Grapevine winter 2014

Grapev neTenant Newsletter / Winter 2014

On your marks, get set, go!Universal Credit update Page 8

Have you had your free flu vaccination yet? Page 9

Domestic abuse - don't suffer in silence Page 12-13

Welcome

Page 2 | Grapevine Winter

Welcome

Contents

Welcome to the Winter issue of Grapevine.

You will see that it's been a busy time for both Linc staff and tenants. We really enjoy hearing your news and getting out and about meeting and working with you. From food co-ops to jobs and training fairs, we are supporting local events that will have positive benefits in our communities.

Domestic abuse is an issue that can ruin lives and deeply affect those involved. In this issue, we highlight the extent to which people in the UK and Wales are affected, and how we at Linc are committed to raising awareness and supporting people to access help (page 12-13).

We wish you the compliments of the season, and look forward to more of your stories in the New Year.

Please send in your suggestions, news and photos for the Spring edition of Grapevine to [email protected] and remember you can read this newsletter and previous editions online at www.linc-cymru.co.uk/grapevine

Best wishes,

From Anne Thomas, Executive Director Linc Care andTrevor Saunders, Executive Director Linc Homes:

Trevor Saunders,Executive Director Linc Homes

Anne Thomas,Executive Director Linc Care

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Welcome

A message from the Chair of the Tenant Panel

Winter tips from the Money Advice Team

Make your own Christmas decorations

Cutting costs at Christmas

Llys Glyncoed enjoy an afternoon of high tea

Supporting people to broaden their opportunities

Community day

On your marks, Get set, Go...Universal Credit

Health & wellbeing

A whole new world

Christmas leftover recipe ideas from the Catering Team

Domestic abuse - don't suffer in silence

Home gets a new lease of life

News from the Fruit & Veg Co-op volunteers

A Christmas cheer for the local Bettws Spar

Happy birthday to you, squash, tomatoes & dew

Winter tips from the Property Maintenance Team

The Royal British Legion

Did you know? Linc Facts

Estate inspection dates

Useful contacts

Barrack Lane, Cardiff City Centre

Head Office Holiday Opening HoursThurs 25th & Fri 26th Dec: CLOSEDThurs 1st Jan: CLOSED

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

� G

rapevin

e Reading Group

Dear Tenants,

My name is Brian Thomas and I am the new Chair of the Tenant Panel. You may have seen me at a tenant community event, or on the front cover of the Autumn Grapevine, developing my computer skills!

At our last Tenant Panel meeting, Peter Green, Chair of the Linc Board talked to the group about Governance (the way Linc is run and managed by its Board). Peter said the Board was taking on new challenges which include strengthening their capacity to manage Linc. We also welcomed Robert Smith, the Chief Executive to the meeting.

Issues the Tenant Panel have been discussing:

Universal CreditIn February 2015, Universal Credit will come in for new applicants who are Single and Claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). Universal Credit is a new single monthly payment for people in or out of work, which merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that you might be getting now. It will affect many of us so if you would like more information or advice, please contact Linc on 0800 072 0966 (Linc has specifically trained Officers who can advise you) or call the ‘Your Benefits are Changing' helpline on 0300 303 1073. You will find more information on page 8.

Domestic Abuse As a Panel, we fully support Linc's message that domestic abuse against anyone is not tolerated. I personally have been inspired by both Linc and the Tenant Panel's response to tackling domestic abuse and will be signing up to the White Ribbon Campaign which you can read more about on pages 12-13.

Looking AheadThe Tenant Panel has a busy year ahead and I hope to make great strides in supporting every member. As part of our annual review, we will be looking carefully at our group and what we want to achieve as a Panel. We will also be reviewing the Tenant Participation Plan which means we will be helping Linc to set new priorities for tenant participation. Who best to start with than you? Please get in touch if you have any ideas about how Linc can involve you!

Season's Greetings and wishing you all the best for the New Year.

Brian Thomas,Chair of the Tenant Panel

Grapevine Winter | Page 3



Pictured here: Brian Thomas, Chair of the Tenant Panel and Karen Jeffreys, Tenant Participation Officer

Pictured here: Karen Jeffreys Tenant Participation Officer (far right) with the Tenant Panel

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

Small changes to help you spend less on your gas and electricity...

