Melinnews editi

on

8

InsideMelin heroes

Care and Repair

Reduce Christmas crime

and more!

Winter 2010 www.melinhomes.co.uk

01

Welcome to another edition of Melin news. I hope you enjoy it and find lots of useful information inside.

In this edition we tell the story of a lady from Torfaen whose life was changed for the better by contacting Care and Repair. Find out how she was helped and whether they could help you or someone you know on page 2.

We have also included important changes to the way housing applications are dealt with so be sure to find out what is happening in your area on page 3.

We want you to have a safe and happy Christmas this year, so read our article on keeping yourself, your belongings and your home safe this holiday.

This edition tells you about several ways in which you could become more involved in Melin Homes. We are looking for residents to become Board Members. We are also looking for people to join our disability working group and give their feedback on access issues and lastly we are asking you to complete our quick online survey about the work of the Residents’ Panel on page 15.

As usual we have our regular money box feature with lots of useful money saving tips from our Financial Inclusion Team.

I think you will agree, there’s something for everyone. May I end this message by wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Best wishes,

Chief Executive.

Contents

If you need this newsletter in large print, Braille, CD or explained in your own language, please contact Paula on 01495 745907.

Christmas opening hoursOur offices will be closed from 12pm on Friday 24th December and will re-open at 9am on 4th January 2011. If you have an emergency, outside office hours you must call 01495 325333. Emergency repairs are those that are likely to cause a danger to health or serious damage to your property.

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Care and Repair

Changes to the way you apply for housing

Melin heroes

Development round up

Direct debit... it’s easier

Melin ladies are top of the class

A day in the life of the housing team

Money box

Reducing the chance of Christmas crime

Melin are UK housing award winners

Residents’ Panel update

Ground force

Do you want to be “on board”?

Melin Works our new inititative

Welcome to your latest issue of Melin news

Melin news

The Care and Repair service, for older or disabled people, work to make homes safer, warmer and more comfortable. Here is the story of someone they helped recently.

Mrs S is 85 and lives alone; she suffers with Asthma and Osteoporosis and has poor mobility.

Her niece contacted us because she had a long-term problem with damp in her home which various builders had failed to remedy. The failure to resolve the damp and concerns of how she would pay for the work were causing her worry.

Care and Repair’s Technical Officer visited and identified the cause. He prepared a schedule of work and obtained quotes from our preferred list of contractors. He also discovered that Mrs S had no heating.

Care and Repair’s Caseworker visited Mrs S to discuss funding for the work and was able to access funding of £850 with the help of SSAFA Forces Help.

She also claimed funding of £3,600 from the Heating and Energy Efficiency Scheme for a new energy efficient boiler and gas central heating.

A Welfare Benefits check was also carried out and resulted in Mrs S being awarded High Rate Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit and Council Tax Credit. Also, a Care and Safety at Home Grant provided stair and grab rails throughout her home to help with her mobility.

Mrs S said “The work done is a godsend. I just can’t thank everyone at Care and Repair enough. They were all very caring and made my home a safe place to live in.”

Care and Repair improving older people’s lives

02

To find out if Care and Repair could help you, contact your local office:

Blaenau Gwent Tel 01495 321091www.blaenaugwentcareandrepair.co.uk

Torfaen Tel 08453 101180 www.melinhomes.co.uk

Monmouthshire Tel 01873 854195www.melinhomes.co.uk

Powys Tel 01597 824040www.crpowys.co.uk

Newport Tel 01633 233887

Making a big difference to the lives of older people

Melin news

03

If you are thinking about a transfer or you know someone who would like to rent a home, you will need to know about important changes that are taking place next year on the way you apply for housing.

Next year Common Housing Registers and choice-based lettings schemes are due to be launched in Monmouthshire, Newport and Blaenau Gwent;

Monmouthshire will be launched in January • 2011 Blaenau Gwent will be launched in Spring • 2011Newport will be launched sometime in 2011•

These dates are provisional and may change. Housing in Torfaen is already managed this way, but in Powys the council manages the housing list

What is a Common Housing Register?A Common Housing Register is a single application system for housing, developed by a group of social landlords for a specific area. It allows you to register for housing with any of the partner Registered Social Landlords, using a single application form.

