The magazine for residents of Wales & West Housing FREE
In TouchAUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 99
“Our new home has made such a difference to our family”
What’s happening to FREE TV LICENCES?
Fun and food in our communities
£60 of shopping vouchers to be won 3 2 1 Summer fun for all Our housing and community Williamson, St Ederyns Village development officers have been enjoyed a fun day attended by out and about throughout the 25 children. While the annual St 4 summer, supporting communities Mellons Fete at the St Mellons to organise play days. Hub was the most successful ever To mark National Play Day on with more teenagers and adults August 7, events were held across joining in. Wales. In North Wales children and In West Wales we joined RAY their parents took part in a Ceredigion for a play day at “crafternoon” of play at Hightown The Square, Aberaeron, where Community Resource Centre. youngsters had fun building their own homes out of rubber bricks. Captions: (1,2) Families in Ffordd Residents in Crymych, Scleddau, Williamson, Cardiff; (3,4) fun Tregaron, Cardigan, Lampeter and and games in Hightown; (5,6,7) Aberystwyth also enjoyed summer National Play Day in Aberaeron; play sessions. (8) summer fete in St Mellons, 5 In Cardiff residents from Ffordd Cardiff
6 7 8
Contact Us Wales & West Housing, Archway House, 77 Parc Tŷ Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DU Tel: 0800 052 2526 Text: 07788 310420 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wwha.co.uk You can also contact members of staff direct by their email. For example,[email protected] Get social with Wales & West Housing Other languages and formats Facebook Linkedin facebook.com/ If you would like a copy of this linkedin.com/company/wwha wwhousing edition of In Touch in Welsh or another language or format, for Twitter Instagram example in large print, please let @wwha instagram.com/wwhousing us know and we will help you.
2 wwha.co.uk CONTENTS 11
7 15 WELCOME FROM ANNE
4 -5 How Wales could look in Welcome to the Autumn volunteering on community 20 years’ time edition of In Touch. projects to hiring locals and Help and encouragement residents to work on our 6 -7 More help for families in can take many forms and can construction sites. need have far-reaching effects. It We also go behind the 8-9 Plans go on display for is around us every day in the scenes at Welsh organisations new homes places we live and work and it which we have supported doesn’t need to cost a penny. financially this year, and find 12 Kyron loves his new From a simple smile and out how a cup of coffee can adapted family home a “good morning” to a make a difference to victims of 17 Who’s your community neighbour who is feeling low human trafficking. or lonely, to belief in another Plus, there’s all the usual hero? person’s ability to succeed, residents’ news and prize 22 Changes to free TV these actions can all make a puzzles with the chance to win licences and bus passes huge difference. a £30 shopping voucher. 26 A day in the life of a That’s why we have chosen The next issue will be our the theme “Supporting 100th, so look out for some Land Manager Communities” for this edition very special celebrations and 28-29 Your stories of our magazine. competitions. Please send us 32 Prize puzzles Inside you can find out how your ideas of how you think we work within communities we should celebrate. 34 What’s On when we plan to build new So, enjoy your Autumn 35 Advice to keep you and homes. We also look at the reading. your family safe in your different ways the companies home we use to build and improve Anne Hinchey our homes give back. These Group Chief Executive can range from funding and
If you have any thoughts on In Touch or how we could improve, please let us know. We will continue to listen to you. Simply email [email protected] or speak to our PR and Communications Team on 0800 052 2526.
wwha.co.uk 3 SUSTAINABLENEWS COMMUNITIES A vision for Wales The people of Wales are being in the same area. We work with local authorities asked to give their views on the Julie James, Minister for and communities in each of way Wales could look in 20 years’ Housing and Local Government, the areas where we operate to time. launched the vision in August understand what type of home The Welsh Government has saying, “We know that Wales people waiting for affordable set out its vision where new needs more good quality housing. homes need and to identify where homes, jobs and services will be “I am committed to building they want to live. located and identifying areas for more council housing at pace With this knowledge, our renewable energy generation. and scale in Wales, and to see far development teams focus on One of the top more affordable homes to rent finding potential sites where we priorities will be from councils and other social can build communities. With each delivering more landlords. I want a planning potential site we assess whether affordable homes at system that consistently meets all it is possible to get planning a “scale and pace” our needs; and for our villages, permission, considering a range of along with large-scale towns and cities to be organised factors including drainage, ecology, wind and solar energy in a way that makes it easier to flood risk and whether there is any projects. live healthy and active lives, for us contamination from previous use – It has also envisioned and for future generations.” including previous mining activity. three clusters of towns and At Wales & West Housing we We then work with local cities identified as nationally share this vision with an ambition authority planning departments significant where large-scale to build 500 affordable new before drawing up plans that housing and employment homes a year over the next five meet their requirements. Before growth will be focused. These are years. applying for permission on larger Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys, In the last year up to June 2019, schemes we also consult the local Swansea Bay and Llanelli and we started work on 245 new community to give those people Wrexham and Deeside. homes across Cardiff, Bridgend, directly affected by the proposed There is also a focus on growing the Vale of Glamorgan, Flintshire, development the opportunity to existing urban areas and ensuring Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and view the schemes and have their that homes, jobs and services are Wrexham. say. Joanna Davoile, Director of Development at Wales & West Housing, said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s vision that rightly puts housing at its heart.
4 wwha.co.uk SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES A vision for Wales
Have your say
The consultation on the easy-read version and a young Welsh Government’s draft person’s summary. “Before building new National Development The consultation is open homes, we carefully consider Framework is available on its until Friday 1st November the location and the links to website at https://gov.wales/ 2019. transport, employment and draft-national-development- You can give your views at community services. framework https://www.smartsurvey. “Affordability and It is available in a variety co.uk/s/J3OHB/ accessibility are important to of formats including an any new development, along with the right mix of homes, whether that’s 1 or 2 bed flats or 2,3 or 4 bed homes. “We don’t simply build homes, we build communities where we hope people will want to stay and bring up their families.”
wwha.co.uk 5 NEWS
Charity helps more people in need with support from WWH
A charity providing food, toiletries, volunteer-led charity’s operating Homes project to provide homeless clothing and furniture for families costs for a year, while it applied for families and individuals moving struggling on the poverty line, has other funding to continue growing with vouchers for starter packs of been able to grow and deliver more its support network. mugs, kettles, toasters, plates and support with help from WWH. Founder Paul Gwilym said: “We glasses, sofas, beds, wardrobes and In the last three years, Boomerang can’t thank Wales & West Housing white goods to help furnish their Cardiff has seen demand for its enough for its donation of wood permanent homes. services rapidly increase as almost and building materials for our “In the last three years we’ve 5,000 families in crisis, including project. I had estimated that we helped 5,000 families and WWH residents, have been needed to raise around £20,000 individuals, which is a really turning to them for help. to build a second floor in our humbling achievement. We’ve However, it had outgrown its warehouse and it was money that also been able to give one of our premises in Splott, Cardiff, and was we just didn’t have. volunteers, who used to sleep in having to turn down donations of "As a result of this donation, a shop doorway in the centre of unwanted furniture, clothing and we’ve been able to get the work Cardiff, a paid job.” white goods from individuals and done for a fraction of the cost. Anne Hinchey, WWH Group Chief house clearances because they had It means we can collect more Executive, added, “Organisations nowhere to store them. furniture and help more families. such as Boomerang Cardiff play an That’s where WWH stepped in “Wales & West Housing have important part in helping people to help. Our Group maintenance been a lifeline to us. When we experiencing homelessness to company, Cambria Maintenance were struggling to get funding, they transition into permanent homes. Services, arranged with Jewson, believed in us and sponsored us. The support they give makes a one of its suppliers, to provide That sponsorship didn't just give difference to help them settle in a materials to create a second floor us money, it gave us credibility and safe and secure home of their own.” and add extra warehousing space that helped other organisations to “We are pleased to have played a at their unit. believe in us too. part in Boomerang Cardiff’s success Last year WWH also provided “We’ve now signed a contract story and help them to help more £21,000 in sponsorship to cover the with Cardiff Council’s Homeless to families in need.”