Consider using an extra blanket and a hot water bottle to make your bed warm.

Turn the heating off at least 30 mins before you go to bed and turn the radiators off in unused rooms.

Online comparisonsites can help you to choose the best supplier

Typically, it’s cheaper to get your gas & electricity from the same supplier& pay by Direct Debit

Money Advice


Winter tips from the Money Advice Team

Don't leave your phone plugged in to charge all night. It only needs a couple of hours so charge it before you go to bed instead.

Draw your curtains as soon as it starts to get dark to keep the heat in.

Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. A fuller kettle takes longer to boil so uses more energy.

If an electrical item is used occasionally e.g. a DVD player, don't leave it plugged into an extension lead that is on all the time.

Call us today for money advice -

we're here to help!

0800 072 0966

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Money Advice

Make your own Christmas decorations

You will needSaltWaterFlourRolling pin Pastry cuttersPaint

SALT

1. To make the salt dough, mix half a cup of salt and a whole cup of flour in a bowl, then gradually add half a cup of water, kneading as you do. Your mixture should form a soft, workable ball, similar to play dough. If it is too dry add more water, if it is too wet add more flour.

2. Roll the dough out and cut into shapes using the pastry cutters, or mould into shapes using your hands. Don’t forget to make a little hole for ribbon if you want to hang them.

3. Once you are happy with your shapes place them on a plate and microwave for 2-3 minutes to harden, or leave them to air dry for a day or two. You can then decorate with paint, glitter, metallic sprays etc.

4. You can make your decorations last longer by finishing with a coat of clear varnish.

Simple step-by-step guide

At Christmas, nothing is more personal and festive than homemade decorations and gifts! Decorating can be easy and cheap. Follow these simple instructions and get the kids involved in these easy-to-make Christmas decorations.

Do you have any crafty

ideas to share with Grapevine readers? Email

[email protected] and don't forget to include pictures if

you can!

Each January, many of us may find ourselves surprised to have no spare money and in debt. However, we all know that Christmas happens every December, so with a bit of planning let's enjoy Christmas 2014 without the worry of debt in the first half of 2015. Here are a few suggestions...

Money Advice


Cutting costs at Christmas

Christmas Dinner

Some popular perfumes have much cheaper “smell-a-likes” on the high street. If you’re after Ralph Lauren “Romance” try Next’s “Just Pink.” Or if Hugo Boss “Deep Red” takes your fancy have a sniff of M&S’s “True Red.” Find more suggestions online.

Having the family round is a highlight for many, but a huge expense for the host. Why not ask each guest to bring a specific part of the meal, or put together a kitty so the cost is shared. Use those loyalty points - lots of the big supermarkets and high street chains offer loyalty schemes. If you save your points throughout the year you can use them to buy presents without parting with your cash.

Councils and local organisations hold a variety of Christmas events that won’t break the bank. Check out your local council’s website and notice boards in shops and community centres for dates.

For the grown ups in the family, save time and money by suggesting a secret santa. Everyone sticks to a budget and just buys one present.

Llys Glyncoed enjoy an afternoon of high teaTenants at Llys Glyncoed extra care in Ebbw Vale, along with family and friends recently enjoyed a special afternoon of high tea and entertainment.

Bucks Fizz and a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes and pastries were served throughout the afternoon. Tenants and guests were treated to music from a solo harpist who created a wonderful atmosphere, perfect for the occasion.

1 Entertaining the Family

Secret Santa

Savvy Perfume Purchases

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Don't celebrate Christmas? Try

using these money saving tips forother seasonal

festivities!

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Tenant News


Supporting people to broaden their opportunities

Jobs, training and volunteeringWe had a great day at the Blaenau Gwent Jobs and Training event in the Autumn. We met several tenants who visited our stall for a chat about employment opportunities at Linc.

As well as providing homes in the area, the tenants we spoke to discovered the job opportunities Linc offers, many of which are in our care homes. Cooks, cleaners, nurses and support workers are amongst the vacancies that come up. But, anyone visiting the Jobs & Careers page of our website will also know that there are often opportunities in other areas too.

