June 2014 WORLD CUP GEOGRAPHY JOHN’S BRIEFING COUNCIL HOMES CHAT GIVE & GAIN DAY 2014 RACE FOR LIFE AND MUCH MORE!
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WHERE IN THE 11: ENGLAND
12: NETHERLANDS
13: SWITZERLAN
Star man: Steven Gerrard Population: 53,012,456 Capital: London
Star man: Robin van Persie Population: 16,850,700 Capital: Amsterdam
Star man: Gökhan In Population: 8,136,70 Capital: Bern
1: USA
18: GREECE
19: ITALY
20: SPAIN
Star man: Clint Dempsey Population: 318,047,000 Capital: Washington DC
Star man: Georgios Samaras Population: 10,815,197 Capital: Athens
Star man: Daniele De Rossi Population: 60,021,955 Capital: Rome
Star man: Andrés Inie Population: 46,609,7 Capital: Madrid
2: MEXICO Star man: Javier Hernández Population: 119,713,203 Capital: Mexico City
3: HONDURAS
The World Cup is upon us and for the football lovers amongst us this will mean late nights and some sore heads. The World Cup is a global celebration of football and cultures so we’ve compiled an infographic to help you brush up on some geography skills... ...and maybe help you decide your next holiday destination!
Star man: Roger Espinoza Population: 8,555,072 Capital: Tegucigalpa
4: COSTA RICA Star man: Joel Campbell Population: 4,667,096 Capital: San José
5: COLUMBIA Star man: James Rodriguez Population: 47,593,000 Capital: Bogotá
6: ECUADOR Star man: Antonio Valencia Population: 15,740,900 Capital: Quito
7: BRAZIL (HOSTS) Star man: Neymar Population: 202,564,000 Capital: Brasília
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12
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14 17 21
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20
28 2
3
30
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31
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8: ARGENTINA Star man: Lionel Messi Population: 42,669,500 Capital: Buenos Aires
9: URUGUAY Star man: Luis Suárez Population: 3,286,314 Capital: Montevideo
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10
8
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10: CHILE
28: ALGERIA
Star man: Alexis Sánchez Population: 17,620,000 Capital: Santiago
Star man: Nabil Bent Population: 38,700,0 Capital: Algiers
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esta 700
14: BELGIUM
15: GERMANY
16: CROATIA
17: FRANCE
Star man: Eden Hazard Population: 11,190,649 Capital: Brussels
Star man: Mesut Özil Population: 80,716,000 Capital: Berlin
Star man: Luka Modrić Population: 4,290,612 Capital: Zagreb
Star man: Karim Benzema Population: 65,885,00 Capital: Paris
21: PORTUGAL
22: BOSNIA & HERZ.
23: RUSSIA
Star man: Cristiano Ronaldo Population: 10,477,800 Capital: Lisbon
Star man: Edin Džeko Population: 3,791,622 Capital: Sarajevo
Star man: A Kerzhakov Population: 143,700,000 Capital: Moscow
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16 18
19 22
24: JAPAN
25 26
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Star man: Keisuke Honda Population: 127,140,000 Capital: Tokyo
25: KOREA REPUBLIC Star man: Ki Sung-yueng Population: 50,423,955 Capital: Seoul
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26: IRAN Star man: Ashkan Dejagah Population: 77,435,000 Capital: Tehran
32
taleb 000
32: CAMEROON
27: AUSTRALIA
Star man: Samuel Eto’o Population: 20,386,799 Capital: Yaoundé
Star man: Tim Cahill Population: 23,491,600 Capital: Canberra
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31: IVORY COAST Star man: Didier Drogba Population: 23,202,000 Capital: Yamoussoukro
29: NIGERIA
30: GHANA
Star man: Ahmed Musa Population: 173,615,000 Capital: Abuja
Star man: K.P Boateng Population: 24,658,823 Capital: Accra
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John’s Briefing WHQS Environmental Works
Karen Davies gave a presentation to Board on the monies spent on tidying up Estates and providing additional services such as parking. £600k was spent on improvements last year. Going forward the team are working with the residents to encourage ownership of the areas, with residents who are actively engaging carrying out maintenance within their areas.
Trevor Bowen Court – Sub Group
REMEMBER Ebuzz is put together following John’s briefings every other month. This is your newsletter and it would be great to hear some of your stories! If you have anything you want to share, please get in touch with Louise Davies via InHouse, 01495 761104 or email: louise.davies@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy this edition. 4
Key lessons have been and are being learnt on the demolishing and rebuilding of this scheme; these lessons will prove invaluable for other projects. The Board is questioning when these tenants can move into the new accommodation. Due to the construction and layout of the development – Bowen Gardens, the flats will be available after the houses have been completed, though hopefully there won’t be too much of a delay. Currently there are 12 houses to go on the market with the prices of the properties being determined, the profit from the sale of the houses will be used to cross subsidise the rented accommodation to ensure they can be let at Social Rent levels. Of particular concern for MHA going into the future is the appropriateness of its current
accommodation for future needs and at which point the decision to alter layouts or even demolition should be made. Do it too early and rental income is foregone, leave it too late and regardless of what is built the estate/flats etc may well have become stigmatised.
