Grapevine Spring 2013

Spring is coming...time for a Community Day

Your Benefits are changing, get FREE money advice

A new way to pay your rent over the phone

Our brand new website is on its way

Yourchance towin £25

Page 14

Issue 20 Spring 2013

People • Homes • Communities

Grapev ne

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Grapevine Spring 2013

contentsWelcome from Trevor 2A voice for all 3Your benefits are changing 4Introducing our brandnew website 10Tenants service testers 12Why not join 134 club? 12Plas Bryn in pictures 13A new way to pay rentover the phone 14Be a good friend...don’t offend 14Win £25 get creative 14Full steam ahead atMorrison Court 15Spring is on the way... 15Help getting online 16Buying more food foryour money 16Bogus callers 17Zero tolerance to growingcannabis 17Love is in the air in extracare 18Celebrating the Big 100th 19New developments 20Action on hearing loss 22Free health andwellbeing courses 23Fire safety in the home 24A guide to successfulinterviews 25Colour me in 26Its surprising how muchthings cost 27Meet..Mr Lincoln Green 27Useful contact numbers 27Estate inspection dates 28

Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the Grapevine.We have timed this issue to include reminders of the bigchanges happening toWelfare Benefits. Many of you have

contacted us already, or received a visit from a member of Linc’sstaff team. If you feel that you need help or advice, please get intouch, and we will be pleased to help.

This copy of the Grapevinecontains a wide range of articles,from the latest news to helpfuladvice.We have included healthinformation, a warning about boguscallers, advice on job interviews andmaking your money go further.We love receivingyour articles, sokeep sending themin.

Our tenants in ourextraCare schemescelebratedValentine’s Day instyle, and ourMorrison Courttenants have been

very busy! Read about ourTenantPanel, and how you can getinvolved.To keep us on our toes,ourTenant ServiceTesters are goingto be finding out how effective ourservices are to you - this is an

exciting newdevelopment, anda lot of hard workhas been going on‘behind thescenes’.

Enjoy yourGrapevine, andlet us know ifyou would liketo get involved.

How to get in touchLinc-Cymru Housing Association, 387 Newport Road Cardiff CF24 1GG

Freephone: 0800 072 0966Email: [email protected]: www.linc-cymru.co.uk

Please be aware that Linc’s HeadOffice will be closed on thefollowing dates:Fri 29 March 2013 - Good FridayMon 1 April - Easter MondayMon 6 May – Bank HolidayMon 27 May – Bank Holiday

For emergency repairs on thesedates please contact:Freephone 0800 072 0966

For heating and plumbing problemson these dates contact:NPower (SPI) on 0808 208 2432

Head Office Spring Holiday Closures

Welcome

Trevor SaundersExecutive Director Linc Homes

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A voiceforall

As you may know, the Tenant Panel has beenmeeting regularly since it was launched in2011 to represent you.

Big ChangesAheadAt our December meeting, weheard all about the proposedchanges to the Benefits system andabout how this will affect thousandsof tenants.The BedroomTax is justone of the changes that is beginningto affect lots of people, includingmany disabled people.As aTenantPanel, we want you to have asmuch information and help as youcan get.We don’t want you toworry, so please call our MoneyAdviceTeam for help and support.

Get more involved!As tenants who are involvedourselves, we’d like you to getinvolved too. In this newsletter, weinvite you to join the 134 Club. Ialways smile when I hear this, as Iunderstand that we now have over400 people involved in a number ofways.This is great news and nodoubt, Karen Jeffreys, our newTenant Participation Officer will bein touch soon.

Panel MeetingsWe continue to have regularupdates on the service as well as

opportunities to shape theservice.At the lastmeeting we had a talkfrom SPI (now Npower).We were able to askquestions and getanswers on the spot.Wewere surprised to hearthat on one day 11 jobswere planned but only 3people were at home. But, as yourrepresentatives, we also talkedabout ways the service couldimprove and we now have 3 tenantplaces at regular monthly reviewmeetings held with Contractors –an important step towards makingsure our voice is heard on issuesthat affect us most!

Tell us if our work is making adifference to you.We’d love to hearyour feedback.

Lorraine Jenkins,Chair of theTenant Panel

Lorraine Jenkins

The Tenant Panel

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Welfare Reform changes are upon us!Did you know the UK Government is planning BIG changes whichcould affect your benefits? Some are already happening or due tohappen soon…

1.Under-Occupancy(BedroomTax)

From April 2013, Housing Benefitwill only allow payments for onebedroom for a couple or singleperson over 16, two children of thesame sex up to age 16, and twochildren of the opposite sex under10.An extra bedroom will beallowed if you or your partner isdisabled and need a carer to stayovernight.

If you have a spare bedroom youwill be classed as “under-occupying’’.Your Housing Benefit will no longerpay for the additional room.Thismeans you will have to make up thedifference from your own money.

Exceptions will NOT be made forthe following:• Separated parents who share

the care of their children.• Couples who use their “spare”

bedroom when recovering from

an illness or operation or preferto sleep apart.

• Parents whose children visit butare not part of the household.

• Some families with disabledchildren.

