Together Winter 2015 by Cartrefi Conwy

GOVERNANCE UPDATE The Board of Management is responsible for ensuring that our business activities are carried out in accordance with approved policies and procedures and legal, financial and regulatory standards. The Board comprises 15 people, all of whom are committed to acting at all times in the best interests of Cartrefi Conwy and are unpaid volunteers. This includes 5 tenants. The work of the Board involves setting the direction of the business, approving financial budgets and reviewing performance. You can find out more information about our Performance and the Board of Management on our website. The Board is currently considering the priorities to be included in the Business Plan to take us from 2016 to 2020. In doing this the Board is taking account of the needs and views of our current and future customers as well as other relevant interested parties. Tenants who attended the Big Day Out in August and the Older Persons

Day in October had the opportunity to share their views as to the priorities they wished to see given focus. These were: more houses, helping people live independently for longer and delivery of quality services. We’ll publish more information about the 2016 – 2020 Business Plan in the new year once its’ been finalised and approved. Shareholders of Cartrefi Conwy are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting. This is a meeting held each year, usually in September at which shareholders receive the annual financial statements and vote on matters such as the appointment of Board members. Tenants of Cartrefi Conwy can apply to be shareholders. Please contact the Governance team if you would like further information on any of these matters.

GET TO KNOW YOUR DEDICATED LEASE HOLDER TEAM Hello I’m Julie Brotherton.

Hello I’m Nicky Haselgrove.

I’ve worked in my role as Leasehold and Land Liaison Officer for many years and thoroughly enjoy it. I have developed my role over the years to be able to offer a reassuring support service to leasehold tenants. I have a vast knowledge of information and normally can provides answers to individual’s leasehold.

I'm the Service Charges Accountant and I'm responsible for calculating and preparing your charges for the year. I also work closely with Julie, the Leasehold Officer with regards to solicitors and financial information enquiries. I particularly enjoy attending the leasehold forum and getting to meet our leaseholders in person.

A couple of years ago I was really pleased to have played a part in setting up the Leaseholder’s Forum that meets regularly throughout the year. My aims for the future are to continue working together so we keep on improving our services. We would encourage all leaseholders to come along to the forum especially if you’ve never been and meet us for a chat over a cuppa.

Remember Cartrefi Conwy Customer Services Team is your first point of contact to:

✔ Make a payment ✔ Report a repair Hello I’m Rachel Dolan. I’ve recently joined Cartrefi Conwy and support Julie with everything to do with leasehold payments. Most importantly I’m here to help and support you when you have difficulty with payments or fall into arrears. It’s important to know to contact me quickly and talk about your payment issues so we can agree on a manageable payment plan, we have many options, including loans*. Remember dealing with arrears early will help you avoid debt collection agency involvement. I have helped many people with worrying arrears follow successful payment plans.

Call 0300 124 0040 Useful links: Leasehold Advisory Service (give free independent specialist leasehold legal advise) www.leaseholdadvicecentre.co.uk North Wales Credit Union www.creditunionsofwales.co.uk

*Conditions apply

ARE YOU ENDING YOUR TENANCY? Remember to avoid the likelihood for arrears by ending your tenancy with 4 weeks written notice, handing the keys in before the end of your notice period and ensuring the property is left with no belongings and in the manner you received it.

Dealing with the arrears early will help with future housing applications and avoid debt collection agency involvement. I have helped many former tenants with their worrying arrears follow successful payment plans. It is best to get in touch as soon as you know you are ending your tenancy.

ENVIRO SOS AWARDS OVER £36,000 TO 12 COMMUNITY LED SPENDING PROJECTS CONGRATULATIONS to the successful project groups in: Ysgol Maes Owen - Kinmel Bay