Schedule 1
Schedule 1 regulates any Conflict of Interest from a staff or board perspective. This year there was a nil return reported to the Welsh Government.
DSO – Restructure
The DSO was set up many years ago and during the years the business needs have changed. In order to ensure cost effectiveness and efficiency, material costs and time costs need to be measured and controlled within the department hence the DSO restructure. Further information will be provided to the staff involved. The setting up of Capsel has focussed MHA’s mind on where we can be competitive and where we need to operate more effectively to be successful within the sector. This will be a long term project.
Regulatory Outcome 7
“We let homes in a fair, transparent and effective way” There is a high turnover of certain types of properties, with each move incurring high costs
to MHA, these properties are normally small without much storage or space. The options with these properties are to demolish and rebuild, though costs and income may prove prohibited or the possibility of using them in a different way e.g. short term lets or letting to hotel groups. We need to get business smarter in the marketing of properties, creating demand and opportunities. Staff are invited to offer suggestions and some have already been forthcoming.
Management Accounts
It appears that the Newport Housing contract may make a profit due to the invoicing of all works even though there hasn’t been an increase in prices for 4 years. Overall the management accounts are encouraging for year end.
Community Alarms
The community alarms are currently hardwired pullcord systems, it has been discussed about changing these to dispersed alarms. Currently it is unknown how many vulnerable people have a landline which could cause a problem for instigating the dispersed alarms, with additional costs to the tenant and MHA. In the future, its quite possible any new builds for older persons accommodation will have wifi as standard. This will remove the need for individual landlines but then this will cause problems for those needing dispersed alarms as they need a landline and not a mobile connection. Nevertheless, the equipment as it stands is now, in
some cases, very old and taking into account the best systems available, needs to be decided on – thus the decision to move to dispersed alarms only.
LGPS – Discretions Policy
Employees were automatically enrolled into the pension scheme on 1st April 2014. Some have opted already. The deadline for opting out is the end of June. A number of changes are being brought in to the pension scheme. More information is available on Inhouse.
Development Approval
There are a number of new sites and opportunities on going. There was 10 planning approvals last year and this will be the same for next year.
Insurance Report Claims History The number of claims are very low with all claims being fought by the organisation.
Use of Seal
There has been 12 uses of the seal.
Performance Report
The latest performance report will be published soon. Last years report was good and there is a perception that overall, MHA is performing better than last year. The performance in each directorate will be discussed at the forthcoming annual appraisals.
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Council Homes Chat #CouncilHomesChat was set up to tell the side of the story that the media so often fails to tell. It provides those who live, work and believe in social housing with the opportunity to tell their stories and shout about their positive experiences. It’s about changing the conversation and challenging the damaging stereotypes. Ultimately, it’s about getting people to care again about social housing and to realise how it benefits us as a society. You can help promote Council Homes Chat further.
Do you know any inspiring tenants whose stories haven’t been told?
Central to the campaign is tenant voices, and painting social housing, the profession and tenants in a more balanced and positive light than that currently being shown in the media. We’d love to include tenants as part of our campaign & need your help to identify them. They can become involved in a variety of ways, including; testimonials, quotes, photos and videos (we particularly want to push the videos wherever we can as these tell a much more powerful story than anything we could write).
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Do you have a story to tell?
Perhaps you are or were a Council/Social housing tenant and would like to get involved in the campaign to say how it has benefited you, or why it’s important to you?
‘A day in the life of...’
If anyone is feeling brave and doesn’t mind getting the smartphone camera out we could upload a few ‘day in the life of’ videos about different roles across the organisation.
Join Council Homes Chat on:
Twitter: @councilhomechat #CouncilHomesChat Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ Ilovecouncilhousing Blog: http://councilhomeschat.wordpress.com/ If you’re interested in making your own video or know a tenant who might be interested please let Cheryl Tracy know.
New Policies A review of both our Decant and Lodger Policies and Procedures has recently been completed.
MHA Choir Following the success of Sing and Inspire at the Housing & Communities’ away day, Farida Aslam came up with the idea of forming an MHA choir with the aim of performing and raising money for the very worthy cause of Children in Need. Happily, the formation of the choir coincided with the arrival of Scott Howells, a former member of Only Boys Aloud... we had our leader and the choir was born!
A decant describes the process where tenants are temporarily or permanently moved out of their homes, when MHA has to carry out major repair work or rebuild or demolish a property. The Decant Policy and Procedure provides guidance to staff on the process, including the level of compensation tenants are entitled to and the support that MHA provides. MHA encourages tenants to consider taking in a lodger to increase their household income (especially those affected by welfare reform). A lodger is someone who pays to rent one or more rooms or part of a room but does not have exclusive occupation of any part of a property. The Lodger Policy and Procedure details the process to follow, including the conditions that need to be met for MHA to agree a lodger request.
We meet every Thursday lunchtime 12.30pm – 1.15pm. We will be extending practices to one evening a week also, in order for those who can’t make it at lunch time to be able to attend. There is a good mix of members from all over MHA and even though we are in very early stages, not quite West End quality yet, it’s great fun and hopefully we will be raising money for a good cause in November. Children in Need itself will be taking place on Friday 14th November 2014 and we hope to include the choir performance along with lots of other fundraising activities on the day. If you have any ideas for fundraising or any questions about the choir please get in touch with Lucy Rogers on extension 7177, Claire Dunning on 1051 or Scott Howells on 1015.
HR Policies
The Staff Volunteering Policy has had a three year review with only minor changes to the procedure.
All policies can be found on 7
Deri View Primary School and Acorn Centre, Abergavenny
On the 16th May 39 members of staff from across MHA took part in the only national employee volunteering day in the UK. Seven areas benefitted from the day which included redecorating the Flying Start Centre, creating growing spaces to revamping a childrens play area; all projects benefitted our tenants and their communities.
Overmonnow Flying Start Centre in Partnership with Lovell
A team of five staff teamed up with Lovell to give the centre a bright new look, they also carried out repairs and put in new shelving. The day was really enjoyable and the difference made to the centre, which is regularly used by local parents, was brilliant!
Six members of staff gave a fresh look to the beds surrounding the school and also revamped the ‘Forest School’ –which include grass cutting, willow weaving and pruning back overgrown trees, making the area welcoming and inspiring to the children. Thanks to Jane Grayer, Phillipa Worgan, Alan Webber, Angela Jones, Domini Barnes and Maria Williams for making it happen!
The Reddings and Fishermans Walk, Chepstow
Thanks to Kath Deakin, Michele Morgan, Dafydd Evans, Karren Davies and Andrea James for making it happen!
Davis Court, Chepstow
Davis Court was treated to a gardening makeover, which included turning over beds, weeding and planting shrubs, herbs and flowers that were requested by the tenants in the scheme. The tenants also gave a helping hand including tea and cake! Thanks to Neil Binnell, Naomi Pearson, Lorraine Challenger and Kate Bradbrook. 8
Five members of staff helped to complete the WHQS Environmental Standard works at both locations. The tenants were delighted to have the area transformed into one full of colour and sweet smells from the planting of vegetables, herb and shrubs. Thanks to Karen Davies, Christina Nevines, John Davies, Liz Jones and Charlotte Michell for making it happen!
Old Hereford Road and St. Andrews Crescent Abergavenny
Four members of staff worked hard at clearing areas, creating a ‘natural’ habitat and moving features for tenants in Old Hereford Road before moving to St. Andrews Crescent where they brought raised beds to life with tenants by planting herbs and vegetables. Thanks to David Hood, David Morris, Patricia Jones and Dominic Pembridge for making it happen!
Rother Avenue, Abergavenny
West End Flying Start
Seven members of staff spruced up the outside playing space for the children during which the team created a racetrack, muddy kitchen, campfire, wildlife garden and pond and even convinced nearby workmen to mow the lawn! Thanks to Cheryl Tracy, Lucy Rogers, Louise Davies, Jim Jones, Chris York, Scott Howells and Jane Philpott for making it happen!
Feedback from staff 100% of staff who took part in Give and Gain Day felt that they had made a difference. 100% of staff said they would volunteer again.
Throughout the afternoon, staff from Asset Management and Neighbourhoods, helped tenants clear out unwanted items, encouraged tenants to take plants and flowers to be used in their front gardens and took plant orders from tenants to make the area brighter. Thanks to Julie McKim, Clayton Charles, Terry MacColl, Kerris Winter, Tim Redwood, Owain Israel, Jane Philpott, Andrew Nash and James Perry for making it happen!
• Good interaction with tenants and productive teamwork. • Tenant engagement was good, I enjoyed the interaction with the tenants - something I don’t get to do often! • I enjoyed being away from my desk and working with other people. It was good for team working. It was good being out in the community and working on the estates which I was previously unfamiliar with. I enjoyed every minute! • Thoroughly enjoyed working with people I don’t usually see much of and, as cheesy as this sounds, the positive comments from the residents. I also learnt a lot about gardening!! • The opportunity to do something different. Being involved in a piece of work with a tangible outcome and physical difference being made to the environment. 9
Scott Howells Community Project Support Officer I’m Scott, I have previously worked in the Hospitality industry as well as working as a Teaching Assistant. My passion is singing, it has played a huge part of life. My biggest achievement is coming 3rd on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 as part of a choir which led to performances on X Factor and the release of a Christmas album. Last year I entered a competition called Mister Wales which I finished runner-up. This was a fantastic experience and I won an award for raising the most money for BOBATH Children’s Therapy.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why? I would like to be stuck in a lift with Michelle Keegan...she’s a very good actress.
Sian Hughes Corporate Services Assistant I joined MHA on May 27th 2014 in the Corporate Services Department. I previously worked for Blaenau Gwent CBC for nine years and before that within the private sector. I have a very patient, understanding and quiet husband who I’ve been married to for nearly 13 years. I am a very keen sports person, taking part in many sports including being a member of a running/wheelchair running club and a keen duathlon para – athlete; previous to my injury I was a keen marathon runner and mountain walker – having completed the 3 national peaks and Mont Blanc. I love spending time with family and friends especially if this involves a drink or two.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why? I would like to be stuck in a lift with Sir Steve Redgrave and get as much information about his training and single mindedness as possible!!!
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Why not say hello to all the new starters on
Dean Phillips Housing Management Trainee I have recently joined MHA as the new Housing Management Trainee and this is a real career change from my previous role. I worked as a Primary School Teacher from 2008 and although I have many happy memories I became disillusioned with the profession. I am excited about this new challenge although I hear I don’t get six weeks summer holiday here at MHA? :0 In my spare time I am currently experiencing sleep deprivation as I am the proud father of six month old Theo and I enjoy keeping fit. I am a keen footballer playing regularly for Abercarn United and an avid follower (for my sins) of Cardiff City! There are not many sports that I don’t enjoy and I have recently started running on a regular basis participating in the Parkruns and I am competing in the Caerphilly 10k on 23rd June.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with and why? For obvious reasons Cheryl Cole... as I am keen to discuss her thoughts on the ongoing troubles in Ukraine : )
Karena Sainsbury Receptionist
Maria Beecham Neighbourhood Officer
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Concern Cards RE-LAUNCHED
Many social housing tenants are under more pressure than ever these days, with significant changes to the welfare system having a negative impact on household incomes along with the constantly rising cost of living. More involvement by all housing staff in adult safeguarding is also vital due to ever increasing levels of vulnerability of tenants in social housing. Many staff regularly visit tenants’ homes. Working on the housing front line gives these members of staff the ideal vantage point from which to pick up on any issues or problems our tenants may be facing.
within 10 days, so they will know the outcome of their referral. The case studies highlight the need for Concern Cards, the positive impact they can have and the difference they make both for individuals and the neighbourhoods they live in. Only three Concern Cards have been raised since the end of March 2014; this number needs to increase, which is why we’re launching the “Concern Card Stars” incentive scheme...
Monthly Prizes Every month, a prize will be awarded to the member of staff that raises the most concern cards during each month. Examples of prizes may include: • Argos Vouchers • A meal for two • 7 Inch Android Tablet Lite • Remington Dual Track Shaver • Hands free car kit and FM transmitter
Concern Cards were originally launched as part of the first Tenant Insight Project back in 2011 - they are designed to make it easier for frontline staff to report any problems or difficulties MHA tenants may be facing either personally or regarding their property. On 8 March 2014, Concern Cards were re-launched: Once submitted, a Concern Card is sent to the Community Services Team, this can be done via PDA, email or phone call. This is then assigned to Neighbourhood Officer’s Work Trays in order to be passed onto the appropriate officers where required, for example Neighbourhoods, Moneywise, Community Safety or Work and Skills Wise. The action taken following the concern card is then reported back to the person who raised the concern 12
This Month’s Prize:
A day of paintballing for up to 10, including 100 balls each at a range of UK locations with Paintball Network.
Concerns are divided into five categories as follows:
Case Studies
Category 1 – Unacceptable Behaviour to Staff
A DLO operative submitted a Category 2 Concern Card regarding possible drug use in a property. Neighbours had mentioned a strong smell of cannabis coming from the tenant’s flat and the member of staff was aware of the strong smell whilst working nearby.
• This includes verbal or physical abuse. All instances must be reported
Category 2 – ASB • Signs of Domestic Abuse: includes physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse • Drug Related: Paraphernalia like needles, burnt tin foil, wraps, mixing spoons, weighing scales, cultivation • Trafficking of Immigrants: Excessive overcrowding of a property • Hate Crime: harassed, verballly abused or attacked due to being ‘different’ due to age, disability; religion or beliefs; gender; sexual orientation; race or other issues
Category 3 – Welfare & Wellbeing • Child Abuse/Neglect • Adult Abuse/Neglect • Hoarding: excessive collection of items which may be a health and safety issue or could impact on the tenant’s everyday life • Unkempt Property: where the property is in a poor condition
Category 4 – Money • Welfare Reform: concerns or questions raised about any benefit changes • Financial/Money Concerns: income/budgeting/ utility bills • Loan Sharks: mention of illegal money lending or a loan shark • Way into Work: tenant expresses an interest in getting a job or skills to help get a job • Rent: concerns or questions about rent accounts
Category 5 – Property • Damage: holes in doors, broken cupboards, smashed glass in windows/doors • Estate Management: dumped rubbish or household items, inappropriately parked cars, trees in dangerous condition, gardens in poor condition. • Non-Occupation: suspicion a property is unoccupied • Sub Letting: suspicion tenants are not those that are named on the repair
The card was submitted to the relevant Neighbourhood Officer who visited the tenant unannounced the very next day. There was an obvious smell of cannabis. The tenant was unable to deny the allegations and an ASB case was raised with the tenant formally written to. There have been no further complaints about the tenant since the Neighbourhood Officer visited; although this is due to be followed up again with the tenant’s neighbours in the near future to ensure there are no more problems. A DLO operative reported that the garden of a property appeared neglected and a neighbour had seen rats. The Neighbourhood Officer investigated and engaged with the tenant, targets were set and the property and garden has now seen an improvement, no further reports have been made and the DLO operative was updated on the outcome. A DLO operative reported that he had concerns about two vulnerable residents in Abergavenny as their property was cluttered and he felt there was a hoarding issue. The Neighbourhood Officer investigated and contacted the relevant organisations, arranged a joint meeting where support was put in place and targets set to clear and tidy the property. The project is now complete, the property is unrecognisable and the quality of the tenants’ lives have been significantly improved. The operative was updated and pleased that his actions led to the improvements to both the property and particularly the vulnerable tenants’ lives. Contact Lucy Rogers (ext 7177), Clayton Charles (ext 2002) or Chris York (ext 2154) for more information. 13
3C’s Service Review COMPLIMENTS Ms Davies would like to thank Nico Edwards and Nick Brown for... “Carrying out the annual gas service and re-routing the pipework to the boiler.”
Mrs Sunderland would like to thank Lauren Francis for... “Arranging for a fence and gate to be put up in her garden to allow her some privacy. Mrs Sunderland cannot thank her enough for all the time and effort she took, her help has transformed her life.”
Ms Swallow would like to thank Caro Curnock for... “Her help with their new home. Caro went above and beyond with every aspect of the house. There are no words to express how very grateful they are to have been blessed with a truly amazing lady to be dealing with the house as Caro.”
Councillor Sue White would like to thank Kerris Winter for... “Her help at Carbonne Close recently. Kerris met her promptly and spent time in the area looking at some issues that had been raised and also taking the time to walk around the estate to pick up on a number of other potential problems that hadn’t been raised yet.”
Mrs Quinqet would like to thank Rob Edgeworth for... “Attending to repair a leak. He did an excellent job, was really polite and cleaned up after himself.”
The Corporate Services Team have been carrying out a review of the 3C’s Service. The review identified a number of issues with the current 3C’s Service as it stands at the moment which needed to be addressed, mainly the decline of complaints being responded to within target. Following the review it was decided that MHA would adopt the Ombudsman’s Model Concerns and Complaints Policy as this would offer better customer service to our tenants and make the process more streamlined for customers and staff. A number of organisations have already adopted the policy and as a result the number of complaints have decreased. The new process will be a two stage process: • Stage 1 – Informal Resolution – The emphasis on the new service is that anyone who takes a complaint/issue tries to resolve this informally before submitting it through the formal process. If a concern/complaint is serious it should be actioned immediately and not put through a process. • Stage 2 – Formal Investigation – If the complainant remains dissatisfied the complainant can ask for a formal investigation. The complaint will be allocated to an investigating officer who will investigate formally. This is the final stage of MHA’s concerns/complaints procedure. • Ombudsman – If the concern/complaint is still not resolved the complainant can go to the Ombudsman who will carry out an independent investigation. Over the next few weeks managers will be delivering training to their teams to give more information and guidance about the new process. There will also be an element of complaints training in the new Customer Care Training which everyone will be required to undertake. If you would like more information or guidance in the meantime about the new service contact the Corporate Services Team. All training presentations and resources are available on In House, under Corporate Services, The 3C’s Service
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Recycling at HQ Here are a selection of “Pickles” that you have awarded to your colleagues recently: You may have noticed that there have been fewer bins around the office floors. Removing the bins has proved a major success with an enormous saving on paper being wasted and engaging people to recycle more. In order to help reduce the amount of waste that is being thrown away there are recycling bins situated in each kitchen area. There are also paper bins on each floor near the photocopiers. Staff must ensure that all recyclable waste is disposed of in the appropriate bin. MHA are working towards accreditations for ISOH14001 and Green Dragon Level 5. Both of these accreditations are important to MHA and will help us to win future work through our waste management and reduction of our environmental carbon footprint. The Facilities team have seen a good reduction of HQ waste disposed of by landfill, but there is still room for improvement through better use of the recycling areas.
Please use the appropriate bins for recycling:
Mixed Glass Food Tins & Bottles & Drink Cans Jars Paper & Cardboard
Plastic
Food Waste
Bulk waste such as boxes, old files, paper and plastic materials need to be broken down and put in to the orange topped wheelie bins located inside the bin store on thr ground floor. Staff must not leave waste materials outside the bins on the floor. The grey topped wheelie bin is for general waste only.
Cheryl Tracy has “pickled” Tim Redwood for... “his help securing contractors to sponsor this year’s Making a Difference Awards. This will go a long way to making them a success - Massive thank you from our team!” Domini Barnes has “pickled” Glenn Neil for... “showing team work and flexibility to help others. Thanks Glenn.” Bridget Gibbs has “pickled” David Price for... “helping to gain access to a property where a tenant was locked out, he worked after his finishing time to ensure that key and lock were both in working order” Louise Davies has “pickled” Alun Window, Dafydd Evans, David Morris, John Keegan, Michael Harper and Kate Bradbrook for... “taking part in the customer service dvd. Thanks for your time and efforts, you were all fantastic :-)” Andrew Nash has “pickled” Lauren Francis for... “going the extra mile to help Mrs Sunderland, 18 Prince Charles Close to improve her privacy and quality of life” Do you think your colleagues should be recognised for their additional work efforts? Going above and beyond customer expectation and showing a good service. Then award them a pickle via InHouse. A prize will be awarded to the employee with the most pickles during the quarter. 15
Eight of our fellow workers are taking part in the Race for Life 5k Run being held on Sunday June 22nd at 11.00am in Cwmbran to raise money for Cancer Research UK to help beat cancer.
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Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is a series of 5k or 10k women-only fundraising events, which are raising money for research to help beat all 200 types of cancer sooner, visit cruk.org.
Questions I asked the competitiors:
Please dig deep and give what you can by either giving money to the people in person, via the internet on www.justgiving.com/mhagirls or via text on 70070 followed by MHAA99 and the amount eg MHAA99 £2. 16
£10 buys enough glass slides to examine 500 tumour samples. £94 pays for one woman in a trial to improve breast cancer survival. £150 helps a Cancer Chat nurse to learn about the latest advances.
Louise, Naomi, Philippa, Hayni, Sarah, Barbara, Angela and Julie have been training hard to complete the course – read their individual progress opposite.
• Why are you taking part in the race? • What is your training plan and/or what new training have you been doing as a result of signing up to the race? • Do you have a time you want to complete the race in? • What will you do after you’ve finished the race, on the day?
Naomi
I have lost friends and family over the years to cancer and have previously done the 5K, I think it is great that it’s accessible and raises awareness among people of all ages. I haven’t got a training plan! I have been out a few times for a jog and I have been doing some exercises to increase my fitness but I am going to walk/jog the race due to problems with my hips. No, I just want to finish without collapsing in a heap! Once finished I will probably go home, have a short rest before housework, picking my eldest son up from work and getting my youngest ready for school the next day.
Louise
To raise money for all my friends and family that have lost a loved one to cancer and to support the people that are currently battling with it. I did start off pretty well with training, but my holiday got in the way and it’s been a struggle trying to get back into it, plus the horrible weather hasn’t helped (but that’s no excuse really). I’m aiming for 33 mins – phaaaa I’ll give it my best. My family are down from London, so will be lunching out and celebrating my great aunties 95th Birthday, no doubt I will be very thirsty so the cider should go down a treat too.
Sarah
A few family members have been affected by cancer, so its a nice thing to do to try and raise some money for the charity. I’ve started running a 2/3 times a week with my friend – we’re training for the Mic Morris Torfaen 10k too. We usually run 5k twice a week and try to do a bit further at least once a week. Ideally, I would like to finish in around 30 minutes. Hopefully, someone will reward my amazing Sunday morning charity work with a Sunday roast.
Barbara
Back in April 2013 my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she spent the next year battling and thankfully, beating. Through this process my sister and I decided that when she kicked the illness into touch, we would both make efforts to get fitter and healthier. So in the later part of February this year we started to change our lifestyle and make ‘Race for Life’ our first goal. Training has involved some gym work, bike rides and jogging. My plan is to do intervals of walking and jogging. As long as I complete in less than an hour I will be happy, but 50 mins is my goal. I will have a big stretch and a lie down.
In addition, the MHA girls held a cake sale and raised £105! Hope you all enjoyed your yummy cakes! Thank you.
Angela
In memory of my Aunt who passed away 4yrs ago.
Started well but haven’t managed to get any in in last two weeks. Starting again tomorrow! The last time I ran the Race for Life I finished in 35 minutes so anything quicker will be an achievement. Find a place to sit and recover!!!
Philippa
I haven’t done that much running training although I regularly do spin, aerobics and boxercise. It’s for a great cause and I know of many people that have been supported by the charity. Previously I have run it within half an hour so I am aiming to get 25 minutes this time. Go to McDonalds!
Hayni
Want to do something for charity. I have done it numerous times in previous years and was recently watching a programme about a terminally ill cancer patient who dedicated the remaining days of her life promoting cancer awareness. I heard about the Race for Life coming up and wanted to do my bit. No training plan! Just keep up with everyone else is enough for me! Go home, and feel really good about it. 17
s t r o Sp Bike Bash at Bailey Park June 28th 2014
Showcasing the world of cycling – There will be plenty to see and do and you needn’t miss out on the action from around the county with live feeds and highlights from the roads on big screens around the park. There is also the opportunity to win a childs Road Bike donated by MHA – put together a jigsaw by collecting pieces from shops in Abergavenny, Usk, Monmouth or Chepstow and be entered into a prize draw to win the bike! Families will also be well catered for with childrens entertainment, traditional rides, activity space and educational areas. You can also busk on the bandstand!! For more information and other great events, visit www. festivalsinmonmouthshire. co.uk/events
s t n Eve
Llanvetherine to Llangattock Lingoed Walk
July 5th 2014 at 11.00am Join the Monmouthshire Countryside Service for this 5.5 miles (9km) route. It follows open fields and lanes to Llanvetherine to Llangattock Lingoed via the Offa’s Dyke Path then follows footpaths, bridleways and lanes back to the start. Nine stiles and about 300 metres of ascent. Bring your own packed lunch and a drink. Assistance dogs only please. Meet at the Layby on B4521 Llanvetherine Monmouthshire NP7 8RD For more information and other great events, visit www. festivalsinmonmouthshire. co.uk/events
Magor Marsh 10k July 27th at 10.30 am
Chepstow Harriers invite you to run this year’s Magor Marsh 10k. The course is totally flat, and so is ideal for both experienced runners chasing a Personal Best, and those who have not run a 10k before. A proporton of the proceeds go to St Davids Hospice Care and St Johns Ambulance. Prizes to 1st three men and women, 1st under 20 male and female and 1st male and female in vets categories 35-45, 46-55 and 55+ years. Entries: Affiliated Runners £10, Unaffiliated £12. Entries close 16th July 2014. Entries on day if race not full an additional £2.00. Start is at 10:30am - Briefing at 10:15am, before a half mile walk to the start Event HQ is the Undy United Football Club situated on the Causeway, Undy near Caldicot. Postcode NP26 3 For more information and other great events, visit www. chepstowharriers.org.uk
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Social Events Chepstow Festival
Monmouth Festival
The 2014 Chepstow Festival is a four-week long celebration of the Arts and Community in the Town and surrounds.
This annual nine day festival kicks off on the last Friday of July and this year promises to be an amazing event.
Browse through the programme pages and find music to suit most tastes, theatre in the Castle, with the giant canopy just in case it rains, and four productions especially for children.
The event is a festival of music including rock, blues, soul, jazz, classical etc focused on the main stage but with many satellite activities around the town. Carnival day is on the Sunday which is a family fun day.
18 June - 20 July th
th
For more information and other great events, visit www. chepstowfestival.co.uk
25 July 2 August th
nd
For more information and other great events, visit www. festivalsinmonmouthshire. co.uk/events
Raglan Castle Knights and Fights
20th July & 21st July, 11.00am – 4.00pm Fun for all the family!! A full weekend of exciting combat displays and demonstrations. Join in the tug of war, have a go at archery or the squire school for children or have a go at spinning, woodworking and medieval games. For more information and other great events, visit www. festivalsinmonmouthshire. co.uk/events
The new Benefits Advert
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MY TYPICAL DAY 6:30am
I normally get up at this time, have breakfast and a shower and get ready to leave for work.
7:30am
I get picked up and we make our way to the site where we are working.
7:50am
We normally arrive on site at this time. We open up the properties and begin work. I am working at The Bryn at the moment.
HELLO!
13:00pm
I’m Levi Mineur, MHA’s Apprentice Plasterer
13:30pm
I normally stop for lunch for half an hour. I begin work again for the afternoon. I try and complete another set of plastering, maybe two during the afternoon.
16:00pm
Finish work for the day and head home.
16:30pm SAY HELLO TO LEVI... via
I arrive home, chill out and have some food and a shower after working all day.
18:30pm
I normally spend some time with a few mates in the evenings or spend some time with my girlfriend.
22:00pm
I normally watch some TV and then go to bed.
Competition Time
WHO AM I?
Can you identify the three people who have been merged to create the ultimate MHA employee? Please email Sian Hughes with your three names for the chance to win a voucher for the Piercefield in Chepstow upto the value of £30. Closing date is 9th July. Good luck... and try not to have nightmares! Congratulations to Tim Redwood, Angela Jones and Joe Worgan, winners of last edition’s Easter Egg competition.
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Don’t forget to use your Bupa Cash Plan
through this scheme.
In the recent survey, almost 56% of you said you had claimed more than £50 on their BUPA Cashplan. However, 10 people were unaware they could claim back medical costs
MHA pays for the Entry Level of a Bupa Cash Plan for all staff who are employed for more than 3 months. The Plan helps with everyday healthcare costs and offers cash payments for a variety of healthcare needs, such as dental and optical fees. You also have the option to upgrade to achieve greater cost savings or include family members. If you have mislaid your Bupa booklet, you can order another, Tel: 0845 606 6003 or contact the HR Team if you have any queries.
1,311 Followers
Following 234
863 Tweets
Tweet (@mon_housing) @Mon_Housing preparing #wildflower beds in magor including ww1 poppies with @Keep_Wales_ Tidy amd GOALS volunteers. Tweet (@mon_housing) #MHAGiveGain team collect logs from @ NTBreconbeacons @NTWales to help with #giveandgain day. Results to follow. Tweet (@RebeccaEvansAM) .@RebeccaEvansAM shares her experience of living on benefits for a week through the @CHCymru #yourbenefits campaign http://goo.gl/UaCLAs Tweet (@RHoneyJones) Big thank you to Cheryl & Farida @Mon_Housing for meeting with me to share your #BestPractice great to see the brill work you’re both doing! Tweet (@RichardHafod)
Staff Survey
This year MHA will be taking part in the Best Companies Top 100 Staff Survey which takes place in September/ October.
Interesting presentation on Performance Management from @Mon_Housing Katie Needham in @HouseMarkCymru Performance Improvement Club Tweet (@maredtm58) @Kimama76 @Keep_Wales_Tidy @KWT_ Monmthshire @Mon_Housing Excellent idea! Doing great things down in Monmouthshire:) Tweet (@RichardHafod) Hugh Thomas from @Mon_Housing discussing their leaseholder conference in @CHCymru Leaseholder Network.
Watch this space for more information on the survey and what this means for us and our company. On Twitter? Why not follow us @mon_housing 21
PRESS RELEASES
22
NEW
CuIsine Corner
Restaurant Review Viva Brazil, Cardiff By Graham Harvey
With lots of new restaurants opening in Cardiff, it’s hard to decide which one to try next. A few of us decided to venture to Viva Brazil on St. Mary Street Cardiff to soak up some Brazilian culture and get in the mood for the World Cup! As as you walk in, the smell of barbecuing food hits you and if you weren’t hungry before, you will be now. The restaurant floor is buzzing with serving staff, going from table to table with skewers of freshly cooked meats. After being shown to our table our drinks order was taken (there are some nice Brazilian/Portuguese beers and cocktails on offer) and were directed to the salad bar, where you can help yourself to fries, cheeses, cold meats, pasta
Welcome to Cuisine Corner! We all love food and it’s always good to get some inspiration from others about what to cook and where to go. Each edition, we want some tantalisingly tasty, tried and tested recipes and reviews to feature in Cuisine Corner. and salad before being given a ‘meat paddle’, green on one side, red on the other. When the paddle is displayed green side up the staff will keep bringing you selections of meats to your table, turn it to red and your supply will stop... until you turn it over again. There were 15 different meats being served and by the time I was tasting the 10th I was feeling the strain and the fine dining experience was turning into a bit of a Man v Food challenge, I wanted to get every meat ticked off my card and was not going to let it beat me (although I was already beaten in reality). At the set price of £25 per person (not including drinks), it’s not the cheapest but the atmosphere and food was fantastic so the whole experience was worth it. If you’re planning a romantic meal for two this probably isn’t the place for you but for groups of people looking for a lively night I would highly recommend it! My advice, don’t fill up on the salad cart, don’t forget to turn your paddle over when you need a break and know when you’re beaten! www.vivabrazilrestaurants.com
RECIPE Chilli By Chris York Teaspoon of Chill powder (or more to make it hotter). Teaspoon of Cumin Teaspoon of smoked Paprika Tablespoon of Coriander Tablespoon of Oregano 2 cooked bacon slices (chopped up small) 500g good quality beef mince cooked (drain the fat) 8-10 slices Chorizo (chopped up small) 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed) 1 red or green pepper (cleaned and chopped up small) 1 onion (chopped up small) 4-6 mushrooms (cleaned and chopped up small) 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 400g 1 carton of pasatta 500g 2 tablespoons of tomato puree 2 crushed cloves of garlic or 1-2 teaspoons of garlic puree Pinch of salt and pepper Put everything in the one pot and simmer for at least an hour.
If you would like to share your ideas with us, then please get in touch with the Corporate Services Team. 23
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79 Likes
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