heartof the matter

New Director of Housing Hilltop funday Anti Social Behaviour

Spring 2012 | Issue 6 Sheltered Shout inside

facebook.com/taicalon @taicalon www.taicalon.org Contents Keep in Touch z Celebrating Being in Training p3 There are so many different z Tenant OCN Courses p4 ways in which you can get in touch with us and keep z New Director p4 up-to-date with what is z At Risk p5 going on. z Getting Stuck In p6 By Phone: z Gardening Competition p7 Ring us on 0300 303 1717 z Hilltop Funday p8/9 between 9AM and 5PM z Potty About Pots p10 Monday to Friday. z Flexible Learning in the p10 By Email: [email protected] z Sheltered Shout p11/14 z Be In It ... To Win It p15 By fax: 01495 290 501. z Neighbourhood Walkabouts p16/17 Visit or write to us at: z Antisocial Behaviour and Neighbour Nuisance p18/20 Tai Calon, Solis One, Rising z Grass Cutting p21 Sun Industrial Estate, z Tenant Board Member Elections p22 , Blaenau , z Time to say Thank You p23 NP13 3JW z What’s Happening p24 Website: www.taicalon.org has lots of useful information about us and you can read all our Going Large latest news. facebook: Every member of staff at Tai join our page by Calon Community Housing “liking” us at carries an identity card. facebook.com/taicalon The size of a credit card Twitter: it has their name and follows us @taicalon photograph. If you have a story to tell Tenants should always us, or want us to include insist on seeing it something in the next when someone edition of our newsletter, contact: calls at their home. However, the card Hefina Rendle, can be difficult to Communications and PR read for people with Manager, at Solis One, sight impairments, or by email [email protected] which is why the organisation has issued its trade staff with a larger, easier to read, ID card. .

2 The apprentices pictured with Hayley Selway Celebrating Being in Training

15 apprentices were with Tai Calon. “It took me five The young men all believe invited for afternoon tea years of applying to different more employers should at the headquarters of Tai schemes before I managed to be encouraged to take on Calon Community Housing get an apprenticeship. Being apprentices. Tai Calon building to celebrate National rejected was so disheartening superintendent Dilwyn Snelgrove Apprenticeship Week. and although I was working in a agrees. He started his career factory, I wanted a proper trade. as a trainee plasterer 32 years Six work for the organisation When I was accepted by Tai ago with the old Blaenau and are the first recruits to its Calon I was over the moon.” Gwent borough council. “It was apprenticeship scheme. The difficult even in those days to other nine are employed by Joshua Price from has get an apprenticeship. There firms which work alongside Tai been training as an electrician for were loads of tests and it was Calon. Between them the group just a month. He was successful a big thing to be accepted are doing apprenticeships in in getting his apprenticeship onto a scheme. Someone saw bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, with A Bennett Electrical after something in me and I got the carpentry, and electrical attending a careers evening in job. Now I am doing my bit by engineering. . “You just can’t by- helping the next generation of pass the experience you get as apprentices with their training.” Simon Carter, Director of Assets an apprentice. Learning from at Tai Calon, said “It is very someone else on the job is one The invitation to tea came important for us to provide jobs of the most important aspects of from Hayley Selway, Assistant for local people now as well as in an apprenticeship.” Director of Housing and the future. Our apprenticeship Communities. “We wanted programme is one of the ways Apprentice plumber, Josh Evans to get the apprentices we can do just that. We set it up from Cwm, Ebbw Vale, agrees. together to celebrate National with the intention of employing He feels he was very lucky to get Apprenticeship Week. So we as many youngsters as possible his job with R and M Williams, invited our own along as well as and have worked with our after seeing many of his friends those from firms who work with contractors to get them to do struggle to find work. “I always us, R and M Williams, Seddon, the same.” wanted a trade and a plumber A Bennett Electrical and Seren is an excellent job. It also Contractors. It is nice to meet One of the 15 is Jamie Boucher means that in the future I can do the young men and to talk from Ebbw Vale. He is a first whatever I want knowing I have a to them about how they are year bricklaying apprentice trade to fall back upon.” progressing with their training.”