Ysgol Bro Aled - Llansannan

Marl Crescent - Llandudno Junction

Ysgol Bro Aled - Llansannan

Ysgol Llandrillo Yn Rhos - Rhos On Sea

Bryn Difyr - Penmaenmawr

Tan Y Graig - Llanrwst

Twr Llewelyn - Conwy

Cae Bronydd - Llanrwst

Kennedy Court - Old Colwyn

Cwrt Cae Mor - Abergele

Marl Crescent - Llandudno Junction

OLDER PERSONS DAY 2015 More than 200 tenants from across the county were invited to our Older Person’s Day at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on the 1st of October. The gala event, with the theme of “Live Life, Love Life” gave our tenants the chance to meet and mingle with people of a similar age .They were able to see examples of the services available and what they themselves can achieve with the right motivation. Highlight of the day was a glittering Oscars-style awards ceremony in which three elderly tenants were honoured for their voluntary work and neighbourly contributions to their communities. Outstanding Volunteer Award, went to Renee Williams for the way she has pioneered a friendship group with the aim of brightening up the lives of fellow residents at The Fron estate in Colwyn Bay. The Older Person’s Champion accolade, was presented to Olwyn Rowlands to mark her continued support of her elderly neighbours and for her ability to make others smile. The Outstanding Neighbour Award, went to Dilys Roberts for the way she goes the extra mile to ensure her neighbours at Maes Cwstennin in Llandudno Junction are comfortable and happy in their homes. The third annual Older Person’s Day began with a showing of a film highlighting what Cartrefi Conwy’s older people have been up to over the past year, including the new Men’s Shed in Colwyn Bay, the home safety courses run for them and the opening of Cysgod Y Gogarth. Guests were then given the opportunity to hear about the vital support that is provided to Cartrefi Conwy tenants within our independent Living schemes, and to get on board the Supporting People Campaign to ensure the funding continues.

SUPPORTING PEOPLE GRANT PROTECTED

There was a musical welcome by the students of Ysgol John Bright and a rousing farewell from the Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir. Tenants joined in with a Passport to Wellbeing challenge in which they invited to visit various stands around the hall getting various stamps in a passport representing the five ways to physical and emotional wellbeing – taking notice and recognising their own and others’ talents, connecting with people by listening or phoning, being active by cycling, dancing or gardening, to keep learning by trying new things and giving by sharing with others and smiling. Nerys Veldhuizen, Cartrefi Conwy’s Older Person’s Engagement Co-ordinator, said: “It was a great day which has highlighted some of the amazing accomplishments of older people and the things they have achieved throughout the year.

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It has also been a showcase for them and also for the work of our independent living co-ordinators who support over 600 of our tenants across the county of Conwy, helping to keep people in their own homes for longer.

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The ‘Let’s Keep on Supporting People’ campaign in Wales has been set up to raise awareness of the Supporting People programme, the people who benefit, the preventative nature of the programme and how the funding is spent. The aim of the campaign is to secure continued investment in the Supporting People Programme Grant and ensure that people who are marginalised and at risk continue to be protected. The ‘Let’s Keep on Supporting People’ campaign in Wales is being run by Community Housing Cymru, the membership body for housing associations in Wales, and Cymorth Cymru, the umbrella body for organisations working with marginalised and at-risk people in Wales

Thank you to our tenants for helping us to highlight and promote this campaign. www.cartreficonwy.org/cartefi/page/cartrefi-tv

GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE ‘Give Where You Live’ is a new exciting project that Cartrefi Conwy started in august 2015 at Cysgod y Gogarth, Llandudno. Give Where You Live is about sharing your time and skills with your neighbours and friends. Our community is full of tenants with an amazing mix of skills and knowledge that you may not be aware of. It’s free to join and all you have to do is hare a skill you have and spend a bit of time helping someone else, and receive the same in return.

It’s really flexible and you can give as much or as little time as you like and you don’t have to commit to specific dates or times. We now have over 20 members sharing skills and tasks such as DIY, needlework, dog walking, computer lessons, shopping and a lot more. It’s free, it’s fun and a great way to make new friends! Are you interested in sharing your skills and making new friends? For more information contact Kelly Williams on 07436 589812.

Mrs Pat Farley our first GWYL member

CENTENARIAN ARCHIE'S MEMORIES OF SURVIVING GANGSTER SHOOT-OUT As he turned 100years tenant Archie Kipling recalled how he was caught in the crossfire of a gangster shootout and attended a function with the notorious Chicago mobster Al Capone. Archie’s 100th birthday has brought memories flooding back about his remarkable adventures as a young man which included getting to know Hollywood comedy legends Laurel and Hardy. After receiving special birthday cards from Her Majesty the Queen and First Minister Carwyn Jones, he enjoyed a party at his home in Llandudno where he danced the night away with family and friends. Speaking at the bungalow where he has lived for the past 40 years, Archie recalled that he went to sea at the age of 13 to work for the Cunard Line. He said: “I worked on some special ships like the Mauritania but my favourite was always the Aquitania, she was beautiful. You just get used to a ship and she was special.

