Our winning gardens (see page 13) - In this issue - Bro Myrddin Housing Association
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
issue 60
Autumn 2019
news and views from
Bro Myrddin
Housing
Association
Our winning
gardens
(see page 13) nner
The low down
on our Annual
Report
See page 6
In this issue
The Do’s and Don’ts of heating and condensation
Fun Day highlights
news and views sgwrs
Get in touch
Phone: 01267 232714 Home and dry The Do’s and
Don’ts of heating
to your
Text: 07797 801 628
Standard text message rates may apply
Autumn is here and the weather is beginning
and condensation
customerservices@bromyrddin.co.uk
Write to: Bro Myrddin Housing Association, Plas Autumn to get colder, this means we are more likely
to turn on our heaters to keep us warm.
Myrddin, Merlin St, Carmarthen SA31 1RU
www.bromyrddin.co.uk
issue of sgwrs It is really important that you use your
heating correctly, as it can help to stop
condensation and mould building up.
Facebook: @bromyrddinha This edition is packed full of exciting news and
Twitter: @BroMyrddinHA
updates – catch up with the latest from our Annual
Sgwrs can be provided in large print, Braille, audio Report on page 6 and there’s all the highlights
or your preferred language on request. Please call from our 40th Anniversary Resident’s Fun day held
us on 01267 232714.
in July on page 5. We have lots of snapshots to
If you would prefer to receive Sgwrs by email, share from throughout the day so be sure to take a
please call 01267 232714 or email
look. We would also like to say a big thank you to
sgwrs@bromyrddin.co.uk.
everyone who participated and helped make the
You can also download Sgwrs at day the success that it was!
www.bromyrddin.co.uk DON’T wait until the weather begins to turn chilly before putting your heating system on. Leaving the heating
Can you believe it is October already? Halloween is off until the weather turns cold will mean that the walls will lose all of their stored heat. It will then take far
Emergency Numbers longer and cost a lot more for the heating system to warm them up enough for you to feel comfortable.
just around the corner, so we have some handy trick-
If you have an emergency in your home when we or-treating tips to share on page 12. This means that
are closed, there are two numbers to ring:
the winter months are fast approaching, so we also DO set the main thermostat to a temperature of no less than 21°C. If you have thermostat valves
For out of hours emergencies (including gas and thought we’d include some heating Do’s and Don’ts (temperature controls) on each radiator, set these to a temperature of 18°C for the rooms in the house used
oil-fired heating system emergencies) call Delta on page 3 to help you make the most of your heating less often but aim for 21 - 22°C in the lounge (or the room you spend most time in).
Wellbeing (Carmarthenshire County Council’s 24- as the days draw colder.
hour emergency number): 0300 333222
DO watch out for changes in the weather which happen at this time of year. If you have night storage
If you wish to report a Gas emergency, such as a Have any thoughts for our next issue? Then get in
heaters - change the input setting to suit the outside temperatures which are expected for the next day
Gas leak, contact National Grid UK on 0800 111 999. touch! We are always interested in the views and
(these could be a lot hotter or a lot colder than the day before).
suggestions of our residents for each edition of
Office Opening & Closing
Sgwrs, so if you have any ideas for future articles
We are open: then please give me a call on 0127 232 714, or email DON’T put your heating on for short lengths of time (one hour or less). This is because the air absorbs tiny
Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 4.30pm sgwrs@bromyrddin.co.uk. water droplets (vapour) more quickly than the walls can warm up, which may cause condensation and
Friday 8.30am – 4.00pm mould. When the heating is then turned off, the air cools very quickly leading to condensation.
ow us
er to foll
Rememb and like us on
2019 Staff Training and Gemma Watkins on Twitte
r
k .
