TENANT
Spring 2017
MATTERS
Spring 2017
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: JOHN’S WELCOME MEET THE TEAMS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARDS PITCH FOR YOUR PROJECT HOMESWAPPER AND MUCH MORE twitter.com/mon_housing
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Contents & Contact
Tenant Matters
Inside This Issue...
3 John’s Welcome 4 Ziggies 5 First Aid 6 Hoarding & Cluttering 7 Dads Can 8 Helping Us to Help You 9 Payment of Water Rates 9 Coffee Mornings 10 Your Income Team 12 Making a Difference Awards 2016 14 Pitch for Your Project 16 Sudbrook Girls FC Sponsorship 17 Gavo Volunteer Awards Winner 17 Good as Gold
18 Meet the Support Team 20 Join Our Board 20 Reporting a Repair Online 21 Abergavenny Single Parents Group 22 New Homes Information Films 23 Tenancy Health Checks 23 Allpay 24 Non-Licensed Low Risk Asbestos 25 Performance Indicators 26 Homeswapper 28 Homeswapper Lettings Page 30 Recipe 31 Puzzles 32 Kids Corner
If you would like this Newsletter in a different format (e.g. large print or electronically) or in Welsh please contact Louise Davies on 01495 761104 or email louise.davies@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk 0345 677 2277 customerservices@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk facebook.com/Monmouthshire.Housing twitter.com/mon_housing
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Scan the QR code to access the MHA website.
John’s Welcome Welcome to the 2017 spring edition of Tenant Matters.
MHA’s website or simply visit the engagement team’s facebook page www.facebook.com/ MHACommunityBuzz and don’t forget to like them. It will keep you informed of everything going on.
Firstly I would like to welcome you to the first exciting edition of Tenant Matters of 2017. And following Jill Ray’s retirement as Chair last year, I have been elected chair of the Tenants’ Forum. I would therefore, like to say how humble I am to serve as the Forum’s Chairperson. I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful job Jill did as Chair of the Forum and I wish her all the best for the future.
Finally don’t forget to enter the competitions at the back of this edition and if you have any comments please contact the engagement team 01495 767179 or email engagement. team@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
It has been an exciting and fast moving last 6 months to be involved with tenant engagement at MHA with a wide range of tenants getting involved in the Tenant Involvement Review. A joint tenant and staff working group was established to take the work forward and number of workshop sessions were held examining every aspect of the current tenant involvement structure. The work groups looked at the culture and ethos of MHA as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of the tenant involvement service and the offer that the service gives to tenants, residents and leaseholders.
Welcome
Spring 2017
John Swift Chair of the Tenants’ Forum
The engagement team has also been busy out in the community since the summer with various projects and events taking place from, first aid, cookery classes to computer sessions and also coffee mornings. These are all planned to help tenants and residents gain new skills and improve their general wellbeing. A new programme of projects and events will be delivered over the summer, so keep an eye on
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MHA News
Tenant Matters
Ziggies is currently in:
• Deri View Primary school - Abergavenny (Monday, 3:30pm-4:30pm) • Dewstow Primary School - Caldicot (Tuesday, 3pm-4pm) • Rogiet Primary School - Rogiet (Tuesday, 3pm-4pm) • Overmonnow Primary School - Monmouth (Wednesday, 3:15pm-4:15pm) • Ebbw Fawr Learning Community - Ebbw Vale (Tuesday, 3:30pm-4:30pm)
Ziggies is due to start in: • Willowtown Community Primary School - Ebbw Vale • Blaenycwm Primary School - Brynmawr • Glyndcoed - Ebbw Vale • Pembroke Primary School - Chepstow • Castle Park Primary School - Caldicot • Kymin View Primary School - Monmouth
Ziggies is a free after school club for parents and kids, where families come together to enjoy a story. It is run by parents for an hour once a week. Each week a different story is told, followed by exciting creative activities, games If you would like to set up a Ziggies club at and adventures. The club is open to all children aged 3-8 (all siblings welcome), who likes stories, making crafts and playing games.