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I loved the job and worked my way up to be a First Class steward. I saw the world and had a wonderful life.

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HAVE YOUR SAY We really appreciate you taking the time to have your say. This helps us to continually improve our services and often we ask you to complete different types of surveys over the year. We have been working hard to make this as easy as possible for you by: • Re designing surveys that involve you to simply tick or click your views • Giving you more opportunity to have your say • Creating new job roles to seek out your views

We value what you have to say so highly we put a Prize on it.

CONGRATULATIONS

to the winners of Tenant Satisfaction Survey (Won £250 Love2Shop Vouchers)

Having your say is powerful and truly makes a difference and influences what we prioritise and helps shape our services to best suit you our customer.

Performance Survey July - September 2015 % of respondents satisfied with the way the Customer Service Advisor treated their call when they reported a repair 914

98%

% of respondents who, overall, were satisfied with the service provided by the Tradesperson 934

99%

% of respondents who, overall, are satisfied with the repairs service provided by Cartrefi Conwy 936

99%

Mr Foster, Old Colwyn

HOW TO AVOID TELEPHONE BANKING FRAUD • A bank or payment card company will never ask you to transfer money out of your account to another that you do not recognise, so hang up immediately. • If you do think that the call may be authentic and you choose to call your bank or card issuer, call the number on your bank statement or other document from your bank – or on the back of your card – but be sure to use another phone from the one you received the call on. If you cannot access another phone, be sure to hang up

for at least five minutes before you dial out, or call a friend (whose voice you recognise) before making another call.

If You Have Been a Victim of Telephone Banking Fraud

• Never provide financial or personal details to a caller, but call back on a number you know to be authentic. Some scammers have the ability to spoof authentic numbers to fool you into thinking that they are genuine.

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS MEMORABLE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS… • Don't leave a room with a candle burning unattended and always extinguish burning candles before you go to sleep or before you go out of your home. • Always place candles within a suitable glass or metal container that can withstand the heat • Candles should always be placed out of the reach of children and away from areas that pets can get into • Never leave a burning candle in a child's room • Always keep clothes and hair away from the naked flame

Carol has taken over from Chad as Cartrefi Conwy’s dedicated Home Safety Support Officer. A grandmother of two, Carole has worked with North Wales Fire & Rescue Service for 12 years. Carol is enjoying her new role, in particular meeting tenants and working with Cartrefi Conwy colleagues.

Feel the warmth of your home this Christmas but remember to stay safe Remember to stay safe keeping warm especially with:

CAROL’S TOP TIPS to stay safe in your home at Christmas and this time of year are:

If in doubt or for more advice contact Customer Services on 0300 124 0040 to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check.

• Never over load electrical sockets. • Smoke Alarms - do check that your smoke alarm is working and consider installing an extra smoke alarm in rooms that candles are burnt in • Decorations made of light paper - do not place them immediately above or around the fireplace and keep them away from candles. • Fairy Lights - check you are using the correct fuses and do remember to switch the lights off when you go to sleep.

• Open fires - always use a fireguard! • Sweep your chimneys reg ularly • Don’t use your cooker to heat your home! • Electric Blankets – make sure they are safe to use!

• Burning Candles - don't place near curtains, fabrics or furniture.

H YN CERD NGARWCD R R Y A E C D LTY LOYA

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te xpiry da rfyn / E e t d ia d Dyd HERE DATE

CONGRATULATIONS to the Winners of the Register Your Card Prizedraw Kirsty and Kane Evans, Deganwy WON an iPad Air

Have you got a countdown card? Don’t forget to use it for your Christmas shopping Remember you can make £100’s of savings with local & national retailers Save money on essentials

Save money on essentials

use the online code shown or, visit the special website shown

Roger Davidson, Llanfairfechan WON £100 of Love2shop Vouchers

@CountdownCard

CountdownCardSavings

10 TOP TIPS TO AVOID A CHRISTMAS DEBT HANGOVER 1. Plan early for Christmas. Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person – and stick to it. Manage expectations as to what you or Santa can give. 2. Don’t forget the everyday bills. Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right. 3. Don’t bank on an overdraft. If you do need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive. 4. Keep things simple. If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper.

