In Touch WIN £60 IN SHOPPING VOUCHERS FIVE YEARS OF EXTRA CARE FIRST LOOK AT OUR NEW HOMES FOR BRIDGEND - Wales & West Housing
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In Touch
The magazine for residents of Wales & West Housing FREE
AUTUMN 2018 | ISSUE 95
NEW HOME
GIVES HEIDI
A NEW LEASE
OF LIFE
WIN £60
IN SHOPPING
VOUCHERS
FIVE YEARS OF
EXTRA CARE
FIRST LOOK AT OUR NEW
HOMES FOR BRIDGEND
Contact Us
Wales & West Housing, Archway House, 77 Parc Tŷ Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DU
Telephone: 0800 052 2526 Text: 07788 310420 Email: contactus@wwha.co.uk
Website: www.wwha.co.uk
You can also contact members of staff direct by their email. For example, joe.bloggs@wwha.co.uk
Follow us on twitter @wwha Other languages and formats
If you would like a copy of this edition of In
Did you know that you can now get Touch in Welsh or another language or format,
more news and updates online? for example in large print, please let us know
and we will help you.
2 wwha.co.uk
CONTENTS
8
7
18
WELCOME FROM ANNE
4 Celebrating five years Dear residents big part in wellbeing, so we talk
of extra care to some of our residents about
6 Our new website goes live Welcome to the Autumn issue what they have done to make
10 New homes for Bridgend of In Touch. themselves a valuable part of
12 A guide to leasehold In October we will be their communities.
14 Do you know a hero? celebrating five years since Financial security is also
Nominate for MAD Awards we opened our first extra care important and with Universal
2019 scheme at Llys Jasmine in Credit affecting more and more
16 Stay happy, be active Mold, Flintshire, so it’s fitting of our residents across Wales we
18 Independent living in that the theme of this issue is look at what it will mean for you
our new homes Independent Living. and what you can do to prepare
20 Apprenticeships As you read on, you will find for it.
21 Supporting families in out how older, and younger, It’s that time of year when we
poverty residents with care needs are look towards celebrating our
22 Guide to Universal Credit living independently in their residents achievements at our
25 Corporate own apartments at our extra Making A Difference Awards and
care schemes. As we start work you can find out how to nominate
26 Crime behind closed doors
on our fourth scheme, with a someone who plays an important
28 Resident news
fifth in the pipeline, we hope to part in your life and community.
30 How to change a smoke
welcome even more residents Plus there’s a round-up of
detector battery
into this type of independent news from our development sites
32 Dementia care on call
living in the future. and our schemes plus the usual
33 Gardening with Glenys As more people are living seasonal crafts, gardening and
34 Make a toffee apple longer, we also look at some of prize puzzle pages.
cake and autumn leaves the key factors that can help So as the nights get darker,
candleholder us to get the most out of our close your curtains, settle down
36 Prize puzzles lives in later years. Having a and enjoy reading your In Touch.
38 A day in the life of a support home where you feel safe and
officer secure, in an area with a strong Anne Hinchey
39 Autumn what’s on sense of community, plays a Chief Executive
Cover photo: Martin and Allison Rogerson If you have any thoughts on In Touch or how we could improve, please let us
with daughter Heidi at their specially know. We will continue to listen to you. Simply email contactus@wwha.co.uk
adapted new home in Flintshire or speak to our PR and Communications Team on 0800 052 2526.
wwha.co.uk 3
EXTRA CARE
EXTRA
- friendship
- peace of mind
- care
This October marks five years schemes are located near town themselves, which are important
since the opening of Wales & centres, providing easy access to residents, it’s the opportunity
West Housing’s Llys Jasmine to essential facilities. they have to socialise in
extra care scheme and we’ve “Our extra care housing communal areas or take part in
just started building our continues to be a popular choice activities on site if they want to.
“
fourth one in Holywell, Llys Jasmine
Flintshire.
But why have they
become so popular and
It’s the peace of mind
which residents enjoy
“ resident Ella Hardy
said: “It really is
wonderful at Llys
what makes them such Jasmine, everyone is
a desirable place to live more than anything else. so friendly. It’s been
for our residents? reassuring for my
Extra care has grown because of this reassuring children as they know I’m being
rapidly largely due to the combination,” says Anne Caloe, well looked after.”
independence which it offers WWH Housing Manager (Extra Each extra care scheme
for people who have care Care). is developed in collaboration
and support needs. Residents “It’s the peace of mind which with local authority partners
live in apartments with their residents enjoy more than to understand the needs of the
own front door, with facilities anything else - knowing that local communities where they
such as fully fitted kitchen and they can enjoy the individual are built.
ensuite bathroom – and 24 surroundings of their apartment Llys Glan Yr Afon in Newtown
hour on-site care and support with support when they need it.” marked another milestone for
staff. All of our extra care It’s not just the apartments WWH when it became our first
L-R: Residents and staff enjoying the outdoor life at Llys Jasmine,
Nant y Môr and Llys Glan yr Afon
4 wwha.co.uk
EXTRA CARE
extra care scheme to offer
accommodation for people
Our extra care schemes
are:
Extra care
– the facts
aged 18 and over, not just
those at retirement age. Nant Y Môr, Prestatyn,
“Living in a home of their Denbighshire
own is an aspiration for Our first extra care scheme How much does it cost?
people of all ages and the of 59 apartments for over
services which we provide in 60s opened in 2011 with There are five parts to the cost
Newtown support people in care provided by of extra care housing:
a way that enables them to Denbighshire County
do just that,” adds Anne. Council. • Housing – the cost of
“Having a mixed age renting your home
range at Llys Glan yr Afon Llys Jasmine, Mold, • Service charges - the
brings together a wealth of Flintshire cost of services provided
different interests, skills and Opened in 2013 with 61 within the scheme, such as
knowledge, adding to the apartments for over 65s cleaning and maintenance
vibrancy of the community.” including 15 apartments • Heating and hot and
More than anything else, specially adapted for cold water in your own
it is community spirit which people with dementia and apartment
will be celebrated the most care provided by Flintshire • Restaurant service
at Llys Jasmine when it marks County Council. • Care and support – the
its fifth birthday. cost of your own care and
“Activities are frequented Llys Glan Yr Afon, support needs, which is not
by residents, family and Newtown, Powys included in rent
the wider community and The first extra care scheme
visitors always comment on to be built in Powys How do I apply?
