AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
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TWO TWENTY The Heart Heart of of Coastal Coastal Housing The
Hands up For Downs
WIN
Pantomime Tickets
Great
Money Saving Tips
ti
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Coastal Network
Coastal Life
Coastal Network
Get online and get connected
Coastal’s Coastal's got talent
You Said We Did
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COASTAL PEOPLE 4 8
My Life -- Rhian Dunn In the Spotlight -Development
COASTAL NETWORK 6 10 14 20 24 26 36
Development update Time to Meet Digital Inclusion Digital Out & About -- Uplands Said, We Did You Said, Recycling tips City Wheels
Autumn/Winter Azt _M ate 2014
COASTAL LIFE 11 11 16 16 18 18 23 28 33
Volunteering opportunities Hands Up for Downs Domestic Abuse Coastal's got talent Coastal’s Live well, eat well Winter slumberland
COASTAL MONEY 12 Welfare Reform update 12 update 22 Christmas saving tips 32 Green driving
COASTAL REGULARS 30 34 36 37 38
Food files Food What’s What's on on Social media Social Dave’s Dave's dilemmas Insider information
COASTAL. COASTAL COMPETITIONS 14 Win a tablet 33 Win RSPB Youth 33 Membership to Snow 34 Win Panto tickets to Seven Dwarfs White and the Seven 37 Competition Competition winners
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RECYCLING TIPS
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220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
DEVELOPMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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LIVE WELL, EAT WELL
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The ae
Feel Fee' Good Front Cover photograph photograph by by Andrea Addison 220 is is designed designed and published published in-house by by Coastal Coastal Housing Housing Group Ltd Ltd 3rd Floor, Floor, 220 High Street, High Street, Swansea, Swansea, SAl SA1 1NW 1NW
www.coastalhousing.co.uk Data Data protection protection Coastal Housing Group Group reserves the right to Coastal Housing the right use competition participants' personal competition participants’ personal data to inform inform them them of future promotions. Once Once you have entered entered a competition you may receive other related promotional promotional offers. offers. If you do not wish data to be wish for your personal data used for this purpose out' by purpose then you you 'opt ‘opt out’ contacting the promoter in in writing email. writing by by email. The Promoter may may not always always be be Coastal Coastal Housing Housing Group and and could could be any any one of aa number of companies companies associated with with providing prizes. providing prizes.
Accuracy We try to make sure information sure that the the information printed in 220 including printed in including prices prices and and availability isis correct at at time of going to to press, press, but but readers should still still seek independent advice before relying on on any any content. content. We We cannot be held held responsible responsible for any changes. changes. Colours Colours may vary slightly due to the printing printing process. reserve the process. We We reserve the right to edit any any material submitted. We material submitted. We cannot accept any responsibility responsibility for errors in in articles articles or advertisements.
Copyright No No part part of 220 may may be reproduced in any any format without without prior permission permission from Coastal Group. Coastal Housing Housing Group. Circulation Circulation
6,000 readers readers Tenants, Tenants, Staff, Staff, Partners, Partners, Contractors and Councillors, and Consultants, Consultants, Councillors, MPs, MPs, AMs AMs together together with a wide wide range of people and and organisations who who have regular contact with Coastal Housing Group. Housing Group.
issue
In this feel good Autumn and Winter edition we let you know how to take care and improve your wellbeing, wellbeing, as as the nights draw in.
We have stories to enrich your mind, like Andrea Addison and her beautiful daughter Cassidy who was born with Down Syndrome. Syndrome. John tells us how, how, at 91 years of age, age, that you're you’re never too old to take up new skills. skills. Read about our talented young tenants and the great sounds they made at our Rock School. School.
Our Development Department is is in the spotlight we're out and about in the Uplands. Uplands. and we’re
With the Winter months come the dreaded Winter colds, so to promote staying healthy this Winter, we've we’ve packed in loads of healthy recopies and top tips on staying active in the colder months. months. We've We’ve really been listening to what our readers have 'you said.. we to say about our magazine and in ‘you did..' you can read more about this response and did..’ practice. how we've we’ve put that into practice.
eam TEAM T 0 2 2 e THE Th
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WHAT'S WHAT’S ON ON
AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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My Life
Meet Rhian, Business Coastal's IT Analyst in Coastal’s department. At 24 24 years department. old, Rhian has already old, ticked many boxes for what she'd she’d like to achieve.
Rhian Dunn
23
k
-c
WHEN WHEN II WAS A CHILD BE... II WANTED TO BE... A maths teacher! teacher! Two had years ago ago I had Two years A maths
My favourite food is... My Nana's Nana’s Homemade apple apple chutney, chutney, it brings brings back fond fond memories of my childhood! childhood!
I
make the decision decision of either doing doing to make PGCE course in in mathematics mathematics and IT aa PGCE Coastal... or accept aa job offer with with Coastal… choice! the right choice! I think I made the I
I
I love the smell of... Cut grass, grass, especially the first one of the summer! summer!
The best view in the world is of... Loughor Estuary. II can see it from Llanrhidian Marsh and Loughor my bedroom window at my parents.
-...Pwr4
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AFTER
WHEN WHEN II AM AM NOT WORKING... I'm either moving moving furniture around around or painting painting it! I’m it! Very proud proud of my my recent table and project. and chairs project.
BEFORE
I'm so proud that I... I’m I... Bought my first house alone at 23, 23, and after 66 months of having having no walls, floors, electric, water, water, a kitchen or bathroom it's it’s finally coming coming together! together!
THE THE BEST PIECE I'VE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN EVER BEEN GIVEN WAS... GIVEN
My favourite cartoon character is... he's the love love Buzz Lightyear, he’s life! of my life!
Follow your own dreams; dreams; don't don’t follow the crowd... crowd… from my parents! parents!
Happiness is... Family. We all still live in Swansea and are a a huge part part of each Family. still live each other's lives… lives... we're other’s we’re always getting together to do do something!
WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY? Auror... think Harry Potter! Potter! An Auror…
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Development News Work on our sites is progressing well and several schemes in the design stage are now moving forward and we will hopefully be soon. We also have some starting on site soon. new sites with lots of potential. We'll We’ll bring can. you details of these as soon as we can.
Sketty School, Tycoch, Swansea former Sketty School site in Tycoch. Tycoch. After Back in 2010 the Association purchased the former mixes and the design stage looking at different configurations, configurations, mixes and uses several years stuck in the original architect retired, retired, we have now appointed of the site and during which time the original architect, Wildig Lamie from Cardiff. We are delighted to finally announce that we a new architect, that we are happy with and are are anticipating staring construction in the have a scheme that funding and will 2015. We now have to apply for Welsh Government funding will soon be Spring of 2015. Contractor. looking to appoint a Contractor. to comprise of 43 43 one and two bedroom flats flats which will wrap around The scheme scheme is to Road and Tycoch Road Road with car parking parking and green amenity areas for the Carnglas Road Carnglas inside of of the site. site. residents residents to enjoy on the inside
2010 but have recently permission for the scheme back in 2010 We were granted planning permission coffee shop on the corner submitted submitted a revised application to allow us to incorporate a coffee Road and and Tycoch Road. We really hope that this this application is successful of Carnglas Road of have aa local company company interested in in the space and are really excited about as we we already have as independent group who envisage using the space not only to their their plans. plans. They are an independent and snacks but for local local community groups to meet. They will serve serve good quality coffee and creating apprentices and employment opportunities. opportunities. also also be creating 66
MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
Evans Road, Road, Melyn, Melyn, Neath Evans We have have recently completed completed the the purchase purchase of two parcels of land land on on Evans Evans Road Road in in the the Melyn, Melyn, Neath. Neath. Swansea Swansea We
architect Huw Huw Griffiths Griffiths has worked up up plans which include include one one bedroom bedroom flats, flats, two two and three three bedroom bedroom based architect based green areas and the two bedroom bungalows while while still still maintaining maintaining some some of the green the existing existing trees trees houses and one and two the site. will have its own own off street street parking parking and and good sized garden. garden. site. Each unit will on the We are are due planning application application soon in the hope hope of starting starting on on site site next Spring. Spring. It's It’s going going to to be be a due to submit aa planning We site to to build build on on as it's it’s located on on aa slope. slope. But we we feel feel that that it will will be be worth worth it it and will will provide provide some some challenging site accommodation. lovely family accommodation.
Dderwen, Pontardawe Parc Y Dderwen, the second and third third phases phases of our We have now started work on the Homes scheme at Parc YY Dderwen in in Pontardawe and and Pennant Homes selling quickly. quickly. houses are already selling
construction Llanelli based based contractor Morganstone Morganstone have have taken over construction Llanelli the site site and so so far we have been been really impressed with with their work. work. of the which is opposite opposite Ysgol Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg off Alltycham Alltycham This site, site, which Drive is is aa mix of two and three bedroom bedroom houses which which are being being Drive There will will also also be be three three units in phase phase two, two, Homes. There sold by Pennant Homes. Coastal. will be for rent through Coastal. and six units in phase three which will Our show home is open open five days a week, Thursday -- Monday 10am 10am -- 5pm. If you are interested in finding out more about site or telephone telephone purchasing a home here you can call up to our site sales negotiators on 01792 832 350. 350. one of our sales
Pennant pennanthornes.co.uk WOW
3
Bedroan Noose
DITEAWEN
Briton Ferry Road, Neath and behind behind the the Road in Melyn, Neath, and of eight houses on on Briton Ferry Road In completed the the construction of In 2012 2012 we completed House flats. flats. houses Street the Coppermill Coppermill House houses off Bowen Street lease Bookmakers who were leasing one of the old properties from us. Their lease At we had to work around the Bookmakers At the time we able to start start the found aa new premises premises to move to. So early in 2015 we will be able has expired and and they have found has now now expired the final three three houses. construction construction of the
and there there is even even aa and gardens and These These two bedroom family houses have their own secure off street parking and playground flats. playground next to the flats. 2014 220 COASTAL COASTAL MAGAZINE MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
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Development in the in the
Spotlight Coastal's all important Development team, team, Introducing Coastal’s meet Dom, Adam, Clare, Gareth, Gareth, Steve, Steve, Nick, Nick, Stephen, Stephen, Steph, Steph, Andrew and Jo. This team are a vital part in the development of our fantastic homes. homes.
