Our Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2012

HOUSING ASSOCIATION CYMDEITHAS TAI RHONDDA the A Charitable Housing Association

Way RhonAdda Housing hAssociation •eCymdeithaas Tai Rhonddd a

Inside this issue Summer Fayre coming soon! Office closures • The office will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 24th August and will re-open on Wednesday 29th August at 8.30am Energy Saving Emergency Contacts During office closures you may call the out - A tenant’s story of hours emergency number 01685 385231 This is for emergencies only Adventure out at sea!

Rhondda Housing Association , 9 Compton Road, , CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 2 Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda Summer 2012 Feel Good Friday Fundraiser! The “Feel Good Friday made lunch, raffle, bingo that was help improve their physical and Fundraiser” was a organised and very much enjoyed emotional well being. partnership event which by all. aimed to encourage our Christine Hall, RCT Homes’ tenants to make new social The aim of the day was to raise Scheme Manager at Bryn Ivor, networks with other money for charity whilst people said: “The Feel Good Friday members in a could have the opportunity to Fundraiser event has proved to be friendly and informal receive alternative therapies and a real success and the generosity atmosphere whilst being of people who came along to treated to all sorts of support this one was pampering. fantastic. We raised a lot of money and The event held on Friday 23rd everybody dug deep March included our tenants to support such a good alongside RCT Homes residents cause.” and was held in the lovely Bryn Ifor Complex in Llwynpia. Staff, volunteers and senior community members from both organisations got involved in fun activities and organised this special day which raised a whopping £120 which was donated to Sport Relief.

The day saw everyone getting on board with the fun activities and everyone donated generously. They enjoyed beauty treatments, manicures, pedicures and relaxation treatments all delivered by trained professionals. There was also a hairdresser on hand to wash, blow dry, trim and style! And not forgetting the beautiful home

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda 3 Summer 2012

Llys Catwg,

Here at Llys Catwg we have once The Cosmeston Lakes and Barry In Barry town we hit the shops again been enjoying days out trip would have been a better day again! For anyone liking charity with friends and family. We have out if the weather had been shops then this was the place to had a lovely day out to kinder. Unfortunately quite a few go. Some of the children and their Gloucester. The weather was people did not turn up on the day parents went to Barry Island but absolutely beautiful, so nice in because of the poor weather again the poor weather spoiled fact that quite a lot of us had conditions. the day at the beach. lunch sitting in the park. Shopping in Gloucester was Hopefully the weather is going to awesome! Lots of little shops improve for the day out to tucked away in side streets that Swansea and the Gower in June were so exciting when we came and Weston Super Mare in July. across them. As you can see by the photographs some of our I couldn’t pass up this opportunity ladies had lots of bargains! to show you how artistic one of our tenants is. See the photograph of Miriam modelling the Easter bonnet she made. What a talented lady she is! Well done Miriam.

Cosmeston is a country park with long walks, picnic areas and lots of wildlife and water fowl. The children and grown ups alike enjoyed feeding the beautiful swans and watching the antics of squirrels scampering on to the picnic tables looking for things to Gloucester cathedral is one of the eat. most beautiful places to visit. So after a hard day shopping then it was lovely to sit and appreciate With the Summer Fayre the colours from the stained glass coming around soon windows being reflected on to the then we hope to be floor and walls. Or stroll quietly meeting up with lots of through the cathedral admiring friends and familiar the workmanship from days gone faces. We hope to see by. you there, and as always, support us at our stall.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 4 Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda Summer 2012 RHA“Give & Gain” Event 2012

