Grapevine spring 2015

Grapev neTenant Newsletter / Spring 2015

Community Food Co-ops and Foodbanks Page 4-5

Come Along to our Family Fun Easter Egg Hunt Page 7

Lift Me Up! Get Advice on Employment 2

Welcome

| Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Contents

Hello and welcome to the Spring Grapevine.

Hopefully it will soon be time for us all to ditch those winter hats and coats and look forward to better weather to come.

As always the Grapevine is packed with interesting articles and our wide range of activities and services. We have a special article on page 15 on our new developments across south east Wales.

Our Linc Care team has been busy helping some of our older tenants to get online and get involved in all sorts of other activities.

On page 6, our services in extra care, sheltered housing and housing related support for older people have been recognised by the Centre for Housing and Support Service (CHS) with a top accreditation.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Grapevine and as always we welcome your feedback.

Please send in your suggestions, news and photos for the Summer edition of Grapevine to [email protected]

Best wishes,

From Trevor Saunders, Executive Director Linc Homes:

Trevor Saunders,Executive Director Linc Homes

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Welcome

A Message from the Chair of the Tenant Panel

Community Food co-ops

Foodbanks

Flying High - Top 3 Stars

Easter Egg Hunt at Lysaght

Universal Credit Update

Digital Inclusion

Policy Review Group

Digital Inclusion Questionnaire

Lift Me Up!

If the Sun is Out, the Kids are About!

Staff at Linc Join Together with Carers Trust Wales

Your News in Pictures

Onsite News

Local Housing Strategy - Have your Say!

Legislation Policy Update

Served in the Armed Forces or TA for 7 Days or More?

A Message from the Property Maintenance

Estate Inspection Dates

Useful Contacts

Kids Corner

Head Office Holiday Closures: Spring 2015

Friday 3 April: Good Friday

Monday 6 April: Easter Monday

Monday 4 May: Bank Holiday

Monday 25 May: Bank Holiday

Our usual out of hours emergency repairs service will operate on these dates - see Page 19

� G

rapevin

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Dear Tenants, At our last Tenant Panel Meeting in December, we shared our thoughts on a number of issues. We received an update on Universal Credit, which you can read about on pages 8 and 9 and we were updated on what’s been happening in Linc Homes and Linc Care.

Linc's Development Team invited the Tenant Panel to tour a new housing development in Coity, Bridgend. The first phase of the development, which includes 49 homes, is due for completion this Spring. We were able to preview three completed properties including a town house, a two bedroomed house and a one-bedroomed apartment.

We learnt a lot from the tour and were impressed with the quality of the finished homes. The varied sizes of the homes will ensure a balanced community. Read more on page 15.

In December, the Tenant Panel were proud to represent Linc and more importantly the tenants at the Older Persons Conference in Cardiff.

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Pictured here: The Tenant Panel and Karen Jeffreys (far right),Tenant Participation Officer at Linc

Get in touch! Contact Karen Jeffreys, Tenant Participation Officer on 029 2047 4023 or email [email protected]

Pictured here: Members of the Tenant Panel onsite

Pictured here: Fiona Gardner, PA to Executive Director Linc Homes, Lorraine Jenkins, Tenant Panel, Brian Thomas, Chair of the Tenant Panel and Karen Jeffreys, Tenant Participation Officer

We were given the opportunity to talk to professionals about the benefits of having learned new digital skills. I have recently put my digital skills into practice by supporting our tenants group at Cwrt Gwalia to apply for a small pot of funding from Sainsbury’s. I’m proud to say that I completed the application online with just an ounce of help from Linc! If you belong to a group, you can apply for funding too, so please don’t be afraid to speak to us or your Tenant Participation Officer, Karen Jeffreys (contact details below) who can offer you support.

Finally, Linc are trying to find out your experience of digital inclusion so please take a moment to fill in the survey on page 11.

Here’s hoping you are all keeping well. It would be lovely to hear from you, so please do get in touch.