• Disabled people includingpeople living in adapted orspecially designed properties.

What will happen?If your home is under-occupied,your benefits will be reduced andyou will receive less money.

How much will I lose?The cut will be a fixed percentageof your eligible rent.The UKGovernment has said that this willbe set initially at a 14% cut for oneextra bedroom and a 25% cut fortwo or more extra bedrooms.

Your benefitsare changingAre you ofworking age?Got 2 kids that have their ownbedroom but under 10 yearsold? Sleep in separate roomsfrom your partner? Got a sparebedroom?….read on.

What can you do? Here are someoptions...a) Pay the shortfall -You may feel

you can afford to make up therent

b) Move to a smaller home -Maybe transfer or apply for amutual exchange.

c) Try to get a job – theGovernment wants to encouragepeople into work, making workpreferable to receiving benefits.

d) Take in a lodger – but be awareof non-dependent deductions.

e) Apply for a DiscretionaryHousing Payment (DHP) - If youreceive Housing Benefit and stillfind it difficult to pay you couldapply for Discretionary HousingPayment.This is only atemporary solution to help youcover a short period until yourcircumstances change.This couldbe you moving to anotherproperty or a family memberreaching a significant birthdaywhich means they are entitled toa bedroom of their own.

The decision to awardDiscretionary Housing Payment(DHP) and the period it isawarded for is decided by yourlocal authority.We can however,help you to makea claim!Pleasecontact usif youneedhelp.

So, if yourrent is £70per weekand you have one sparebedroom, this means you willhave to pay an extra £9.80 perweek to make up the shortfall. Ifyou have two or more sparebedrooms, you will have to payaround £17.50 per week.

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Don’t wantto read all this?Talk to us about the changes and how they might affectyou – Freephone 0800 072 0966.

2.Universal Credit

From October 2013, new claimantsof working age will receive a singlepayment for all benefits, includingHousing Benefit. It will also be paidto you in a different way.At themoment, Housing Benefit can bepaid either to the tenant or, in mostcases, directly to the landlord.This isgoing to change so that payments inmost cases will only be madedirectly to tenants.

Although there will be someexceptions for vulnerable people, itis essential all tenants have a way ofpaying their rent as soon as theyreceive their payment. Payments willonly be made monthly in arrearsrather than the current system ofweekly or fortnightly.

Rent payments can be made by:• Direct Debit -You will need to

have a bank account, buildingsociety account or Credit Unionaccount that allows direct debitsto be made. Payments can bemade on any date you choose,weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.Tomake sure you have sufficient

funds in your account to coveryour rent payment you areadvised to agree a date close tothe date you receive yourUniversal Credit payment.

• Payment swipecard - This is apayment card with a uniqueidentification number.The cardallows you to pay: by cash,cheque or debit card at any postoffice; or by cash at any outletdisplaying a Pay Point sign.

• Pay online -You can pay by debitcard via our website.

• By phone – we now take rentpayments over the phone

Find out about other ways to payyour rent by calling us.

What happens if you do not payyour rent?Your rent must be paid. It is acondition of your tenancy that youkeep a clear rent account. If you donot make any effort to clear orreduce your arrears by keeping to avoluntary repayment arrangementwe will take legal action whichcould result in you being evictedfrom your home.

Linc-Cymru will provide supportand assistance to help you if youare struggling financially.We have aMoney AdviceTeam to help newand existing tenants. Call us andfind out how we can help you.

Freephone 0800 072 0966

3.Non-Dependants

Some changes are already takingeffect including the increase in non-dependant charges in HousingBenefit claims.These increased inApril 2011 and are expected tocontinue to increase each year upto 2014.

Non dependants are any adultfamily members over 18 for whomyou do not receive child benefit. Forexample adult sons, daughters andparents count as non-dependants.They can also be friends who livewith you but do not pay you rent.There are however someexceptions to this depending onvarious circumstances.

We understand this will bea big change for manypeople. It is essential thatyou decide how you aregoing to make yourpayments and makearrangements for this.

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4. Benefit Cap

From the summer of 2013, theoverall amount of benefit an out of

Your benefitsare changing

work household can receive will becapped to £500 for a couple orfamily and £350 for a singleclaimant.

Other WelfareReform News• No more Council Tax BenefitFromApril 2013, Council TaxBenefit will be replaced byTheCouncil Tax Reduction Scheme.Dependant on your income, youwill still be able to claim supportfor your Council Tax.

• State Pension Age:Changes toState Pension Age will affect thetype of benefits that can beapplied for. State Pension Agecan be anywhere between theages of 61 and 68 and is not thesame as retirement age. It isdependent on the date of birthand if male or female.Anyonecan carry on working past StatePension Age.

• Incapacity Benefit/IncomeSupport for illness and disability:Since April 2011, the DWP have

begun reassessingeveryone claimingIncapacity Benefit,SevereDisablementAllowance andIncome Supportclaimed on thegrounds ofincapacity. If they arestill found to be ‘unfit for

work’ they will be moved ontoEmployment and SupportAllowance. People found ‘fit forwork’, will be invited to claimJobseekers Allowance.