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your school or become a volunteer to help with the session, contact our Ziggies Co-ordinator, Sarah on 07422 077141 or email sarah. herbert@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
Tenants’News Tenant Forum
Spring 2017
Emergency Paediatric First Aid Level 3 Qualification Congratulations to the five tenants from Monmouth, who are now Level 3 qualified in Emergency Paediatric First Aid! They attended the training at Bridges Community Centre which was organised by the Engagement Team and run by Ann Wood of Healthcare Training consultancy. Everyone who attended completed this course as they wanted to feel confident enough to know how to perform first aid on their own children in an emergency situation. Some of the participants also have aspirations of working within First Aid or Childcare, so this qualification will help them go on to achieve their goals.
Over the two afternoons they completed practical exercises where they learnt how to administer first aid in a range of situations, such as to a child who is choking, bleeding, in shock and in anaphylactic allergic shock. To gain the qualification they had to demonstrate that they could administer the first aid, as well as a completing a test. They were all very pleased with passing and are interested in completing further courses in First Aid.
Well done all!
If you’re interested in completing a similar course, please contact the engagement team on 01495 767179 or email engagement.team@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk twitter.com/mon_housing
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Feature
Tenant Matters
Many of you will have seen TV programmes about hoarding. Well, it happens in Monmouthshire too! Hoarding or cluttering comes to our attention in a number of ways: It may be that we can’t access a boiler that needs servicing or someone contacts us about a friend, tenant or resident. Hoarding takes many forms. Some people have extremely strong attachments to everything, feeling unable to part with any possessions including newspapers and even uneaten food. These piles of valued purchases overtake every room and hallway, causing a potential fire risk and attraction for pests. Some hoarders have a “specialist subject� and place a huge value on their collection. This may appear to be stored precisely or in complete disarray, although the collector will always know where every item is. Hoarding is a recognised mental health illness requiring intensive support and involvement from a number of different agencies.
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People who clutter are different to hoarders and attach no real value to items. They may have found themselves in the position where they can no longer cope and everything gets on top of them or they may have developed cluttering as a lifestyle from early childhood and may neglect themselves and their property. We recognise that health and wellbeing is a big part of the picture and are here to help. We can provide access to support and help tenants to maintain their homes allowing them once again to enjoy their home in a safe and pleasant environment. If you are concerned for a neighbour or friend or perhaps you recognise the above as something you may be experiencing, please be assured that Monmouthshire Housing Staff will deal with all cases reported sensitively. Call 0345 677 2277 and ask for a Neighbourhood Officer.
MHA News
Spring 2017
Sharing a Dragon’s rugby match
Dads Can is a project that supports young Dads who are aged 14 – 25, so that they can become the best they can be! Here’s a short case study of one of the Dads, Sam Edwards from Abergavenny.
and been determined to see it through. Now I can make a better future for myself and family”.
“When I found out I was going to be a dad I was shocked, then over the moon and then worried about providing for my child. Dads Sam has become a core participant in the Can were really important in my progress. They project, helping with activities and other Dads helped me to get to new places and make to achieve. friends from inside and outside my local area. This gave me confidence and helped me realise “I think Dads Can should keep I wasn’t alone.” Dads Can supported Sam to access training and gain qualifications so that he could gain employment and provide for his family.
doing what they are doing because there are more Dads that could benefit from their support.”
“Getting my SIA security license after years of looking to do it shows that I have worked hard
If you have any question or would like to access the support or information, contact; Dads Can on 01495 762115 / 07964845727, or visit www.dads-can.co.uk for more info. twitter.com/mon_housing
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Tenant News
Tenant Matters
Helping Us to Help You Congratulations to Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Mutlow and Mr Collier who won £50 for completing their “Helping us to help you” survey last summer. We popped out to present their prizes...
Mrs Jenkins
Mrs Mutlow (left) & Karolina (MHA Employee)
You should have received a second survey with different questions. Please take part in this survey as it is your opportunity to let us know more about you. This will help us understand our tenants better and make sure our services meet your needs. AND it’s your chance to win a prize!
What have we done as a result of these surveys?
What’s the catch? There is no catch! All we’re asking is that you take a few minutes to fill in a short survey. Why are we doing the survey? We want to make sure we have accurate information about you and your household. It’s really important we get these details because they help us to provide you with the best possible services that meet your needs.
