to go and work abroad for the summer and there are a number of websites that advertise these jobs including www.campamerica.co.uk and www.air-pro.co.uk. If you are interested in working with children, your local authority may be running play schemes throughout the summer and they will start advertising for these jobs now, so look at your local authority’s website for more details.

If you would like help with any work, training or volunteering issues, why not get in touch?

Simply email your query to Kristin at contactus@wwha.co.uk

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

A man’s shed

is his castle The Men’s Sheds movement provides a place of sanctuary and support for men of all ages and backgrounds. Here, we find out more about this unique project in Wales and what it has to offer.

A man’s shed has, for generations, been a place for him to go and escape the stress and strains of life; a familiar and safe haven to gain a bit of much needed sanity; a place to think, to tinker, to make and fix things. Men the world over have done this largely on their own - until now…

There is now a new way for men to pursue their interests, belong to a unique group, feel useful, fulfilled and feel a sense of belonging. The Men’s Sheds movement has arrived in Wales.

The Men’s Sheds movement started in Australia, to provide a place for men to hang out, socialise, do something practical and talk. It was quickly discovered that it could increase men’s quality of life; men could talk about health and life issues in a place where they felt comfortable.

Keith, an armed forces veteran and member of the Squirrel’s Nest in Bridgend

Healthy Living | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 31 In the South Wales town of Bridgend, The Squirrel’s Nest Men’s Shed was established as a charity some years ago to provide a space where men could get together, work on practical projects and share stories.

The Squirrel’s Nest is Wales’ first working Men’s Shed and, like many other sheds, has a particular emphasis on support for men’s health and wellbeing. It has also started to support those whose lives have been affected by prostate cancer.

Thanks to Prostate Cancer UK, The Squirrel’s Nest now opens on Fridays for men who have been affected by the condition to come along and support each other.

By working together, keeping occupied and giving back to the local community, those who join a shed can help keep their mental and physical wellbeing in check.

By joining in at a shed, you’ll be able to: • Meet new people • Experience the camaraderie of working with other men • Put practical skills to good use and share them with others • Try something new and learn new skills • Get involved in the local community • Learn about other activities and services in the area • Talk to others who may share similar experiences

The Men’s Sheds movement in Wales is still very much in its infancy, but there has been enormous interest. There are currently 22 groups across the country who are actively engaged in setting up a shed in their local community. Why not get involved?

For more information on sheds near you, contact Men’s Sheds Cymru Regional Advocate Mark Bond on 07736 295237 or email info@mensshedscymru.co.uk The Squirrel’s Nest in Bridgend is generally open 10am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, at Unit 38 Tondu Enterprise Centre, Bryn Rd, Tondu. You can get in touch by emailing squirrelsnestms@gmail.com or calling 01656 729625.

For help and support regarding prostate cancer, call Prostate Cancer UK’s confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org.

32 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Your News and Views

Your News & Views Residents give generously

to Abergele Foodbank In February, the residents of Ty Gwynn Jones, Abergele, donated a staggering 118kgs (that’s 18stone and 8lbs) of much-needed food to the local community Foodbank.

Scheme Manager Su Smith said: “As a scheme, we wanted to help local people and we felt this was a worthy cause.

Since then we have placed a box in Ty Gwynn Jones for continuous donations of non-perishable foods, which is collected regularly.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Abergele came to present the food to Lynda Tavenor and Andrew Sturgess of Abergele Foodbank and thank the residents for their efforts.

Ty Gwynn Jones

Winners of the Wales & West Housing 4 Wood Pairs Indoor Bowling Cup 2015 Every year, WWH sponsors the above cup at Merthyr Tydfil Indoor Bowls Club. The photo shows Dennis Owen, Chairman of the club, presenting the 2015 winners Colin Osborne and Barrie Broad with the cup on 1st April.

The club provides a fantastic community service for men, women and young people, with member ages ranging from 9 to 90 years!

Your News and Views | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 33

Stephenson Court celebrates

50 years of WWH

Residents at Stephenson Court enjoy a get together to celebrate WWH’s 50th anniversary

Over 30 residents got together for a party in the communal lounge at Stephenson Court, Cardiff, to celebrate WWH’s 50th year on Friday 27th March.

Alison Thomas, Scheme Manager, applied for our 50th anniversary celebration grant so residents could join us in celebrating our special year.

Resident Pauline Amery said: “We had a wonderful party - the food was excellent, the entertainment was great and the atmosphere was really good.

I think every single person that came enjoyed themselves. We had a singer who got us all up dancing and singing, and it was all paid for by Wales & West Housing. Thank you and happy 50th birthday!”