5. Shop around. Try as many different places as possible to find the best price. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need. Be wary of extended warranties; the cost of a repair could be less than the cost of the warranty. 6. Buy safe to be safe. Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders. The initial savings and convenience may prove to be a false economy. 7. Read the small print. Check for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Interest free credit can seem attractive, but if you don’t pay on time, or miss a payment, you could have to pay a lot more.

WIN £25 of Store Vouchers ouche

8. Do your own credit checks. If you are going to use a credit card, shop around and compare terms. Some cards charge high interest rates, but provide interest free periods or discounts. Budget for all these costs and put the payment dates in your diary. 9. Be organised. There’s a lot to remember at Christmas. If you’ve borrowed money don’t forget that it won’t be long before you have to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time, even if it is only the minimum, or you will be faced with additional charges. 10. Start planning and saving for next Christmas. Once Christmas is over, it’s worth looking at what you did well and what you didn’t. Learn from your mistakes and start planning how you will do things differently next year. This might also be a good time to start saving for next Christmas.

GET FIT AND HAVE FUN

What wo W wou uld you do o if you arrived rr home after fter a night o outt or a trip rip away y to find fi out o thatt some so o eone had b broken into iin your your h home, a pipe ipe p had d burst and and flooded d you y your property? o Your belongingss are a not automatically om insured by Cartrefi Conwy against fire, re, e theft, h , water damage and other house hold risks. r So, if you y haven’ ve t thought th properly about insurance coverr,, you co could ould u be in for a shock. h However err,, Cartrefi Conwy ca Con can now arrange a nge for insurance for the contents of your home h me e at a sp special special i affordable da rate.

For more information please call

0845 305 4134 or visit: www.ageconnectswales.org.uk

IMPORTANT Keep an eye on our website or facebook page to find out about new job opportunities. www.cartreficonwy.org/cartrefi/page/ creating-enterprise

The cover er has been d designed es gned to to help you insure most of your be belongings n as eas easily sily as possible. ible. The minimum value of possessions on you yo can n insure is only £9,000 £ (£6,000 iff you ou are re aged over 60) and premiums start ta t from f as little ass £1.53 £1 a fortnight (under 60’s)) and £1.16 £1 16 a fortnight tn ni t (over over 60 60’s) for f standard cover. Optiional extensions are available for an additional o premium pr m.. Terms and a conditions, o , limits and exclusions ns apply app y, a copy apply, p of o the policy wording is available aila able on o request. requ uest. Forr further informat F infor tion ask a Cartrefi Conwy nwy for a ffree ree application pack p or call Crystal Crystal r Insurance an 0845 337 2463 63 6 3 or itt may o y be e cheape cheaperr tto call 01628 16 586189 8 from om a mobile), mobile) mob le), or visit le v www ww w.thistlem thistlem myhome co m myhome.co.uk o.uk u There h he are 1 13 words to t find fi in the grid rid above. Can n you find them em all? a l? If so mark k them t up p clearly and an return n with w th the slip below e ow to Cartrefi Co on y,, Morfa Gele, North Waless Business Park, onwy k, Cae C Eithin Eithin, hi bergele, b g berg LL22 L22 8LJ before f e 16th January 201 201È. You u could be the tth lucky luccky winner w er of the vouchers. The Th he winner willl be b the first fi stt correct corrrect rre t entry ry drawn. (This competition comp petition et tion is i only on y available labl to entrants e over 18 years of age).

Name:…………………………………………………............ Address:………………………………………………............ …………………………………………………………........... …………………………………………………………........... Postcode: ………………………………………………........

Telephone number: ……………………....................... I would like more information about the special home contents insurance scheme YES/NO Cartrefi Conwy competition rules apply yy,, a copy of these rules is available on request.

The National Housing Federation My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks. A trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A JLT Group Company. Registered Office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AW. Registered in England and No 00338645. V VA AT No. 244 2321 96. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative of Thistle Insurance Services Limited.

