GrapevTenant Newsletterine Winter 2018

Rob’s journey into employment Newport tenant talks about his recent employment success P14

PEOPLE • HOMES • COMMUNITIES Grapevine In this issue... NEWS Welcome from the Chair Page 2 Welcome from the Chair of the Tenant Panel Welcome... Page 4-5 Kandy talks ‘getting involved’ e have had a busy and interesting few We recently held the Tenant Panel AGM (Annual from our CEO Wmonths and along with other tenants have General Meeting) and you can find more about the Page 6-7 Current developments been involved in bootcamps, awareness sessions activities of the Tenant Panel in our annual report to the Winter edition of Grapevine. and other events. which is available on the website. If you don’t have Page 8-11 Charity work access to the internet, please let us know and we s Christmas fast approaches it’s a great time to look In September, Linc ran some Scrutiny Bootcamp can send you a copy in the post. back and reflect, and there’s lots to shout about. From A Page 12 Mental health champions sessions to test how well Linc welcomes and sets employment to award success, our tenants have been doing people up in their new homes. As a Panel who Linc and the Tenant Panel are always looking for us proud. Page 13 Steel Remembered have been involved in testing services, we agreed different and better ways for tenants to become to take a step back and bring some new people more engaged. If you have something to offer and Our front cover photo features Robert, a young tenant who in – people who haven’t tested services before. would like to become more involved then please Page 14-15 Rob’s journey into recently began a new job at Lysaght Institute. You can The group brought fresh ideas and reviewed get in touch, we would love to hear from you. It’s employment read more about how Robert found employment and how our process from the first call you receive right not always necessary to attend meetings but brilliantly he is doing on page 14-15. through to the visits that take place in the year technology can enable us to keep in contact. Keep Page 16 Council tax scheme after. We’re looking forward to seeing the changes in touch through Facebook and Twitter! We have a guest feature from Kandy on page 4-5, a Newport that are made because of what you’ve said. tenant who has been getting involved with Linc and her local Page 17 News from Lysaght Finally, don’t forget if you are organising community. She’s written a great article about the benefits of We are always looking for more volunteers community events and activities over the getting involved, definitely worth a read! Page 18 Delivering value for money to engage with scrutiny, helping Linc to make Christmas period, we’d love to hear about them. changes for the better for all tenants, so if you Here’s wishing Seasons Greetings to you all and a Our most recent self-evaluation is now online! It tells you Page 18 Your home renovations would like to be involved please let your Housing happy, healthy and peaceful New Year! about the homes we’re building, our tenant satisfaction Officer know. results and how we’re moving forward. Our self-evaluation Page 19 TPAS Cymru Awards 2018 Kevin Lawrence demonstrates the positive work taking place across Linc by The Panel also attended a couple of sessions run tenants, staff and board members; you can view it here Page 20 Magic Matters by TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) our-self-evaluation.linccymru-communications.co.uk looking at the use of IT and social media, the Page 21 Estate inspections sessions were well-attended, and we were able to I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Grapevine. explore a variety of Apps and some useful ideas Page 22 Competition time for using Facebook, Twitter, etc. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Join the chat on One of the many tasks that we carry out is that Page 23 Fun corner Scott of evaluation. We spend a lot of time considering Twitter & Facebook! Linc’s self-evaluation, reviewing and commenting on reports from the various departments. This ollow us on twitter or like our Facebook page gives us a lot of insight into the way they run the Fto keep up to date with all our latest news organisation and enables us to question their and competitions. Head Office will close from 2pm judgement where needed. We are happy to say on Christmas eve and reopen on that managers listen to our points of view and You can contact us directly through social Thursday 27th December. We take action upon them where necessary. Carrying media, between 9am and 5pm Monday to will also close on Tuesday 1st out these activities helps to ensure that tenants Friday, if you need any assistance regarding January. are really at the heart of the organisation. You can your home or if you simply want to share your view the self-evaluation report on the website. own news, whether its showing off your winter Our usual out of hours emergency warming recipes or your festive decorations! repairs service will operate on these dates (see Page 24 for contact details). www.linc-cymru.co.uk Twitter:@Linc_Cymru 2 3 Grapevine NEWS

