YOUR HOME WINTERSPRING EDITION 2019 Heart of the Matter

Spring Clean! Page 3 Find out what

Tai Calon Sings For Euro Vision Song is happening Contest Page 12 in your Going Digital Page 14 IN WELCOME THIS ISSUE... TO OUR Your Home SPRING Spring Clean! 3 Security 1st! 4 Out of Hours 5 NEWSLETTER Are You Doing The Dear All 5 Minute Flush? 5 Test It Friday 6 A warm welcome to you all as Carbon Monoxide 7 we say goodbye to a long winter and enjoy the fresh blossoms Tai Calon News Star Survey Results 8 and greenery of spring. In Your Community 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. What Have Trees Ever Done For You? 10 In this edition of Heart of the Matter, we give you a summary of the Crispy Chocolate latest satisfaction survey results. In the next edition we will report Fridge Cake 12 back on how we are using your feedback to improve our services to you. Tai Calon Sings For Euro Vision Song Contest 12 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 Going Digital 14 importance of trees in keeping us and our planet healthy. If you Tree Planting 15 would like to have more trees planted in your neighbourhood, Jersey Boys 16 perhaps some lovely fruit trees, please contact your Community Tenant Led Community Housing Officer who will be able to help. The Housing Team Groups 18 want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in whichever ways suit them, to help us all to improve all the Colouring Competition 20 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. Do you need a different format? Joe Logan If you would like this Chief Executive newsletter in a different format (e.g. large print, audio or braille) or in a different language please contact Sarah Freeman on: Telephone: 01495 294 865 0300 303 1717 [email protected]: sarah.freeman@ www.taicalon.org taicalon.org Text: taicalon to 60030, followed by your message

2 | www.taicalon.org YOUR HOME SPRING EDITION Spring Clean! 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 Cash Programme Manager: Business Transformation

www.taicalon.org | 3 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. GDPR 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.

4 | www.taicalon.org YOUR HOME SPRING EDITION OUT OF HOURS 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 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

Are you doing the 5 minute flush? 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.

www.taicalon.org | 5 Test it Friday 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).

DOs 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 DON’Ts 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.

6 | www.taicalon.org YOUR HOME SPRING EDITION Carbon Monoxide

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 When the alarm detects potentially dangerous levels appliances and vehicles of carbon monoxide, it flashes the red alarm light burning fuels, such as immediately and then sounds a loud alarm. If your carbon monoxide alarm activates contact the Emergency Service coal, oil, natural/bottled Provider immediately on 0800 111999 gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc. High NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM ! levels of CO in a house can be caused by: Every year during the annual gas safety check a Tai Calon gas engineer will check the carbon monoxide alarms are • Incorrectly or poorly installed in date and replace if necessary. However there are some fuel-burning appliances. routine weekly checks that should be carried out by you:

• Blocked or cracked 4 To test the alarm press and hold the test button. chimneys/flues. The Alarm will flash green and the horn will sound. This means the alarm is powered and operating • Blocked vents or draught- correctly. proofing which makes areas 4 If there is a fault condition the amber light will flash and airtight. the horn will beep. In this instance contact Tai Calon straight away on 0300 303 1717 to arrange for a new • Engines of cars, lawnmowers alarm to be fitted. etc. left running in confined 4 Clean the outside case by occasionally wiping with a spaces. clean damp cloth. Do not use any cleaning agents, bleaches, detergents or polishes, including those in • Portable paraffin or gas aerosol cans. Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, heaters in badly ventilated paint or other aerosols near the alarm. rooms.

www.taicalon.org | 7 About who responded STAR 57% SURVEY RESULTS 41% Star stands for ‘Survey of Tenant’s Ages Tenants and Residents’. 16-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Housing associations like Tai Calon use the 16% 21% 25% 31% 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 TEAM

Our independent researchers sent out just Said we had friendly over 2000 surveys to tenants and and approachable staff leaseholders and received 767 back. These 84% results represent tenants who answered they were very or fairly satisfied. The other options Said our staff were were neither, fairly or very dissatisfied. 79% helpful The next Heart of the Matter will cover some of the actions we’ll take to improve. If you want more information contact: Satisfied with how their enquiry was dealt with Sarah Freeman 74% on 0300 303 1717 Found it easy to get or [email protected] hold of the right person 70% “ % of tenants are satisfied74 with our overall service 8 | www.taicalon.org ” TAI CALON NEWS SPRING EDITION REPAIRS Of tenants were satisfied with 93% the attitude of the tradesperson Were satisfied we kept dirt % 92% and mess to a minimum “82 Were satisfied with the of respondents 86% quality of the repair were happy with their last repair 6 out of ten homes had a repair in the last year INTERNET USE” Of tenants use Tenants use the internet for: 63% the internet Social How tenants get online: 46% Media 47% 27% Smartphone Tablet 44% Shopping 28% Online Laptop 42% Banking Satisfaction with key services 76% 75% 79% Quality Value for money Satisfaction with of home of rent your neighbourhood

www.taicalon.org | 9 What have

everTREES done for you? 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.

