heartof the matter

Summer 2011 | Issue 4 INSIDE z Tenant conference z Tai Calon’s first Annual General Meeting z Citizens Advice Bureau z Don’t lose your possessions z Don’t risk losing your home z Energy saving tips

facebook.com/taicalon @taicalon www.taicalon.org Contents Contact us

z Another Successful Antisocial Behaviour p3 If you would like to Injunction for Tai Calon contact Tai Calon z How complaints have helped us to improve our service p4 you can phone us on z We want to hear your compliments, comments p5 0300 303 1717 and complaints If you wish to report a z Energy Saving Tips p6 repair, enquire about your z Happy 1st Birthday To Us!! p8 rent, or would like to speak z Beat the loan sharks – bite back! p9 to a member of staff from Tai Calon please telephone z Team Tai Calon Win! p10 0300 303 1717 z Don’t lose your possessions p11 z Equalities Panel p12 Or you can: Write to or visit z Are you paying by Direct Debit yet? p13 us at: z Free Money Advice p14 Solis One z Tai Calon Contractors line up to recruit young people p15 Rising Sun Industrial Estate z Citizens Advice Bureau p16 NP13 3JW z Our ‘Great Neighbourhood Walkabout’ programme p19 Email us: [email protected] z Tenants Celebrate Tai Calon’s First Birthday p20 z Don’t Risk Losing Your Home p22 We want to hear from you!

Here at Tai Calon, we Have you returned your work to listen and learn tenancy agreement? from everything you We’d also like to take this tell us and we use your opportunity to remind you, that feedback to make sure if you haven’t returned a signed we improve our services. copy of your completed Tenancy Agreement to us, please do so As part of that process, as soon as possible! we sent you a copy of our Tenant Census survey at the end of last year, to complete Send your and return. completed tenant Have you completed and census and tenancy returned your copy? If not, agreements to: please do, as the information Tai Calon, Solis One, you give us is vital for Rising Sun Industrial Estate, improving our service to you. Blaina NP13 3JW

2 ‘Another Successful Antisocial Behaviour Injunction for Tai Calon’

Tai Calon’s antisocial The incident caused such alarm, The order was amended so behaviour team that residents from the estate that the defendant can’t go visited Tai Calon’s offices the on the Brynawelon estate and managed to secure following morning to express cause nuisance or annoyance another successful their concerns. Details of the to any person in the locality injunction at the alleged assault were taken by of Brynawelon. The order will end of July against a member of the antisocial also prevent the defendant an man, behaviour team, and it was felt approaching or attempting to that immediate legal action was communicate with our tenant following a serious necessary to stop any further wherever she’s living. assault on a Tai Calon problems for the victim and the tenant from the wider . Tai Calon is committed to Brynawelon area ensuring that any antisocial The interim court order was behaviour problems are dealt of . granted with the power of with as quickly as possible, Tai Calon sought the arrest attached, preventing to ensure the safety and well injunction, following the attack the defendant from entering being of its tenants and their carried out on the evening the Brynawelon estate. A full neighbourhoods. of the 14th of July, which court hearing followed and was witnessed by several the injunction was successfully neighbours. granted for two years.

3 How complaints have helped us to improve our service

When a new tenant receives the keys to their new home, they are given a few days to prepare and move into the property. One of the items that the tenant needs to sort out during this period is the utilities supplies. Once they have a gas supply, Tai Calon is able to carry out its statutory Landlord safety checks on the gas installation.

On some occasions major As a consequence of this to worry about encountering problems were encountered, Service Improvement major problems with the gas which sometimes even project our process has installation, when they receive required whole systems to be been amended. The gas the keys to their new home. replaced. This resulted in some installations are now safety This prevents the tenancy start properties not being habitable tested at the end of the old date being delayed, which causing considerable problems tenancy whilst the supplies means that tenants can move for the new tenants. This are still connected. This gives in as planned without any pattern of events was identified us the opportunity where inconvenience. from the analysis of complaints necessary, to replace the old received from tenants, and systems during the period a mini Service Improvement when the property is being project was started. prepared for the new tenant. So now, tenants do not need

4 Stage 2 We want to hear your A Director will review the case and look into what you are compliments, comments saying. He or she will reply to you in writing within 10 working days of receipt. If you are still not and complaints satisfied, then your complaint will be moved on to Stage 3.