• Personal IndependencePayment: From 1st April 2013Disability Living Allowance(DLA) will be replaced byPersonal Independence Payment(PIP) for people of working age(16-64).This will then be rolledand more people will beaffected. This is even if anindefinite or lifetime award hasbeen made. PIP is to helptowards some of the extra costsarising from ill health or disability.It is based on how the person’scondition affects them, not thecondition they have. ExistingDLA claimants will be

reassessed for eligibility toPIP. Most people will beexpected to attendface-faceconsultations as partof the claim orreview process.

Children under 16will continue to receive

Disability Living Allowance.TheDepartment forWork andPensions will contact the parentor carer of the claimant beforetheir 16th birthday to let themknow that they should considerclaiming PIP.

You can contact our MoneyAdviceTeam or you can contactyour local Citizens AdviceBureau.

You are considered ofworking age until youreach the State PensionAge – this is importantas many of the changeslisted above only affectpeople of ‘working age’.

The benefits that will be taken into accountwhen working out the cap are:

• Income Support• Employment SupportAllowance (ESA) contributionbased & income related

• Housing Benefit• Carers Allowance• Maternity Allowance• Widow's Pension

• Job Seekers Allowance• Incapacity Benefit• Child Benefit• Child Tax Credit• Severe DisablementAllowance (SDA)

• Bereavement Allowance

Things to do…1. F ind out about Credit Unions

2. Set up a Direct Debit

3. Budget budget budget

4. Phone the Money Advice Team

5. Re-write my CV

6. Don’t panic!


What can you doif you are affectedby these benefitchanges?

• Budget carefully:Look at what money you havecoming in and what you havegoing out. Everyone is differentand so it is important you getthe right information and advice.You can then plan ahead to helpyou manage any change in yourincome.

• Get a bank account, buildingsociety account or creditunion account:With Universal Credit, yourmoney will be paid to youdirectly each month.You will beresponsible for paying all of yourbills including your rent on time.

Having an account will help youto manage your money better.You can set up monthly DirectDebits to avoid your accountfalling into arrears.

• Save and spend with aCredit Union:There are a number of CreditUnions.They can help you tomanage your money.

• Try to get a job:The government want toencourage people into work,making work preferable toreceiving benefits.

• Contact our Money AdviceTeam for information on yournearest Credit Union.

For information andhelp on any other theabove, including savingmoney and budgeting

please callus on 0800 072 0966

LOOK OUTfor our short filmabout The BedroomTax, Universal Creditand the Benefit Cap -Coming Soon!

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Worried about debt or the changes?

Your benefitsare changingRemember: there is no need to feel guilty for struggling with debt.Millions of people experience problems and there will always besomeone to help you

Type of Debt Possible consequences A Priority? Sometimes a Priority?

Rent Eviction Yes

Mortgage Eviction Yes

Gas/Electricity Disconnection of supply Yes

Water County Court Judgement (CCJ) Yes but no disconnectionin most cases

Magistrates Court Fine Bailiffs, possible imprisonment Yes

Council Tax Bailiffs, possible imprisonment Yes

Catalogue debt CCJ, loss of use of catalogue Yes

Maintenance/Childsupport

Attachment to earnings, possibleimprisonment for wilful non-payment

Yes

Social Fund Deductions from benefit or CCJ Yes

TV Licence Magistrates Court Fine, bailiffs,possible imprisonment

Yes

IncomeTax/VAT/NI Bailiffs, bankruptcy Yes

Rental Agreement Good repossessed Yes

Telephone Disconnection of service Yes

Hire purchaseConditional Sale

Item repossessed Yes

Money owed to family CCJ, loss of friendship Yes

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Money coming inPay/Wages after tax

Benefits

Pension income

Tax Credits

Child Maintenance

Other

Total

Money going outRent

Food

Council Tax

Electric & Gas

Water

TV Licence

Sky

Phones

Clothes

Childcare

Car

School Dinners

Loan Repayments

Internet

Social Activities

Total

Add it all up and work out what money you’re left with!Money coming in - Money going out =

Budget ChartUse this chart to help youorganise your money

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You said, we did. Last year, a group of tenants met toreview our website.They came up with the followingsuggestions.This is how you have helped shape our newwebsite which is coming very soon…

• ‘Text should be written inblack wherever possible’ -We endeavour to write in blackbut our corporate colours aresometimes dark, making itdifficult for black text to standout.

• ‘Have a LincTenant Panellink and use the logo and aphoto’ –We now have a‘Getting Involved’ page whichincludes all Tenant Panelinformation and an updatedphoto.

• ‘Have large visible actionbuttons for Report a Repair& Pay rent’ - These ‘actionbuttons’ now appear on all ofthe key pages.

• ‘Have an up-to-date EstateInspection Dates Chart’ -We now have this which we willkeep up-to-date.

• ‘Improve the use of text-tools for sight impairmentand make better use ofcolour’ - Our website will haveBrowsealoud which enables youto listen to the content ratherthan read it.’

• ‘Include more images –particularly of real tenants’-With your support and yourpictures we are now able to usemore images of real tenants!

