Melin News Edition 35 Winter 2017
www.melinhomes.co.uk
Getting online It’s for everyone! We’re looking to help as many people get online as we can. Find out how inside.
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Melin News
Better ways to stay in touch
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ur customer contact team receive on average 7,000 calls a month. The top five reasons for calls over the last three months were:
1 Rents – Calls to pay your rent or find other ways of paying. 2 Repairs – You often ring us to report repairs. You can also email repairs@melinhomes.co.uk. 3 Anti-social behaviour concerns – view our article on page 35 for more about how we deal with anti-social behaviour. 4 Older persons – You often call about our range of homes and services dedicated to helping you live well and independently. 5 Housing – We have lots of calls about how to get a Melin home. There will always be someone at the end of the telephone but there are lots of other ways to get in touch with us from 9–5:
● Email: enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk ● Live chat: chat to us using the box in the corner of our website. ● Type your message in the contact form on the right hand side of every page of our website (except the home page). ● Find us at www.facebook.com/melinhomes ● Join us on Twitter @melinhomes ● Text: 07860 027935 ● Tel: 01495 745910 ● For emergencies outside of our normal hours of 9am–5pm, please call 01495 325333.
Later opening hours
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fter listening to your feedback we are now offering later opening hours every fortnight. You will be able to tweet, message, call or live chat with our Customer Contact Team until 7pm. Check the back of this magazine to see all the dates coming up for late night opening. Please note on these the phone lines will open at 10am, due to essential staff training.
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In this issue… p8 Jumping for joy See how our Jump2 Fund money has been spent and who we’ve helped this year.
p10 Winter checks at home We’ve got three full pages of tips for keeping your home prepared for the cold weather.
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p27–28 12 quotes of Christmas Melin Works have picked 12 people we’ve helped into work this year to see what they said.
p33–34 Dave’s winter warmers Meet our dedicated energy adviser Dave and see how he’s helped some of our residents
p39–40 You said, we did We’ve worked in Barracksfield, Newport and Heritage Gardens to improve the areas.
Let us know! Is there something happening in your community that you would like to see covered in a future edition of Melin News? If so send your stories to news@melinhomes.co.uk or call 01495 745910.
Melin News accessibility If you need this newsletter in large print, Braille, on CD, or explained in a different language, please email us at news@melinhomes.co.uk You can read this issue online at www.issuu.com/melinhomes
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Melin News
A welcome from Paula to your end of year issue
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his will be the last edition of Melin News for 2017, so I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. During the year we celebrated becoming 10 years old and we really enjoyed celebrating our 10th birthday with many of you. As we reflect back on our 10th year it is clear that while 2017 has been a year of change it hasn’t stopped us from moving forward. Speaking of change, we are keen to offer you the chance to receive this magazine in new ways. While we will always provide a paper copy of the Paula Kennedy magazine to those who want it, a growing number of you are receiving a digital copy via email instead. If you would prefer this, please email news@melinhomes.co.uk, give us a call on 01495 745910 or send us a message through our Facebook or Twitter pages. We have lots of exciting things in this edition from all our teams but the stars of the magazine are always you – our residents. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Paula Kennedy Chief Executive
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Learn while you earn W
e are keen to provide training opportunities and have a record number of apprenticeships on our books at the moment. With 10 apprentices working across our Customer Services department. Apprenticeships provide a great opportunity for people to learn and build their skills. Our apprentices work with us while they are at college to gain industry recognised skills and they also benefit greatly from spending time with their more experienced colleagues. We currently have four gas and plumbing apprentices, one electrical apprentice, two painting apprentices and three carpentry apprentices. You may meet them when we are carrying out repairs and services in your home. A number of our apprentices have been successful and have moved into qualified roles here at Melin and many find full time employment locally in the trade they have trained in.
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Melin News
Getting online can be for everyone
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etting online can be a window to the wider world and the best way to access all the services available. It can:
● Allow you to fully access the benefits you are entitled to, such as Universal Credit; ● Save you money by comparing prices on energy, insurance or shopping; ● Help you learn, with a whole world of information at your fingertips; ● Stay in touch with friends near and far as well as keep up to date with what’s happening in your local community; ● Allow you to order your shopping online and have it delivered to your door, tax your car or even book a doctor’s appointment. We are committed to making sure every resident has the chance to be connected to the internet.
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Do you know someone who is struggling to get online? Then speak to our Digital Inclusion team. They can help you get online, give impartial advice on affordable broadband, devices and deals to make it as easy as possible. Once set up they can help with setting up an email, online shopping and banking and other ways to access services online. Sound good? We can help. Give our Digital Inclusion Officer Louise Kingdon a call on 01495 745910 or send her an email enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk
Tony’s story
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aul Collins in our Digital Inclusion team has helped a resident improve his digital skills and his quality of life. Tony, 59, from Newport has had a number of different issues including anxiety and found it hard to leave his home. After receiving his first tablet when he moved into one of our homes, Tony took up the offer of a digital crash course. Paul was able to visit Tony at home and helped him get set up and start using things like email initially. Fast forward just a few more visits from Paul, and the change has been dramatic.