Tell us about it • If you feel you have been Stage 3 treated unfairly or rudely by The stage 3 investigation Tai Calon Community Housing TCCH staff. will be carried out by the Board (TCCH) is committed to Complaints Panel. providing quality housing and Making a complaint The hearing is to be held within services. To do this we need to We will make it as easy as 10 working days from receipt of know what you think we do well possible for you to make a your request unless you wish to and what you think we could complaint. attend and cannot do so within do better. We know that in any that timescale. It must, however, service things can go wrong You can complain in person, be held with 15 working days of and when they do we need by letter, phone, fax, text, receipt of your request. you to tell us about it. That way email or simply by using the A full written response will be you can help us to improve our attached form. Whichever way sent to you within 5 working service for all our tenants. you choose to make your views known, we will make a note of days of the Panel hearing. If you like something what you say and handle your If you are still not satisfied If you think we are doing complaint in an honest, open If you are still not happy something well or that staff are and confidential manner. with the outcome of your giving great service, please complaint you can take the tell us. Compliments and Stage 1 matter further to the Public comments will help staff know We will write to you within 2 Service Ombudsman for . they are doing well and that working days of receipt and tell This service is independent and their efforts are worthwhile. you who is dealing with your investigates complaints against Everything you say will be complaint, what happens next public bodies in Wales. We will passed on to the people and how long it will take to give you all the information you concerned. All you have to do deal with it. We will investigate need on how to complain to is to decide how to contact us what you have said and let you the Ombudsman if you decide - see back page for available know in writing our response to do this. options. We will do the rest. within 10 working days of If you don’t like something receipt. In the unlikely event that this is not possible, we If you would like If you want to make a will contact you to explain why more information complaint about any part of and agree when you will get a regarding our our service please make sure written response. complaints process, please that we are the first to know. call Chris Roche, Monitoring If you are not satisfied with our You may want to complain: & Liaison Officer, on response to your complaint, • About any part of our service you will need to explain to us 0300 303 1717 you are not happy with; why and then the complaint Email us at: • If there is a service you moves on to Stage 2. [email protected] think you need that we do [email protected] not offer; [email protected]

5 Energy Saving Tips

In the present economic climate and with energy prices set to rise again we can all try and become more energy efficient and aware in our homes, not only saving money every month but also reducing our carbon footprint on the environment.

In this issue we focus on • Be aware of your tumble • Cut out standby – tips for reducing your dryer usage – Many people Appliances left on standby need the use of a tumble can still use 33% of the electricity bill. dryer particularly with the energy that it takes to keep So how can you reduce Welsh weather conditions! them on. The average However, just be mindful that household wastes around your electricity usage? one load costs a minimum of £40 per year by leaving 60p, so cutting out just appliances on stand by. • Switch to energy efficient 1 load per week is going to Turn appliances off at the light bulbs – They may save you nearly £30 per year. plug; you can also use a not look conventional but Could you cut your usage Standby Saver product; the each bulb can save you on further? Take advantage standby saver will turn off average £2.50 a year – and by of sunny days anddry outside the appliances plugged into swapping all the light bulbs in as much as possible. it when you turn off the TV your home for energy saving with the remote. ones you could save around £37 per year. Although they • Only boil as much water as can cost more to buy they you need when using a kettle. will use approximately 80% If everyone done this we less electricity for the same would save enough electricity amount of light, and they can to power two thirds of the last up to twelve times longer. UK’s street lighting.

6 • Don’t leave your mobile • Buy Energy Efficient Welsh Water Assist phone on charge all night. Appliances – technology It will only take a couple of these days means products If yours is a low income hours to charge the phone can be much more cost household and you have fully. Many people also effective and can literally save a large family (3 or more leave the charger plugged you money while you sleep. children under the age of in without their mobile When your old appliances 19 in full time education) connected. There is a device see its last days, its worth or a family member with available the enviroplug investing in a highly efficient a medical condition that that is designed to stop you product, for example an requires the use of a from wasting energy when energy efficient Fridge/ significant amount of extra charging your mobile phone. Freezer alone can save £35 water you may qualify for You plug your phone charger per year versus an inefficient Welsh Water Assist. into the enviroplug and it one. The energy efficiency Welsh Water Assist detects when your battery is rating (an example is shown provides financial full or mobile isn’t connected below) is by law provided on assistance to qualifying and shuts off the power all refrigeration and laundry households by capping accordingly. This device appliances, dishwashers, the water charges. could cut the amount of electric ovens and light bulb electricity your mobile phone packaging. The label rates If you would like to find charger uses by 90%: that’s products from A (the most out if you qualify for Welsh enough power to watch TV efficient) to G (the least water Assistance the for 19 days or boil a kettle efficient) and for refrigeration Income Team at Tai Calon more than 100 times. the EU label goes up to A++. will be happy to help with The most energy efficient your enquiry. • When using the washing products also carry the machine, between 85-90% energy saving recommended of energy is used just to heat logo shown: up the water. Therefore, dropping the water temperature of your wash could significantly decrease your energy consumption. Over a year, by using a warm wash rather than a hot wash, you could cut your consumption by half.

