Intouch Spring 2012

intouch ISSUE 70 | SPRING 2012 | FREE

The magazine for residents of Wales & West Housing

...who are your heroes

in 2012?

See page 24 for details of our 2012

Making a Difference Awards, the categories

and how to enter.Or contact

Sharon Buckley on 0800 052 2526

or email her [email protected]

These are just some our heroes from last year’s

Making a Difference Awards...

Editor’s Lett er | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 03

Editor’s Lett er

ContentsDrake’s Den 4WWH News and General info 5Planned Maintenance 10Anti Social Behaviour 12Going Green 13Development Update 14Residents Parti cipati on 15Money Matt ers 17Your Views and News 21Healthy Living 23Making a Diff erence Awards 24Charity Fundraising 25Your Views and News 26Birthdays and Anniversaries 28Help For Heroes Update 30

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

Follow us on twitt er @wwha

intouch in other languages and formatsIf you would like a copy of this editi on of In Touch in Welsh or in another language or format, for example in large print, please let us know and we will help you.

Contact UsWales & West Housing, 3 Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Tremorfa, Cardiff CF24 2UD. Telephone: 0800 052 2526 | Text: 07788 310420 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.wwha.co.ukMinicom: 0800 052 5205. You can also contact members of staff direct by their email. For example, [email protected]

Dear All

Welcome to our new look In Touch. In fact, welcome to our new-look Wales & West Housing as you’ll probably have noti ced that we have a smart new logo! Turn to page 5 to read more about how and why we have rebranded.

Did you know that there are changes in the pipeline for some state benefi ts? To fi nd out if you are likely to be aff ected – and where you can get advice and help if you need it – see Money Matt ers on pages 17 to 20.

We’ve some great Spring gardening prizes up for grabs on page 4. And when you’ve fi nished reading In Touch, why not take a look at our new website? Go to www.wwha.co.uk and tell us what you think of it! We’re always pleased to hear from you.

Warm regards

Sarah MannersPR & Marketi ng Manager

The Winners of the Harry Pott er Word Search in the Winter editi on are:

Lucas Roberts, 6, Wrexham - Harry Pott er Cards.Dylan Jones, 7½, Wrexham - Calendar.Owen Vyse, 8½, Wrexham - Calendar.Charlie Brown, 9, Cardiff - Book of Sti ckers.Bethan Davies, 14, Buckley - Harry Pott er Watch.

04 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Drake’s Den

Word Search Gardening Prizes to be WON Spring is all around us so try this fab fl ower word search to WIN PRIZES. Three great gardening prizes up for grabs: Gardening holdall with gloves, trowel & fork and watering can, Paint your own bird house and Paint your own fl ower pots. Complete the wordsearch and colour in the fl owers then send it to me together with your name, age, address and contact details:

Keri Jones, Wales & West Housing , 3 Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Tremorfa, Cardiff . CF24 2UD.

Competi ti on open to 11yrs old and under. GOOD LUCK.

News and General Informati on | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 05

We’verebranded!You’ve probably noti ced that your copy of In Touch looks a bit diff erent from the last one we sent you.

In Touch is sti ll In Touch – however our logo – which shows that the bearer is a part of Wales & West Housing Associati on, has completely changed.

Where before we had our old dark blue oval with the words Wales & West Housing Associati on in it, now you’ll see very diff erent logo, or badge. It’s now a smart new lighter blue badge of a quite diff erent shape – a house with a very proud Welsh dragon within it.

The words on our badge have changed a litt le too. Now rather than using our formal full name – Wales & West Housing Associati on we are calling ourselves Wales & West Housing (although just in case you are wondering, at the heart of our business we are very much sti ll a housing associati on – your housing associati on and one of the oldest, biggest and most experienced in Wales).

So why have we done this? Well while we are sti ll your landlord, committ ed to doing the very best we can for you and thousands of other people like you across Wales, in the past couple of

years we have changed a lot as a business and we want our badge to refl ect that change.

We set up Cambria Maintenance Services in the winter of 2010, which saw us take on a group structure.

In other words we’re not just a housing associati on any more, we’re more than that.

Log on today!We’ve also got a brand new website! It’s brighter, fresher and we hope much easier for you to use (see page 7). Log on at www.wwha.co.uk and take a look today. And don’t forget to let us know what you think – just go to the Contact Us page.

For a while our Cambria team were driving around in plain white vans, but we realised they needed a ‘look’ and identi ty of their own. This then made us think about our own look and identi ty and we realised that while we as an organisati on had changed a lot in the past 10 or so years, our old blue badge (which was fi rst designed 10 years ago) just wasn’t able to show this.

So now we think that our light blue house with our proud Welsh dragon within it does just that – shows us for who we are today, shows what we do, what we stand for and what we’re aiming to become. Cambria’s blue mountains share the same look and feel, showing that we are all part of the same business family.