Fa c e b o o
Team Meeting Dates Editor DO put the heating on for at least 3 hours at a time. Set the timer to come on early in the morning - when
the air is coldest at 4 or 5 am - and to switch off an hour after you leave the house for the day. Then, in the
Our office will be closed for staff training on the
following days: evening, time the heaters to come on again at least an hour before you are due to get home and to switch
• Wednesday 23rd October 8:30-10:00 am off at least an hour after you go to bed.
• Wednesday 27th November 8:30-10:00 am
• Friday 13th December 8:30-4:00 pm
DON’T put the heating on for less than 3 hours at a time if you are home during the day, it is far better to
Get social with Bro Myrddin Housing You’ll find mor
e useful
have it on for longer periods at a lower temperature rather than short bursts of higher heat.
hints and tips
on our
Here is a list of our accounts: Social Media
Accounts
and our Web
site DO open your windows from time to time for short periods throughout the day. This moves fresh air
Facebook Twitter BroMyrddin.c
o.uk around the home, which reduces the moisture in the air and helps stop mould spores from developing.
@bromyrddinha @BroMyrddinHA
2 3
news and views Speak sgwrs
ise,
to Lou re
e
she’s h !
Make sense of
p
to h l
e
pounds and pence
From time to time some of our residents may find themselves for Louise?
Got a question
struggling with money matters. That’s when Louise, our Financial in every
Attend our Drop
-12.00pm
Inclusion Officer, steps in to lend a helpful hand. Here are just Tuesday 9.30am
some of the issues she has helped our residents deal with: in the office.
Problem: Mr A he had no money and called into our weekly drop in service. His ESA and Housing Benefit had
We struck it lucky!
stopped, he was living off food parcels and he had only just come out of hospital. His rent wasn’t being paid and he Highlights from our 40th Anniversary
was at risk of homelessness. Louise rang the Department of Work and Pensions and spoke to a decision maker and
Resident’s Fun Day 2019 From mad experiments
explained his circumstances. She also called the Housing Benefit department to sort out Mr A’s rent arrears.
to bowling and raffles -
Held on Tuesday the 30th July 2019, at the Xcel we are thrilled to share
Outcome: As a result Mr A’s Housing Benefit continued straight away. He is no longer at risk of Bowling Centre, Johnstown in Carmarthen, this all the exciting activities
homelessness, he gets his ESA payments regularly and feels so relieved that he came to see Louise for help. that took place at this
year’s Fun-day gave residents, staff and stakeholders
year’s FUN DAY!
the chance to chat about a range of issues – whilst
improving their bowling skills!
Problem: Ms B moved into a Bro Myrddin property after finding herself homeless due to mental health and
These events are really important to us as they bring
debt issues. She had hit rock bottom and couldn’t see a way out. Along with the bowling there were plenty of other fun
residents and staff together, improving working
activities – including a stall from Mad Science that gave
relationships and letting us hear feedback on the
Outcome: Louise helped Ms B to get help for the debt issues and, as a result, she got a debt relief order via the the children a chance to join in with exciting, interactive
services we provide for our residents first-hand. Thank
Citizens Advice Bureau. Louise also encouraged her to go to the doctor to seek help for anxiety and depression. experiments – from making slime to creating dry ice!
you to everybody who attended our Resident’s Fun Day
to help celebrate our 40th Anniversary.
Huge congratulations go out to the winners of our
Problem: Ms Y found it difficult to manage her Universal Credit claim and update her journal. many competitions and raffles held throughout the
day. It was great to see so many residents enjoying
Outcome: Louise helped Ms Y to manage her Universal Credit claim and update her journal. Louise also helped Ms Y the event and getting the most out of the wealth of
to apply for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Funding though charitable grants was found and Ms Y got some knowledge and guidance provided by the organisations
money to help her with her rent arrears too. Ms Y said “Thank you Louise, I couldn’t have got through this without you!”. and charities on the various stalls.
On the lookout Estat
Mon e
i
wan tors
• Do you want to contribute to your local community? te
• Would you like to get involved with keeping an eye on your estate? your d in
area
• Would you like to make sure all ground maintenance works are carried out? !