• Only use your washing machine when you have a full load, if you have to do a smaller wash use the half load function. The spin on the machine may mean that more energy is used but by spinning your clothes you are You can contact the Income Team on: removing more excess water, therefore reducing your 0300 303 1717 drying time in a tumble dryer.

7 Happy 1st Birthday To Us!!

To celebrate our 1st birthday, the Executive team made it into the

office extra early Our Chief Executive, Jen to serve tea, coffee Barfoot personally thanked staff and Tai Calon cup by saying, “Thank you each and every one for the contributions cakes in our canteen, you have made this 1st year. as a special ‘Thank You’ By working together we have to staff for all their made a real difference to so many lives across Blaenau hard work over the , and there is so much past year. more to do. Here’s to many more years!”

Tai Calon Community Housing Annual General Meeting

Date: Thursday 22 September 2011 Time: 4pm, refreshments from 3.30pm Location: Beaufort Ballroom, Beaufort Rd, Beaufort Hill, , NP23 5QQ

Are you a tenant of Tai Calon Community Housing? Contact You are invited to attend our first Annual Jayne Lewis: General Meeting. This is your opportunity to find out how we’ve been doing and what our 0300 303 1717 plans are for the next year. to book your place.

8 “Victims have found themselves forced into criminal activity to pay back the sharks. We have come across children pushed into shoplifting, and Beat the loan women pressurised into prostitution by sharks – bite back! these criminals.”

As the government cuts hit even harder, money problems are affecting more and more of us. Who do you turn to when the rent’s overdue, the gas bill’s higher than you expected, or the washing machine breaks down?

The Wales Illegal Money They will trap borrowers by and blackmail. Steven warns Lending Unit (IMLU) is charging extortionate interest that the helpful person who (IMLU say that 150,000% APR offers to lend you some cash warning tenants and is not unheard of!) and add on may not be such a good guy. residents not to make penalty payments as and when the mistake of turning they want. IMLU warns tenants and to illegal lenders – male residents to make sure they “ ‘Sharks’ don’t give you check that anyone offering or female. paperwork explaining the to lend them money has a IMLU was set up by central terms of the loan, and you consumer credit licence. government at the end of 2007 have to keep paying them If you are a loan shark victim, to search out and prosecute back until they decide you can or think there may be a shark loan sharks throughout Wales. stop. They may appear friendly operating nearby, phone It operates as part of Trading when they offer you the loan, IMLU on their 24 hour Hotline: Standards. Illegal lenders and when you pay - it’s when 0300 123 3311. You can also operate without a consumer you can’t pay that you see the phone anonymously if you credit licence and prey on other side of them”, explains prefer. people who are at their most Steven Hay, IMLU manager. Specialist client liaison officers vulnerable – whether its due to But it can get even worse! will support and assist victims, poverty or debt, or difficulties Loan sharks use threats and advising on debt and other in their lives such as addiction sometimes violence to make problems. “Loan sharks should or health problems. sure their victims keep paying. be warned,” says Steven, “we ‘Loan sharks’ will rip you off! One loan shark has been are determined to stamp out imprisoned indefinitely for rape this crime.”

9 Team Tai Calon Win!

Earlier this year, ‘Team Tai Calon’ were nominated in the ‘Empowering People to Improve Services – Tenants and Residents in Action’ category at the TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) Cymru Awards, and walked away with first place!