For further details, visit our Jobs & Careers page online at www.linc-cymru.co.uk/jobs-careers where you can view our current vacancies, apply for a job and register for a job alert. We also offer 'Job Tips' online at www.linc-cymru.co.uk/job-tips where you'll find advice on making the most of your CV, Recruitment Agencies and Interview Tips.

Blaenau Gwent played host to a Community day during the summer. The weather was lovely and warm, and the day was enjoyed by all! There were plenty of stalls offering money advice and housing support in a fun and friendly way.

Community day

Tell us how we can improve! We want to hear from you and make sure you're getting the most out of our Community Days! We also want you to have fun. Contact Karen Jeffreys on 029 2047 4023 or email [email protected]


Tenant News

On your marks

Get set

Go...Universal Credit

Three simple steps to help prepare you...

Universal Credit RolloutFebruary 2015 =

Single people making a new claim for

Jobseeker's Allowance

Have a bank accountMake sure you have a bank account (or building society account or an account with an alternative provider such as a credit union). You will need this to receive your Universal Credit payments.

Get onlineMake sure you have access to the internet. You will need to claim Universal Credit and manage your account online.

The UK Government has announced further rollouts of Universal Credit. This means that benefits such as Job seekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Tax Credits and Housing Benefit, will be replaced by one single monthly payment, known as Universal Credit.

Housing costs will be included in Universal Credit. This means that it will be your responsibility to pay your rent to Linc, as it will no longer be paid direct to us through housing benefit.

Universal Credit will be rolled out nationally from February 2015 onwards. At first, it will apply to single people who would have otherwise made a new claim for Jobseeker's Allowance. Universal Credit will soon affect other groups however, exact dates have not been announced yet by the UK Government.

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.

Budget!Universal Credit will be paid in one lump sum in arrears every month. This means that you may need to make changes to the way you budget. Your first Universal Credit payment may not be paid until a month after your last money comes in.


Health News

Health & wellbeingHave you pledged to BEAT FLU yet

and had your free vaccine?

Top Tips!

The annual flu immunisation programme in Wales is underway in time for the flu season – and those in ‘at risk’ groups are being urged by authorities to take up their free vaccination as soon as possible.

Last year, only half (51.1%) of people categorised as ‘at risk’ protected themselves against what can be a deadly virus, which can and does kill every year. People particularly ‘at risk’ of flu and its complications are given the vaccine at no cost: it takes a minute, lasts a year, but could save your life.

People in ‘at risk’ groups - including those aged 65 or over, pregnant women and those with certain long term health conditions - are urged to protect themselves as early as possible and before flu starts circulating widely. Parents of children aged 2, 3 or 4, and those in school Year 7, are also being urged to have their child vaccinated for free – in the form of a nasal spray. Health officials warn that even if you had the vaccine last year, the flu virus changes every year so you must have it again now in order to be protected.

Dr Richard Roberts, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Programme at Public Health Wales, explains why people in ‘at risk’ groups must not delay and make an appointment with their doctor today: “Flu is a serious illness caused by a virus that affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms generally come on suddenly, and can include fever, chills, headache, cough, muscle aches and fatigue. For people with underlying health conditions, flu can even be deadly.

Flu cannot be treated, but it can be prevented by having the vaccine. Make sure you don’t put yourself at risk by missing this potentially life-saving opportunity.”

Every year flu circulates but every year thousands of people who are at a heightened risk of serious side effects fail to protect themselves for free. Join the pledge to beat flu, and protect yourself now.

You can find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org.uk or www.curwchffliw.org.uk, or finding them on twitter and facebook.


Tenant News

A whole new worldPauline tells us how 'going digital' has brought her many benefits...

Since April 2013, our Sheltered Housing Scheme Llys Yr Efail in Blaina, has been hosting computer sessions run by 'Communities 2.0' for tenants and elderly members of the wider community. Pauline, a tenant at Llys Yr Efail has attended the sessions and shares her experience.