Visit our newwebsite soon at

www.linc-cymru.co.ukIntroducing ourbrand new website

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• ‘Site should be easier touse for people with literacyproblems and people with alearning disability’ - We havetried to make sure ourinformation is written clearlywith the use of large headingand bullet points.

• ‘Capacity to include asurvey function to gathertenant feedback/comments’ -We now have apage called ‘Your Ideas andFeedback’ where you can submityour comments straight to us

• ‘A prominent area for Lincnews’ – A more prominentnews section now appears onthe homepage.

Pay your Rent onlineReport a Repair

Get Money Advice� Report Anti-Social Behaviour

� Submit your Ideas and Feedback

� Find out our latest News

� Get in touch with us….

and much more,all at the click of a button!

Tenants reviewing our website last year

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Linc are looking forward tothe next round of ServiceReviews done by ourTenantServiceTesters (TST’S).

TST’s are like mystery shoppers.They check that we are saying anddoing what we tell you we aresaying and doing. OurTST’s alsotake on the role of makingrecommendations to Linc toimprove the service.

Tenant ServicesTestersLaunched!TST’s joined us from our 134 Club.We set up training, informationsessions and ways to test theservice. A lot of work – but it wasimportant to get it right as anychanges recommended wouldaffect all our tenants.

What difference has it made?The 1st test was carried out on ourCustomer ContactTeam (CCT).The service was tested against thestandards it set.TST’s made anumber of telephone enquiries.They wrote up a report andpresented their feedback. Onetenant service tester said ‘Overall,the results were excellent. However,we recommended some changes tothe music that is played when weare put on hold.We alsorecommended that a new standardis introduced – about whether theinformation we receive is clear’.

We’re really looking forward to thesecond round of testing.

Tenant ServiceTesters (TST’s)Why not join our134 Club?

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Plas Brynin pictures

A bit of history

A light refreshment

At the seaside

School choir

Out and about The goldenpost box

Since the introductionof the service justthree months ago,we have taken over£40,000 in rentpayments astenants arerealising how

convenient theservice is. So the next

time you are juggling theschool run, shopping and otherhousehold tasks, wondering whereyou will find the time to pay yourrent, don’t panic, simply pick up thephone and dial 0800 072 0966, or0300 123 1134!

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At Linc, we arecontinuously strivingto improve theservices we offerto our tenants.Tomake your liveseasier, we are nowable to takepayments for yourrent over the phone.This is an important stepas you can ensure that your rent ispaid in one quick and simple stepwithout having to leave the comfortof your own home.

Be a good friend…don’t offend!Use Facebook and socialmedia sites withoutupsetting your friends orneighbours

A great number of you probablyuse Facebook or evenTwitter. It’s agreat way to keep in touch withfriends and find out information.But, remember, what you say onFacebook and social media sitessuch asTwitter can soon becomepublic knowledge! Everybody willknow about it.To prevent people

from finding out personal thingsabout you or finding out the thingsyou say about them, please bemindful of what you say. If in doubt– leave it out.At the very least youmay offend and at the very worstyou may find yourself beingthreatened with legal action. Staygood friends.

Win £25Get creative!

We are making a short filmabout the benefit changes.Tenants are going to be in itand we'd like to include yourartwork.

We’d like you to draw a picture ofyour home or the community youlive in.You can use any materials.The winning picture will be includedin the short film about Benefits oranother Linc film.Your name will beincluded if you wish and you willalso win £25! You can be any ageto take part – all pictures will beconsidered!

Send your picture in any format toKaren Jeffreys,Tenant ParticipationOfficer : Linc Cymru HousingAssociation, Short Film PictureCompetition, 387 Newport Road,Cardiff CF24 1GG

A new wayto pay your rentover the phone

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Full Steam Aheadat Morrison Court

Bringing everybody together toimprove our neighbourhood!

The Morrison CourtTenants & ResidentsAssociation have been meeting as a groupfor over a year now. One of their majorsuccesses has been getting the alleywayblocked off. Tenants at the meeting inFebruary this year described this as a‘godsend’. ‘It has made such a differenceand we feel much safer’ said tenants atthe meeting.

If you’d like to get involved in theMCTRA, start up a Residents Group orjust get more involved please contact us:Linc-Cymru Housing Association,387 Newport Road Cardiff CF24 1GGFreephone: 0800 072 0966Email: [email protected]

Our first Community Day thisyear will be held atWyncliffeGardens in Pentwyn Cardiff onThursday 4th April 2013 from 2pmtil 6pm. Come along if you wantto meet staff, get involved or justjoin in the fun!

With a bouncy castle, face-painterand clown we hope the kids will beentertained giving you the chanceto talk to us about your views andpriorities for the area.

DATE FOR YOURDIARY

•DATEFORYOUR

DIAR

Y•

THURSDAY

4th APRIL2013

Spring is on the Way…Time for aCommunity Day!

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Do you need help to getonline? Do you wonder whatthe internet is all about andhow it can help you?

If you don't have your owncomputer then public accesscomputers can be found in alllibraries in Caerphilly CountyBorough and staff will be happy toprovide advice on using theequipment.With the impending change toUniversal Credit, which is beingintroduced from October 2013,claims for work related benefits willbe made online which claimants canthen personally manage directlythrough an online account sogetting some new skills will help youin the future.