F
From rom sourcing sourcing plots of land land on which to build, build, to liaising liaising with architects and all the many contractors contractors involved in building a new scheme, projecting projecting the total cost of aa new building, securing securing funding, funding, to taking hand over of a brand building, Housing new development and then handing it over to the the Housing Management team once complete. Development, Development, in conjunction with our contractors, contractors, also offer work placements and traineeships to help help young people get onto onto the career ladder.
WE'D WE’D DESCRIBE OURSELVES AS: Loyal
bit) (A little
Cheeky
Stubborn
Sardonic
Positive
Creative
Enthusiastic
SPARE TIME, TI IN OUR SPARE WE LIKE TO... hiking, fly-fishing, DIY, watch watch sport Go hiking, fly-fishing, travel, travel, take take part in triathlons, triathlons, pick up on grammar errors, get stuck into DIY, and the Ospreys), Ospreys), but one one of us is too busy doing the housework to hobbies -(especially the Swans and to find time time for hobbies call ironing a hobby?! hobby?! unless you can call
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is more more to us... There is us... There are lots of best bits when itit comes to our jobs, jobs, there’s there's so much much variety -- no no two two projects are ever ever the same, same, seeing so or piece piece of land can be transformed into aa disused building or people we are are lucky to work with, the the type of of aa home, the people work we we do, working patterns to to suit and most importantly importantly providing housing for people people in most most need. need. -- providing
ur
isilr.
sw
Summer
THE MAJORITY MAJORITY OF US US ARE... Dog lovers, lovers, with a couple of us preferring cats, and and one who has has a soft spot for feathered friends. friends.
6 vs Winter 3 vs
OUR OUR FAVOURITE ARE... CHOCOLATE BARS BARS ARE... Galaxy, Galaxy, Cadbury’s, Cadbury's, Flake, Flake, Twirl, and and Lindt Dark. Dark.
1
TRAVELLED OUR FAVOURITE WE ARE WELL TRAVELLED, FAVOURITE PLACES PLACES ARE: New York, any tropical beach, beach, Lake Como, Como, Paris, Cuba, Chicago, Chicago, The couch, New Ireland and Ice Arena during aa match. match. Ireland and Cardiff Bay Ice Arena during
We're We’re not all what we we seem... seem... OUR OUR FAVOURITE IN THE BUILDINGS IN THE
WORLD: WORLD: Pyramids, The Pyramids, the the Vatican, Vatican, St Pauls Cathedral, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur Lumpur and Brooklyn Brooklyn Bridge. and Bridge.
IS... SATURDAY NIGHT IS... The best night of the The best the week, involving week, usually involving a takeaway, wine and and a takeaway, a movie. movie. Lots of relaxing, relaxing, a spending time spending time with with friends friends and chilling on on the balcony! balcony!
ere are ew in eres things that you probably are aa few Here interesting ow about us... us... among us, there’s a Hyperbaric don’t know us, ther is Chamber operato operator, aa clclever - clogs - - with it tthree degrees, a former rugby player caps playing playing for player who gained gained nine caps who Corps, a juggler, aa male who Training Corps the Welsh Air Training was one oof his parents an. and one was almost named Sasha bby his months van for 12 to live managed to in aa transit van 12 months live in uss managed while travelling! travelling! while
DEVELOPMENT FACTS FACTS • The crane crane on our Castle Castle Lane development development was was also used on the Shard also used Shard in in London! London! 60 jobs • We We have have created created over over 60 jobs and and training training opportunities in the last in last 18 18 months! months! AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 2014 220 220 COASTAL COASTAL MAGAZINE MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER
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Time
to Meet Time to Meet is organised by people with learning disabilities, friends, families and staff. It is there to help help members and their friends, to build stronger social lives with people around them by sharing, skills interests and time. sharing,
Time to Meet Because together is better!
lonely and unhappy unhappy with our lives, lives, and and do not get the We all sometimes feel lonely be active chance to be active in in organising and and building the communities communities in which we live.
What's On On -- Activities Include What’s • • • • • • • • •
mornings; Coffee mornings; Bingo, board games, games, films, quizzes and raffles; raffles; Bingo, Learn computer skills and games; Learn and play computer computer games; Darts, table tennis and Darts, and pool; Karaoke, group singing singing and bands; bands; Karaoke, dates; Mates and dates; Arts and crafts; crafts; Arts and Walking; Walking; more... Camera club and many more...
Events and and activities activities are held at various locations in Swansea, Events various locations Neath and Port Talbot. Neath Talbot.
If you are are interested in joining joining Time to to Meet visit www.time2meet.org.uk or ring ring Lisa Davies on on (01792) 646640. 646640. (01792)
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can join Time to Meet if if you: You can • • •
Get support yourself; yourself; Have a friend friend or a family member who has support; support; paid worker or volunteer. Provide support yourself either as a paid volunteer.
Coastal's Training Clare Watkins, Watkins, Coastal’s Officer, keeps you up to date Placement Officer, with the training, training, employment and volunteering opportunities available for tenants and local people. people. As well as work trials and placements, placements, volunteering is a great way to to get into work. work. It can help with self confidence, confidence, making that first step into dealing with a group of strangers or developing new skills. skills.
Training & Volunteering
Opportunities upstA unities T
There around; you here are so many volunteering volunteering opportunities around; can animals, gardening, can do anything anything from looking after animals, office helping out with wildlife surveys. office or shop work or even helping surveys. All getting out, All these things mean getting out, meeting new people people in a relaxed learning new skills. relaxed and friendly atmosphere and learning skills.
You You can search look for what's what’s available in your area on on www.volunteering-wales.net where across the areas of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, Talbot, there are over 700 volunteering opportunities open to suit a wide range of skills and abilities.
Community Volunteering Volunteering Community Volunteering Volunteering is a great way of getting getting out there there working with new people as a team and providing some some much needed support for a local local community project.
BEFORE
AFTER
Coastal's 'Making Competition', run in Coastal’s ‘Making it Happen Competition’, Homes and Morganstone Morganstone Builders, Builders, has conjunction with our Pennant Homes 2013 and has helped projects. The been running running since 2013 helped three three local projects. The latest Llanddarog School where a group of volunteers from from Costal one was at Llanddarog and Morganstone transformed a classroom. classroom.
updates... Apprenticeship updates... Andrew, site, and is Andrew, went on a work trial trial on our Urban Village Village site, is getting R&M Williams Contractors. Contractors. on well with R&M
Danail, was taken on Danail, on at our Castle Lane site has now been promoted bricklaying, which aspirations. from labouring to bricklaying, which its in with with his career aspirations. apprentices, Dean Dean and Rhys, college, which means by the end Our in-house apprentices, Rhys, are now in their final year at college, end of Carpenters. Dean and Rhys have been gaining experience by working their placement they will be qualified Carpenters. gaining experience working Coastal's Maintenance Team on Reactive in Coastal’s Reactive Repairs and Void Properties. Properties.
apprenticeship or work placement with Coastal then keep an eye on our website If you are interested in an apprenticeship (on the the Training (on Training tab) tab) for new work placements www.coastalhousing.co.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Welfare
Reform There are lots of changes in the benefit system at the moment. If your benefits change in any way this can affect the housing benefit you get to pay your rent. rent. It is important that you let the Housing Benefit department know of any changes so that you are get
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the right amount of benefit.
I1
f you are in difficulties, for whatever reason, reason, then please let us know as we we will will always want to to help where we can. can.
"Robin had “Robin been deemed fit to work" work”
Here Here we give you two two real life stories about tenants and their benefit issues...
-11L
Robin's Story Robin’s
111111
Robin suffers from depression and has some some physical disabilities. disabilities. So Robin could enjoy a better quality of life arrange a transfer to a better adapted property.
At that time time he was on Incapacity benefit and high rate rate for both categories of DLA. DLA.
from Changes to the benefit system meant that Robin was asked to attend a medical medical to change from (ESA). Incapacity Benefit to Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
Coastal's involvement Coastal’s As we had helped Robin Robin to complete complete his application form form he asked if we could attend his medical. medical. The go well. the result came in Robin has scored The medical assessment all seemed to go well. However, when when the ZERO points in his medical and had had been deemed fit to work. We 141195013in which we represented Robin. Robin. The chair stated he We appealed the the decision 141195013in he was position given the astonished that Robin was was in this position the amount of medical medical evidence evidence that was provided. provided. The The GP at the appeal appeal apologised to Robin for inconsistencies within the the current system. Robin was awarded 48 points with aa recommendation that his case is not reviewed for a further 2 years he therefore retained his ESA. ESA.
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!)
John’s Story John's John worked as an electrician and was married with one one son and a step daughter living in in a three bedroom house.
died, his step daughter went to live with her dad which left John looking after his five Sadly, his wife wife died, year old son. John John found himself alone with no no one one to turn to. He had to give up up his work to look son, which meant turning to the benefit system system for income. after his son, As time went on he started to suffer from from grief related depression; benefit changes changes added to his state state Job Seekers of mind; being in a three bedroom house he was hit by the bedroom bedroom tax. tax. Although on Job Allowance (JSA) he failed to appointments as he was struggling with daily life. life. When Allowance (JSA) to turn up for appointments involved. John started to fall fall behind in his rent, we became involved.