What will we do with your information? It will be stored on your tenancy record. It is kept secure and confidential and we won’t share any information that identifies you with anyone else.
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The information has helped us improve our services in many ways. For example, we know which tenants will be affected by welfare reforms such as bedroom tax, the benefit cap and universal credit, so we can provide them with guidance and help vulnerable tenants through these changes. We know when visiting, to phone some tenants when we arrive at their home so that they feel safe coming to the door. We also know that there are areas where many tenants experience debt or are tempted to use door step lenders, so we provide financial advice in that area.
But you don’t need our help? If you don’t need our help, that’s great! But we’d still like to know that so we can be sure there is nothing further we can do. The more households that respond, helps us build a good understanding of our communities and understand where the real needs are. If you have any queries contact Nathan Cook (01495 767161) or Claudia Blair (01495 761169) or email insight@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
MHA News
Spring 2017
£
Payment of Water Rates As you are aware, unless you have a water meter, you will currently pay your water rates in with your weekly rent payment to MHA.
THIS WILL CHANGE LATER THIS YEAR You will need to pay your water rates directly to Welsh Water.
Don’t panic we will write to all MHA tenants affected well in advance to explain exactly what you will need to do.
When a simple coffee morning can make all the difference Residents of Plas Mawr and Claire Court, Usk have been keeping up to date with MHA and each other at their fortnightly Coffee Mornings. Loneliness has been highlighted as a big issue facing older people in Britain and it is great to hear the sound of chatter and laughter filling the communal lounge at Plas Mawr as residents meet up every other Friday morning. Joan Czyrko a resident said “I like to come to the coffee mornings as it’s great to have some place to go to meet new people”. Her neighbour Ruth James also said, “we all enjoy it, and it’s a chance to get to know someone.” Jacob Richards, the Engagement Officer at MHA said that residents had stopped attending weekly coffee mornings some time ago but residents had told him that they missed it and wanted it back up and running. Jacob’s help and commitment was key in bringing the coffee mornings back and they are proving to be a big success with residents becoming more confident to do things for themselves. Plas Mawr is a really good example of people coming together to help themselves to reduce loneliness and increase overall wellbeing with just a little bit of support from MHA. If you have an idea of how to get people in your community involved or you would like to set up a coffee morning please contact the Engagement Team 01495 767179 or email engagement.team@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk twitter.com/mon_housing
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Feature
Your Inco Tenant Matters
What do we do?
How can we help you?
Our main aim is to support those Your Income Officer can: tenants that need help to make rent • Help with budgeting advice, by working with you looking at your income and outgoings. their number one priority, building • Make affordable arrangements to repay trusting relationships along the outstanding rent. way. If you are struggling to pay • Refer to our Works & Skills Wise team who can your rent then you should contact help with getting you into work, training or us immediately to let us know. education. We can offer support if you are • Refer to our specialist debt advisor if you have multiple debts. experiencing difficult times such as making an affordable arrangement If you are struggling then you should contact us and we will try and help before you get into with you to pay your rent arrears arrears. and help you get back on track.
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It is always our aim to engage with and support you, however, if you don’t make your payments and do not contact or engage with us then we will try and make contact with you including telephoning or carrying out home visits. There are consequences to not paying your rent and if you stop making payments we will take action, which could result in us applying to County Court for a Possession Order.
We are here to help, if you are struggling then please contact us.
Feature
ome Team
Spring 2017
Meet The Team
Clayton Charles
Jessie O’Connell
Cally McCarthy
Claire Osman
Manager
Chepstow
Mardy, Abergavenny
Caldicot
01495 761141
01495 767172
01495 761004
01495 761097
Kerris Winter
Alison Bromham
Dean Phillips
Helen Screen
Clydach, Gilwern, Llanelly Hill, Raglan, Goytre, Little Mill, Usk
Abergavenny
Monmouth
Caldicot
01495 761153
01495 761163
01495 761099
01495 767194
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Tenant News
Tenant Matters
Over 130 people attended the event held at the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel, near Usk on the 3rd November last year. This included the nominees, their friends & families and MHA’s partner organisations who sponsored the ceremony. A big thank you to all the companies who sponsored the evening including Glanmore Developments, who were this year’s main sponsor.