3 New Director The new Director of Communities and Housing at Tai Calon Community Housing is Andrew Myatt. He joined the organisation from Selwood Housing in Wiltshire where he was Head of Neighbourhoods. A Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, Andrew Tenant OCN Courses has worked in the social housing sector since leaving The views of tenants are The organisation realised the university 18 years ago. very important to Tai Calon solution to its problem was “Tenants, staff and board simple. Ask tenants to carry out Community Housing. members have been very the survey on its behalf. The welcoming and have helped results were amazing. So much give me a real insight into so, that Tai Calon is now helping where we have come from, some of its tenant canvassers where we are now and obtain a qualification for carrying where we want to be, said out the weekly telephone calls. Andrew Myatt. Five tenants and three residents “The quality of our services are studying for the Open has improved over the College Network certificate in past 18 months. I am Every week it contacts residents, Customer Care. It is an eight excited at the prospect of who’ve had repairs carried out week course and their work is developing them further at their homes, to find out what assessed by Bridges into Work. and in helping to introduce they think of the work. However, One of the trainees is Morgana new ones, as promised to tenants were often reluctant to Wathen. “This is really a great our tenants. Making sure tell canvassers what they really way to gain work experience the front line services work think. and a qualification at the same as effectively as possible is a “We carry out the repair time.” key component in delivering satisfaction surveys on a weekly what we’ve promised,” he Mawena Blackman agrees. “I basis. It lets us know what we added. am really looking forward to are doing well and what we Andrew Myatt is moving completing the course and it is need to improve. So it’s very to with his wife and great that Tai Calon is helping us important that we get as much two young children. He has do it.” information as possible, but we previously worked for local just weren’t getting that. The It is hoped that after successfully authorities and housing tenants were not opening up to completing the course, the eight associations in the South us when we rang to ask for their students will be able to obtain West and South of England, opinions,” said Hayley Selway, further work experience or even including Sovereign Assistant Director of Housing a job in customer care in the Housing, Bristol, Gosport and Communities. area. and Portsmouth councils.

4 best to help and we also try to make sure tenants don’t find At risk themselves in the situation in the first place. ” Everything fell apart for Sue when her beloved A member of the Income team husband died suddenly. For six months she meets prospective tenants to couldn’t bear to leave their Blaenau Gwent home. help them budget for the cost Her only companion was their dog, and with no of running their new home. The staff can also give them family or friends to offer support, things went and existing tenants’ advice from bad to worse. on what housing and other benefits may be available.

Sue* struggled to cope. As she not thank them enough.” However, Tai Calon will write fell into debt, her telephone to a tenant if they fall more Sue is now working part time. than a week behind with their was cut off and she got behind “Things are still tough for with her rent. rent. That initial contact is me, but I can afford to keep followed up by further letters “I could barely afford to buy my home and that is really and even visits to the home. If food, let alone pay for anything important to me.” She said. the tenant doesn’t respond the else. I owed so much money, Sue wanted to give others the organisation will go to court to I just didn’t know how I was confidence to seek help. “I ask for the property back. going to pay it back,” she said. am not the only person to find “We don’t want to get to that But, Sue, who had been her myself owing money, had I situation,” said Ceri Owen. “We husband’s full time carer, ignored the problem I could will always do our best, but we realised she couldn’t ignore her have lost my home.” can’t help if we don’t know what financial problems. Income Manager Ceri Owen is wrong. And in the case of “I was very frightened of losing agrees. “We would encourage Sue, everything turned out fine my home. He and I had lived our tenants to tell us if they for her because she came to here for over 20 years. I have have a problem paying their us and told us she was having no one. The only thing I have rent. We will certainly do our problems.” said Ceri Owen. left is my home and I was so * We have changed her name to protect her identity. worried about what could happen.” Sue got in contact with her landlord, Tai Calon Community Housing, and was overwhelmed by the support she received. “If you owe money and can’t afford to pay, is, don’t ignore the problem, you have to tell More changes are coming to housing benet them that you are in difficulty. I am so glad that I contacted Charity 515902 Registered Tai Calon, they have been so If you get help to pay your rent then you need supportive. I couldn’t have got to nd out how the changes will aect you. through it without the help and Get advice now advice of Income officers, Zoe Call 0845 075 5005, visit sheltercymru.org.uk Or email [email protected] Bishop and Sara Edwards. They Or call 08444 77 2020 or visit adviceguide.org.uk have been marvellous and I can

5 Getting Stuck in

For the past 32 struggled to find enough is free for anyone who wants it. years, Mike Harvey people to cultivate the plots, It is ideal as a fertiliser and as but not anymore. Our four a covering to prevent weeds. has been cultivating newest members are in their So we were delighted when his allotment. He is thirties and we still have others Allotment Society the longest serving waiting for an allotment.” said asked for enough to lay over its Mr Flarvey. paths.” member of Brynmawr The society has been in Brian Cooper, who works for Tai Allotment Society and existence since 1917 and the Calon, has had his allotment loves to grow flowers paths around the 30 plots can for eight years and grows his as well as vegetables get very muddy in the winter. own vegetables. Much of what However Mr Harvey solved the he produces Brian grows from for show. problem when Brain Cooper, seeds and from the end of A few years ago he won first a painter and decorator, told March onwards he will be very prize in two novice classes at him that Tai Calon Community busy cultivating his crops. the National Chrysanthemum Housing in Blaenau Gwent is “It is a really healthy way of Society show in the Midlands. giving away mulch to tenants putting food on your table. It is Gardening is also a hobby that and residents. also cheaper than shopping in has blossomed in popularity Green Earth, which looks the supermarket as well,” says as more people want to grow after the green spaces for Brain. their own food. the organisation, has a large The mulch is free for tenants “An allotment was once seen stockpile from mulching green and residents and can be as an old man’s playground waste. Gwynfor Evans, of collected from Tai Calon’s and in the past we have Green Earth, said “The mulch headquarters in Blaina.