Coastal's involvement Coastal’s We JSA, by making making aa claim for Employment Support Allowance We worked worked with with John to reinstate his JSA, (ESA) as John, however he he had not (ESA) as John was not in a fit state to work. work. We managed to obtain ESA for John, yet had a medical ESA). As John medical (part of the the process for claiming ESA). John became more more depressed, depressed, he he became unable to deal with his mail which meant not renewing his sick note with his GP. This resulted in John's ESA claim being stopped and therefore receiving John’s receiving no no money. money. The The knock-on knock-on effect of this this was Council Tax Benefit claims being having his Housing and Council being stopped. This placed him again arrears with tax. with his rent and council tax. We We assisted John to attend an appointment with his GP and get the sick note note that he needed. needed. We then then ESA. We informed Housing had to make aa new claim for ESA. Housing Benefit and Council Tax of his situation and through providing providing bank statements John received his back dated dated Housing Housing and Council Tax benefits. We We are awaiting aa medical for ESA in which we will will attend, attend, and have have applied for the new benefit Personal Independence Payment which is replacing replacing Disability Living Allowance.
John's life is definitely back on track and he Despite these these difficulties, difficulties, John’s he looks forward positively to the future. future.
“Benefit "Benefit changes added John’s state to John's of mind." mind.” If you disagree with a decision decision made by the DWP then this can be be challenged but you need to act quickly as there are time limits that apply. Please contact us if you require require advice. advice. AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Coastal's Digital Inclusion Expert Nigel Lewis tells us about Coastal’s some of the people he has helped to ‘get 'get on-line’ on-line' lately and tells you about using the on-line photo service ‘Flickr’. Thar'.
Digital Inclusion
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11,-.11.1M.J.
Glynneath WI get snappy with their iPads I was referred to the WI to show them how to use use their newly iPads. II showed local purchased iPads. committee members how to: to: •
Use the camera to take photos of competitions; prize winners in in competitions;
•
Advertise them on a Facebook page; page;
•
Set up up aa web web site using Wordpress;
•
Set up so up an email address so minutes etc could be easily recorded and communicated communicated to the WI WI group cheaply and effectively.
John, Pontardawe gets connected John, from Pontardawe 91 91 year old John had never used technology. After demonstration of an iPad he was hooked, and arranged for his nephew to buy one. one.
Using I: Using the the digital five steps training, training, I: •
Set up his new broadband installation; installation;
•
iPad; Connected his wifi wifi up up to his iPad;
•
Showed him him how to use the basics of an iPad; iPad;
•
Surfing the internet; internet;
•
Set up an email address.
John was totally amazed how quick and easy this was to do do and aghast how technology is today's today's times. times. John has family in Crynant and a cousin in Australia, Australia, so the next step was to to set up Skype so he can communicate communicate via via video everyday with his friends
and family. 91 and his mobility is somewhat restricted to his flat, flat, so this has John is 91 opened a up new world. music, especially sopranos and world. With a passion for music, baritones, Rose Ponsella being his favourite. II downloaded the You Tube baritones, with Rose app so he could listen to his favourite songs for free. free.
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WIN
We're We’re giving away tablet. a tablet. For you chance chance to win tell us in no tell no more more than than 20 words why you would like to win win one. one. entry, Please send your entry, along along with your name, name, address and address telephone telephone number to:
N I W blet a t a
Freepost Plus RSXA-CHIX-X UXE, RSXA-CJHX-XUXE, Coastal Housing Group, Group, 3rd Floor, Floor, Street, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW Swansea, SA1
or by email to: ask@coastalhousing.co.uk Closing Date: Date: Closing 15th December 2014. Only one entry per household
,
. Tony from from Cwmfelin starts on-line on-line shopping Tony had bought a new laptop in PC World last Saturday and needed some some help in in setting it all up. I was able to: to:
Focus on FLICKR Focus
fliCkr
Flickr is a popular photo-sharing photo-sharing service. It supports an active and engaged community where where people people share each other's other's photos. It is is quite easy to to use, use, and a basic account is FREE. is FREE.
•
Show him around the the new Windows Windows 8 system, which is more more app orientated and looks totally different to Windows 7 and earlier versions; versions;
• •
Set up up his gmail email address on his new laptop Downloaded Google Chrome browser for him to do do His gmail account is set up internet surfing. His up on on this browser as well; well;
•
on-line; Set up up an Argos Argos account so he could shop on-line;
•
Set up up his Orange account online so so he he can check and monitor his bills; bills;
•
Show him social media media opened opened his eyes into the internet. world of social inclusion via the the internet.
Tony now regularly shops online with Asda, Asda, and they not only deliver his shopping shopping but put it in the the kitchen place. He has cupboards for him, him, and in their rightful place. also purchased items on-line, on-line, like his fridge-freezer, fridge-freezer, and saved money.
Tony's health problems Tony’s problems have restricted him recently recently in life, but getting getting on-line has made a really positive life, positive difference to his confidence confidence and general well being.
• Flickr tools make it a fun way to share your photos on line. line. • There There are easy ways to to upload your photos on to site. the site. • You can upload from your desk top pc, send from from your phone phone or e mail your photos • Lets you tag and name name your photos as as well as organising in to to sets or subjects • Make your photos look better by by taking out the eye; cropping; adding effects, effects, texts, graphics etc red eye; texts, graphics good, and • Privacy controls are are good, and you can keep things private and only let the people you want to see your shots • You can join various groups to to share photos • It will also also send your notifications to your friends and family when you have uploaded new shots. shots.
Want to give FLICKR aa go? Visit www.flickr.com
Nigel Contact Nigel If you want to talk to to Nigel about digital inclusion and getting yourself on-line, you can contact him on 479274, email: email: nigel .lewis@coastalhousing.co.uk 01792 479274, nigel.lewis@coastalhousing.co.uk
AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Hands Han ri Up for Downs
Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a level of Down Syndrome, learning disability and a range of characteristic physical features, features, affects about 750 babies born in the UK every year. year. Laura & Jacob Jacob
I
n November, November, 2012 Laura Stewart, Stewart, Coastal Area Housing Manager, gave birth to Housing Manager, to a her beautiful son son Jacob who who had Down Syndrome. Laura Laura was referred to Children's Centre to the Stepping Stones Children’s and it was there she she met up up with with aa group of other Mums who also also had aa child with Down Syndrome in months. the last 12 months.
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ands up for Down's
Setting up Hands Up for Down's Down’s Mum's decided to set up group, Hands Up Up for The Mum’s up their own support group, Down's, to both raise awareness of Down Syndrome and raise Down’s, raise funds for a local a local speech therapist to work with the children. children. They want to reach reach Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. out to families in in Swansea, Although the group group is set up up for pre-teens, pre-teens, they would not turn away child. any child. The group meet monthly on a Sunday 11 pm -- 44 pm pm in the Discovery Discovery Library in County Room as the Main Swansea Library County Hall. Next meeting dates October, 9th November, November, 14th 14th December. are 12th October, December.
group, or just want to get in touch, touch, check out If you want to join the the group, their website: www.handsupfordowns.weebly.com
World Down’s Down's Syndrome Syndrome Day World Down Syndrome Day is on the 21st March to signify the uniqueness uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down Syndrome. In 'Wear Lots of Down Syndrome. In March 2014 the awareness was ‘Wear Socks' for Down Syndrome. Syndrome. Coastal stall participated and raised Socks’ money for the charity. charity.
“She "She is active, active, aware and very very much rules the roost at at home.” home."
Meet Cassidy Addison
O
Coastal ne of the Mum's Mum’s Laura Laura met through the Stepping Stones project was Coastal tenant, Andrea Addison and daughter Cassidy. Andrea and her husband Richard live in Brynmelyn with their four children Meg, Meg, Logan, Dominic 'typical child' and two year old Cassidy. Andrea describes Cassidy as a ‘typical child’ and despite her additional additional health issues of aa mild hearing loss, loss, eye sight problems and asthma, active, aware and very much asthma, she is active, much rules the roost at home. home. Cassidy has a stubborn streak and even when you tell her no, she she will keep trying it on. on. Clearly adored by her two older brothers and sister, sister, Cassidy, Cassidy, like old, like any two year old, knows how to wrap them around her little finger. finger. Currently her favourite thing is is to get her brothers to to read read nursery rhymes to her. Cassidy, Cassidy, dressed in the Down Syndrome Syndrome colours of blue, blue, for the happy feeling feeling waters of Hawaii, 1-1 Hawaii, and yellow as it is aa happy and sunny one, one, goes to Flying Start and has 1–1 therapy there. It isis intended that Cassidy will go to main main stream stream school, school, but will need physio, programme to communicate. communicate. physio, audiology, audiology, and and learn the Makaton language language programme
Andrea said she she has been shocked by some people's people’s reactions when they first meet Cassidy saying things like like “what’s "what's wrong wrong with her?". her?”. Although never from from other children don't have the some adults. children who thankfully don’t the prejudices of some adults. Andrea, family, are all very aware that Cassidy’s Cassidy's disabilities will Andrea, and her lovely family, shorten her life Down's suggest life although she told us that statistics relating relating to health in Down’s that someone with this syndrome 80. syndrome can live live to to 80. Andrew and Richard Richard want all their children to lead happy and fulfilled lives and enjoy whatever they do do in life. life. Their daughter Meg is studying to become a Pharmacist and Logan paramedic. The Logan wants to to be be aa paramedic. The same same applies to Cassidy who despite her disabilities will not allow anything anything to hold her back. back. AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Domestic abuse is when a partner or ex-partner tries to control you and makes you feel scared or frightened. frightened. You might be hurt physically, physically, sexually or emotionally. It often time. gets worse over time. gets Although it can impact on anyone, anyone, it is most commonly experienced by women. women.
c i t s e m o D use b A What does domestic abuse involve? Abusers can hurt others in many different ways: •
PHYSICALLY hitting, kicking, PHYSICALLY -- by hitting, kicking, punching, punching, pushing, slapping. slapping. Domestic violence kills, kills, once once every five five days aa woman woman is murdered in England and Wales;
•
EMOTIONALLY them, making them feel EMOTIONALLY -- by threatening them, feel bad about
themselves, stopping them seeing friends and family, family, controlling themselves, stopping them from seeing
their lives; lives; •
FINANCIALLY -- by not giving money, not letting giving them any money, letting them work or controlling all the money; the money;
•
SEXUALLY forcing them to SEXUALLY -- by forcing to have sex or watch sexual behaviour and touching touching them them against their will. will.