The red carpet was rolled out and the spotlight turned on the work of tenants, volunteers and community groups at the glitzy Making a Difference Awards 2016. The event which is now in its fifth year was the biggest and most successful ever, with over 40 nominations received for the eight award categories. 12 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
The guests were blown away by the personal stories and extraordinary work undertaken by individuals and groups for either their personal development or the benefit of their communities. It was clear from the calibre of the nominations that everyone shortlisted was an absolute winner and their incredible efforts deserved recognition for the difference they were making across Monmouthshire. The event was full of music, magic and inspiration! Rob Carey, Senior Engagement Officer said, ‘the event is designed to challenge the stereotypical image of Social Housing Tenants and my goodness from what we saw and heard tonight it does just that, all the nominations young and old are an inspiration to all.’
MHA’s Chief Executive, John Keegan said, ‘Wow, what a great night, it just seems to get better every year. I want to thank everyone involved, to see so many staff there really buzzing and getting in amongst the tenants filled me with pride and satisfaction.’
Tenant News
Spring 2017
The event was jointly hosted by David Morris - Director of Housing and Communities and Natasha Jones – Engagement Manager. The planning of the event was undertaken by a joint Staff and Tenant project group. If you would like more information about getting involved with MHA or in your own community please contact the Engagement Team on 01495 767179 or email engagement.team@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
The categories and winners: Neighbour from Heaven Sue Davies Adult Learner of the Year Joint winners Jill Duffield & Caroline Jones Community Champion Marion Pearce Bright Young Star Kyle Eldridge Achiever of the Year Jodie Morgan Best New Project or Group Monmouthshire Self Help & Friendship Group Volunteer of the Year Anita Bicknell Outstanding Achievement in Participation - Dot Jones twitter.com/mon_housing
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Feature
Tenant Matters
On the 8th December 2016 at the Glen Yr Afon hotel in Usk, six community groups entered the Judges Den to ‘Pitch for their project.’ A total of £2000 was up for grabs from MHA and the money would be lost or won on the strength of the pitch that groups made and the benefits they could demonstrate that that their project would bring to those involved. 14 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
The prize money was broken down in the three pots of two £500 and one £1,000. The judges for the day were MHA’s Michele Morgan, Assistant Director of Housing and Communities section, Pat Lawrence, a former applicant and previous winner of an earlier ‘Pitch For Your Project’ grant scheme, Ken Bucknall, a tenant member of MHA’s Board and lastly Judith Langmead an MHA tenant and former chair of the Board. After all the pitches were superbly delivered the judges had the difficult task of picking the winners and allocating the funding available to the three strongest projects. After much deliberation the judges finally came to a decision. The £1,000 was won by Monmouthshire Children Services who will use the money to invest in equipment for the youth to help deliver the service. The two pots of £500 was divided between Overmonnow Parent Teacher and Friends Association where the grant will help fund their outdoor classroom project for the students of Overmonnow Primary
Feature
Spring 2017
School and Abergavenny’s Crafty Women who wanted to use the money to purchase digital equipment for the group. A big thank you to the The Bryn Village Hall, Friends of Castle Meadow and Monmouth Self Help and Friendship Group who all came runners up. Their projects and pitches were really well done and their efforts and presence helped make the day a success. Monmouthshire Housing Association understands the value these groups bring to the community and will continue to support and work with groups who have such drive and ambition to improve their communities. The next round of ‘Pitch for your Project’ will be held in the summer, so please keep a look out on MHA’s website www. monmouthshirehousing.co.uk for details how to register and apply or if you would like to discuss your ideas please contact Jacob Richards 01495 767179 or email the engagement.team@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
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Sponsorship News
Tenant Matters
Sudbrook Girls FC The girls, parents and supporters of Sudbrook Girls FC would like to thank MHA for sponsoring their lovely new training and pitch-side coats. Girls and Women’s Football has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is recognised as offering fresh air, healthy exercise and teaching togetherness and teamwork.
The club’s various teams compete in the South Wales Girls League and train on a regular basis. The U14s and U12s training on Friday evenings between 6 -7pm at Caldicot Leisure Centre and the U11s, U9s and U7s train on Saturday Morning between 10-11am at Sudbrook Cricket Club. So if you’re a girl living in the Sudbrook area or surround please feel free to come along!
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Congratulations
Margaret
Gavo Volunteer Awards Winner Margaret Harris has done it again! After her success earlier in the year at the national TPAS Cyrmu awards, Margaret this time scooped the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisation’s (GAVO) Trustee Volunteer award for her dedication and hard work in helping MHA strive to become the best housing association in Wales. The Gavo awards ceremony celebrates and recognises those who dedicate their time and skills to make a positive impact on our communities and make a significant difference to the lives of so many people. This year’s event was held at the Choir Hall, Caldicot in November and was attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant for Gwent, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Tuggey CBE DL, Councillor Peter Fox, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and the Police & Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert.
John Keegan MHA’s Chief Executive said: “It was fantastic to see one of MHA’s tenant volunteers being recognised for the work and dedication that they put in to helping MHA be the best landlord it can be.”
Tenant News
Spring 2017
MHA’s Good as Gold Draw scheme is a quarterly free prize draw giving five MHA tenants the chance to win £50. The draw is for ALL tenants who keep up to date with their rent payments and are not arrears. Congratulations to our latest good as gold winners:
• Mrs Wraight from Bulwark • Mrs McIndo from Abergavenny • Mr Knapman from Gilwern • Mr Ellis from Monmouth • Mr Durran from Chepstow You too could be in with a chance of winning; ensure your rent account is up to date. The following dates for the next draw of the Good as Gold scheme will take place on:
• 3rd April 2017 • 3rd July 2017 • 2nd October 2017 • 11th December 2017
Full details, terms and conditions are available on our website www. monmouthshirehousing. co.uk twitter.com/mon_housing
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Feature
Tenant Matters
From left to right: Mariam Elmirghani, Nadine Fletcher, Tanya Brannigan, Rachal Collins, Chanelle Baker, R and inside the circles, from left to right: Dean Lannen & Lee Mayo
Meet the Sup Your wellbeing is important to us, and can be affected by a range of issues such as physical and mental health, finances, employment, feeling safe, and having healthy relationships. 18 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
Here at Monmouthshire Housing Association we offer a range of services to support you. The services are delivered by support officers, Housing & Wellbeing Officers, Social Inclusion Officers, Housing Support & Resettlememt Officer and Tenancy Coaches. The team can provide support to help you with managing your home and enabling you to live independently; to help you get out and about and find new activities and people to meet with, and coaching to help you make
Feature
Spring 2017
Robert McCracken, Teri Power, Ann-Marie Murray, Justine Whitcombe, Andrea Retallick
pport Team good decisions about how you manage your tenancy. Our team will look at what goals you want to achieve and support you to achieve them. Support is available to anyone living in Monmouthshire, you don’t have to be a MHA tenant. You could refer yourself or someone else can refer you. It is always optional, and the team will work with you if you are at risk of any actions taken against your tenancy, have
poor conditions at home, need help to manage money, claim benefits, fill forms, deal with paperwork, or at threat of eviction. We want you to have safe and successful tenancy. If you are struggling for whatever reason, we are here to help you get back on track. Don’t worry we will only work with you for as long as you need it! To refer yourself or someone else contact MHA on 0345 677 2277. twitter.com/mon_housing
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MHA News
Tenant Matters
Reporting a Repair Online Can you make a difference to the tenants of Monmouthshire Housing? Why not give something back and...
Join our Board Becoming a Board member is a great way to learn new skills, gain experience and meet new people.
Do you think you could make a difference to the current and future tenants of MHA?
Oh no, our sink is blocked!
In work, at home, on the train... Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day and it’s easy to forget those important little jobs. DID YOU KNOW that you can report a repair ONLINE to MHA 24 hours a day. By visiting www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk on your smartphone, tablet or computer you can report a repair, with the exception of emergencies, with just a few clicks. On the homepage simply click on the ‘Report A Repair’ icon and follow the steps below to get started...
REPORT A REPAIR
Being a board member really is a rewarding experience and we offer training and support every step of the way. Can you give a few hours a month and help develop the future of Monmouthshire Housing? For more information and an application pack, please contact Louise Davies on 01495 761104 or email louise.davies@ monmouhshirehousing.co.uk or alternatively visit our website www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk/ becoming-a-board-member Closing date is 28th April 2017 so get your application in now!
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Don’t worry, we can report it online...
Select mobile version to browse from your smartphone
or
Select full version to browse from a tablet or computer
1. Firstly click on the picture that relates to your problem 2. Click on the item that’s causing the problem 3. Click on the part of the asset that has the problem Following this you will be offered a few options where you will be able to give us a few simple details relating to the nature of the problem you are having. When you submit these details you will be contacted by a member of our Customer Services team to arrange a suitable appointment for us to attend and make the repair.
Please note, out of hours calls and emergencies need to be reported by telephone on 0800 980 7751
Feature
Spring 2017
Welcome to Abergavenny Single Parents Group If you are a single parent looking for something fun but FREE to do on a Sunday afternoon. Then we are the group for you. There are only two qualifications you need to have. Firstly you are a single parent. Secondly you bring your children with you to the group. It does not matter if you are: young or old, male or female or have one or more children. You are all welcome to this fun free event. We are running most weeks throughout term time and to find out when and where we are on, or for more information please join our facebook page. There are soft mats for babies and toddlers to play. There are various arts and crafts from, colouring, painting, cutting and sticking. We have made Christmas decorations and cards, t-shirt making and various other arts and crafts. Also for older children there is an outside area for basketballs, football etc.
This is a great free way for single parents to meet up to chat with other likeminded single parents who understand what it takes day to day to be a single parent. So feel free to come along, have a cuppa and a biscuit and meet new people who could become great friends and be part of a support network. Abergavenny Single Parents Group are also looking for volunteers to help run the group to form part of a committee. This would preferably be a person working towards a teaching post or working with children. You will also need to be or have a full DBS check with references. Should you want to know any further information about the group, find us on Facebook and feel free to send us a message.
We looking forward to meeting you. www.facebook.com/ AbergavennySingleParentsClub twitter.com/mon_housing
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MHA News
Tenant Matters
Preparation is Key to Your Own Front Door The MHA New Homes team are currently making two animated videos, following feedback from tenants. The feedback suggested that information films would have been helpful to new tenants before they moved in. The short films follow two tenants Cerys and Evan as they start their tenancies. It follows them moving into their new homes and explains their rights and responsibilities as well as practical tips about moving. MHA was lucky to be able to offer two local aspiring actors Tomos Jones and Isabella Robinson, from Rareseed Youth Theatre in Abergavenny, the opportunity to do the
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voiceovers for the films. Both Tomos and Isabella are active members of Rareseed, performing regularly in local theatre productions. They hope to continue their performance work into higher education so this was a fantastic opportunity for them to try voice-over work for the first time (and build up their CVs) with professional animator Simon Dando who is creating the films for MHA. The films will be available on the MHA website shortly, so keep an eye out for them on our brand new ‘I am a new tenant’ webpage. MHA would like to say a big thank you to Tomos and Isabella for volunteering their time to us, and wish them all the best for their future acting careers!
IMPORTANT
MHA News
Spring 2017
Changes to Rent Payments at Post Offices & Paypoint Outlets From the 1 February 2017 you’ll be able to use your AllPay Card to pay your rent at the Post Office and Pay Point outlets.
Tenancy Health Checks
MHA will be introducing Tenancy Health Checks across all its properties. These visits are intended to offer a proactive and improved service to tenants, as it will help us to build relationships, better understand communities and target resources to where they are most needed. It should enable us to deal with issues quicker, put support in place and help keep properties and tenancies sustainable. The visit will only take an hour and will be carried out by your Neighbourhood Officer, who will carry ID to show they are employees of MHA. We will write to arrange with you the most convenient time to visit. If you’re out when the Neighbourhood Officer arrives, we will write to offer you two further appointments. It is your responsibility to make sure that one of these visits can take place.
There will be no difference to the way you can pay your rent, but you will need to use your Allpay card instead of your paper rent payment card. All the details on your rent payment card will automatically be transferred, so there is no need for you to do anything. Allpay cards were sent out in August 2016 to offer new ways to pay rent, but this has now been extended to include payments at the Post Office and Pay Point outlets.
If you do not have a plastic Allpay Card, or your card is lost, destroyed or stolen, please ring 01495 745770 and we will arrange to send you a new one.
The visit enables you to discuss with us your tenancy, rent, the neighbourhood, antisocial behaviour, repairs and support needs. We hope that these will be positive visit for us, enabling us to get to know our communities and to achieve positive outcomes for everyone involved. Contact the Neighbourhood Team for more information on 0345 677 2277. twitter.com/mon_housing
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Feature
Tenant Matters
Both the artex covering your ceiling and thermoplastic tiles on the floor may contain quantities of low risk asbestos material. This is classed as non-licensed by the Health and Safety Executive and presents no danger to the occupants of your home unless it is disturbed. Not all artex or thermoplastic tiles contain asbestos fibres, but for safety reasons we assume that they do as it is not practical to sample and test all locations. Many of the MHA staff who carry out repairs and maintenance on your home have been trained to carry out work where non-licensed, low risk asbestos may be present. When working on ceilings with artex or floors with thermoplastic tiles we will take the following precautions: • The working area will be closed off and you should keep all family, visitors and pets out of the working area until the job has been completed.
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• Our staff will be wearing protective clothing, including face masks, while the work is carried out. Please do not be alarmed as this is merely a precaution and does not indicate any danger to the occupants of your home. • Your furniture and fittings may have to be moved, or protected, to allow the work to be carried out. This will be undertaken by our staff and put back in place upon completion of the job. • Upon completion of the job the working area will be left in a clean and tidy condition. Our staff will then confirm that you can use the room again. • There are no further health or safety issues once the work has been completed and you can enjoy the facilities of your home without any restriction. If you carry out any DIY work on ceilings with artex, such as decorating, take care not to scrape off the loose material or sand the area. It is recommended that you coat any areas of loose material with a PVA bonding solution prior to decorating.
Performance Indicator - Quarter 3 - 2016/17
MHA News
Spring 2017
(01 October 2016 - 31 December 2016)
On or Above Target
No Change
Below Target
MHA use a traffic light system to easily identify whether we are performing well or not in certain areas (above).
99.1% of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) cases have been resolved. Target - 98.5%
91.58% of tenants were satisfied with the repair work done in their property. Target - 97%
0.15% of rent is owed by current tenants to MHA. Target - 1.4%
There were 15.38 of new ASB cases per 1,000 tenancies. Target - 14 cases
94.09% of repairs were completed right first time. Target - 95%
99.54% of emergency repairs were completed within target. Target - 98%
88.94% of urgent repairs were completed within target. Target - 98%
17 seconds is the average time taken for a call to be answered. Target - 20 secs
10.53% of offers for new properties have been refused. Target - 18%
96.05% of repairs appointments were kept. Target - 96%
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Your Homes
Tenant Matters
Are you affected by the bedroom tax or overcrowding in your home? Do you want a quick efficient way to move to a more suitable property? Why not join Homeswapper today, with thousands of local tenants already registered, you could find your perfect home for free!
Case Study Mrs X wanted to move to Cornwall to be closer to her children and grandchildren who lived in the area as she didn’t see them often. Mrs X registered with Homeswapper and instantly found multiple matches which were suitable for her. Once she had found the perfect match, the process was quick and straight forward. Before she knew it, she was in her new home feeling relieved and excited about her fresh start with her family around her.
For any queries or if you need assistance, please contact Monmouthshire Homesearch on 0345 900 29 56. 26 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
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Your Homes
Spring 2017
27
Your Homes
Tenant Matters
Welcome to the
Homeswapper Lettings Page
There are approximately 290 MHA tenants across the County registered with Homeswapper who are actively looking to move right now! The site is easy to register, and is the fastest and the most efficient way to move home. The service also offers opportunities for tenants to move outside of the Monmouthshire area with a tenant in another area county or the option of multi swap options. This means that tenants can do a three-way, four-way swap with many different households; there are so many options available via this service! Take a look at some of our LIVE adverts opposite, these tenants are currently live waiting to exchange their home. Why not take a look and see if they are willing to swap with you?