Get Caerphilly On-line are alsorunning free weekly computer

sessions on Fridays between10:00am & 3:00pm at Caerphilly,Blackwood, Bargoed & Riscalibraries. Beginner’s courses andOne -2-One sessions can also bebooked through these sessions.

For more information visitwww.getcaerphillyonline.org.uk/digitalfridaysfor more information and newlocations which will be openingshortly.

Want to getonline inyour ownarea?

Most branch libraries offercomputer taster sessions to getyou started. Please contact yournearest library for furtherinformation.

Buying more foodfor your money

Shopping differently may help.• Avoid buying the food you see

as soon as you go into the shop.Sometimes they are not the bestdeals!

• Make a list before you go• Look for reductions – use your

freezer where you can• Look for ‘own’ brands• Sign up for a Loyalty scheme• Reach for packets at the back of

the shelves to get the longestsell by date

• Best Before is a guideline – youcan usually eat things after their‘best before’ date

• Buy fruit and veg that isn’talready prepared – peel and slicethem yourself

• Don’t throw away left overs –make a soup, stew or simplycook less

• Don’t shop when you arehungry

• See if there is a food co-op inyour area – for really cheap freshfruit, veg and things like breadand milk too

Useful websites/telephonenumberswww.wales.lovefoodhatewaste.comwww.moneysavingexpert.com foradvice on all aspects of householdspendingwww.mysupermarket.com tocompare prices across the largeststores in the UK, helping you findthe best prices and offers.

Rural Regeneration Unit 02920232943 or www.rru.org.uk givesinformation about food co-ops inyour area, providing fresh fruit andveg at affordable prices.

Help Getting Online

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Bogus callers or rogue traders can be frightening for people.Often they say they are from a company you will have heardof. Some say they have a delivery for you or are acting onsomeone’s behalf. They only have one aim – and that’s to takeyour money.

Bogus Callers

Bogus callers are getting smart.They will call you, they will emailyou or they may even text you.They will ask for personalinformation from you, oftenclaiming it is for your security.

If you think an email or a letter isnot genuine, do not reply, it maycost you money. Never answer anunsolicited text, they can cost youup to £9 just by replying, even if it isto say stop.

If you suspect that a bogus caller istrying to contact you – beprepared. Keep a list of usefulnumbers next to your phone –such as the Gas, electric companyetc.

• Don’t let them in• Ask for I.D.• Ask them to wait outside while

you check this.

We will be very happy if you dothis to us! All our staff andcontractors carry ID badges.

Bogus callers are criminals.ThePolice want to know details of anybogus callers. Call 101 to reportthem. If they are still in the area,have taken money or items fromyou or become aggressive dial 999immediately. For more informationon keeping unwanted callers away,your local Neighbourhood PolicingTeam will have plenty ofinformation about keeping yourselfsafe.

ZeroTolerance toGrowingCannabisIn December 2012, we got a courtorder against a Linc tenant inCardiff who had been found guiltyof seven counts of supply ofcannabis and one for productionof cannabis. CCTV evidence wasalso shown to the court of thetenant engaging in threateningbehaviour outside his property.The tenant concerned was thenevicted in March 2012.

Rachel Stevens, a Community SafetyOfficer for Linc comments,

“Whilst eviction is a last resort,this action shows we will takeenforcement action wherenecessary and appropriate.Thisshould act as a warning toanyone else consideringcultivating or supplying drugs.”

Contact usif you experience

Anti-Social Behaviour(ASB) in your area on0800 072 0966 or

visit us atwww.linc-cymru.co.uk

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Love is in the airin extraCareOn February 14th, StValentine’sDay, Linc chefs celebrated byproducing a very special feast forour residents in extraCare. Redroses, petals and balloonsdecorated the dining rooms andresidents were greeted with a glassof pink champagne before enjoyingthe delicious lunch.

Lunch began with a choice ofmelon and prawn cocktail orhomemade cream of tomato soupfinished with a cream kiss. Maincourse was traditional roast beefserved withYorkshire puddings andfresh vegetables. The focal point ofthe dessert trolley at Glyn Anwenwas a giant heart shaped chocolategateau made by Linc chef LillianFallon.

This article was written by a GlynAnwen resident and published in theGlyn Anwen Gazette and really sumsup the success of the day.

Mick King, a resident at CwrtGwalia extraCare scheme decidedto have a bit of fun on this specialday and put a hugeValentine Cardin the lounge for all the ladies.Thestaff put balloons up, along withheart shaped serviettes, and tenantsenjoyed a cup of tea and heartshaped welsh cakes.

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Celebrating

the Big 100thViolet was born on February 6th 1913 in Cathay’s Terrace,Cardiff. She started training with aTailor as soon as shefinished her studies. Later she passed her civil service examand then started working in a Post Office.Violet then wenton to work in the Royal Ordnance Factory, on the exact landshe lives on now in Llys Enfys.Violet travelled a lot andenjoyed oil painting in her spare time, specialising in still life.