Because at the end of the day it’s not about us, it’s about you and us aiming to do our best, and be the best we possibly can, for you.

We hope you like it too!

Connect24 – another part of us

Hundreds of you already use our emergency alarms and we get such good feedback from you that we now want to be able to off er this opportunity to lots more people. We’ve called this part of our business Connect24 and it has its own logo too. But don’t worry if you already have an emergency alarm with us – you don’t need to do anything and you will sti ll get the same great standard of service for the same price.

Concept50+

And we’re also branding the services we provide for older people - this will be called Concept 50+.

06 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | News and General Informati on


Now you can text us too!Most of us have a mobile phone and texti ng is usually cheap and easy. So we’ve decided to try out a new texti ng service so that you can use this method to tell us what youthink. Our number is 07788 310420 and the cost of a text to us will be the same as you pay for all other texts you send. We really value all your comments, suggesti ons, ideas, enquiries, complaints and compliments because it’s through this sort of informati on that we can learn and conti nually improve. But don’t worry, if you don’t have a mobile phone, because you can sti ll contact us by freephone, lett er, email or in person.

hello!

This is what the homepage of our new website looks like. Please log on and tell us what you think of it – www.wwha.co.uk. Or you can email us at [email protected]


Our RSS now takes place every year, with one third of all our households (approximately 2,700 households) being surveyed each year rather than all our households every three years which is what we used to do.

We want your feedback to be up-to-date and so a survey each year will help to ensure that we are in a bett er positi on to react to the things that matt er to you.

And by doing it this way no-one will be asked to complete one of these surveys more than once over a three year period.

So why do we carry out our Resident Sati sfacti on Survey? Well because your views and thoughts are extremely important to us so we take this survey very seriously. It’s your chance to tell us what you think about our services and how you think we are doing.

• Are we delivering what matt ers to you? • Are we doing things right? • What can we do to improve?

We’re also interested in future services. Is there anything you’d like to see us do that we currently don’t provide?

The survey will be carried out by consultants ARP Research and you can be reassured that any comments you make will be kept confi denti al.

As a thank you, all completed and returned surveys will automati cally be entered into our free prize draw. So 15 minutes of your ti me could win you Argos vouchers worth £100 (1st prize), £75 2nd prize) and £50 (3rd prize).

Finally, if you didn’t receive a Resident Sati sfacti on Survey last year, and don’t get one this year – don’t despair. You’ll defi nitely be getti ng one next year.

Watch this space!

Resident Sati sfacti on Survey 2012It’s that ti me of year again! Our Resident Sati sfacti on Survey (RSS) will be dropping through many of your lett erboxes within the next month.


We’re the top not-for-profi t fi rm in WalesDid you know that The Sunday Times Best Companies 2012 has recognised us as the top not-for-profi t organisati on in Wales.

We were ranked 8th out of the top 100 best not-for-profi t organisati ons to work for in the whole of the UK.

And we were the only Welsh housing associati on to be awarded the top three stars award by Best Companies.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executi ve, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we’ve been recognised as the top not-for-profi t organisati on in Wales, and, that we’ve made the top ten NFP organisati ons to work for in the UK.

“And to have been awarded the highest rati ng of three stars is fantasti c.

“We pride ourselves on being a values-driven company – to be fair, open, supporti ve, effi cient and responsible – to our staff as well as everyone with whom, and for whom, we work.

“Last year we were 14th on the Sunday Times list with two stars, so to have made such signifi cant progress within a year is a testament to the hard work and dedicati on of our wonderful staff .”

Annual Report and Financial Statements Each year we produce a report which looks back at our work and performance over the previous year. You can read our Annual Report and Financial Statements 2011 on our website at www.wwha.co.uk. Or if you would like a hard copy please call the Chief Executi ve’s offi ce and we will be happy to send you one.

Financial Viability Judgement In March 2012 the Welsh Government reviewed our fi nances to make sure that we have enough money to do what we say we are going to do.

They approved our fi nances giving us a “pass”. This is the best possible result we could have had and confi rms we are well resourced to meet current and future business and fi nancial commitments.

To read the Welsh Government’s report in full go to www.wwha.co.uk


We will write to you to let you know when the consultati on meeti ngs are so that you can choose your preferred colour choices where appropriate. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questi ons you may have about this process.