Pictured here: Pauline and Alpha

When I had an old computer I used it to make cards and play games. I thought I had no use for the internet, but how wrong I was. I soon signed up to weekly lessons at the library. I learned so much but I then became disabled and could no longer attend the sessions. I set up at home but didn’t really have the confidence to experiment and was unaware of just how much the internet had to offer.

Then help arrived from Lea, Support Worker at Linc, Communities 2.0 and Alpha, our very own computer tutor. A whole new world opened up for me. Alpha, our fantastic tutor gave me the confidence to try out new things and guided me through problems with kindness and patience.

Now barely a year later, I shop for groceries online which is a godsend due to my disabilities. I also buy household goods and look at customer reviews before buying. I’ve saved ££££'s! I download free books and watch specialist videos – such as card making ones.

I keep an eye on my bills and set up my Direct Debits. In fact there are so many advantages, I’m finding it impossible to mention them all. For other people, I know they have booked cheaper holidays, Skyped their family and joined social networking sites.

Thanks to you all – Lea at Linc, Communities 2.0 and of course Alpha!

The tenants at Llys Yr Efail were recently filmed by Communities 2.0 to promote the Digital Inclusion Project. The film is now on YouTube so get online and visit http://youtu.be/8-6tjBW_to4

Would you like the opportunity to gain a little more experience and confidence using computers? If so, please get in touch and we can offer help. Contact Karen Jeffreys on 029 2047 4023.

Denise Long, Scheme Manager at Llys Yr Efail says: "We are very happy to be able to support this useful learning experience and provide a comfortable and relaxed environment for tenants and members of the local community to meet and improve their digital skills."

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Tenant News

Christmas leftover recipe ideas from Linc's Catering Team

No need to throw food away - there's

always something you can do to

reinvent the main ingredients

Ingredients• 1 tbsp duck fat, goose fat or butter• 4 rashers of streaky bacon• 100g of grated mature cheddar• 50g of white bread• 1 onion, finely sliced• 1 garlic clove, chopped• 15-20 cooked Brussels sprouts, sliced, or leftover boiled cabbage, shredded• 400g cold leftover mashed potatoes, or cold crushed boiled potatoes

Bubble & squeak cakes with a crispy bacon crust

Turkey & potato curry

Ingredients• 1 tbsp sunflower oil• 1 large onion, thickly sliced• 1 green pepper, deseeded and

chopped• 2 tbsp curry paste

(or gluten-free alternative)• 2 garlic cloves, crushed• 400g can chopped tomatoes• 300g leftover turkey, diced• 300g leftover cooked potatoes

(either boiled or roast), diced• 2 tbsp mango chutney• small pack coriander, roughly

chopped• rice or naan bread, to serve

Method1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a fairly high heat. Cook the onion and pepper for 3-4 mins until starting to soften and brown slightly. Stir in the curry paste and garlic, then cook for another 1-2 mins. Add the chopped tomatoes and 150ml water. Bring to the boil and bubble for 5 mins.

2. Turn the heat down, stir in the turkey and potatoes, and cook for another 2-3 mins, then season and add the mango chutney. Scatter with coriander and serve with rice or naan.

3. As the ingredients are already cooked, this curry takes minutes.

Method1. Melt the fat in a non-stick pan, allow it to get nice and hot, then add the bacon. Remove the bacon once crispy to use later for the crumb. Add the onion and garlic. Next, add the sliced sprouts or cabbage and let it colour slightly. All this will take 5-6 mins.2. Next, add the potato. Work everything together in the pan and push it down so that the mixture covers the base of the pan – allow the mixture to catch slightly on the base of the pan before turning it over and doing the same again. It’s the bits of potato that catch in the pan that define the term ‘bubble and squeak’, so be brave and let the mixture colour. 3. For the bacon crumb, place the bacon in a blender along with the sliced bread and cheddar cheese, blend together to form a breadcrumb like texture. Sprinkle the top of the bubble and squeak with the crumb mixture and place under the grill to brown. This will make all the difference.4. Serve with fried eggs for breakfast or with the cooked meats and pickles on Boxing Day.

