Clúid Newsletter

ISSUE 06 Winter 2014 Cluid.ie

Christmas Newsletter

From House to Home…

The most talked about topic in the country is water and in this, our Christmas newsletter, we take a look at the issue. We also follow up on two issues we looked at in the summer edition, anti-social behaviour and pets. We outline a new method of paying your rent, and there is a new competition and an update on the Stepping Stone awards. If you would like to comment on any of the following items, please contact the Editor at Clúid, 63-66 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, or email tell.us@cluid.ie

Water matters Water charges update

We provide some tips here on how to conserve water in your home and also give you some practical information on detecting leaks. We will follow up in future newsletters on other water issues, looking at, for example, how to save water in the garden for those of you with green fingers!

However, the government started to review the water charge system again after that. Unfortunately, we could not get the details of any changes in time for this newsletter. As soon as we have more up-to-date information, we will make it available on our website, www.cluid.ie

Tips on saving water

We know a lot of you have questions and concerns about the introduction of water charges, particularly about how much it will cost and what financial supports will be available. We circulated a flyer with information on water charges in October.

For further information on water charges, go to: Irish Water Helpline 1890 448 448/(01) 707 282 www.water.ie Citizens Information Service (0761) 07 4000 www.citizeninformation.ie

Water is precious and it is a good idea to use it carefully. Saving water will help keep your water bills down (once a meter is installed). Here are some tips for conserving water around the house.

Keep a jug of water in the fridge Keeping a jug of drinking water in the fridge is better than letting the tap run while waiting for cold water when filling a glass.

Put a plug in it!

You’ll save a litre of water every six seconds by simply placing a plug in the sink instead of leaving the tap run.

Christmas Opening Hours We want to ensure that you receive a good service over the Christmas break.

The Contact Centre is closed from 24–29 December and on 1 January. If you need to make an emergency call when the office is closed, please call the emergency line on (01) 707 2088.

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Don’t flush it away A third of all the water used in the house is flushed down the toilet. Many modern cisterns have dual flush so that you can limit the amount you use in one flush.

How to look for leaks

Don’t flush it away

Repair any drips and leaks A dripping tap is not only very irritating, it also wastes water. Contact Clúid on (01) 707 2088 to report any dripping taps or water leaks.

Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they’re full A washing machine uses up to 65 litres of water, a dishwasher up to 30 litres. Wait until you have a full load before pressing ‘start’ and you’ll save energy and water.

Some people have concerns about leaks resulting in high water charges. All bills will be capped at least until 2018 even if you have a water meter and the water usage seems high. So there is a golden opportunity to find and fix leaks!

How do I check if there is a leak?

There is a simple way to check for leaks, and you don’t have to be a DIY expert.

Step 1: Make sure no water is being used in the home. If a toilet is being flushed or a washing machine is being used, this test will not work.

Step 2: Wait 30 minutes, remove the cover on the meter box and take a meter reading (including the red digits).

Step 3: Don’t use any water for a further hour (or overnight), and then take another meter reading.

Step 4: Compare the two readings. If there is no change and the sweep hand has not moved, there probably is not a leak.

I have a leak. How can I find it?

Unfortunately, leaks can be tricky to spot. They’re often hidden from view behind a plastered wall or tucked away in the attic.

Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save over 7,000 litres of water a year.

Use the shower, not the bath A standard shower typically uses less than half as much water as a bath. So getting clean standing up is clearly the way to go if you want to save water.

Measure how much water you wish to boil Get into the habit of boiling the kettle with only as much water as you need.

Use a bucket of water, not a hose A hose uses more water in one hour than the average family uses in a day.

Step 1: Find out if the leak is in the home or underground. Locate the cold water mains. It is usually under the kitchen sink. Closing this valve shuts off the water supply entering the house.

Now check the meter. If the meter has stopped registering, the leak is normally somewhere in the house. If the meter continues to register, the leak is probably underground outside the house.

Step 2: If it is inside the home, find where the leak is.