6 wwha.co.uk NEWS Anti-Social Behaviour funds community summer sports Almost £600 recovered by police following criminal damage to WWH property in North Wales has been handed back to support an annual event for young people. WWH gifted the money paid back by vandals who damaged a car park barrier to fund a summer sports event for young people in Hawarden. Four youths were successfully traced by North Wales Police after the incident in December 2017 was caught on CCTV at our office on St David’s Park, Ewloe, in North Wales. The offenders were dealt with via a Community Resolution Order, paying us directly for the damage caused and avoiding a formal conviction or criminal record. Now, the money is being used to cover the cost of an annual summer sport event set up three years ago to tackle anti-social behaviour in Ewloe and Hawarden. Run by qualified sport coaches, the event featured inflatable zorbs and an inflatable football pitch. Geraint Parry, from the Wales & West Housing Group, said: “The best way we could spend the money was to support the summer sports event for another year. By working in partnership with North Wales Police and “The summer sports events More than 20 youngsters aged backing initiatives such as this we are a great opportunity to reduce 12-17 now attend the weekly can help make a difference within barriers between young persons sessions at Hawarden High School. the community.” and the Police, providing an Last year WWH also funded a PCSO Stephanie Jones said: opportunity to educate them weekly football session devised by “North Wales Police are extremely about the detrimental effects Anti- North Wales Police and Flintshire grateful for the donation that Social Behaviour can have on a Council to tackle anti-social WWH has provided. community.” behaviour in Ewloe and Hawarden.
wwha.co.uk 7 BUILD IT Jacques Yard makes way for new homes Wrexham Council has approved Also in Wrexham we have following a public consultation at plans for 25 new WWH homes on submitted plans to build 18 Brymbo Enterprise Centre earlier land behind a hotel in the town properties on Blast Road in in the year and, if approved, will centre. partnership with Brenig see a mix of houses, bungalows The new development, situated Construction. and apartments built. on the former Jacques Yard site The plans were submitted behind Wrexham’s Premier Inn, will consist of one and two bed apartments and two and three bed homes. Contractors will be Castlemead Ltd, who have also started working on site at our development in Rhosymedre. The company began working on the site at the end of August, with the homes expected to complete in 2020.
IN THE PIPELINE
South Wales year, Ceredigion County Council Morgan Construction Wales are planners granted permission for building 14 new affordable homes Vale of Glamorgan: Demolition work has begun to the development of six flats, two on the site, which are due for make way for 72 new apartments bungalows and six houses. completion early next year. in Barry. Our long-term construction Pembrokeshire: North Wales partners Jehu Group are building School pupils from Ysgol Bro Ingli Flintshire: the homes at Subway Road in the in Newport visited our site at A former hotel in Mold is to regenerated docklands area of Feidr Eglwys to see their signs in be demolished to make way the town. place and watch our new homes for a development of 23 WWH being built. West Wales Community Ceredigion: Development Officer Work has now been completed Rhiannon Ling and on the demolition of the former construction partners Tollgate pub in Penparcau, Morgan Construction Aberystwyth, to make way for Wales have worked with new homes. the school, who were The pub had been empty invited to design signs for for several years. In March this the site.
8 wwha.co.uk BUILDBUILD IT IT
Airfield development takes off More than 600 new homes A new development of almost 300 new properties on a former being built across Wales airfield in Flintshire is set to feature affordable homes • We had 621 new homes under construction on 21 sites provided by WWH. across Wales between April to June 2019. We are hoping to build 28 homes on Welsh Road in Sealand • These include 188 new homes in Cardiff at Pentland as part of the £95m Northern Gateway project, located on the Close, Llanishen and Clive Lane, Grangetown, 76 in old RAF Sealand South Camp Rhoose and Barry Waterfront, Vale of Glamorgan and alongside a major retail and 14 in Bridgend. commercial park. The proposed development, • Developments in West Wales include 26 new homes in partnership with Countryside in Pembrokeshire at Parrog Yard and Feidr Eglwys, Properties (UK) Ltd, consists of 12 x 2 bed homes and 16 x 3 bed Newport and Station Road, Narbeth, and 20 at Ysgol homes. Ffynnonbedr, Lampeter, Ceredigion. The homes would complement our existing 330 plus properties • 221 homes in North Wales include the former Police in the local area, including Station, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, Halkyn Road, Holywell Connah’s Quay, Shotton, Mancot, and Rhosymedre in Wrexham and the Grange Hotel, Sandycroft and Queensferry. Rhyl. Work is also underway on 2 new extra care schemes in Holywell, Flintshire and Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. apartments. During the last quarter We also started work on Planners approved our new homes were new homes for proposals for the new homes on completed residents the site of the Bryn Awel Hotel in 52 16 the Flintshire town. The scheme will transform the site, which has been derelict since the hotel closed in 2011, and provide affordable homes for the local community.