how lovely the atmosphere opened in 2017 with 48
is at Llys Jasmine. We’re apartments for residents If you think living in extra care
incredibly proud that it has aged 18 and over and care could be the right option for
become an integral part of provided by Castell Care you, there is a simple process to
the community.” and Support. follow:
• Call our housing
options team on 0800
What residents say 052 2526 or email
housingoptionsteam@
Rachel and Gwyn Davies, their lives knowing we wwha.co.uk
moved to Llys Jasmine in are in good care.Being • You’ll be invited for a tour
November 2017. able to go down to the around whichever scheme
Rachel said: “We’re very restaurant for a daytime you’re interested in
happy here. My sister- meal with a choice of • We can then arrange to
in-law already lived here menus and not having visit you in your home to
and we always liked Llys to wash up after is discuss your housing care
Jasmine when we visited. wonderful.” and support needs
We were getting less One Nant y Môr resident • Your circumstances will be
mobile where we were said: “I’d become assessed and if successful
living at nearby Oakenholt isolated where I was you will be considered for
so the move was definitely living before but it’s safe future vacancies in one of
the best thing for us. Our here and I feel part of our extra care schemes
children can carry on with the community again.”
wwha.co.uk 5
NEWS
Going live
“We know that for some residents
being able to contact us online at a
time when they want is important to
them. The new website will make it
easier for those residents to do that.”
Launch of our new website “The launch is only the start of an
ongoing process to keep the website
fresh and up-to-date.
Next time you visit our website
you’ll notice quite a difference.
After months of planning
behind the scenes, the new
Wales & West Housing bilingual
website was due to go live
at the end of September
bringing with it some important
new features designed with
residents in mind.
When you visit www.wwha.
co.uk, whether on a mobile
phone, tablet or computer, you
will now find a streamlined site
with many of the things our
residents use regularly. There
are features like how to pay
rent or set up a direct debit and
simpler ways to contact us for a
variety of services.
When you land on our home
page, you will be able to choose How to make a quick link to the WWH
whether you want to find out website that looks like an app on your phone
information in Welsh or English.
From there you’ll be taken to iPhones
the main home page, where you 1. Open up Safari and load wwha.
can scroll through the sections, co.uk
such as find a home or pay my 2. At the bottom of the screen
rent, and find the answers to you'll see an icon depicting an
the common questions our arrow coming out of a square.
residents want to know. There’s Tap this.
also sections where you can 3. Now you should have several
get involved and read the latest options, choose “add to home
news about WWH. screen”.
Chief Executive Anne Hinchey 4. You'll be asked to choose a
said: “We hope residents will name for the home screen icon,
find the answers for most things then it’s saved and appears on
they need to know on our your home screen.
website. We have been testing
it behind the scenes, but we will Android/Firefox
only know how well it works 1. Open Firefox for Android app
when residents start using and go to wwha.co.uk
it regularly and give us their
comments and feedback.”
6 wwha.co.uk
NEWS
When residents visit the new
Cleaning up Don’t be alarmed
site they’ll have the opportunity in Cardigan - tell us what you think
to give us comments and feedback
on what they like and what they Residents at Golwg y Castell, We are always looking at ways
don’t like. These comments will Cardigan, have had a major to improve our emergency
be important to help us shape and clean up of all their broken and alarm services.
change the site to make it work for unwanted electrical items. That’s why, if you use your
our residents.” The waste day was organised emergency alarm, we send
in partnership with Ceredigion you a survey in the post asking
County Council. about your experience.
Altogether they collected four It only takes a couple of
fridge freezers, three fridges, minutes to fill in, but the survey
three washing machines, three can have a long-lasting effect on
vacuum cleaners, seven TVs, the way we operate our alarm
two cookers, a tumble dryer, services.
microwave, computer, DVD and Customer Service Centre
CD player and even an electric Manager, Christine Bowns, said:
scooter. “The comments you give us
Thanks to the Cambria are really important, good and
Maintenance Services Team bad. We can use what you tell
who helped residents carry us to improve services for other
items to the van, then took alarm users in the future and
them away free of charge. feedback positive comments to
staff.
“If residents are unable to
post the survey back in the
self-addressed envelope we’d
be happy for them to call us on
our freephone number 0800
0522526 and will take their
2. Press the menu button comments over the phone.”
(either below the screen on
some devices or at the top-
right corner of the browser),
then tap on Page.
Echo Dot competition winners
3. Tap Add Page Shortcut. Octogenarian Eddie Atkins is hoping his new Echo Dot device will help
4. Your shortcut should now him and his wife with gentle reminders around the home.
appear on your home screen. Eddie and Alma have lived at Hanover Court in Bridgend for nine
years, having come to Wales fifteen years ago. They celebrated their
Android/Google Chrome Silver Wedding anniversary in June by holding a dinner party for 40 of
1. Launch Google Chrome their friends in the community hall on site.
browser app and go to wwha. We presented the couple with their Echo Dot, a
co.uk virtual-computer-generated intelligent personal
2. Tap on the Menu button and assistant, which we hope will help the
tap “add to home screen.” family with general tasks around the
3. You’ll be able to enter a name home. Eddie says: “With both of us
for the shortcut and then getting on in years, this device will be
Chrome will add it to your invaluable to us for reminders, such
home screen. as collecting the laundry and taking
4. Your shortcut should now our medications.”
appear on your home screen. Debbie Brown of Rhyl was the
winner of the other Echo Dot.
wwha.co.uk 7
BUILD IT
Work starts on
£8.5 million
extra care scheme in Holywell
Wales & West Housing has “We are delighted to be residents' lives."
started work on Flintshire’s working closely with Flintshire The first residents are expected
fourth extra care scheme on the County Council to deliver to move into Holywell extra care
site of the former Ysgol Perth y the scheme and with Anwyl by Spring 2020.