You need to examine and rule out the following • Taps • Poorly plumbed appliances • Overflows from a water tank in the attic space • Toilet cisterns • Outside tap connectors / hoses Thanks to taptips.ie and United Utilities’ ‘A guide to using water wisely’.

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Dealing with Antisocial Behaviour Several Clúid residents contacted us after the summer newsletter feature on antisocial behaviour (ASB). Many of the letters were ‘good news stories’, but there were one or two that were quite disturbing. Clúid intends to review its ASB policy and you will be notified of any changes to it. The implications of the recent MUD (Multiple Units Developments) Act 2011 are not yet clear to either residents or landlords. The following points outline Clúid’s response: • Clúid, like all other housing associations and city and district councils, does not have a policing brief on any estate.

Criminal behaviour is always a matter for An Garda Síochána.

• Clúid works closely with all relevant parties in crime prevention and community awareness, and supports Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.

• Many areas have Garda Liaison Committees and Community Garda, with specific ‘patches’ where they build relationships with local communities.

• Clúid encourages all residents to make Gardaí welcome on estates and to assist them in all enquiries. Residents should use the confidential telephone lines if they are concerned about confidentiality.

• Clúid manages nuisance behaviour (as defined by its current policies) through local tenancy agreements and codes of conduct.

Technology Corner Clúid Website Relaunched!

It’s official…it’s finally here! We have been working on a fresh new website for the past few months, and the Clúid team is very excited to see it up and running.

Apart from updating the design, we have added some new features that will make it easier for you to better understand the range of services available. Your home is very important, and we want to make looking after it as easy as possible.

In the top right-hand corner of our new website, you will find a button called ‘Clúid Tenants’. Here you will find out how to access a number of helpful services. You can now order a repair through our website, and you are now able to pay your rent online too.

We are taking steps to help you contact the right person at the right time. If you have five minutes to spare today, then take a look at our new website at www.cluid.ie.

New Rent Payment System In line with our policy of making rent easy to pay, Clúid is delighted to announce the introduction of a new telephone and online payment system. This system means you can now call, or go online to www.cluid.ie, to pay your rent. The Contact Centre Advisors are ready to take a payment from you over the phone, so please call (01) 707 2088. The advisors will also help you to use the system online if required or answer any queries you may have.

Your rent pays for the ongoing maintenance of your home and estate as well as Clúid’s running costs. The rent week begins on Monday. It is important that you pay your rent before Monday so that you do not go into arrears (go into debt). You can also pay rent monthly in advance. We hope the additional payment options provide you with more choice and convenience.

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It’s winter - that means boiler checking time…

It is winter, so we ask you to complete the following checks of your boilers before contacting Clúid to raise a repair.

Gas Boilers 1. Is the boiler switched on?

Take a look under your boiler. The red light indicates the boiler is switched on.

2. Is the temperature dial in the right position?

The temperature dial should be set to between 18 and 21 degrees.

3. Do you use a gas meter card?

Make sure your meter card is topped up. You will need to reset the meter each time you top up.

Please make sure all gas appliances are switched off before resetting.

You can reset your meter by holding down the red button for 5 seconds.

Oil Boilers

Recipients of Clúid’s ‘Stepping Stones’ Award This year’s ‘Stepping Stones’ awards will help 16 residents to take part in courses of their choice in further education or training. It is the third year that Clúid has provided financial support to residents who would like to boost their skills or career opportunities. Applications were made for a wonderful range of different qualifications, everything from dog grooming, sign language and art therapy to psychology, physical education, tourism management and religious ministry.

We are happy to support such a diverse range of interests and ambitions!

We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2014 Stepping Stones awards.

Congratulations to:

1. Is there oil in the tank?

If the oil has been allowed to run out, the oil line will need to be bled.

• Nikita Derwin, Chestnut Grove, Newcastle West

2. Is the boiler switched on?

The boiler should be turned on at the red light socket located on the wall close to the boiler.

• Jamie Kennedy, Ballygraigue Court, Nenagh

3. Is the temperature dial in the right position?

The temperature dial should be set to between 18 and 21 degrees.