“Give & Gain” is Business In As the photographs show the The Communities (BITC) event was a big success, we national day for employee enjoyed the team working, being volunteering. out in the fresh air and really appreciated the refreshments On Friday 18th May for this made by community members for annual event RHA staff spent the us. day giving a makeover to an area in the heart of the community of We would like to thank Laurence . Harvey, our Account Manager at ICI Paints AkzoNobel who donated Working in partnership with RCT paint, gardening tools and gloves Homes and their contractors, and hope we can arrange similar twenty four staff spent a fun and events in other areas in the rewarding day painting, weeding, coming year. planting and litter picking to improve the community shop and If you have any suggestions for the park areas for local people to area where you live that you enjoy. would like us to look at in future events then please contact us on 01443 424 212.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda 5 Summer 2012 RHA“Give & Gain” Affordable Event 2012 computer systems The UK and regional The aim of the scheme is to your friends and family governments and Microsoft enable people who have either "live" anywhere in the world and launched the Get Online @ never used a computer or would for free!! And there is so much Home scheme so more like to have had one but couldn't more too. people across the country afford one to join the digital age could get access to without breaking the bank. If you claim certain benefits you computers and on get on line. can save even more on the You now have the opportunity There are so many benefits to purchase price - you could be to purchase either a complete having access to a computer and paying from £99 for a complete Computer System or a Laptop using the internet such as learning, system! at an affordable price. banking, shopping, job searching as well as things like Skype which To find out more please enables you to see and talk to contact Ecosystems IT direct on 0808 225 1234 or if you have access to a friends computer or can use one at a local library or community centre then look at the website www.ecosystems- group.co.uk/ webstore

If you have any questions Ecosystems will be more than happy to help. If you purchase a computer then the agreement will be between you and Ecosystems and not linked in anyway with Rhondda Housing Association. Computers and IT equipment will vary by model and type.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 6 Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda Summer 2012 Celebrating Funding Success! Rhondda Housing is economic and health issues, with Over the next 2 months Find Your celebrating its success at the intention of increasing Future staff will be visiting your securing another Big Lottery opportunities, developing skills area with more information on Grant; we have been and providing information and what we can offer and how you awarded just over £244,000 advice to our tenants. can become involved in this to fund a 3 year project project. called Find Your Future. Community Regeneration Manager Beverley Wheeler said, If you are interested in this project The money will be used to employ ”This is exciting news; with this or want to know more contact two members of staff, purchase funding we are able to continue Simone on 01443 424218. equipment and fund project our work in the community, activities. Staff will be working supporting tenants to build their closely with those not already confidence, develop skills and involved in community activities improve their health and or groups. The project will offer wellbeing”. support with addressing social,

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda 7 Summer 2012 Energy Saving A Tenan t’ s Story Barbara Davies, , fact I see these received energy saving tips situations from Leighton Hughes our regularly. As Affordable Warmth Advisor part of my role, and this is her story: I provide a one to one service Barbara said: at peoples' homes where I "I was telling a friend that I was explain how concerned about my electricity best to save bills increasing. She suggested I energy. For contacted Leighton at RHA to see if Barbara I fitted he could help. He came to my an Owl Energy home, discussed my concerns with monitor which me and fitted an energy monitor. My kitchen lights alone were shows exactly how much energy This was the best thing I could have costing me about £85 per year to you are using on an hourly, daily, done! Leighton explained how I run! To change them to low energy weekly basis. This is very useful for could save energy at home and the bulbs would cost me about £32 raising awareness and can help with monitor he fitted showed me and would save me over £70 a year. budgeting for bills. exactly what electrical items in my I really didn't know they were so home were costing me to run. I expensive to run as the bulbs were We offer the Owl monitors on couldn't believe what certain items so small. loan for 4 to 6 weeks usually, were costing me, such as standbys, so if you want to take part in the my electric kettle and the lights in I thought I was good at cost scheme please contact me on my kitchen. Leighton offered to cutting, but since having one of 01443 424234. carry out a full check of usage for these monitors fitted, it has made me and provided a report of me much more aware of how much I'm very happy that Barbara has potential savings. In addition to electricity I was using. It only took found this service useful and hope this, he offered a breakdown of one phone call and now I know she continues energy saving in the exactly what my halogen kitchen exactly what things in my home future. As well as reducing her bills lights were costing me monthly and cost to run." she is also helping to reduce our yearly. When I received the report I carbon footprint. So, a big thank found out that I could potentially Leighton said: you to Barbara for contacting me!" save £300 a year by making some “I’ve been working as part of the small changes at home. Big Lottery funded Count Me In financial inclusion team for about 15 months now and was pleased when Barbara contacted me. Barbara's case is not unusual; in