Terfyn. Construction as lead contractor During the building phase Anwyl
The four storey building on we are able to ensure that Construction aim to use local
Halkyn Road will have 43 one jobs are created and retained contractors and suppliers, and
bedroom and 12 two bedroom in North Wales, providing a provide apprenticeship and work
apartments with a range of significant economic boost for experience placements, to bring
facilities and 24 hour on site care the region.” employment opportunities to local
and support for older people Councillor Christine Jones, people, bringing investment into
with support needs. Flintshire County Council's the area’s economy.
The development is a Cabinet Member for Social
partnership with Flintshire Services said: "This is another Computer-generated image
of the new scheme
Council and Anwyl Construction great step forward for our
are the main contractors. latest extra care scheme in
Shayne Hembrow, WWH Flintshire.
Deputy Chief Executive, said: “With the Council, WWH and
“This new extra care scheme Anwyl Construction working
will be our second in Flintshire, in partnership, we are all
providing even more capacity looking forward to seeing this
for independent living in high scheme come to fruition. The
quality accommodation with new development in Holywell
access to 24 hour on-site care will provide excellent facilities
and support. to make a real difference to
8 wwha.co.uk
BUILD IT
Inspiring builders
of the future
Developers of WWH’s new housing is the former Prestatyn Police they observe in day to day life or see
scheme in Prestatyn have given Station, where we are building their parents and grandparents do
local nursery school children a taste 20 affordable new homes, using on a daily basis. It builds confidence,
of construction. Wrexham-based construction firm reassurance and social interaction
Daisy Chains Bodnant, based Castlemead. which are valuable life skills.”
at Bodnant Community School The donation is just one of a Matt Hall, WWH Construction
on Nant Hall Road, took delivery series of community benefits Manager, said: “We are passionate
of hard hats, hi-vis jackets and which are being delivered by WWH about making a difference within
construction site safety signs from close to the new development in the community and so were
WWH and Castlemead Group. Prestatyn. The 20 energy-efficient delighted to get involved when we
As well as being used for play, homes off Victoria Road will heard about the construction play
the equipment will help children feature a mix of apartments and area at the nursery school.”
learn about the dangers of live two bedroom family houses, and Joe O’Donnell, Castlemead
construction sites. One such site are due for completion by Summer director, said: “We work with
2019. communities across North Wales
Sammy Beattie, from Daisy and as a responsible developer
Chains Bodnant, said: “We are so committed to raising awareness of
grateful to Wales & West Housing construction site safety we were
and Castlemead for their kind happy to provide the equipment.
donations to our outdoor area. “It was great to meet the
“The children will have so children and I’m sure all of the new
much fun re-enacting roles in gear will be put to good use for
our construction site using real play purposes and for learning the
equipment. It will help them learn importance of health and safety in
important issues such as safety, construction. Hopefully we might
teamwork and communication. be able to inspire a few of them to
“This is so important for the take up careers in construction in
children to be able to “play” in roles the future as well.”
wwha.co.uk 9
BUILD IT
New homes
for Bridgend
Families will soon be moving into by the end of September. two bedroom properties and two
our new development in Bridgend As well as forging ahead on site, specially adapted four bedroom
– almost four months ahead of the contractors have also been busy homes close to Parc Derwen,
schedule. working in the local community. which is a popular new private
The development of 24 Site manager Dean Longden housing development of more
affordable homes at Parc Farm, recently handed out hanging than 600 private homes on the
Coity, was due to be finished in baskets, donated by the nearby outskirts of Bridgend.
January 2019. Parc Prison, to residents living at Parc Farm is named after the
However, Llanelli-based nearby Parc Derwen, Coity. old and unsafe farm, which once
contractor Morganstone is now When complete the scheme stood on the site. Before work
expecting to complete the homes will provide 24 affordable one and could start at the end of last year,
IN THE PIPELINE account any comments made
during the consultation before
The application is expected to
be considered by the planning
West Wales drawing up the plans, which will Committee this autumn.
Ceredigion: We’re aiming to bring then be submitted to Ceredigion
14 new homes to the site of the Council’s Planning Department. South Wales
former Tollgate pub, Aberystwyth. Cardiff: WWH has bought the
The site is in the Penparcau Extra Care: We have submitted site of the former YMCA at Wedal
area of the town, where WWH plans for a 56-bed extra care Road in the Roath area of Cardiff.
already has around 90 homes, the scheme at Plas Morolwg in Subject to planning permission,
majority are general needs. Aberystwyth to Ceredigion we hope to build apartments on
Public consultation for the Council. the site next year.
proposed development of 10 Consultants Asbri Planning, who
houses and four apartments was are working for WWH, made the North Wales
due to start at the end of August application in July, following an Flintshire: Plans are set to be
and run through September. extensive public consultation with submitted for 10 new homes on
Following the consultation, our councillors and residents in the land at Earl Street in Flint. The
development team will take into town. proposed development would be
10 wwha.co.ukBUILD IT
WWH employed environmental
specialists and worked closely We’ve started building more homes this
with Natural Resources Wales to
protect and relocate local wildlife year compared to the same time last year
nesting in the old farm buildings. We have been busy over the last quarter with over 160 much-needed
WWH Construction Manager homes across Wales either starting on site or being completed ready
Grant Prosser said, "This is going for new residents to move in.
to be a popular development for In Cardiff, we completed 14 new homes at Hendre Road and 43
families. Parc Derwen is a sought- in the Vale of Glamorgan at Aberthin, Cowbridge (2) and Golwg Y
after area, but with the average Môr, Rhoose (41). Residents also moved into two new homes in Dan
family home costing more than Y Bryn, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire and four at Dol Y Dintir, Cardigan,
£150,000 to buy and more than Ceredigion. In Flintshire we completed 23 new homes at Coed Onn,
£600 to rent privately, it is out of and started work on 55 new extra care apartments in Holywell. Work
reach of many families on lower also began on 20 new homes at Victoria Road Rhyl, Denbighshire.