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wwha.co.uk 9 BUILD IT Public give their views on West Wales development plans Plans to build two new affordable At the event visitors were given storey former care home. Having housing schemes to meet the the chance to view the plans, ask acquired the site from Aspect needs of local people in West our development team questions, Developments, our plan is to Wales have gone on public and give their views on the clear the area for the proposed display. plans, which will be submitted residential development. In August WWH held a public to Pembrokeshire Coast National WWH Development Manager consultation at Yr Hen Ysgol, Park planning authority. for West Wales Gareth Thomas Dinas Cross, to show the local Another consultation event said: “Both consultations were community the proposals for 17 was held at Carmarthen Leisure well attended and gave locals the affordable homes on a site north Centre on September 12 to opportunity to come and discuss of Bay View Terrace. showcase our plans to build a the schemes with us. Dinas Cross is one of the further 17 affordable homes on “We will take the feedback and county’s prettiest coastal villages the site of the former Cartref comments made at these events and is popular with holiday Tawelan care home in Johnstown, into consideration before we makers and second home owners, Carmarthen. submit planning applications to which puts home ownership out Carmarthenshire County the relevant local authorities.” of the affordability of many local Council has given permission families. for the demolition of the two-
Dinas Cross
10 wwha.co.uk NEW HOMES
New housing development gives Fishguard families a “place to call home” Moving to her new Wales & Shayne Hembrow. West Housing home has been a They also visited retired IT “blessing” to local mother-of-two engineer and musician Leonard Cenedra Gayle. Morse, who was one of the Fishguard-born and raised first residents to move into the Cenedra is one of the 30 local scheme last October. families and individuals who are Pembrokeshire-born and bred settling into the new houses, Mr Morse said: “This is the best bungalows and apartments on home I have ever lived in. The our Parc Y Cefn development neighbours are lovely, and I feel overlooking Fishguard Bay. safe and settled here.” Cenedra, who has two children Glenda Bowen, Housing aged four and eight, said: Manager for Wales & West “Moving to Parc Y Cefn, has Housing based at our West Wales been a blessing. Wales & West office in Newcastle Emlyn, said: Housing has provided me with a “These new homes are making safe and stable home for me and a big difference to the lives and my children, where I can be close wellbeing of the residents living to my family. It’s nice to have there. We have worked closely somewhere that feels like home.” with Pembrokeshire County Fishguard councillor Pat Davies Before moving, Cenedra Council to allocate the properties said: “Parc y Cefn is a sensitively had been staying at her mum’s to families from the Fishguard designed development with home in Fishguard following a area, who have been waiting on comfortable well-built homes. I relationship break-up. the Pembrokeshire Choice Homes am delighted that these homes She added: “My mum lives in a register for suitable homes they have been offered to local people Wales & West Housing house and can afford to rent. They are much needed.” we have watched these houses being built. I was so pleased to be offered a home here.” Cenedra recently welcomed local councillor Pat Davies, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, and Mayor of Fishguard, Councillor Jordan Ryan, to her home. She was one of a group of residents who met with the local councillors and representatives of Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council’s Housing department, during a tour of the development by WWH Group Deputy Chief Executive
wwha.co.uk 11 NEW HOMES
“Kyron is more confident and independent in our new home.” Six-year-old Kyron Kinsey loves his and siblings Ellis, 12 and Molly, home, especially Kyron. It has new bedroom. Like many boys of 11, moved to WWH’s new made a massive difference to our his age, he enjoys spending time development at Parc Y Fferm, family. in his room playing with his toys Coity, last October after living in “In our old home, we had to and games. a three-storey house in Bridgend carry Kyron up and down the However, Kyron was born with for several years. stairs every day. WWH looked at spina bifida and is unable to use WWH worked with Kyron’s all ways of adapting it, but there his legs. occupational therapist to design just wasn’t enough space. In his new affordable family the house to meet his growing “Here we can live as a family home at Coity, Bridgend, Kyron needs. The ground floor of on the ground floor and Kyron can whizz around independently the house is fully accessible to has become more confident and on his specially-adapted Kyron with extra-wide doors to independent.” skateboard or his wheelchair. accommodate his wheelchair. “All the adaptations mean that “Our new home has made Hoists have been fitted in the as Kyron gets older, the house such a difference to our family,” lounge and Kyron’s ground floor can accommodate our changing explains dad Will. “Kyron has his bedroom. The wet room, with needs and we will never need to own room and can go anywhere a doorway leading to Kyron’s move again. This is our forever he wants. Nowhere on the ground bedroom, has been designed home.” floor or garden is out of bounds with low-level toilet and washing Kyron and his family are one to him. He can even raid the facilities and a low-level shower, of 24 families and individuals snack cupboard in the kitchen, that he will be able to use who moved into our £4 million just like his brother and sister.” independently as he gets older. affordable housing development Kyron, dad Will, mum Sarah Will said: “We all love our new at Heol Spencer, Coity, last
12 wwha.co.uk NEW HOMES
October. Built in partnership with Making sure our homes Bridgend County Borough Council and Welsh Government, Parc Y Fferm takes its name are right for you from the derelict Parc Farm, We are pleased to see a decrease in the time taken to which used to be on the site. WWH contracted Morganstone let our properties. But, we also recognise that a quick to build 2 adapted houses, 18 let is not always the right let, and we are continuing to x 2 bed houses and 4 x 1 bed make sure that we are having the right conversations apartments on the site. The with potential applicants to make sure that the property homes were allocated to families is right for them. on the Bridgend Common Housing Register in need of affordable homes to rent. Kyron proudly showed off his new home to Bridgend County Borough Council’s leader 32 Councillor Huw David, Mayor Councillor Stuart Baldwin and WWH’s Group Chief Executive Anne Hinchey during a recent visit to the scheme. 246 Anne Hinchey said: “Seeing how happy Kyron is in his new Average number of days residents were given the home shows us that every new to let a home for residents keys to their new homes home WWH builds makes a this quarter (figures based 5 days quicker than the difference to people’s lives. We on April to June 2019) hope that the family will be last quarter happy in their home for many years.” Our new home with Wales & West Housing meets the needs of our family
wwha.co.uk 13 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
Tackling food poverty and volunteering in the community And this October half term a new breakfast club is launching at the centre in Wrexham. The PR & Marketing Officer Andrew Price looks at club will run from Monday 28 some of the ways WWH staff and residents October to Friday 1 November make a difference in our communities. 2019, providing families with a free breakfast – and equally importantly, the opportunity to Adding value in communities painted potting sheds and planted spend valuable time together. where we have homes is vital to bulbs and flowers in raised beds. Annette Bryden, Centre achieving our mission to make a Centre Manager Shena Pierrot Manager for HCRC, said: “As well difference in everything we do at said: “The garden is safe and as helping to tackle food poverty WWH. looks nice for our service users in the area, we want the sessions From summer fun days to once again. They will get so much to be beneficial socially and supporting national initiatives to pleasure from sitting and looking educationally to all those who promote health and wellbeing, out on the garden.” attend with areas set aside for our staff are busy throughout In North Wales, a Bygones café parents and children to read or the year across Wales working has just launched at Hightown play games together.” with residents to create new Community Resource Centre The initial run of the Breakfast opportunities and bring our (HCRC), where people can meet Club is being funded by a £150 communities together. and relax over a cuppa every donation, match-funded by This summer has seen us Tuesday afternoon for a few hours. WWH, with plans to hold more working in partnership with other organisations to tackle food poverty in parts of South Wales. The Fit and Fed programme, run in conjunction with Ynysybwl Community Project, Ynysybwl Enterprise Programme / Children in Need, Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership and StreetGames, delivered 514 meals to children alongside an activity programme. An average of 25 children aged 5-14 attended per day across the 17-day initiative during the summer holidays. In Cardiff WWH staff spent a day volunteering to spruce up the garden at the Alzheimer’s Society’s day centre, based at WWH’s Oldwell Court scheme. They jet washed the patio,
14 wwha.co.uk SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES at Christmas and during future KPC members helped by school holidays. picking up the cut grass and All WWH staff are given one any rubbish and sticks that Hightown CRC Breakfast Club paid day per year to work on a could get into their bike runs from 9.30am-11am from project which supports WWH spokes. Monday 28 October to Friday 1 residents. In Pyle, Bridgend, a Alison Mawby, Project November 2019 at the centre group of WWH staff used this Development Manager for on Fusilier Way, Wrexham. opportunity to transform a bike KPC, said “It was great to see Children must be track for the local youth and the kids on the track by the accompanied by an adult and community club. end of the session, and being spaces will be available on a KPC Youth and Community enthused by the update to first come, first served basis. Club’s BMX track – originally it! It was the idea of some of Email hightowncrc@wwha. built by the Territorial Army – the older boys and they were had become overgrown and the first to get on their bikes co.uk for more information. unusable. Armed with sun and test it out.” cream and protective gear, our team of volunteers worked hard mowing, strimming and raking the grass and gradually the track started to take shape again. The young