6 Competition

Is your garden pretty as a picture? Do you enjoy growing things?

If the answer is yes, then enter Closing date for entries is the 2012 Tai Calon Gardening 29th June, 2012. Competition. The decision of the The contest is open to all judges will be final. tenants and judging will take Entrants must be place around the end of July. tenants of Tai Calon The winners in each category Community Housing. will receive prize money of The winners will be £100, 2nd place £75 and 3rd invited to attend place £25 as well as a trophy. a prize giving Categories are:- ceremony. • Best Garden Tai Calon Community • Best Beginner Garden Housing reserves (tenancies under 3 years) the right to print • Best hanging basket/pot/ names, areas and container photographs • Best Community Garden of entrants in • Tallest Sunflower (only open to publicity material. children aged 11 and under) ! Tenant Gardening Competition 2012 PLEASE COMPLETE DETAILS BELOW IN BLOCK CAPITALS

Name: ......

Address: ......

Postcode: ......

Telephone Number: ......

Please tick the box for which category or categories you wish to enter: Best Garden Best Beginner Garden (tenancies under 3 years) Best hanging basket/pot/container Best Community Garden Tallest Sunflower (only open to children aged 11 and under) Return entries to Chloe Williams, Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW. Closing date for entries is 29th June, 2012.

7 Hilltop Funday Face painting ... the Dragons’ Den Community Bus ... arts and crafts ... street dancing It was all happening at Hilltop Community Fun Day in Ebbw Vale.

This is just one of the many events that we help organise or run in your community. If you are thinking of doing something in your area let us know.

We may be able to offer support, as well as put you in touch with organisations that could fund your activity.

8 9 Potty About Pots Flexible Learning in the Community

Carrie Herbert realised she needed to do something to improve her chances of finding work. So she signed up for a Learndirect class at If you have ever fancied throwing a the Garnlydan Communities First pot or decorating a vase then now Info Shop in Ebbw Vale. could be the ideal time to have a go, by signing up for training at Tai Carrie originally studied English because she Calon Community Housing. wanted to improve her literacy skills and has since enrolled on a Maths class. The courses Local potter and ceramist, Matt Jones, is lead to City and Guilds qualifications. running two short courses at our offices at Learners access their courses via the Internet, Solis One in Blaina. for example, during classes, at a local library, in In weekly, two hour sessions, Matt will teach their home or at a WEA (Workers Educational students the art of making a pot and how to Association) centre. decorate it. Each of the courses, Creative Pottery Craft Skills and An Introduction to Carrie enjoys being able to study from home, Decorative Work, will last three weeks and especially since she hasn’t been able to get to lead to a certificate from Agored Cymru. class recently because of illness. It also means she can work at her own pace wherever and “I was studying art at college and became whenever she chooses fascinated by ceramics. I love making things and teaching others how to do it as well,” There are a wide range of courses, including said Matt, who went on to get a degree in Employability Skills, Life Skills and IT. They are ceramics before setting up his own business, run through the Qwest Project and are free. “Ave a go Ceramics”. “The courses give you the chance to try something new and to be creative. They are also a great way to boost your confidence.” For further information on any of A large jug made by Matt Jones is on display the Learndirect courses please in reception at Blaina. contact: Students do not need any experience to sign Alyson Smith 01495 791128 up for the courses which are free. James Fleming 01633 613680 For more information contact Natasha Jones, Or check out the website at: www.swales. Community Investment and Involvement wea.org.uk/courses/learndirect/ Officer on 0300 303 1717.

