Through the Le

keyh through the le

Ofﬁ cial Newsletter of ISSUE 2 2012 Cynon Taf Community Housing Group local aM praises new developMenT

their Pathways to Be parT oF The Adapted Housing conversaTion. register. Using local don’T Miss a TweeT. knowledge, the Group identifi ed a suitable site quickly. Mick Antoniw, Local AM for Pontypridd, Become a fan visited the site where www.facebook.com/ he met the regional cTchG Managing Director of Barratts, James Groombridge, and Chief Executive of the Group, Antonia Forte. Follow us Mick had nothing but @cynonTafhousing. words of support and encouragement for the development; “I have been impressed with effectively, but also remain Cynon Taf Community part of the local community. I Housing Group’s am truly impressed with how bespoke efforts on quickly Cynon Taf Community behalf of the family. Housing Group has responded CYNoN Taf Community It is diffi cult for to fi nd a solution. Housing Group, in partnership disabled persons to fi nd I look forward to seeing the with Barratts, has begun accommodation which is family move into their new building a 5 bedroom suitable for their need, and accommodation once it is bungalow in rhydyfelin often this can result in them built and thank all those at designed specifi cally for a becoming house bound and the housing association who family of disabled tenants. isolated. have worked so hard to make The Group was approached This bungalow will enable the family’s dream come by rhondda Cynon Taff County a family that has real physical true.” Borough Council last summer challenges not only be able The bungalow is due for

with a priorityGrwˆp Cartrefi referral Cymunedol fromGrwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedolto use their house more completion in early July. CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

delivering quality housing services, locally delivering quality housing services, locally darparu’n lleol gwasanaethauDelivering tai o ansawdd uchel qualitydarparu’n lleol gwasanaethau housing tai o ansawdd uchelservices, locally

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 1 03/05/2012 15:38 chrisTine chapMan “deliGhTed” To visiT Gower davies courT

board member at the housing association, Margaret Griffi ths was intrigued by the opportunity to visit Gower Davies Court; “As a new board member it was very interesting to be invited to meet some of our LoCAL AM, Christine people I have met have been residents and I enjoyed lively Chapman met with Cynon Taf delighted with the standard of chats with a number of them. Community Housing Group the work. I am sure that the Their fl ats have been fi tted out tenants at the sheltered new heating system should with facilities that will enable scheme in Ynysybwl, Gower allow them to benefi t from residents to remain in their Davies Court. a reduction in their energy homes as they get older and The Group has bills.” less mobile - the bathrooms begun refurbishing the This is Christine’s second are now designed as wet rooms accommodation which was visit to the scheme and she with walk-in showers. built in 1978. Louise Walrond, commented on the hard work The newly decorated Support Services Manager being done; communal room is well lit explained the importance of “I was delighted to be these changes; invited to visit Gower Davies “I am pleased that the Court and was very impressed refurbishment of Gower by what I saw. From talking Davies Court is having to the residents there I know a positive impact on our the refurbishment is making a tenants. The new kitchens big difference to their quality and bathrooms have of life. I commend Cynon Taf signifi cantly improved the Housing for their work”. quality of their homes and the Being a newly appointed with energy effi cient lighting and provides tenants with BeneFiT WE are supporting Benefi t a lovely space to meet each awareness MonTh Awareness Month which other daily for coffee and at has been organised by other regular social activities, – Turn2us! Turn2Us.org. If you need as well as to hold special information about benefi ts parties such as for the Jubilee and how the proposed celebrations in June.” changes could affect you For more information on please visit Gower Davies Court, please www.turn2us.org.uk or call contact our Scheme Manager, the helpline 0808 802 2000. Pamela Khan on 01443 790755 or email on [email protected]. Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 2 03/05/2012 15:38 healTh and housinG seMinar success!