Many of our tenants from TPAS Cymru are able to provide across (aka lots of advice, information ‘Team Tai Calon’) volunteer a and expertise on tenant huge amount of their time to involvement. They also provide a variety of our tenant working support for social housing groups, to ensure tenants have tenants and landlords in Wales. a real say in how Tai Calon’s services are delivered. If you would A number of our tenants also like more carry out weekly telephone information surveys from our Headquarters on the TPAS in Blaina, speaking to other awards, or would like tenants about their experience to get involved with Tai of the repairs service. Calon, then contact the Community Investment Needless to say our tenants and Involvement Team on were overjoyed with the award! ‘Team Tai Calon’s’ 0300 303 1717 commitment and dedication to tenant involvement has ensured tenants not only have a voice but can also influence all aspects of Tai Calon’s services, which made this award very well deserved.

10 Don’t lose your possessions

As a tenant of Tai Calon, it’s up to you to insure your possessions.

Many tenants believe that and washing machines. It also we automatically insure includes clothing, personal their furniture, belongings possessions and valuables. and decorations against Our new scheme offers theft, fire, vandalism or affordable insurance premiums burst pipes. This is not the which allow you to pay on a weekly basis, giving you case and many tenants DON’T LOSE only realise this after the complete peace of mind should the unexpected happen. damage has occurred. EVERYTHING We are pleased to inform you that Tai Calon has now For further details INSURE YOUR joined forces with Aon and of the scheme, Aviva Insurance to arrange including the range POSSESSIONS a low cost home contents of policies available insurance scheme, specifically tailored to your individual for Tai Calon tenants and needs and including leaseholders. flexible payment options, please contact Tai Calon Tenants contents insurance Call Tai Calon Community Housing on covers things in your home Community Housing that you could take with 0300 303 1717 you when you move – from 0300 303 1717 curtains and carpets to TVs Gas safety and the law Please remember that, The annual check is a legal requirement in association with of YOUR tenancy. WE have a legal responsibility to ensure that each and every one of our properties receives an annual check and is safe.

11 Equalities Panel The last newsletter featured an introduction to Tai Calon’s newly-formed Equalities Panel, whose role is to ensure that equality and diversity is a key consideration for Tai Calon, when making decisions which effect tenants and the wider communities of Blaenau Gwent. Ann Ingram, a member of the panel, gives us an update.

The Panel aims to be ‘Contractor Code of Conduct’ individuals’ needs and are not representative of the wide which took into account a wide discriminatory in anyway. range of community and variety of equality and diversity interest groups in Blaenau issues for the first time. The Panel would like to hear Gwent and membership from tenants who would currently includes tenants with A month on, and The Panel like to join, to represent any mobility problems, severe also carried out a review of the groups with specific needs not visual and hearing impairments, ‘Needs Assessment’ process, currently represented. wheelchair users and people which is carried out by Tai For example, tenants with with other health difficulties. Calon’s Tenant Liaison Officers language difficulties where It is committed to taking action before major improvement English is not the first and making a difference on works are carried out in tenants’ language, or parent/s with behalf of other tenants and homes. The Panel was able to disabled children. residents and will not be “just identify a number of gaps in the another talking shop”. process from an equality and diversity perspective, where In March, the Panel carried out some tenant groups may have If you are an access audit of Tai Calon’s been subject to unnecessary interested car park, main entrance and upheaval or intentional please contact reception area, where a number harassment. The processes Andy MacDougall on of potential hazards and access have now been amended to 0300 300 1717 barriers were identified. avoid this happening. who will be pleased to These have subsequently been discuss with you how you removed, which shows that the In future meetings, the Panel could contribute to the Panel does have “real clout” and will carry-out equality impact Panel’s future success. makes a difference on behalf of assessments on Tai Calon’s other tenants. In May, the Panel key services, to ensure further developed Tai Calon’s they are able to meet all

12 Are you paying by Direct Debit yet?

We want to help you by making it as easy as possible for you to pay your rent. One of the most convenient ways for you to pay your rent is by Direct Debit.

There are many advantages to paying your rent by Direct Debit, and many of our tenants are now doing just that.

The advantages are:

• Not having to remember to make a payment • No queues • You are in control • You can cancel at any time • Refund if a mistake is made • No cheques to write • No postage to be paid • Only one short form to fill in

You can budget your rent payments weekly or monthly. The choice is yours.

Contact the Income team on 0300 303 1717 to let us know you want to pay by Direct Debit and complete the short form for use by your bank. We will then do the rest for you!