Why does domestic abuse happen? People People choose choose to to be abusive. abusive. Some abusers say they were drunk or had had taken drugs. drugs. But drinking drinking or drugs do not cause cause domestic abuse, abuse, although they can make make it worse. Some people say they were feeling stressed at the time or that the other person was `asking it'. This is not true. These ‘asking for it’. These are just excuses. excuses. No one makes someone someone else abusive. abusive. No one deserves to to be abused.
Any type of abuse is wrong. wrong. The person it is happening happening to isis never to blame. 18 18
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
Look out for the signs It’s very difficult to know for certain whether a friend, relative or colleague is a target of domestic abuse unless they tell you. Signs commonly associated with victims of abuse: • • • • • • • •
• •
Gradual or sudden changes in behaviour or personality; The reasons given for injuries may not add up; Victims of abuse will often make excuses, often denying there is anything wrong and playing down an incident; They may withdraw socially and even stop wanting to see you or ask you to stop coming round, phoning or texting; They become overly pre-occupied, lose interest and their performance may drop at work; You may notice they aren't 'allowed' to go out or do the things they used to enjoy; The victim may receive constant texts or phone calls from the abuser; They may feel they are always to blame when things go wrong and have an unnaturally low opinion of themselves; They may be dreading the prospect of an imminent medical examination for no rational reason; Resorting to heavy drinking or drugs or developing an eating disorder.
If you're worried about a friend, a member of your family, or even yourself and you don't know what to do, call the All Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 80 10 800 in complete confidence. They can put you in touch with local support services to meet face to face as well.
If this is happening to you You may feel scared, angry, upset, depressed, guilty or confused. Whatever you feel is OK. There are no right or wrong feelings. Domestic abuse is not your fault. The person who abuses is responsible - not you or anyone else. If you are in immediate danger call the POLICE: Emergencies 999 To talk to the police and access support and safety measures contact: South Wales Police Domestic Abuse Unit: Swansea T. 01792 323232, Neath Port Talbot T. 01639 640248 Swansea Women's Aid T. 01792 644683 Calan DVS in Neath Port Talbot T. 01639 633580 Port Talbot and Afan Women’s Aid T. 01639 894864 BAWSO (Black Minority Ethnic support in Swansea) T. 01792 642003 SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre for South Wales) T. 01792 206885 All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline (Every day 24 hours) T. 0808 80 10 100 www.allwaleshelpline.org.uk,
Chloe’s story I met my ex when I was 22, he was amazing, he treated me with so much respect I was so happy when we got together. The first few months were perfect and then I noticed small things were different. At first it was just arguments but it got worse and soon he would push and slap me when we were arguing. He started to be excessively jealous of any male I spoke to - always asking where I'd been and accusing me of cheating on him all the time. This progressed to calling me names, finding faults, mocking and throwing things at me. I put up with it for at least two years. I had to be so careful. If I said the wrong thing I was often pushed against the wall and held by my throat whilst being yelled at. There were so many incidents it's impossible to put them all into my story. The thing that made me decide I had to get out was when he grabbed hold of my hair and repeatedly hit my head into the bedroom wall. I was so frightened. I knew it would just get worse. So one night, I left as soon as I was sure he was asleep. He kept ringing and begging me to get back with him saying he'd kill himself if I didn't. I stuck with my decision hoping he would just get over it. How wrong I was! He rang me constantly. He found out where I was living and he would follow me home, emotionally and verbally abusing me for months. He broke into my house breaking the doors. He put me against the wall by my throat with a knife this time. His threats got worse saying he'd tie me up, rape me and then my mother whilst I would have to watch. It was sick and twisted and I was in fear for my life now. I decided to get some advice. I contacted my local Women’s Aid group and they began to support me, I discovered that I was not the only person suffering like this. I decided to go to the police. He was arrested a few times and released on bail with conditions to not come anywhere near me until he went to court where a restraining order was given. The IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) came with me to support me, this made such a difference.
National Centre for Domestic Violence T. 0844 8044 999 www.ncdv.org.uk
I am still very scared and looking over my shoulder when I'm out. The good thing is that I am free from him and building my life back up in a good and positive way.
National Domestic Violence Helpline www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk Freephone helpline 0808 2000 247
Extract from a case study from Welsh Women’s Aid. AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Out & About...
Uplands plands In this 220 issue we visit the Uplands in Swansea. Swansea.
A
An the bombs and consequent n area which escaped the
developments, and its look and feel has new developments, century. The remained unchanged for over aa century. Uplands has been a magnet for writers and and artists, artists, among them our very own Dylan Thomas. Thomas.
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Uplands and Coastal Housing Facts:
82 HOMES
20
78 FLATS
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
4
HOUSES
14
BUNGALOWS
THE FIRST DEVELOPMENT WAS WAS COMPLETED IN 1975 1975 IN
THE LAST DEVELOPMENT WAS WAS COMPLETED IN 2009 IN
Cwmdonkin Park With With the perfect blend of natural beauty and excellent facilities including including a bowling green, green, children's play trails, it's well worth a area, tennis court and walking trails, visit. visit. The park also also has a popular events programme programme taking place throughout the the year in in partnership with Park. the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park.
Early History of Cwmdonkin Park
UPLANDS MARKET Uplands Market is is a popular monthly street market selling selling a huge huge range of local produce produce from beautiful hand-made hand-made items to delicious food. It runs delicious fresh food. runs on the the last Saturday of every month –- you can check out the dates on their website as well well as look at who who is trading trading in advance advance of each date. date. www.uplandsmarket.com www.uplandsmarket.com
1874, Cwmdonkin Park was, Opened in July 1874, was, like many Britain, a Victorian creation. creation. The park of the Parks Parks of Britain, was built on the land already occupied by Cwmdonkin reservoir and from from two fields fields bought from from the Ffynone Estate belonging belonging to a local local landowner, landowner, Mr James Walters. Walters. The The cost of the purchase purchase of the the fields was £4,650 which was considered somewhat controversial at the time.
Uplands Market is is a fabulous community project conceived and developed to spirit, to boost community spirit, business and vitality in Uplands and and in Swansea as a whole. Twitter: Twitter: @UplandsMarket
UPLANDS AND SWANSEA'S SWANSEA’S FAMOUS SON Dylan Thomas Poet Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer. writer. He was born born in 1914 at He 5 Drive, The he lived lived until the 5 Cwmdonkin Cwmdonkin Drive, The Uplands, where he age 19. Dylan started to age of 19. to write from an an early age. As As Swansea inspired and and is is mentioned mentioned in much much of his work, Swansea inspired work, it could could be be said said that residents of the the city feel feel aa sense of sentimental attachment and pride pride towards him.
Many of his former haunts haunts such Cwmdonkin Park and Many such as Cwmdonkin the house where where he grew up, encourage encourage tourism to the local area, area, therefore the city is still still very much benefitting benefitting local from his his legacy. legacy.
Further Notable Notable residents: Further Heseltine (Conservative MP) MP) lived on • Michael Heseltine on Eaton Crescent during his childhood. novelist, poet, • Sir Kingsley Kingsley Amis, Amis, the English English novelist, poet, critic, critic, and lecturer lived at 24 24 The Grove Grove in the early 1950’s. 1950's. Amis, the • Martin Amis, the English novelist, the son of Sir Kingsley Kingsley Amis lived at 24 The Grove.
Our Area Housing Manager is: is: Angie Jones, Jones, with the area Caretakers: Paul area being being maintained by our Area Caretakers: Jason Evans. Symons and Jason
Interesting facts Beresford House, the former Nursing Home in Beresford House, Coastal. Glanmor Road, Road, is owned and managed by Coastal. Now converted in to flats, the external of the property to flats, remains since first built in the 1900's. remains unchanged since the early 1900’s.
lip The Cloisters, built in the the grounds of the neighbouring neighbouring Stella Mans Convent was first occupied in 1989 1989 and Stella Maris provides provides a mix of flats and bungalows for the the over $155 group. 55 age group. Uplands Diner home of the world famous mega breakfast. the Uplands. breakfast. Situated in the heart of the Uplands Tavern ‘The 'The Tay' Tav’ as as it's known is is one of South Wales best live music venues. AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Money Saving Tips to get you through the festive season
Start saving early so you don’t end up borrowing and getting in to debt;
Make your own gift tags out of old Christmas cards;
Calculate your budget and think what you can afford;
Leave the kids at home when you go shopping - the less distractions the better;
Don’t over buy on food, check out lovefoodhatewaste.com for their portion calculator; Set a budget per person; Compare prices before you buy; Only buy the under 16s presents Wear last year’s party dress with some new jewellery, or swap outfits with a friend; Give a home-made gift like baking a cake, a jar of chutney, knit some gloves; Buy or make a fabric advent calendar so you can keep on using it; Make and freeze food in advance; Ban Christmas presents - give some money to a local charity instead; Give a Christmas IOU - its cheaper to buy in the sales; Don’t impulse buy – write a list and stick to it.