Kandy from Newport poured means the building have been encouraged to write, just never believed could open costs half the price you would gained a useful qualification for you. They are there. They expect to heat. Our tour guide and have even become a sort can be opened. All you have to mentioned that such eco- of mini film star! (You will have do is choose which one and friendly buildings are the way to wait until the video goes live get involved. forward and that as much on the Linc website though as possible elements of the before I elaborate any further!). Kandy building will be used in future homes. It is just a shame All in all, what I’m trying to that such eco-friendly builds point out is that to get more have taken so long to arrive. involved is to be able to have your say, but is also an So, with regards to getting opportunity to open up new Get more involved more involved with Linc, in the doors that you may never have space of three short months, I known were there or that you with Linc, I am!

n the short time that I have their particular organisations members of the community and Could you benefit from the ‘Help to Ibeen getting more involved with and the work they do. Ranging of different organisations. Linc (since May of this year), from an economist to the project my confidence and self-esteem manager for a planned new-build If there’s something you’d like to Save’ Scheme? has increased tenfold. Even my site in Bridgend, all of whom try, then ask as there may be a writing has been encouraged made you think of ways that you way of you doing so and possibly hat is Help to Save? (hence this article). could get involved with your own a qualification to be obtained WIt’s a new savings account landlord. at the end of it. I’m speaking recently announced by the Writing has always been a from personal experience here Government aimed at helping passion of mine and now I’m because I recently obtained a people with a low income. The being invited to events by my ‘to get more involved food hygiene certificate with great news is....if you qualify, the landlord with a view to writing is to be able to have Linc’s help (Cheers!!!). scheme offers you a bonus! about them afterwards. By doing so, I’m already getting something your say, but it is also The second event I was invited Who is it for? back by getting involved. Anyway, an opportunity to open to attend was a visit to the Any adult working and getting enough about my writing passion, up new doors that Senedd in Cardiff Bay. It was a Universal Credit or Working Tax let’s talk a little about the two very enjoyable few hours and Credits. The Government says events I have attended recently. you may never have whilst we did not witness any up to 3.5 million people will be known were there’ parliamentary debates, it was eligible! The first event was the annual interesting to see how issues Tenant Participation Advisory were raised. How much is the bonus? Service (TPAS) Conference which For example, having a say in the You will get 50p for every £1 you whenever you want (but if you close it before the 2 years is up, you’ll I found particularly inspiring as maintenance of your own home, Aside from that, the eco-friendly save over 4 years! You can save miss out on the bonus.) one who wishes to become more but also, getting more involved nature of the Senedd building is up to £50 per month. You get involved with any community with your community and any amazing. There is no need for the bonuses at the end of the How do I apply? regeneration plans for the poor regeneration projects that might aircon as the high windows open second and fourth year. You need a Government Gateway account to apply, you’ll have one if old area of Newport. be in the pipeline. Doing so and create draft in warm weather, You do not have to pay into you are already on Universal Credit, but if you haven’t, don’t worry, go means you increase your existing whilst in winter, tunnels down a it every month, and you can to gov.uk /get-help-savings-low-income/how-to-apply. This conference involved a skills, learn new ones and couple of hundred feet below the withdraw money from the Help number of speakers presenting generate relationships with other building into which water is to Save account whenever you If you have any questions, contact your Housing Officer on want and close the account freephone 0800 072 0966 or online at linc-cymru.co.uk. 4 5 Grapevine NEWS

Keep in the loop with A closer look at some of our Ebbw Vale all our new builds!

Gwaun Helyg new builds Gwaun Helyg sees the addition of FIND US 21 new family homes. e’ve got some exciting new developments taking shape over the coming months. Across South ON TWITTER Wales we’re building innovative and vibrant new homes, ranging from extra care schemes to W We’re adapting two of the homes for @Linc_Cymru family housing. people who need wheelchair access and specialist hoist equipment. EBBW VALE Matthew’s father Ron, is one of the Bridgend tenants moving in to a specially adapted home, he said: Sunnyside Wellness Village In Bridgend we’re combining health and housing, as we start the process “We cannot wait to be in of creating Sunnyside Wellness Village, the new building, having where homes will be built to the WELL equipment which is designed Building Standard. for my Dad’s daily use will The 79 new homes, made up of definitely improve his quality bungalows, apartments and houses, will of life and give him back feature air filters to help improve indoor more independence.” air quality, edible planting including allotments and fruit trees, and electric car College Road charging points. College Road in Ebbw Vale will offer 27 new apartments and 6 bungalows A brand-new building on the Sunnyside for people over 55’s and will be linked development will offer GP services, dental to our existing extra care scheme Llys services and education, training and research Glyncoed. NEWPORT services. BRIDGEND