If so, then let us know! We would love to have you join our other residents on board The next Fun Day will be held in 2021 and we are always open to ideas
to ensure work on your estate is being carried out correctly and on schedule. – so if you have any suggestions please contact us on 01267 232 714
Our selfie
or email us at customerservices@bromyrddin.co.uk
To talk to us about becoming an Estate Monitor call: 01267 232714. comp winners!
4 5
news and views sgwrs
Snapshot of our Statistical & performance
Annual Report data 2018/19
With Lesley Penn, Investing over
Providing homes
Chair of the Board of Management to approx.
£13m to deliver
We unequivocally regard our staff as our most valuable On behalf of the Board of Management, I would like to 2,000 89
new social and
resource as it is they who, through strategies and values thank staff, senior management and the Chief Executive residents
set by the Board, deliver the vision, in direct contact for the dedication and tireless hard work that has
affordable homes
with residents and other key stakeholders. delivered the progress and success demonstrated within
this Annual Report. Our sincere thanks are similarly
Throughout 2018/19, all have been busy continuing to
embrace changes and make improvements across the
extended to our residents who, through their continued
support and commitment, helped the Association
Improving our legacy
homes, spending around £565k
on upgrading
Association: achieve this - shaping what we do, both now and in
the future. 2018/19 sees us enter a milestone year, as £3million kitchens, bathrooms,
electrics and
• engaging with our people; we proudly enter into our 40th year of making a lasting on upgrading and
• improving the quality of our homes; difference to our people and communities. maintaining them windows and doors!
• building more good quality affordable homes
throughout our communities; Lesley Penn,
• tailoring our services to meet the changing needs of Chair of the Board of Management
our people; and During the year we 2018/19 we invested
• evolving our service delivery structures and systems. participated in in training staff:
We look forward, with enthusiasm and excitement, as 664 £35.1k
we build on that achieved this year and continue to Direct resident (each team member recieving
evolve with the ever-changing landscape of our engagements around 13.3 days of training)
communities and sector.
Facts and figures taken from Bro Myrddin
87%
Our latest Resident Annual Report and Financial Statements
Satisfaction Survey report 2018/19.
reported an overall
resident satisfaction
score of: (which stands at the upper
quartile against sector peers)
6 7
news and views sgwrs
“We are very happy with it and
pleasantly surprised with the
amount of space. The little
Access all areas Your guide
Inside Story things like the shed and outside
tap are really useful and are not
something you would normally
Take a peek at our new development – Gate Road! get. The staff who signed us up
Can you go up and down the stairs, use the bath or get were really friendly and helpful
up from your armchair with ease? If moving around your to aids and We have recently developed eight lovely two-bedroom and made the process a lot
home, or carrying out these everyday tasks, is proving more adaptations houses in the idyllic location of Penygroes. These properties easier.” – William Rees
and more difficult, you might benefit from some aids and have been officially allocated and you can see from the
adaptations. photographs that our new residents are very pleased!
If you like what you see at these
To work out how your home could be modified to help you cope with your particular difficulties an Occupational superb properties, be sure to stay
Another happy reside
Therapist will call in. They will offer practical support, as well as giving you advice on disability equipment updated with our other upcoming
available or adaptations that can be made to your home. developments - especially keep an
eye on canfod cantref!
Finding help Request an assessment
If you live in Carmarthenshire, if you have a disability or are having You can request an assessment online
difficulties in your daily life, you (or someone acting on your behalf) by visiting the Carmarthenshire County
can ask for an Occupational Therapist to visit you at home. When you Council website. For more information
! nt
ask for a visit, it is important that you list the things you are finding please ring 01267 234 567 and ask for
difficult to do and give as many details as possible, this helps give a an Occupational Therapist assessment.
clear picture of your needs.