10 ShoutSheltered

Life at Riverside Flats Be a Friend

Spring 2012 / Issue 3

facebook.com/taicalon @taicalon www.taicalon.org Riverside Flats A lot of people get the wrong impression about sheltered housing. To them it’s somewhere dull where residents just wait out their days. But that couldn’t be further from the truth, says the residents of Riverside Flats at Blaina. Residents on a trip to House in Newport. the milkman if they want. There are no strict rules. Yes, like any tenancy, there are regulations, but otherwise they can come and go as they please.” The tenants can also decide how little, or much, support they want from Caroline. She calls The complex has 25 one- on residents at least once a day, bedroomed apartments, some although some choose not to with stunning views over the have any visits from her at all. surrounding hills. Brenda Chivers Riverside is also at the heart of and Evelyn Young have lived at Blaina. There are bus stops and Riverside for 12 years. Like their shops nearby, so everything is Caroline Bridge in one of the friends at Riverside, they believe within easy walking distance for empty flats Riverside “sheltered” is the wrong word to residents. 18 months I have been here. I describe the way they live. They Marilyn Werrett and husband Reg have been doing and going out prefer the term “independent moved in two years ago. “We more than I ever have done.” living” because that is how they came here for a variety of reasons, see it. including the fact that we no A couple of the flats are currently “I have had a new lease of life longer want the responsibilities empty. Caroline Bridge would since coming here. I have as that go with having a big home. urge anyone who thinks they may much privacy as I want. There is It’s lovely here, we feel safe and be eligible to come and have a always something going on and I there is always something to do.” look. “Riverside isn’t what most people expect. It’s about people can choose whether to join in the The residents certainly keep living as they please, but knowing activities,” said Mrs Chivers. themselves busy with bingo they can have support, if they Evelyn Young agrees. “There is a sessions, coffee mornings and need it.” real mix of people here, women, meals together at Riverside. men, singles and couples. It is They also enjoy lots of outside so convenient and easy. The activities, including visits to Tai Calon has 11 company is great.” the theatre and concerts. Last sheltered housing December they had Christmas Caroline Bridge is the scheme complexes. Lunch at Tredegar House in manager. She also agrees with If you would Newport. her residents. “One prospective like more information tenant wanted to know what Elaine Singleton sums up what contact Anthony Rowson, time they had to be in at night. they all think about Riverside. “It’s Sheltered Housing team As if there is a curfew. As I a community within a community. leader on 0300 303 1717. explained, they can come in with I have really enjoyed myself in the

Sheltered Shout 2 A Friend is ... Welcome Friends is to run Sometimes it is hard to make friends. It’s even initially at Davey Evans Court, harder as we get older or after a bereavement. one of Tai Calon’s supported A new befriending group – ‘Welcome Friends’ - has housing schemes at Abertillery. been set up by RSVP in Blaenau Gwent to help get “It is awful to think of anyone people together. being lonely. We at Tai Calon want to do what we can to help. RSVP has been going since Andy Harris is looking for I am sure there are tenants 1988 and has money from “befrienders” as well as older who would like to become the Big Lottery AdvantAge volunteers to help him run the volunteers, as well as others who Programme to fund its work in scheme. He needs someone would really benefit from the the county for five years. to help set up a register of the services of RSVP,” said Anthony groups, clubs and associations Retired officer Rowson, Sheltered Housing in the area which would be of Andy Harris is the project Team Leader. development co-ordinator. interest to someone who is 50 “RSVP is aimed at people plus. If you would aged 50 and over. It is about “We take care to place our like to volunteer being a friend to someone, volunteers in a project where contact visiting them, taking them out they can use their skills and Andy Harris and giving them an interest experience. If further training is on 01495 353343 or again. It’s about taking away appropriate, it can be arranged if 07788 310444 or email their feelings of loneliness and the volunteer thinks it would be [email protected] isolation.” useful,” he said.

visiting in case of a fire or another emergency. For Sheltered Notes everyone’s safety, please make sure that all visitors enter and leave the complex by the main entrance. Should tenants in sheltered housing be able We are also carrying out a survey of our complexes to keep pets? Tai Calon Community Housing to try and find suitable areas for the storage and wants to know your views. At the moment it isn’t recharging of mobility scooters. They can not be allowed, but we are now considering a number of kept in communal areas or corridors because of options. the risk of fire. 1. Keeping the ban in place If you have a question or a problem, please 2. Allowing tenants to keep a pet, subject to contact your scheme manager for help. We certain conditions. also hold regular meetings of the 3. New tenants can bring one pet with them. Sheltered Housing Committee But it can not be replaced when the pet dies. at Solis One to discuss a wide Let us know what you think by contacting range of issues. Everyone is Anthony Rowson, Sheltered Housing team welcome, ask your scheme leader on 0300 303 1717. manager for Please remember ... to ask your guests to sign details and the the visitor’s book on their arrival at your complex. date of the next It is important that we have a record of who is meeting.

Sheltered Shout 3 A Blooming Business

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a real difference. Tenants at Peacehaven Court at Peacehaven in Tredegar have been given nearly £3,000 by Tai Calon Community Housing to spend on their garden.

Residents at the sheltered complex used some of the money to fence in the area. The remainder is going on compost and plants. One of Tai Calon’s contractors, Seren, carried out the manual work and Green Earth arranged the delivery of the compost. The main gardener is Dennis Davies, (pictured in the greenhouse) although his friend Hywel Jones helps with the digging (as pictured). “We have 13 planters and I have had to replant 11 of them,” says Dennis Davies. “The money has made a real difference. It had been a bit of a jungle out here, but now it should be a really nice area for people to sit and enjoy being out of doors.” Dennis, who also has an allotment, grows a lot of his flowers and vegetables from seed. It’s a hobby he really enjoys. All he wants now is some sunshine and the garden will be really blooming.

Contact Us: If you would like to contact Tai Calon Community Housing you can phone us on 0300 303 1717 If you wish to report a repair, enquire about your rent or would like to speak to a member of staff from Tai Calon please telephone us on 0300 303 1717 www.taicalon.org

Sheltered Shout 4 Be in it ... To Win it We are only a few months into 2012 ... but here at Tai Calon Community Housing we are already thinking about next year. That’s because we want YOU to take photographs for the 2013 Tai Calon calendar.