13 ‘Free Money Advice - because it doesn’t grow on trees!’

The Money Advice Service is here to give free, clear and unbiased money advice to help you make informed choices.

The Money Advice • Can I get help to manage Surgeries are held on the last Service can be found on a tight budget, or to Thursday of every month, from claim all the benefits I’m 09.00am to 13.00pm at the locally, at the Heart of entitled to? Integrated Childrens Centre the Valleys Integrated • Can I get a better deal on in Blaina. Children’s Centre in my gas and electricity bills? Blaina. How and where? Please note that this FREE service is available • I’m retiring soon! What are Why not come and have a free to everyone! face-to-face chat with a trained my options? member of staff? • Can I have information about insurance and getting They will be able to answer your Just call the best deal? questions about any money issues you may have, and help • What are the best options 01495 provide you with information for saving for me and my 355584 family? about a wide range of issues to make your and topics such as; • How can I get the best rates appointment. on borrowing money? • Can I manage the payment of my rent and other bills? How?

14 Tai Calon Contractors line up to recruit young people

Seventeen young people were invited to a ‘speed recruitment’ event held at Tai Calon’s offices in Blaina on the 29th of July 2011.

The young people went Michael Young from Glyncoed, from table to table Ebbw Vale said “I was really speaking to each of the disappointed when I was told I contractors. Officers was unsuccessful in gaining an apprenticeship with Tai Calon. from Construction Skills When I was invited to this event were also there to I was over the moon. I started support the participants. bricklaying when I left school, but went on to work in the The nine contractors have Health sector. I am so pleased been selected to work with to have another chance at Tai Calon to deliver its internal gaining an apprenticeship.“ improvement programme and have, as part of the contract, Darry Williams from agreed to recruit thirteen Construction Skills said apprentices. “We have had a fantastic response from local people Ashleigh Langford from and the standard is very high. Victoria, Ebbw Vale said “I It’s good to see Tai Calon We will continue to look for ways have put CVs in lots of places; taking this approach” to increase employment it’s so difficult at the moment in Blaenau Gwent.” to find work. This event has Phil Crozier, Chair of been really good because it’s Tai Calon commented Tai Calon will be commencing more relaxed than a formal “The event furthers Tai Calon’s its second wave of improvement interview and you can be commitment to creating training works in the Autumn and will be yourself. If I am unsuccessful and employment opportunities. working with Apollo, AP Waters, today I am going to start a Recently we have taken on Glanmor Developments, IJ Plumbing course in Ebbw Vale five apprentices in our internal Caddick, Mike Wilkes, P and in September and try again for workforce and 5 trainees in our P Building, R and M Williams, a apprenticeship next year”. grounds maintenance team. Seddon and Seren.

15 Citizens Advice Bureau

ASK CAB – Blaenau Gwent Citizens Advice Bureau have now merged with Caerphilly County CAB and will be looking to expand and improve the CAB service in this area. (more details about this in our next issue!!) As part of this Tai Calon and CAB have teamed up to bring you ASK CAB.

Each quarter via Heart of the Matter, the CAB will answer any problems you may have regarding Debt, Welfare Benefits, Housing, Employment ,and Consumer issues. In this issue the subjects covered are:- Retirement, Tax Credits, Incapacity the charity for Benefit and the New Credit Card Rules. your community If you wish to write in with any questions, please send them in to ASK CAB, Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Ind Est., Blaina NP13 3JW.

Your name is not required so you can remain anonymous if you prefer. yr elusen i’ch cymuned chi The government has started If the assessment finds I currently claim to re-assess people currently you meet the qualifying claiming Incapacity Benefit conditions for ESA, you will be Incapacity Benefit (IB) in order to decide if automatically transferred to and have done so for they qualify for the new this benefit. If the assessment Employment and Support finds that you’re not entitled a number of years. to ESA, your Incapacity Benefit Allowance (ESA). I have heard that will stop. You will then have If you currently receive IB, to make a new claim for I will need to be the Department for Work Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) re-assessed as the and Pensions will write to you or another benefit that suits between now and March 2014 your needs. benefit is changing. about reassessing your benefit If you attend an assessment What happens next? entitlement. and are unhappy with the way First of all you will have to fill it’s carried out, or you don’t out a questionnaire which asks agree with its outcome, you about your health condition or can get advice on what to do disability. You must complete this from your local CAB. questionnaire with as much detail as possible and return it by the To find your nearest bureaux date requested. If you don’t, your or for more detailed benefit may be affected. information on ESA visit www.adviceguide.org.uk You may then be asked (Search for ESA). to attend a face-to-face assessment. You will be asked a number of questions to help determine what you are able to do and whether you might be capable of work.

