SPRING 2019 YOUR HOME Heart of the Matter€¦ · was awarded the contract to provide 24/7 monitoring of all emergency calls and out-of-hours services for Tai Calon, including all

YOUR HOMEWINTER EDITION

Find out what is happening

in your community

Heart of the Matter

Spring Clean! Page 3

Tai Calon Sings For Euro Vision Song Contest Page 12

SPRING 2019

Going Digital Page 14

2 | www.taicalon.org

Do you need a different format? If you would like this newsletter in a different format (e.g. large print, audio or braille) or in a different language please contact Sarah Freeman on:Telephone: 01495 294 865Email: [email protected]: taicalon to 60030, followed by your message

Dear All

A warm welcome to you all as we say goodbye to a long winter and enjoy the fresh blossoms and greenery of spring.It is a lovely time of the year. A time to tidy up after the winter, and to get out and enjoy our beautiful environment.

In this edition of Heart of the Matter, we give you a summary of the latest satisfaction survey results. In the next edition we will report back on how we are using your feedback to improve our services to you.

There are a number of articles about how you can keep your household safe in your home. There is also a nice article on the importance of trees in keeping us and our planet healthy. If you would like to have more trees planted in your neighbourhood, perhaps some lovely fruit trees, please contact your Community Housing Officer who will be able to help. The Housing Team want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in whichever ways suit them, to help us all to improve all the neighbourhoods. Getting involved is rewarding, helps you to meet new friends, and you can feel pride in your contributions.

I hope you enjoy this edition and the return of spring to our beautiful valleys.

Joe LoganChief Executive

WELCOME TO OUR SPRING NEWSLETTER

Your Home Spring Clean! 3Security 1st! 4Out of Hours 5Are You Doing The 5 Minute Flush? 5Test It Friday 6Carbon Monoxide 7

Tai Calon News Star Survey Results 8

In Your Community What Have Trees Ever Done For You? 10Crispy Chocolate Fridge Cake 12Tai Calon Sings For Euro Vision Song Contest 12Going Digital 14Brynithel Tree Planting 15Jersey Boys 16Tenant Led Community Groups 18Colouring Competition 20

www.taicalon.org0300 303 1717 [email protected]

IN THIS ISSUE...

www.taicalon.org | 3

YOUR HOMESPRING EDITION

It is the start of Spring and many of us are having a good clear out, opening the windows and sorting out some clutter that gathered dust during the winter months. Here at Tai Calon we are doing the same!

We are in the process of checking the information we hold is correct and up to date, cleaning our data we hold. You might already have received a telephone call to check your personal details or your Community Housing Officer may visit you to complete a questionnaire. Please work with us to help us keep your information accurate and up to date.

If you change your personal information, telephone number, email address or even your name please let us know straight away so we keep our records correct. Sometimes we will ask to see evidence of a change, for instance, a marriage certificate but we will guide you through what’s needed when you call.

Thank you for your help,

Elaine CashProgramme Manager: Business Transformation

SpringClean!

Security 1st!


Keeping your information up to date also helps us know we are talking to right person. When you call Tai Calon we will ask you some security questions, for example your telephone number, your e-mail address or your date of birth to confirm the caller is indeed you. Please contact us to update your personal information :

e-mail: [email protected] or

Telephone: 0300 3031717

Please don’t private message us on Facebook or Twitter as they are not secure. We do not want any of your personal information to be in this public domain.

The data protection law changed on 25th May 2018 and is now called General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

There have been some changes to the law and, to reflect these GDPR changes, we have updated our privacy notice which is available to view on the website. The privacy notice explains what personal data we collect about you and how we use it.

Your privacy is important to us and we will comply with the legal requirements set out by GDPR in relation to the collection, holding and processing of your personal information.

GDPR

OUT OFHOURS

Are you doing the 5 minute flush?



We are delighted to announce Delta Wellbeing was awarded the contract to provide 24/7 monitoring of all emergency calls and out-of-hours services for Tai Calon, including all telecare equipment.

Delta Wellbeing is based in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. They currently support about 35,000 people across Wales and have over 25 years’ experience.

If you have a personal alarm, you should be contacted by one of Delta’s friendly team members to explain the next steps. You should not notice any interruption in services already provided.