KitchensSt Donats Close, Llantwit MajorDol Glas, BreconFosseway, BronllysCwrt Y Castell, Builth WellsHill Court, WrexhamLlys Rhedyn, WrexhamRhes Thomas, BagilltMaes Clwyd, Rhyl

BathroomsThe Uplands, BreconCradoc Close, Brecon

Planned Maintenance 2012These are the schemes that we plan to upgrade during April to September 2012 as part of our ongoing programme to comply with the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Llys Yr Onnen, Mountain AshLlys Ben Bowen Thomas, RhonddaSt Peters Court, PentreSt Clements Court, PentwynTy Brynseion, Merthyr Tydfi lPowell Road, BuckleyBenjamin Place, WrexhamClerc Y Mendy, Wrexham

Please contact our contracts team if you have any questi ons:

Mike Wellock - Commercial ManagerSean Gough - Contracts Manager Simon Legg - Contracts Manager Kate Soloman - Contracts ManagerPeter Jenkins - Contracts ManagerLucy Simms - Property Services AssistantGemma - Property Services Assistant Coleman

£ ££Win £250 if you have your boiler serviced 1st ti me aroundMiss Rae of Wrexham was the lucky winner of PH Jones’ prize of £250 for this quarter. All you have to do to WIN is have your gas boiler serviced on the FIRST appointment we make for you, or

if you can give us at least 48 hours’ noti ce to postpone the visit. You will then be automati cally entered into the FREE DRAW. It’s so easy and you can WIN a cheque for £250.


“I couldn’t have asked for anything more.” This was the reacti on of Mrs Susan Mostyn of Pen Onnen in Brackla, Bridgend, aft er a team from our contractor partners GKR Maintenance carried out a bathroom upgrade for us.

“The workmen were brilliant, always clean and ti dy and the standard of workmanship was fi rst class, nothing was too much trouble for them,” said Mrs Mostyn.

“We were kept informed on a daily basis by the team leader and operati ves of what was happening.

My new bathroom is beauti ful

“We also felt comfortable having them in our home which is important especially if you have to go out. I felt that I could trust them 100%.

“The shower has made such a diff erence to us as a family and is invaluable. It is more energy effi cient and we know this because the money in our electric meter is lasti ng much longer than before we had the shower fi tt ed.

“I’m really pleased with the new bathroom, the whole family is. I cannot wait unti l we get our kitchen done.”

Our contractor partner GKR Maintenance have recently upgraded bathrooms at 100 of our properti es in Brackla, Bridgend.

Works included a new bath with overbath mixer shower, wash hand basin, separate toilet, ti ling around the shower and new fl ooring.

Energy effi cient innovati ons include the use of new-style fans to tackle condensati on and mixer showers run off combinati on boilers, which are more effi cient than electric showers.

12 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Anti Social Behaviour

We’re reviewing our Group 500 consultati on group and want more of you aged 40 and under to take part.

You can give your views by email, post or phone and now text too. Interested? Then get in touch with me, Claire Hammond, Resident Parti cipati on Strategy Offi cer.

We’re also reviewing Group 500’s membership and have writt en to all our existi ng members to see if you sti ll want to take part. We haven’t had a huge response so far, so if you missed the lett er and sti ll want to be a member of Group 500 please let us know.

Are you under 40? Want to tell us your views?

Whether we are playing music, having a barbeque or own a dog that constantly barks. Thinking about other people and being aware of the results of your own acti ons are key to making sure you don’t create problems for others.

If you are fed up with a noisy neighbour, oft en the best way to deal with the problem is to go and speak politely to your neighbour. More oft en than not you may be able to resolve the problem amicably there and then.

In many cases we fi nd people are unaware that they are causing a problem, or that they wrongly believe it is acceptable to play very loud music during the day.

It is never acceptable to play music so loudly that it can be heard outside your own home, no matt er what ti me of day it is. If it causes a nuisance and your neighbour has tried unsuccessfully to resolve it then it is likely that your housing offi cer or tenancy enforcement offi cer will pay you a visit to fi nd out the extent of the problem and try to fi nd a way to resolve it, as quickly as possible.

In most cases the problem stops when the person making the noise is made aware that they are causing a problem. However if this doesn’t work, then you should report the problem to your local environmental health department and our Anti Social Behaviour Unit by calling 0800 052 2526.

When noise becomes a nuisanceSometi mes we all do things which can aff ect our neighbours and our surroundings.

Going Green | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 13

Ground-breaking (literally) technology!

As a result of these installati ons, our residents should benefi t from reduced electricity consumpti on which in turn will help shield residents from future energy price increases.

Originally these 32 properti es had electric night storage heaters which left some residents paying more than £200 a month in energy bills.

The photos show a 10 tonne drilling rig which had to drill down 161 meters in this case. As you would expect, it was a litt le messy! However on the right hand side you can see now that the work has been completed - in fact you probably wouldn’t even know it anything like this had happened!

We have been installing ground source heat pumps into some of our properti es in mid and north Wales. The heat pumps are probably the most sustainable heati ng and hot water soluti on widely available and we have been able to install them thanks to a grant from the Welsh Government’s Arbed programme.

Owen Jones, Environment and Sustainability Offi cer, Wales & West Housing said, “It’s my understanding that this project is probably the largest retrofi t installati on of this technology in social housing to date.