Brian Thomas,Chair of the Tenant Panel

Money Advice

| Grapevine Spring

A food co-op is run by local volunteers and is a simple way to buy fresh fruit and vegetables in your community, whilst supporting local farmers, retailers and wholesalers. The produce is selected according to availability, season and value, and all the money collected at the food co-op goes directly back to the supplier.

What is a food co-op?

The fruit and vegetables are put into bags and split into options of fruit, veg, salad and stir fry. Some food co-ops also offer milk, eggs, meat and fish. The bags are sold at a cost ofeach. On average a regular customer can save up to per year!

How much do they cost?

Food co-ops are for everyone and are easy to use. Simply turn up to your local food co-op, order your bag selection, pay for your bag and then collect your fresh fruit and vegetables the following week. With around 300 food co-ops based throughout Wales, you won’t have to travel far to find one close to you. Visit www.foodcoopswales.org.uk to find your nearest venue. Alternatively, here is a list of food co-ops in some of our more populated areas...

Who uses them?

Note: You can use your Healthy Start vouchers as payment towards milk, fruit and vegetable bags! To check eligibility for the vouchers, visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk or speak to your midwife/health visitor.

Newport – Pill Mill Centre (Pill), Millbrook on Parret Road (Bettws)Cardiff – Rainbow House (St Mellons), Salvation Army (Grangetown)Bridgend – WATRA 3 The Precinct (Wildmill), Coychurch Road (Pencoed)Neath Port Talbot – NSA Development Centre (Sandfields), Neath Abbey Infants School (Neath)Blaenau Gwent – Bethany Baptist Church (Six Bells), STAR Community Centre (Sirhowy)Torfaen – Griffithstown Primary School (Griffithstown), The Lighthouse (Pontypool)Caerphilly – St Catherine’s Church Hall (Mill Road), Fleur De Lys Institute (Blackwood)Swansea – Ynystawe Primary School (Clydach), Penclawdd Primary School (Penclawdd)Rhondda Cynon Taff – St Johns Church Hall (Cymmer), Ysgol Ty Coch (Ynysybwl)

Food co-ops and Foodbanks - what's the difference?

I was very surprised with how much fruit I was

given for £3 – a bunch of bananas, apples, pears, a punnet of grapes and a

honeydew melon. Bargain!Food co-op Customer

£220

£2.50 - £3.00

The Trussell Trust’s UK foodbank network works with communities nationwide to launch foodbanks that provide days of emergency food to men, women and children in crisis.

What is a foodbank?

Who do they help?

We are hearing more and more about people struggling to feed themselves in the news. Some families might be on a low income and are struck by a crisis, such as losing a job, reduced working hours, or they might be facing debt problems, or suffering an illness. As a result, Foodbanks are opening across the country to help people in this situation.

Foodbanks are run by the community for the community: non-perishable food (such as canned food, dry pasta - food with a long shelf life) is donated by local people – schools, businesses, churches and individuals. Volunteers of all backgrounds help run foodbanks by packing, sorting and distributing the food. Every client is referred to the foodbank by a frontline care professional such as a doctor or social worker. Find out more about Foodbanks, where your nearest one is or how you can get involved at www.trusselltrust.org/

How does it work?

Foodbank customers come from all types of backgrounds and their situations vary. If you are struggling to buy food or would like help with any aspects of your finances, please contact the Money Advice Team at Linc on telephone 0800 072 0966 or email [email protected]

Linc Supports Port Talbot FoodbankA foodbank in Port Talbot was launched last year at Carmel Chapel in Aberavon, providing people with food supplies, a warm tea or coffee and advice. Thanks to the efforts of Community Worker Bethan Eleri Davies and a whole host of local volunteers, a second foodbank in Tabernacle Chapel, Cwmavon has now opened - now it can reach even more people in need.

Linc has helped to support Port Talbot foodbank for the brilliant work they are carrying out. We have donated towards the running of their foodbank van and our contractors R&M Williams, have helped to re-decorate the premises in Cwmavon (pictured right).