Common Housing registers prioritise applications and those that match the criteria of the property are taken from a single list of people who have registered by completing an application form.

What is a choice-based lettings scheme?Choice-based lettings means that once you have registered by completing an application form you can bid for properties that become available.

What are the benefits of these changes?You only have to fill out one application form • You decide which properties to apply for • All properties are advertised so you can see • what is available and where You have more choice, even if you want to • transfer

If you would like further information or would like to make comments about any of these changes call us on 08453 101102 or you can complete our online feedback form at www.melinhomes.co.uk

Changes to the way you apply for housing

The community spirit of four residents was recognised recently when they were presented with adult and youth achievement awards by Melin’s Residents’ Panel Committee.

The awards reward the efforts of residents who give their time to help fellow residents and help improve their communities.

This year’s winners were no exception. Rose Matthews, a Melin resident for 8 years and also a member of staff, was given the award for her outstanding fundraising efforts. This year alone, she has raised over £800 for the British Heart Foundation and the Run for Life cancer charity.

Andrew Woolfall was given an award when the panel learned of his positive attitude in the face of adversity. Once a long-distance HGV driver, diabetes claimed his sight 10 years ago and he was struck by kidney failure and relies on spending 12 hours a day on a dialysis machine.

Andrew said: “Don’t get me wrong we all have down days, don’t we? But I try to be positive and get on with things as best I can. I like to do my bit and help out around the house, because Annette has to work long hours.”

13-year-old Faye Mathews and her 15-year-old brother Gary were selected to win the Youth Achievement Awards for their selfless and caring attitude in helping to care for their father, David, after he suffered a back injury at work.

Faye said: “It’s particularly hard watching my dad having trouble getting around. It does take time out of our day but it is worth it.”

Gary added: “I don’t think about it as anything different, we have lived with it all our lives. We are just happy to help mum and dad out.”

Rewards for Melin heroes

04

Rose

Andrew

Faye & Gary

The awards were sponsored by British

Gas & presented by their development

manager Richard Hughes

05

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies, visited our new properties at White Castle, Abergavenny and congratulated us on our largest development in Monmouthshire to date.

The £6.8 million development brought 50 homes to Monmouthshire, thanks to a Welsh Assembly Government Social Housing Grant of £3.8 million.

The properties have been built in a sustainable way which includes high levels of insulation, condensing boilers and solar hot water panels

At Pentwyn, Torfaen our Clos Odyn development will bring 35 new homes to the area which are due to be completed by January 2011.

Torfaen is a busy place for Melin. We recently opened our £1 million development of ten homes at Clos Rheillffordd in Talywain, which again, are built to level three of the code for sustainable homes, giving them features such as air source heat pumps and water recycling.

Our Garndiffaith development, Clos y Goedlan, is well underway. The homes are being built on land formerly owned by the rugby club. The 34 new homes are due to be completed by summer 2011.

In South Powys we are working on two small, but significant, developments. First is a new four bedroom affordable home in a rural village in the south of the county which has been specifically built to accommodate the particular needs of a local family. This home has also been funded with WAG Social Housing Grant

Also in South Powys we have planning permission under the Rural Exception Site Policy to build eight new, affordable homes, in Bwlch. The policy allows small numbers of homes to be built where they are solely for affordable housing and in an existing community to meet identified local housing need. This policy ensures that any new homes will benefit the local community.

Melin’s new developments of high quality, affordable homes is progressing well with 10 new schemes underway and 3 recently completed.

In Torfaen,

we have 5

developments of

109 homes

costing£12.2 million

In Powys, we have 2 developments of 9 homes

This year’s new homes from Melin

06

In Monmouthshirewe completed 1 development of 50 homes costing£6.8 million

In Blaenau Gwent, we have3 developments of 49 homes costing£5 million

Melin news

07

Constantly improving with your

help

Melin’s Disability Working Group looks at disability and access issues for Melin residents.The group is looking for new members who are not afraid to speak out and give their view on the subject of access for people with a disability. The group, made up of residents and staff, meet monthly to discuss issues or suggest improvements that could be made.