incomes. New residents are highly satisfied with their new homes, scoring us over
“These homes will be modern, nine out of ten, giving us valuable feedback on the things that matter to
attractive and affordable to run them. We use this feedback to make sure we keep our residents’ needs at
for families who may struggle to the centre of our considerations when building new homes.
make ends meet.” Our experience has shown us that the best way to procure, build
Once ready, the homes will and hand over well-designed, good quality homes is to develop close
be allocated to people in need long-term working relationships with developers and builders. To create
via Bridgend Council’s Common these relationships we have completed a major procurement exercise
Housing Register. to establish strong, partnering contracts covering the whole of Wales for
the next 10 years. We’ve created eight partnership contracts for projects
large and small across Wales, which will provide a strong foundation to
our plans to build more homes to meet the growing need.
I love the location and there
were little repairs needed!
Dean Longden, Morganstone site manager,
and one of the workers on the site hand out I really wish there was
hanging baskets to residents at Parc Derwen. better bin storage
86
made up of six one bedroom and
four two bedroom apartments for
people with a disability.
Wrexham: A public consultation +20
is due to be held this autumn than last
quarter
for a scheme of 28 homes at COMPLETED
Woodlands Farm in Gwersyllt homes ready for residents
75
near Wrexham, consisting of a to move in and enjoy
mix of apartments, houses and
bungalows.
Denbighshire: WWH is about to
submit a planning application
for a new development on Rhyl’s NEW HOMES
seafront. We are hoping to build
41 new homes for residents aged
started to help with the
housing demand +31
55+. in Wales than last
year
wwha.co.uk 11NEWS
A new
lease
of life
“
At Wales & West management
Housing, the majority of the
of our 12,000 homes
are available to
We love the peace and development.
“We decided
residents at an
quiet at our development, we wanted
affordable rent.
There are also
over 1,000 residents
who have bought
and our neighbours are so
“ to move to
a retirement
scheme, but
friendly
we were
their own properties impressed
and are classed as by the
leaseholders. These Mary, bought their bungalow quality of the
consist of retirement properties, in Clarendon, Cyncoed, Cardiff, development at Clarendon and
and also general needs properties (main picture) four years ago. decided to buy our bungalow
that have previously been sold They had previously lived in a instead.”
under the Right to Buy or the newly-built private apartment “We love the peace and quiet
Right to Acquire legislation. block in the Heath area of Cardiff, at our development, and our
Retired marine engineer where Malcolm was actively neighbours are so friendly.”
Malcolm Rayner and his wife, involved in forming an Owners
Association to take over the
12 wwha.co.ukNEWS
A guide to
leasehold
Retirement Leasehold Who pays for major repairs?
properties
In retirement schemes the cost
These are privately-owned of major works is funded from a
retirement properties for older sinking fund, which is a reserve
people, who traditionally have account held for the scheme
been looking to downsize from to cover such costs. The fund is
their family home. The lease collected either via the monthly
length can vary from 999 years service charge or in the majority
to 60 or 99 years. Wales & West of cases, a one off contribution
Housing manage 19 leasehold is made when the property is
retirement schemes across Wales. sold. Where there is a leasehold
property within general needs
What’s the difference rented accommodation, they will
be invoiced individually for their
between renting and
share of the works.
leasing a property? There is a legal process called
Section 20, which all landlords
In the majority of areas of Wales, have to follow by law, under
our properties are allocated the Landlord & Tenancy Act
according to the local authority’s 1985. It was introduced in
common housing register. 2003 to prevent landlords from
However leasehold properties imposing expensive bills on their
are bought and sold on the open leaseholders with no notice
housing market through local or consultation. In practice, it
estate agents. Like our rented means that if any work carried
properties, the leasehold schemes out amounts to a contribution
can be retirement or general of more than £250 for any one
needs. leaseholder, then the residents in
that scheme have to be consulted
What services do we first.
Cwrt Glas, Llanishen provide? As part of this process, we will
obtain quotations for the work
This can vary depending on the and the residents have the option
services type and needs of the to comment on the process.
individual scheme. Generally
it covers maintenance of the
building and grounds, gardening,
cleaning of communal areas and, For further information
in the case of retirement schemes, contact 0800 0522526 and
Restway Gardens, the emergency alarm and in some ask for the Leasehold team.
Bridgend cases a scheme manager service.
wwha.co.uk 13AWARDS
Do you know someone who deserves a
Making a Difference
Nominations have opened
for Wales & West Housing’s
Making A Difference Awards
2019.
As ever, the awards celebrate
the community spirit, kindness,
courage and enterprise of you,
our residents and those people
who selflessly give their time to
support and help you.
For 2019, we’ve brought
back many of the popular
categories such as Good
Neighbour, Community Heroes,
Going Green and Wellbeing
Champion. We’ve also
introduced two new categories
Fundraising Champion and
Outstanding Achievement to
reflect the outstanding people The Categories
in our communities.
This year’s sparkling Good Neighbour Bridging the Gap
ceremony takes place on Friday This award celebrates the This award celebrates young and
8 February and due to popular kindness of those special people older people working together
demand, we'll be returning to whose small day-to-day actions to improve the relationships
the Vale Resort, Hensol, near make a big difference to the lives between the generations and
Cardiff. of their neighbours. make their community a better
Chief Executive Anne From lending a helping hand place.
Hinchey said, “Every year we or a listening ear, these selfless Whether it is younger people
hear so many amazing stories individuals go out of their way to helping their elderly neighbours
about the amazing courage help others who live near. with new ways of working such as
and the acts of kindness that helping with technology or older
our residents encounter every
Fresh Start people using their experience to
This award recognises those
day. It’s important to shine mentor younger people, these
who have made it through tough
a spotlight on those people individuals learn from each
times and turned things around
and celebrate their amazing other and help to build respect
for the better.
achievements. and understanding between the
From overcoming illness,
“The MAD Awards are your different generations.
supporting their family through
way of saying thank you. So
we would encourage you to
difficult times or confronting Wellbeing Champion
personal issues and finding This award recognises the
speak to a WWH staff member
happiness in a safe and secure individuals, volunteers or groups
or call us and tell us who you’d
home of their own, these who set an example or encourage
like to put forward for this
extraordinary individuals set an others to improve their physical
recognition.”
example to us all. or mental health and wellbeing.