Having a party? Ask all the guests to bring a little something in the way of food, drink, or even just the crisps; Buy loose veg - its usually cheaper than pre-packaged; Use super market own brands or change your supermarket - Aldi and Lidel often come out tops in taste tests; Make Boxing Day soup with Christmas Day left overs; Buy your presents after Christmas; Hand deliver cards whenever you can - your friends and family will be delighted to see you; Work out a budget and stick to it; Get crafty with your kids and make your own decorations; Stock up your cupboards early with bargains.
Don’t get yourself in debt just for the sake of one day, use an on-line budget planner to see what you can afford, such as: www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/budget-planning 22
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE SPRING 2013
Coastal’s u lastars got talent
.
Young people living on and Sandfields and Waunceirch estates have been having a rocking good time.
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e collaborated with Rock Academy Wales to run a five day Rock School providing tutors to help them perfect cover versions of rock and pop songs and to write and arrange their own about their experiences of where they live. The courses were run in local Community Community Centres and there was a little protest Centres at first about the 9am start time because after all it is their school holiday time. time. Yet at the end of day one they were so so keen to get on with their day that they were getting getting to Rock School School even earlier! W
It gave gave the teenagers a fantastic opportunity to work with such such talented tutors. tutors. There There was an option to work with Sam Sam who is a singer and guitarist in an all girl Rock-band and who have supported groups such as Electric 6, 6, Saxon and Dr Feelgood. The amount of musical talent we discovered was surprising. They were able to to show their skills skills in drumming, drumming, guitar and keyboard playing and a few singers that could hit a really good note or two. two. Others opted for spending spending their time time with Dean mixing on the decks, decks, composing composing their own rap songs and discovering what it took Dean
to become an amazing boxer. amazing beat boxer. For those more comfortable behind the spotlight and lens, lens, James offered expertise as a videographer and his expertise who has even previously worked on a few Hollywood sets! sets! Filming went on across both locations by each of the groups during the week, with a couple of the guys cutting and editing their story and making it into a short film.
Rock school has also also provided an opportunity for the youths to develop develop their confidence and to learn team team building building and working working skills skills which which was was particularly important with their week concluding in in a live live performance. performance. Family and friends were invited along along to Neath College Theatre where where they showcased their film, film, their cover versions of rock songs and and their deck mixing skills.
All All their hard work and talent was not only all there for the the audience to see and hear but they did so well that they were were also also presented presented with an OCN level 11 certificate certificate in Rock & & Pop Pop Singing Singing and and Instrumental Instrumental Skills Skills on the the night. night.
"The amount amount “The of musical talent we discovered was surprising” surprising"
Good Job Good Job Guys. Guys.
AUTUMN/WINTER SPRING 2013 2014 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
21 0
you said... said... edition, we asked you to tell us what you In the Spring 2014 edition, 220. The response was very positive. thought of 220. ................
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Spot, Money Saving Tips for Christmas, In this edition in response response we we have added a Culture Spot, Christmas, and Car Fuel. Fuel. We also also have four competitions for you to enter with with some some great prizes. We'll We’ll be be adding more of what you want in future future editions. editions.
“The "The visit gave me the opportunity opportunity to hear hear the the views of people using our services in Wales." Wales.” JANE HUTT AM JANE
24
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
...we did Lately we have been engaging with Tenants by: by: •
Doing bush craft activities in Ynys Lee with the the Grounds Works Team; Team;
•
Building a nature trail in in Cwmfelin;
•
Sitting down for a tea party in Glynneath;
•
Talking with Jane Hutt AM Ty Twyn Teg; Teg; AM about regional budgets at Ty
•
Swansea; Enjoying a Wild West Fun Fun Day at our annual event in Swansea;
•
Consulting with Bronallt tenants on on the use of of their communal gardens;
•
Getting on our bikes in Swansea; Getting Swansea; Joining in the diversionary activities activities in in Margam; Asking Henllys about the Asking tenants in in Henllys the caretaking service; Swapping homes with HomeSwapper in in Neath; Neath; Holding regular scheme scheme surgeries at schemes around Neath and Swansea; Talking treehouses treehouses in Ynys Lee; Lee; BBQ evening with tenants at the Urban Village; Village; Enjoying a fantastically fun community play day in Tawe Tawe Street, Street, Morriston.
• • • • • • •
“It "It was the best fun day ever Ash Randall football skills were brilliant." brilliant.” JOSH, AGED 10 10 JOSH,
AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
25 25
Recycling day. It was nice to It was a great turnout at the tenant fun day. see so many of you at our recycling stall where you left us all your handy recycling tips.
S
o we thought why not share them with everybody to to see if there is any ideas you had not thought of yourself that you can use use to to increase the number of things we do to reduce, reduce, reuse and recycle. All the ideas ideas were the idea to use old egg fantastic -- but we thought the egg cartons and other materials to make a doll was the most creative idea prize. idea and worthy of a prize. So a family ticket for Plantasia was sent away to keen recycler Grace Taylor-Williams of Swansea who gave us that idea. idea.
Food • • • • • • •
Don't waste food. Only Only cook what you need by measuring the correct portions and Don’t you need portions and make sure you eat it all up; make Before shopping, make a list, list, plan plan your meals meals to avoid need; Before avoid waste and and only only buy what what you you need; Put food food close close to the use by date date in the freezer to use use later; later; Put Crush up your egg shells and and use use them as slug repellent repellent in in the garden; Crush them as garden; Use the bag inside of cereal boxes as cake packaging; Use Create a compost bin and put your veg peelings in in it; Create veg peelings it; Give all your veg veg peelings and food waste waste to to someone tha Give someone who keeps farm farm animals that hey could use use for animal feed. they feed.
Clothes •
• •
Recycle your clothes by giving to Recycle to schools, they weigh them and and the money they get for them paid towards toward them them is paid school trips for children; children; school Take your unwanted clothes to Take to aa charity shop shop or 'cash ‘cash clothes'; for clothes'; Use old curtains to make cushions and and Use curtains and clothes to make cushions cloths etc. etc. table cloths i
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220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
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General General Paper Paper • • •
• •
•
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Save your paper for origami; Make paper flowers, flowers, using waste paper and Make pipe cleaners for the stem; pipe Make a doll using using old egg carton carton boxes and Make clean rubbish rubbish material material -– search on the other clean loads of creative ideas that will will be internet for loads unique and money; unique and will will save loads of money; Reuse takeaway cartons to Reuse to store food food or use as lunch lunch boxes; as 7,1r,) Reuse bigger cardboard cardboard boxes by by putting putting Reuse green and bags in in them using to 4i green and pink bags them and using to recycled rubbish; rubbish; store your recycled Take tetra packs to your local tip. tip. Take packs to
• • •
•
Up cycle -- buy old furniture and restore it; Use cloth nappies instead instead of disposable disposable ones -it's cheaper with it’s with less waste; waste; Put your non-recyclable rubbish bin at the the garden, or somewhere more bottom or your garden, difficult to get you. you. It will will encourage you to bin it; recycle more. Think before you you bin it; unwanted, no longer played played Take all your unwanted, with, shop. with, toys to to the the charity shop.
Jam jars and tin Jam tin cans • •
Hair conditioner Hair •
•
Use hair conditioner as shaving cream cream if you Use you run out. out. run
Batteries Batteries •
Use your empty jam jars or any empty jars jars to to store bits and bobs in; store bits in; oats in in the jar, add some Put some porridge oats jar, add milk is is recommended), milk (hazelnut soya soya milk overnight, then then enjoy leave to soak overnight, enjoy aa quick breakfast; and tasty breakfast; tin cans to make make robot toys -– be careful careful Use tin with with any sharp sharp edges though. though.
n finally And
Use rechargeable batteries instead instead of Use of throw away ones.
•
Always take your crisps, sweet and lolly wrappers and keep keep Britain Britain tidy. home to to recycle and tidy.
If you’ve you've got any recycling recycling tips, then then let us know as as we hear from you If we would love to hear
AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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Keep Well,
Live Well 1111...1111V
We all like to look after ourselves in the Summer, Summer, eating salads, going on long walks and trying to stay healthy, salads, healthy, but what about during the Winter months? Here are a few ideas and tips to help you stay active and happy during the winter months.