Special Feature


Domestic abuse - Don’t suffer in silence

Does somebody else control what you do and leave you feeling like a wreck? Are you hit or mentally tortured? Are you constantly humiliated? The list is endless but domestic abuse can vary. It’s not always about physical violence and certainly not something that only affects people living in social or council housing. It affects men and women, but mainly women, from all different walks of life. But, for obvious reasons, people are often scared to report it. A woman will experience an average of 35 incidents of domestic abuse before seeking help. This is shocking. Men are afraid to report it too. Sadly, they may all feel too embarrassed. We want you to know that we will support you if you are suffering domestic abuse.

Here we’d like to tell you a bit more about it, what we are doing about it and what you should do if you are affected by it. Christmas can be a difficult time, as can birthdays or other celebrations...We know that during times of stress; such as Christmas which can bring money and relationship worries, the number of reported cases of domestic abuse goes up. The Police also tell us that rates go up during major sporting events too. People suffering from domestic abuse often dread these times or events. Try not to let that be you by seeking support to take action, even if it’s a little at a time or just telling somebody about it. Taking domestic abuse seriously...Linc takes domestic abuse very seriously. Many others do too. The Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill has been introduced by the Welsh Government and it aims to improve awareness and education about this issue, to help people feel more confident to speak out.

We recently introduced a new policy on domestic abuse. It explains how we will work together with other services and agencies to support victims and the action that we will take against perpetrators. As well as a new policy, many staff have also received domestic abuse training and will pass this on to others they work with. Linc won’t put up with domestic abuse. Whether you are a victim or witness we will offer advice and get you the support needed. We will deal with your situation sensitively and confidentially.

Linc understands that domestic abuse can be physical as well as sexual, emotional or psychological. It may be about ‘mind games’, undermining you, controlling what you do and denying you control over your money. It can affect anyone including women or men, rich or poor, young or old, black or white, gay or straight.

Live Fear Free will give you advice about domestic abuse. It offers support and information on its website and runs a 24-hour phone line that you

can call free of charge: 0808 80 10 800

Help is here...


Special Feature

Linc will support victims and witnesses of domestic abuse by:• Signposting and providing contact details of appropriate services and agencies• Carrying out risk assessments and reviewing home and personal security• Providing regular updates on the progress of the investigation• Arranging appropriate support• Meeting access needs, e.g. providing interpreters

Trevor Saunders, Executive Director Linc Homes, is an ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign. This brings men together to stand up against violence against women. Trevor will attend training events and seminars, as well as making a pledge to help spread the message.

Brian Thomas, Chair of Linc’s Tenant Panel, is committed to taking action on domestic abuse. He recently attended a workshop led by BAWSO (an organisation that supports people experiencing domestic abuse) at the Welsh Tenants Conference.

Trevor said, “Domestic abuse has a devastating effect on families and communities, yet for a number of reasons, it remains something that isn’t talked about enough. Linc is committed to making sure that all our tenants have somewhere that they can go and someone that they can talk to about abuse they may be experiencing or aware of.

The White Ribbon campaign is raising awareness across the UK and I am proud to be part of it. I already felt well informed about domestic abuse, but the training has ‘opened my eyes' to just how big an issue it is. It is very likely that someone we know may be suffering in silence. Some of the facts may be

Brian said, “The workshop that I attended showed me what a diverse and complicated issue domestic abuse can be. This is not something that only affects one group or type of person. I now hope to work with Linc to help raise greater awareness of this problem, including arranging our own workshop on this important issue.

Linc will do whatever it can to support those affected by domestic abuse, and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned to have the confidence to speak to someone about it, in order to get the help and support that they may need.”

Trevor Saunders, Executive Director Linc Homes

Brian Thomas, Chair of the Tenant Panel

shocking, but the people experiencing abuse day to day aren’t able to simply ignore it – and neither should we. I am proud to have already started to take action within Linc to change this, and hope to give victims of abuse the confidence to speak out and get the help that they need.”

Tenant News


Home gets a new lease of lifeA home in Trethomas has received a significant revamp and a new tenant thanks to partnership working between Caerphilly County Borough Council and Linc.

The 1950s property in Tyn y Wern Terrace has been completely refurbished thanks to funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council, via the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant Programme. The works, carried out by P&P Builders, have upgraded the property to lifetime homes and design quality requirements.