Money Advice

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Bethan commented:

We are so grateful for Linc's support and kind donation. We can now offer a more inviting

location where people can receive confidential support, advice and guidance. This life-changing

project really does rely on the community pulling together. Pictured here: Linc's Money

Advice Officer Emily Brain (right) handing Bethan Eleri Davies Linc's donation to the Port Talbot Foodbank.

Tenant News

| Grapevine Spring

Flying High - Top 3 Star Accreditation!We are delighted that Linc has been awarded a top 3 star accreditation for services in extra care, sheltered housing and housing related support for older people.

We are the first Housing Association in Wales to be awarded the Centre for Housing and Support (CHS) Service Excellence Standards. Three stars is the highest award possible.

A thorough review of Linc's services was carried out by an independent assessor. This involved speaking to staff, tenants and key stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the service and how this is viewed by the people that receive it.

Some areas of the assessment included:

What is the CHS service excellence standard?The CHS Service Excellence Standards is a prestigious award specifically designed to test and score the quality

of services delivered to vulnerable people.

Pictured here (Left-Right): Anne Thomas, Executive Director Linc Care; Brian Thomas, Linc Tenant & Chair of Linc’s Tenant Panel; David Chinnick, Senior Extra Care Manager with tenants at Llys Enfys extra care scheme in Llanishen, Cardiff.

It’s great that Linc has been recognised in this way. My views along with other tenants were sought by the CHS assessor and I cannot fault where I live or the staff. There are opportunities for tenants to have their say and influence decision outcomes with Linc. The tenant panel has closely followed the journey of the new standards being achieved. I think existing and future tenants will benefit from the accreditation knowing that Linc do what they say they will do.

• Responsible service management• Value for money• That services are personalised• That people are respected and involved• That tenants are kept safe from abuse• Financial inclusion and supporting independence

Anne Thomas Executive Director Linc Care says:

This new Service Excellence Standard demonstrates our commitment to improving tenant services and experiences in Linc. We are delighted to be recognised by CHS for working with tenants, staff and commissioners to achieve this top award.

Brian Thomas, Chair of Linc’s Tenant Panel and sheltered housing tenant, says:

Easter Egg Hunt PLUS meet small animals from the Nearly Wild Show

LincCommunity

Day!

Lysaght InstituteOrb DriveNewport, NP19 0RA

01633 284911www.lysaght-institute.com

• Family Fun Day• Easter Egg Hunt• Meet Small Animals from the Nearly Wild Show• Arts & Crafts• Light Refreshments

Free Admission

Wednesday 1st April 11am - 3pm at Lysaght Institute

Tenant News

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| Grapevine Spring

Tenant News

In April 2013, the government started bringing in a new type of financial support called Universal Credit (UC). It’s for people who are looking for work or on a low income and it will eventually replace many of the benefits and tax credits you may currently be receiving.

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages between now and 2017. Neath Port Talbot and Torfaen will be amongst the first areas to be affected in April 2015 closely followed by Caerphilly, Newport, Bridgend and Swansea during May – July 2015.

Most people won’t be affected to start with other than single newly unemployed claimants living in the areas detailed above who would have otherwise made a claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance. There are things however you can do beforehand to make sure you’re ready for the changes when they happen.

On your marks

Get set

Go

If you have any questions regarding this, or are worried about budgeting on a monthly basis, get in contact with our Money Advice

Team on 0800 072 0966 and they will be able to assist you.

Talk to us!

Universal Credit Update...

Universal Credit is for people who are looking for work or on a low income. It will replace many of the benefits and tax credits you may currently be receiving - it will be paid to you in one monthly sum which means it will be your responsibility to pay your rent to Linc. For more information contact us on 0800 072 0966 or visit www.gov.uk

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Tenant News

• Bank or Building Society: To receive your Universal Credit payment you will need a bank or building society current account, or an account with an alternative provider such as a Credit Union. Ideally your account should also allow you to make automated payments such as Direct Debits or Standing Orders to enable you to pay your rent directly to us and other bills.

• Get Online: This is really important as in most cases you will be expected to claim Universal Credit and manage your claim, including change of circumstances, online.