Walking and the outdoors Don't Don’t let the the cold or rainy days stop you from from exploring the outdoors. •
The rain brings all sorts of amazing creatures out of hiding, hiding, so brave the weather and you never know what
you might see; see; Make raining day seem more fun, Make a walk on a raining fun, what sounds better? “Fancy "Fancy going for a walk?” walk?" or “Who’s "Who's up for a mission to go back in time and discover dinosaurs and find their eggs?" eggs?” • See See how many splashes it takes to get the water out of a puddle; • Building Building nest boxes is a brilliant activity for children; children; going out for a walk, • Don't Don’t fancy going walk, why not enjoy nature in your garden. garden. Make Make a pond to to attract wildlife with an upturned dustbin lid dug into the ground, ground, ready for spring. spring. •
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220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
Eat well during the winter months • Eat more fruit/veg -- When it's it’s cold and dark outside it food, can be tempting to fill fill up on unhealthy comfort food, but it’s it's important to to ensure that you still keep your diet day. healthy and include include five portions portions of fruit and veg a day. • Have a hearty breakfast -- Winter is the the perfect season Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning for porridge. porridge. Eating isn't just a delicious isn’t delicious way to start your day, day, it also helps you to fibre, to boost your intake of starchy foods foods and fibre, which gives you energy and help help you to feel feel fuller •
•
for longer. longer. Drink more milk -- You are 80% more likely to to get aa cold in winter so making sure your immune system system is is in tip-top condition is is important. important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, cheese, yoghurt and fromage fromage frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12. B12. that help beat the Stock up on foods that the winter blues -known foods are; are; berries, berries, walnuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, seeds, Salmon, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate, and Bananas. oranges, Salmon,
Top tips on keeping well in the winter I 6 Colds ou can help prevent colds by You regularly. washing your hands regularly.
Our top winter tips: tips:
Top Tip: If you get a cold, Top cold, use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs to avoid constantly re-infecting your own hands.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol causes heat, causes your body to to lose heat, in addition to contributing dehydration. contributing to dehydration. Be Be prepared prepared
When travelling travelling by car, car, keep blankets, water and snacks on hand keep extra socks, socks, blankets, in case a mechanical mechanical problem, problem, storm or empty gas tank leaves you stranded. stranded. Look in on vulnerable and relatives relatives Look vulnerable neighbours and Cold weather is is especially dangerous for older people or people with an illness, Cold illness,
so check up on them if you can. can.
If you live own, then ask aa neighbour or friend to stop in to see you live on on your own, or phone you each day to make make sure you are ok. are ok. Signs suffering from Hyperthermia Signs that someone may be suffering from Hyperthermia • Constant shivering; shivering; • Tiredness; Tiredness; • Low energy; • Cold Cold or pale skin; skin; • Fast breathing (hyperventilation); (hyperventilation); • Being Being unable to think or pay pay attention; attention; • Confusion; Confusion; (someone with hypothermia • Loss Loss of judgement and reasoning (someone may decide decide to remove clothing despite being being very cold); • Difficulty moving moving around; around; • Loss Loss of co-ordination. co-ordination. Use extra blankets at bedtime bedtime Use As Hypothermia can develop develop during sleep.
walkways Watch out for ice ice paths paths and walkways When it's icy out, shoes, take short steps, out, wear appropriate shoes, steps, walk slower and spread salt or cat litter on your path. path.
ore throat throa Sore One easy remedy for a sore sore throat is to to gargle with warm salty water. water. won't heal the infection, It won’t infection, but it has anti-flammatory properties properties and have a soothing effect.
oro Virus Noro Known as the winter vomiting vomiting bug. bug. If you do catch the the bug then drink plenty of water to reduce the the risk dehydration. of dehydration. Painful joints 'oints Painful Many people with Arthritis say that their joints become become more more painful in winter. winter. Top Tip: Try going for a gentle Top swim, swimming is ideal as it's easy swim, as it’s on the joints. joints. Daily exercise can person's mental boost a person’s mental and physical state.
Dry ski skin s in is Dry skin is a common condition and is often worse during the winter months. months. Top Tip: Have Have warm rather than Top showers. Water that is too hot hot showers. makes the skin more dry.
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For the
Did you know?
Love of food Love food? Hate waste? SWEET POTATO ten different different There are ten ways to cook sweet potato: potato: Baked Baked Au Gratin Au Gratin French Fried Fried French Hash Browns
Grilled Mashed Mashed Chips Chips Roasted Roasted Soup SoufflĂŠ
TIP
1
potatoes in in aa Store your potatoes cool dark place. place. This will cool will help to keep them fresher help for longer. longer.
Sausage and Potato Stew Serves: 4
LEFTOVERS
1111
cream can can be be Leftover cream frozen, just whip it first! frozen, first! bread in the Storing bread can make make it go fridge can stale quicker; bread bread is is stale quicker; in aa cool, cool, best stored in dark and dry place. place.
Ingredients: 11 tablespoon olive olive oil 22 medium medium leeks, leeks, sliced 11 large large sweet potato, potato, peeled and chopped into chunks 4-6 4-6 pork sausages (or 10-12 chipolata sausages sausages) or vegetarian sausages) 500m1 500ml vegetable stock 22 teaspoons dried sage 22 dessert spoons tomato puree Salt and black pepper to taste
Most foods can be frozen; from tomatoes frozen; tomatoes cooked leftovers to cooked
30 30
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
Method: 1. Put the oil large heavy bottomed 1. oil in a large frying pan; 2. Add the the leeks and and fry for a few minutes until softening; softening; 3. Add the the sweet potato chunks, stir and cook for a minute or two; two; 4. 4. Add the the sage and tomato puree puree to to the stock; stock; 5. Add the the stock to to the the vegetables and simmer for 10 10 minutes; 6. Meanwhile chop the sausages into bite size pieces; pieces; 7. Transfer to a casserole, 7. casserole, (two if you are are making both a meat and veggie veggie version) cover and and bake in the oven for about 45 45 minutes; 8. Serve with mashed potato and a green vegetable.
Luscious Leftover Smoothies Hate waste?
Serves 4
Ingredients: Ingredients: 11 inch slice slice of pineapple 11 apple 11 inch chunk of broccoli stem A few spinach leaves 1/2 stick of celery 1/2 1/4 inch of ginger (skin (skin on) 1/4 on) slice of cucumber 11 inch slice Ice Ice cubes
Are Are you unsure about the
between ‘used 'used difference between by' or 'best before' by’ ‘best before’ Now you have to Now you don't don’t have worry worry about throwing unnecessarily: away food food unnecessarily:
USE-BY USE-BY Food can can be be eaten eaten up up to Food the end of this this date but NOT after.
Method: Add everything everything to a blender and enjoy! enjoy!
BEFORE BEST BEFORE best Foods with with the best before date should should be "best safe to to eat after the “best before" date, but they before” be at their may no longer be best. best.
Going Bananas
DISPLAY UNTIL
Always Always throwing away your old bananas? Well Well now you don't don’t have have to to with these seven surprising surprising things things you could do with a banana. Bananas are one of the most nutritious foods for your health, health, learn how to prepare and consume more of them in their natural, natural, delicious state! state! 1. Spice Spice it up 1. Create a unique banana curry by combining two small small ripe bananas bananas to any curry.
Make ice ice cream 2. Make Peel you banana, banana, slice Peel slice the chunks and freeze. Then once frozen place in a blender to make banana flavour ice cream. cream. 3. Baked Baked with 3. with cheese side of a banana (still in its peel) and fill the inside Slice through the curved side inside with butter, wrap the banana in foil, feta or mozzarella cheese. cheese. Add a little bit of butter, foil, and bake until until all the cheese cheese has melted. melted.
Banana fairy cakes 4. Banana These cake Use up your mushy bananas in a traditional sponge. sponge. These cake salefriendly cupcakes with retro icing will go go down aa storm storm with kids. Banana pancakes 5. Banana Why not add bananas to your pancakes as a healthy syrup. alternative to syrup.
can ignore these You can dates, as these dates, these are for only, NOT shop staff only, shoppers. shoppers.
To P TIPS TOP hard cheeses Grate hard before freezing to use use before straight from the freezer on pizzas, omelettes and on omelettes and pasta bakes. bakes. pasta
Most fruit and vegetable vegetables will keep for longer longer if will keep stored in the fridge. stored Keep onions and Keep potatoes in in aa cool cool dark potatoes place. place.
bread in in aa Put half your bread bread bin bin and the other bread in the freezer. freezer. half in
LEFTOVERS Banana Nutella crepes 6. Banana The mix of chocolate hazelnut and banana combination will satisfy any sweet tooth. 7. Sweeten bread bread pudding pudding 7. Take aa sad banana and make it a masterpiece. Pair it with golden raisins and swirly cinnamon bagels for the the ultimate brunch treat. treat.
Left over yoghurt tastes on cereal and great on and added to smoothies. Freeze left over cake in in Freeze slices: defrost slice by slices: slice slice for aa tasty treat.
Left over Left over vegetables vegetables are added to pasta or great added to aa pasta dish rice dish
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Green Driving Green driving means driving as far as you can on one tank of fuel. Use these tips to save on the cost of your fuel bills. Plan your journey
Drive smoothly
Getting lost or stuck in traffic is the easiest way to waste petrol, so make sure you have a map or satnav handy, and avoid rush hour traffic and roadworks when you can.
If you see a traffic light, roundabout or corner up ahead, don't hit the accelerator and then brake just before you reach it. Speed up and slow down gradually, and you can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 30%
Keep your car regularly serviced Under serviced engines can use 10% more fuel, so have your car serviced regularly. Dirty air filters can also seriously reduce your fuel economy, so remember to change them once in a while.
A car travelling at 37mph in third gear uses a quarter more fuel than in fifth gear. Shift to a higher gear at 2,500rpm for petrol cars, and 2,000rpm for diesel.
Join a car club
Switch off the air con at low speeds
If you only drive a bit, you could join a car club like Coastal’s City Wheels (see page 36). Each car club vehicle on the road represents a reduction of 26 privately owned vehicles.
Running any of the onboard electrics will increase your fuel consumption a bit, but air con will really use it up. Driving at low speed, just wind down a window to stay cool. On the motor way, switch back to air con, where the extra drag of an open window outweighs the electricity savings. Don’t forget to switch off your demisters, blowers and headlights when you're not using them.