The pictures could be of a tree, a family pet, a 4. Good lighting and time of day place or a view, anything, as long as they were Visit the location you want to photograph at taken within Blaenau Gwent. In the next edition various times of the day, and in different weather of the newsletter we will be printing details of conditions, to find that perfect moment to take where to send your photographs and the closing your picture. date for the competition. 5. Change perspective The 12 winners will have their photographs Experiment with different perspectives. Don’t just printed in the calendar and win a prize as well. take a photo “straight on”. Try different angles, To help you take amazing pictures, Damian frame your subject against the background, or Vizard, our Communications and Marketing off-centre for a more unusual look. Officer, has eight tips to get 6. After taking your photos you started. Manipulate the images by 1. You don’t need an cropping or adjusting the expensive camera colours. Some cameras have You can take award winning their own software to help you photographs with a simple to do this. You can also find “point and shoot” camera. image editing programmes on As your skills develop, you the internet. can then think about buying 7. Expect the unexpected a more professional model. Always keep your camera 2. Know your camera’s nearby. Sometimes the best capabilities photos are taken on the “spur of Read the manual for your camera and then re- the moment”. Even if you have read it, several times. The more you know about an expensive camera, keep a cheaper one handy how it works, the better you will become at taking for that “once in a lifetime” picture opportunity. photographs. 8. Free help 3. Using a tripod There may be a photography club in your area. If you want perfect, crisp images, even when the The internet is also a great source of information. light isn’t ideal, use a tripod. It will help reduce Join an on-line group or watch tutorials. camera vibration. Some models have an “image Above all, have fun and just remember stabilization” setting, which performs the same job. practice makes perfect.

15 We all want to live in a nice, clean and safe neighbourhood, which is why we organise regular estate walkabouts.

Neighbourhood Walkabouts

We all want to live in a nice, clean and safe neighbourhood, which is why we organise regular neighbourhood walkabouts.

The idea is for staff and tenants to walk around an area to;- • Identify improvements that they would like to see carried out to communal areas in the neighbourhood, and • Identify problems that detract from the appearance of the area, like litter on pathways, rubbish that has been dumped in communal The walkabout is not environment in which you live. areas, potholes etc. concerned with the condition So if you fancy a breath of Each neighbourhood of individual tenant’s gardens, fresh air and the chance to be walkabout lasts around two that job is carried out by a involved in deciding how to hours and we will provide dedicated team from within Tai improve your area ... join us on refreshments for all those Calon Community Housing, the neighbourhood walkabouts taking part. but about improving the in your neighbourhood.

16 Regular Neighbourhood Walkabouts

Sirhowy Valley Neighbourhood Walkabouts - 10.00 am on Tuesdays Neighbourhood Meeting Point Neighbourhood Meeting Point Neighbourhood Meeting Point Walkabouts Walkabout Walkabout Area Area Area Lower - 3-Apr 10.00 am St James Way Georgetown 1-May 10.00 am in the car Sirhowy Lower 5-Jun 10.00 am St James Way St James Way car park. park opposite Peace- - St James car park. haven Court Way Cefn Golau 10-Apr 10.00 am outside the Cefn Golau 29-May 10.00 am outside the Cefn Golau 19-Jun 10.00 am outside the Community House on Community House Community House on Attlee Way on Attlee Way Attlee Way Tredegar Town 17-Apr 10.00am in the car park Ashvale 15-May 10.00 am at the Tredegar Town 12-Jun 10.00am at the car park Centre at St Georges Court corner of Griffiths Centre outside St Georges Court then 10.30 am outside Gardens / Griffiths then 10.30 am outside Deighton School Square Deighton School Dukestown 24-Apr 10.00 am near number 1 Sirhowy - 8-May 10.00 am Outside Nantybwch & 26-Jun 10.00 am outside the Ystad Deri Ysguborwen Top Shop Store, Waudeg Waundeg Community Flat Ysgubrowen Nantybwch & 22-May 10.00 am outside the Waundeg Waundeg Commu- nity Flat If you want further information about the Tai Calon Neighbourhood Walkabouts taking place in Tredegar, please contact Kelsey Watkins, Community Involvement & Investment Officer on 0300 303 1717.