• If you're on Pension Credit: Universal Credit will not affect people of pensionable age however, if you reach Pension Credit age and your partner is under Pension Credit age, you might not be able to claim Pension Credit – you both might have to claim Universal Credit instead. The date for this change has not yet been announced. If you are already claiming Pension Credit when the change comes in, you won’t be affected (unless or until there is a break in your Pension Credit claim for some reason). You’ll be told about this change at the time you apply for Pension Credit. The qualifying age for Pension Credit is gradually going up to 66, in line with the increase in the State Pension age for women to 65 and the further increase to 66 for men and women.

• Joint Account for Partners: If you have a partner, you’ll get one Universal Credit payment for both of you. This will be paid in a lump sum in arrears every month. Think about a joint account.

• Credit on Your Rent Account: Your tenancy agreement requires rent to be paid in advance so you may want to start making additional payments now to establish a credit on your account.

• Housing Benefit/Housing Costs: If you are claiming Housing Benefit to help with your rent payments and are having this paid directly to Linc, this will stop when you are switched to Universal Credit. Your Housing Benefit (which will then be called ‘Housing Costs’) will be included in your Universal Credit payment and will be paid directly to you. You will then need to pay your rent to Linc.

• Direct Debit or Standing Order: Check your bank account lets you set up regular payments i.e. Direct Debit or Standing Order for things like rent and other bills. If it doesn’t, make sure you switch.

• Budgeting: Because UC will be paid monthly in arrears, you may need to make changes to the way you budget. Work out what you’ve got coming in and what’s going out so you have enough to live off and pay your rent and bills.

• Internet & Computer Help: Stuck? No access to the internet? Ask at your local Jobcentre and they will tell you where you can get online or alternatively pop into your local library or local hub. If you’re worried about your computer skills your Jobcentre or library should be able to help you find a suitable training course to help develop your skills and confidence. Alternatively let us know and we may be able to help.

Get Ready for Universal Credit!

| Grapevine Spring

Tenant News

We would like your opinion on Digital Inclusion, so we can plan for the future and find out how you would like us to communicate with you.

Please complete the questionnaire to the right, tear off and return to us at Linc Cymru Housing Association, 387 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 1GG by the end of April 2015 (please call us if you would like us to send you a pre-stamped envelope). Alternatively, you can complete the form online at www.linc-cymru.co.uk/surveys-and-questionnaires or contact Fiona Gardner on 029 2047 4029 to share your answers by telephone.

The questionnaire has already been sent to members of the 134 Club and we received over 100 replies, proving just how important digital inclusion is. To thank the participants, we entered them into a prize draw and the following five winners received a £25 prize: June from Newport, John from Cardiff, Leigh from Cefn Hengoed, William from Port Talbot and Mostyn from Abertillery.

As the response was so positive, we would like to give everyone the opportunity to share their views on digital inclusion. Should you choose to participate, we will enter your name into another prize draw so please include your contact details!

If you are interested in becoming a member of the 134 Club, please contact Karen Jeffreys, Linc Tenant Participation Officer at [email protected] or call 029 2047 4023.

Congratulations to tenants who completed their digital inclusion training at Capel Court extra care scheme in Newport. Supported by Communities 2.0, the sessions were led by Melissa Grace, Money Advice Officer at Linc.

Pictured Top (left - right): Patricia Fincham & friend/volunteer Carol. Bottom (left - right): Charles Barber & Barbara Hough. (Right): Raymond Edwards

News in pictures Policy Review Group

Many thanks to the 134 Club Policy Review Group who assist Linc in reading and commenting on policies that are due to be reviewed. Your continued involvement is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to be part of this group, please contact Fiona Gardner, PA to the Executive Director Linc Homes on tel 029 2947 4029 or email [email protected]

The latest £100 prize winner is Angelo of St Mellons, Cardiff.

Well done Angelo!