Having an assessment
A member of the Occupational Therapy Team will visit you at home to ask more about your difficulties and how
you are managing everyday activities. They may ask you to show them how you carry out certain tasks. After the
Abuse in the home
Domestic abuse is never acceptable at any time. Anyone experiencing domestic
assessment they will discuss the options available to meet your needs and offer assistance or advice.
violence and abuse is NOT to blame and is NOT alone. Help and support is available.
Having changes made Live Fear Free Helpline
Supportive help and advice are available on Call
Once an assessment has been carried out, the Occupational Therapist will send the assessment to our Adaptations
the Live Fear Free telephone helpline which is 0808 80 10 800
Officer who will then work together to discuss your options and what specific equipment or changes can be made
there for: Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
to make your home more manageable.
Text
• Anyone experiencing domestic abuse; 07860077333
• or anyone who knows someone who is Text 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You should receive an
Keeping our residents appy
experiencing abuse in the home and needs immediate text to say your text has been received and
help. Such as a friend, family member or someone will be in touch within 4 hours.
colleague. Email
info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
We are in the process of launching our new Mobile App and need YOUR help trialling it! Live Fear Free calls are taken by staff who
Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
are highly experienced and fully trained. All
This app is focused on the needs of our residents and is aimed at allowing Website
e conversations are confidential.
you access to online services quickly, at any time of day and all in one place! Be toh test www.gov.wales/live-fear-free/about-live-fear-free-helpline
t t
firs ur app Calls to the Live Fear Free number are free from Visit their website 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Get in touch to take part in this trial by contacting a member of your o
customer services team on 01267 232 714 or email us on landlines and will not show up on landline phone bills. There is no charge for making calls to Live Fear Free from the
customerservices@bromyrddin.co.uk. following mobile networks: 3 Mobile, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin
There are 4 ways to access this service, you can Mobile and oV dafone. However, there may still be a standard
announcement saying calls to 08 numbers are charged. Plus the Live
You will receive a £20.00 One4all voucher for taking part! call on a mobile phone or a landline or, if it’s
Fear Free number may appear on mobile bills.
difficult to talk, send a text from a mobile, email or
visit the Live Fear Free website.
8 9
news and views sgwrs
Has that vehicle Street Smarts
moved? Parking is a very sensitive issue that can upset both residents and non-residents. So,
in order for us all to live happily (and for visitors to visit comfortably), it would help if
we could all be more mindful when it comes to where we put our vehicles.
While you are out and about around Carmarthenshire, it is helpful if you keep a look out for abandoned When you park it helps to think about the following:
vehicles. This not only helps keep our streets free of hazards and obstructions but it could also help the
registered owner regain the vehicle if it has been stolen. • Am I causing an obstruction or blocking the way? • If I park here will everyone around me be able to
Think of other drivers, pedestrians, people with get out of their car and out of their space?
A vehicle may be classed as abandoned if one of the following applies: prams and those with motorised scooters as well Try not to block people in or park in a way that
• It has been left in the same place, unmoved for a period of time. Spotting as if the emergency services might need access. It’s makes it difficult for other people to get in or out of
• Has no registered keeper. abandoned also worth checking for disability stickers or access their vehicles or parking spaces. And remember not
• Is not be taxed. needed notices. everyone may be as capable a driver as you.
• Is in a dangerous condition. vehicles • Shall I park or store a large vehicle on a shared • Shall I park on the grass or communal pathway?
parking space? No. Vehicles should not be parked or driven on
On private land No. Although there seems to be plenty of room any grassed amenity area, nor on any communal
If an abandoned vehicle is on private land, the landowner or agent is first notified and the vehicle is then the in the shared parking areas, there isn’t. Because pathway at any time. And that includes off-road
subject of a 15-day notice period. such spaces cannot be reserved or allocated to vehicles.
individuals, they need to be fairly shared. They • Shall I store my SORN vehicle on a shared parking area?