Extra Care Linc were chosen as the preferred provider to deliver two extra care facilities in the Bridgend Borough and schemes are nearing completion. Newport At Jubilee Park in Tondu: we have 10 new family homes. 25 extra care flats, 15 residential care flats and 19 family homes. Durham Road in Newport sees 57 flats being built for over 55’s. Maesteg: 20 extra care flats, 10 residential care flats and 17 family bungalows.

6 7 Grapevine HEALTH & WELLBEING Fundraising efforts at Linc fund Announcing our new chemotherapy treatment chair charity partnership

he Jacob Abraham Foundation was Testablished by Nicola Abraham in memory of her son Jacob following his death in 2015. Jacob was 24 years old when he took his own life.

We are delighted to have chosen to support the Jacob Abraham Foundation as our charity of the year.

The foundation was set up to raise awareness about mental health and help other young people.

As Nicola explains “I wanted to raise awareness of mental health and suicide. I wanted people to talk openly about mental health as we do physical health. I want people to talk openly – ask someone ‘Are you ok?’ ‘What’s happening for you?’ Just for somebody to have someone to listen to them can make all the difference and save lives.” Nicola Smith, Executive Director of Linc Homes, presents Linc’s donation The Jacob Abraham Foundation provide suicide prevention and intervention training, or the past 18 months staff from across Linc support bereaved families post-suicide, educate have been raising money for Tenovus Cancer In total our staff raised communities about suicide, and run preventative F Nicola Abraham set up the charity following Care - organising fundraising activities from cake programmes with those experiencing poor mental a fantastic £14,528 for the death of her son sales to quiz nights, bike rides to afternoon teas health or suicidal thoughts. in our care schemes; our staff have certainly been Tenovus Cancer Care busy. Some of our staff took on a walking challenge We’re passionate about mental health and are For more information about the Jacob Abraham alongside BBC weatherman Derek Brockway, and proud to be supporting the foundation to continue Foundation, visit jacobsfoundation.org.uk our glamourous Charity Ball saw lots of generous the wonderful work they are doing. donations. In total our staff raised a fantastic £14,528 for Tenovus Cancer Care.

Tenovus has recently launched their third Mobile ‘I wanted people to Support Unit and at a ceremony in Cardiff Bay, talk openly about HRH The Princess Royal, Tenovus Cancer Care mental health as we Patron, officially launched the unit. do physical health. I It’s the largest mobile chemotherapy unit in the The money raised by staff funded a chemotherapy want people to talk world, with seven chemotherapy chairs, it can see treatment chair openly - ask someone 30 patients a day and can deliver more than 8,500 treatments a year. We’re proud that the money Thank you to all Linc staff who worked hard ‘Are you ok?’ raised by Linc staff has funded a chemotherapy organising events and raising money to support treatment chair for the unit. Tenovus.

8 Jacob Abraham, who took his own life through suicide aged 24 9 Grapevine HEALTH & WELLBEING Charity Ball raises £15K for the Jacob Abraham Foundation

inc organised the Charity Ball Scott Sanders (CEO Linc Cymru) presents Nicola Abraham (Jacob framework of support for those Levent to raise money for our Abraham Foundation) with the donation following the success of affected by suicide. The charity will chosen charity, the Jacob Abraham the event also be using the money to provide Foundation. training to community members and professionals. The glamourous ‘Dapper and Diamonds’ themed Charity Ball, which Nicola Abraham, Founder of the Guests join Executive Director of Property, Louise Attwood was sponsored by the Jehu Group, Jacob Abraham Foundation, said: (middle) saw 160 guests generously support the charity. “The ball was amazing! Knowing that community members, businesses Scott Sanders, Chief Executive for and organisations are behind us, Linc said: supporting the work we do, is a great feeling. “At Linc we’re passionate about creating the right to students about mental health and suicide, and environment to support good mental health for our to provide advice to those who have been affected As we’re self-funded, donations like staff and customers. It therefore seemed fitting that by suicide. This was a touching reminder of the the money from Linc really do keep our staff chose the Jacob Abraham Foundation as important work the charity is doing, and how vital it is us going. our charity of the year. that we talk openly about mental health. This is an absolutely amazing The work the Jacob Abraham Foundation is doing I’d like to thank all our sponsors and guests for amount of money and is invaluable in our local communities is invaluable and we’re helping to make this event a success, thank you for to us.” honoured to be able to support the charity. your wonderful support and generosity.” Linc will continue to raise money Scott Sanders (CEO Linc Cymru) talks to guests I recently shared with staff how the Jacob Abraham The money raised at the Charity Ball will be used by and support the Jacob Abraham Foundation attended my daughter’s school to talk the Jacob Abraham Foundation to build a Foundation for the year ahead.