EArLIEr this year the Group understanding mental health; and Heritage and Assembly co-hosted a Health and the importance of wellbeing Member for Merthyr and Housing Event with Cwm Taf coaches in engaging with rhymney Valley, who gave a Health Board and Merthyr hard to reach groups; and passionate speech stressing Tydfi l Housing Association. preventing hospital admission the difference we can all This event was designed to and facilitating early hospital make by working together. raise awareness of the vital discharge - providing much Nicola Davies, Assistant relationship between health food for thought, and enabling Director of Planning and and housing. ideas to be shared. Partnerships at Cwm Taf The event was opened Karen Dusgate, Chief commented; by Antonia Forte, Chief Executive of Merthyr Tydfi l “It was clear from the Executive, who welcomed Housing Association, felt range of delegates who delegates from various positive about what long attended the event and the professional housing and term outcomes could be workshop discussions that health backgrounds. established from the day; there is considerable appetite Antonia Forte explained; “We are delighted to for closer collaboration “A considerable amount of have been able to support between health and housing money is accessed through and participate in such a organisations.” housing related support that successful event. It was clear Did you know we have a directly impacts on health that much has been achieved Community Wellbeing Coach outcomes. Working in closer and that even more can be at Cynon Taf? If you know collaboration with health achieved if we are able to anyone who would benefi t colleagues, we can make this collaborate more closely.” from advice on health and money go further.” Delegates were thrilled to fi tness, please call Amanda The day consisted of welcome Huw Lewis, Minister on 01443 743227 for more themed workshops looking at: for Housing, regeneration information.

GeT aFFordaBle carpeTinG For Your hoMe! PLEASE see the leafl et provided in this issue explaining how you can get quality carpets for less. Want more information? Please call your Housing offi cer.

Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

delivering quality housing services, locally delivering quality housing services, locally Delivering quality housing services, locally darparu’n lleol gwasanaethauDelivering tai o ansawdd uchel qualitydarparu’n lleol gwasanaethau housing tai o ansawdd uchelservices, locally

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 3 03/05/2012 15:38 MeeT The scheMe ManaGer

LISA Mills joined Cynon Taf Community Housing Group on a secondment from SPOTLIGHT ON Age Concern in 2011. As of March cwrT 31st this year, alun lewis Lisa became a Scheme Manager CWrT Alun Lewis is at the organisation a sheltered scheme after signing a 12 located in Cwmaman. month contract. We It has 31 self contained borrowed her for a fl ats and 3 bungalows short interview and with a communal kitchen got to know her a and lounge area. The little better. sheltered accommodation was opened on February Are you enjoying your role Would you recommend 28th, 1987 by the wife at Cynon Taf Community becoming an employee of of the late Alun Lewis, Housing Group? Cynon Taf Cynon Housing the poet from whom the Yes I am. I really enjoy being Group to job hunters? scheme takes it’s name. a Scheme Manager. I took a Yes, 100%. risk leaving Age Concern after 7 years, but this role is exactly Here are 3 facts about Lisa; what I want to do and I have • I have a dog named no regrets. Agnes Mills. • I am a hair colour fanatic! What is your favourite part I dye my hair at least once of the day? a month, and will try any My favourite part of the colour! day is interacting with the • I broke my ankle at the residents. I love helping Glastonbury festival by organise the activities, tripping over a tent peg making sure they run rushing to see Blur on smoothly - and taking part stage. of course.

GeT in If you want more information Touch! on the scheme, the number of vacancies or would like a viewing please call Lisa on 01685 877450 or email [email protected].

Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 4 03/05/2012 15:38 whaT’s place. It brings us all together, happeninG? through a shared THErE are a range of events interest and I and activities planned at the can’t wait for scheme for the tenants and Monday as we local community to enjoy. will be starting Poetry Club. When we all meet for fi sh and chips together it is always a nice way to socialise with others. We have a cup of tea and a chat, it’s simple but enjoyable. Every year I treat myself to a cruise. I will be 79 in June, but that doesn’t stop me. It is better to keep going. It’s easy to come home, close the door and shut MY liFe aT cwrT the world out – that’s not me. alun lewis Apart from my family, something I am very proud of DorEEN Evans has been a is my MBE which I received tenant at Cwrt Alun Lewis in 1989. I was honoured with for three years. She was kind this through my 40 years enough to let us into her home of nursing. After training in and tell us about what it’s like East Glamorgan Hospital I to live at the scheme; became a district nurse and “I have lived in the scheme worked around the Cynon for 3 years now, and I will start Valley. by saying I have no regrets. I have worked hard all of I’m lucky as a lot goes on my life and done so much. here which keeps me busy. We Honestly, I have enjoyed have armchair exercises once every minute of it. Hand on a week, and I love being part heart I can say it has never of the recycled Teenagers. To been dull, I have never been join the recycled Teenagers bored – I didn’t have the you must be related somehow time! But I know I couldn’t to a miner, you are a wife, have done any of these daughter or sister. It’s lovely to fantastic things without the be part of a community group. support from my wonderful Something I love is the late husband.“ Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedolsocial atmosphere at this CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 5 03/05/2012 15:38 What is the best thing about your new home? TenanTs on one of the best things is the Tour! location. We don’t run a car anymore as we are minutes walk from the train station. I know lots of the neighbours, some are good friends and some are even family! In our last home we could see drug users in the street. It was awful. Here we have none of that and we love it. EArLIEr this year a group of tenants joined us on a Can you think of a time Cynon trip to Clarks village in TenanT’s sTorY: Taf helped you or made a real Somerset. MR AND MRS TOOGOOD difference? During the journey a Yes, in the very beginning. What was the house like that Both me and my husband consultation on the bus you lived in previously? allowed tenant’s views to worked in a factory. First I The house we owned before be heard and shared with was made redundant, then my this one was a 3 bedroom, members of staff. The husband was shortly after. I 3 storey property on a consultation topics were got myself a part time job but main road. The bathroom Preferred Performance was only bringing home £50 a was downstairs on the Information and reviewing week. There came a point that bottom fl oor which made our Anti Social Behaviour we couldn’t pay our mortgage it diffi cult when we were policy and procedures. anymore. We fell more and upstairs sleeping. It became When asked about the more behind on the payments impractical as we both grew day this is what our tenants and found ourselves in major older. had to say; debt. “I’ve got one question; Do you like living in your What happened next? when are we going next?” Cynon Taf home? – Mrs Davies We sold our house as we Yes, we have been in here “We all loved it!!” – The had run out of options, but for 3 and half years now and ladies at the back of the being tied up with other debts it’s fantastic. We have never bus. to pay we were left with next rented previously but I wish “We send compliments to nothing at all. We were we had done it sooner. from us at Pen Llew. It back to square one, until we couldn’t have been better!” found out the house we now Has it made a difference to live in was available to rent. – Ken, Sheila and Jessie. the whole family? “I loved going shopping Cynon Taf really did save our Well, it is just us now. with Daddy” – Mr Bassatt’s lives. Having this house with 2 daughter. fl oors and 2 bedrooms is “I have thoroughly So you are very happy in your perfect and so much easier enjoyed today, getting new home? to look after. My husband has thoughts from our tenants Yes we really are. on New been suffering with diabetes on anti social behaviour Years Eve we stay in the warm over the last few years and and how we can do things and watch the Nos Galon and is due knee operations soon. better. Now I look forward fi reworks from the bedroom Having a smaller house has to taking everyone’s ideas window. Everything is perfect given us less worries about on board.” – rachel Dent, and we should have done it his illness as he has fewer Housing offi cer. years ago! Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedolstairs to climb. CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 6 03/05/2012 15:38 chanGed TENANTS FORUM NEWS Your nuMBer? the Welsh Government and the regulatory Framework for housing In order for us to help you associations. the best we can please let us know when you change your phone numbers or any personal information. To update your contact details AT the last meeting the please call your Housing Tenants’ Forum received offi cer. information from rachel rowlands, Chief Executive offi cer of Age Concern whY don’T You coMe Morgannwg, about the South alonG and Join The East Wales Safeguarding TenanTs’ ForuM? older People project. The Forum also approved the The Tenants’ Forum Annual Tenant Participation Strategy General Meeting and July and Action Plan for 2012 meeting will be at 10.30am on – 2014. Carol Kay, Senior Wednesday 11th July 2012 at regulation Manager from our Abercynon offi ce. There the Welsh Government, will be a buffet lunch provided also attended the meeting and we can arrange transport. and discussed the role of For further information please contact Hannah Elley on 01443 743203