Dangerous condition are there for day to day use by residents - not for No. Vehicles with a Statutory Off-Road Notice must
If the vehicle is found to be in a dangerous condition, it will be treated as a priority removal and will be removed parking large vehicles such as caravans, motor not be stored on a shared parking area.
within 24 hours. homes, boats, trailers, heavy goods vehicles, buses
and mini-buses.
Stolen or causing obstruction
If you think the vehicle has been stolen or if it is causing an obstruction, please report it to Dyfed-Powys Police on 101.
At Bro Myrddin Housing Association, we ask that you remember to abide by the terms of your tenancy
Untaxed agreement, as well as bearing in mind the requirements of the local authority and the Highway Code.
If you know that a vehicle is untaxed and you wish to report it, contact the Vehicle Registration Office, Untaxed
Vehicles, Long View Road, Swansea, SA99 1AN Should a dispute arise, you will need to resolve it yourself as we avoid getting involved in parking. But
preferably, when it comes to parking we ask that you are mindful of your neighbours in the first place, in
order to make Bro Myrddin properties a pleasant environment to live in.
Reporting abandoned vehicles
You can report an abandoned vehicle online via the Carmarthenshire County Council website.
To help them deal with it quickly, please have to hand the following information:
•
•
How long the vehicle has been abandoned.
Exactly where the vehicle is.
Housing high flier
• Make, model and colour of the abandoned vehicle.
Congratulations to our Housing Manager Clare! Meet o
• Vehicle registration number. ur
latest
• Condition of the vehicle (noting any vandalism). gradua
In July, after lots of hard work and study, Claire successfully te
• Any other information, e.g. who the owner or user may be.
passed her Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Practice
If the vehicle is suspected to have been abandoned, the council will (Housing), graduating through Cardiff Metropolitan University.
request a DVLA check to find the current details of the registered keeper.
10
Well done Clare on this fantastic achievement! 11
news and views sgwrs
Halloween can be one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year,
Halloween
with spooky parties, trick or treating and who can forget the DIY
costumes? Despite this we all need to be mindful of the safety
Pic of the bunch
fety Sa
risks that come into play during the event. Follow these handy
tips to enjoy Halloween safely. Missed
Glorious gardens competition winners! Don’t
the de
adline
?
worry,
hold g we
Huge congratulations to the two winners of our glorious gardens ardenin
Carve safely - Before you decorate your pumpkins, consider these safety rules: competition: Mrs Howells for the most wonderful pots and baskets and Mrs
comp
etition
s
g
year s e v ery
• Consider alternatives to carving. Decorate with markers, glitter glue or paint. Let young Butterworth who has been crowned the winner of best garden! Both gardens o keep
eyes p your
children draw faces on pumpkins with art supplies. Leave carving to an adult. truly captured the spirit of summer with a beautiful array of colours. eeled
for the
• Use candles with care. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and next o
ne!
other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended. Better yet, light pumpkins We are really impressed by the high standard of entries this year and would
with flashlights, battery-operated flameless candles or glow sticks instead. like to say a big thank you to every one who participated.
Get clever with costumes - Choosing costumes wisely is an important part of Halloween safety.
Follow these tips:
• The brighter the better. Choose bright colours and flame-retardant materials. If your child will be outdoors
after dark, attach reflective tape to his or her costume or treat bag.
• Size it right. If it’s chilly outdoors, make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be
worn underneath — but not long enough to cause tripping. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels.
• Skip the masks. A mask can obstruct your child’s vision, especially if it slips out of place. Use nontoxic makeup instead.
Best
Set ground rules. Best pots and
If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, plan a familiar route and set a curfew. Review safety rules, Garden baskets
including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes, and never
going inside a home or car for a treat. Have your child carry a mobile phone if possible.
And Remember -If Halloween is not for you, place a friendly sign in your window to kindly warn off trick-or-
treaters. Something along the lines of –‘Sorry no trick or treaters – but have a nice Halloween!’. Dyfed Powys
police supply great posters or stickers for you to use if you don’t fancy making your own.