10 | www.taicalon.org IN THE COMMUNITY SPRING EDITION

Please help us to leave a lasting legacy of a well managed environment for future generations. 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 vital It’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.

www.taicalon.org | 11 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 Ingredients Method 300g of chocolate, broken into chunks 1. Line a 20 x 30cm tin with baking paper. Melt the 100g butter, diced chocolate, butter and golden syrup in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until 140g golden syrup smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla, biscuits, sultanas 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) and Rice Krispies, and mix well until everything is coated. 200g biscuit, roughly chopped 100g sultana (optional) 2. Tip the mixture into the tin, then flatten it down with the 85g Rice Krispies back of a spoon. Press in some mini eggs or other sweets, if using, and put in the fridge until set. When 100-140g mini eggs or other sweets hard, drizzle all over with the melted white chocolate 50g white chocolate (optional) and set again before cutting into chunks.

12 | www.taicalon.org  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! Going Digital

A 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.

The tutor Jim tailored the How to set up an email account course to suit everyone, starting The residents really enjoyed Look out with ‘this is a computer and this the training and got a thirst for for more is how you turn it on!’ During more. At the end of the 8 weeks information of the first 8 weeks Jim covered Jim was more than happy more courses! the basics of how to navigate to run another course. The Come, join in and around the key pad, how to second 8 week stint started just learn something create a word document, before Christmas learning how how to use spell checks and to use and understand new. create folders. the internet.

14 | www.taicalon.org IN THE COMMUNITY SPRING EDITION

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.

For a long time the banking to the JCB which dug out at Mount Pleasant Court the holes ready! had been a place where Thank you to Brynithel off road bikes and quads Activity Group and Brynithel would drive up and down Community Centre which the banking. opened and provided In partnership with Cllr Lee lunch and much needed Parsons, Brynithel Activity refreshments for all! Group, local police and What fantastic community Keep Wales Tidy a tree spirit by everyone involved! planting event was arranged Enjoy the fruits of your labor. to help solve the problem! Tracey Mickeli 16 apple trees were planted Community Housing Officer along the banking, thanks

www.taicalon.org | 15 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!

16 | www.taicalon.org IN THE COMMUNITY SPRING EDITION “The day could not have gone any “Great day better it was a lovely experience and out, when everyone enjoyed are we going themselves” again?!”

“Beautiful day out weather was lovely, food was great and we enjoyed the show.”

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

www.taicalon.org | 17 Tenant Led Community Bryn Farm Community House Interact – kids club every Monday 6pm to 8pm Groups Cefn Golau Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) Coffee morning every Tuesday 10.30am to 12pm at Community House. Cefn Golau Together Meet 2nd Tuesday of the month with Coalfields and Building Communities Trust to discuss moving forward with the Big Lottery Funds, at Community House. Chillzone Meet every Wednesday at 5pm to 7pm, Tai Calon. A group for teenagers with autism and SEN – for socialising and games. Community Explorers Meet 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 morning Meet 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 Den Meet every Wednesday, 10am to 12pm, William Powell Memorial Hall, Bourneville for men to get together and socialise.

18 | www.taicalon.org IN THE COMMUNITY SPRING EDITION

Newtown Tenants and Residents Meet first Tuesday of the month, 5pm to 6pm (currently) at Community Centre, attended by councillors and police. https://www.facebook.com groups/1418702218373269/ Community Centre Meet 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 Forum Meet 1st Wednesday of the month, 10am to 12.30pm at Tai Calon to review the design and delivery of services. Waundeg and Nantybwch Community Flat Coffee 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 Group Meet every other Wednesday, 4pm to 6pm to socialise and discuss issues. (This group is currently on hold). Better Together r you Supported Living ht fo Getting it rig Ffynnon Court coffee morning Meet every Tuesday, 10am to 11am to socialise. Llys Y Capel coffee morning Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 10.30am to 11.30am. Bingo – 3pm to 4pm every Tuesday. Craft Class – 2pm to 4pm every Thursday. Riverside Flats coffee morning Every Tuesday, 10am to 11am to get together and socialise. Bingo every Monday 2pm to 4pm.

www.taicalon.org | 19 Competition deadline COLOURING 1st June COMPETITION 2019

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to 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!

Name: Age:

Address:

Please return to this address: Damian Vizard, Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, , , NP13 3JW Resource Reg. No. 2110