Two members of the group have just began visiting Melin’s sheltered schemes looking at access issues. Anything they find is reported back to the group. This work is funded by the Residents’ Panel Committee.

If you feel you can contribute to raising awareness of disability issues please get in touch with Keith Jones, Customer First Officer on 08453 101102 or you can email him at: keith.jones@melinhomes.co.uk

Almost 50% of UK bill payers prefer Direct Debit because it is easier and has many benefits:

It spreads the costs• It’s guaranteed• It gives you peace of mind• It saves you time •

It’s a simple way to pay bills and it’s all done automatically, so you don’t have to worry. Not only is it convenient, it’s also really simple and safe.

All you have to do is go to our website and print off and complete our Direct Debit form. We will then agree with you the amount and date the payment will be collected from your bank or building society. After it has been set up, the money is deducted regularly.

We can only take the amount we have agreed with you, and if we want to change the amount or date of collection we must tell you about it first.

You can also call us on 08453 101102 and we will send you a Direct Debit form.

We recently launched our new website which allows you to contact us 24/7 and save time and money by reporting problems online.

There are many things that you can do online rather than writing or phoning us:

Pay your rent • Report a repair• Report anti-social behaviour• Apply for a Melin job• Apply for our Jump Fund and Education • BursaryGive us feedback with a comment, • compliment or complaint

Take a look at our website to find out all that we do, or even just to tell us how you think we are doing. www.melinhomes.co.uk

Paying by Direct Debit is easy

Save time, do it online …….at www.melinhomes.co.uk

08

Three residents have each been given a £1,000 to help them study thanks to Melin’s Education Bursary.

Eloise Watkins from Abergavenny, Hayley Acreman from Newport and Anouska Wheeler from Chepstow were each presented with their £1,000 award at Melin’s Annual General Meeting.

Every year, Melin gives up to £3,000 to help residents who wish to get back into education to improve their career prospects.

Eloise, from Abergavenny, works part-time for Monmouthshire Youth Service but really wants to become a qualified Youth Worker. She was awarded £1,000 to help with costs for her degree course - a BA in Youth and Community.

We asked Eloise what the bursary means for her and she told us: “I have always wanted to work with children and young people and a degree would give me the knowledge and tools to achieve this.“

“As a single mum, Melin’s Education Bursary has allowed me to concentrate on my studies and not have to worry about the cost of studying. I could not have done it without Melin’s help.”

Hayley will use her £1,000 to help towards costs in her Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Caerleon and Anouska, who is studying for a NVQ level three in Playwork, will use her grant to help with travel costs.

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Melin Homes said: “Every year I look forward to meeting our Education Bursary winners. These ladies are making a huge effort to improve their lives and career prospects and if Melin can help in a small way, it brings to life our commitment to helping our communities.”

To apply for next year’s education bursary, either complete our online form at www.melinhomes.co.uk or write to us. Our address is on the back page.

Melin ladies are top of the class

Left to right; Eloise Watkins, Hayley Acreman and Anouska Wheeler receive their Education Bursary

Melin news

09

9.00 am

Kylie comes into our office to check her emails, arrange some home visits and get important updates from her Manager.

11.00am

Kylie’s next visit is to Mr Jones from Pontypool. She has made an appointment to see him because he has rent arrears. Mr Jones has recently been made redundant and is finding it difficult to pay his bills.

Kylie discusses a plan to repay the arrears and also arranges for Mr Jones to see our Shelter Benefits Advisor who will help Mr Jones to apply for any benefits he may be entitled to.

10.00am

Kylie’s first call of the day is to visit the Powell family in Cwmbran who moved into their new home 6 weeks ago. She pops in to see how they are settling in. Mrs Powell is expecting Kylie and they have a chat. She tells Kylie that everything is going well and they have settled in nicely.