Win a £25 Prize

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Tenant News

Digital Inclusion Questionnaire

Question Answer Tick

Do you have access to the internet? YesNo

If Yes, what do you access it through? (tick all that apply)

Home broadbandMobile phone data planWi-Fi in another location outside of your home

If No, is there any particular reason why not? (tick all that apply)

CostLack of devices/equipmentLack of knowledge/unsure what to doHealth problems make it difficultNot interested

What do you use to access the internet? (tick all that apply)

PC (personal computer)Tablet (e.g. iPad)LaptopSmart Phone

Would you benefit from support to help you make the most of being online?

YesNo

If Yes, what support do you think you would need? (tick all that apply)

I don’t think I will need any supportWi-Fi service provided by Linc in its properties/schemes (either free or via a small charge)Training surgeries on how to use the internet and equipmentTelephone support for IT and online issuesIT/computer hubs provided at Linc schemes and community facilities where PC’s are available to access the internetAssisted installation/setup of PCs/laptops/iPad in your home (you provide the device)Financial assistance in getting online, such as a one off payment

What Linc services would you like to be able to access online? (tick all that apply)

Rent statementsRent paymentsReporting a repairReporting anti-social behaviourComplaints/complimentsWeb chat with our contact team for general enquiriesApply for a property/mutual exchange/transferHelp managing money/budgeting

Would you want to receive the Grapevine via email or webpage link?

YesNo

Do you read and enjoy it? YesNo

If Yes, can you assist Linc with writing articles for it?

YesNo

Would you like to review the Grapevine prior to it being sent to tenants?

YesNo

Moving forwards, how do you want to be able to communicate with Linc? (tick all that apply)

TelephoneIn personSocial media (Twitter/Facebook etc.)SMS (text messaging)EmailWebsite (self service)Website chat

NamePostcode

Tenant News

| Grapevine Spring

Lift Me Up! By Housing Officer Justine HarlowAs a Housing Officer, I’m in touch with a lot of tenants. As well as my day-to-day duties, I have been involved in signposting tenants to the Lift programme. The Lift programme supports tenants who have spent more than six months out of work or training and who face the greatest barriers getting back to work.

I meet many individuals that want to work but get stuck on which direction to take. The Lift programme focuses on helping people to find the work that they really want to do. So, if you want to be an electrician, they will help you to get the qualifications and the experience to enable you to reach your goal. You can refer yourself or we can help by referring you.

This is Hazel's Story...

I’ve been out of work for a long time and whilst I'm eager to find work again, I've lost my confidence. I found out about the local Fruit and Veg Co-op in St Mellons through Justine and she encouraged me to start volunteering. I’ve been doing this for a few months now and it has really helped me to gain back my confidence.

Justine told me about the Lift programme as she knew I was struggling to find work. I have since seen a Mentor and she has been brilliant, offering me lots of useful advice and information. I’m attending an Employability Course which is accredited, along with an Intermediate IT Course. I’m looking forward to learning more. My Mentor has taken the time to listen to my needs and I am so pleased with the progress so far.

Can the Lift programme help you?

• Employment advice• Help with training & qualifications• Learn new skills• One to one support • Help with work placements• Benefit advice• Help with costs

What's the criteria?

• Aged 16 or over• Unemployed for 6 months or more• Living in a house where no one works• A single parent• Living alone or unemployed• Living in Llanrumney, Rumney, St Mellons,

Trowbridge Llanedeyrn or Pentwyn

If you would like to talk to someone about the LIFT programme, please contact your Housing Officer

Hazel, Linc Tenant and Justine Harlow, Linc Housing Officer

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Tenant News

Lift Me Up! By Housing Officer Justine Harlow

What's the criteria?

• Aged 16 or over• Unemployed for 6 months or more• Living in a house where no one works• A single parent• Living alone or unemployed• Living in Llanrumney, Rumney, St Mellons,

Trowbridge Llanedeyrn or Pentwyn

The Social Committee at Linc will be raising money this year for Carers Trust Wales. The charity was chosen through a staff vote and the Linc Team plan a range of fun activities for staff to raise money, including cake sales, challenge events and dress-down days.