Main sponsor Jehu: Mark and Mel Jehu show their support

Nicola Abraham and Martin Hole from the Jacob Abraham Foundation show their excitement Chair of the Linc Board, Richard Norton and his wife Miriam show their support

10 11 Grapevine HEALTH & WELLBEING Linc staff now have a team of mental Steel Remembered finale a great health champions success

ith 1 in 4 people Over the coming months we’ll experiencing mental illness be organising more mental teel Remembered was a two year project co- W ‘over 100 staff from across each year, the Jacob Abraham health training for staff and Sordinated by Linc’s community engagement ‘this project has engaged Linc have received mental team. It uncovered the stories of the Orb steel Foundation and our Time to keeping the conversation with so many people in the Change Pledge both place going about mental health and health training’ workers who marched off to war in 1914-1918, importance on the need to speak wellbeing. those who came back and those who are community’ openly about mental health. commemorated by the Orb Steel Works War Memorial. As Scott Sanders, Linc Chief Executive explains, There was also an emotive performance from Vintage Days, designed With cakes, familiar tunes and the U3A choir and guest speaker John Griffiths, “Mental health statistics tell us with tenants has seen the plenty of Union Jack flags, the AM for Newport East, spoke of the success of that 4 in 10 people experiencing importance of positive lively Vintage Days have had the project and the importance of recognising the mental health problems are too mental health and wellbeing tenants looking back on the past contributions of the steel workers in WW1. nervous to speak out and tell reach our extra care with fond memories, a great way their employer. schemes and sheltered to inspire that feel good factor. Jessica Morden MP attended the event and said: housing. “The event today has been absolutely brilliant, it It’s important to us that our staff was really quite emotional. It’s so important that know that it’s ok to speak out and we recognise people’s history, and this project has talk about how they are feeling. engaged with so many people in the community to We’re here as one big team and bring these stories to life.” we want to support each other!

Over 100 Linc staff have received mental health training and we’ve got a team of mental health champions who will be working across the business to end the stigma that surrounds mental The play ‘Men of Steel’ was written especially for Lively vintage days have had that feel good factor health.” the project

The project, funded by the Heritage Lottery, saw hundreds of community members get involved in research to help bring the stories of It’s okay to talk the Orb Steelworkers to life. Steel Remembered culminated in a fantastic event at the Lysaght Institute. If you would like to talk to someone about your Samaritans (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) mental health, there are a number of charities Call: 116 123 Children from Millbrook Primary School who can provide advice and support: Email: [email protected] performed ‘Men of Steel’, a play written especially Website: samaritans.org for the project, that told the story of the brave Children from Millbrook Primary School have been steelworkers and their families. learning about WW1 Mind Cymru Infoline (9am to 5pm Mon – Fri) CALL (Community Advice and Listening Line) Call: 0300 123 3393 Text: 86463 Call: 0800 132 737 Email: [email protected] Website: callhelpline.org.uk 12 13 Grapevine NEWS

‘I remember saying at the time that I was doing work experience that I would love to work here, and now I do!’

My favourite part is meeting new people, I like people and getting to know them. I love working with everyone – I’m always happy and love being part of the team”.