“ I am so grateful to Paul for the wonderful work he is doing. I thought it would be like learning Chinese algebra at first but now, after only six weeks I am able to surf the net, send emails and shop online.” Tony told us. “ It’s been brilliant to see Tony’s progress in the time I have known him. He is now shopping online, paying bills, sending emails and even attending a local computer club in his local library. At times he has needed reassurance and to be shown how to use these different things, but the vast majority of his progress has been his own doing.” Paul, added. Paul now can see real progress in how Tony uses technology. “ I always saw myself as too old for things like tablets and the internet but thanks to Paul’s help I am starting to use it for different things all the time. His visits made a big difference in giving me the confidence to try these new things and I can’t thank Paul enough.”
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Melin News
Be a savvy saver and shopper this Christmas W
e have come up with some money saving tips as Christmas can be such an expensive and stressful time of year.
Make a plan and budget and stick to them. Christmas is only one day, so please don’t get yourself into trouble for the whole of the next year by overspending. Visit the Money Advice website and search ‘budget planner’ to complete a planner so you have an idea of your budget. Why not make Christmas presents or cards for people? You can get the kids involved too. You could make your own chocolates, decorate a cake, make up your own hampers. There are loads of ideas out there, we found some really cool ones on Pinterest and we even had a go at our own, see page 32. Keep energy bills down by keeping warm with layers and making sure you draughtproof your home. Our Energy Advice Officer is here to help make sure you are on the best energy tariff, and provide a home energy check. Just give us a call and ask for Dave, in the Income & Inclusion team. Switch bank accounts in time for Christmas, some offer you money to bank with them. Or recommend a friend and you could get a reward for it. Please don’t be tempted to borrow money from loan sharks. Have you considered a Credit Union? They offer a variety of loans, which only charge interest on the loan balance (not the whole loan amount), with no hidden costs. Visit the Credit Unions Wales website www.creditunionsofwales.co.uk for more info. Need some extra cash for Christmas? Why not have a clear out and sell anything you don’t need or use. There are many websites to sell your stuff, or try a local car boot/table top sale. Check money saving websites for up to date offers and bargains. We hope everyone enjoys Christmas, and remember memories last a life time and you can’t buy those!
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Jumping for joy O
ur staff regularly raise money to put into the community pot we call Jump2 and over the last seven months good causes in your area have received over £5,000. We’ve helped fund college courses, new sports kits, outdoor play equipment for local schools and appliances for community centres. We have recently donated towards:
● A residential camping experience for 30 disadvantaged young people; ● A community festival in Talgarth, Powys; ● Providing disabled ramp to access local rugby club which fully supports charitable causes; ● Funds for a new school cooker for a food and fitness group and after-school club. If you know of a community group that would benefit from a donation or an individual who needs a helping hand to get their career dreams off the ground, download an application form from our website or give Helen Seymour a ring on 01495 745910.
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Melin News
Pictured above: Glyn from Growing Space (left) with Scheme Manager Diane Hughes and resident Kain Jones (right).
Around the schemes Blooming great efforts
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ollowing their success at Usk in Bloom we went along to speak to one of the men behind the beautiful gardens at Castle Court, about their recent win. The judges gave a Gold award and they won Best Sheltered Scheme, pipping the other five schemes in the town to the top spot. Retired agricultural engineer Kain Jones has shown a great deal of dedication to making the garden blossom. He is out every day, twice a day, in all weathers planting, weeding and dead-heading.
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Pictured: Residents of Castle Court enjoying their colourful courtyard and gardens.
Other residents have been inspired to join in as they’ve seen the garden grow and develop. Kain has really valued their help and the help they have had from Glyn from Growing Space. Scheme Manager Diane Hughes said: “A lot of people have enjoyed getting outside and it seems the ground work that Kain and Glyn have put in has inspired others to join in and has been the catalyst for launching our new Resident Garden Group. I really admire Kain’s dedication and his work and that of the garden group which has benefited everyone who lives and visits Castle Court. “ It has helped to keep me fit,” Kain added, “I was under orders to lose weight and I’m a star pupil now.”
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Melin News
Santa ’round the schemes
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his festive season our Communities Team have been spreading the goodwill around our sheltered schemes and estates. The Melin bus has doubled up as Santa’s sleigh and we have been delivering festive fun to local children. Some of you at our schemes have also enjoyed visits from local school choirs. We hope you all have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
Coffee and Cake
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ur residents from St Mary’s Court in Newport hop on a bus every week to visit residents in Ty Cae Nant, Cwmbran for an afternoon of tea and cakes. Local school Crownbridge attend the social gathering too setting up a café, selling homemade cakes. Pupils Cameron Sulway, Marianna Tedesco and Daniel Lewis took orders and waited on residents raising over £50 for for Macmillan Cancer.