“It has been quite challenging and has involved a great deal of hard work from staff and contractors alike. The residents involved have also been fantasti c as the work has been quite disrupti ve.

However now that it is complete we believe that the residents involved will reap the benefi ts over the coming years as they have a far more controllable heati ng soluti on for their home which should also help them to reduce their energy bills.”


Second extra care schemeWork has started to build our second extra care scheme.

Llys Jasmine in Mold will provide 61 state-of-the-art apartments for people aged 60 and over who currently live in Flintshire and who have care and support needs. The £8.5m development which we are developing in partnership with Flintshire County Council will include 12 specially designed apartments for people with dementi a and will be one of the fi rst of its kind in the country.

Rhyl-based Anwyl Constructi on is building Llys Jasmine for us and works are scheduled to be completed in June 2013.

In South Wales…In South Wales, we have bought the former Coed Parc library HQ from Bridgend County Borough Council. The site includes a Grade II listed main house plus a large ti mber extension. Keep an eye on our website, or the next editi on of In Touch, for more details about our plans for this site.

Minister to visit…Housing Minister Huw Lewis (pictured above on a recent visit to our properti es at Chapel Close in St Athan) is due to visit our site at Kingsmills Road, Wrexham, in May to offi cially mark the start of work to build 147 new homes in a £17.5m regenerati on programme.

In partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council, Betsi Cadwaladr Local Health Board and Hightown Communiti es First, we are building 92 homes on the Kingsmills Road site. We are also building a new community centre, and, dedicated medical centre on Kingsmills Road, formerly the site of Hightown Flats.

We are also building another 35 homes on nearby Rivulet Road and a further 20 homes are awaiti ng planning approval. Contractor Anwyl will start works proper in June and the project should be completed by the autumn of 2013.

The developments should also result in a number of jobs and training opportuniti es being created for local people.

If you would like to fi nd out more please go to our new website at www.wwha.co.uk or www.hightownfl ats.com

Development update

Resident Parti cipati on | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 15

Fab ti me for Brackla youngstersDuring February half term, Brackla Communiti es First took 10 young people from Brackla to the GAME ON football challenge cup event at Maesteg Comprehensive School.

WWH helped the youngsters by arranging funding for the mini bus.

Pictured is PCSO Steve Bowen from the Brackla neighbourhood policing team with the youngsters.

Crug Consultati on at BreconIn February residents enjoyed an aft ernoon of children’s acti viti es, advice and feedback at Brecon Youth Centre, organised by WWH, Powys CC and Brecon Town Councillors Robin Lewis and Matt hew Dorrance.

Tropical Inc were popular with both children and adults, with the room packed to capacity for both shows, which included a hedgehog, meerkat, skunk, snakes and spiders.

Brecon Amateur Boxing Club were also popular, with children of all ages sparring with the trainers.

Fran Packwood from Dogs Trust gave advice on dog welfare and off ered

vouchers for £30 micro-chipping and neutering.

Dyfodol Powys Futures, Brecon Women’s Aid, Computer Recyclers and PAVO were also represented.

As a result many residents expressed an interest in running further events at the youth centre for children during school holidays and in forming a weekly Parent and Child group for 5 to 8 year olds. Further meeti ngs will be arranged to take these ideas forward.

16 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Resident Parti cipati on

On a sunny St David’s Day in Connah’s Quay, Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn & Deeside (pictured above right), opened Cwrt Leighton Residents’ Associati on’s newly renovated play area. Bunti ng, fl ags and balloons covered the railings and children waited excitedly to use their new equipment for the fi rst ti me. They named their new playground ‘Rainbows End’ as the equipment was painted in bright colours with a rainbow mural on one side of the fence.

Costco supplied a celebrati on cake and the Residents Associati on provided a buff et and goody bags.

Wales & West Housing, Flintshire County Council, www.moneysupermarket.com, Barclays, Keep Wales Tidy, Deeside College, North Wales Groundwork, Costco, local councillors and Mr Sargeant all helped with the refurbishment and were invited along to their special day.

Vy Cochran, WWH Community Development Parti cipati on Offi cer said “A very big thank you to everyone involved, especially all our local partner organisati ons”

A newly consti tuted residents’ group has been allott ed a piece of land on the reti rement housing scheme in Sylvester Court, Hightown, Wrexham where the residents already run a successful luncheon club. Their plan is to develop the land to grow fresh produce like vegetables, fruit, salad, herbs, plants and fl owers for the lunch club and to sell to residents.

Keep Wales Tidy (KWT) and volunteers from the probati on service have been helping to clear the land and establish the garden.

Wales & West Housing, Age Concern and Hightown Communiti es First are also supporti ng the project. The Sylvester Court Community Garden voluntary residents’ group has also obtained insurance through a Welsh Government scheme via KWT.