Melin’s Housing team supports the residents of over 3,000 properties. The team of 12 staff cover

different areas, which means that when you ask to speak to a Housing Officer it will always be the

same people.

You can find out who your housing officer is by calling us on 08453 101102 or you can

check online at www.melinhomes.co.uk

We spent the day with Kylie Griffin when she visited tenants in Torfaen.

We carry out a settling in

visit with every tenant after 6

weeks. We visit you to check

that everything is ok and to

answer any questions you

may have. All our Housing

Officers know their local area

and can give excellent advice

on who to contact if you have

a problem.

A day in the life of...the Housing Team

Melin has a dedicated Shelter Benefits Advisor, Mike, who can check

that you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. Mike can visit

you in your own home if you prefer or you can see him at our offices in

Pontypool. Last year Mike was able to help 223 of our residents claim

a whopping £138,244 in benefits.

We have just produced a useful booklet called “The cost of running your home”. The booklet gives lots of useful information about how you can reduce the cost of your bills as well as a useful budget planner for you to complete. The booklet will be available in the next few weeks. Ask your Housing Officer for a copy.

10

2.00pm

After lunch Kylie has an appointment with Lisa and Simon who are leaving their Melin home as they have just bought their first home together. Kylie visits them with our maintenance surveyor to check the property, arrange a date to collect the keys and answer any questions they may have.

3.30 pm

Kylie’s last visit of the day is to Mrs Thomas, who, as well as being elderly, is deaf. Luckily, her daughter is at the house to help with the meeting. We are able to refer Mrs Thomas to the Council’s Supporting People team who will check what she requires to live safe and well in her own home.

Lisa and Simon took care of their property and it is in excellent condition. They have given us the required four weeks notice of their intention to leave and their rent is paid up-to-date.

Provided that the house, garden and shed are all clean when they leave, they will be entitled to £100 cashback from Melin as a thank you for being an excellent tenant.

Your Housing Officer can give you advice about a

wide range of organisations who provide housing

related support in your area. Things such as help for

you to maintain your home, help with your finances,

benefits or help if you are ill or have suffered a

bereavement.

Melin news

MON£Y BOX Helping you make the most of y

our mon

ey

11

Your regular feature helping you save money with top tips from our Financial Inclusion Team.

Children’s savings accountA savings account for your children will give them a good start in life. Credit Unions currently offer 3% interest on Children’s savings and Child Trust Funds and you can pay in whatever and whenever you like. Even £1 a week will soon mount up. Why not pay in your Child Benefit, to save for Christmas or have some money saved for a rainy day?

Homeheat helpline may be able to save you moneyWorried about your energy bills and staying warm during the winter? If you are elderly, disabled, living with a long term health condition or a family on a low income, call the Home Heat Helpline for free and practical advice to help you save money on your energy bills. Call 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk .

Doorstep meter credit is a scam….. top-up safe and stop meter cheatersOnly buy credit for your pre-pay electricity meter from official outlets such as the Post Office, PayPoint or Payzone or you could end up paying twice.

If anyone offers you energy top-ups on the doorstep, say no, as what they are doing is illegal. Energy companies can identify homes that use electricity but do not pay for it legally.

To find out more visit www.top-upsafe.com or contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. If you know anyone illegally selling electricity meter top-ups, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously if you prefer, on 0800 555 111.

Welsh Water assistance fundIf you are experiencing severe, financial hardship and are unable to pay your water charges, you may be able to receive some financial support from Welsh Water.

How does it work?If you owe Welsh Water £150 or more you may qualify for the scheme. Should you be accepted, the first stage requires you to make regular payments of your current years water charges for 26 weeks. If this is successful, we would reduce your arrears by half and you would move on to stage 2.

The second stage requires a further 26 weeks of payment towards your current years water charges and if successful we would clear the remaining arrears on your bill.