Two staffi ng issues were The vast majority of these FeedBack FroM dealt with which resulted in (85) were about contractors, TenanTs additions to our staff training including 7 compliments. The programme. A complaint main issue has been around about how we dealt with a attendance (41), with more WE would like to thank all of transfer application, however, of you speaking up about our our tenants for the regular resulted in us confi rming the gas contractor than any other. feedback that you give us. original decision. This contractor deals with a We collate information from We have enhanced the way high volume of calls, as each all concerns and formal we record comments from property is serviced annually complaints raised. tenants to gain information as well as breakdowns and From April 2011 to 31 March on our contractors and our repairs, so this comprises 2012 we dealt with 7 formal own performance. The aim of about 1% of the calls they complaints. 4 of these were is to resolve issues for you deal with. about repairs or property where possible and also 11 tenants have also condition. We took action to to continually improve the contacted us about the resolve these issues where services we provide. As a attitude of contractors, relevant and this resulted result of these improvements again a tiny percentage of in additional minor repairs we recorded 125 comments the repairs they deal with being agreed or rescheduling from tenants on a range of for us. We are addressing work that had already been issues, which is 3 times as both issues through regular planned. Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedolmany as last year. contractor review meetings. CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 7 03/05/2012 15:38 The hirwaun handover

VICTorIA Cunningham was one of the tenants thrilled to pick up the keys to their new homes earlier this month. Ger Y Mynydd is built on the former site of the Group’s Finances high rise flats that were GeT ‘pass’ Mark FroM demolished in 2004, and welsh GovernMenT! have now been replaced with a development of THE Group has received its 34 properties, one being Annual Financial Viability a bungalow that has Statement and can report that been specially adapted a ‘pass’ has been awarded by for a family with a child Welsh Government after close with severe physical scrutiny of our finances. disabilities. Antonia Forte, Chief These extraordinary Executive said “robust houses comprise the financial management is part latest sustainable of every business and this features, such as solar judgement will give our major panels and rainwater stakeholders confidence that harvesting. Earlier our business is financially this year the homes sound”. achieved award success You can read the complete when the project won financial viability statement the rCT Building by visiting the performance Control Department’s section of our website at Award for Sustainable www.cynon-taf.org.uk or by Development for 2012. calling our offices for more information on 0345 2602633.

holidaY arranGeMenTs The office will be CLOSED from 4.00pm Friday 1st June 2012 until 9.00am Thursday 7th June 2012

IN AN EMERGENCY RING 0345 2602633 FOR GAS HEATING REPAIRS 0800 138 0057

ALTERNATIVELY CONTACT OUR MAIN CONTRACTOR R S MITCHELL PROPERTY CARE ON 07831 299885

Published by Cynon Taf Community Housing Group, Unit 4 Navigation Park, Abercynon, Mountain Ash, CF45 4SN. Tel: 0345 2602633 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cynon-taf.org.uk Grwˆp Cartrefi Cymunedol Grwˆp CartrefiAn Industrial Cymunedol and Provident Society with Charitable Status. CYNON TAF CYNON TAF Community Housing Group Community Housing Group

8pp Newsletter_May_2012.indd 8 03/05/2012 15:38