Claire Boshein, St Mary’s Court scheme manager said; “It’s great for residents from two schemes to come together and share their week. Everyone loves it.” Marianna was pictured with residents Pat Walker and Mary Evans who became best friends the day they moved in, in 2015. “ I love living here, you’re never lonely. There is always something going on and I have made so many friends.” Pat said.
Need more space? Looking to downsize? Or move to a different town?
HomeSwapper could be the answer you’re looking for. It is the largest mutual exchange service for residents to swap homes locally and nationally. It’s simple to use, you can download the free mobile app or visit the HomeSwapper website www.homeswapper.co.uk
Here are some tips to help you get the best out of HomeSwapper ● Draw up a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘would likes’ for your new home. This way, you will not be swayed by the decoration or furniture. ● Use the additional text box on your advert to let others know what you are looking for, as well as what you are offering. This can speed up the process. ● Check your account regularly. ● Use social media. You can find HomeSwapper on Facebook www.facebook.com/HomeSwapperOfficial and Twitter twitter.com/HomeSwapperteam where you will see all the latest up-to-date HomeSwapper information. ● Make sure your rent account is up-to-date. Arrears could lead to your landlord refusing or delaying your move. ● Make sure you have closed your account once you have swapped, to avoid receiving further alerts and messages from HomeSwapper and other users. Have fun looking, and good luck with the swap!
What’s it all about BOB?
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niversal Credit (UC) is a single monthly payment of benefit for people in or out of work, replacing six benefits.
Banking
Online
Budgeting
Universal Credit can be paid into a bank or credit union account. Set one up or use the one you have.
All claims are managed online, so you need to know where you can access the internet and you need the skills to go online.
You need to plan your budget. Universal Credit is paid monthly rather than weekly or fortnightly.
What else did BOB do? He made an email address and registered at www.gov.uk/verify He also started saving a couple of pounds each week so he had money before his first UC payment. (It takes at least six weeks for your first payment to arrive after you make your claim.)
We can help you! If you need advice about banking, getting online, budgeting, or anything Universal Credit-related, our Income & Inclusion team can help. Please contact us on 01495 745910, or email us at enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk.
What does this mean for you? What you need to do next depends when your area becomes full service: Torfaen – 12th July 2017 Newport – 15th November 2017 Monmouthshire – June 2018 Blaenau Gwent – July 2018 Powys – October 2018
If you need to make a new claim for: ● Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; ● Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; ● Income Support; ● Child Tax Credit; ● Working Tax Credit; ● Housing Benefit; And you have two children or less, you will be asked to make a claim for Universal Credit (this is one payment replacing all the benefits listed above). If you already get any of the above individual benefits you don’t need to do anything unless you have a change in circumstance.
What could prompt a change? ● Change in working hours; ● Bereavement; ● Found fit for work so Employment and Support Allowance stops; ● The start or end of a relationship; ● Loss of job; ● Birth of a child; ● Youngest child turns five; ● Becoming a carer; ● Making a new claim for Housing Benefit; ● Moving from one local authority to another; If you’re affected by anything on the list above you will need to report the change to the department you’re claiming the benefit from, they will advise you to claim Universal Credit.
Please don’t forget ● You need to make a separate claim to your local authority for help with Council Tax. ● Also, the way you pay your rent changes. With Universal Credit you will be responsible for paying your rent to us.
Your Universal Credit checklist
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o make your Universal Credit claim process as quick and easy as possible, make sure you’ve got all the following information:
● Your and your partner’s National Insurance numbers; ● Your postcode; ● Your email address (you can’t claim without one); ● Your phone number (landline or mobile); ● Our address, Melin Homes, Ty’r Felin, Lower Mill Fields, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 0XJ; ● Your rent (contact us if you’re not sure of the correct amount); ● Your tenancy start date; ● Details of any children/relatives/other people who live with you, including their name, date of birth, relationship to you and income; ● Details of any savings; ● Details of any other money you receive; ● Your account number, sort code, bank name and address. All the changes to benefits can be confusing, please remember you’re not alone, our Income & Inclusion team are all trained and here to help you.
What can we help with? ● We can give first class professional benefit advice, including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the Benefit Cap; ● Help with making a money planner, so you can budget, and we can even give you advice on how to increase your income. ● Help with energy debt and advice; ● Help to get things like washing machines and fridge freezers;
● Tribunal assistance or reconsiderations for benefit appeals; ● Help to open a bank or savings account or digitally assist; ● Provide you with food bank vouchers. Please call us on 01495 745910 or email our Income & Inclusion team at enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk. We’re not the only ones who can help. Further information on Universal Credit can be found on the following websites:
GOV.UK’s Benefits Calculators The Government’s website explains Universal Credit in more detail. You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out what benefits you could get, how to claim and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
The Money Advice Service This website offers free and impartial money advice. You can also call them on 0800 138 7777. They are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (except Bank Holidays), Saturday, 9am to 1pm and closed on Sunday.