Rob’s journey into employment Of the support he received from Shelly, Rob said “She has We were presenting Steel were clear to see. Just a quick helped me lots! She’s helped me Remembered at Newport Library walk from home, Rob’s new get my job and has helped me & Museum and I was enchanted workplace suits him well; “I just with a lot of stuff – like getting by his enthusiasm and find it so awesome, my work the confidence to look for a job.” knowledge of WW1, particularly experience was here and now I Robert’s gardening skills are put to good use weaponry. I admired how polite work here. I remember saying at Rob is now working regular and engaging Robert was with the time that I was doing work shifts at Lysaght and has been visitors to the exhibition and experience that I would love to a great addition to the team. we must have the tidiest, A big congratulations to Rob wanted to learn more about work here, and now I do!” Beck who works with Rob cleanest and most efficient on his new job! If you would him. We got chatting, something at Lysaght said, “The term bar in Newport. All of this like to speak to our Community we’re both very good at, he was Regularly working shifts at ‘AMAZING’ doesn’t quite cut teamed up with the grace of Regeneration team about Robert is doing well in his new job at very open about his autism, his events like weddings and it when it comes to the effort an absolute gentleman. He’s employment support, get in Lysaght hopes and dreams and plans conferences, helping to set up Rob puts in. From pot wash, to so accommodating and polite, touch with Shelly. Call 0800 to start work and earn his own and assisting with bar service, glass collecting, to constantly Rob has won the hearts of all at 072 0966 or message us on hen 19-year-old Rob began money, and I knew I wanted to Rob has settled in well to his new cleaning the bar and restocking Lysaght and his efforts are just Facebook. Wworking at the Lysaght support him in any way I could.” role; “Awesome, I love it here. the fridges; with Rob on board golden!” Institute in Newport, he found a job he could throw all his Rob’s journey into employment passion and enthusiasm into. began with a volunteering opportunity at the Lysaght After meeting Shelly from Linc’s Institute. A knowledgeable Community Regeneration team gardener, on his first day as a at a community event, Rob volunteer Rob was out in the started receiving employment Lysaght grounds sprucing up support. As Shelly explains, the flowerbeds, deadheading, “I first met Robert when he watering and planting. was volunteering with his mum Caroline (also a Linc tenant Volunteering soon turned into and active member of the employment for Rob as his community). enthusiasm and work ethic

Shelly has worked with Robert to 14 support him into employment Robert enjoys working behind the bar with his colleague Beck 15 Grapevine NEWS Are you eligible to pay News from Lysaght less council tax? he Lysaght Institute has recently undergone a There was a well-deserved win for the Lysaght Trefurbishment which saw the venue beautifully team at the V Awards, scooping the prize for f your household is on a low income, you get support even if you are not eligible for these transformed. Wedding Coordinators of the Year! Icould receive support towards some or all of benefits. your Council Tax bill through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. To work out if you’re entitled to a reduction and how much it would be, your local authority will look at your weekly income and any capital you may have. Capital includes savings and property that you own.

How much of a reduction you are entitled to also depends on who lives with you and their personal circumstances, and whether you are of working age or a pensioner. The Lysaght team scoop up Wedding Coordinators Lysaght has been beautifully transformed You are not eligible to a reduction if you are: of the Year at the V Awards

• Aged under 65 and have capital of £16,000 or more. • Aged over 65 and have capital of £16,000 or more If you are eligible for the benefits below, regardless of whether you are receiving them or (unless you or your partner gets the Guarantee not, then you can receive support towards your Credit part of Pension Credit). Council Tax bill: If you receive Universal Credit you should contact • Job Seekers Allowance. your local authority to make sure that they have • Employment Support Allowance. assessed you for a reduction to your Council Tax. • Pension Credit. • Income Support. Local Authorities in Wales are responsible for December 7th, 2018 marked the 90th managing Council Tax. If you think you may be The space is perfectly fit for that special day anniversary of Lysaght Institute and to If you think your bill has not already been eligible for a Council Tax discount or reduction celebrate we launched a new project, adjusted for this, you can contact your local you should contact your Local Authority Council ‘Loving the Lysaght’. authority’s Council Tax department to have your Tax department. Contact numbers can be found entitlement assessed. You may also be able to at beta.gov.wales/pay-less-council-tax ‘Loving the Lysaght’, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, will involve local residents, community groups, schools and other organisations in revealing the Seal of approval history of the Lysaght and the people who e Reading have been a part of its story. ead in G e R ing ev r vin G p o e ro Our tenant Readinga Group gave usu their seal of approval on this p u r ra p p Stay tuned for more information on the Winter editionG of Grapevine. Everyone who responded to us was G

Loving the Lysaght project!