Fellow resident Enis Howells added:“I would personally like to thank Alison and residents Margaret, Jennifer and Mary for all their hard work for a fantastic night, and thank you to Wales & West Housing for making it happen.”

34 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch |Your News and Views

The party at Limebourne Court proved a big success

It’s party time at Limebourne Court!

The residents of Limebourne Court, Cardiff, also got together to celebrate our 50th birthday on Wednesday 15th April. The group enjoyed a good sing-a-long and a dance to some classic tunes.

If you would like to apply for a 50th anniversary grant of up to ÂŁ250 on behalf of your scheme or community, simply speak to your Scheme Manager or Housing Officer, or call our Customer Service Centre on 0800 052 2526.

Residents raise a glass at their WWH 50th anniversary celebration

Your News and Views | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 35

Pictured L-R are Verity Imms from Tenovus ,Mr Alec Anderson and Mrs Hannah Lowe of Ty Pontrhun who helped raise £690.22 for the cancer charity

Lovelight service in memory of Joyce Anderson

raises money for Tenovus The Lovelight service is organised by Mrs Hannah Lowe from St John’s Church and is held most years at WWH’s Ty Pontrhun scheme in Merthyr Tydfil.

This year, the service was especially

poignant because of the passing of resident Mrs Joyce Anderson.

The service was held on the 3rd of February and raised £690.22 from donations in lieu of flowers.

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

“I want to thank all

my neighbours at Treseder Way, Cardiff” Mr Malcolm Mansbridge, 66, from Treseder Way in Cardiff, rang in to ask if we could give the following message to his kind neighbours: “I haven’t been very well and had to stay in Holm Towers Nursing Home, where I was treated very well over the four weeks I was there.

When I returned home to Treseder

Way, I was very surprised to find my neighbour Margaret on my doorstep with a marvellous basket of fruit donated by all my neighbours. My wife and I haven’t lived here very long but the neighbours have taken us into their lives, always have time to talk and are so very helpful. A big thank you to all of them from both myself and my wife.”

Olwen is the winner in

flipping the pancake!

On Shrove Tuesday, Anne White, Scheme Manager at Norbury Court in Fairwater, Cardiff, went up against the residents in a pancake flipping contest. Mrs Olwen Hnatiw was named scheme champion!

Your News & Views | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 37

Phillip Howell, WWH Site Superintendent, sent in this lovely spring photograph of crocuses and daffodil at Ty Pontrhun, Merthyr Tydfil.

Michael Fowler, WWH Site Superintendent, sent in this marvellous photograph of members of the Coffee Club at Fferm Y Bryn, Ystrad Mynach, celebrating WWH’s 50th anniversary

Residents host charity cake and

coffee morning The residents of Wentloog Court, Cardiff, got together in February for a special Valentine’s cake and coffee morning in support of Cancer Research Wales.

The group enjoyed lots of tasty treats and a special performance from young saxophonist Rochelle Gough, daughter of Scheme Manager Lorraine Gough.

Altogether, the residents raised an impressive £115.41.

Residents enjoy their charity coffee morning at Wentloog Court

Lorraine said: “It was so nice to see the residents enjoying the music and having a nice social gathering.

“They contributed generously to help support Cancer Research Wales.”

38 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays &

Anniversaries

Happy Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Gordon & Brenda!

Gordon and Brenda Hopkins of St Catherine’s Court, Caerphilly, celebrated 60 years of marriage on March 19th by travelling to Devon for a long weekend.

They first met at the Ebbw Vale Dance Hall when Brenda was just 18 years of age and Gordon was 22.

It was definitely love at first sight and they even renewed their marriage vows when they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Congratulations to you both!

Happy Birthday Anita!

On the 16th February, Miss Anita Eggebrecht celebrated her 80th birthday at Wentloog Court in Rumney, Cardiff. Residents provided a special birthday cake which they all enjoyed during their coffee morning.

Birthdays & Anniversaries | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 39

Happy Birthday Barbara Barbara Johnston celebrated her 83rd birthday on St Davids Day with a champagne afternoon tea with all the residents at Norbury Court in Fairwater, Cardiff.

Barbara grew up in Carmarthen and went to Llanelli Grammar School, before going on to teach at Peter Lea School in Fairwater. “This is an ideal place to live; I have my own front door onto the garden and enjoy the company of my neighbours in the communal lounge.�

Happy 90th Birthday Kathleen!

Mrs Kath Williams, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, has been a resident at Cwrt Anghorfa in Pyle, Bridgend, for around 20 years. She moved there after suffering a break-in and bereavement in her former home.

As a result, Kath was naturally nervous until she moved into Cwrt Anghorfa, where she now feels safe and happy.

She wants to praise the WWH staff for all the help they have given her over the years.