14 wwha.co.ukAWARDS
Award? MAD Winners
keep on winning
Whether setting up regular a big difference to the places Congratulations to our MAD
activities or promoting where they live. Awards 2018 winners and finalists
healthier eating and lifestyles, Abby Kinloch, Michelle Sheppard
these people are making life Fundraising Champion and Jermaine Drennan, who
better for residents and their This award recognises those have now been recognised at the
communities. tireless and inspirational national TPAS Awards in Cardiff.
people who work hard to raise
Going Green money for many charities.
This award recognises green- This award is not necessarily
fingered residents who have about the amount raised but
made a real difference to their the person, or young person,
environment. who gives their time and puts
From growing beautiful floral their heart and soul into raising Abby, 19, won the Bridging the
displays to recycling and reusing money for good causes. Gap Award at last year’s MAD
goods in the garden, or even Awards, and has gone on to win
producing fruit and veg for Outstanding Achievement the TPAS Young Tenant of the Year
others to enjoy, these residents The award recognises those Award for the way she helps older
lead the way when it comes to individuals who have shown residents at our Llys Glan Yr Afon
going green. great determination and Extra Care scheme in Newtown,
Community Heroes personal development. Powys.
This award celebrates Whether learning new skills
individuals or groups who have or qualifications to get back
started something special in into work, running their own
their WWH community to successful business enterprises,
benefit those who live there. creating opportunities to
From running community make a difference to their own
groups, tackling local issues lives or delivering community Former carer Michelle, winner of
affecting their neighbourhoods projects that make a difference the MAD Community Hero Award,
or leading the way in to their community, they are an went on to win the Community
environmental and sustainable inspiration to us all. in Action Award (alongside her
projects, these people make colleague Claire) for providing
regular, affordable hot meals for
Enter Now residents at our Danymynydd
retirement scheme in Blaengarw,
Bridgend.
It’s easy to nominate – simply speak to your Housing
Officer or a member of WWH staff who can help
you put forward your nomination.
Alternatively, contact our PR &
The
Comms team on 0800 052 2526,
closing date is
or email communications.team@
wwha.co.uk, and they’ll be happy to 16 November
Jermaine of Aberystwyth, a MAD
Bridging the Gap finalist, was also
take down the details and put your 2018 a finalist in the TPAS Tenant of the
nomination forward. Year category.
wwha.co.uk 15INDEPENDENT LIVING
Stay happy, be active
How being an active part of your community
can help you remain independent and happy
“A baby girl born today will have
a 50 per cent chance of reaching
improves physical and mental
health and enables people to stay
How volunteering
100.” So says the Centre for Better connected to their family, friends
Ageing, an organisation that and communities. Resident Christine Ellis knows
helps promote and understand Focussing on maintaining how important it is to play
ageing. With more people living and improving muscle strength an active part in her local
longer, it brings the opportunity can help people in later life live community in Bridgend.
to enjoy more fulfilling lives as we independently and reduce the She is the administrator of
get older. Good health, financial risk of falls. the three churches she attends
security, social connections and and edits the churches’ monthly
purpose are among the main Living in a suitable home magazine.
things that contribute to ageing and neighbourhood As the self-confessed “one of
well, the organisation says. Homes and neighbourhoods the original silver surfers”, she
Funded by the Big Lottery, designed to be age-friendly and has taught herself computer
the Centre for Better Ageing, a supportive community can skills to create the monthly
promotes and campaigns for a improve health and wellbeing, magazine. She is also on hand, as
society where everyone can “age help people to develop and needed, to volunteer at her
well.” maintain social connections and Church’s Community Shop.
feel in control. Recently she “retired”
Contributing to communities Wales & West Housing is after 25 years as a volunteer
Voluntary activities, formal developing more purpose- with the Stroke Association,
civic roles and small acts of build, modern homes with older where she helped run the
neighbourliness can all contribute people in mind, which are easy Stroke Association’s Bridgend
significantly to personal wellbeing to run. We are also incorporating groups three times a week
and create stronger social accessibility into the design of our and input the statistics of the
connections. Older people can general homes with wider doors groups on a computer on a
contribute their skills, knowledge and ground floor toilets. fourth day.
and experience to their Christine started
communities. volunteering for the Stroke
For more information about Association while she was
Keeping physically active Better Ageing visit: www.ageing- caring for her husband, who
This has many benefits – it better.org.uk/living-longer had suffered a stroke. When
he passed away, she continued
16 wwha.co.ukINDEPENDENT LIVING
Online help to find activities in your area
If you‘re looking to get out more or join If you’re retired, recently bereaved or
in with activities in your local community, your friends and family have moved away,
there’s a new online service to help you. you can find places where you can join in
Recently launched, Dewis Cymru is the and broaden your social circles. If mobility
place for wellbeing information in Wales. is an issue, but you are online, Dewis
It’s an online resource with a single, can point you in the direction of online
clear and reliable information source for forums organised by national charities
residents and care service professionals, where you can chat and make friends
that provides information and advice with people in similar circumstances
to help support people achieve their around the world any time of the day or
wellbeing goals. night.