• Niall MacCárthaigh, Clontygora Court, Dundalk

• Catriona Healy, Cúirt an Rí, Clonmel • Amy Kilkelly, The Glebe, Tuam • Yu Xian Liang, Laburnum Square, Dublin

• Jamie McDonnell, Rockview Court, Wexford • Briege McLoughlin, The Elms, Tallaght • Jake Murphy, Cúirt an Rí, Clonmel

New look Have you noticed that we look a bit different lately? Our new brand has been in the works for the past few months and we are delighted to introduce you to its centrepiece, our new logo.

We’re still the same Clúid but with a shiny new look for 2015!

• Chrissy O’Callaghan Ward, The Belfry, Stepaside • Susan O’Callaghan, The Belfry, Stepaside • Lorna O’Connor, Sutton’s Court, Mitchelstown • Philomena Raby, Bónnog, Midleton • Aishling Stokes, Birchwood, Waterford • Mari Tyrrell, The Stores, Navan • Nora Ward, McMurrough Court, Ferns Best wishes to all of the recipients with their various courses – and good luck to all those facing their first exams before or after Christmas!

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Great Place to Live Competition It’s time to recognise communities and individuals across the country who make their area a great place to live!

Our competition has five categories and you can enter as many of them as you like. You can enter a person, place or project that you think should win our competition.

You can even enter your own project.

The five categories are: 1. Community 2. Appearance 3. Environment 4. Facilities 5. Improvements We hope you will agree that these categories represent all the areas that make your community a great place to live in.

It’s easy and free to enter Application forms will be sent to your home in February 2015. All you need to do is decide what categories you wish to enter and then follow these instructions: 1) Tell us why the person, place or project makes your community a great place to live.

2) Fill out your contact details.

3) Post the form back to us in the freepost envelope before Friday 29 May 2015.

Winners will be announced in late 2015.

You will be contacted if your entry is successful.

Don’t Forget… the day may come when you need someone to listen and to share your worry and your care.

Our advanced technological society is unfortunately matched by an increase in loneliness, isolation and depression, which may lead to suicide, attempted suicide or self-harm. The statistics on suicide make for sober reading: officially, there are, on average, 11 suicides a week in Ireland – 10 out of 11 are male, and younger men are particularly at risk. Statistics, however, never tell the tragic story of the individual, the family and the community that lies behind every figure.

Because of the social stigma attached to suicide, many suicides are not recorded. ‘Death by misadventure’ is a common description used to protect the surviving family. In many cases, there is insufficient information on the death for a clear verdict – either way – to be made.

Providing assistance early has proved to be vital – getting help for the person before the crisis worsens. There are several national agencies that provide support and assistance to people at risk: Brian Murphy, Cork Samaritans Tel. Freephone 116 123 Console Tel 1800 247247 Childline Tel 1800 666666 Aware Tel 1890 303302

Look out for your neighbour this winter Drop in on your neighbour this Christmas, especially if they are living alone. Christmas is a wonderful time for family and friends to get together but it can be a lonely time for some people. In keeping with Brian Murphy’s reflection, share a thought for those who are vulnerable or who are on their own over the festive season.

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Stories from around the Country Thanks to all the residents who organised and took part in the following events.

Fun at Clontygora, Dundalk, Co. Louth Clontygora residents have improved their estate with a range of community events. The residents committee, together with Housing Officer Laura Killalea, worked really hard to build a wonderful community spirit. Well done!

Ghort Mhaoilir, Athenry, Co. Galway Local residents and artist James L Hayes came together to make an artwork called ‘The Myler Fields’. The residents choir performed the iconic Fields of Athenry at the centre green. The younger members of the estate installed a small, permanent, handmade sculpture trail.

A booklet and a DVD were produced. Well done to Maureen Batley and everyone involved.

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Clean up at the Belfry, Stepaside, Co. Dublin The Belfry Community Group holds a clean-up day every two months. The children get stuck in and really enjoy the community spirit. A job well done!

Taobh Linn, Kenmare, Co. Kerry Pictured are the residents of Taobh Linn, Kenmare and some neighbours as they set off on the “Skellig Experience” in Valentia with organiser Elizabeth White.