entered into a prize draw to win a £20 shopping voucher. The grounds of Lysaght looking glorious Congratulations to Sasha from Pontprennau who won this time For more information about Lysaght visit around! If you’d like to join our Reading Group please contact lysaght-institute.com or check out their [email protected] Facebook page. 16 1717 Grapeviinene NEWS Delivering Value for Money TPAS Cymru Awards 2018

ur aim is to continually assess and enhance our services to tenants and ocial housing tenants and empower, involve and engage According to TPAS, submissions Oresidents and to actively involve them and our employees to achieve Slandlords from across tenants were selected, along were ‘of a high standard and they Value for Money (VfM) in all that we do. Linc has developed a VfM Strategy Wales came together in July to with the inspirational work truly captured the imagination of in conjunction with our tenants which has recently been approved by the celebrate the very best in tenant carried out by individuals for the the judges, not only the quality of Linc Board. Our Strategy sets out Linc’s approach to delivering VfM and involvement activity at the annual Tenant of the Year, Young Tenant the written material sent in, but provides a framework for embedding VfM across all areas of the business. Participation Awards in Cardiff. of the Year and the Staff Team the innovative and imaginative To read a copy please visit our website and let us know what you think. of the Year. range of projects and initiatives The TPAS Cymru (Tenant being undertaken in Wales.’ Linc will produce and publish an Annual VfM Statement to demonstrate how Participation Advisory VfM has been delivered in the previous financial year and this Statement Service) awards showcase ‘we entered into five Here at Linc we entered into five will support our VfM Strategy. The Strategy will be reviewed annually and the commitment, dedication, categories and were categories and were shortlisted approved by the Board to ensure that it remains up to date and is linked to passion and flair of the for all of them. For the first time Linc’s Annual Business Plan and our Strategic Corporate Objectives. innovative and creative people shortlisted for all of in many years’ it was a real who are nominated. A variety them’ triumph for the Valleys who of projects and schemes that came top in three awards. Wowing us with your home renovations

ver the Summer, we launched our first from landscaped gardens with patios and O#doityourselfie competition with each decking being laid to stripped wallpaper and monthly winner being awarded £100. doityourselfiecolourful painting, it wasdoityourselfie difficult choosing just doityourselfie # one winner a month.# Thank you to everyone who #We asked you to share photos of your DIY took part, we loved seeing our tenants who have successes and we received some great entries, been busy makingCongratulations their house a home.to July’s Winner!!! Congratulations to May’s Winner!!!Congratulations to June’s Winners!!!

Tenant of the Year Award: Brian Thomas from Cwrt Gwalia in Bridgend 1st Community Action Young People: Bad Bikes charity in Bridgend 1st Community Action Award: Aberbeeg Community Group 2nd Partnerships Award: Steel Remembered, a Linc community project 2nd Improving Services Award: Tenant Involvement in Asset Management 3rd

May’s Winner

August’s Winner June’s Winners July’s Winner

18 19 Grapevine LINC Estate inspection dates: Mid-December 2018 - March 2019 ou can join us on our estate inspections to help us to continue to improve our neighbourhoods. Because its Christmas, YIf you'd like to come along, contact your Housing Officer.