wwha.co.uk 15
NEWS Parents plan more play A summer play scheme, set up to keep young residents in Who’s your community hero? Crymych entertained throughout the summer holidays, has been a Nominations now open for Making A Difference Awards 2020 success. The Wednesday afternoon play Whether cleaning up their towns, scheme sessions were organised caring for elderly neighbours at Crymych Leisure Centre after creatively, made new friends, or giving their time to organise local families highlighted the lack toasted marshmallows and had activities where they live – our of play opportunities for children space to run around safely. I look residents are supporting their during school holidays. forward to volunteering to keep communities across Wales. Up to 100 children and their these sessions running in Crymych.” Every year we like to reward parents took part in arts and craft Rhiannon Ling, WWH them at our Making A Difference sessions, soft play, assault courses, Community Development Officer Awards. circus skills, fancy dress competitions said: “I have been overwhelmed Our Community Heroes and toasting marshmallows around by the numbers attending each category celebrates individuals an outdoor fire pit. week and their commitment to or groups who have started Young people attending said sustain such sessions in the future. something special in their they “had a brilliant time and They prove that there is a local community. From running wanted more.” Hopefully, parents need for play opportunities and community groups, tackling will build on the success by we will support the volunteers in local issues affecting their volunteering and working with delivering future play sessions.” neighbourhoods, to leading partner agencies to run more The play sessions were held in the way in environmental and events in future. partnership with Wales & West sustainable projects, these Some parents said: “It was free of Housing, Pembrokeshire County people make a big difference to charge and so much fun for me and Council’s Play Sufficiency Officer, the places where they live. the children, who looked forward Crymych Leisure Centre, and PAVS For example, last year’s to each session. They played Community Connectors. winner Ian Stoker (pictured right) makes sure his town is free from litter and dog mess. Launch of Men’s Shed Ian is a regular sight around to mark its launch with a day Cardigan picking up litter from of activities including a raffle, the streets and dog mess from refreshments, games, hot food and the footpaths. a cake stall. Every year the judges have a The Newtown Men’s Shed group difficult job choosing a winner as had a stand at the event selling all our finalists make such a huge pieces of work which they’d made difference in their communities. as well as talking to visitors about A family fun day at Llys Glan yr the activities and trips which the Afon saw the official launch of a group take part in. Newtown branch of Men’s Shed. Ezma Zhao, Wellbeing Officer at Our extra care scheme in Llys Glan yr Afon, said: “The day Newtown is the home of a new was very successful and we were weekly group utilising a shed pleased to welcome the Mayor space in the garden for hobbies, as well as a Men’s Shed Cymru workshops and discussions on officer.” men’s health. Find out more about Men’s Residents and families joined Shed Cymru at https://www. together on Saturday 3 August mensshedscymru.co.uk 16 wwha.co.uk SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES Who’s your community hero? Nominations now open for Making A Difference Awards 2020
Last year the Community Heroes finalists included the Unity Group of parents from Caerau, Cardiff, who brought their community together to provide fun and affordable activities for local children during the school holidays. Others were Tommy Guest from Flint who helps residents at Bodhyfryd Care Home with daily tasks and takes them out on errands and appointments, and Christine Foulkes and Val Evans who set up a low- cost community shop for all residents at St Clements Court scheme in Cardiff, using surplus food donations from local supermarkets.
for you. For more information and turned things around for the Nominate now visit www.wwha.co.uk better. Next year’s ceremony takes So, if you want to say thank you Wellbeing Champion recognises place on Friday 20 March 2020 at to one of your neighbours for the individuals, volunteers or the popular Vale Resort, in Hensol their tireless, selfless work in groups who set an example or near Cardiff. your community, nominate them encourage others to improve for our Making A Difference their physical or mental health Awards. Other categories for 2020 and wellbeing. We are taking nominations Diversity Champion (new for Going Green recognises green- from now up until 29 November 2020) celebrates our inclusive fingered residents who have 2019. communities and the work made a real difference to their It’s easy to submit your individuals or groups do to make environment. nomination - simply speak everyone feel welcome and safe to your Housing Officer, or a where they live. Fundraising Champion celebrates member of WWH staff, who individuals or groups who work Good Neighbour celebrates the hard to raise money for good can help you put forward your kindness of those special people causes. nomination. whose small day-to-day actions Alternatively, contact our PR & make a big difference to the lives Outstanding Achievement Comms team on 0800 052 2526, of their neighbours. recognises those individuals who or email communications.team have shown great determination Fresh Start recognises those who @wwha.co.uk and they will be and personal development. happy to take down the details have made it through tough times
wwha.co.uk 17 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES Making a difference to our communities with our suppliers and contractors WWH works with contractors and suppliers to make a difference in our communities. Whenever we build new homes, buy equipment for our schemes and offices or employ contractors to carry out repairs and maintenance to our homes, we ask our suppliers to ‘Make a difference’ to a Wales & West Housing community or charity. Here are some of the ways our contractors and suppliers are supporting our communities:
Supporting employment
In the past year our contractors have recruited 12 apprentices and seven full-time jobs working on our sites. Our Group company Cambria has provided work experience for two young people who want a career in construction and maintenance. Morgan Construction Wales employed a carpenter on one of their sites after the 3rd year carpentry student successfully completed a work experience placement at Parc Y Cefn, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, and his college course. New homes provide building work for WWH resident workers, who have been taken on as part of the community benefits commitment made by our partners Hale to work on the £16 million development. During the three-year construction period the site next door to Ikea, Cardiff, is providing employment and training opportunities. Kevin, who lives in St Mellons, Cardiff, said: “It was worrying not knowing if I would find work, so when I saw that they were looking for labourers I applied. It’s a great site to work on and I’m happy that I have work for the next three years Resident Kevin Kavanagh Then he saw that WWH was Other local people recruited (pictured above left) has found looking for local people to work to work on the site as part of work – helping to build homes with its long-term construction the community benefits are site for future residents in Cardiff. partners Hale Construction manager Mael Spencer, labourer Kevin faced uncertain times helping to build 113 new homes Desale Tesfaslase and forklift truck when he was laid off from his and apartments at Clive Lane, driver Acquille Julien. Both Desale previous labouring job before Grangetown, Cardiff. and Acquille live in Grangetown Christmas. Kevin is one of four local within walking distance of the site.
18 wwha.co.uk SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
Supporting local Making a difference schools to our communities with our suppliers and contractors • Pupils from Bro Ingli Primary school in Newport, Pembrokeshire, were given a tour of WWH’s site at Feidr Eglwys to learn about what it is like to work in the construction industry. Their designs were also used to decorate the site boundary signs and were asked to think of a name for the estate which was put forward to the local authority. • Bro Pedr school were invited to design two decorative boards to surround the site boundary for WWH’s site at Ysgol Ffynorbedr, Lampeter. • Children from Ysgol Cae’r Felin Supporting community projects Primary school in Pencader, Whether donating free labour or providing materials, WWH Carmarthenshire, were invited contractors and suppliers are pleased to support local onsite by heating specialists organisations and schemes. Some examples are: Thermal Earth to observe the drilling for the ground source • Morgan Construction, equipment. heating and an educational who are building homes • Hale Construction, who talk was delivered to raise their at Feidr Eglwys, Newport, are building new homes at awareness of sustainable heating Pembrokeshire, developed an Pentland Close, Llanishen, systems. accessible outdoor learning Cardiff, gave time and area with a footpath and materials to redecorate a raised beds and built an eco- local scout and community Sponsorship friendly green house at Bro hall. Ingli Primary school. • Window suppliers Wall- Every year we support grass • Hacer Developments who Lag (Snowdonia) and roots projects through our are building new homes on decorating company Making A Difference Sponsorship the site of Ysgol Ffynonbedr, Simmons donated money programme. Lampeter, Ceredigion, to buy play equipment, So far this year we have donated cuts of wood and a water feature, therapy sponsored 49 community other materials to the local equipment, plants and organisations who have shared Bro Pedr School, for Design & garden furniture for a more than £161,000 in funding. Technology students to use women’s refuge in North These projects range from in the classroom. Wales. organisations like Boomerang • Anwyl, who are building • Decorators Ian Williams Cardiff (see pg 6) who help an extra care scheme in donated time and people in need to funding kits Aberystwyth, donated materials to redecorate for sports clubs or equipment money towards the cost of a local youth shelter on for gardening and play groups. a new shed for Penparcau Twyncarmel, Merthyr We have also supported festivals community for RAY Tydfil. and fun days attended by our Ceredigion to store their play residents.