Staff spotlight Blueprint for
The friendly faces of Bro Myrddin
It’s always nice to put a face to a name which is why, in this edition of Sgwrs,
success A big thank you to
we are shining a light on our new Compliance and Asset Surveyor, Marc Jones. Check out our award everyone involved in
the development of
Marc has joined our property services team and here’s what he has to say:
-winning development Maes Y Ffair!
Where are you from? What are your hobbies?
Now living in Bonllwyn, Ammanford, Rugby, Juniors Chairman for Bro Myrddin is very proud to have won an award for the Maes
brought up in Gwaun Cae Gurwen. Penybanc RFC. Y Ffair development!
Where did you study? Favourite Food? What kind of music are you into?
University of Glamorgan, Caffi Jas Breakfast in Crosshands. Queen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith or Carmarthen Civic Society recently presented us with the David
Pontypridd, got my BSc (Hons) If you could travel anywhere in the anything on the radio when driving White Award for ‘making the best significant architectural
Building Surveyor. world, where would you go? to work. Back in Black by ACDC is a design impact on the townscape’.
Where did you work before Bro New Zealand to see the Lions tour. good tune to wake up to.
Myrddin? Favourite film? What are you enjoying most about The Carmarthen Civic Society aims to save the town’s unique
V2C, Valleys to Coast Housing I enjoyed the recent Queen film your time so far in Bro Myrddin? character and encourage upcoming developments in the area.
Association in Bridgend. and films with the Rock or Jason Friendly atmosphere and a lot closer
12 Statham. to home (previous job in Bridgend) 13
news and views
Lose weight
live well
Sarah’s
top tips for
slimming
down!
One of our residents, Sarah Thornton of Carmarthen, has been busy
shedding the pounds and lost a whopping 2 stone 10lbs in just 27
weeks! Sarah hopes to continue on her weight loss journey and is
willing to share her weight-loss secrets with us so that her hints and
tips to losing weight can support others too.
What have you found to be the most effective weight- What do you think is the most important thing when
loss club for losing weight? trying to lose weight?
Definitely slimming world has been the most successful. Planning. It is really important that you stay organised.
I have tried others such as Weight Watchers in the past Plan meals the day before so you know exactly what
but I find the sense of community and friendly support to expect for the following day. If you are going out
to be the greatest with Slimming World. to a party or for a meal out, make sure there will be
healthy alternatives available. This stops you from being
What food do you eat to keep healthy? tempted by the not so healthy things on the menu!
I try to eat as many vegetables and fruit as possible,
I eat fish a lot as it is a great source of protein and is How have your family/friends reacted to your
really light. I try to stay away from red meats and bread weight loss?
as I find they don’t work for me. In all honesty they sometimes don’t recognise me! A
lot of my friends I haven’t seen for a while have to do a
What keeps you motivated? double take. I think it is really important to have friends
Treat yourself! Whether it be a tasty treat every once in a around you that support you through your progress.
while or rewarding yourself in other ways for your hard
work, such as a pampering day or a new pair of shoes!
What are you diet ‘don’ts’?
Sarah’s favourite healthy dish
Don’t mistake portion sizes – you are better to eat little Chop some fish and put in a large pan (any fish
and often than to eat too much in one sitting. will do!), use a low calorie spray oil If you can
Try not to eat past 7.30pm – eating too late leaves as it helps keep the fat content down. Chuck
little room to burn off before bedtime and also works in some chopped peppers, onions or any other
against your metabolism. vegetable you fancy and fry until cooked. Then
I like to add some Quark for the creamy texture
How do you feel now compared to before you and some quince Jelly for sweetness.
lost the weight?
I feel so much better in myself, I have noticed my
balance has improved and I feel so much healthier than
I did. It has also had a positive effect on my confidence.
14
You can also read