Na Blátha Creige, Co. Galway – Summer Camp and Street Festival

A wide range of activities were held to help children work together as a group in a safe environment from 11 to 15 August.

Congratulations to Colm Hopkins and Maureen Batley for organising a fantastic summer camp and street festival.

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Tree planting at Deer Park View, Charleville, Co. Cork The residents of Deer Park View formed a small group in September to carry out some tree planting. Kids on the estate were rewarded with new goalposts and are now enjoying the fruits of their labour. Mind those trees!

Women of White Street – Cork City Crisstene Sinclair has announced a new group to compete with the Men’s Shed movement. The idea behind Women of White Street (WOW) is to get the ladies together on a regular basis to introduce and improve their lives with new skills and techniques that can be used in everyday life.

Children from Glendallon, Co. Sligo The children from Glendallon in Sligo raised €138 for the Gaza Appeal. They made and sold loom bands on the estate. Well done all!

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Oriel Lodge residents cruise down the River Erne Residents of Oriel Lodge and friends from Belturbet took a day trip on the Inish Cruise down the River Erne on 18 June. The residents also enjoyed the Festival of the Erne. This year, 40 members of the social club went to the Cavan Museum in Ballyjamesduff, and enjoyed dinner and dancing in Oriel Lodge afterwards.

Una Cusack held her annual soup morning for Irish Autism Action on Friday 3 October. She raised €200.

Well done Una!

Clúid kids clean up at Ballygraigue Court and Ormond Drive Clúid residents in Nenagh joined forces to tidy their estates. The events helped to bolster community spirit and created a tremendous sense of pride amongst the participants. The events were organised

by Geraldine Toohey and David Lalor of the estates’ Neighbourhood Watch Groups.

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Clúid to review pet policy

pets deserve. Some dogs are like prisoners in their own backyards and apartments, getting little or no exercise.

In our summer newsletter, we dealt with the issue of pets. We asked you to tell us about your experiences and opinions so that we could reflect on what Clúid residents feel about pets in community settings. We received some great feedback from both residents and staff and, as a result, we are reviewing our pet ownership policy. Before highlighting the issues relating to pet ownership, we want to remind you of our current pet policy:

A resident from Tralee highlighted his frustrations: “Most dogs have a really appalling life; they are never exercised, and they never get out of the backyard in which they live. This area becomes their toilet, eating area and sleeping area. Some dogs are left out in the open in some of the most appalling weather. No one really sees and no one really cares. No wonder some dogs bark all the time!”

• The tenant is not allowed to keep any domestic pets unless Clúid was asked for permission and has given consent.

• The tenant is liable for any damage caused by their pets and will be responsible for the disposal of any of the animal’s dirt.

• The pet owner must comply with all legislation governing the ownership of domestic pets.

• The tenant is not allowed to keep any farm animals like poultry, pigs, goats, horses or birds. The tenant is not permitted to keep any dog covered by Article 5.1 of the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998, which lists certain breeds.

• It is not permitted to keep any pets in an apartment or on the common areas or on the scheme.

Many residents on our estates across the country are dog owners. The vast majority of those residents care for their pet in a responsible and caring manner. These pets make a positive contribution to the owners’ quality of life and to their communities.

Look at these comments from two Dublin residents: “As we all know, pets are found to have a therapeutic impact on people, especially those suffering from mental health difficulties…as well as improving the quality of life for all individuals.”

“As a child, there was always a dog in our home.

I believe that an animal can be an important part of a child’s life and education…by taking care of animals, kids learn about responsibility… a dog can become a beloved member of the family.”

However, not all residents provide the care their

Non-stop barking is a real problem and can have a damaging effect on a community. Again, this can be avoided with responsible pet management.

Your dog needs and craves regular attention and exercise. A tired dog is a good dog and is less likely to bark from boredom and frustration. For guidance, go to www.dspca.ie.

Cleaning up after your dog is now required by law . However, many people show great disrespect to their neighbours by ignoring this responsibility.

Dog fouling is unpleasant and unsightly. In addition, it can cause serious illness and even blindness.