Magic Matters! Bridgend C.B.C Neath Port Talbot C.B.C Lewistown 01.03.19 Melyn Fach 08.03.19 Llangeinor 01.03.19 Danygraig 08.03.19 Brackla 01.03.19 Llys Morfa 08.03.19 his year our Christmas campaign goods, tea, coffee, fruit juice and a few Kenfig Hill 01.03.19 Abbots Mews 08.03.19 T‘Magic Matters’ is about sprinkling a Christmas treats. Coity 01.03.19 Llys Groeswen 08.03.19 little bit of festive magic by giving much Morrison Court 08.03.19 needed items like clothes, food and more, Women’s Aid were our final charity, to make a difference to people’s lives. where donations of Christmas presents, Caerphilly C.B.C. children’s pyjamas and sweet treats will Throughout November our donation help add some magic to this Christmas. Hillside Ave 14.03.19 Linc Care Properties stations were set up in our care homes Glebe Road 14.03.19 Glyn Anwen 26.03.19 and in head office, where staff, residents As Christmas Day gets closer, our Oak Tree Drive 14.03.19 and their families kindly gave to our four Linc elves are out and about making Capel Court 26.02.19 O Old School Grange 14.03.19 chosen charities. their special deliveries. We hope these Llys Glyncoed 07.02.19 donations bring some festive joy to Parc Derwen 14.03.19 Llys Enfys 20.12.18 Week one saw donations of coats, hats, people’s lives, because it’s Christmas, Cwrt Llanfabon 14.03.19 Plas Bryn 07.03.19 scarves and gloves to Wrap Up Newport. magic matters! Pontypandy 14.03.19 An initiative set up to provide warm Wellwood 14.02.19 Borfa Place 14.03.19 clothing to those living on the streets. Thank you to everyone who donated, Willowbrook 21.02.19 Pen-Y-Graig 14.03.19 you’ve been so generous! Llys Yr Efail 12.03.19 Age Cymru were our next chosen charity, Cwrt Golwy Y Sianel 14.03.19 Aberavon Court 14.03.19 receiving items such as dominoes, To see more of what we’ve been up to, Clos Tir Y Pwll 14.03.19 playing cards, toiletries and Christmas check out #MagicMatters on social Cwrt Gwalia 28.03.19 Hilary Court 14.03.19 chocolates – all with the aim of putting a media... Ty Scott 20.12.18 smile on someone’s face. Bill Harry Court 14.02.19 twitter.com/Linc_Cymru Ty Canol 20.02.19 The third week of our campaign centred Cwrt Cwm Derwen 04.02.19 around Foodbanks, including tinned facebook.com/LincCymruHA Llwyn Onn 11.02.19 Village Court 15.01.19 Aberdulais Crescent 12.03.19 Brookside Bungalows 01.02.19 Park House 11.02.19 Albert Street 01.03.19

20 21 Grapevine FUN CORNER

ho doesn’t love a cheesy Christmas cracker joke? The festive period just wouldn’t be the same Competition time Wwithout them! Who is Santa's favourite singer? Elf-is Presley What do they sing at a snowman's birthday party? Freeze a jolly good fellow What happened to the man who stole an Advent Calendar? He got 25 days! Bauble all the way Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? A mince spy! e’re kicking off the festive season with the launch of our Christmas Wcompetition in search of the best decorated Christmas tree. Colour me in To enter simply send your tree photo to us on Facebook Linc Cymru Housing Association or on Twitter @Linc_Cymru with #baublealltheway. Alternatively, you can email your photo to [email protected] or send a copy in the post to Grapevine Competition, 387 Newport Rd, Cardiff, CF24 1GG.

The competition ends on 5 January. Enter now for your chance to win a prize to kickstart 2019!

WIN a New Year prize!

2222 2323 Grapevine Useful contacts If you can smell Gas: How to report a repair Please call the National or make an enquiry Emergency Gas Service on 0800 111 999 (24 hour freephone) Customer Contact Team: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm Other useful 0800 072 0966 numbers (free from a landline & mobile) Refuge (domestic violence help Email: Citizens Advice Bureau for women and children): [email protected] (Wales): 0808 2000 247 Website: 0844 477 2020 Samaritans (supporting people www.linc-cymru.co.uk Step Change (debt advice): in emotional distress): Option 1 - 0800 138 11 11 08457 90 90 90 Heating and Plumbing Money Advice Service: Option 2 - 0300 500 5000 Electricity, Gas Any other repairs Money Made Clear and Water Supply Hold the line for any other (money advice): To find out who your electricity enquiries. 0300 500 5000 supplier is please contact: Age UK (national charity for 0845 601 5972 Out of Hours: older people): 0800 169 6565 To find out who your gas Emergency Repairs* Alzheimer’s Society supplier is please 0800 072 0966 (national dementia charity): contact: 0870 608 1524 (after 5pm & on weekends)

0300 222 1122 To contact Welsh Water *An emergency repair is one which Mind (mental health charity): please call: involves an immediate risk to your health and safety or serious damage to your 0300 123 3393 0800 052 0145 home.

Compliments & complaints Customer feedback helps us to continually improve our services. We value your comments and will always do our FIND US best to respond to you as quickly as possible. If you would like ON TWITTER to make a compliment or complaint, you can contact us on @Linc_Cymru freephone 0800 072 0966 or submit your comments at www.linc-cymru.co.uk Please remove and keep handy 24