NEW LLANRWST MEN’S SHED HELPS GIVES STROKE PATIENT BRYAN NEW LEASE OF LIFE The basic idea for the sheds was born in Australia in the late 1990s to help some men overcome a traditional reluctance to socialise and discuss their feelings and well-being. The idea has gradually been spreading across the UK and there are now six men’s sheds in North Wales. A huge thank you to our partner organisation, Jewson in Mochdre, who supplied all the wood and paving for the project and hundreds of pounds worth of tools were donated by a lady from Llanrwst. Join a Men’s Shed in your area contact: Men’s Shed Rhyl Contact: Steve on 07989 875 904 or office: 01745 797112 Men’s Shed Colwyn Bay Contact: Brian on 07887 602733 Men’s Shed Llandudno Contact: Mike on 07713861003 Men’s Shed Llanrwst Contact: Rosie on 01492 642110

A Llanrwst community scheme which has given a new lease of life to a man left severely disabled by a stroke has had its official opening. Bryan Jones, who lives in the town, was working as a mobile phone network engineer when he was hit by a stroke and brain haemorrhage six years ago. Bryan, now 68, was left paralysed down the left hand side of his body and confined to a wheelchair which he says affected his self-confidence and severely restricted his ability to leave the house. But things took a massive turn for the better when he helped found the Llanrwst Men’s Shed, a regular meeting place offering a range of new interests and companionship started with strong support from the Cartrefi Conwy housing association. And the shed’s new workshop, which was built by its own members behind the Golygfa Gwydyr community centre, has now had its fanfare official opening.

MAGIC CARPET JOURNEY HAS HEALING AFFECTS FOR NOVICE ARTISTS for another it’s had a really positive effect on rehabilitating back into society after a breakdown but all agree art is their new friend and for some a welcome companion especially during the long and dark winter that makes leaving the house, some days, not a safe option. Cartrefi Conwy was able to commission Jan Gardner as the artist in residence for this course after sourcing part funding from Arts & Business Cymru. Cartrefi Conwy recognises the importance of art in the community and the positive therapeutic effects it has on people’s health & well-being. After 10 weeks of art classes at Cysgod Y Gogarth 12 tenants and residents celebrated their colourful and unique artwork with local artist and tutor Jan Gardner. But these were no ordinary art classes it’s really art therapy and each masterpiece tells its creators personal story. Jan describes the group as being on magic carpet journey that’s brought not only all the artistic techniques together but also the group together working as a team, learning and sharing from each other. The course has produced much more than their finished artwork though, many of the group describe their weekly meetings as healing sessions; for some it’s helped them cope with the loss of loved ones, aa close friend or family pet,

The groups work will be celebrated at an art exhibition on the 18th December

£600,000 HOUSING SCHEME FOR KEY WORKING PEOPLE

Before

After We are renovating a £600,000 scheme to transform an Edwardian mansion into affordable homes for key workers in Colwyn Bay.

We are basically talking about people earning between £15,000 and £29,000, many of whom are doing jobs which are central to the community of Colwyn Bay.

We bought the imposing eight-bedroom property on Conway Road from Conwy County Borough Council specifically for this project. We have been working closely on this scheme with Conwy County Borough Council, the Welsh Government and the Bay Life+ regeneration programme.

The Conwy Road property has been gutted and extensively face lifted, giving all six of the spacious new apartments on three floors two bedrooms plus either a separate lounge or a lounge/kitchen area.

When the scheme is finished early next year the state-of-the-art apartments will be let at 20 per cent less than the current market rent to give working people who wouldn’t normally be able to afford the deposit on buying a home the chance to take the first step on the property ladder. There is a substantial group of people, including many vital staff in the caring and emergency services professions, whose low incomes mean they can’t afford to put down deposits on their own homes.

Equipped with the latest in heating and insulation along with new hardwood windows to keep down running costs, each apartment also has a fitted kitchen and bathroom complete with bath and shower. We are helping to improve the local economy through our investment in this scheme but also bringing back people to live in the town centre. For more information please contact

Conwy Housing Solutions on 0300 124 0050

STARRING ROLE AT WORLD CUP FOR AMY Congratulations to talented Midfielder Amy Woodbridge, 16, from Kinmel Bay who conquered her fear of flying to represent Wales at an international tournament.

“It was massive to represent Wales and I was over the moon – just terrified of the flight! We flew out during September and did OK. We finished 9th overall and qualified for the ‘Plate’ tournament.