Turn2us – What is Universal Credit? Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. You can contact them via there online form. They also have a handy on line calculator so you can see if you’re receiving all the benefits your entitled to.
Citizens Advice – Universal Credit The Citizens Advice service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination If you require advice telephone the Citizens Advice line on 03444 77 2020, or visit the National Citizens Advice website.
A little help makes a big difference! We met with residents, Deb, 59 and Dickie, 62 this week as they wanted to thank our Income and Inclusion team, and share their story with others. We first met the housemates four years ago. Deb, recalls “I was borrowing off Peter to pay Paul. I can read and write but I wasn’t opening my mail. There just wasn’t enough money coming in, I was behind with all my bills.” The team visited and sorted out outstanding bills with water, gas, electric and rent. When Dickie got ill they put the housemates in touch with Tenovus and Macmillan Cancer and applied for additional benefits that have made all the difference. Life was once very difficult struggling up a steep hill with shopping, and paying for expensive taxis. But now the friends know how to budget, they have a car and are even looking forward to a short break in Brean Sands. Deb, spoke emotionally about the help from the team saying; “Bethan Edwards is amazing, someone who always goes the extra mile and Gavin Payne is a star. The service is wonderful. I highly recommend other people get in touch. Don’t suffer, help is out there!”
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You’ve been a STAR S
ome of you will have received a STAR Survey, which was your chance to tell us about the services we give you. Thank you to all those who returned the survey. They are very important to help us know what we do well and where we can improve. The deadline to receive responses has now passed, so in the New Year we will be publishing the results and our response to them. If you have any questions about the STAR survey or have any feedback to give us on our services please email the Performance Management Team on enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk or call 01495 745910.
Tell us more to be in our prize draw! I
f you haven’t had one already, in the New Year you will be receiving a profiling survey. This information will help us to shape our services to your needs. Everything you tell us will be stored and treated in line with Data Protection law. This means that we won’t share your details with anyone or keep them longer than we have to. Those who do fill in a survey will be automatically entered into a prize draw for £200 of shopping vouchers. If you have any questions, would prefer a telephone interview or would like the survey in another language or format please contact our Customer Contact Team on 01495 745910 or you can email enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk
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Melin News
Helping you keep your tenancy going! M
eet Kate Pope-Makowski our Tenancy Sustainability Officer. Her role is to help you keep your tenancy going, and provide support if you need it. Recently Kate helped a young vulnerable male. His flat was full of clutter and broken furniture, with just a mattress on the floor for a bed. With the help of Mel’s Handy People they cleared the rubbish and got some upcycled furniture from Circulate and Trac 2, a vacuum cleaner and bed was also sourced. Thanks to Kate we have been able to gain access to the property to carry out an overdue boiler service and have recently installed a new kitchen. Help was also provided to another resident who was unwell and really struggling with mobility issues. After referring the case to Occupational Therapy, the resident received a walkin shower, and walking aids within the property. Kate helped strengthen a claim for Personal Independence Payment with help from Melin’s Income & Inclusion team, this is a payment you can receive if you have long term health or disability issues. It was successfully awarded meaning the resident will be £7,000 a year better off. The help provided has significantly helped the resident and family life is looking much brighter. If you think you need Kate’s help, get in touch. All the ways you can do this are listed on page 1.
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Keep yourself warm and well this winter C
old weather can be bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 and older. As we age it takes longer to warm up, which raises the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke. That is why we have put together this quick guide to staying warm and well. If you or someone you know is older or not very mobile then these top tips may help.
1. Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). Our energy efficiency expert may be able to help you find the best tariff and could help you cut your energy bills. 2. Wrap up warm. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections, so wear a scarf while you are out and about. 3. Get help with your money. Don’t suffer in silence give our Income & Inclusion team a ring to see if they can help. 4. Look after yourself:
● Contact your doctor and get the flu jab if you are over 65 or have any long term health issues. ● Wear shoes and slippers with a good grip. Torfaen Libraries have 250 pairs of new slippers to give away as part of their Slipper Swap, so take in your old worn slippers and get a brand new pair to prevent you falling in your home. ● Get your toenails cut. ● Make sure your gas appliances have had their annual safety check – if you have missed any appointments with our gas safety team give them a ring to re-arrange. ● Get a home fire safety check. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will provide this service free of charge to older or disabled people. Call them to arrange a visit on freephone 0800 169 1234. If you know someone who lives in a privately rented or owns their own home our Care & Repair agency can help. Give them a ring on 01495 745936.