16 I’ll be 65 next year and know that under normal circumstances I’d be expected to retire, but I love my job and don’t want to give it up. I’m still very fit and mentally sharp and can see no reason why I shouldn’t go on a few more years. Can my boss make me leave?

The age at which you can be • from 6 April 2011, if your your physical or mental ability forced to retire from work is employer hasn’t already to do your job. to be phased out between told you that you have to The new rules also mean that April and October this year. retire at age 65, they can no longer force you to stop an employer cannot refuse to Up until now, employers have work because of your age, employ you because of your had the right to make you even if you’re going to be age if you apply for a job after stop work at age 65, but when 65 before 1 October you’ve reached 65. the changes come into force, You can get more information in most jobs you’ll be able to • after 1 October, employers about what you need to think choose when you want to will not be able to force you about if you want to work leave work. to stop work at age 65. They may be able to dismiss you over the age of 65 at www. How the changes affect you for other reasons, but they will directgov.uk. If you’re worried will depend on when you’re have to justify those reasons. about how the changes will due to retire: affect you, or think that your These changes will apply to employer may be discriminating • if you’re due to retire before most workers. However, there against you because of your 1 October 2011, your may be a few jobs where your age, you can get advice on employer can still force you employer can make you retire what to do from your nearest to stop work at age 65 if at age 65 for a specific reason. Citizens Advice Bureau – go they gave you notice before This could be, for example, to www.adviceguide.org.uk 5 April where your age could affect for details. ‘Like’ us and win an HTC Smartphone!

Tai Calon is offering one Go on... what are you waiting lucky winner the opportunity for! You know you ‘Like’ us :-) to get their hands on an HTC Wildlife S Smartphone!! All The winner will be drawn on you have to do to enter this Monday September the 5th. competition, is to visit our Facebook page and ‘Like’ us. Good luck!

17 I’ve got a credit card bill that’s taking me forever to pay off. I’ve heard there are new rules regarding credit card accounts, can you tell me what these rules are?

New changes to give 3) No credit card cheques company has contacted you, consumers more control over unless requested you will have 60 days to decide their credit card accounts came Before, credit card companies whether to reject the new rate. into effect in January 2011. could send you cheques that This means you will have more The six main changes are: you could use to withdraw time to explore alternative money against your account. deals. 1) The most expensive Now you will only be sent these 6) More flexibility about debt will always be paid cheques if you ask for them. off first. how much you pay towards your bill Before, most credit card 4) More choice and control companies used your over credit limit increases Before, if you wanted to set repayments to pay off your Before, your credit card up a regular payment you cheapest debt first. This meant company could increase your would have had to pay either you paid interest on the more credit limit without asking you. the outstanding balance, or expensive debt, such as cash Now, they have to contact the minimum payment each withdrawals, over a longer you if they want to increase month. Now you can choose period of time. your credit limit. You will have to repay any amount you want 30 days to decide whether to between the minimum and the 2) On new accounts, the accept the increase. This gives full balance. minimum payment will people more control over their For more information and reduce the outstanding spending. balance. to download a leaflet on your new rights, visit: www. For new accounts opened 5) Clearer communications about interest rate adviceguide.org.uk/index/ from 1 April 2011, credit credit_card_changes card companies must set the increases minimum payment at a rate that Before, if credit card companies reduces your actual balance by increased your interest rate 1% each month. Before, if you and you chose not to accept it, made the minimum payment, your account would be closed this would generally only cover and the outstanding balance fees and interest charges repaid at the existing rate over and wouldn’t reduce your a reasonable period of time. outstanding balance. Now, once your credit card