Ebbw Fawr Valley Neighbourhood Walkabouts - 12.00 am on Tuesdays Neighbourhood Meeting Point Neighbourhood Meeting Point Neighbourhood Meeting Point Walkabout Walkabout Walkabout Area Area Area Beaufort 3-Apr 12.00 pm at the car park Garnlydan 22-May 12.00 pm outside Lower 26-Jun 12.00 pm outside Ty Bryn to the rear Beaufort Garnlydan Club, Club, Rassau Road. Ballroom. 12.30 pm Queensway. Bryn Coch site entrance 12.55 pm meeting at Lansbury Terrace. Hilltop Upper 24-Apr 12.00 pm outside Hilltop Rassau 15-May 12.00 pm outside Hilltop Upper 19-Jun 12.00 pm outside Hilltop Shopping Centre shops. Upper Rassau Community Shopping Centre shops. Centre. Hilltop Lower 17-Apr 12.00 pm outside Hilltop Briery Hill 1-May 12.00 pm outside Gwaun Helyg 12-Jun 12.00 pm car park to the Shopping Centre shops. RTB Club, Drysiog rear of Wordsworth Close. Street. Newtown 10-Apr 12.00 pm outside the Brynteg 8-May 12.00 pm outside Newtown 5-Jun 12.00 pm outside the entrance to Princes Hilltop Shopping entrance to Princes Court Court Flats. Centre shops. Flats. Cwm 29-May 12.00 pm outside the entrance to the School on Curre Street. If you want further information about the Tai Calon Neighbourhood Walkabouts taking place in Ebbw Vale, please contact Natasha Jones, Community Involvement & Investment Officer on 0300 303 1717.

Ebbw Fawr Valley Neighbourhood Walkabouts - 10.00 am on Thursdays Neighbourhood Meeting Point Neighbourhood Meeting Point Neighbourhood Meeting Point Walkabout Walkabout Walkabout Area Area Area Twyncynghordy 5-Apr 10.00 am outside Bryn Farm 3-May 10.00 am - the entrance Bryn Farm 14-Jun 10.00 am - the entrance to Twyncynghordy Stores. to the estate. the estate. Winchestown 12-Apr 10.00 am at the entrance Coed Cae 10-May 10.00 am outside the Winchestown 7-Jun 10.00 am at the entrance to Waunheulog estate. community centre. to Waunheulog estate. Cwmcelyn 26-Apr 10.00 am in Troed Y Bryn Ffoesmaen 24-May 10.00 am outside the Coed Cae 28-Jun 10.00 am outside the car park. ffoesmaen Inn. community centre. 19-Apr 10.00 am outside the Roseheyworth 17-May 10.00 am - Lower Beaumont 31-May 10.00 am in the car park. entrance to Valley View. Arael View outside Close the car park near 41. 10.30 am - Upper Arael View in the car park. 31-May 10.00 am - car park near number 1 Hafo- darthen Bungalows. If you want further information about the Tai Calon Neighbourhood Walkabouts taking place in Abertillery, Blaina & Brynmawr, please contact Chloe Williams, Community Involvement & Investment Officer on 0300 303 1717.

17 Anti Social Behaviour and Neighbour Nuisance

Tai Calon Community Housing recognises the stress caused by antisocial behaviour; such as harassment, racial harassment, domestic violence and general nuisance.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1988 introduced a legal definition for anti social behaviour as “behaving in a manner which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household”. What is anti social behaviour? Anti social behaviour can damaging or threatening to Examples of nuisance come in a wide variety of damage someone’s property. behaviour would include, forms. For any behaviour to be but are not limited to: classed as anti social, it must Hate crime is behaviour that be persistent. A one-off noisy targets groups or individuals Nuisance caused by pets or party would cause disturbance because of their race, sexuality, other animals such as dog to neighbours but isn’t classed physical disability or mental fouling or allowing constant as anti social behaviour. health issues, religion or barking, noise nuisance However, regular, noisy, parties learning difficulties. caused by loud music or would. Other examples of anti constant arguing, repairing What is nuisance vehicles in public areas, social behaviour includes, but behaviour? are not limited to: unlawful tipping or dumping Nuisance behaviour is of rubbish, inappropriate use Domestic violence, using “behaving unreasonably in a of communal areas, selling or aggressive and/or threatening way that affects others living using illegal drugs, causing language or behaviour, actual nearby or using communal vandalism and graffiti. violence, threats of violence, facilities”.

18 Your responsibilities under However, the earlier a dispute first instance, and then Tai Calon. the Tenancy Agreement is resolved, the better it is for We will work with the police and everyone involved. Try talking other agencies to resolve serious The Tenancy Agreement is a to your neighbour, they may not cases of anti social behaviour legal contract between you and be unaware of the effect of their and harassment. Tai Calon and sets out a number actions. of conditions in exchange for you living in the property. These Approach your neighbour in a How can I include, agreeing to pay your calm manner, at a time when report anti rent, reporting repairs and being they are free to talk, and explain social or how their behaviour is affecting responsible for every person nuisance living in, or visiting, your home, you. If this does not resolve behaviour? including pets and children. This the issues, please contact Tai also includes communal areas Calon and we will arrange You can report anti social and the neighbourhood in which for a Neighbourhood Officer behaviour in a number of you reside. to contact you to discuss the ways. matter. Telephone us on 0300 303 If you breach the terms of your 1717 between 9.00 am – Tenancy Agreement, Tai Calon Only approach your neighbour 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. can enforce the agreement if you feel it is safe to do so. In through court action, if there is cases where there have been Email us at [email protected] enough evidence. violence, threats of violence Visit us or write to us at: or you feel threatened please Solis One, Rising Sun How can I be a Good report this to the police, in the Industrial Estate, Blaina, Neighbour? Blaenau Gwent NP13 3JW. Neighbour disputes are often www.taicalon.org caused by noise, from TVs, You can also make a report radios or parties, children via a third party such as playing, dog nuisance, cars or a friend, relative or rubbish. Tai Calon encourages another agency all tenants to sign a Good such as a Social Neighbour Agreement in Worker. addition to the Tenancy Agreement. The Good Neighbour Agreement asks you to be considerate towards your neighbours, for example keeping TVs and music noise at a reasonable level, particularly during the evening or letting Nuisance behaviour them know if you are having a would include party. problems caused What can you do if you by pets or other have a problem with your animals such as neighbour? dog fouling or If this is the first time you have allowing constant experienced a problem, it may barking. be better to do nothing, as it could be a one off incident.

19 Can I make an anonymous and secure places to live. We Investigating your complaint? will not tolerate unacceptable Complaint and Taking behaviour to our tenants or Action: All reports of anti social staff. behaviour are confidential. If you complain to us about anti We would not disclose your Where there is evidence of anti social or nuisance behaviour, complaint to a third party or social behaviour, we will take we will work with you to resolve the person, about whom you action under the terms of the the problem. We will take your are complaining, without your Tenancy Agreement to resolve complaint seriously and record permission. However, this may the matter. This may include the details. We will allocate limit our investigation. If the legal action. the case to a named officer for complaint is anonymous we may investigation. We will develop not have enough information or What can you expect a plan of action with you. We evidence to deal with it. Also, from us will keep you informed while we can not take formal action we investigate the complaint. • Very serious Anti Social without signed statements. We will offer you support and Behaviour directed at an ask other agencies, such as the If the anti social behaviour is of individual or group of police, to take action where a criminal nature, you can call individuals that can cause necessary. We will explain to Crimestoppers anonymously, 24 harm, fear and intimidation. you our reasons for closing your hours a day, on 0800 555 111. We will make contact case, before doing so. You can also contact the police as a matter of urgency – if it’s an emergency dial 999, and action will be taken otherwise ring 101, for example (within one working day if you have witnessed a crime. of reported complaint) to Sources of What will Tai Calon do to make an assessment of your Further case. Action may include Information tackle anti social gathering evidence, and behaviour? with your permission, talking and Advice: We are committed to tackling to the alleged perpetrator, Blaenau Gwent Council – anti social behaviour and its or the removal of the C2BG helpline 01495 311556 causes. We work with the offensive graffiti. for the following council following agencies to ensure • Serious antisocial behaviour departments: a partnership approach to that because of its nature Environmental health tackling anti social behaviour: and frequency; causes fear department, Gwent Police, Community and intimidation. We will social services department. Mental Health Team, Blaenau contact you within 2 working Gwent County Borough Council, days of receiving the Community Safety Probation Service, Youth complaint and action will Partnership, recycling and Offending Service, support be taken by us within five waste disposal team. groups and agencies such working days” Blaenau Gwent Domestic as Victim Support and other • Behaviour, which may be Abuse Service – registered social landlords. a breach of tenancy but 01495 291202 The Community Safety is not serious by nature www.bgdas.co.uk or frequency and is not Partnership has a responsibility Crimestoppers – personally targeted. We will to minimise crime and disorder 0880 555 111 contact you within 5 working in Blaenau Gwent. As a landlord In an emergency dial 999 days and action we are committed to working and ask for the police, will be started within ten with our communities to make otherwise 101. our neighbourhood’s pleasant working days.

20 Grass Cutting Green Earth, which looks after the green spaces for Tai Calon Community Housing, expects to start grass cutting across the three valleys at the beginning of April.

Each area will be cut around once every three weeks. However the schedule can change because of the weather. It is normal to continue cutting flat areas during wet weather, although banks will be avoided. An area of 18 inches will be left around the base of trees to prevent damaging the trunks. Other obstacles will be left clean DON’T LOSE and tidy. Areas where bulbs have been EVERYTHING planted, or have become naturalised, will not be cut for a minimum of six weeks until after INSURE YOUR • Glyn Coed they have finished flowering. • Beaufort/Bryn Coch POSSESSIONS The Green Earth teams • Gurnos/Bryn Farm will follow the routes • Brynmawr Town area listed below: • Winchestown • Roundhouse Close Ebbw Fach Valley • Wesley Buildings/Limestone Call Tai Calon • Swffrydd/Grace Pope Court Road/Banna Bungalows • Brynithel • Princes St Flats Community Housing • • Cae Glas 0300 303 1717 • Cwmtillery West • Hilltop • Cwmtillery East • Briery Hill. • Blaenau Gwent Rows • Roseheyworth Sirhowy Valley • Blaina Bungalows • Peacehaven • Llys y Capel/Riverside • St James Way • East Pentwyn • Sirhowy • Southlands • Ystrad Deri in association with • Cwmcelyn • Scwrfa • Coed Cae • Rassau • Forgeside/East View. • Garnlydan • Waundeg Ebbw Fawr Valley • Gwent Way/Ashvale • Cwm • St Georges Court/Oliver Jones • Newtown • Cefn Gola.

21 Tenant Board Member Elections Are You a Tenent of Tai Calon?

We have made lots of promises to our tenants and communities about what we will do. Our mission is to “Deliver our promises, improving homes and lives.” Do You Want to Make a Difference?

Are you enthusiastic and committed to Blaenau Gwent and its communities? Do Board members at Tai Calon You will need to: share responsibility for: you want to help us make our • Be able to devote at least business the best? • Setting objectives and 5 hours per month to agreeing the plans to attend Board meetings. If the answers are yes, achieve those objectives These are currently held on the evening of the 4th Would YOU be • Approving our budget and accounts Monday of each month at Willing to Join our offices at Solis One. • Monitoring our performance Our Baord of against agreed plans and • Attend training sessions and Management? budgets; and • Making sure that the affairs • “Away Days” Our board is made up of of the organisation are The position is voluntary, 5 independent members, conducted in a proper however, you will be paid 5 tenants and 5 council manner. expenses. nominees.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Please contact Jayne Lewis, Assistant Company Secretary, on 0300 303 1717 or by email, [email protected]. Information sessions will be held on Wednesday, 16th May, between 12.45 pm - 3pm and 5.30 pm – 7.45 pm.

22 Time to Say Thank You It is nice to get a “thank you” and that is why Tai Calon Community Housing likes to reward its volunteers.

For every two hours a tenant or at the Garden Festival site and experience at The Festival Park, community member works with on day trips organised by Tai Ebbw Vale. Simply show a copy the organisation, it gives them Calon. of this newsletter on arrival to a time credit under the Time Recently a group visited Cardiff get your special offer of just £4 Banking scheme. Bay and Techniquest at a cost for five awesome rides – see Volunteers can then cash in of four time credits per family. www.supertubing.co.uk. Only their time credits on a range David Grainger Jones and Zelda one discount offer per family. of activities. Jen Griffiths from Thomas really enjoyed the trip. This offer cannot be combined Hilltop in Ebbw Vale treated They agreed with Mike Roberts with any other offer or discount. herself and her sister, Barbara who described it as an excellent Photocopies of newsletter are Kershaw to a manicure at day all round. “If all tenants got not accepted. Coleg Gwent’s Hair and Beauty involved with the scheme they department in Ebbw Vale. too can go on excursions. The For more “I really enjoyed it and will scheme is well worth it,” he said. information certainly be going again. Next Mike’s grandchildren, Lucy on Time Banking, time Barbara and I will be Holly and Casey Stevens, also or ways of getting having a pedicure. It is nice thought it great fun, particularly involved, please contact to think that we had the treat the Bubble and Blast show. Chloe Williams on 0300 303 1717. because I had done some work Time Banking partners also for Tai Calon,” She said. offer other great deals as Volunteers receive credits for a well. From now until the end wide range of activities. In fact, of October, 2012, Tai Calon for every thing from attending tenants can benefit from a 20% committee meetings, to taking discount at the Supertubing part in surveys, being a member of a tenant and residents association to undertaking environmental and community projects. Jen Griffiths needed just one time credit for her manicure. She could also have spent them at sports centres operated by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, the EVI (Formally the Ebbw Vale Institute) Supertubing

23 What’s Happening Tenant Funday

The 2012 Tai Calon Tenant funday is taking place on Saturday, July 21st. It will be held at our headquarters at Solis One in Blaina. There will be lots to do and enjoy.

Community Events Tai Calon will be taking part in the Neighbourhoods Together Funday at the Star Centre in Sirhowy on Wednesday, 11th April, and Thursday, 12th April.

Amanda Davies who made the cake to celebrate last year’s Let us know if Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. you are planning The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh any events. is travelling to Blaenau Gwent as part of her Diamond This summer the Olympic Jubilee celebrations. Games are being hosted They arrive in Wales on Thursday, 26th April and are visiting in the UK. Eight thousand Cardiff, Margam, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberfan, Ebbw Vale and people will be carrying the Glanusk Park in Powys during their two day stay. Olympic Flame during the To mark 60 years of The Queen’s reign a number of key Torch Relay. events are planned for early June. The late May bank The torch comes to Blaenau holiday has been moved to Monday, 4th June, and there will Gwent on Friday, 25th May, be an additional Jubilee bank holiday on Tuesday, 5th June. when it travels through Residents at Newtown and Peacehaven Court at Brynmawr. Peacehaven in Tredegar are already planning to hold parties to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

If you would like the latest, up-to-the-minute, news from Tai Calon Community Housing ... Text “newsletter” to 07797 871717. Or Email us at [email protected]. You can opt out of either service at any time. .