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Melin News
Give your home some winter checks
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s the cold weather starts approaching, there are a few things you can do now to prepare your home for the winter:
Check your boiler is working properly If it doesn’t seem to be working, contact us now so we can catch any problem early and we can send someone out to you.
Check your radiators are all working If any of your radiators aren’t getting warm, you may just need to bleed them. If there are any issues with them heating up, or you notice a leak, give us a call to arrange a repair. You can find a video on how to bleed your radiators on our YouTube channel, just visit www.youtube.com/melinhomes
Check your gutters are clear Blocked drains and gutters can cause damage to your home. Give us a call and we can arrange to send someone out to take a look.
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Summer 2017
Consider switching energy suppliers Switching won’t affect you supply; all that happens is that your money goes to a different company when you pay your bill. There are lots of websites that will search for the best deal including uSwitch. If you’re struggling with energy bills and need some free energy advice and a home energy health check contact our energy team by email or text 07781 472210 or call 01495 745910, quoting ‘energy’.
Cover those gaps Those chilly winter breezes can find their way through the nooks and crannies of your home. Why not get one of those funny draught excluders shaped like a snake or a dog? If you have a problem with the heating or electric in your home, give us a call. All we ask before you do, is that you check certain things:
Heating ● If you have a pre-pay meter, check you have credit. ● If you have recently topped up a pre-pay meter, have you restarted the meter so the credit will appear? If neither of these things solve the issue:
● Check the pressure on the boiler, it should be between 1 and 2. ● If it isn’t, we can provide you with a guide on how to re-pressure your boiler or talk you through it on the phone. ● If this does it work, reset the boiler and see if it provides you with a fault code.
Electricity supply ● If you have a problem with your electricity, it could be a complete power cut, or the sockets or lights may have stopped working. ● If it’s a complete power cut – it will be a supplier issue and it would be worth checking with neighbours if their lights work.
more on the next page
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Melin News
● If it’s just the lights which aren’t working, try changing the bulb. If that doesn’t work, we will need to come and visit you. ● If there is no power cut in your area then something may have tripped the power. Before we can send someone, try unplugging all your appliances. Start with the appliances you’re used most recently. Once they’re unplugged go to your fuse box push the switch back up. Then plug back in each device one by one to find the issue. You may well be charged if you don’t carry out these checks and we have to visit you. If you have a problem with your heating or electric in your home, give us a call. All we ask before calling is to check certain things including:
Gas servicing You will receive a letter from us when it’s time for your gas service to be carried out, so that you can contact us to book it in. You can get in touch via telephone, email, live chat, text or Facebook. Once you have booked your service, please make sure you are available at the property for the agreed date and time, you can leave the rest to us. If you are not going to be available, please let us know so that we can find another date that’s suitable for you. Keeping your home safe is very important. If gas appliances are not fitted and serviced correctly they may cause problems. Legally we have to carry out these checks every year. All our engineers are on the Gas Safe Register; a list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas appliances. It is important for you to book your annual gas service with us in order for your home to be kept safe.
Summer 2017
School children get creative about their communities W
e ran a competition with Abersychan Secondary School asking pupils to write a poem about what their communities mean to them. Huge congratulations to winner Hyrum Ward from Year 10. Hyrum is now a published poet and will also get vouchers for Limitless trampoline park, Cwmbran. This is the winning entry from Hyrum Ward‌
Close Knit
t together, h g u ro b y ll fu re a c s e Individual stich To create a whole, ck of the lonely, a b e th rm a w to t e k A blan member, t s e w e n s it e m o lc e A cardigan to w e cold A hat to keep out th g a whole. n ti a re c s e h tc ti s s u All of ent, Like a knitted garm We offer protection, the needy d n a y rl e ld e e th , g n For the very you a difference Such power to make derstands n u h tc ti s h c a e if ly But on se, and fulfils its purpo A community, Close knit.
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Are you a looking 25 Melin News for a job, training or a placement? Get in touch with Melin Works on 01495 745910 or visit www.melinhomes.co.uk/melinworks
Melin Works – we’re here for you O
ur Melin Works team is here to provide you with practical advice, support and help with finding a job. We care about building your confidence and helping you into work. Our team have years of experience securing employment, work placement and training opportunities for people of all ages. From holding work clubs to giving you one-to-one advice, we have a dedicated team who have all the answers at their fingertips for your specific needs. We have a weekly email for residents to be kept up to date with jobs in your area; please email melinworks@melinhomes.co.uk to be put onto the mailing list. You can keep up with all the job vacancies and opportunities on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/melinworks or by following us on Twitter @melinworks.