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 8

The Rhondda Trust Investing in our community

Investing In Our Community

The Rhondda Trust has Up Skilling Young support will be provided by RHA’s provided funding support for Youth & Community Worker. our young people to access People For a placement opportunities and If any young people aged 16-25 develop their employability Brighter Future! would like support and to get skills. involved in the variety of Delaceys Work placements opportunities that are available, If you are a young person between With fantastic support from then please contact us. 16 – 24 years old and would like Delaceys (RHA’s Kitchen fitting support with the practical contractor), and with funding employment skills needed to through the Rhondda Trust, young engage in the labour market, we people from RHA properties are can help you. being given an amazing opportunity of a two week work Do you want to better yourself, placement. This includes an initial develop your skills, gain hands on one on one career session. work experience? If YES then Through out the placement full contact us on 01443 424228 or email [email protected] who will arrange a one on one meeting with our Youth & Community Worker.

We can help you with: • Work Placements with our contractors • Job search and application forms • CV Writing and interview skills • Training to meet employer’s needs

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 9

The Rhondda Trust Investing in our community Adventure out at Sea!

The Island Trust This experience An exciting project took place w“as amazing; I have learnt from 15th – 20th April with 9 so much about myself and young people from , how to work as a team. Once and Brynna. in a life time experience A fantastic 6 day sailing thank you very much experience on the Rhys Gundy, Brynna “ voyage called “Pegusas” facilitated through the sailing company, The Island Trust.

The project gave 9 young people aged 14 – 20 the opportunity to experience a real life sailing trip on a small working ship. It helped to develop self These skills will help them in later confidence, self esteem, team life whether going into training or work and life skills (which employment. On board duties included cooking, and cleaning!!!). throughout the day to day Young people gained new skills running of the ship included; I really enjoyed the through the experience, with a big navigation, map reading, hoisting “whole sailing project; it was focus on how important team the sails up and down when a lot harder than I thought it work is within such a closed needed, and carrying out all the would have been. From this environment. knots needed to run a ship. experience I will take back to my town and family is the consideration for others more and the help out around the house. Oh and I can A brilliant life now cook experience, I will Lauren Roberts, “ Brynna “ remember this forever. I will take many of the skills learnt, hopefully onto future employment Danielle Jones, Treorchy “

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 10 Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda Summer 2012 Tenant Assessors Team Update In March 2012 the newly opportunity to speak with assessments and to all the team trained Tenant Assessors residents to get a general for their continued dedication to Team set about their first overview of how residents felt the TAT. assessment. about the services provided.

Working in partnership with After each assessment the teams Hafod Housing Association the met to review the data collated team assessed two sheltered and to write reports on their schemes in Cardiff and , findings. These reports were then while the Hafod team assessed forwarded to the management at two RHA schemes in Penygraig the assessed housing association and Treorchy. to be acted upon.

The RHA assessors spend their A big thank you goes to Sue, time reviewing several aspects of Sid and Huw for the hard work the schemes and also had the they put into carrying out the What is Insight Radio? RNIB’s Insight Radio either blind or partially sighted communicates the needs, ensuring you’ll hear informed, interests and aspirations of intelligent and in touch broadcasting. blind and partially sighted From cooking to blind DIY to blind people throughout the UK. movie reviews the content on the to prevent the social isolation felt by radio station is produced with sight many people who live with sight loss. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, the loss in mind to help listeners learn Sony Award winning station offers an about new technology, benefits, Tune in online innovative and informed service campaigning and the skills to lead www.insightradio.co.uk on Freesat tailored to the needs of the visually independent yet inclusive lives. channel 777, on Sky Digital Channel impaired listener. Programmes offer 0188 and on 101 FM in the Glasgow easily accessible, up to the minute Insight Radio has studios in Cardiff, area. information covering current news, Glasgow, London, and Edinburgh and sport, entertainment and Talking provides local training opportunities For more information about Insight Books as well as a wide range of for blind and partially sighted people Radio in or volunteer issues affecting the blind and to learn about radio and develop opportunities, call Steve Powell, partially sighted community. core skills, such as confidence, team Broadcast Producer (Wales) on Insight Radio’s presenters are all work and IT competencies, helping 02920 449 557