The new tenant, Senior Care Worker Kay Colwill, says she is delighted with her new home.

“I’ve moved in now and it’s great. It’s a lovely house – I’ve always wanted to live in an old Victorian house, but inside it’s like a brand new house so I have the best of both worlds. I can’t believe how lucky I am!” said Mrs Colwill.

"The neighbours have all been really friendly. I’m sure I’ll be happy here for a very long time.”

Cllr Gerald Jones, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I’m delighted that the council was able to support Linc with this project and keep the building as part of our affordable homes housing stock. I’d like to congratulate all those involved in making this project a success.”

Trevor Saunders, Executive Director Linc Homes added: “This project shows what can be achieved through effective partnership working. The funding that has been made available has meant that the whole property has been completely gutted and refurbished, while the front and rear gardens have been landscaped. The result is a beautifully refurbished property and a very happy tenant.”

Pictured here are 6 members of Boxing Pretty, a group of 12 women (some of which are Linc tenants) from Llanrumney Phoenix gym in Cardiff.

Boxing Pretty recently undertook 10 weeks of gruelling training for a boxing match in order to raise funds for their gym and cancer charities Issabelle’s Appeal and Cancer Research. The women raised £5,000 in total - congratulations and well-done!

News in pictures

Tenants living at Bill Harry Court have been knitting for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity and for Romania Aid.

The group have been meeting every Monday to share knitting patterns and enjoy each other's company over a cup of tea.

Tenant News


News from the Fruit & Veg Co-op volunteersWe’ve been taking lots of orders at the co-op which is great news and we’re also getting more involved with the community.

We were pleased to be invited to a recent training event run by Linc, where we learnt about loan sharks, helpful money advice and how tenancy agreements may look in the future (the Welsh Government wants two types of tenancies rather than lots of different types which can lead to confusion).

We’ve been talking to other tenants about running their own Fruit and Veg Co-ops. We also supplied the annual Halloween Skate Fest Event in Cardiff with their refreshments! The jacket potatoes went down a treat.

With the onset of the Autumn, we’ve moved the Fruit and Veg Co-op indoors where it’s drier and warmer. We realised just how long the summer lasted when we discovered that we had been outside almost every week since we started the Co-op in Spring this year.

For existing, new and old customers we are at Rainbow House, 1 Newent Road, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0BL every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.00 noon.

If you’d like further details please contact Karen Jeffreys, Tenant Participation Officer on 029 2047 4023 or email [email protected]

Best wishes from the Fruit & Veg Co-op Volunteers: Angelo, John, Pat and Hazel

A Christmas cheer for the local Bettws Spar!

Tenants living at Willowbrook extra care in Bettws, Newport recently received a surprise chocolate treat. Lorraine Jenkins, Tenant Panel Member and Willowbrook tenant recently called to tell us their local Spar store had kindly donated a tin of Quality Street to every Willowbrook tenant. Lorraine said she had only popped in to the Spar to see if they could offer a better deal on their tins of chocolates for Christmas and was overwhelmed by the Manager's generosity when he offered to give each tenant a free tin of choccies to enjoy. Tenants were delighted!

Spar Manager, Kyle Williams told Lorraine that he had been wanting to meet with the tenants to make a charitable donation to Willowbrook. Lorraine said: "It goes to show how important it is to build up good relationships in the community. In this case, it certainly worked out well for everyone".


Tenant News

Happy birthday to you, squash, tomatoes & dew!We met some very happy tenants recently at the St Mellons Community Garden in Cardiff. They had plenty to feel good about. This year, the St Mellons Community Garden celebrated its 4th birthday. With the support of local grants and a dedicated team of local volunteers the garden is flourishing.

Karen Jeffreys, Tenant Participation Officer and Justine Harlow, Housing Officer visited the garden to see how tenants were getting on.

A young volunteer told them he found the garden a little oasis. It helped him relax and wind down, away from the worries of day to day life. As well as a chat about the local wildlife, they took the opportunity to look at the abundance of vegetables, flowers and herbs growing in the garden as well as the variety of bird species that had been spotted that morning.