Future plans include opening the garden when it is at its best to the local community and visitors.

It’s child’s play at Rainbow’s End

Growing fresh produce will benefi t everyone at Sylvester Court

Pictured L – R : Shane Hughes of Keep Wales Tidy, Val Groves and Peter Whitaker of Sylvester Court, Raf of Wales Probati on, Richard Purton of Wales Probati on

Money Matt ers | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 17

Will benefi t changes aff ect you? This editi on’s Money Matt ers focuses on changes to benefi t that could aff ect residents. The Government recently passed the Welfare Reform Act which sees cuts across a wide range of benefi ts.

We have focused on the changes that potenti ally have the biggest impact but if you want to see all the benefi t changes in a concise ti meline visit the Benefi t page under Informati on and Resources on the Turn2us website (www.turn2us.org.uk).

We will conti nue to provide updates in future issues of In Touch in order to keep you up to date, and on our website www.wwha.co.uk however if you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Ask for Les Cooper or Mike Halloran, Money Advice Offi cers

Contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(C))

If you receive Contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(C)) and are in the work related acti vity group, your claim is now going to be limited to 12 months (previously it wasn’t limited at all). If you have already received ESA(C) for 365 days or more the last day your benefi t will be paid will be the 30th April 2012.

You may be eligible for income related ESA but will have to be assessed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP should have writt en to you regarding this change but if you have not received a lett er or have any queries you can call them on 0800 055 66 88

Working Tax Credit (WTC)

Couples with children must now work at least 24 hours a week between them, with one working at least 16 hours to qualify for WTC. However, there are some excepti ons:

Couples with children where one person works at least 16 hours and:• is enti tled to the WTC disability element • or, is aged 60 or over• or, one member of the couple is incapacitated, an in-pati ent in hospital or in prison.

will sti ll qualify for WTC.

If your WTC has stopped yet you sati sfy one of the above excepti ons contact HMRC immediately on 0345 300 3900

Changes from April 2012

18 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Money Matt ers

New payment system will replace benefi ts cheques

A new payment service will be introduced to replace the benefi t cheques system for claimants who can’t be paid by direct payment because they are unable to open or manage bank or Post Offi ce card accounts.

Under the new system, claimants who previously received cheques will be issued with a reusable token so that they

can receive their benefi ts at ‘PayPoint’ outlets located in local newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets, garages and off licences. Arrangements will be put in place for people who need someone else, such as a partner or relati ve, to collect their benefi t for them.If this aff ects you you should have already received a lett er from the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that you have ti me to prepare for the change.

Summer 2012 (esti mated end of June)

Bedroom Tax

The Government has said that it will introduce new size criteria for housing benefi t claims in social housing. This will apply from April 2013 to tenants of working age (currently those between 16 and 64 years old).

What do the changes mean?The size criteria will restrict housing benefi t to allow for one bedroom for each of the following:

• A single adult or couple • Any other adult (16 years old or over)• Children under 16 of the same gender • Children under 10 regardless of gender• Disabled tenant or partner who needs a non resident overnight carer

Who will be aff ected?All claimants who are deemed to have at

least one spare bedroom will be aff ected. This includes:

• Separated parents who share the care of their children and who may have been allocated an extra bedroom to refl ect this. Benefi t rules mean that there must be a designated‘main carer’ for children (who receives the extra benefi t)• Couples who use their ‘spare’ bedroom when recovering from an illness or operati on• Foster carers because foster children are not counted as part of the household for benefi t purposes• Parents whose children visit but are not part of the household• Families with disabled children• Disabled people including people living in adapted or specially designed properti es.

From April 2013

Money Matt ers | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 19

How much will people lose?The cut will be a fi xed percentage of the Housing Benefi t eligible rent. The Government has said that this will be set at 14% for one extra bedroom and 25% for two or more extra bedrooms.

What can you do?As your Landlord we will do whatever we can to help you move if you are aff ected by this. We will be contacti ng you in the near future to discuss your opti ons but if you are worried about this change please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Benefi t Cap

The Welfare Reform Act gives the Government the power to cap the total benefi ts to which a single person or couple is enti tled.

How is the cap calculated?The cap will be set at the average net earnings for a working household, currently projected to be £500 per week for couples and lone parents, and £350 per week for single people without children.

Who will be aff ected?The cap is targeted at out-of-work-families, regardless of their ability to take up work.

If the total amount of benefi ts you receive is greater than the limits set your Housing Benefi t will be reduced by the excess amount.

The cap will apply to the combined income from the main out-of-work benefi ts (Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, and Employment Support Allowance) and other benefi ts such as Housing Benefi t, Child Benefi t and Child Tax Credit, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefi t, Carer’s Allowance (unless a member of the household is enti tled to Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Att endance Allowance or Constant Att endance Allowance).