Shed some baggage The heavier, and more air resistant your car, the more petrol it uses. So take anything you don't need out of the boot (except the spare tyre – you never know when that'll come in handy), and only add the roof box or rack when you are going to use them.
Check your tyre pressure The RAC says you can improve fuel consumption by about 2% if you check your tyres regularly, and keep them at the right pressure. Topped-up tyres are safer too.
Stick to speed limits At high speeds, your car's fuel efficiency drops. Driving at 80mph burns around 25% more fuel than 70mph. Slow down, make big savings and stay on the right side of the law.
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Get the in gear
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013
Make fewer trips Telephone first to check the shop has something before you go out, or go on-line check for free delivery options. Combine all your trips into one trip as typically a car uses more fuel in the first five miles.
Lift share! Every day there are ten million empty car seats on our roads. Sharing your journey to work could save you hundreds of pounds a year, take a big chunk out of your carbon footprint, and help to ease congestion in your town.
Winter is just around the corner and it’s it's a great time to learn about and get involved with nature. nature. During the cold winter months some of Britain's Britain’s wildlife has to struggle to keep warm and find food. food. This is where you can help… help...
DON'T FORGET: FORGET: DON’T Big Garden Bird Watch The Big 4th -- 25th January 2015 2015 24th www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Winter
Slumberland Feed the birds! birds! What can II feed them? Treats like peanuts, dried fruit, seeds like fat balls, balls, crushed peanuts, and grains will all go down well. well. You can be creative creative and make your own fat balls raisins, unsalted peanuts etc. balls by melting melting lard in aa saucepan, seeds, seeds, raisins, etc. Pour the mixture into an old yogurt pot to set and and then roll into balls.
Where to put the food? Bird feeders are designed to keep squirrels squirrels and larger birds away from the the food. They usually come on poles or hung from trees. from trees.
Water is important for birds in, preferably at a lukewarm birds to drink and bathe in, temperature. Don't Don’t be tempted to put milk out as it's it’s bad for birds and the the garden. majority of animals that might wander into your garden.
giving nature a home
WIN
We are offering offering a Year's Year’s
Youth Membership to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Birds) to three 16 year olds. lucky under 16 For your chance to win simply send in their name and address to: to: Freepost Plus RSXA-CIHX-X UXE, RSXA-CJHX-XUXE, Coastal Housing Group, Group, 3rd Floor, Floor, 220 High Street, Street, Swansea, Swansea, SA1 SA1 1NW
to: or by email email to: ask@coastalhousing.co.uk Closing December 2014 Closing Date: Date: 15 December 2014 Only one entry per household household
Wait as long as you can before tidying all fallen leaves in your garden before tidying all the fallen garden source for the birds such as insects insects and worms. as these contain a natural food source
Keep them safe! Small animals will will shelter wherever they can, can, so before you start your winter garden clean-up just have a quick look in any hidey holes, holes, under compost having a bonfire this heaps etc for any surprise guests. guests. If you're you’re planning on having winter, winter, make sure you check it before you light it for any sheltering sheltering animals such as hedgehogs. hedgehogs.
roosting For birds you can always put up up aa nest box which will provide them roosting points and come in in useful for breeding breeding in the springtime. springtime.
during the winter months so if you do spot one Hedgehogs should should hibernate hibernate during out and about it's it’s probably in trouble. trouble. Using gloves you can pick it up and place it in a cardboard box with a towel towel for some warmth and comfort. You can can food... NOT milk or bread as this feed it with dog or cat food… this will make make them them ill. You phone your Gower Bird Hospital 01792 371630 or take a look at should then phone wwwgowerbirdhospital.org.uk which gives lots of good advice. advice. their web web site www.gowerbirdhospital.org.uk
Don't forget the insects! Don’t the winter; putting a little Insects need to have safe places during during the winter; just by putting the bottom garden can create a hiding place for insects log pile at the bottom of your garden insects ladybirds! like ladybirds! AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 220 220 COASTAL MAGAZINE
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What’s On There is always lots going on in and around Swansea, Swansea, here's just Neath and Port Talbot throughout the year, year, so here’s a little taster of what’s what's taking place October to January. January.
N NOVEMBER OVEMBER 2 2014 014
2014 ER 2014 OCTOBER OCTOB 3.30pm Draw ig Draw Big B 2pm -- 3.30pm 12pm aatt 1 r e b to c O M Museum 18th 18th October ural terfront terfront mural a W l tree m a n huge tree National Natio a huge to to rk a mark m s your dd your Add A window useum Windows museum m e the th n on o Jumble oat Jumble Boat Park Wales B ountry park Country am C South South Wales rg a Margam M r, e b Octo 9th October, 19th 1 Festival entle Festival Gentle G o Go G t o Not Do Do N Swansea Swansea October plands, 26th October Uplands, U in in s 4th -– 26th e 224th u n e v off venues variety o tival.com Att a variety A gentlefes o tg o n o www.donotgogentlefestival.com www.d car f Scarf Girl S Land Girl Land n w Own O r .30pm 3.30pm You 3 Make Make Your 12pm -att 12pm a r e b to c October Museum Museum 25th 25th O some don some terfront a nd don W l a era era aand n e he spirit the th f National of Natio photo! o a for a photo! e spirit se for o the pose th p to to to into in o Get Get haird retro hairdo and retro lipstick lipstick and Potter Harry Potter of of Harry e c n ie c Science 3pm The The S pm & 3pm 1prn er aatt 1 b to c October O u t M seum 31st 31s nt Museum Waterfro l Waterfront a n o ti a National N pecial Special unday S y FFunday k o o p Spooky S en pm 4pm Halloween Hallowe 11am -- 4 1st aatt llarn 31st 3 r um e e s b Waterfront u to Museum October Oc nt M science the science out the l Waterfro learn b a about a n o rn ti a a National le N tales, tales, crafts. ghostly reepy crafts. ccreepy Hear Hear ghostly te a re create c d an pells and of of sspells Festival 11=111111.1.11 llytotz Festival Jollytotz Jo d n and a Centre Fest Fest Arts Arts Centre Autumn Autumn er, Pontardawe tardawe n o P -8 3-8 aged aged 3 ctob October, 1st O 31st 3 children children r for fo s ie ctivit craft nd craft Fun Fun aactivities music aand ing, music ll te ry to Storytelling, S 10:30am from 10:30am Fayre mber from e v o raft Fayre Craft November C N t s 1st -- 1 October 31st 31st October Neath all, all, Neath H y it n u omm Community C
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220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013
Sw Swansea ansea Fi Fireworks reworks D Display isplay 5t 5th hN November ovember St St.. H Helen's elen’s G Grounds, rounds, Br Brynmill ynmill D Dylan ylan Th Thomas omas Fe Festival stival 27th O 27th October ctober -- 9t 9thh N November ovember So Somerset merset Pl Place, ace, Sw Swansea ansea Join a Join a ‘K 'Knit nit C Club' lub’ or th thee A Art rt Walks Walks Art At th the eM Art G Mission ission G Group roup Gallery, allery, Swansea Sw an sea Ev Everyone eryone w welcome elcome w where he re you you ar al along are ong ex e en encouraged couraged to existing isting pr projects ojects or simply takee tk simply start start aa project project th therae! er e! W Winter inter W Wonderland onderland 14 14th th N November ovember -- 4t 4th h Ja January nuary Sw Swansea ansea C Christmas hristmas Pa Parade rade and and Li Lights ghts Switch-On 16 Switch-On 16th th N November ovember Sw Swansea ansea C Cinderella inderella w with ith O Owen wen M Money oney 21st -- 30 21st 30th th N November ovember Pr Princess incess Ro Royal yal Th Theatre, eatre, Po Port rt Ta Talbot lbot Comedy C omedy C Club lub 26 26th th N November ovember at at 8p 8pm m C Comedy omedy C Club lub Arts Arts W Wing, in g, G Grand rand Th See Se e some Theatre some of th eatre thee co country's un tr y’ s be best st co Ti Tickets comedy ckets £1 medy ac f111 acts ts G Green reen Fa Fayre yre 29 29th th -- 30 30th th N November ovember N National ational W Water ater Fr Front, ont, M Museum useum
014 2014 BER 2 M E C E DECEMBER D
Fayre s Fayre hristma Christmas hC ls e Welsh W l a er Royal Roy Decemb nd December 2nd nd 2 round st aand 1st Ground 1 G w o h Show Welsh elsh S Royal W Royal rkets s Maarkets 5pm hristma eceMber Christmas C er m -- 5pm 11aam Decemb 0pm, Sun Sun 11 st D 1 21st 2 l ti n Until .3 U 5.30pm, 10am -- 5 a Sat 10am Mon Mon -- Sat nse a w Swansea S t, e tre Street, Oxford Oxford S g shoppin night shopping er Late Late night b m e v o N 0th November 20th From From 2 tr Cen e ity Centre City C Swansea Swansea Dwar fs even Dwarfs Seven Ex S & e it h White W Snow ime -- Snow nuary January Pantomime Pantom 11th Ja r -- 11th e b m e c e December D 12th 12th Swansea Swansea Theatre Grand Grand Theatre
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Sale Park Boot Sale m Car Car Boot 2pm 12p Fforest park at 1 fan Fforest Man ber at ,A m m e c u e e seum, s December D u M 3th 3th iners Mu Miners Wales M outh \Nales SSouth £5.00 £5.00 Falls is Falls er Aberdulais Aberdula th December Decemb 1 11th 1 y a d rs u h Thursday T anta with SSanta tea with Enjoy Enjoy tea child per child £77 per £
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our Tour Scenes T t 1 the the Scenes 0am at a 10am n an Ja Behind Behind ec/10 Dec/10 D 6 / v o Nov/6 th N 8th 8 Theatre rand Theatre Grand G Swansea Swansea ur tour to minute 2.50 0–90 minute £2.50 60-90 6 n£ re d il ch £4, children lts £4, Adults Adu
WIN
Win Pantom ime Tickets for 4 Win P Win Pail anto mime 'Tickets aiirrte Tickets fo forr four to se Sn Snow ow W seee White hite & th thee Se Seven ven Dw warfs arfs
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a att Swansea Swansea G Grand rand T Theatre heatre on o nT Thursday hursday 8 8th th January January a att 77pm pm For For your your chance chance to win win just just te tell thee names th ll u uss names of of th thee Seven Seven D Dwarfs warf s
Seend nd your your an answer swer to: to: Freepost Freepost Plus Plus RSXA-CJHX-X RSXA-CIFIX-XUXE, UXE, Coastal C oastal H Housing ousing G Group, roup, 3rd 3rd Floor Floor, 220 H 220 High igh St Street, reet, Swansea, Sw ansea, SA1 SA1 1N 1NW W or by em email ail to to:: a ask@coastalhousing.co.uk sk@coastalh ousing.co.uk C Closing losing D Date: ate: 15 15th th D December ecember 2014 2014 Only O nly on onee en entry tr y pe perr hhousehold ousehold
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TOP APPS Green Deal Pre-Assessment -- This Green This free, free, handy tool guides you
five minute survey to give you a free free home energy report and through a five home's green deal and ECO pre-assessment. pre-assessment. The report will estimate your home’s energy rating and suggest improvements you could make to save energy and money.