You can go online, type in your Or maybe you’re looking for activities
postcode and find out what organisations or groups to get your children active and
operate in your area. Whether you’re healthy, whether it’s organised groups or
looking for advice on health and eating places where they can learn new skills.
well, managing your finances, or joining in For more information visit www.dewis.
groups, Dewis Cymru can offer solutions. wales
is helping our residents
her voluntary work. and I feel that I have something to she has become a community
As she said: “I was 52 contribute to help others.” councillor in Rhosnesni, where
when my husband “I would recommend that if she now lives.
died and I had seen how much a person is feeling lonely or at “I had two choices – sit at
of a difference the stroke group a loose end, they should give home alone or go out and
“
made to him and meet people. It took courage
the other families Playing a part in my community “ to make those first steps, but
and carers, so I I’m so glad I did it. I would
carried on as a
keeps my mind and body active recommend other people to
volunteer for and gives me a purpose. find organisations in their area
another 21 years.” where they can volunteer as a
“Volunteering is important to volunteering a go. A good way way of meeting people.
me as I don’t want to be one of to start is to find an organisation “From being a very lonely
those people who that you have an interest in, and person, I now have a full and
stay indoors all day find out how you can help.” rich life from becoming involved
doing nothing. in events and meeting people in
“Playing a part my community.”
in my community Moving to Wrexham with no
keeps my mind family or friends around her, Sian
and body active Hope faced a lonely time. But she For information about
and gives me pushed herself to get out in the voluntary organisations near
a purpose. If it community, starting with a local you contact Wales Council for
weren’t for my fun day, where she met other Voluntary Action.
voluntary work, I neighbours and friends. Phone 0300 111 0124, email
wouldn’t see a soul In the years that followed Sian volunteering@wcva.org.uk
from one day to worked hard to be an active or visit www.wcva.org.uk
the next. By getting member of the community
out and working in in Hightown, volunteering at You can also try Volunteering
the community I the Resource Centre and with Wales - www.volunteering-
have lots of friends Communities First groups. Now wales.net
wwha.co.uk 17NEW HOMES
“Our quality of life has improved”
How moving into their specially-adapted bungalow in
Flintshire has given young Heidi her independence
A 10-year-old girl has been to accommodate her powered more now that she
given a new lease of life to play, wheelchair, a shower room which has that extra bit of
socialise and live independently, Heidi can use independently and independence and
thanks to a specially-adapted low level kitchen fittings so she her confidence has
bungalow provided by Wales & can help her mum in the kitchen improved significantly.
West Housing. and learn to cook for herself “Heidi has good
Heidi Rogerson used to struggle when she is old enough. and bad days with her
to move freely around her Outdoors, Heidi now has a condition and at times
previous home due to severe pain large, safe garden where she can she couldn’t get up
caused by a medical condition play with her friends, family and and down the stairs
called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome beloved pet German Shepherd in our old two bed
which affects her joints. dogs Ice and Storm. There is also home. I used to do a
She was unable to complete space for a hydrotherapy pool lot of lifting but now I don’t need
any day-to-day tasks without the which has been a vital source of to because of the adaptations.
help of her parents, but since pain relief for her since she was Our quality of life has improved
moving into the bungalow at three years old. considerably. There’s less stress
WWH’s new development at Heidi is happier in her new for Heidi so there’s less stress for
Romans Way in Flint her life has home than she’s ever been, say us as a result.”
been transformed. proud parents Allison and Martin. The new home, part of a
The bungalow features wide Martin said: “Heidi absolutely development of 23 homes, also
hallways and door entrances loves it here, she does so much features a carport and a bedroom
18 wwha.co.ukNEW HOMES
I want a home
Whenever we speak to our new residents, the most common
thing they tell us is that they would have liked a bit more
choice in their preferred area.
We recognise that we are not able to provide all types of
housing in all areas, but we aim to ensure that we are having
the right conversation early, to make sure that we help you,
as an applicant, to make the right decision about your future
home.
330 residents
had keys to
built to accommodate Heidi’s
needs. their new home
Allison said: “Heidi has spent
a lot of time in and out of
8
hospital since she was a young
girl and in our old home we
had to have a hospital bed in
the living room as there was The average time it
nowhere else for it. We don’t takes us to let our empty
need that now. homes has reduced this
“Even simple things have
quarter by
made a big difference, like
having enough room for a table
days
and chairs in our kitchen so we
can sit down as a family at meal
times, which has helped with
Heidi’s social skills. The estate is
a nice area, it’s quiet here and I still like the quality of Wales
we’re closer to Heidi’s school in & West Housing homes
Flint.”
Anne Hinchey, Chief
Executive of Wales & West
Housing, said: “It’s so pleasing I would like more choice
to see the impact which one of in my preferred area
our homes has had on Heidi’s
life already.
“Everyone should have the
right to live in a home which
is suitable for their needs and
thankfully we have been able
to make such a big difference to
Heidi and her parents.”
wwha.co.uk 19APPRENTICESHIPS
Working holiday for university students
after I finish my degree, so it has
given me valuable experience of
being in a real workplace.”
Bradley added: “I am interested
in working as an accountant or
internal auditor after I graduate,
so it’s been a great opportunity to
learn more about those areas.”
Kate Thomas, WWH People
Development Facilitator, organised
the three-week placement for
the students. She explained:
“We wanted to make sure the
placements we offered were
While most university students finance department. valuable and relevant to the
were enjoying the holidays, As part of the placement, students’ degrees. The placement
Bradley Latty-Williams and they were given a tour of two of is equivalent to one-sixth of the
Anastasia Weeks our Cardiff final year of their degree, so it was
were studying how “It’s been interesting to see schemes, important for them to experience
we work at Wales how different areas of the where they all areas of the business, to
& West Housing. organisation work. .. it’s given met residents. understand where the work of our
Bradley and They also finance teams fit in.
me valuable experience of
Anastasia are had a taste of “We hope this will be the
being in a real workplace.” continuation of a valuable
studying Accounting other areas of
and Finance at the Institute of the business spending time with partnership between WWH and
Business & Law at Aberystwyth our Customer Service Centre, our Aberystwyth University. Two
University and as part of their repairs/data teams, and the In more students will be joining
degree course they applied to Touch editorial team. our supported housing team for
WWH for a work placement. Anastasia said: “It’s been placements in September and if
They spent three weeks in interesting to see how different this is successful we hope to offer
August at our head office in Cardiff, areas of the organisation work. I’m placements to students from other
working mainly alongside our hoping to work as an accountant relevant areas in the future.”