If you are enti tled to Working Tax Credit you will be exempt from the cap.

It is possible that if you are a single parent or a couple with 5 or more children you may be aff ected by the cap, contact us for further details.

Mone

20 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Money Matt ers

...but its not all bad news! The government has pledged to increase the amount of money available for DHPs.

What are they? Every Local Authority (LA) has a pot of money that is available for residents struggling to pay the shortf all in their rent or Council Tax.

Who is eligible? Anybody who claims Housing or Council Tax Benefi t can apply but you usually need a good reason as to why you are struggling to pay, for example

• You have an illness that increases normal expenses, i.e you need to use the heati ng more, pay for certain items that ease your suff ering.

• The hospitalisati on of you or one of your relati ves increases your travel expenses• Your travel expenses have increased due to your job moving or if you have moved due to a decrease in Local Housing Allowance enti tlement and it costs you more to travel to work• a non dependant charge is causing hardship

This doesn’t mean there won’t be other valid reasons that the LA will consider and it is always worth applying if you feel the situati on merits it.

For more informati on contact your Housing Offi cer or contact your LA Housing Benefi t department for an applicati on form.

Discreti onary Housing Payments (DHPs)

We were thrilled to be the sponsors of the new Wales & West Housing Reti rement Bowls Competi ti on at Merthyr Tydfi l Internati onal Bowls Centre. More than 60 people took part in the competi ti on on April 4th.

Dennis Owen, Club Chairman, said: “It was an excellent day. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and we are delighted that Wales & West will be sponsoring this competi ti on next year.”

Bowled over in Merthyr Tydfi l

Your Views and News | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 21

Creati ve talents on show at Nant y MôrResidents at Nant y Môr, our Extra Care Scheme in Prestatyn have been showcasing their talents at an Art Exhibiti on at the scheme.

Offi cially opened by the Mayor of Prestatyn, Councillor Alan Pennington, exhibits included canvas painti ngs, 3D art, texti les and creati ve writi ng pieces.

They were produced by residents during a fi ft een week ‘Creati ve Memories’ project run by Oriel Scala Arti sts’ Co-operati ve and sponsored by the Arts Council of Wales and Denbighshire County Council.

Resident June Foster said “It was really amazing and we looked forward to each session. We created a ‘memory box’ which I found was a nice experience as it

allowed me to go back to my childhood days.”

Jan Morris, a resident at Nant y Môr, added: “I wish we could have more of it, I just love it to bits.”

The scheme, opened in November last year by the First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM, has already enjoyed success and widespread recogniti on for its residents’ choir. Residents are now looking forward to using their creati ve talents on further projects over the coming months.

Pictured above - Brenda Simpson

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

Caerau Pott ers benefi t from ‘Make it Happen’ Grant

Stan said “This has been very therapeuti c and enjoyable and I would like to thank all concerned for their help in showing us the way forward”

Owen Jones, Environment and Sustainability Offi cer at WWH said “We were happy to support Caerau Pott ers. They have worked extremely hard,

Three years ago Cardiff residents Debbie Phillips, Chris Bradbury, Stan Jones and John Oliver decided to get together to form the ‘Caerau Pott ers’ gardening group. They built fl ower borders with reclaimed ti mber, fi lled hanging baskets, wood chipped the front area and added window boxes to add colour and neaten the area.

building the raised beds and shift ing tonnes of soil and now we look forward to seeing this year’s bumper crop! They also benefi ted from a new recycled plasti c shed manufactured by a local Swansea company – Aff resol. We are always looking for more sustainable products and materials. Everyone is very impressed!”

Healthy Living | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 23

The Equality Act 2010… so what does this mean for me?In the last editi on of In Touch we explained that this Act has replaced all previous anti -discriminati on law with one single act to make the law simpler.

It protects certain characteristi cs including:

• Age• Disability• Gender reassignment• Pregnancy and maternity• Marriage and civil partnership• Race• Religion or belief• Sex• Sexual orientati on

In this editi on we’re looking at disability.

What does disability really mean?

Generally a ‘disability’ means “a person who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substanti al and long-term adverse eff ect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day acti viti es”.

It’s fair to say people with disabiliti es want to live life no diff erently than anyone else. Living with disability is diffi cult but can sti ng even more when people encountered are:

• impati ent• rude• insensiti ve• inconsiderate• pessimisti c• unhelpful

So what’s the best way to behave when around disabled people?

People with disabiliti es are oft en wrongly perceived as helpless, needy victi ms.

There are some people who, because of fear or discomfort, will avoid interacti ng with people with disabiliti es. Others fear they will ‘say the wrong thing’ while some forget that some disabiliti es are not immediately obvious.

Most people with disabiliti es try to be as independent as possible and will only ask for help if they need it.