This is a one-off opportunity to help you to clear your water charge arrears. For further information please contact Welsh Water Customer Service on: 0800 052 0145

MON£Y BOX Helping you make the most of y

our mon

ey

12

In Wales, thousands of people borrow from loan sharks each year. Borrowing even a small amount of money can mean paying back thousands in interest.

If you, or someone you know is affected by a loan shark’s activities, call the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit’s 24 hour hotline number on 0300 123 3311. All calls are confidential.

Don’t get bitten by loan sharks

Winter Fuel PaymentsIf you are 60 or over you may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping your home warm this winter. This can be between £125 and £400.

The Winter Fuel Payment will not affect any other benefits you receive. Call their Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15.

Saving for ChristmasEveryone wants a perfect family Christmas, but sometimes it can cause stress and worry about money. January is one of the worst times for debt and family crises.

By saving through the year with a Credit Union you can relax at Christmas, knowing that everything is paid for. You can withdraw your savings from November onwards. Your money is safe, unlike local thrift clubs or hamper schemes. If you need to save £500 for Christmas, you will need to save about £10 a week through the year, or £20 if you wait until June to start.

Even if you are on benefits or have had money troubles in the past, a credit union may be able to help you. A £500 loan from a credit union over 1 year will cost you just under £11 a week, and you would repay £63.32 interest at 2% a month or 26.8% APR. A £500 loan from Provident, Greenwoods or Shopacheck would cost you over £300 in interest alone.

Where is my local credit union?If you live in Newport call Newport Credit Union on 01633 214913• If you live in Torfaen or Monmouthshire call Gateway Credit Union on 01495 750020• If you live in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly or Newport call Smart Money Credit Union on • 029 2088 3751If you live in Crickhowell or Brecon call Brecon and District Credit Union on 01874 620104•

Melin news

13

With Christmas almost upon us, now is a good time to think about how you will take steps to make sure your Christmas is not spoilt by criminals. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your belongings safe.

Christmas shoppingKeep your purse or wallet close to your • body and never in your back pocket or top of your handbagTry to pay using your debit card rather • than carrying lots of cashDon’t leave receipts lying around, some of • them may include your card detailsAlways use a secure and well lit car park • and never leave your shopping on display in your car

Personal safetyGet your cash out of the cash machine • during the day Make arrangements to get home safely • before you go out – check timetables or put the name of a reputable taxi firm into your phone

Make sure someone knows where you • are going and what time you expect to be backNever leave coats or bags unattended • when you are outDon’t accept drinks from strangers or • leave your drink unattendedStick with your friends and don’t walk • home alone Never take short cuts late at night and • stick to well lit routes

Home securityLeaving presents under the tree that • can be seen from outside can attract the attention of thieves – keep them out of sight until Christmas dayOnce you have opened your gifts, don’t • leave the boxes outside advertising your good fortune to thievesIf you go away for Christmas, cancel your • milk and papers and ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home

Reducing the chance of Christmas crime

Melin’s ground-breaking work helping residents get connected to digital technology won a National Housing Award at a ceremony in London.

Judges at the Chartered Institute of Housing praised Melin with ‘Outstanding Achievement in Housing in Wales’ for their ‘Getting Connected’ project.

The project aims to introduce those in the North Torfaen area with little or no previous internet experience to a world of financial savings and online bargains that can be found on the web. It has helped to bring families together and put people in touch with a number of new skills and job opportunities thanks to the support offered by Melin’s staff.

The project was so well received that judges at the UK Housing awards also gave Melin’s project another accolade - the highly commended award under the supporting social and economic inclusion category.

Chief Executive Mark Gardner said: “I am delighted with winning this award. It is a real honour to have our work recognised by our peers and it confirms what we believe, which

is that Melin Homes is one of the top Housing Associations in Wales. Time and time again, we are at the forefront with innovative projects which make a real difference to residents.”

Mrs Ann Davies, from Garndiffaith, who was given a Melin computer, said: “I can’t thank Melin enough for their help. My new computer has given me a new lease of life and allowed me to get in touch with people I have not spoken to for many years. I call it my magic carpet as it allows me to go anywhere in the world.”