Staff at Linc Join Together with Carers Trust Wales!

As the warmer weather approaches, children are more likely to be outside making the most of the sunshine. We may not all have the same opinion on the games children play but unless they’re causing a serious nuisance, there’s little we can do. So here’s some top tips that might help!

1. Talk to your neighbour - they may not realise the effect their child’s behaviour is having on the community.

2. Don’t overreact or shout - this could make things worse and attract further problem behaviour.

3. Respect the opinions of your neighbour and the parents/guardian of a child.

4. Treat others how you wish to be treated 5. Accept that your child may be at fault

- recognise that your child may be causing a problem to others in your street and take steps to solve the problem.

If the Sun is Out, the Kids are About!

Pictured at a recent staff cake sale (from Left): Karen Davies, Linc Social Committee; Nerys Sales, Carers Trust and Angela Thomas, Linc Social Committee

We are delighted to have been chosen by the staff of Linc. This means a great deal as it will help to not only raise funds, but raises our profile of the much needed services and support we offer for all carers in our communities.

There are currently over 370,000 carers in Wales alone, who provide unpaid support and care to family or friends who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. This partnership has a perfect synergy as many Linc tenants will also be carers and Linc already supports carers through their range of local services.

Simon Hatch, Director of Carers Trust Wales said:

Linc’s Board of Management has also agreed to match-fund monies raised by staff during the year.

It is important to remember that where children are causing a serious nuisance e.g. damage to property or verbal abuse, Linc will take appropriate action against these tenancy breaches.

Don’t forget, this is your community and you have a part to play! So whether your child is causing problems or the children are causing you a nuisance; we need your co-operation to ensure issues can be resolved. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on Freephone 0800 072 0966.

Tenant News

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Good luck to Martin Chester, Linc tenant from St Mellons, Cardiff who is embarking on an impressive walking challenge with his brother for Macmillan Cancer Support and Sue Ryder Care!

Covering 1,700 miles in total, from Cardiff - John o' Groats (on the northeastern tip of Scotland) - Lands End (the most westerly point of mainland Cornwall and England) - Cardiff, we wish them all the best.

To follow Martin's journey, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/trinationswalk

The Tri Nations Walk

Welldone to tenants at Wellwood House extra care scheme in Newport who completed a 9 week computer course, supported by Communities 2.0. The sessions were led by Mike Rosser, Money Advice Officer at Linc and tenants really enjoyed learning new IT skills.

More News in pictures

Pictured left (back row, left to right): George Powell, Reg Comerford. (Front row, left to right): Pat Shears, Wendy Powell, Sylvia White and Betty Rowe.

Intergenerational Project at Capel CourtTenants at Capel Court extra care scheme in Newport enjoyed a visit from pupils at St Michael’s Primary School. The children presented the tenants with a photograph of Mr Jimmy West and Mr Tom Burton of Capel Court, taken on a previous visit to the school.

Pictured here: Tenant Percy Perkins at Capel Court, holding up the photograph from the school

Tenant News

Grapevine Spring |

Porthcawl

Onsite News

The build of 18 properties (a mix of houses and flats) is complete at the newly named Clos y Mametz in Porthcawl and tenants have moved in. The final property is planned for completion shortly.

Coity, Bridgend

Phase 1 at Coity has 49 properties and the first 31 are now occupied and the 18 remaining are due for completion in May. The second phase of 50 properties is now underway and will be completed later in the year.

The Linc Tenant Panel recently had an exclusive tour of the development (see page 3).

Pictured here: The Tenant Panel visit three completed homes at Coity in Bridgend

Bronte House,Cardiff

Work continues onsite at Bronte House, Newport Road on the construction of 38 one and two bedroom apartments for intermediate rent. The project is expected to be completed and ready for occupation this Summer 2015.

We are currently building 169 new homes on sites in Cardiff, Bridgend, Porthcawl and Ebbw Vale with a further 71 in the pipeline for later this year. Here is a snapshot of some of our current projects…

Image above of completed apartments

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Tenant News

Have your say,

visit

Legislation Policy Update

The Water Industry Regulations came into force on 1st January 2015. This places a responsibility on us as a landlord to advise Welsh Water of the adult make up of all our households. This is information we already share with Gas and Electricity suppliers. All new tenants must have their details forwarded within 21 days of taking up their tenancy.

Local Housing Strategy 2015-2020Have your say!

The Neath Port Talbot Local Housing Strategy (2015-20) is now ‘Live’ for Consultation until 4th May and the Local Authority wishes to seek the views of as many Stakeholders and Partners as possible, including Tenants and Home Owners.

The key purpose of the Local Housing Strategy is to communicate the Authorities Vision for housing in the area:

"Our Vision is that Housing in Neath Port Talbot will be appropriate, affordable, of good quality, in sustainable communities, offering people choice and support if they need it"

Housing impacts on ALL aspects of life and on ALL of Society regardless of Age, Race and Status. Housing is essential to meeting basic human needs such as shelter and should offer a place of rest, where people feel safe and have privacy and personal space; somewhere they can raise a family.

The 5 year plan sets out the housing priorities, challenges and opportunities in the area and evidence on a range of housing/housing related issues with key strategic objectives including:

• Mitigating the impact of Welfare Benefits Reform• Improving knowledge of the Neath Port Talbot Local Housing Market• Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing • Improving Housing Conditions• Improving relationships with the Private Rented Sector• Preventing homelessness

More News in pictures

A very happy birthday to our tenant Violet living at Llys Enfys extra care scheme in Llanishen, Cardiff who recently turned 102!

www.npt.gov.uk/HousingStrategyConsultation

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Tenant News

Served in the Armed Forces or Territorial Army for 7 Days or More?

Over the last year, our plumbing contractor, Liberty Gas, has received a large number of calls to unblock sinks, baths and toilets in tenants' homes. Until now, Linc has paid the contractor for the work to be carried out even though each Tenancy Agreement states that it is the responsibility of the tenant (Refer to pages 8-13 of your Repairs Handbook).

From 1st April 2015, tenants will be recharged for this type of work. In order to avoid any future problems which may result in paying for plumbing work, follow these tips:

1. Clean plug holes regularly - use a sink waste cleaner every six months.

2. Avoid putting large objects (i.e. nappies, children's toys - yes we've found a few dolls and teddies!) down the toilet.

3. Avoid pouring fat down sink wastes.

If we get less of these avoidable calls, we will be able to attend to our other work more quickly.

A Message from the Property Maintenance Team

The Royal British Legion can offer all sorts of benefits and grants to people who have served in either the Armed Forces or the Territorial Army for 7 days or more. The assistance also extends to their families, ex-partners and carers in some circumstances.

Some of the assistance they offer veterans is as follows:

• Immediate needs grants – e.g. for bonds.• Needs tested white and brown goods - £500 limit for both.• Children’s clothes.• University fees.• Mobility needs, e.g. build ramps, sheds for mobility scooters.• Handy persons services – odd jobs around the house.• Employment assistance – purchase of essential tools for instance.• Money Advice – if their Money Advisors determine eligibility, they can pay off council tax debt,

rent arrears or fuel debt up to £500.• Break Centres – provide breaks every two years to include travel, accommodation and

spending money. These can be retirement breaks, children’s adventure breaks or Center Parcs.• Outreach Officers for tenancy support.

If you are in need, please call 0808 802 8080 and find out how they may be able to support you. There are four pop in centres in Wales: Cardiff (opposite the castle), Swansea, Wrexham and Carmarthen.

Tenant Information

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Address / Estate Date Address / Estate Date

Bridgend C.B.C Newport C.B.C.Lewistown 12.06.15 Commercial Road 08.10.15Llangeinor 12.06.15 Albion Close 08.10.15Brackla 07.05.15 Ringwood Place 08.10.15Kenfig Hill 12.06.15 Constables Close 08.10.15

Lysaghts 08.10.15Neath Port Talbot C.B.CMelyn Fach 04.09.15 Blaenau Gwent C.B.C.Danygraig 04.09.15 Plantation Row 14.04.15Llys Morfa 04.09.15 Pen-Y-Parc 14.04.15Abbots Mews 04.09.15 Queen Street 14.04.15Llys Groeswen 04.09.15 Cwrt Bracty 14.04.15Morrison Court 04.09.15 Cwrt Alexandra 14.04.15

Caer Odyn 14.04.15Caerphilly C.B.C. Ty Heulwen 14.04.15Hillside Ave 09.09.15 Sirhowy 14.04.15

Glebe Road 09.09.15Oak Tree Drive 09.09.15 CardiffOld School Grange 09.09.15 Pontprennau 13.04.15Parc Derwen 09.09.15 Thornhill 13.04.15Cwrt Llanfabon 09.09.15 Penylan 13.04.15Pontypandy 16.09.15 Pentwyn 13.04.15Borfa Place 10.06.15 St Mellons 09.04.15Pen-Y-Graig 10.06.15 Grangetown 10.04.15Cwrt Golwy Y Sianel 10.06.15 Trowbridge Green 10.04.15Clos Tir Y Pwll 10.06.15 Ffordd James Mcghan 17.04.15Hilary Court 10.06.15 Barrack Lane 17.04.15

Cwrt Pen Y Bryn 17.04.15Torfaen C.B.C.Jerusalem Close 14.04.15Llandegfedd Way 14.04.15

Estate Inspection Dates 2015 Check out our website for up-to-date inspection dates in your area. Visit www.linc-cymru.co.uk/inspections-estate

Join our housing and maintenance staff on estate inspections and help us to make improvements!

Issues that have been reported on previous estate inspections include...

• Fencing & gate repairs• Guttering repairs• Roofing repairs• Litter picking• Garden maintenance• Carrying out disabled

adaptation installations• Fixing solar panels

We look forward to seeing you - your help is very much appreciated!

Compliments & Complaints:Customer feedback whether positive or negative helps us to continually improve our services. We value your comments and will always do our best to respond to you as quickly as possible. If you would like to make a compliment or complaint, you can contact us on 0800 072 0966 or submit your comments at www.linc-cymru.co.uk/compliments-complaints

Tenant Information

Grapevine Spring |

Useful Contacts

Citizens Advice Bureau (Wales)0844 477 2020

National Debtline0808 808 4000

Moneyline Cymru (a local service providing loans, savings, basic bank accounts and advice)Cardiff: 029 2034 4460Newport: 01633 258 233Cwmbran: 01633 877123Pontypridd: 01443 493009Bridgend: 01656 655592

Money Made Clear (a helpline for enquiries about financial products and services)0300 500 5000

Electricity, Gas and Water Supply

To find out who your electricity supplier is please contact: 0845 601 5972

To find out who your gas supplier is please contact: 0870 608 1524

To contact Welsh Water please contact: 0800 052 0145

Other Useful Numbers:

Heating or Plumbing Repairs: (Liberty Gas - 24hr)

0808 208 2432 (low cost from a landline)

0330 123 9622 (low cost from a mobile)

All Other Enquiries:Customer Contact Team (office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm):

0800 072 0966 (free if you are calling from a landline)

0300 123 1134 (if you use this number when you are calling from a mobile phone, you will be charged the cost of a normal phone call)

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.linc-cymru.co.uk

Out of Hours: Emergency Repairs0800 072 0966 (after 5pm and on weekends)

Allpay0844 557 8321 (to pay your rent with a credit or debit card)www.linc-cymru.co.uk/pay-your-rent

Linc-Cymru Housing Association387 Newport RoadCardiff CF24 1GG

How to report a repair, pay your rent or make an enquiry

If you can smell Gas: Please call the National Emergency Gas Service on

0800 111 999 (24 hour freephone)

www.linc-cymru.co.uk

Join the dots starting at number 1 to 24. Then colour the picture.

Kids Corner

Dot to Dot and colour me in

Grapevine spring 2015

Documents

Transcript of Grapevine spring 2015