If you would like any more information, please contact

Chris Roche, Customer Services Manager

on 0300 303 1717

Legionnaires disease is a very dangerous form of pneumonia which can be caused by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated by the legionella bacteria. To make sure the legionella bacteria is not in your home you can do a simple and quick five minute flush every week!

The five-minute flush• First flush the toilet and then open every tap,

including your shower.

• Let the water run through for at least five minutes.

• The shower should be turned up so it’s as hot as possible so be careful and stand away from the flowing water.

This simple task will help keep you and your family safe from this disease.


Test itFriday

If you follow your local Fire & Rescue Service on Facebook or Twitter (and we recommend that you do), you will know that every week they encourage that we all take the time to test not just our own smoke alarms, but the smoke alarms of family and friends as well. Fire can strike at any time and a working smoke alarm alerts you to danger so that you have the best chance of getting out safely. Regular testing of your alarm or those of family and friends will give you the peace of mind that, should fire start, you will be given the warning you need to escape.

In addition to testing your alarms, check that there is a green light and regularly clean your alarms (at least every month).

Regularly check green mains indicator

Your alarms at the very least should be tested monthly.

If nuisance alarms occur press the “> <” button to silence the alarm for 10 minutes

Clean your alarm regularly (at least monthly)

Remove or completely cover your alarm when decorating to prevent dust or other contamination damaging the unit

Do not paint your alarm. Do not allow paint, water or dust to contaminate the alarm

You alarm is powered by 230VAC. Do not open or insert anything into the alarm.

DOs

DON’Ts


When the alarm detects potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, it flashes the red alarm light immediately and then sounds a loud alarm. If your carbon monoxide alarm activates contact the Emergency Service Provider immediately on 0800 111999

NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM !Every year during the annual gas safety check a Tai Calon gas engineer will check the carbon monoxide alarms are in date and replace if necessary. However there are some routine weekly checks that should be carried out by you:

4 To test the alarm press and hold the test button. The Alarm will flash green and the horn will sound. This means the alarm is powered and operating correctly.

4 If there is a fault condition the amber light will flash and the horn will beep. In this instance contact Tai Calon straight away on 0300 303 1717 to arrange for a new alarm to be fitted.

4 Clean the outside case by occasionally wiping with a clean damp cloth. Do not use any cleaning agents, bleaches, detergents or polishes, including those in aerosol cans. Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, paint or other aerosols near the alarm.


CarbonMonoxide

In the UK, carbon monoxide poisoning in the home accounts for 50 recorded deaths per year, and as many as 4,000 medical visits, according to the Department of Health. You can’t see it, smell it or taste it but it is extremely toxic. It is produced by appliances and vehicles burning fuels, such as coal, oil, natural/bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc. High levels of CO in a house can be caused by:

• Incorrectly or poorly installed fuel-burning appliances.

• Blocked or cracked chimneys/flues.

• Blocked vents or draught-proofing which makes areas airtight.

• Engines of cars, lawnmowers etc. left running in confined spaces.

• Portable paraffin or gas heaters in badly ventilated rooms.


“”

74%

SURVEY RESULTS

About who responded

OUR TEAM84%79%

74%70%

57%

41%

are satisfied with our overall service

of tenants

Star stands for ‘Survey of Tenants and Residents’.Housing associations like Tai Calon use the survey to understand which areas we are doing well and where we need to improve. We also use the results to compare ourselves to other housing associations in Wales as they ask a number of the same questions.

Our independent researchers sent out just over 2000 surveys to tenants and leaseholders and received 767 back. These results represent tenants who answered they were very or fairly satisfied. The other options were neither, fairly or very dissatisfied.

The next Heart of the Matter will cover some of the actions we’ll take to improve. If you want more information contact:

Sarah Freeman on 0300 303 1717or [email protected]

Tenant’s Ages

Said we had friendly and approachable staff

Said our staff were helpful

Satisfied with how their enquiry was dealt with

Found it easy to get hold of the right person

16-34

16%35-49

21%50-64

25%65+

31%

STAR


TAI CALON NEWSSPRING EDITION

“

”82%

REPAIRS

Satisfaction with key services

INTERNET USEHow tenants get online:

Tenants use the internet for:

93%

76% 75% 79%

63%46%44%42%

47% 27%

28%

92%86% of respondents

were happy with their last repair

Of tenants were satisfied with the attitude of the tradesperson

Of tenants use the internet

SocialMedia

Shopping

Online Banking

Smartphone Tablet

Laptop

Were satisfied we kept dirt and mess to a minimum

Were satisfied with the quality of the repair

Qualityof home

Satisfaction with your neighbourhood

Value for moneyof rent

6 out of ten homes had a repair in the last year


TREESWhat have

Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise soil and give life to the nation’s wildlife.