Gas is your supplier you can easily submit your British Gas -- If British Gas meter readings, view your bill and make payments using this free app. It also allows you to to keep track of your energy usage usage to to keep you in control you're using as well as aa whole host of other useful tools of how much you’re tools like places. a torch torch to to read meters in dark places.
Smartphone to Use your Smartphone seek out cheaper deals With an app for just about anything, anything, we thought we would ask our colleagues what apps they are using. using. Here Here are their top top five. five.
HALLOWEEN
Halloween! - Get into the the Halloween spirit with this this free app for everything you need! everything need! It includes a spooky countdown countdown and a soundboard with sounds to scare your friends including aa wolf howl and screams. screams. night. Slow Shutter Cam -- For 69p 69p this app can can be handy for bonfire night. paintings. Use the light trail trail mode with sparklers to create your own light paintings.
Join conversation... Join in in the conversation… Tweet us @coastalhousing @coastalhousing Follow us us on Facebook
E
DAYS
12 Days of Gifts -- This generous app from Apple which which gives you
a free free gift from from iTunes every day, day, is is available 26th December and 6th January. Gifts can include music, TV shows, apps, iBooks, and movie January. shows, apps, rentals! rentals!
City Wheels The car hire scheme for Coastal tenants City Wheels allows you the freedom you would get if you owned your own car - without the hefty cost! Choose from one of our vehicles, when you want it and
for how long you need it. No need to worry about: Car Insurance Maintenance and MOT
-
Road Tax
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How much will it cost me? Membership is only £5 per month or £50 per year if you pay upfront - saving you £10 annually.You will be billed usage charges for the time you hire it plus mileage at 15p per mile (which includes fuel). To take advantage of the City Wheels scheme you'll need to be: - a Coastal Tenant - aged between 25-70 years old - hold a full driving licence *other conditions apply
For more information, please call 01792 479200 or email ask@coastalhousing.co.uk You can also visit coastalhousing.co.uk/pages/city-wheels.aspx 36 36
220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
Dave’s Dave's Dilemmas Dave The Sheep helps sort out your life
Q
I'M REALLY WORRIED! WORRIED! I’M My neighbour told me that she hasn't hasn’t had her gas appliances I'm scared it could be dangerous! serviced this year and I’m I know that she was on holiday the first time they called and she told me that she wasn't wasn’t home the last couple of times they made appointments. I’m I'm scared that it could affect me if something happens! happens!
you're concerned. concerned. You’re You're right II can understand why you’re in thinking it's really important to have the gas thinking that it’s appliances serviced for your own safety and for your neighbours too. But don’t don't worry, worry, Coastal takes tenants' seriously. If we tenants’ safety very seriously. we can't get in to carry out the gas servicing, we can (and will) take can’t action against a tenant to end their tenancy. DAVE SAYS: DAVE SAYS:
arrange another day for She needs to get in touch with Coastal Coastal to arrange them call. If she can’t can't be them to to call. be there on the day, day, maybe she's she’s got family or a friend who can provide access on her behalf. Leave it with us! us!
Competitions exciting competitions for you to enter. enter. In this edition we have three exciting edition's winners: Here are last edition’s t
Competition Winners Here are the winners from our last edition Summer, 2014.
Meal for 2 at Salentos Restaurant Helen Karabardak, Karabardak, Waunarlwydd, Swansea Swimming Lessons Grace Ndungu, Ndungu, Mount Pleasant, Swansea
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Insider Insider information d
Home Swapper
Home Swapper HomeSwapper Want to move home then log log on on to: www.homeswapper.co.uk
service for Coastal tenants, A free free service tenants, it will help help you find potential swaps from a variety of social social landlords -– both local local and across the uk. uk. Simple and easy to use, with no limit to the the number of refusals you make. make. Want to know more, more, then give us aa call on 01792 479200
Making a comment or complaint Making we'll try our best to resolve it If you have have aa problem with any of our services we’ll quickly quickly and effectively. effectively. All All complaints are logged logged and then passed on to to the relevant person in it, who will become your in the organisation to deal with it, named contact. contact. You can also speak to the manager of the relevant team team about your complaint. complaint.
are not If the the problem is out of our control to to fix, we we will let you know. If you are satisfied satisfied with the the outcome, then you can write write to the Chairman Chairman of our Board of Management, Howell, at our Swansea office address. address. Management, Kay Howell,
Free Gas Safety Checks By law, all gas boilers and gas fires in housing housing association properties properties need an annual safety check by aa Gas Safe registered engineer. This This will include: include: • • •
flue and Annual servicing flue ventilation check Carbon monoxide check Mains wired smoke alarms check. check.
You MUST allow the gas service engineers working for Coastal Housing into your home to do try, and fail, to their work. If we we try, to access, we will take get access, take legal action against you.
"Carbon Monoxide can KILL, KILL, “Carbon FREE make sure you get your FREE check" gas check”
Public Services Ombudsman The Public Services Ombudsman Ombudsman for Wales will will look into any complaint from aa member of the have been treated the public about the way they have treated by a public body, body, including aa housing association. association. Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Road, Pencoed, Pencoed, Bridgend, CF35 5LJ 11 Old Field Road, Bridgend, CF35 5LJ 601 0987 Phone: 0845 601 0987 Email: Email: ask@ombudsman-wales.org.uk www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk
Address to Serve Notice Section 48(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 10987 10987 requires that we Section 48(1) we provide you with an address at which notices may be Housing be served on Coastal Housing Ltd, your Landlord. Landlord. Group Ltd, Floor, 220 High Street, Swansea, Swansea, SA1 SA1 1NW 1NW Coastal Housing Group Group Ltd, Ltd, 3rd Floor,
1
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220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
Out-of-hours emergency office number: 0845 0845 680 8888
How do II pay my rent? There are lots of ways to pay your rent you just need to decide which way is best for you. you. Paying your rent Direct Debit Set up up a Direct Debit over the phone, phone, or we can can send you aa form.
*
Housing Benefit Payments
Debit or Credit Card Debit or credit card payments can be made made over the phone: phone: 01792 479200 On-line Pay on-line at www.allpay.net
Pay Point
Allpay Card at at Paypoint Using Using an Allpay Card at Paypoint stations, stations, or at a Post Office In person Pay in person at our offices in Neath and Swansea
What if II need to apply for Housing Housing and Other Benefits? To find out what benefits you may
What if I can't can’t pay my rent?
be entitled to you can contact. contact.
I
• • • • • •
can't pay. pay. Tell us why you can’t It is important that you contact us us straight away if you are are having problems paying your rent. Housing Manager, Manager, we will By talking talking to your Area Area Housing will be able to help help and advise advise you. you. We will be able to to agree a payment plan with with you which will make arrears. sure you meet your rent payments and clear any rent arrears. We can go go through your budget to see if we can help you save money in other areas. don't contact us, don't pay your rent, rent, then you could If you don’t us, and and you don’t home. end up up losing your home.
SHousing Housing Benefit Dept Swansea Tel. 635353 Tel. 01792 635353
Housing Housing Benefit Department Neath: Neath: 01639 686838 Port Talbot:
You may also want to get in touch with as: organisations who can help such such as:
P, Sir
76345 01639 76345
Galy
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire Carmarthenshire County Council Bureau: Citizens Advice Advice Bureau: Tel. 77 20 20 www.citizensadvice.org.uk Tel. 08444 08444 77
Shelter tdInCe
Changing
Tel. 742277 Tel. 01554 742277 www.housingbenefits@carmarthen shire.gov.uk
Shelter Cymru: Cymru: Tel. Tel. 0845 0845 075 075 5005 www.sheltercymru.org.uk
Money Advice Service: Tel. Tel. 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Changing: Your Benefits are Changing: Tel. Tel. 0300 3031073 www.yourbenefitsarechanging.co.uk
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Government Services Services and Information www.gov.uk
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of domestic domestic abuse The signs signs of The know if you you know are visible, visible, if are help, look for. for. For help, to look what to call or call see our our website or see
0808 800 10 800 80 10 0808 80
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220 COASTAL MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014
livefearfree.org.uk