The Homesearch Tips to successful swaps: • Add pictures of your home – Homesearch can help with this if you don’t have any • Respond to messages • No matches? How about broadeining your search
The homeswapper site is FREE to register, easy to use and comes with a mobile app to make it easier to find your match.
• Sign in to your account regularly by downloading the Homeswapper app
Once you have found someone to swap with, contact MHA’s customer enquiries to request mutual exchange application form on 0345 677 2277.
• Check your tenant handbook for advice on how you can prepare your home for a mutual exchange
www.homeswapper.co.uk 28 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
Some examples of avaliable homes up for swap:
Denny View, Caldicot 3 bed semi detached property
Hendre Close, Monmouth New Road, Caldicot 2 bed apartment 3 bed semi-detached Secure Tenancy. Rent is £98.59. Has wet room . Tenants wish to move to Abergavenny.
Assured Tenancy. Tenants wish to downsize in Caldicot but would like an exclusive garden.
Highfield, Caerwent 1 bed bungalow
Woodland View, Wyesham 2 bed apartment
St Marys Place, Portskewett 1 bed bungalow
Assured Tenancy. £92.22 rent. Tenants wish to move to Caldicot or Rogiet.
Starter Tenancy. Rent is £96.95 per week. Tenants wish to move Monmouth.
Secure tenancy. 60+ age. Rent is £94.71 per week. Tenants wish to move to Monmouth
Jubilee Court, Abergavenny 2 bed Apartment
Thornwell Road, Bulwark 3 bed semi detached
Assured tenancy. £104.35 rent. Tenants wish to move to Magor/Undy.
Assured Tenancy. £84.92 rent. Tenants wish to move Abergavenny or Monmouth.
Your Homes
Spring 2017
Secure tenancy. Rent £109.66. Tenants wish to move to Bulwark or Chepstow.
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Health & Lifestyle
Tenant Matters
Recipe www.jamieshomecookingskills.com/recipe
Fruity Breakfast Bars (makes 16) Packed full of oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit, this is a great way to start your day.
Ingredients • Vegetable oil • 75g blanched almonds • 250g rolled oats • 40g sunflower or pumpkin seeds • 10 Medjool dates (stones in) • 100g runny honey • 6 tablespoons smooth peanut or almond butter • 40g bran • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 pinch of sea salt • 50g sour cherries or dried cranberries • 50g dried apricots
Preparation • Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4 • Lightly grease a 22cm square loose-bottomed baking tin with oil • Roughly chop the almonds • Scatter the almonds onto a large baking tray along with the oats and seeds, then spread out into an even layer • Place in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and toasted, stirring halfway • Meanwhile, remove the stones from the dates • Place the dates in a blender with 100ml of warm water and blitz to a paste • Pour the honey into a small saucepan and add the peanut butter • Heat through over a low heat, stirring occasionally • Once warm through, stir in the date paste, then remove from the heat and leave to one side • When the oats are toasted, transfer to a bowl with the bran, cinnamon and salt • Roughly chop the dried fruit and stir into the mixture • Pour in the honey mixture and stir until well combined • Spoon into the prepared dish • Press lightly with the back of a spoon to flatten
Cooking & Serving • Bake in the oven for around 15 minutes, or until golden and set • Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly in the tray before scoring and cutting into pieces • Leave to cool completely • Store in an air-tight container until needed.
MHA is commited to helping tenants with health & wellbeing. If you are interested in healthy cooking on a budget contact the Engagement Team on 01495 767179 or email engagement. team@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
30 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk
Wordsearch
Sudoku
PuzzleS Easy
Bits & Bobs
Spring 2017
Hard
Spring Flowers
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KI DS
C ORNE R COLOURING COMPETITION
Name:
DEADLINE 31/05/2017 • PRIZE: £20 HIGH STREET VOUCHER
Age:
Address: Please return completed colouring to Rob Carey, Monmouthshire Housing Association, Nant Y Pia House, Mamhilad Technology Park, Mamhilad, Monmouthshire, NP4 0JJ Congratulations to 5 year old Tyrah-Leigh Tinton from Abergavenny who won a £20 voucher in the Summer colouring competition.
32 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk MHA0600