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda 1 1 Summer 2012 INCLUDE ENGAGE Older Peoples Services Supported Housing Department We provide a unique housing “Include” the Supported income maximisation, budgeting support service for our Housing Team at Rhondda skills, eeducation and tenants aged 55 and over in Housing Association works employment opportunities and sheltered accommodation as part of the Rhondda Cynon social integration. and aged 60 or over in Taff Supporting People team. general needs housing. Our The department underwent a unique housing support offers We provide a free and confidential restructure in November 2011 free and confidential advice service and offer assistance to and this has enabled us to have a and aims to assist people in ensure that housing problems that greater impact and effectiveness successfully maintaining their individuals and their families may at the front line. It also improved independence. be facing are identified and people the quality controls and are supported to find a practical monitoring and better enables Welfare benefits advice is and realistic remedy to their them us meet the requirements available and key working with housing situation. of the new national outcomes both statutory and voluntary framework. You don’t have to be agencies is undertaken to meet Help and support is available on: a RHA tenant to access this the needs of senior people. For housing law, tenancy agreements, service. For further information any further information, or mortgage re-possessions anti-social contact us on 01443424250. general advice then please contact behaviour, welfare benefits advice, Barbara on 01443 424254.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 12 Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda Summer 2012

Community Wellbeing Coach Following on from the We won! advertisement in the last newsletter and in partnership with RCT Homes we pleased to announce the successful employment of our trainee RHA’s Advocacy “Action for Community Wellbeing Coach Change “project won the – Bethan Cadwallader. Business In The Community award on 21st June 2012. For a twelve month period work will be undertaken in the We won the BITC Wales Impact awards communities of Brynna, Llanharry, 2012 - The Ready For Work , Talbot Green, and Employability Award which was . Support will be sponsored by Working Links. provided to improve health, well being and quality of life. The We are delighted to have received coach is employed by Community recognition for this worthy three year Wellbeing Coaches CIC but project and would like to thank all the available to work exclusively with beneficiaries, partners and staff tenants of both housing involved in associations. making this project such This community pilot will bridge a success. the areas of health and housing and the coach will work in partnership with other agencies by signposting to services and also on a one to one basis with individuals. If you live in any of the areas listed above and think the project will benefit you directly then a referral can be made by contacting your housing officer or ringing directly on 01443 424200 with your details.

We are excited to be working in this new area to benefit individuals and will be reporting progress in future editions.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda 1 3 Summer 2012 Au Revoir Advocacy!

The Advocacy Project, funded Because the project has come to by the Big Lottery, has been an end and to celebrate the running since April 2009 and success of all involved, the has now come to the end of Community Development Team its third and final year. The held a Celebration Event in aim of the project was to Rugby Club on support tenants to access Thursday 26th May. training, gain work experience and secure employment. We have worked closely with 175 people, offering support with issues of confidence or personal development and addressing the barriers faced when looking for employment.

The project was successful in supporting 129 people to access training; from Personal Development to Customer service Leighton Hughes skills, Hedge Trimming & Grass explaining what Cutting to Principles of Care support the Count courses. A further 59 people Me In Team can gaining valuable work experience offer. through volunteer placements; for these we worked in partnership Leighton Hughes with local organisations like Too attended the event Good to Waste, Sheltered Housing as part of the Count Schemes, local Trade Contractors Me In Team, he was and here at Rhondda Housing available to offer Association offices. advice on affordable warmth and financial support. Thank you to everyone Another big achievement for the project was the success of 66 There were activities and face who attended the event people who gained employment, painting for children (and some and to all those who demonstrating that skills and grown ups!) as well as a free have worked with us for experience built through training buffet, cakes and refreshments. the past 3 years! and volunteering can increase The event was well attended by your chance of securing staff, partners and tenants and employment. was enjoyed by all.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] 14 Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda Summer 2012 New Starters

Emma Jones Count Me In Project Administrator My name is Emma Jones and I have recently been employed by RHA as the new Financial Inclusion Administrator.