AsViolet turns 100, she is ever thehappy, lively soul she has beenthroughout her life.Violet was soexcited about turning 100 and mostof all receiving her telegram fromthe queen - she was ecstatic whenit arrived by special delivery! Violethad no involvement in thepreparations for the party, whichhappenedWednesday 6th February–The Llys Enfys staff andTenantConstitution carefully planned theevents for the day.

The day started with family andfriends arriving, enjoying tea, coffeeand lots of talking.The first excitingpart of the day was a choir fromThe Local School Coed GlasPrimary who came to Llys Enfys to

sing forViolet and her guests.Violetwas delighted as this was somethingshe had requested when askedwhat entertainment she would likefor her special day. Everyone at theparty then went on to enjoy eachother’s company with welsh cakesand drinks.Violet enjoyed theattention and celebration. Shortlyafter lunch, guests had the pleasureof listening to the Cardiff Arms ParkMaleVoice Choir, which also wentdown a storm with everyonepresent singing a variety of war,musical and popular songs.

AnneThomas, Executive DirectorLinc Care then came to wishVioleta very happy birthday and presenther with a beautiful bunch of

flowers, courtesy of Linc Cymru.Anne assistedViolet with cuttingher giant 100th birthday cake whichwas provided by the Llys Enfystenant constitution.A buffet thenfollowed shortly after the choir withpeople getting up for some fun withkaraoke and dancing.The evening

then ended withentertainment providedby a male vocal artistChez.

Violet and her family hada great day andViolettold us she couldn’t haveasked for anything morewhen celebrating the big100!

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New DevelopOur new developments are varied and reflect the diverse range oftenures that Linc Homes and Linc Care now cover.At the beginning of2013 Linc has multiple projects underway, or planned, for General Needsrent, Intermediate Rent, Nursing Care, Supported Housing andrefurbishment schemes.

Penylan House,Penylan, Roath, Cardiff

The first phase of theredevelopment of Penylan House inthe Roath area of Cardiff is nearingcompletion. A new state-of-the-artnursing home is being built in twophases to replace the previousbuilding.

This Spring, residents will move intothe new building and followingdemolition of the older existingbuilding the second, final, phase willcommence.

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pmentsRockfield Street,St. Julian’s,Newport

The Rockfield Street developmentconsists of two small sites thatformed part of the former DurhamRoad School in St. Julian’s, Newport.This scheme of 7 houses for rent iscurrently on site and expected tobe completed in September 2013.

Renoir Road,St. Julian’s,Newport

Renoir Road in St. Julian’s, Newportis currently being developed as asupported housing scheme that willconsist of 6 bungalows for assistedliving.

The scheme will assist those withindividual care needs andaccommodation for care staff.Work has commenced on site andcompletion is scheduled forOctober 2013.

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With thanks to funding from theBig Lottery,Action on HearingLoss Cymru are launching a new‘Hear to Meet’ social group forolder adults experiencing hearingloss in Port Talbot.

Hearing loss affects 1 in 6 of theUK’s population and can makesocialising more difficult. Hear toMeet is a regular chance to meetnew people, enjoy activities anddiscover shared interests over afriendly cup of tea. It is also achance to pick up advice on livingwith hearing loss. If you areinterested in a free and friendlysocial get-together, get in touchtoday.

Hear to Meet will meet on the lastFriday of the month from 2pm-4pmat Margam Community Centre,Bertha Road.Transport is availablefor those who require.

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru arelooking for volunteers who wouldbe interested in helping to host thegroup. If you enjoy chatting withpeople, organising games andevents, or you’re a champion teamaker - you could make a realdifference.Age is no barrier and wewelcome applications from all!Wewill provide full training, supportand reimburse you expenses.

Please contact Becky Oatley(02920 333 378) [email protected] more information about Hearto Meet and volunteeropportunities.

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru launches a

new ‘Hear to Meet’ Group

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Free Health &Wellbeing Courses

Do you recognise any of thesesymptoms? Poor Sleep, Pain,Stress/Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue,Difficult Emotions?

If the answer is yes to any of these,you could learn some helpful waysto manage your condition.TheEducation Programme for Patients(EPP) Cymru develop and deliverFREE health and wellbeing coursesfor adults acrossWales.

Keith, a LincTenant Panel Member(pictured below) is very passionateabout Health Care and SocialWellBeing. He is also a member of theAneurin Bevan Community HealthCouncil and is passionate aboutwhat the Education Programme forPatients (EPP) course has to offer.

‘Seeing the difference in individualsover 6 weeks is amazing andvery rewarding. Friendships areformed, and self-confidenceand self-esteem shinesthrough. I have yet to meetanyone who has not enjoyedor benefitted from thecourse.’

Courses take place all overWales and are open toanyone who is living with along term health condition.

To find out more phone01443 233514 or [email protected]

It helped merealise what Ican do, insteadof dwelling onwhat I can’t do

I got so much fromthis programme that Itrained to become avolunteer tutor

Benefits to youEPP Cymru courses will help you to:

How do I get on a course orobtain further information?Visit the website

EPP Cymru National Team | Innovation House |Bridgend Road | Llanharan | CF72 9RPTel: 01443 233514 Email: [email protected]

Do you recognise any ofthese symptoms?

Learn some tools andtechniques to manageyour condition

SYMPTOMCYCLE

What courses do EPPCymru offer?Health and Well Being Course

Looking After Me - a coursefor carers

Who delivers the courses?

Achieve recognition

An Introduction to Health andWell Being

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A recent flat fire at one of ourextraCare schemes highlightedhow easy a fire can start andspread. In this case, the earlyfire warning systems in thescheme and staff responsestopped the fire from gettingany worse.

We want you all to keep safeso please have a read of thisFire Safety guide – it containssome useful tips

24

Fire Safety AdviceFor TenantsFire Safety Advice - Protecting you and your householdSmoke alarm detectors are fitted as standard in our Care and Support properties.

A smoke alarm can provide an early warning of a fire and allow you to make your es-

cape - but only if it is working. You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you

do not have a working smoke alarm.Linc service your smoke alarms annuallyIf you have any concern that your fitted smoke alarm is not working properly

please contact your Service/Scheme Manager who will investigate and report

any necessary repairs.You can prevent fire from happening by taking a few simple steps:with cooking on the hob

throw water on a chip pan firesmoke in bed

tion

Keep matches and lighters out of reach and sight of childrenMake sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that

may catch fire -Keep safe and plan your escapeGet a qualified contractor to fit gas and electric cookers

Always leave if your home is affected by smoke or heat or if told to by the fire

serviceYour stairway is designed to be safe for escape throughout the course of a fire

Always use the stairway and not the lift to descend to ground level if escapingDo Not Leave Your Belongings or Rubbish in Corridors, the Lift Lobby or the

StairwayThis could affect you and your neighbours if there was a fireIf you are in a corridor, lift lobby or stairway and you notice a fire, leave the

building immediate and if safe to do so, alert other tenants in the immediate vi-

cinity on your way out (knock on their doors)Contact Linc so that fire hazards can be removedDo Not Put Yourself At Risk And Do Not Return To Your Home Until It Is Safe

To Do So; Remember:Check your smoke alarm once a weekKeep the exit route from your home clear so you can escape in an emergency

Close doors at night, especially the doors to the lounge and kitchen to

prevent fire spreadingPlan your escape NOW -Always contact Linc if you have a concern with regard to fire safety

Fire Safetyin the Home

Keepsafe!


A Guide to

Successful InterviewsAn interview can be seen as atwo-way conversation betweenpeople, both with problems: theinterviewer needs to employ, youneed employment; both arecapable of solving the othersproblem!

During the interview, it is likelythat several reasonably predictablequestions will be asked about you,your career and your ambitions.Time spent preparing for theinterview will really pay offon the day, provided thatthe information youcollect is used in themost effective manner.

Tell me about yourself?The interviewer doesn't want alife history.You should describe thetype of person you are within a fewminutes.Talk about your positivequalities and link them to the jobyou are applying for.

Why should I employyou?Because your experience andskills enable you to getinvolved, work in a team or onyour own initiative and toinevitably make a valuablecontribution to the company!

Why do you want to leaveyour current job?Don't focus on any negatives;they don't want to know if it

The interviewer is testing yourperception of yourself throughothers - how you feel others seeyou.This is your opportunity to tellthe interviewer how good a friendyou are and inevitably how good anemployee you would be. Pick outyour strong points, such ascommitted or loyal.

What is your biggestweakness?You are being invited to saysomething negative about yourself.Everyone has weaknesses but makesure that you are able to turn theseinto something positive. Forexample, you could make referenceto something that you used to dobut have now improved:“A fewyears ago I would have said timemanagement was a big problem,but now I'm good at managing mytime.”

Where do you see yourself infive years time?The interviewer is looking to see ifyou have any drive and will keepoffering increasing value to them.You must balance the company'simmediate needs with your long-term ambitions.You would hope toprogress within an organisation, butyour concern is to establish yourselfin the current vacancy.You cananswer these types of questionswell providing you don't give themspecific positions or long termobjectives.

Tips by Naeem Amir, HRTeam, Linc

takes you an hour to get to work.You could say, for example “therearen't many opportunities for meto develop my skills further where Iam now.”

What do you know about ourCompany?If you've done your research, youwill know that this is the sort oforganisation where you feel youcould make a useful contribution.

Show your interest inthem and how keenyou are to join them.You could say, forexample “I knowyou're a growingcompany with a great

reputation in theindustry.”

And don't forget to check theirwebsite for a whole range of usefulinformation.

How would your friendsdescribe you?

25

Anddon't forget to

check their websitefor a whole range ofuseful information.

Watch outfor more

Interview tipsin the next edition

of theGrapevine!