The volunteers said "The community garden has really changed our lives". They are attending a course in March on ‘how to generate income from your community project’ – so watch this space for some feedback. And well done to all those involved.

The Royal British Legion opens a new advice centre in CardiffThe Royal British Legion, a national registered charity, has now opened a 'drop in' Advice and Information Centre in Cardiff for people who have served or are serving in the British Armed Forces, along with their families. The Centre will offer advice on health and welfare, representation, remembrance and comradeship. It is based at 18-19 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PT and open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. If you're unable to pop in, you can ring them on 0808 8028080 or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk

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Justine, Linc Housing Officer & Jill, St Mellons Community Garden Volunteer


Tenant News

Condensation

Did you know?

We are currently building 207 new homes

We currently employ 374 staff at Linc

We handled 159 new cases of anti-social behaviour between July and September 2014

67 tenants have moved in the last three months and it took us an average of 9 days to re-let each property

1 in 5 tenants now tell us how we have performed on

repairs

We own and manage 4049 homes

Approximately 80 Linc tenants will be affected by the next rollout of Universal Credit in February 2015

Condensation is by far the most common cause of damp in old and new buildings.

Condensation is very much a seasonal problem, occurring during the colder months from October to April when ventilation of the house is usually low (due to windows and doors being closed). Water vapour builds up in the house and can often cause water droplets, slightly damp wallpaper (often not noticed) and the development of moulds (usually black mould).

How to control condensation?Improve ventilation by opening windows as often as possible. Improve heating by setting it to a low-level background heat to ensure no rapid changes to the environment, and avoid excess moisture sources such as drying clothes indoors.

If you are concerned about condensation in your home and would like to discuss this with your Maintenance Officer, please contact us on Freephone 0800 072 0966.

Helpful tips from the Property

Maintenance Team

Linc Facts

Our homes for older and vulnerable people include 2 Nursing Homes, 7 Extra Care Schemes, 12 Sheltered Housing Schemes and 38 Supported Houses

Tenant Information


Address / Estate Date Address / Estate Date

Bridgend C.B.C Newport C.B.C.Lewistown 12.12.14 Commercial Road 12.03.15Llangeinor 12.12.14 Albion Close 12.03.15Brackla 14.05.15 Ringwood Place 12.03.15Kenfig Hill 12.12.14 Constables Close 12.03.15

Lysaghts 12.03.15Neath Port Talbot C.B.CMelyn Fach 27.02.15 Blaenau Gwent C.B.C.Danygraig 27.02.15 Plantation Row 14.05.15Llys Morfa 27.02.15 Pen-Y-Parc 14.05.15Abbots Mews 27.02.15 Queen Street 14.05.15Llys Groeswen 27.02.15 Cwrt Bracty 14.05.15Morrison Court 27.02.15 Cwrt Alexandra 14.05.15

Caer Odyn 14.05.15Caerphilly C.B.C. Ty Heulwen 14.05.15Hillside Ave 11.03.15 Sirhowy 14.05.15

Glebe Road 11.03.15Oak Tree Drive 11.03.15 CardiffOld School Grange 11.03.15 Pontprennau 13.04.15Parc Derwen 11.03.15 Thornhill 13.04.15Cwrt Llanfabon 11.03.15 Penylan 13.04.15Pontypandy 18.03.15 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 2014/15Check 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• Removal of rubbish• Fly infestation• Garden maintenance• Carrying out disabled

adaptation installations• Fixing solar panels• And much more!

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


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

Barrack Lane Cardiff City Centre

www.barrack-lane.co.uk

As a socially responsible business, we recognise the importance of providing more than just homes within the communities we operate and we have commercial and social enterprise activities that support our wider objectives. Barrack Lane is one such commercial activity.

Barrack Lane is Linc’s residential and retail quarter in Cardiff. It is a unique development specifically designed to provide residential, retail and business opportunities in the heart of the city centre. You will find a vibrant mix of independent businesses at Barrack Lane which is part of St David’s Dewi Sant,

Next time you visit Cardiff City Centre, why not take a stroll down Barrack Lane, here’s what you’ll find……

Documents

Grapevine winter 2014