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Make a note in your calendar - the census is coming.

27 March 2011 is census day. Every ten years the Office of National Statistics carries out a census of England and Wales. Government and local councils depend on the information to help make sure you get the services you need in your community.

www.2011.census.gov.uk

It’s official – Melin is ‘outstanding’

15

Melin news

A year of achievement for Melin Residents’ Panel Committee

With 2010 coming to a close, committee members are really pleased with what has been achieved over the year both in helping our fellow Melin residents and assisting Melin Homes in their pursuit of providing the best possible homes and services.

The targets we set ourselves for the year have mostly been achieved. We welcome letters of praise or complaint – especially the complaining ones as these give us the opportunity to rectify mistakes.

Through our direct access to everyone employed at Melin, who give us their full cooperation, and our own budget, we are able to resolve problems as swiftly as possible.

Complaints must be first directed to your housing officer or maintenance officer and only when you are not satisfied with the reply you receive will we be able to help.

Our estate visits are a practical way to help sort out your problems. We let you know in advance when we will be visiting and we are now more visible with the Melin bus. Landscape and Information representatives are always welcome to accompany us on the visit in their areas.

Lastly, the committee wishes everyone at Melin Homes and our fellow residents a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year and we look forward to working with you in 2011. You can be assured, as residents working on behalf of residents, we will always do our best for you.

How to contact the Residents’ Panel Committee

Melin Residents’ Panel CommitteeMelin Homes, Ty’r Efail, Lower Mill FieldPontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0XJresidentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk08453 101102

Its snow problem for

Do you know what your Residents’ Panel Representative does?The Residents’ Panel Committee is asking residents to complete a short online survey. The panel wants to find out if you know who your resident representative is and what they do.

Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw and one lucky person could win £50 of shopping vouchers. The next draw will take place on 1st March 2011.To complete the survey go to www.melinhomes.co.uk on the home page.

The Residents’ Panel pose for a photo

16

Now as the seasons are changing our Groundforce team will be changing too. They’ve helped residents during the summer and they’ll be helping now again this winter.

They’ll be out and about in the Trevethin, Fairwater and Coed Eva areas to lend a hand with lots of winter jobs such as:

Clearing snow• Gritting• Clearing leaves• Repairing fences• Fixing any other garden maintenance • problems you have

The teams’ work in the summer was a huge success and they helped out lots of residents. If we have another winter filled with snow they will be on hand to help more and more of you.

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Melin Homes said: “Both teams worked really hard during the summer, carrying out nearly 300 jobs. I suspect that during the winter, as the weather worsens, the teams will be able to equal, if not improve on the hard work they have already done”

If you ever have a problem with your garden or a community area all you need to do is ring Dan on 01495 745927 and the Groundforce team will be there to help you as soon as possible.

Written by Katie Bergin, aged 15 on her work experience placement at Melin Homes.

Members of Garndiffaith Bowls Club got together recently to say a big thank you to Melin.

The team applied to our Jump Fund for all-weather bowling jackets to allow them to play more games in all weathers.

The 24 members range in age from 14 to 89 and Jack Harris is their oldest player who has been playing for an amazing 76 years. Rhys is the youngest player at 14.

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Melin Homes said: “Melin was more than happy to fund such a worthwhile cause. This club has been in existence since 1926 so is at the heart of the community. I hope their new jackets give them the winning edge.”

Bob Price, Secretary of Garndiffaith Bowls Club said: “We would all like to say a big thank you to Melin.”

The Jump fund provides grants of up to £250 for groups and organisations who demonstrate a benefit to our residents and the communities.

Its snow problem for

Jump fund success

Jack and Rhys model their new jackets

Melin news

17

The highest decision making body at Melin is the Board. There are 15 Board members who voluntarily give up their time to approve strategy and policies and to monitor our performance.

Three of the Board places are reserved for Melin residents. Resident Board Members are elected by ballot and serve for a three-year term but are able to stand for re-election.