Amy was a key member of the Welsh team at the 2015 Homeless World Cup in Amsterdam. The competition is open to players 16 or over who have been homeless or who are social housing tenants and is held annually between teams representing more than 70 nationalities.

She said: “I’m studying public services and sport science at Llandrillo College now and want to work in football coaching if I can. Playing in Amsterdam gave me loads of experience and confidence. Amy’s mum, Linda Woodbridge, says playing in Amsterdam has given her daughter a massive boost.

Amy who also palys for Kinmel Bay Ladies and Cartrefi Conwy Street Football sides, booked her seat on the plane to Holland after performing well at a trials match in South Wales.

She said: “Mixing with other people, especially people from other countries has really helped Amy’s confidence and self esteem. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

She said: “I was very nervous as I’d never been on a plane before.

She added; “To be fair Cartrefi Conwy have been brilliant and backed her all the way as have the town council. It’s amazing the boost it’s given her. I know she was petrified of flying but I’m glad she went.”

“I was asked to go to Newport for the trials for the Homeless World Cup and went along not expecting to be selected but I got a phone call the next day to tell me I’d been picked.

RUGBY STARS AND YOUNG PEOPLE SPRING INTO ACTION AT TRE CWM Green-fingered rugby players and residents joined forces to plant thousands of bulbs to brighten up a Tre Cwm housing estate in Lllandudno. Their efforts will ensure Tre Cwm should look blooming marvellous when they burst into flower next Spring. Tenants were joined by 22 children and young people from the estate, members of the RGC Rugby Academy, Cartrefi Conwy office staff, a police community support officer and employees of G Purchase Construction Ltd. They planted a host of golden daffodils, bluebells, wild garlic, crocuses, scillas and puschkinia, a flower that’s native to the Middle East.

Zoe said: “It’s been great fun especially for the kids. It will make the estate look better and brighter and as the kids have all helped they will be proud of it too. “I really think events like this bring the community together and that’s important. I think it’s fantastic the police, the rugby lads and all the other volunteers have joined in and helped us. It’s brilliant to see.” The group's efforts were rewarded with a hearty stew made by resident Anne Forbes at the Ty^Llywelyn community centre where she is the voluntary manager.

Tenant Zoe Robertson volunteered for the bulb planting day along with her three children, Carys, 10, Gethin, nine, and Dyfan, six.

www.facebook.com/trecwm

COMMUNITY-MINDED RHYL FC SCORE A HAT-TRICK WITH £15,000 THREE-YEAR SPONSORSHIP DEAL Rhyl Football Club managing director Mike Jones, who also works as a social services relief support worker with Flintshire County Council, said: “I think the Cartrefi Conwy sponsorship shows just what an asset the football club is to the town and how much we have achieved working in partnership with the community. “Our Strikers' programme is improving the employability of young adults by bringing them into a learning environment based here at the football club. 2012, says the club’s commitment to the community has been recognised in the past. He said: “In 2013 we were named Welsh Club of the Year for our commitment to Rhyl Football Club YTS player, Corey Taylor, 17, who lives in Abergele, says working with the community has been an important part of his training.

The Cartrefi Conwy logo now appears on the player’s shirts at Rhyl FC but the support package goes much further than backing the Lilywhites' Welsh Premier League exploits. Cartrefi Conwy will sponsor Rhyl Football Club for the next three seasons and potentially longer. Rhyl FC has similar values to Cartrefi Conwy as we both strongly support community engagement. We are particularly impressed with the club's pioneering Strikers' project which was set up to give unemployed people a shot at a new future. Their Inspirational Strikers' programme combines football training and fitness with classroom studies. Participants learn literacy and numeracy skills along with motivation and confidence building.

He said: “I’ve been at Rhyl now for three years and was playing with the Under 19 side for the last two years before breaking into the first team this season. I’m at the football club, along with three other YTS players, three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. “On Tuesday I attend college where I’m studying for an NVQ qualification in customer service with North Wales Training. On the days I’m in the club we work with young people and schools teaching football skills. Cartrefi Conwy has 3 Community Funding Streams, Donations & Sponsorship, Community Chest and Enviro SOS. Every year we support, sponsor and donate £1,000’s in our communities. Find out more info by contacting Communications Team on:

01745 335345 or email communications@cartreficonwy.org