Not only are trees essential for life, but they screen unsightly structures and activities, give privacy and soften the hard lines of buildings.

Trees combat climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles. Each year a mature tree produces enough oxygen for 10 people.

Trees benefit the environment.Trees also help prevent flooding and soil erosion, absorbing thousands of litres of storm water. On hillsides and slopes trees hold soil in place. Slowing down water into rivers and streams is proven to eliminate flooding further down the river systems and helps to stop debris and pollutants reaching the sea.

Trees boost wildlife.Communities of birds, insects, lichen and fungi are supported by trees. Trees in themselves benefit the environment and landscape, but they are also an integral part of the ecosystem providing benefits to wildlife and biodiversity.

Trees strengthen communities.Trees strengthen the distinctive character of a place and encourage local pride. Urban woodland can be used as an educational resource and to bring groups together for activities such as walking and bird watching. Trees are also valuable for children to play in and discover their sense of adventure.

ever done for you?


IN THE COMMUNITYSPRING EDITION

Trees mark the seasons.Is it Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn?

Look at the trees.

Trees create economic opportunities.Small business opportunities in tree and green space management arise when appropriate management plans are in place. Vocational training for young people interested in green jobs is a good way to develop economic opportunities from trees.

Trees are vitalIt’s clear that trees provide wonderful benefits for both humans and the natural environment. Trees are the lungs of our community. They’re the homes for our wildlife. They’re our guardians against flooding. Trees are vital to so many aspects of our life.

The maintenance of Tai Calon’s tree stock and the regeneration of mature woodland and the planting of new woodland, using species appropriate to local sites, enhances the environment for the whole community and will provide benefits for future generations. It is therefore essential that Tai Calon support an ethos of preserving and conserving trees.

Please help us to leave a

lasting legacy of a well managed

environment for future

generations.


Ingredients

300g of chocolate, broken into chunks

100g butter, diced

140g golden syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

200g biscuit, roughly chopped

100g sultana (optional)

85g Rice Krispies

100-140g mini eggs or other sweets

50g white chocolate (optional)

Method

1. Line a 20 x 30cm tin with baking paper. Melt the chocolate, butter and golden syrup in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla, biscuits, sultanas and Rice Krispies, and mix well until everything is coated.

2. Tip the mixture into the tin, then flatten it down with the back of a spoon. Press in some mini eggs or other sweets, if using, and put in the fridge until set. When hard, drizzle all over with the melted white chocolate and set again before cutting into chunks.

Crispy chocolate fridge cake

Kids got a little more chocolate on their hands than you bargained for at Easter? Help them make a little dent in their stash with this scrumptious and very shareable cake

Want to improve your reading? Want to brush up on your spelling

or writing? Want help filling in forms or writing

a CV? Want to help your child with their

school work?

Then Readability is for you!

• We find out what you want to work on • We give you 1 to 1 sessions to boost your skills • We work at your own pace at a time that suits you

Call Llanhilleth Miners Institute on 01495 354674 or email

[email protected] to find out more!


The tutor Jim tailored the course to suit everyone, starting with ‘this is a computer and this is how you turn it on!’ During the first 8 weeks Jim covered the basics of how to navigate around the key pad, how to create a word document, how to use spell checks and create folders.

How to set up an email account The residents really enjoyed the training and got a thirst for more. At the end of the 8 weeks Jim was more than happy to run another course. The second 8 week stint started just before Christmas learning how to use and understand the internet.

Look out for more

information of more courses! Come, join in and learn something new.

Going DigitalA few residents at Peacehaven Court mentioned they had never used a computer, so they decided to do something about it! In partnership with Bleanau Gwent Adult Learning, an 8 week course was set up on how to use laptops. The course started in September and was initially for 8 weeks.



For a long time the banking at Mount Pleasant Court had been a place where off road bikes and quads would drive up and down the banking.

In partnership with Cllr Lee Parsons, Brynithel Activity Group, local police and Keep Wales Tidy a tree planting event was arranged to help solve the problem!

16 apple trees were planted along the banking, thanks

to the JCB which dug out the holes ready!

Thank you to Brynithel Activity Group and Brynithel Community Centre which opened and provided lunch and much needed refreshments for all!

What fantastic community spirit by everyone involved! Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Tracey MickeliCommunity Housing Officer

Brynithel Tree Planting

We were contacted by Cllr Lee Parsons in relation to issues that had been reported regarding the banking at the bottom of Mount Pleasant Court.


Jersey Boys!Residents from Llys Y Capel said they wanted to see Jersey Boys at the Wales Millennium Centre, so that’s exactly what they did!

It was a beautiful sunny day in January so everyone took advantage of the sun and made a day of it in Cardiff Bay. Everyone loved the show and enjoyed the trip so much another two have been planned to see other shows!



“Great day out, when

are we going again?!”

“The day could not have gone any

better it was a lovely experience and

everyone enjoyed themselves”

“A great day out and good company too. Cheered me up no end”

“Beautiful day out weather

was lovely, food was great and

we enjoyed the show.”

Tenant Led


Community

GroupsBryn Farm Community House Interact – kids club every Monday 6pm to 8pm

Cefn Golau Tenants and Residents Association (TARA)Coffee morning every Tuesday 10.30am to 12pm at Community House.

Cefn Golau TogetherMeet 2nd Tuesday of the month with Coalfields and Building Communities Trust to discuss moving forward with the Big Lottery Funds, at Community House.

ChillzoneMeet every Wednesday at 5pm to 7pm, Tai Calon. A group for teenagers with autism and SEN – for socialising and games.

Community ExplorersMeet every 2 months at each community centre. A group of volunteers from various communities coming together to share ideas, socialise and work on engagement within the community.

Glyncoed coffee morningMeet fortnightly Tuesday at 10am to 12.00pm at Glyncoed Bowls Centre to socialise.

Hilltop Tenants and Residents Association (TARA)Meet at Log Cabin 1st Thursday of the month, 4pm, with councillors and police.

Men’s DenMeet every Wednesday, 10am to 12pm, William Powell Memorial Hall, Bourneville for men to get together and socialise.

BetterTogetherGetting it right for you



Newtown Tenants and ResidentsMeet first Tuesday of the month, 5pm to 6pm (currently) at Community Centre, attended by councillors and police. https://www.facebook.com groups/1418702218373269/

Sirhowy Community CentreMeet every Monday 12pm to 2pm for craft group. Every Friday 10.30 to 12pm for Food Coop and Credit Union (sometimes attended by councillor). Every Wednesday 12pm – 2pm – Tesco Food Share (They often have extra Tesco food share days plus Jesus Cares parcels once a month on various days – check Facebook page to find out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sirhowystar

St Georges Court Tenants and Residents Association (TARA)Meet every 2nd Thursday of the month, 11am to 12pm at St Georges Church Hall with councillors and police.

Tenant Quality ForumMeet 1st Wednesday of the month, 10am to 12.30pm at Tai Calon to review the design and delivery of services.

Waundeg and Nantybwch Community FlatCoffee morning every Tuesday 12pm to 2pm. Last Tuesday of the month is TARA meeting with councillors and police. Knitter Natter – every Wednesday, 12pm to 2pm. Jesus Cares parcels on various days – join Facebook group to find out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/175776082439637

Youth LGBT GroupMeet every other Wednesday, 4pm to 6pm to socialiseand discuss issues. (This group is currently on hold).

Supported LivingFfynnon Court coffee morningMeet every Tuesday, 10am to 11am to socialise.

Llys Y Capel coffee morningMonday, Wednesday, Friday - 10.30am to 11.30am.Bingo – 3pm to 4pm every Tuesday. Craft Class – 2pm to 4pm every Thursday.

Riverside Flats coffee morningEvery Tuesday, 10am to 11am to get together and socialise.Bingo every Monday 2pm to 4pm.

COLOURING COMPETITION

BIGCONGRATULATIONSto all the winners of the Christmas colouring competition.

As it was Christmas, Santa decided you all did extremely well and couldn’t choose between you!

Competition deadline1st June

2019

Name: Age:

Address:

Please return to this address: Damian Vizard, Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW

Resource Reg. No. 2110

Documents

SPRING 2019 YOUR HOME Heart of the Matter€¦ · was awarded the contract to provide 24/7 monitoring of all emergency calls and out-of-hours services for Tai Calon, including all