Case Study 1 – Paul
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aul had been out of work for 7 years and was keen to get back into work. Paul was referred to the Melin Works team to help him find the right opportunities. Lee from the Melin Works team was able to go through what Paul was looking to do work wise and secured a work placement here at Melin. Lee said; “Paul was keen to build on his skills and confidence by working in an office environment which wouldn’t worsen his mobility issues. He lived close to our head office, so when the opportunity came up I thought he would be ideal.” Paul began giving administration support to our busy Asset Management team. He does a wide range of administrative tasks in support of the team; filing, printing, organising visits and jobs for the team and photocopying are just some.
Are you in touch 2017 with 26 26 a looking for a job, training or a placement? GetSummer Melin Works on 01495 745910 or visit www.melinhomes.co.uk/melinworks
“ The office is busy and this means I get to gain experience in a fast paced environment and pick up new skills along the way.” Paul said. “ Seeing Paul’s progress has been brilliant to see. While the placement has been ongoing, we have been able to help write a CV and begin applying for permanent paid roles.” Lee said.
Case Study 2 – Mark
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ark is a Melin resident living in Abergavenny and had been out of work for some time. During his time with Melin Works, Mark has been able to gain new skills, increase his confidence and get into full time employment. “ There were times where I felt so far away from getting back into work. But with Allison’s help I am now back in full time work. I really liked that they made sure all the help I got was focused on my needs and the things that stop me getting a job in the first place. I can’t thank Melin enough.” Mark told us. The help given to Mark included:
● Completed Health and Safety and Food Hygeine level 2 qualification; ● Attended an Induction programme, which included CV writing tips; ● Renewed CRB Check for Employment; ● Renewed his driving licence; ● Paid travelling expenses for training. “ Mark is now in full time employment with Allied Health Care and is on course for a much brighter future. Working with him I saw how he just needed the right type of support to help him to get back into work, and I am really happy we were able to help him.” Said Allison James, Employment Officer, Melin Works.
Are you a looking 27 Melin News for a job, training or a placement? Get in touch with Melin Works on 01495 745910 or visit www.melinhomes.co.uk/melinworks
12 quotes of Christmas W
ith this being our Christmas issue, the Melin Works team spoke to some of the residents they have helped. The team asked the residents how Christmas is now much better for them having got a job this year.
Here is what 12 of our residents had to say…
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“Lee has been amazing throughout. He’s really supported me from preparing me for interview to helping make starting my new job as easy as possible. I would absolutely recommend other residents getting help from the Melin works team.” — Alex, Torfaen “There were times where I felt so far away from getting back into work. But with Allison’s help I am now back in full time work. I really liked that they made sure all the help I got was focused on my needs and the things that stop me getting a job in the first place. I can’t thank Melin Works enough.” — Mark, Abergavenny
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“To be honest, it was a bit of luck that Melin Works happened to be at the job centre that day, but it’s obviously a bit of luck I was really happy with. The role they suggested seemed exactly what I was looking and I was over the moon to get it.” — Ben, Abertillery “I hit a real low point until I met Lee from Melin. He made a real effort to help me back to work and give me back my positive drive back. Since then I’ve found a full time job with frog bikes in the warehouse on the forklift which is a a job I love. Now I’ve got my own home and a future to look forward to.” — Simon, Pontypool
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“Being in work and able to support myself and not rely on benefits has done a lot to improve my self-confidence and general health. Paula has been great with her support and Melin Works even arranged to get my bicycle fixed so I could get back and forth to work.” — Pawel, from Cwmbran
Are you a looking for a job, training or a placement?Summer Get in touch 28 2017 with 28 Melin Works on 01495 745910 or visit www.melinhomes.co.uk/melinworks
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“For the first time in several years I will be looking forward to Christmas. Now that I am working full time I can enjoy it without worrying about money.” — Matthew, from Newport “Before the support from Keith and Melin Works I was demotivated and couldn’t see how I would ever find a job. But they were able to not only help me in a practical way with things like my driving license, but put me in front of potential employers. Having got a start in a company doing a delivery job I feel a lot more positive about my future.” — Steven, Ebbw Vale
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“The chance to volunteer in an office is a great first step towards me getting back into work. Lee was able to help me write a CV, do training on interview techniques and get me into a work placement to help me gain real life experience. He was even able help me with gaining confidence and applying for full time jobs.” — Paul, Pontypool “I am so, so happy to be starting work before Christmas. It’s a great feeling to get my first wage since breaking my back. I can spoil my family and friends and have a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year” — Amy, Monmouthshire
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“It is amazing the feeling you get being able to pay for Christmas with money you have earned, I love it. Thanks to Melin Works I can now” — Rob, Torfaen “I feel a lot more relaxed about Christmas in general and I’m looking forward to being able to get my children nicer things and feel proud to know I earned the money myself. Lee and Melin have been absolutely amazing and have helped me change my own life for the better. Thank you.” — Alexandra, Pontypool “It means the world to me to be the one paying for Christmas this year. I feel like this is the start of everything for me” — Luke, Pontypool
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Melin News
Generation Game day A
group of residents and volunteers from our youth forum bridged the age game with a Generation Game day. The group were aged between 11 and 94 and they had fun getting to know each other by playing traditional card games, indoor bowls, Jenga and Wii Sports games at Llys Ebwy in Ebbw Vale. Volunteers from our youth forum The Volume visited older people at Llys Ebwy in Ebbw Vale to see how people used to spend their free time and mark International Older Person’s Day.