Melin’s Board meets once a month and members may also sit on one or more sub-committees. As a Board member you will, together with your colleagues, be responsible for Melin’s financial and policy decisions and its future direction.

We are now seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to be involved. The position of Board member is unpaid but all your expenses will be covered and you will receive free training to help you carry out your duties.

If you are interested in becoming a Resident Board Member you must register your interest by the 31st January 2011. If you register, we will send you information and a nomination form, which you should complete and return to us. Ballot papers will be sent to all residents and they must be returned to us by 28th February. The results will be announced at the board meeting on 16th March. The new tenant board members will begin their new roles on 1st April 2011.

If you are interested in becoming involved, contact Karen Jones on 01495 745921 or you can email her at karen.jones@melinhomes.co.uk

Do you want to be “on board”?Calling all Torfaen local heroes

Last year, emergency situations such as severe weather and swine flu meant that people who usually consider themselves as able to cope with day-to-day living needed extra help.

Torfaen council were able to help these people by asking neighbours to rally round and offer a little community spirit. This request was met with wonderful examples of friends, families and neighbours going the extra mile as snow buddies and many others becoming flu friends during the swine flu pandemic.

Torfaen council and partners are again planning how to increase support for potentially vulnerable people (PVP) during emergency situations.

If you think you may need extra support during bad weather let us know and we can make arrangements to offer you support. Also, if you are able to offer your time to help others during an emergency we would love to hear from you. Call us on 01495 762200 or complete a form at the online services section at www.torfaen.gov.uk

18

Intermediate Labour Market….Over the next 18 months Melin will be helping 88 people from Monmouthshire increase their job prospects through supported employment opportunities.

We have been chosen as the preferred supplier to provide supported employment opportunities to people living in Monmouthshire through the Intermediate Labour Market project (ILM). ILM is funded by European Social Fund .

Melin has won an ILM tender for Monmouthshire for green technology and construction and we will be working hard with local businesses to set up opportunities for people who currently face barriers to employment. If you run a business, or know someone who does, and may be able to provide supported employment or you are currently looking for work contact Karen Green, ILM Project Leader on 08453 101102.

Volunteering is the new big thingFor many years, we have come across wonderful stories of residents who regularly give their time to help their local communities. Melin is now formally recognising this work with a new volunteering vision.

Volunteering has many benefits; as well as an opportunity to give something to your local community, it can be a route into finding employment.

If you are currently volunteering, or would like to give some of your spare time to become a volunteer, we would love to hear from you. If you think you could spare a few hours of your time, let us know. Call us on 08453 101102 or email karen.green@melinhomes.co.uk for more information.

Future Job Fund one year on ….In October 2009 we offered our first placement to a Future Job Fund trainee. Future Job Fund gives 18 to 24 year olds a six month work placement.

A year later, we are delighted that we have offered a total of 41 places to young people and 39% went on to find employment or further training.

Natasha Young, is one of our current trainees. As a trainee in Melin’s Finance Department, she is gaining valuable work experience in her chosen field of accountancy.

Natasha told us: “My work experience at Melin will give me that added extra to get a job at the end of my placement.”

See what we are doing to help people in our communities find work and training opportunities.

One of our latest training and employment successes is 22 year old Louise Kingdon. Louise joined us six months ago as a graduate trainee having just left university. Louise has been involved in our “getting connected” project and has been working hard helping to install computers for our residents in north Torfaen. Louise was on hand to help them set up their computer, arrange internet and email access and give them support them while they took their first steps in the digital world.

Louise has just been successful in getting a permanent job with Charter Housing Association as a Digital Inclusion Officer. We asked Louise if she thought her experience at Melin helped her get her new job. She told us: “Definitely. Before coming to work at Melin I had no real experience in the housing sector. I am convinced that my work here was a key factor in my getting this new job. Thank you Melin for giving me the opportunity to gain valuable experience.”

MelinTy’r Efail, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0XJ

T: General enquiries 08453 101102 T: Repairs 0800 9753149

E: enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk W: www.melinhomes.co.uk

Residents’ PanelT: 08453 101102 E: residentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk