Bridge Brief Winter 2018 ˙The ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙magazine ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙for ˙ ˙ ˙Newport ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙City ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙Homes’ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙residents ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙

Ringland regeneration plans approved See page 13 ˙News ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ stories˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙Local ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ events˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ Interviews˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙Your ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ stories˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ 2 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 3 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ OUR 2020 VISION Donation for community hub Newport is changing and so is Newport City Homes. We have never been just a housing We’re focusing on: association. Our residents are Newport and we’re proud of that. Working with Putting residents at the our partners, it’s time to realise the full heart of what we do potential of the city. 2020 Vision sets out our ambitions for the next five years and there is a lot to be excited about. Investing in our homes and neighbourhoods We are the largest social landlord in Newport, with 71% of the city’s social housing. We are ambitious and ready to be the partner of choice in building Providing new homes Newport’s future. Throughout Bridge Brief, you will find the Making a difference in 2020 Vision ‘stamp’ 01 02 B against some of the our communities stories. This is so you can see exactly what Strong and effective progress we’re making against organisation We donated a brand new kitchen to a Newport each of the five areas. charity that helps people recovering from addiction. 05 The Voice Hub in School “For some people, this is Christmas donations Get in touch with us Lane supports between the only place they can Hub’s appeal and We need your help to make us 30‒40 people every day. come where it is safe – knowing the work that It is run by volunteers they know no one is going they do, there was no even better! and regularly hosts social to be under the influence question that we would 03 Let us know how we’ve04 done, whether events and training of alcohol or drugs. offer our support. We’re you’ve had a great experience or there’s opportunities. “The one thing we really really proud that we can some way you think we could deliver a However, it was in lacked was a kitchen. It help the facility continue to service better. desperate need of a would make a massive grow, and support not only those who are recovering We would love to hear your thoughts: kitchen for staff and difference to what we service users. could offer, so I started from addictions, but also • [email protected] appealing for help.” their families and the wider • 01633 381111 Recovery co-ordinator community.” We donated money, ride food e and i iie ere ee ie Steve Masterman When we heard about • NewportCityH on Facebook toys to Raven House Trust in the explained: “We have lots the appeal, we offered Steve added: “In addition to the kitchen, we also run up to Christmas. • @NewportCityH on Twitter of people coming through to donate and install a • Nexus House, Mission Court, NP20 2DW the doors here every kitchen at the hub. received a load of Staff donated food and gifts at each day. They come from all equipment and kitchen of our offices in the city, while we • 8–11 Ringland Centre, NP19 9HG Board member Kevin walks of life. There is no items from Communities raised £500 for the charity through our • 8–11 Bettws Centre, NP20 7TN Ward explained: “When stereotypical visitor. First.” Christmas jumper day. • www.newportcityhomes.com we heard about the Voice 4 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 5 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ What’s new for customer services? Engagement: The way we work with you To help us improve the services you tell us are most important to What’s new? How are we doing it? you, we have some exciting changes coming to customer services. We want to work hand-in- We’re going to listen to you, talk with you Here's some information about them and they are how they will affect you. hand with you to improve our and act on your feedback. We’ll do this services. So, we’re making online, in person or any way that works for Customer service standards: Shaped by you sure you have a variety of you. A resident scrutiny panel will focus opportunities to get involved in on how we can do things differently and What’s new? all levels of decision making. better. Maybe you’d like to join? See the Working with you, we defined five new Why are we doing it? back page for our engagement strategy. customer service standards. They set out What difference will it our promise to you, our residents, on how You are at the heart of we will provide services that put you at the everything we do. You can tell make to you? heart. us if we’re getting it right. Or You’ll play a key role in shaping our crucially, if we’re not. And if we’re services. Services focused on residents. Why are we doing it? high-quality customer service. not, we want to understand that Focused on you. This isn’t empty talk. We want to provide high-quality services What difference will it and work with you to improve You’ll also hold us to account and make that meet your needs. If we’re not doing our services. sure we do what we say we’ll do. that then we need to know about it. Having make to you? a set of standards makes it clear to you, You’ll see and feel a change in the way in and us, what high-quality customer service which we work with you. We will focus on Online services: How you contact us looks like. getting it right first time. And, if we can’t, What’s new? will launch later this year. How are we doing it? we’ll learn from it so it doesn’t happen next time. We will have a new website that gives you What difference will it We’re training all our colleagues to deliver access to some of our services, all day, make to you? every day. Making it easier for you to reach You’ll have your own online account that us, however you choose. Our offices: Where you can visit us is unique to you. You’ll be able to access Why are we doing it? your rent statements, make a request, or What’s new? Why are we doing it? Times are changing and that means some make a payment, any time of the day or We have a brand new office right in the We want it to be easy for you to access of our residents want to access services night. Over time, we’ll add more services city centre and a stone’s throw away from services. Moving right next to the bus in different ways. Our new website will so that you can the bus station ‒ 195 Upper Dock Street. station means it’s much easier for you to give you the option to safely and securely do more online. If you want to talk to us face-to-face, that’s get to us. access services from your phone, tablet or where we’ll be. How are we doing it? laptop, any time of the day or night. We’re packing up and relocating. We How are we doing it? should be open in March. We are developing a brand new What difference will it website (www.newportcityhomes.com) make to you? with a secure login area just for you. It Once open, if you want to see us face-to- You can now pre-register your interest in our new online services face, you’ll need to come to our new office that will go live on our website later this year. at 195 Upper Dock Street. You’ll be able to Once live, you will be able to access services online, such as checking your access the same services in a better way, balance or making a payment. Simply go to www.newportcityhomes.com and just at a different location. click on the scrolling banner that says ‘Sign up online’. 6 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 7 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ Save money on your water bills Rent free Are you billed for your with the average annual bill Customer Assistance Fund We offer water use? If so, you being £500.81. and they had debts totalling residents £101,166 written off. could save money. In 2017, we helped 653 two rent-free residents onto the HelpU Of these, 71 residents paid weeks a year, if We collect water charges tariff, meaning their bill was for a further six months and from residents who are on capped to £180 a year. This had the remainder of their they maintain unmetered water supplies is more than £320 less than water debt cleared. This credit on their on behalf of Welsh Water. the average annual bill. totalled £73,000, so was an We want you to love living in your home. account. In 2017/18, residents’ We also helped 77 average saving of £1,028 Our communities We can offer you safety wardens The next rent- unmetered water charges residents access the per resident! varied from £180 to £750, are generally CCTV, window and 67 Noise app free week begins Monday 2 April. We offer support to access these schemes: great places to alarms, door recordings. Support success story live, but there can chains, personal “The resident is If you are in credit HelpU be times when alarms, a loan of now forbidden from and pay your rent by direct debit The HelpU scheme will cap your water and they are affected a mobile phone causing a nuisance every fortnight, four sewerage bill at £180 and is available to by anti-social to record noise or annoyance weekly or monthly, residents whose total household income is behaviour (ASB). nuisance and to residents you don’t need £15,000 a year or less. This can include noise monitoring in the locality to change your noise nuisance, equipment. of her home,” payments. Customer Assistance Fund fly-tipping, alcohol- You can record explained tenancy This helps you pay off your water arrears. If you related nuisance, noise nuisance management We calculate your commit to a payment plan for six months we drug dealing, with the Noise officer Abigail rent payment, Mrs A was referred to our will pay off half of your arrears and, if you then harassment and app. This allows Parker. “This is in taking into account sustaining tenancies team pay for a further six months, we will clear the hate incidents. you to record the place for one year the two free weeks in November 2016. remaining balance. If you are noise on your and should give that you would be entitled to. Her water debt was £1,686 and Water Direct experiencing ASB, smartphone and neighbours respite she was having difficulty managing we can help. send it to us, at from the anti-social If you owe rent her finances and paying some of This scheme takes away the hassle of paying any time. behaviour they arrears, you will be her bills. We helped Mrs A access your water bills. It allows residents who receive We recently have had to suffer.” expected to make the Customer Assistance Fund, certain benefits and who are currently in arrears obtained an In extreme your usual payment which could see her remaining to pay directly through their benefits. If you sign injunction circumstances, to give you a debt cleared. She had to pay £60 a up, we will even reduce your bill by £15. chance to catch up. month to cover her water charges against a the information and some of the debt. WaterSure resident in we gather can We will write to you Bettws for be used to evict In the first six months, she paid WaterSure Wales is available to our customers in advance of the £360, meaning she completed the who have a water meter fitted. Only certain loud music, troublesome rent-free week if first part of the scheme and £843 residents qualify for the scheme and they would shouting, tenants. you are expected to was written off her debt. have their annual charges capped at £308. arguing and To report make a payment. Mrs A then made all her payments abuse to ASB, contact Contact your in the second six months, which Help available neighbours. We the tenancy income officer meant she had a further £843 For more information, contact 01633 381111, had supporting management team or call 01633 written off her water debt. Her [email protected] or evidence from the on 01633 381111. 381111 for more account is now clear. [email protected] police, community information. 8 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 9 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ Meters could save money Tea and tech sessions Our first new builds Garages update Smart meters will offer you a smart make surfers savvy We have demolished are changing meter. set for completion how people You will not get more than 650 garages use gas and estimated bills, as across the city. your provider will We routinely survey our electricity. know exactly how garages as it helps us They could also much energy you’re save you money. using. understand their condition, and plan any work that The government Your supplier will might be needed to keep wants every home install a smart meter them in a reasonable to have a smart in your home free meter by 2020. and you do not need condition. Whether you permission from us. A group of Stelvio Park Court As part of our surveys, we currently have residents have been enjoying found that a number of a prepayment some ‘tea and tech’, as they learn garages need considerable meter or pay how to surf the net. repairs. If ignored, they for your energy As part of our drive to make our residents could pose health and monthly by more digitally confident, the group Our £1.6million Glen Court development safety risks. direct debit, your has been learning how to use tablets, energy provider has taken shape and should be Our priority is to ensure explore the internet and keep their minds completed, as planned, in the summer. the safety of residents Universal Credit update active by playing brain games. and the wider community. Sustaining communities officer Julie Local contractor P&P Buildings is delivering the Have you claimed Universal Gower said: “We are committed to scheme in Bettws, which is creating 11 new family We therefore decided to Credit since 15 November 2017? increasing digital inclusion among our homes and a bungalow equipped for people with demolish these garages. disabilities. If so, you have to notify the Department older residents, many of whom are not The majority of the garages of Works and Pensions (DWP) when confident about going online. Most of the Bricklaying and roof work is completed on many of demolished so far have your rent changes in April. We will write group were sceptical as to what they could the homes, and the off-site drainage is been in Bettws, Ringland to you at the end of February to let you be taught, but we now have residents almost completed. Work is now being and St Julians. Our booking their holidays and ordering their know what your new annual rent charge carried out to create the gardens and contractors AP Waters weekly shop with a swipe and a click.” will be from April 2018. rear car parking areas. will move into the Gaer We are now working with Newport City On or as soon as possible after 2 April, and Stelvio Park areas Council to deliver the project to residents. Development officer Prav De Silva you will need to notify the DWP of the said: “Our Glen Court development will see the of the city next. “We didn’t know a thing when we started,” new charges using your online journal. completion of our first new homes since we were Notice is always given in You cannot notify the DWP in advance. said Jean Wood. “We didn’t have a clue. However, once we became confident, created in 2009. It marks a landmark for Newport advance to local residents If you are entitled to help with your we’ve learnt an awful lot. City Homes, as we start to deliver our ambition of about the proposed works housing costs, the DWP helping to tackle the housing need in the city. “I use the tablet to shop, book holidays due to take place near their will continue to pay you at and look at photos of family.” “Work has progressed really well over the winter homes. your current rent period and we can’t wait to welcome our first charge until you “The group has been really good and Once the garages have residents into these homes.” notify them of has given me the confidence to go been removed, the areas the change. online. I love to do jigsaws, word Welsh Government approved almost £1million of will be suitable for local searches and brain yoga,” added Ann social housing grant towards the new development. residents to park their cars. Lynbeck. 10 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 11 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ INTRODUCING YOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS We have a new board voted for by you to help us deliver services and expand our home building ambitions in the coming years. Let us introduce you to them.

Nicola Somerville, Chair Alex Stephenson Nicola has worked within the housing sector since 1998 covering Alex is the head of property services for Wales and West Housing many aspects from supported housing to more operational/strategic Association. He has a housing career spanning more than 15 years dimensions. She lives in Newport with her young family and brings a and is a qualified accountant. Alex joined the board in September wealth of professional and personal experience to the board. She has 2017 and cares passionately about delivering excellent customer been board chair since September 2017. service and Newport.

Chris England Councillor Jane Mudd Chris is an accountant and has been involved with us since Jane is the cabinet member for regeneration before stock transfer in 2009, leading the shadow board and housing. She is a full time principal lecturer in housing at through the transfer process. Chris was our first chair, a Cardiff Metropolitan University, where she is the head of the position he held until September 2015, when he was appointed department of social policy. She is a qualified and experienced chair of the audit and risk committee. Chris lived in Gaer for housing practitioner, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing (FCIH). Jane is our immediate past board chair and a more than 15 years, before returning to in 2008. former chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru. Kevin Ward John Harrhy Kevin joined the board in September 2017 bringing his experience John originally trained as a chartered building surveyor and has and skills from the publishing world, including being editor of the worked in both the private and public sector. Prior to his retirement, South Wales Argus (2012‒2016). Kevin has lived in Newport since John was chief executive of an NHS trust and, since retiring, has 1989, having grown up in Cwmbran and Worcester. He is currently volunteered his experience and skills by helping a number of managing director of Kevin Ward Media Ltd. He is passionate about organisations. As well as being a long standing board member, John Newport, its people and its potential. He is a sports fan and is a is currently the chair of Newport Live. Newport County AFC season ticket holder and shareholder. Cathy Bryant Helen Taylor Cathy is a lawyer at Blake Morgan LLP, where she provides corporate Helen joined the board in September 2017. She is a lecturer in taxation and share option schemes advice. She has sat on a number housing studies at Cardiff Metropolitan University where she teaches of boards of directors and understands the issues facing businesses. on modules relating to policy, research skills, and homelessness. Originally from South Africa, Cathy has lived and worked in Wales for Helen has previously held the role of board member for Tai Pawb nine years. She joined the audit and risk committee in 2016 to provide and currently sits on the boards of Cymorth Cymru, Welsh Housing independent support. In September 2017, she became a board Quarterly and the Housing Studies Association. member and a member of the audit and risk committee. Janice Morgan Jayne Rose Janice joined the board in September 2017. She has previously been a Following Jayne’s active involvement over a number of years in member of Newport County Borough Council, the chair of Gwent Homes, both the community and our activities, such as the challenge panel, a founder member and vice chair of Family Care Housing Association she joined the board in 2014. Jayne is a resident of , and one of our involved residents. Janice set up Newport’s first Women’s has previously lived in Duffryn and is vice chair of the audit and risk Aid group. She was chair and treasurer of the Caerphilly and Newport MS committee. Society, as well as treasurer and newsletter producer for her church. 12 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 13 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ Project progresses in Pillgwenlly RINGLAND Our £10million Pillgwenlly regeneration scheme REGENERATION is progressing well. The new community hub plans approved is due to open this spring, Newport City Council has New homes for residents while work has started on approved our multi-million pound This initial phase will create: the new builds in Williams regeneration plans for Ringland. Close. Work on these is • 11 one-bedroom apartments • 19 two-bedroom apartments expected to be completed The first phase of the regeneration • 18 two-bedroom houses in the autumn. project, which has been approved by the council’s planning committee, focuses on • 8 three-bedroom houses We are currently the redevelopment of the Cot Farm site. Board chair Nicola Somerville said: “We consulting with residents The creation of 56 homes in Cot Farm want to ensure this is a community in and the police about the repairs to improve the Held in partnership with marks the beginning of the wider which people want to live. best way we can target appearance and condition sub-contractor RSP regeneration of the Ringland area, with anti-social behaviour in of homes in Wolseley Sprinklers, which is “We are passionate about providing more construction works due to start in the alleyways. Street, Wolseley Close, installing sprinklers for us affordable homes, designing out areas spring. that allow anti-social behaviour to thrive The communal boiler in David Close, Arthur Street, in Pillgwenlly and at our Powell Dobson Architects is now creating and improving access to community Raglan Court has been Arthur Close, Price Close tower blocks. the wider Ringland masterplan, which will facilities. disconnected and we are and Robert Place. Local people were invited support these approved plans. fitting new boilers in these Similar work in Courtybella to learn more about the “We will continue to work with the homes. Sprinklers have Gardens, Potter Street, skills required for the One of the main changes will be the steering group of local residents and also been retrofitted into Baldwin Street and sprinkler industry. demolition of the existing shopping centre retailers to ensure that we are delivering and its relocation to a more prominent not only what the community wants, but all 19 properties. James Street should be Participants from Coleg completed by April. and easily accessible location within the what it needs. We have also completed Gwent, Itec Skills, regeneration area. external painting and Sprinklers Communities First and “This multi-million pound investment is the Communities for Work testament to our ambitious to completely Our contractors programmes learnt about revitalise this area for the benefit of all United Living held the equipment used to Ringland residents.” a sprinkler skills install sprinklers. demonstration We believe this was the day in first time that this type of Pillgwenlly activity has been delivered (pictured). in Wales.

To keep updated on the project, like /NewportCityH on Facebook or follow @NewportCityH on Twitter You can keep updated with the project on our Twitter page @NewportCityH and through the hashtag #FutureRingland 14 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 15 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ Tackle compulsive hoarding History of the city centre Local historian and resident Keith Wood Help is available to collecting and keeping lots to do day-to-day activities. continues his series of historical articles: people who hoard. of items, even things that Hoarding can cause appear useless or of little problems for people’s well- The Welsh name for renovated it circa 1932. Hoarding sees people value to most people. being and safety. Trips and Newport is Casnewydd, Newport High Street These items clutter the falls are more common and meaning new castle. railway station opened living spaces and keep there is increased risk of a During the Middle Ages, in June 1850 and the serious fire. the person from using Newport was also called Newport High Street indoor their rooms as they were If you think you hoard, by its Latin name of Novus ‘Victorian’ market opened 1901, just four years after intended. The collection try to use the three Rs Burgus, meaning new in May 1889. Lord Tredegar laid the foundation stone. In 1913, affects the person’s ability (reduce, recycle, re-use). burgh or new town. Upper Dock Street was it was renamed ‘Royal This could imply that the previously called Merchant Gwent Hospital’ by royal What is hoarding? Here are some tips to emphasis of the town had Street, Mill Street was charter. • Difficulty getting rid of help you stop hoarding: moved from the top of named after a mill located to the edge of near the castle, and In 1919, the College of items. • Try and deal with important the River Usk, close to the Church Street became Arms granted the hospital • A large amount of items first. For example, if castle. Stow Hill. a coat of arms bearing the clutter in the office, at you have been holding onto words ‘Gorea Olud Iechyd’, During the 19th Century, the St Woolos Church was home, in the car, or in (and not dealing with) bills, meaning ‘the best wealth is castle was converted for granted full cathedral other spaces. start with these first. health’. a variety of uses, included status in 1949. • Losing important items • Don’t start on the most In 1904, the council a tannery, warehouse, The new Newport and like money or bills in sentimental things. enacted a by-law nail factory and brewery. Monmouthshire Hospital the clutter. • Decide on an area you would restricting the speed of The Ministry of Works was opened in August • Feeling overwhelmed like to clear. Take a photo of cars to 10mph. by the volume of it before and after, adding In 1953, Newport Council possessions. dates. voted to open parks and • Not inviting family or • Do functional areas first; playing fields on Sundays. friends into the home avoid starting with the draws Newport made a bid for city due to shame or or cupboards because you status in 1999, which was embarrassment. won’t see the difference. granted on 14 March, 2002. • Refusing to let people • Set small targets per day, for Keith Wood in to make repairs. example 15–20 minutes. • Being unable to stop • Have three boxes labelled ‘Save’, ‘Discard’ and ‘Display’. taking free items, such as flyers or • Stay at the target area and do not start another area until Talking Bridge Brief you have finished. sugar packets from What would you like to see in Bridge Brief? restaurants. • When you have finished your target area, clean it We’re looking for creative advisors to offer ideas and • Buying things even if it is only a small space. because they suggestions. Join our online group to see your ideas • Start using the area for what it is meant. For come to life in print. are a “bargain” example, if you have cleared the cooker, make or to sure that this area remains clear and is only used Email [email protected], “stock for cooking. tweet @NewportCityH or like /NewportCityH on Facebook. up”. 16 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 17 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ Beware the hidden killer ‒ carbon monoxide Cleaning service for flats If your gas cooker is Carbon monoxide is We have installed carbon monoxide alarms in every Residents have told us If agreed, each communal not serviced or well known as the hidden home to help keep you safe. they are concerned about area would receive a maintained, it could killer because it is: • Colourless However, we have recently the condition and monthly health and safety become faulty and • Odourless had the detectors go off upkeep of communal areas. inspection, plus cleaning of put you and your the communal area including: • Tasteless when people have been Because of this, we are considering family at risk. using shisha pipes and • Maintaining the immediate area • You can’t see it introducing a new caretaking service It is your responsibility to burning coal to warm air around the block block or change ventilation for tenants and leaseholders in flats maintain and service your fragrances. This is • Cleaning floors and stairs systems, as fresh air from April. The communal areas would gas cooker. All work must very dangerous and is required to ensure be checked and cleaned once a month • Dusting ledges and surfaces be carried out by a Gas it is important that appliances can operate by our estates team. • Cleaning marks off walls Safe-registered engineer. you do not do this in safely. your home. We will write to tenants and leaseholders • Litter-picking and weeding on We carry out a gas safety All fossil burning pathways leading to blocks check every year to check If your carbon before April if the scheme is to go ahead. appliances can produce • Cleaning inside glass (where that your gas appliances monoxide alarm goes They would only be charged the cost of carbon monoxide, including applicable) are safe. It is very important off, you must contact providing the service. LPG gases such as Butane you allow us the gas emergency and Propane. Storing off-road vehicles ‒ tenancy warning access for these service provider checks. Solid fuel appliances such immediately on Residents are being them in your home. as coal or log burners can 0800 111 999, open You must Tenancy and leasehold also emit carbon monoxide, windows and doors, reminded that it is also not a breach of tenancy service manager Lindsay if not maintained correctly. and leave your home. to keep off-road Murphy said: “The illegal vehicles in their use of vehicles such as these causes great Day in the life of an NCH electrician homes. frustration for many of I am an electrician and work in I work closely with my colleagues in the We are getting more our residents. They are down on this anti-social the compliance team. compliance team and across the business reports of illegal quad behaviour and would urge to improve the services we deliver. dangerous, noisy and My job is to check electrical, emergency and off-road bike use in anyone with information disruptive. lighting and fire alarm systems to ensure I love my job. It’s fun, interesting and the city, which is causing about any illegal off-road “We are working with the the safety of our residents. Smaller jobs I love working with my team. I also nuisance and annoyance vehicles to call 101.” police and council to crack can take an hour, but some of our larger enjoy interacting with people, as well as to residents. jobs can take an entire day. learning from my colleagues. It is illegal to ride any Relevant tenancy conditions A typical day starts at 8.15am when I Residents’ safety is incredibly motorbike in public open important to us. That’s why 5.9.6 You agree that we have the right to remove receive my work for the day. There’s a spaces such as parks, play I’m really keen to promote vehicles parked in violation of these terms, with the schedule of planned work and it’s varied. areas and on pavements. the importance of our annual cost of this being re-charged to you if you are the Some days I could be testing communal It is a breach of tenancy safety inspections. vehicle’s owner. You must pay any rechargeable lighting in one of our large buildings or to keep visiting a resident’s home to check the amount to us within 14 days of demand. We need you to allow condition of the electrical installation. us into your homes, as 5.9.7 You, members of your household or visitors I’ve been with Newport City Homes since it helps us keep you should not store mopeds, motor bikes, quad bikes or September, but I worked for Bron Afon for safe. similar vehicles or any fuel for these vehicles in your six years before that. Tara Earnshaw home or in the common parts. 18 Bridge Brief Winter 2018 www.newportcityhomes.com www.newportcityhomes.com Bridge Brief Winter 2018 19 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ No excuse for domestic abuse Award winner Former board We are here to help and will ensure that: Sprinklers installed at No-one should have to suffer. member Cissie • A sensitive, confidential, consistent and However, each year an estimated tower blocks Beale was 1.9million people in the UK suffer some prompt response is provided to people form of domestic abuse. suffering from abuse; named ‘trustee We believe that no resident should live in • We focus on the victim's needs when volunteer of the fear of violence or abuse from a spouse, responding to reports; and year’. partner, former spouse or partner, or • We look at a flexible range of solutions The Gwent another member of their household. to help victims of abuse to live in safety Association in their homes. of Voluntary Organisations What is domestic abuse? (GAVO) award was Any controlling, coercive, threatening in recognition of behaviour, violence or abuse between years of voluntary those aged 16 or over who are, or have work within the city. been, intimate partners or family members We are working with other social regardless of gender or sexuality. We also had landlords across Gwent to help two nominations It can include, but is not limited to: tackle domestic abuse. shortlisted in the • Physical abuse, harassment and stalking The aim of the project is to develop a ‘empowering housing toolkit to improve social landlords’ • Sexual violence, including non-consensual All our homes in our • Smoke/fire alarms in each and involving sexual acts and rape responses to supporting victims. three tower blocks will property and in communal communities’ • Emotional or psychological abuse, including We will continue to direct victims and areas category at the intimation, verbal abuse, humiliation or their families to the police and relevant have sprinklers fitted • Fire-retardant paint in Welsh Housing degradation professional support agencies. We will also by April. communal areas Awards for our • Financial abuse, including withholding continue to work in partnership with the Sprinklers have already been work with UNITY police, Women’s Aid and other domestic money and financial help installed in all the homes and • Fire doors for communal and Shaftesbury abuse agencies. communal areas at Hillview, areas and the front doors of Youf Gang. individual flats Help is available with work currently taking Unfortunately, we place at Milton Court and • Two stairwells that act as Live Fear Free: didn’t win, but we escape routes 0808 8010 800 or Greenwood. are very proud of livefearfree.gov.wales They are an additional fire We recently welcomed the both projects and safety measure to go with new minister for housing Connect Gwent: the young people and regeneration, Rebecca 0300 123 2133 or those already installed in the who take part. Evans, at Milton Court to www.connectgwent.org.uk tower blocks, including: Our Duffryn talk with residents about biomass boiler was Women's Aid: their experiences of having Did you know? also shortlisted in 0808 2000 247 or www.womensaid.org.uk sprinklers retrofitted in their • Seven women a month are killed by a the ‘best use of Dyn Project (male support): homes. current or former partner in England and renewable energy 0808 801 0321 or www.dynwales.org Wales. A big thank you to resident in the public sector’ Mrs Tarling for hosting the NCH tenancy management team: • 62% of children living with domestic category at the 01633 381111 or tenancy.management@ abuse are directly harmed by the person minister during her visit. Wales Green newportcityhomes.com carrying out the abuse. Energy Awards. Resident Engagement: Part of our DNA

April Start of our new year May How satisfied are you? Fill out our short survey June Help check our July progress on making improvements to We’ll be out services and about in the community

August We’ll share our thoughts September on how well we’re doing, Tell us what’s most do you agree? Send us important to you your questions for board for the year ahead How satisfied are you? Help check our Fill out our short survey progress on making improvements to services

October We’ll be out and about in the community November How satisfied are you? Fill out our short survey

December Help us set our service January improvement plans Have we got our priorities right? We’d love to hear from you

February How are we performing? Join the conversation March How satisfied are you? Help check our Fill out our short survey progress on making improvements to services

Level of influence: How we’ll do it:

Strategic Big picture Consultation Inform: We’ll give you information Consult: We’ll ask you for your views Corporate High-level Engagement Engage: We’ll work with you to Co-produce: We’ll share responsibility Operational Day-to-day make things better for making things better