If you think you could be of some help, off er, but don’t insist. But try not to draw unnecessary att enti on to yourself and don’t be embarrassed to admit that you don’t know what to do or how to help. The person you are helping will explain what they need.

And remember disabiliti es aren’t always something you can see. These might include arthriti s, kidney failure, MS, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and many more.

Remember - people with disabiliti es are basically no diff erent from people without disabiliti es! See the person, not the disability.


Who do you know who makes a real diff erence to your neighbourhood? Someone who goes the extra mile to help friends and neighbours? Perhaps they have started a youth or community group?

Maybe they tend a beauti ful garden, or grow fruit and veg – or have started growing their own on an allotment?

Maybe they have overcome big problems to get back to work? Or entered college to get some new qualifi cati ons behind them? Whatever their story – we want to hear it.

On Friday October 19th we will be holding our fi ft h annual MakingA Diff erence Awards.

Now fi rmly established as a highlight of WWH’s year, the awards celebrate the great eff orts of all our unsung heroes and heroines – as well as being a cracking night out. All shortlisted nominees and the people who

nominated them – will enjoy a top-notch three course dinner and entertainment at the Village Hotel, Coryton, Cardiff .

You can see more for yourself on YouTube – search for Wales & WestHousing Associati on’s Making A Diff erence Awards, where you can seeshort videos of the previous three year’s ceremonies.

The categories are: Good Neighbour, Fresh Start, Eco Champion, Green Fingers (Older Persons), Green Fingers (Younger Persons), Community Project and David Taylor Local Hero.

It’s free to enter – you’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. So if you’d like a copy of the nominati on form either go to our new website www.wwha.co.uk where you can download a copy. Or call Sarah, Sharon or Keri on 0800 052 2526 any ti me and we’ll be happy to send you a form, and help you with any questi ons you may have about the awards.

Who’s Your Hero?Pictured are Cyfarthfa Fruit & Veg Co-op, winners of the Community Project Award in 2011

Charity Update | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 25

Her daughter sent to France for a Last Supper tapestry kit which took Pam a year to complete. Pam and her husband Richard, who have been residents at St Catherine’s Court for eight years, held an exhibiti on of Pam’s work. A great many framed colourful tapestries were on show around the house with The Last Supper being the main att racti on.

All donati ons were given to the Gideon Bible Society a charity who distribute copies of The Bible throughout various countries around the world. As Pam said “Praying together you stay together”

Open house for charity

Aft er suff ering a stroke Caerphilly born and bred Mrs Pam Cornish started working on tapestries which helped her recovery.

Candlelight servicein aid of Tenovus Cancer Charity

On the last day in January a candlelight service was organised by the local Church and Mrs Hannah Lowe at Ty Pontrhun, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfi l. It was a very moving aft ernoon with friends, residents and people from the village att ending. The Vicar took the service.

A very poignant moment was when a representati ve from Tenovus sold the candles and then laid them out in the sign of the cross to remember all those who had endured the illness.

The proceeds from the aft ernoon totalled £116 and was handed over to Tenovus Cancer campaign for Wales. Residents had over ti me been placing their small change into jars and three full jars were also donated to Tenovus. Karen Lewis, Scheme Manager then welcomed everyone to a delicious aft ernoon tea.

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

Danymynydd residents have been benefi tti ng from singing lessons on a Monday morning, funded by Valley & Vale. The musical sessions have now come to an end but Bett ws Community have benefi ted from this funding and have formed the Bett ws choir. One evening in March the choir held a get together concert with residents singing along with the guitar, drums, tambourine and violin. Each group had their own songs to sing, and then they joined forces to sing a medley of tunes. Thegenerati on gap was well and truly

A successful musical evening at Danymynydd in the Garw Valley

crossed, the youngest member being 7 yearse and the oldest resident 97.

As Yvonne Humphreys, Scheme Manager said “Both communiti es came together to enjoy a musical feast , made possible by Valley & Vale and the excellent teaching skills and dedicati on of their teacher Laura. We can’t thank her enough for her constant encouragement and support. We wish her luck in the future. Thank you Laura from us all at Danymynydd.”

Your Views and News | intouch | www.wwha.co.uk | 27

Inspiring musicians a great success at Oldwell CourtSandy Houdmont, Scheme Manager at Oldwell Court in Cardiff organised live music to entertain the residents. ‘Live Music Now’ trained entertainers, Jennifer Walker, soprano (pictured below), sang a variety of classical pieces while Rhiannon Pritchard played the piano. The residents‘ lounge was fi lled with applause.

‘Live Music Now’ is a registered charity and their work is dedicated to increasing awareness of and access to those who would otherwise be excluded through disability, ill health, poverty and other disadvantages. They are funded by donati ons, various local authoriti es, companies and the Arts Council of Wales.