26


CCoolloouurr mmee iinn

27


Useful ContactNumbers:

Linc-Cymru HousingAssociation

Reception, Maintenance andCustomer Contact Team (Office hours 8:30am-5.00pmMonday- Friday):

0800 072 0966 (This call is free provided you areringing from a landline)

0300 123 1134 (If you use this number whenringing from your mobile phone,you will be charged the cost of anormal phone call irrespective ofwhere in the country you call from)

Allpay (to pay rent with a credit or debitcard): 0844 557 8321

Emergency Repairs (Freephone): 0800 072 0966 (after 5pm and on weekends)

Heating and plumbing repairs: 0808 208 2432 (24 hours)

If you smell gas:Phone the Gas EmergencyFreephone: 0800 111 999

Electricity, gas and water supply To enquire about who yourelectricity supplier is: 0845 601 5972To enquire about who your gassupplier is: 0870 608 1524To contact Welsh Water: 0800 052 0145

Meet…Mr Lincoln GreenA big congratulation to Laurence Davies, a tenantof Linc for coming up with the best name for ourMoney Advice Pig! In the last edition of theGrapevine, we asked you to enter our competitionto name our green pig, the face of the MoneyAdvice Team. Laurence cleverly suggested MrLincoln Green, which we thought was fantastic!

Linc for Linc-Cymru and Lincoln Green thecolour of robin hood who helps the poor

Well done Laurence!

It’s surprising how much things cost Struggling to pay your bills? It’s always good to know how much you can save. You couldbe saving ££££’s

Washing

1 wash at 40 degrees 23p

1 wash at 30 degrees 14p

1 cycle of a tumble dryer 62p

By changing to a 30 degree cycleand using a clothes horse to dryyou will save about £15 per month.

LightingIf you spend £40 per month onelectricity then approximately £8 ofthis is for lighting. If you were tochange your bulbs to energy savingones then you could reduce yourbill by £6.40 per month.Your fridge and freezer • Keep your fridge between 3 and

5 degrees. Keep it 10cm from

the wall to allow the cooler towork.

• Let food cool before putting itin the fridge

• A full freezer is moreeconomical so use ice-packs tofill the freezer

• Don’t leave the door open

Generally.Save £’s by turning your heatingdown and turning off switcheswhen you’re not using them.• Prevent draughts in your home

by closing doors and usingdraught excluders.

• Don’t use radiators to dryclothing as they won’t workproperly.

• Only boil the kettle using thewater you need.

• Turn the light off when youleave the room.

Useful websites-• www.moneywise.co.uk • www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article • www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/wales

28


Useful ContactNumbers:

General Informationnumbers:

Citizens Advice Bureau (Wales):0844 477 2020

National Debtline: 0808 808 4000

Home Heat Helpline: 0800 33 66 99

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme:0800 316 2815

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

Money Made Clear: 0300 500 5000(A helpline to answer generalenquiries about financial productsand services as well as giving youimpartial guidance about your moneyto work out what’s right for you).

Childline: 0800 1111

Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline:0808 801 0800

UK National Drugs Helpline: 0800 77 66 00

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555

Samaritans: 0845 790 9090

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

NHS Direct: 0845 4647

Estate Inspections DatesHere are the dates when a team from Linc will be visiting yourlocal area. Your Housing Officer will make sure you receive areminder letter the week before. Please speak to us about yourviews, or suggestions for improvements and we will do our bestto take action on your comments. If you are unavailable on thedate of your inspection, please remember that you can speakto your local Housing or Technical Officer at any time.

Address/Estate Date

Bridgend C.B.C.

Lewistown 14.06.13

Llangeinor 14.06.13

Brackla 01.05.13

Kenfig Hill 14.06.13

Neath Port Talbot C.B.C.

Melyn Fach 26.07.13

Danygraig 26.07.13

Llys Morfa 26.07.13

Abbots Mews 26.07.13

Llys Groeswen 26.07.13

Morrison Court 26.07.13

Caerphilly C.B.C.

Hillside Ave 12.09.13

Glebe Road 12.09.13

Oak Tree Drive 12.09.13

Old School Grange 12.09.13

Parc Derwen 12.09.13

Cwrt Llanfabon 12.09.13

Pontypandy 19.09.13

Borfa Place 13.06.13

Pen-Y-Graig 13.06.13

Cwrt Golwy Y Sianel 13.06.13

Clos Tir Y Pwll 13.06.13

Hilary Court 13.06.13

Torfaen C.B.C.

Jerusalem Close 05.06.13

Llandegfedd Way 05.06.13

Address/Estate Date

Newport C.B.C.

Commercial Road 04.07.13

Albion Close 04.07.13

Ringwood Place 04.07.13

Constables Close 04.07.13

Lysaghts 04.07.13

Blaenau Gwent C.B.C.

Plantation Row 09.04.13

Pen-Y-Parc 09.04.13

Queen Street 09.04.13

Cwrt Bracty 09.04.13

Cwrt Alexandra 09.04.13

Caer Odyn 09.04.13

Ty Heulwen 09.04.13

Sirhowy 09.04.13

Cardiff

Pontprennau 17.06.13

Thornhill 17.06.13

Penylan 17.06.13

Pentwyn 17.06.13

St Mellons 18.06.13

Grangetown 19.06.13

Trowbridge Green 19.06.13

Market/Intermediate

Ffordd James Mcghan 07.06.13

Barracks Lane 07.06.13

Cwrt Pen Y Bryn 07.06.13

Documents

Grapevine Spring 2013