Guiding apprentices on their career paths
Teenager Max Clements has joined the people I would be working with. Wales & West Housing, Cardiff University
WWH as our first ICT apprentice. It felt like a good company to work graduate Mia Frost has also joined
Max was offered the role following a for, so I was really pleased when I was our team on a 12-month graduate
series of open evenings and interviews offered the apprenticeship. It’s my first placement working as a Support
earlier this summer. full-time job and working here is a real Administrator with our HR team.
As part of the 15-month boost to my confidence. I hope it will
apprenticeship Max will work lead to a career in IT.”
Monday to Fridays and attend Head of ICT Richard Troote said:
college once a week to study for “This opportunity will give Max
a qualification in Information genuine work experience and the
Technology. chance to experience first-hand what
“Technology has always interested an ICT department does. It will allow
me so when I saw the advert for the Max to choose a career path in IT
open evening, I came along and found that best suits and interests him.”
out more about the company and met Max isn’t the only new face at
20 wwha.co.ukSPONSORSHIP
Helping families out of poverty Supporting local
communities
At WWH a safe
Some of the events we
and secure place
have sponsored in our
to call home communities recently
is important, include:
which is why we
are supporting Drefach
a charity which Felindre Carnival in
helps thousands Carmarthenshire
of families and Lampeter Carnival
homeless people and Food Festivals
struggling on the We helped Aberaeron
poverty line with (L-R) Boomerang Cardiff volunteers Rhodri Jones and Ria Ecclestone with Town Improvement
Herman Valentin (Community Development Officer at Wales & West Housing), Committee to host the
food, clothes and Boomerang Cardiff founder Paul Gwilym, Anne Hinchey (Chief Executive of Wales
All Wales National Tug of
furniture. & West Housing) and volunteer Kyron Davies.
War Championships in
Boomerang Ceredigion
Cardiff is a for homeless people Boomerang Cardiff has In Cardiff young
relatively new but rapidly moving into their first either experienced people visiting the fun
growing charity that accommodation and homelessness or the day at Coed Glas Primary
helps local people who furniture and white strains of poverty School in Llanishen,
are down on their luck. goods for working themselves or knows of enjoyed a BBQ, bouncy
Since its beginnings in families in need. castle and inflatable
a person who has and
2012, the charity has slide thanks to our
Charity founder are able to understand
far exceeded its modest sponsorship
Paul Gwilym, who what people need and In North Wales,
mission to help 100 has experienced how quickly they need we were among the
families in need. It now homelessness, said: it.” organisations who
collects donations of “The sponsorship from CEO Anne Hinchey supported the National
unwanted furniture and Wales & West Housing is said: “As an organisation Armed Forces Day in
clothes from individuals, amazing. It means we can Wales & West Housing Llandudno
house clearances, put our efforts into what’s aims to make a difference At a more local level
and items that would important - helping to people’s lives, homes in north east Wales
normally be thrown out, families in need. This and communities. By money which we
and recycles them. donation will cover the provided helped to fund
supporting charities like
From its warehouse/ this year’s Hawarden
cost of our rent, heating Boomerang we can help
community centre in Carnival and two youth
and lighting for a year, more families in need sports events in the
Cardiff, Boomerang’s giving our charity time to and give homeless people village for children aged
team of 50 volunteers apply for other grants and the things they need to 8-16
provide starter packs of raise more funds. enable them to settle in a We also sponsored
mugs, kettles, toasters, “Each and every safe and secure home of an 80th year celebration
plates and glasses person that works for their own.” at the Church of the
Holy Spirit in Ewloe this
Some other charities helping to recycle furniture in Wales are: autumn
We’ve made a
• Rhondda & Cynon Valley: Too Good To • Pembrokeshire: Pembrokeshire Frame donation to provide
Waste www.toogoodtowaste.co.uk www.pembrokeshire-frame.org.uk
• Bridgend: Emmaus South Wales
white goods for a new
• Ceredigion Craft Recycling
www.emmaus-southwales.org.uk kitchen which will
www.craftrecycling.org.uk
• Flintshire: Refurbs Flintshire equip pupils at Ysgol
• Swansea: Caer Las furniture scheme
www.refurbs.org.uk/home www.caerlas.org.uk Maeshyfryd specialist
• Colwyn Bay: CREST Furniture Reclaim • To find other organisations near you visit school in Flint with
www.crestcooperative.co.uk www.reuse-network.org.uk independent living skills.
wwha.co.uk 21MONEY MATTERS
DON’T
STAY IN THE
DARK
ABOUT
UNIVERSAL
CREDIT
More than 40,000 people and make claims. September
in Wales are now claiming Areas already affected Caerphilly
Universal Credit as it include Flintshire and Pembrokeshire
continues to be rolled out Wrexham, which were October
across Wales. the first areas in Wales to Powys
With more areas going introduce the benefit last Vale of Glamorgan
live every month, our year, and also Swansea, November
housing staff have been busy Cardiff, Conwy, Bridgend Rhondda Cynon Taf
preparing for the changes and Merthyr Tydfil. December:
and frontline staff have been Other areas due to roll out Ceredigion
trained to help residents use Universal Credit this year Carmarthenshire
the Universal Credit system are:
22 wwha.co.ukMONEY MATTERS
What is Universal Budgeting monthly amount towards your rent. It is
UC will be paid monthly which important that if you take the
Credit (UC)? may differ from the way you full advance that you contact us
currently receive your income. It regarding making a rent payment.
Universal Credit is a new benefit
is therefore important to make This allowance will then be
that combines multiple benefits
sure your budget is in good health recovered through your ongoing
into one monthly payment.
so that you find this transition UC payments over the next 12
Anyone under 65 who currently
easier than if you are struggling months so ensure that you can
claims Jobseekers Allowance,
to balance your income and live on this reduced amount over
Income Support, Employment
expenditure now. Even though that period.
and Support Allowance, Housing
UC may not be imminent for You will also be asked to
Benefit and/or Tax Credits will
you, now is the time to act as attend an appointment in
eventually be moved onto this
getting a handle on your finances the Job Centre to provide ID
new system.
isn’t easy. The Money Advice documents and to discuss
Service can also help. Visit www. your claimant commitment.