wwha.co.uk 19 EMPLOYABILITY Work placement leads to dream job for Luke
A work experience placement at Wales & West Housing led to a full-time job for 18-year-old admin assistant Luke Williams. Last summer Luke, who lives in Cardiff, finished his business administration course at Cardiff & Vale College and started looking for full-time work. During that time, he applied for numerous jobs with no success. “It was really hard trying to find full-time work. Most jobs were looking for someone with experience, but it was difficult getting the experience they wanted. “I lost count of the number “When I applied for paid jobs, the team. of jobs I applied for. Most of the I could show on my CV that I was “Throughout the work time I didn’t even get a reply.” currently working and when I placement he was keen to work “Then an adviser at Remploy went for my first proper interview and willing to adapt. It was so told me about Wales & West I could talk about the experience rewarding to see Luke’s Housing, so I applied for a six- I had. confidence grow as he became week work placement and was “I would definitely recommend part of our team. lucky to be offered the position.” a work placement to other people
“I worked mainly with the HR looking for work. You don’t get department, helping with admin, paid, but you get the experience WWH has set up a network but I also had experience with the and that’s really important when of employability and training ICT and Housing departments.” you’re trying to get a full-time agencies and are working with During his placement, Luke job.” them to provide work trials, applied for an admin position at Helen Hapgood, People work placements and a local construction company and Development Partnership Officer apprenticeship opportunities.” was invited for an interview – an at WWH, said: “We are so pleased The employability network hour later he was offered the job. for Luke that he is embarking on members are Remploy, Poppy “My work placement at Wales a career he studied for and that Factory, PACE, Cardiff Into Work & West Housing really helped me we were able to help him take the Services, ACT, ITEC and Careers get a full-time job. next step into employment. Wales. “I was nervous starting, but “He was a pleasure to work If you are registered with any everyone at WWH was so with. He was enthusiastic about of these and are interested in an welcoming and friendly, they every task we gave him and his employability opportunity with made me feel like part of a enthusiasm was infectious. He WWH, speak to your work adviser. working family. brought a smile to everyone in
20 wwha.co.uk ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Understanding the cause of problems
Our focus when we receive problem they are experiencing. to understand the root cause of reports of anti-social behaviour is This involves dealing with both the problems. to help our residents resolve the the immediate issues and seeking
I appreciated Noise being listened to. I would like more updates 48
We opened Noise complaints were the number one issue 48 anti-social last quarter, followed by behaviour cases harassment/aggressive in the last quarter behaviour and domestic abuse complaints
Bringing harmony to our communities Loud music, banging and shouting matters to them. Sometimes it is “We will work with the police, are the most common triggers as simple as having a conversation where criminal activity is taking to cause unhappiness in our with their neighbour, who may not place in our communities. communities across Wales. realise they are causing any harm to However, nine times out of ten a But what makes anti-social the people around them. problem can be resolved by sitting behaviour? “Neighbourhood Dispute Officers down and talking and we will “A noise that keeps one person (NDOs) are an extra resource to support residents where needed. awake at night may not bother support the residents and Housing “We work restoratively to not another,” explains Sion Phillips, Officers, where they need more only record what has happened who is one of our team of five help. We listen, and by listening we but also measure how an Neighbourhood Dispute Officers can understand the problems. individual has been affected. working across Wales. “Some issues can come down NDOs will then support residents “That’s why there is no single to lifestyle differences. We will to recognise any harm that has way to deal with a complaint of support the residents, helping been caused and facilitate ways noise, aggressive behaviour or them to understand what they in which residents can repair the other neighbourly disputes. can do, the changes they can harm caused. “Parking, loud music and litter make and the behaviour they “There are no easy fixes as are common causes of complaints. can influence. We can also call human behaviour is complicated. However, the same issue can affect in people from other fields of Ultimately want our residents to people in different ways. We focus expertise within WWH to help us feel safe in their homes and we on the person being affected. or outside organisations who can work hard to maintain harmony in “The Housing Officer will speak to deal with specialist areas such as our communities.” the person first to understand what mental health.
wwha.co.uk 21 MONEY MATTERS Changes to free TV licences … your questions answered
More than three million people aged over 75 will have to pay for their TV licence when a new scheme comes into effect next year. Our Tenancy Support Officers answer some of the common questions people are asking.
Q: What are the changes? people over 75 with a free TV Face-to-face assistance will be From June 2020, around licence comes to an end in 2020. provided for older people through 3.7 million households which The Government has legislated an outreach programme delivered previously received a free licence that it is the BBC’s responsibility to by specially trained customer care will have to pay for one. decide on any future scheme and field staff and the size of the TV At the moment all over-75s to pay for it. Licensing customer support call receive a free TV licence but from Following a public consultation, centre will also be increased. next year only those households the BBC decided that means- TV Licensing will also launch a with a member receiving pension testing pensioners and giving free free telephone information line credit will be eligible. licences only to those on pension this month where customers Those found to be ineligible credit is the fairest way. can access recorded information for a free licence will have to The BBC said if it had to fund on the new policy and advice to pay £154.50 a year for a colour licences for all over-75s, it would customers by calling 0800 232 television and £52 a year for a have meant unprecedented 1382. black and white television. closures, including the end of Information and frequently BBC Two, BBC Four, the BBC asked questions can also be found Q: Who will this affect? News Channel, the BBC Scotland on the TV Licensing website, tvl. The changes will affect all over- channel, Radio 5 Live, and a co.uk/age. 75s who do not receive pension number of local radio stations, as TV Licensing will also be credit. well as other cuts and reductions. developing a new pay as you go Even if they previously had a payment scheme especially for customers who will need to pay free TV licence, they will have to Q: What happens now? for their licence from June 2020. buy one from 1 June 2020. TV Licensing will be writing to This scheme will let customers all free over-75 licence holders spread the cost of their licence in Q: Why is this happening? before 31 May 2020 to let them fortnightly or monthly payments The Government-funded scheme know how they may be affected to make it easier to pay. to provide all households with and what they will need to do.
22 wwha.co.uk
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Confusion over bus passes bus over Confusion MONEY MATTERS MONEY CHARITY The coffee that brings hope for survivors of modern-day slavery Each year the Board of WWH chooses to support charities and organisations which work to help disadvantaged groups of people across Wales. This year it has selected Manumit, a social enterprise which supports victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Our PR & Marketing Officer, Alison Stokes, finds out how Manumit Coffee is bringing hope to survivors.
In a warehouse on the outskirts It is the organisation which the Nadia was born in Africa, of Cardiff, a young African woman Board at Wales & West Housing where as a teenager she was is packing coffee beans, imported has chosen to support with an trafficked into the sex industry. from a co-operative of coffee annual donation of £10,000 for Since starting work at Manumit planters in Malawi. the next three years. a year ago, she has achieved The air is heavy, with the sweet “Manumit” means “to release her foundation level barista chocolatey aroma of freshly- from slavery” or “set free.” qualification and works part- roasted coffee. Nadia seals the Nadia is one of a group of men time in a local coffee shop. She bag, labels it “Freedom Through and women, who have suffered has also found the confidence to Coffee” and places it next to a horrendous exploitation at the return to college. row of other bags waiting to be hands of traffickers and modern Nadia says: “When I started sent out to churches, offices and slave traders and are now working at Manumit, I was homes across the world. rebuilding their lives through the nervous and fearful. Working This is no ordinary coffee – and work and training opportunities here, I have learnt about the these are no ordinary coffee offered at Manumit. coffee roasting process. It has roasters. Manumit Coffee has been also taught me that not set up to offer dignity and hope to everyone wants to survivors of modern slavery. exploit me. I work with good people now and I am starting to trust people again.”
24 wwha.co.uk CHARITY
Her colleagues at Manumit are all survivors, but each with different, yet equally harrowing life stories. For example, Eva arrived in the UK from Eastern Europe on the promise of work as a nanny but was sold to a man who forced her to work in the sex industry. Martin also left eastern Europe with the promise of a better life in the UK but was forced to work more than 70 hours a week in a factory with no pay and only a mattress in a cellar Left to right: Nick Davis of Manumit, Anne Hinchey, WWH Group Chief to call home. Executive, Alex Ashton, Chair of WWH and Dai Hankey of Manumit United by coffee, they have all been given the chance to find a “Some of the survivors are becomes a slave. Manumit Coffee better life. scared, apprehensive and suffer is playing an important part in Manumit roasts small-batch, from panic attacks when we first helping to combat modern slavery ethically-sourced from growers in meet them. It’s so rewarding to on many levels. Africa and Latin America, which it see them grow in confidence and “By training and employing then sells to coffee shops, offices, trust and start looking forward survivors of modern slavery as churches and a growing list of to a brighter future through coffee roasters, sourcing specialty coffee subscribers. meaningful work and the ongoing coffee beans from ethical, slavery- It employs part-time staff, who support and kindness we offer.” free suppliers and investing their are referred through charities all profits in local anti-slavery which support victims of human projects, they are helping those trafficking and modern-day “I feel I have hope for men and women who have slavery such as BASO and the Red the future and maybe suffered horrendous exploitation Community in Cardiff. one day I would like to at the hands of traffickers and Local church pastor Dai Hankey modern slave traders, to rebuild set up Manumit three years ago train as a nurse.” their lives. with fellow director, Nick Davis. “WWH is pleased to support “We set up Manumit to give them in their growth. Everyone survivors of human trafficking “The donation from Wales who buys their speciality coffee is hope and the chance to rebuild & West Housing is amazing. It actively helping people to break their lives. By working at will allow us to grow as a social the chains of slavery and offer Manumit, survivors are paid a enterprise and ultimately give hope to those whose lives have Living Wage, while they are hope to more survivors through been scarred.” trained in a skill that they can paid and meaningful work.” For survivors like Nadia a take on and find other work. Alex Ashton, Chair of WWH simple cup of coffee is making a said: “The shocking statistic is difference. “I feel I have hope for that every 30 seconds someone the future and maybe one day I would like to train as a nurse.” To find out how you can support Manumit or buy their coffee visit www.manumitcoffee. co.uk
wwha.co.uk 25 A day in the life of ... a Land Manager Achieving our vision to build 500 it is possible to get planning low carbon, low energy affordable new homes a year permission on identified pieces of homes, which offer many over the next five years requires land, taking into account a range benefits, not least reduced a considerable team effort from of factors including drainage, running costs for residents.“ staff across WWH. ecology, flood risk and whether Prior to joining WWH Helping to start off the process there is any contamination from two years ago, Gary worked of every WWH new home built previous use – including previous in estate agency, initially in North Wales is Land Manager, mining activity in North Wales in negotiating sales and valuing Gary Cook. particular. houses and then managing Gary’s primary focus is on offices, including some work finding sites on which we can in lettings. After this he was build new homes. Working “The ultimate goal is responsible for the sale of closely with the rest of our to see new residents new homes and land across development team his role North Wales and Cheshire for involves assessing whether move in and be happy a large property company. in their new homes.” “The latter role especially was a great aid in understanding the different Gary also helps to find areas in which we look to contractors to build the build WWH homes and homes and secure funding enabled me to build good approvals from local contacts with developers and authorities and Welsh land agents across the North Government. Wales region.” “In Development we help Above all, direct to create new high-quality involvement in the homes, creating a base from development of our new which residents can build homes — and helping those lives in their local people who need it most — communities. The number is the one aspect of his role of people in need of which Gary enjoys the most. affordable housing far “The time taken between outstrips the number of finding a piece of land and homes available. actually starting to build can “By developing new be considerable,” he said. homes we are “Because of this, seeing helping to meet this work begin on site is deeply need, often also helping gratifying – it is great to see a to regenerate scheme for so long on paper communities by take shape in reality. bringing empty sites “The ultimate goal is, of back into use. course, to see new residents “We’re also continuing move in and be happy in their to look at ways to build new homes.”
26 wwha.co.uk CORPORATE Satisfaction and Complaints RESOLVING COMPLAINTS SATISFACTION COMPLAINTS 14.9 8.65 10
We’ve reduced the number Satisfaction levels were We received 10 complaints between of days it took to resolve at 8.65 out of 10, a slight June and April 2019 – the same number complaints to 14.9 working reduction on the previous as the previous quarter and 3 more days (from April to June quarter at 8.8. This includes than the same time last year. The 2019), that’s almost four days lettings, repairs, new homes number of complaints about our repairs quicker than the previous and anti-social behaviour. service dropped to 4, while the resident three months. satisfaction rate for this service rose to 9.5 out of 10.
On average it takes During the last three months we received over 31,000 calls. Of these, more than 10,000 were calls to the repairs lines, which were answered around 22 seconds in an average of less than 20 seconds. The longest anyone had to wait to answer your calls to be answered was a little over 6 minutes. In the last quarter we received 31K calls of all calls to After lunch is usually a our repair lines quieter time to call our were answered Customer Service Centre Pound to pennies Where every rent is spent
25p 19p 14p 14p 11p 11p 6p
New People New kitchens, Maintenance Interest Major Overheads developments bathrooms on loans repairs and equipment wwha.co.uk 27 YOUR STORIES
CARDIFF MERTHYR TYDFIL Fields of flowers Doing up Doyle Court Gardening on the
Residents at Fields Park Road, Residents at Doyle Court, in Gurnos Cardiff, are greeted with a carpet Fairwater, Cardiff, have been busy of colour thanks to the hard work sprucing up the communal area A small group of gardeners at Ty of one green-fingered group. of their scheme. Theresa, John Gwaunfarren independent living The gardening group has and Mac gave their time to paint scheme on the Gurnos in Merthyr transformed two empty corners the fences around the washing Tydfil have taken over a scrubby of the square with what was line area. patch of communal garden. two flat patches of grass into a Community Development Residents Stuart Fennell, Sian beautiful array of flowers. Officer Claire Pepper said; “The and Bryan Nicholls and Christine communal gardens with their Redmond have transformed the pretty sunflowers, newly painted area using a mix of gravel, bark fence and garden displays are a and an enclosed “rock garden” credit to the residents’ hard work. feature. The area has been dotted with a variety of small pots and ornaments to add colour and some wildlife interest. They are growing fruit trees and salad from seed and are developing a vegetable plot. They have applied for a WWH Making A Difference Community Grant to buy a potting shed/base and soil and a raised veg bed.
Fun with folk
Residents at Western Court retirement scheme in Cardiff enjoyed a folk music singalong as part of a health and wellbeing project. Folk singers Aly and Rob had everyone joining in with their Welsh folk songs when they visited the scheme in collaboration with THRIVE health and wellbeing project. Scheme manager Ann White said: “Everyone joined in with the songs. They brought back lots of memories which were shared over a cuppa and a cake.”
28 wwha.co.uk YOUR STORIES
CARDIGAN Bringing the seaside indoors Residents at Llys Owen retirement scheme in Cardigan showed off their modern new communal facilities to local councillors at an open afternoon. Earlier this year WWH commissioned interior design specialists Buckingham Interiors to refurbish the communal dining, lounge and reception areas and corridors. Working with residents they came up with fresh, modern designs for new décor, furniture and flooring to bring the seaside location to the scheme. The residents and guests enjoyed tea and cakes during the afternoon and partners were given a tour of the refurbished areas and a flat. Councillor Dafydd Edwards, Cabinet member with responsibility for Housing at Ceredigion County Council, attended the event along with partner CAERPHILLY agencies to find out the difference it has made to Time for tea residents. Residents Florence Knight Residents at Fferm-y-Bryn, Ystrad and Brenda Morgan have Mynach enjoyed a high tea thanks lived at the scheme for many to residents at their coffee morning. years and are delighted with The scheme holds weekly coffee the improvements. mornings which are well attended, They said: “Everything so the residents decided to arrange is so much brighter and a high tea in August. The event was cleaner. It’s a pleasure to sit so successful they are planning down on the sofas and chat another one for Halloween. with neighbours. We are Pictured are Eve, Suz, Ann, Pat, proud to live here.” Shirley, Barbara, Annie, Val and Sandra having fun.
wwha.co.uk 29 FIX IT Satisfaction levels Is your home high for routine ready for winter? repairs As ever, it has been a very busy period with more than 7,300 repairs completed in 8 days or less, on average. Resident satisfaction levels are still high, remaining at more than 9 out of 10 for routine repairs. WWH undertake a variety of repairs from leaks to electrics, but if you are not sure if a repair is your responsibility or not please check Winter is the busiest time for our repairs team. the repairs section of our websitewww.wwha. Last winter we completed almost 9,000 repairs co.uk . There you can also find hints and tips on - that’s an average of 150 repairs for every how to complete some simple repairs yourself working day. and where you can also request a call back about Emergency repairs such as burst pipes, repairs by filling out the on-line form. flooding and dangerous electrical wiring will be dealt with as soon as possible. For other non-urgent repairs such as blocked 7345 drains or overflowing gutters or broken repairs were communal lights, we will book a reported repair completed as soon as we are able to. in the last quarter More than 6 out of 10 calls during the winter are repaired within 1 to 5 days with a further 2 out of 10 repairs taking 6 to 10 days. 71% During winter months some repairs can take ǁĞƌĞĮdžĞĚŽŶ more than 16 days due to bad weather. For ĮƌƐƚǀŝƐŝƚ example, for safety reasons, our repairs teams and contractors are unable to carry our work on roofs and gutters or on fencing in windy weather 64% and outdoor work is limited in heavy rain. were completed There are some things you can do during in under 5 days the autumn months that could help to ease problems later in the year. Keep drains and the bottom of downpipes clear of any falling leaves. If your drain is blocked You sa with dead leaves, put on a pair of rubber gloves, The operatives id were friendly and clear them out and either put them in your waste bin or recycling. professional Calls to our 24-hour Customer Service Team are also at their highest during the winter, especially around 9am to 10am in the morning. You If your call is non-urgent you’ll get a quicker I would have sa id response if you can wait until after lunch. liked the repairs fixed first time Don’t forget you can find advice on what to do for some of the common repairs problems or report a repair on our website at www.wwha. co.uk/en/report-a-repair
30 wwha.co.uk GROW IT /COOK IT
WITH GLENYS GardeningGlenys Vandervolk is an award-winning gardener, living at our St Mellons scheme in Cardiff. She is one of the leading lights in St Mellons Community Garden. In her regular column she shares her tips and advice to make your garden grow.
Support grows in our community garden A community garden is a great satisfying than seeing a volunteer garden where you live, maybe way to bring people of all arrive at the garden feeling you could start one – all you abilities together with a common down in the dumps and leaving need is a patch of unloved purpose to watch things grow. with their spirits lifted after an and unkempt land and a bit of Even some GPs are now afternoon chatting and drinking enthusiasm. starting to recognise the benefit tea with other volunteers. Alternatively, you could start that working in a garden can We have all become great a “community of gardeners” on have to a patient’s wellbeing and friends over the years. Some the street where you live. Pluck are “socially prescribing” to help volunteers have dementia and up the courage to knock on one people with health issues such as others have physical disabilities. of your neighbours and ask if depression and dementia. Some come to the garden for they need help in their garden. Many of the volunteers at our respite, others come to forget In return they might help you in community garden in St Mellons, their problems for a few hours. yours. If you can gather a group Cardiff, have physical or mental Everyone is welcome and given of green-fingered neighbours, health issues. They all know tasks that they can manage you could take it in turns to work that if they are having a bad day which gives them a sense of in one another’s gardens. It really they can turn to the group for achievement and boosts their is great way to make friends and support. confidence. get to know and support your There is nothing more If you don’t have a community neighbours.
Tuna pasta bake
Ingredients: • 300g fresh egg penne • 500g tomato and herb pasta sauce • 3 x 120g tins tuna teaks in spring water, drained and flaked • 325g tin weetcorns in water, drained • 390g carton Italian chopped tomatoes • 14g fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves picked, washed and chopped Serves 4 • 100g mature cheddar, grated Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, then add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Drain. Tip the cooked pasta back into the pan and stir through the pasta sauce, tuna, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes and half the parsley.
Tip the mixture into a 1½-litre baking dish and sprinkle the cheese over the top. Cook for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Garnish with the remaining parsley just before serving.
wwha.co.uk 31 PUZZLES Puzzle pages Win £30 shopping vouchers with our Wordsearch and Crossword puzzles
All the words may be found backwards, forwards, Wordsearch horizontal, vertical or diagonal. PRIZE XGGQ EI NCLU SI V EO ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION PP T N E D ISE RL Y WKR ADVICE REPRESENTATIVE I BAN SO C IETYTT UG COMMUNITY RESIDENT R E PR ESE N T A TI V E A NC T L TM VC IM FV T NN CONFIDENT SOCIETY OOS RL I P OI R OIE G I CONSULTATION SUPPORT IM WUA T C O LVC T NA S TM XKP I N I LUDCAGA DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE AUX I LPN E P E NAN IT ENGAGING TENANT M N O KFZ OI DAV TT N I GROUPS TRAINING R I UNNF T RN ITEE G O OTS PU O RG T GF I D E N INCLUSIVE VOLUNTARY F Y N OIT A T LU S N O CR INFORMATION VOLUNTEER N S U ST A I NABL EO NA ORGANISATION IY RA T NUL O V I A O C Y
Crossword ACROSS 1 Ascend awkwardly (7) 2 Style of design popular in PRIZE 8 Form a mental picture the 1920s and 1930s (3,4) (7) 3 Consecrate (5) 9 Horns of a deer (7) 4 Vertical part of a stair (5) 10 Storage box filled with 5 Sudden strong fear (5) valuables (8,5) 6 Gangway (5) 13 Small items of food 7 Second-in-command (6) served as an appetiser 11 Below (5) before a meal (4,7) 12 Improve, correct a text (5) 17 Preference that comes 14 React (7) from considerable 15 Hardy cereal with coarse experience (8,5) bristles (6) 22 Sequoia (7) 16 Extremely poisonous (6) 23 Hearing distance (7) 18 Imperial measure equal to 24 Vacation (7) two pints (5) 19 State of the USA (5) DOWN 20 Planet (5) 1 Wily, cunning (6) 21 Ebbing and flowing (5)
32 wwha.co.uk MAKE IT Sudoku Home-made 7 8 1 4 3 5 4 8 1 6 3 7 9 bird feeders 6 9 4 4 5 3 1 7 2 8 2 6 5 3 7 2 9 5 4 7 2 1 6 Summer winners Congratulations to the winners of our Summer puzzle competitions. They were Venice Lloyd of Cwrt Anghorfa, Pyle, who won the wordsearch competition and Charlotte Barratt, of Richway Court in Brecon, who successfully completed the crossword. They both won a £30 gift voucher. Do you feed the birds at this time of year? Win Instead of throwing your empty orange rind into the To be in with a chance of winning a £30 recycling, you can use it to make your own fun feeders that shopping voucher for our wordsearch or the birds will appreciate. crossword puzzle, simply send your entry with your name, address and contact details Ingredients: to Alison Stokes, Wales & West Housing, • Lard, suet or solid vegetable fat (for vegetarian-friendly Archway House, 77 Parc Tŷ Glas, Llanishen, feeders) Cardiff CF14 5DU. All correct entries will be • Oats, breadcrumbs, sultanas, currants, unsalted put into the draw and one lucky winner will peanuts (a mixture of any of these is fine) be chosen for each puzzle and will receive a • Empty orange rind halves. £30 shopping voucher. The closing date for • String entries is 30 November 2019. Method: Wales & West Housing Association is • Mix your dry ingredients in a bowl (a ratio of about 2 registered as a ‘data controller’ under parts dry to 1 part fat works well). the Data Protection Act. Your information • Melt the fat in a saucepan then add to the dry is important to us and we take our ingredients and stir well. responsibilities seriously. We ensure that • Make a hole in each half of orange rinds and thread any personal information we collect about some string through. you is done so proportionately, correctly and • Fill the shells with the seed mixture, making sure you safely. pack it tightly. Put the seed-filled orange halves on a WWH will collect and process the personal tray and store them flat, in a cool place, to set. This information that we need to run our can take a while, or you could put them in the fridge competition and will not share this with any overnight. third party for marketing purposes. Please • Once set hang them high on trees and wait for the see our Privacy Policy for more details at birds to feast. https://www.wwha.co.uk/en/legal/ • You could also use cookie cutters as moulds to make different shaped feeders.
wwha.co.uk 33 What’s on
NORTH WALES MID WALES WEST WALES SOUTH WALES
25 – 31 Oct: 26 Oct: Halloween 24 Nov Christmas 24 – 27 Oct: Cardiff Halloween Special Day Fair, St Dogmaels International Film Spooktacular Corris Railway, Dulas Valley. Get into the spirit at the Festival Various Halloween events at Come along and enjoy some Christmas Fair in St Dogmaels. Held in the historic Pierhead GreenWood Family Park, Y spooky doings in the Dulas https://westwalesfamilylife. building in Cardiff Bay, the Felinheli. Try creepy crafts, Valley, complete with some co.uk/whats-on-in- Cardiff International Film make a lantern or monstrous shivery surprises. Adults: £6, pembrokeshire Festival attracts entries from mask. Free hot chocolate for Children 5-15: £3, Children all over the world. The festival those in fancy dress. Adults: under 5: Free. 01 – 02 November is open to the public, although £9.65, Child: £9.25. Phone: https://www.corris.co.uk/ Other Voices Festival, some venues may charge an 01248 670076 https://www. timetable-and-special-events/ entrance fee. greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk Cardigan Ireland’s iconic music festival https://www.theciff.co.uk/ 8 – 10 Nov: North 25 – 26 Nov: Royal comes to Cardigan, showcasing Welsh Winter Fair over 30 free musical and 18- 20 October Wales Choral Festival Builth Wells. The very best cultural events at venues. St Sŵn Festival, Cardiff Venue Cymru, Llandudno of Welsh food producers will Mary’s Church is the main This guerrilla music festival takes Promenade. Three day be showcasing their produce venue with some events being over just about every available celebration of music featuring and Christmas shoppers can broadcast to screens around venue in Cardiff, to showcase a variety of choirs and explore the hundreds of trade the town. Hosted by BBC’s raw music talent in intimate performances. Adults: £8, stands, exhibitions and festive Huw Stephens and presented spaces. Find out more about Children £4. atmosphere. Adult: £15, Child: in partnership with Theatr Sŵn Festival at https://swnfest. https://www.gonorthwales. £5. Free car parking. Mwldan and Triongl. com co.uk/whats-on/north-wales- https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/ www.othervoices.ie choral-festival-p420521 tickets/7 19 October - 26 16 November January 2020. 14 – 17 Nov: 28 Nov - 1 Dec: Mini Rangers Dippy on Tour, Llandudno Christmas Hay-on-Wye Winter Academy, Dinefwr National Museum, Fayre Weekend and Food Park & Castle, Cardiff Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Llandeilo For the first time ever, Dippy the A showcase of food, drink and Festival The Winter Weekend is a Join the Mini Ranger Academy dinosaur skeleton from London’s crafts at a very special time of and learn all about what it takes Natural History Museum comes the year. Experience a variety smaller version of the main festival with events taking to be a Ranger on a National to Cardiff. It’s an impressive of products not found in Nature Reserve. Suitable for 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres the normal high streets and place in venues in the town. On Friday the town is turned ages 5 - 13 years. Adults £8.80, wide and 4.17 metres high. Free national retail brands. Child £4.50, Family £22 admission. Tickets £3.75. https://www. into a winter wonderland. On Saturday the food festival www.westwalesfamilylife. https://museum.wales/cardiff llandudnochristmasfayre. co.uk/whats-on/mini- co.uk/ attracts over 50 quality Welsh food and drink companies. rangers-academy-at-dinefwr- 1 November Visit stalls from local producers november-2019 Halloween Welsh and experience free musical Ghost Train, Aberystwyth Family Workshop, entertainment. On Sunday Hay Does Vintage with an outdoor Grand Pavilion, fleamarket offering items such Porthcawl as clothes, textiles, furniture Menter Bro Ogwr host a and collectables.https://www. Halloween party and fancy hayfestival.com/winter- dress competition through Dippy on tour, Cardiff weekend/home the medium of Welsh. White witches and Welsh wizards cast 29 - 31 October away the gloom with spells Halloween Ghost North Wales Choral Festival and potions. Aimed at children 0-7 years old, accompanied by Train, Aberystwyth adults. Tickets £2. Watch out for things that go www.grandpavilion.co.uk bump in the night! Adults £28, Child £13 https://www.rheidolrailway. Royal Welsh Winter Fair co.uk/events/halloween- ghost-train 34 wwha.co.uk HEALTH & SAFETY
This sheet has been created to give you basic Health & Safety information which you may find useful. We have left blank spaces for you to fill in details which may be helpful to you, such your rubbish collection day, or your Scheme Manager contact. Tear it out and keep it somewhere handy. We hope you find it useful.
wwha.co.uk 35 IN THE PICTURE
At Parc Y Fferm, Coity, Bridgend, families are settling into their new homes. To mark the first anniversary of the completion of the scheme Bridgend Council leader Cllr Huw David and Mayor Cllr Stuart Baldwin visited the development of 24 apartments and houses and met some of the families who call Parc Y Fferm home. Turn to page 12 for more.