18 Our ‘Great Neighbourhood Walkabout’ programme

If you want to join us on our next Valley Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec walkabout, you can find details of future Georgetown 9th 22nd walkabouts in the timetable shown here. - Lower 16th 1st Cefn Golau 23rd 13th 4th 15th 13th The Tredegar area walkabout will start at Ashvale 30th 18th 20th 10.00 am every Tuesday. Town Centre 6th 29th The Abertillery, Blaina and area Ysguborwen 2nd 20th 11th 6th neighbourhood walkabouts will start at Nantybwch & 27th 8th 10.00 am every Thursday. The Ebbw Vale area walkabout will start at Dukestown 25th 12.00 pm every Tuesday. Ebbw Vale Valley Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Beaufort 15th For more information Garnlydan 30th 22nd contact a member - Lower 13th of our Community Rassau - Upper 9th 20th 1st 13th Involvement team on Hilltop - Upper 16th 27th 25th 6th 0300 303 1717 Gwaun Helyg Hilltop - Lower 2nd 4th 29th Briery Hill 11th Newtown 6th 8th 20th Glyncoed 18th Cwm 23rd

Ebbw Fach Valley Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Twyncynghordy 6th Gurnos Estate 1st Brynfarm 15th 3rd 15th West Side, Blaina 27th Winchestown 4th 29th 24th Coed Cae 11th 22nd 10th 22nd Ffoesmaen 20th Cwmcelyn 1st Beaumont Close 25th Roseheyworth 18th 8th 8th 13th Swffrwyd 17th

19 Tenants Celebrate Tai Calon’s First Birthday

Over three hundred tenants had fun in the sun on the 23rd of July celebrating Tai Calon’s first birthday.

The Big Green Birthday Bash was held at Tai Calon’s main offices at Blaina and saw young and old participate in fun activities. It also gave Tai Calon an opportunity to get some important feedback from tenants on what they love about their neighbourhood, what they want to see improved and what Tai Calon can do to help.

Highlights from the day included the Blaenau Gwent Free Runners who somersaulted their way in front of the Brynmawr FM stage.

Britain’s Got Talent’s Nathan The day ended with a prize Wyburn was there to produce draw where tenants who some of his inspiring art, had completed surveys on completing a woodchip the day could win various based Marilyn Monroe and prizes including X boxes, a his signature ‘Simon Cowell in microwave, hanging baskets Marmite’. and a sat nav. All prizes were donated by the Hanging basket contractors that demonstrations, Tai Calon is pottery and painting working with to were some of the deliver internal other activities improvements that tenants and within tenants’ their children could homes. participate in. 20 Phil Crozier, Chair of Tai Calon, who opened the event, commented ‘It is great to see so many of our tenants attending an event like this. We want to engage with our tenants in as many ways as possible and a fun event like this allows us to speak to people who wouldn’t attend a meeting or don’t have time to participate in a workshop.’

Angela Roberts, a Tai Calon tenant commented ‘It has been a really good day and the weather has been lovely. I’ve been here all day. I’ve brought my grandchildren and they’ve had lots to do.’

A big thank you to all the tenants and their families that turned up to the event!

21 Don’t Risk Losing Your Home

Our aim is to do If you are finding it difficult to Please make sure you contact everything possible pay your rent, please talk to the Income Team as soon as us. Our Income team will make you start to have difficulties, as to keep you in your sure your situation is always sorting the problem out before home and we can treated in a sensitive and it gets too serious can prevent confidential manner. a lot of stress later. offer you a great deal of support to make All members of our team can Please help us to help you – get advise and work with you to in touch as soon as you start sure that is the case. make sure we get a suitable to have difficulty in keeping up payment arrangement in place. with your rent payments. Tai Calon has had to If you find that you are in arrears evict two tenants this and do not answer our letters Call the Income year who persistently and home visits, we really will team now on failed to pay their rent. have no other option but to proceed with court action and a 0300 303 1717 warrant for eviction.

Time banking is coming to Tai Calon! Time banking was devised by Dr Edgar Cahn back in the 1980’s. Time Banks don’t use real pounds and pence; instead, they encourage anyone who wants to take part, to make deposits and withdrawals of their time. In a time bank, you can earn credits for helping others – one hour of your time entitles you to an hour of someone else’s time. Unlike real money, anyone and everyone can earn time credits – no-one is excluded and everyone’s time is worth the same. Basically for every one hour of volunteering you do, be that through some of our litter picks, helping to run an event or assisting us with our telephone surveys and you have sufficient time banked, you will be able to exchange your time for rewards. If you would like to get involved contact Chloe Williams on: 0300 303 1717 22