When will it affect moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call Your claimant commitment
them on 0300 500 5000. will involve a discussion with a
me? work coach and is your record
Currently it is being rolled out Getting a bank account of the responsibilities that you
in all areas of Wales and soon You may currently use a Post have accepted in return for
anyone making a new claim for Office account that only allows receiving Universal Credit, and
the benefits listed above will you to withdraw your money or the consequences of not meeting
instead make a claim for UC. you may find you are incurring them (ultimately a sanction).
People already claiming benefit, bank charges from the account
who are not currently affected, you currently use. If this is the
are unlikely to be moved onto case, now is the time to open a When will I get my
this system before 2019. However new bank account and enable
yourself to manage your money
first payment?
there are several elements of UC
as conveniently and effectively You will receive your first
that people will have to prepare
as possible. This will allow you to payment approximately five
for and it’s never too early to
pay your bills like rent and Council weeks after you have made your
start.
Tax by Direct Debit, meaning you claim online.
don’t have to remember to pay or
Can I do anything to visit a shop or Post Office.
Where can I get
prepare? help?
Getting online What happens if I do
If you are struggling with any
UC claims are made and managed claim it? aspect of your UC claim give your
online. If you don’t currently Housing Officer a call. They will
Once you have completed your
use the internet start to think of be able to advise you on how
online claim you will be offered
ways that you could access it, for to resolve the issue or refer you
an advance payment to help
example many libraries or Council to one of our Tenancy Support
you manage the five week
buildings have beginner courses Officers if you need assistance.
period before your UC starts.
to show you the basics. As well as
This advance will be made up of
preparing for UC this also opens
your standard allowance (e.g.
up numerous options to save
what would have been your
money, from using comparison
Jobseekers Allowance, Income
sites to monitoring energy usage
support or Employment and
and bills.
Support Allowance) and also an
wwha.co.uk 23MONEY MATTERS
Get ready for Black Friday
Be a savvy Christmas shopper and know how to spot a bargain
Black Friday has become one of but in the past major high street If the answer to any of those is
those dates when shops go all out stores such as Debenhams have no.... DON’T BUY IT."
to lure shoppers to spend their cash. offered 30% off across the board, If you were planning to buy an
Originating from the United while Currys and Argos have item and it is reduced from £100
States, where the name previously advertised special to £50 then you've saved £50.
comes from the day following Black Friday savings on items such However, if you’re only buying it
Thanksgiving Day (the fourth as TVs and games. Online retailer because you think it's a bargain,
Thursday of November), it has Amazon usually releases new it's not a saving it's an extra cost
come to mark the start of the deals and big savings every hour of £50. So maybe you should
Christmas shopping season. during the week of Black Friday. control your spending urges.
In recent years, there have If you’re planning to make a
been enormous queues, and even dent in your Christmas shopping, If you are planning to
the occasional fight, as shoppers remember the wise words of splurge on a Black Friday sale
waited in line to grab the best TV’s Money Saving Expert Martin item it’s worth checking prices
bargains. Lewis: on a comparison site like
This year’s Black Friday will be "Ask yourself do I need it? 123PriceCheck, PriceRunner and
Friday November 29. At the time Can I afford it? Have I checked Dealpond. Sometimes you’ll find
In Touch went to press there were whether it is available cheaper that the deal you’ve seen isn’t
no major saving announcements, elsewhere? that cheap after all.
This year there are more residents paying
by Direct Debit than this time last year
85%
More residents have been contacting us for help and
advice on Universal Credit, whether this be completing
a new claim, or keeping information updated. We have
been building relationships with local Job Centres and local
of tenancies authorities, and undertaking training to make sure that we
are paying their are able to provide the right advice at the right time. We are
also providing facilities in some areas to give people access
rent on time or to online services to help manage their Universal Credit
paying off their claims.
arrears
5117
residents pay by
The number of residents setting up an
easy, stress-free Direct Debit to pay their
rent has gone up by almost 20 per cent
from this time last year.
4265
this time
Every month an average of 5,000 last year
residents are choosing to pay this way at
a date that is convenient to them.
24 wwha.co.ukCORPORATE
Less on loans... Satisfaction
more on homes and complaints
We’ve increased the proportion of your rent that we invest SATISFACTION
on new kitchens and bathrooms for our residents and are
spending a lower proportion on the interest we pay on our Our lettings service
loans.
For every £1 we receive in rent, we invest 21p in new
kitchens, bathroom and equipment – that’s an increase of 2p
on the previous three months.
9.5 continued to register
the highest levels of
satisfaction among
residents, who rated
While the amount of interest we pay on our loans has the service out of 10
dropped to 3p in every £1, 2p less than last year. We’ve also cut with zero complaints. You were also
the proportion of your rent that we spend on overheads to just more satisfied with our Anti-Social
7p in every £1. Behaviour service with ratings rising to
4p New developments 6.9 compared to 5.7 at the start of the
23p People year with only one complaint received
out of 78 cases.
£1.00
21p New kitchens, bathrooms
and equipment
RESOLVING COMPLAINTS
19p Maintenance
13p Interest on loans Working days on
8p Major repairs 18.9 average to resolve
complaints
7p Repayments on loans
5p Overheads
COMPLAINTS
How much it costs per
We received a total
7
home to run our business of 7 complaints in the
last three months – 3
less than the previous
quarter. The area
attracting the highest
amount of complaints was Fix My
Home with 5 complaints registered in
Management the last three months out of a total of
Maintenance 7796 repairs carried out.
Other
Our quietest call times are usually after lunch
we
received
99%
Morning
10am Hello
is our
busiest
19K WWH
CSC of repair
calls
call time How can calls
to our
I help? received
customer
were
service
answered
centre
wwha.co.uk 25You can also read