A Tralee resident says: “As for exercising dogs, those that do are rarely seen picking up their dogs s_ _ t!”

“For the sake of animal welfare first and human welfare second, all dogs should be banned from Clúid estates.”

Dogs in apartment blocks The tenancy agreement states that pets are not permitted in apartment blocks and sheltered housing. This rule is being ignored by some residents and it is proving difficult to enforce.

An apartment dweller in Dublin says: “Dogs in this neighborhood have become a real problem. People leave their dogs out at night. They howl and bark endlessly, making it difficult to get to sleep. Dog owners need to be more considerate.”

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Not everyone agrees with the Clúid policy.

A resident in Kerry argues that a pet can help alleviate loneliness for people in sheltered accommodation: “Until I moved to my current home, I had always kept dogs, and even though I say it myself, I was a responsible owner, I kept them well fed, trained and healthy. I miss having a dog a lot…older people living alone are far better in mind and body having a pet.”

Another Dublin resident thinks the rule discriminates against Clúid residents: “Prohibition of animals creates discrimination between people, institutions and societies, such as between the private property owners and residents with rented accommodation / Clúid residents.”

One possible solution for residents wishing to keep pets such as cats and dogs is an additional service charge. This is only a suggestion at this stage.

The idea provoked a varied response: “I really loved your idea that the residents who chose to keep pets have to pay a small weekly service charge. This is very fair and I think people would benefit from this.”

This is an alternative opinion: “If you impose a small charge for keeping pets, I can foresee a situation where people say, ‘I’ve paid them to clear up after my pet so let them do it’.

The dirtying episodes would only get worse.”

The views and opinions vary greatly, and there are very obvious advantages and disadvantages with regard to pets, and dog ownership in particular.

Clúid recognizes the challenge and has set up a working group to review the policy.

The debate rages on!

Clifden Residents and staff at St Joseph’s Court, Clifden, took part in the Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2014. This project runs worldwide. Small gifts for children of different age groups are placed in a shoebox and delivered to children in need in Eastern Europe and Africa. The gifts cover things that children can use, like writing and washing items, as well as sweets, small cuddly toys, dolls, toy cars, skipping ropes and musical instruments.

Residents at St Joseph’s Court organised a special coffee morning, where items were put into the shoeboxes. A grand total of 30 boxes were filled and shipped off to various locations in time for Christmas. Well done to all!

Put your message in a bottle Putting your vital details in an accessible place at home could save your life. The Scheme Manager for Ard Carrig in Cork brought this scheme to our attention: You place your vital details in a container in the fridge, giving medical crews access to important information quickly in case of an emergency.

It is something for us all to consider.

You can find out more by clicking on the following link: www. hse.ie/eng/services/ list/3/nas/news/ miab.pdf

Clúid News Cluid.ie

Sing out with Strings says a big thank you to Clúid

Congratulations to the children from Cúirt an Rí, Clonmel, who participated in 2canDo Arts for Halloween and won the Community Prize for “Best Sideshow”. Many thanks to our resident, Jacinta Mullins, for organising what was a spooktacular time for everyone involved.

Word Search Puzzle Find the nine hidden words (forward, backwards, upside down, diagonal).

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Puzzle word list: ENTER FAMILY FLOWER FUN

HOME HOUSE LISTEN TALK WELCOME

Clúid gave a donation to children involved in the Sing Out Orchestra for new uniforms – complete with the new Clúid logo. For these children, their music experience has had sensational results, changing attitudes and outlooks to school and education, particularly music education.

See the comments below from some of the children involved. It proves that our small contribution is making a real difference in these children’s lives.

“When I sing, I feel like much safer and every time that I sing, I feel protected…

by Sing Out with Strings.”

“I can sing through my heart and soul!”

“It makes us all feel special!”

“When I am lonely at home, I usually play the violin.”

“Thank you Clúid.”

www.cluid.ie Clúid Housing Association Contact Centre Tel: 01 707 2088 63-66 Amiens Street Fax: 01 707 2244 Dublin 1, Ireland Email: cluid@cluid.ie