“ It was a fantastic event and thoroughly enjoyed by all. One of our residents commented that it was the best morning she had had in very long time.” Said scheme manager Liz Hughes. Callum Chapman, aged 12, is a volunteer at The Volume and attends regular meetings at our Pontypool HQ with other young people to give their views and help shape the services that we provide. “ We had a brilliant time meeting the older residents. One of the men taught me how to do an amazing magic trick with playing cards and I haven’t stopped showing it to people.” Callum said. If you or a young person you know would like to get involved with The Volume let us know. Send an email to Georgina at enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk
Summer 2017
Match mascot W
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ell done to Zach who was chosen as the match-day mascot to lead the Newport Gwent Dragons onto the field at tonight’s game. Seven year old Zach from Newport loves playing football and rugby and his favourite player is Hallam Amos. Here Zach is pictured with Ollie Griffiths.
You could win £25 in high street vouchers!
The Winter Quiz You could bag yourself £25 in high street vouchers. Have a go at our quiz (by 25th February), kindly written by Newport resident Bill Fouweather. If there are a number of correct entries the winner will be drawn from a hat. Good luck!
1
What is the collective name for: a. A _______ of worshippers? b. A _______ of magistrates?
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Which king of England was starved to death?
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Which football club has won the FA Cup the most times?
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Who is the current captain of the English men’s cricket team?
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Belgrade is the capital city of which European country?
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What is the difference between 16×6 and 17×7?
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What is the largest planet in the Solar System?
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The twelfth day of Christmas falls on which date?
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Which group had a hit in the 1960s with the song ‘Little Red Rooster’?
10 What is the largest castle in south Wales? 11 The Battle of Stamford Bridge took place near which English city? 12 In which film did Tom Hardy play the two roles of the Kray twins? 13 If you are suffering from pulmonary disease what organ of the body is affected? 14 Who wrote the book “Moonfleet”? You can post your answers to Melin News Quiz, Ty’r Felin, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 0XJ or email them to news@melinhomes.co.uk Don’t forget to include your name and address and we’ll announce the winner in the next issue. Last issue’s winner is Miss Pauline Thomas. Well done!
Check www.melinhomes.co.uk/news for last issue’s answers
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Let’s get Christmassy S
tuck for a last minute Christmas gift idea? Why not make something? A personalised homemade Christmas present shows great imagination and can be fun and cheap to make too! We’ve had a little go. Why don’t you share anything you make with us, just post the picture to our Facebook or Twitter page.
Personalised mug: You’ll need (you can get everything online or from a craft shop): 1. Porcelain mug 2. Porcelain pens Decide who you’re making the gift for and design away! We’re sure you can be more creative than us!
Personalised to do list You’ll need (you can get everything online or from a craft shop): 1. White board 2. Permanent markers 3. Whiteboard pens to go with the gift! Decide who you’re giving the gift to and personalise it with the permanent markers. You can draw pictures around the boarder to make the gift really special.
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Melin News
Dave’s winter warmers M
eet Dave our dedicated energy adviser to help you save energy and money. He can help with gas and electric bills, changing supplier, Priority Service Register (PSR), water payments, Warm Homes Discount and much more. Don’t take our word for it, meet some of the residents Dave has helped:
VJ, age 74 from Abergavenny
VJ was put in touch with Dave through his scheme manager Laura Benyer. Dave has helped by:
● Giving advice on the best energy company to use, ● Registering him for the Priority Service Register. This is free service, simply contact your gas or electricity supplier to see if your eligible. There are lots of benefits some of which are; advance notice of planned power cuts, priority support in an emergency and an identification scheme. ● Applying for the Warm Homes Discount. You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2017 to 2018 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money isn’t paid to you – it’s a oneoff discount on your electricity bill, between October and March. Just contact your supplier to find out if your eligible. ● VJ has also benefitted from a new residents’ benefit check with Fiona from our Income & Inclusion team. This has meant he now receives all the money he is entitled to!