Stephen Evans I will be working within the Family, going to the gym and Director of Housing Services ‘Count me in’ Team, supporting zumba Classes. I have recently I am 38 years old and married with the advisors in their day to day been employed by RHA as the a 14 month old daughter, Lily. I activities.My new post is new Financial Inclusion grew up in St Davids in somewhat different to any of my Administrator. Pembrokeshire and I’m really previous positions, but I am pleased to have moved back to looking forward to helping and I will be working within the after 5 years in supporting the local community ‘Count me in’ Team, supporting Yorkshire. in which I have lived for over 30 the advisors in their day to day years. activities. My new post is I started as Director of Housing somewhat different to any of my Services at the end of March, I currently live in Pontypridd with previous positions, but I am having worked in housing my 6 Year old daughter, Chloe. I looking forward to helping and management for over 15 years. attended Treorchy Comprehensive supporting the local community Before joining RHA I worked for a School, when living in in which I have lived, for over 30 large stock transfer Housing with my family. In my spare time, I years. Association in Scunthorpe and enjoy socialising with Friends and have previously worked in a range of housing jobs, starting at Cynon Taf Housing and including 9 years at Taff Housing in Cardiff. David Harris Surveyor In my spare time I enjoy playing I’m a time served carpenter & (less and less) and watching (more joiner, serving my apprenticeship and more) almost any sport, with Rhondda Borough Council, this especially football and rugby. I’m was housing and schools also an occasional skier and love maintenance, moving on to Mid following an industrial injury I was travelling as much as I can. I also County Council. forced to take early retirement. like to read, especially a good thriller or crime novel and listen to Most of the work I did there were During my recovery period I music. major refurbishments, following completed a Degree in construction local authority reorganisation I was and a Post Graduate Diploma in employed by RCTCBC. Where Construction Project Management.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Rhondda Housing Association • Cymdeithas Tai Rhondda 1 5 Summer 2012 How THE BIG PROFILE can be a BIG HELP to YOU!

Mike Dymond Finance Director I became the Director of Finance on 2nd April this year following a couple of months working at RHA, firstly completing some finance projects work and then as Interim FD.

My working life started training as an Accountant in a small Newport based firm, from which I joined an Accountancy Practice that specialized in the housing sector. After working there for around 9 years I joined Cadwyn HA, becoming their Finance Director and worked there for 15 years.

I joined Merthyr Valleys Homes in October 2008, as Finance and Resources Director, before the housing stock transfer took place in Are you going to be If you haven’t completed your March 2009 and remained there effected by the Welfare BIG PROFILE yet then give us a until June 2011. Following a period Reform? ring and we can arrange to get this of freelance finance work, I wanted sorted for you. to return to a similar finance role. Do fears of the “Bedroom I am a Newportonian, but moved to Tax” keep you awake at If you cannot remember if you Cwmbran in 1998 where I currently night? have or not then give us a call and live. I am married with 4 children so we can check for you. family events dominate my social By completing THE BIG PROFILE, scene. I enjoy watching most sports you can help us to help you. For more information on The Big (too old to participate); cinema and Your completed profile will give Profile please contact us on: theatre and like to travel and us vital information on your 01443 424200 experience other cultures. circumstances and can help us to provide information and advice that is unique to you.

Rhondda Housing Association, 9 Compton Road, Tonypandy, CF40 1BE. Tel: 01443 424200. Email: [email protected] Summer

HOUSING ASSOCIATION CYMDEITHAS TAI RHONDDA A Charitable Housing Association Fayre

at Rhondda Sports Centre, on Thursday, 9th August 2012 from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm

Fire Engines, Paramedics, Inflatable Slide, Soft Play, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Cartoon Mascots, Organised Kiddies Fun, Jewellery Making, Woodburning, Table Top Sales (vacancies still available, see form below), Cake Stalls, Jam Stall, Craft Stalls, Plant Pot Painting, Tombola, Hanging Basket Demo, Quality Raffles, FREE BUFFET, Refreshments and lots, lots more!

COME AND JOIN THE FUN! If you want to attend then please give us a call on 01443 424 200