For more informati on go to: www.livemusicnow.org.uk or Tel: 02920 554 040.

Easter Bonnets on paradeResidents brought their decorated hats to the lounge for the “Best Easter Bonnet” competi ti on run by the Spring Chicken Club at Oldwell Court, Cardiff . These were decorated with chocolate eggs, ribbons, feathers, daff odils and butt erfl ies.

It was very diffi cult to judge but aft er much thought the winner was Mrs Anne Webber who could hardly hold the large Easter egg prize and the runners up, Mrs Hilda Doubleday and Mrs Pauline Solsberg each won a chocolate bunny.

28 | www.wwha.co.uk | intouch | Birthdays and Anniversaries

A special gathering of birthday girls at Wentloog Court, Cardiff

10 days of celebrati on for Birthday girl MayEverywhere she went May Mckay was given cards and presents from all the friends she has made over the last 26 years while living at Plas Gorff wysfa. Her 90th birthday celebrati ons carried over for 10 whole days before her big day of the 9th February. “Her social life is a whirl” exclaimed her daughter Wendy. “I have to call her someti mes to see if she’s in before I visit.” May has two sons and three daughters and numerous grandchildren. Last year

On the 23rd February residents gathered in the lounge at Wentloog Court, Cardiff to celebrate with fi ve special residents who will all be holding their 90th birthdays during 2012.

When asked the secret of their longevity, Joyce Hickey said “A very happy marriage and a wonderful family.” Dorothy Morgan said “Everything in moderati on.” Sylvia Smith menti oned “My fi ve children keep me young and happy”, Glenys Solomon’s easy answer of “Just Living” and Cath Baker said “A daily fi x of Countdown and a glass of sherry.”

As well as tea and cakes Cllr Jacqueline Parry arrived and presented each with a carnati on butt onhole and a certi fi cate signed by the Mayor.

L-R –Dorothy, Glenys, Joyce, Cath and Sylvia.

Happy 80th

Birthday Brian

Brian Edward Adams from Oak Court, Penarth celebrated his birthday on February 2nd with a buff et lunch, birthday cake and loads of presents. His family all arrived and joined in the fun.

she travelled down to London with a friend to see the Royal Wedding and thoroughly enjoyed the visit, she wasn’t going to miss the special day.

Birthdays and Anniversaries | intouch | www.wwha.net | 29

Congratulati ons card from The Queen on their special Sapphire Wedding Anniversary of Mr & Mrs Khambhaita of Wilfred Brook House, Cardiff

Love blossomed aft er their marriage... an arranged marriage meant that they had never met before their wedding day but this marriage is sti ll strong 65 years later. Aft er working and staying in various countries around the world they are now happily living in Cardiff . They have three married sons and two married daughters with grandchildren and great grandchildren. “We spent our whole married life lovingly and happily, by the Grace of God” said Mr Khambhaita.

L-R: Kamtagauri and Vithalbhai Khambhaita

Direct Debit WinnerWIN by paying your rent with Direct Debit.

Congratulati ons to Mrs Games

Mrs Games of Western Court, a Home Ownership reti rement Scheme in Cardiff was the lucky winner of £100 for the last quarterly direct debit draw of 2011. The cheque was presented by Pat Green the Scheme Manager.

For your chance to WIN you need to pay your rent by Direct Debit. Please contact your Housing Offi cer who will

help with any queries you may have or our Customer Service Centre on 0800 052 2526.

Paying by Direct Debit takes out all the hassle of remembering to pay on ti me and it is so easy to set up.

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

Help for Heroes charity going from strength to strengthAs well as WWH Dress down days in the Flint and Cardiff offi ces, residents and scheme managers at various schemes have contributed enormously to the grand total for Help the Heroes charity of £16,191.53 (as of the beginning of April). To achieve this amazing total has not been an easy feat but hard work and a dedicated commitment from everyone concerned has really made a diff erence. Events such as raffl es, bingo evenings, jewellery sale, quizzes, rugby sweeps, cake sales, donati ons, table top sales and the St David’s Day Run in Cardiff , with runners from WWH - Sion Phillips, Lyndon Griffi ths, Robin Alldred, Dor-rett Evans and Paul Wyatt - contributi ng

£650, helped to reach the grand total.

The Charity Team at WWH would like to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to all at Oldwell Court, Wilfred Brook House and Four Elms Court in Cardiff as well as Danymynydd in the Garw Valley, Ty Pontrhun, Ty Gwaunfarren in Merthyr Tydfi l, Llys yr Onnen in Mountain Ash and St Catherine’s Court in Caerphilly who have held various events from the beginning of 2012. Christmas was a very busy ti me and we are unable to name all those who donated so much of their ti me and hard work as it would fi ll the whole page, but YOU know who YOU are…your generosity is never ending.

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Intouch Spring 2012