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Keith Williams, age 57 from Pontypool Keith was referred to Dave as he was struggling with high energy bills. Dave has helped by;
● Getting Keith taken off a pre-payment meter, he now has a new billing meter; ● Applying for the Warm Homes Discount; ● Registering him for the Priority Service Register; ● Applying for Welsh Water’s HelpU tariff. If your household’s income is less than £15,000 per year, you may be eligible to receive support from Welsh Water’s HelpU tariff to reduce the amount you pay. If you think you would benefit from Dave’s energy expertise get in touch! If you don’t know who your gas or electricity supplier is you can visit ofgem.gov.uk and search for the page titled ‘Who is my gas or electricity supplier?’ It will explain how to find out.
Simple energy saving tips you can do right now ● Switch off or unplug any chargers or appliances you don’t need on. ● Wash your clothes in the washing machine at 30 degrees. ● Think ahead when setting your heating. Set it to come on 15–30 minutes before you need it on, and off 30 minutes before you go to bed. ● Check the energy label to make sure you’re buying an efficient product. ● Get cosy. Wear more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house. ● Get the kids involved. Why not make a fun draught excluder from scrap materials, or make a word search with the theme of saving energy.
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Melin News
Anti-social behaviour, help us to help you W
e take a firm but fair stance in incidents of serious antisocial behaviour and we will give you support to deal with any neighbourhood dispute before it gets worse.
What is anti-social behaviour? Anti-social behaviour (ASB) and neighbour nuisance are terms that describe a range of behaviours that can affect and upset other people. This can be things like abusive, threatening or violent behaviour, criminal acts, loud music, racial harassment, drug dealing, vandalism, graffiti, or dumping rubbish. More serious anti-social behaviour can be any hate-related incident about a person’s race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability or age; physical violence e.g. physical abuse, assault, fighting; drug use or dealing; arson or criminal offences and domestic abuse. We usually require evidence from the Police to enable us to take forward criminal matters that are also a breach of tenancy, for example reports of drug use and drug dealing.
Your responsibilities: When you signed your tenancy agreement with us you promised to be responsible for the behaviour of everyone living in or visiting your home. All we ask is for you to be a good neighbour and wherever possible to sort things out between you and your neighbours – sometimes all it needs is a brief conversation to sort issues out.
What can you do yourself? We take any reports of ASB seriously but there are a few things you can do yourself to try and sort out any issues out before you get in touch with us. The first thing to do is to try talking to the person or people involved as they may not be aware that their behaviour is affecting you. Do this calmly, explain things properly and try to avoid any bad feeling. If the problem doesn’t
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stop then the next step is to speak to your Housing Officer or Scheme Manager who will be able to offer you advice and support.
Our Community Safety team will deal with: ● Drunken behaviour; ● Misuse of communal areas or public space; ● Inappropriate use of fireworks; ● Criminal behaviour (where there is police evidence); ● Loud music; ● Noise nuisance e.g. barking dogs; ● Hate-related incidents. ● We won’t deal with: ● Children playing in the street or arguing; ● Everyday household events such as; flushing toilets, cooking smells, smoking in own home, washing machines, babies crying or playing; ● Staring or looking at someone; ● Pets straying across your garden; ● One off noise nuisance such as a one-off party or BBQ; ● Personal disputes where no breach of tenancy can be proven; ● Problems arising from a conflict of lifestyles, such as shift work.
How to report ASB to us You can report anti-social behaviour to us in the following ways:
● On our website using the chat facility. ● Email us at asb@melinhomes.co.uk ● Call us on 01495 745910 ● or text us on 07860 027935
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Melin News
Foodbank Christmas opening times I
f you’re struggling for money to buy food, foodbanks provide emergency food during crisis situations such as redundancy, benefit delays or receiving an unexpected bill. If you need a foodbank over Christmas we have pulled together the opening hours in the following areas:
Newport Christchurch Centre BT Compound, Malpas Road, Newport NP20 5PP Closed Monday 25th December, Thursday 28th December, and Monday 1st January 2018. Open 2–4pm on 4th January 2018. Normal Monday hours from 8th January 2018 (5.30pm–6.30pm) St Paul’s Centre The Old Post Office, 9 Bridge Street, Newport NP20 4AL Open as normal 11am–1pm on 20th December, 22nd December, 27th December, 29th December, 3rd January and 5th January 2018. Duffryn Community Centre, Duffryn, Newport NP10 8TE Closed 26th December, will re-open 2nd January 2018, 1– 3pm.
Monmouth Monmouth and District Foodbank Monmouth Baptist Church, 3 Monk Street, Monmouth NP25 3LR Intending to open as normal every Friday 10am–12 noon.
Pontypool Eastern Valley Foodbank, Hope Centre, Unit 5 Pavillion Industrial Estate, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool NP4 6NF Open 10am–12 noon on 23rd December and will re-open on 3rd January 2018.
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Chepstow The Bridge Church, Unit 1a Critchcraft Buildings, Bulwark Industrial Estate, Bulwark, Chepstow NP16 5QZ During Christmas week they will be open 10 am–12 noon on 27th December, closed on 29th December. Normal opening hours from 3rd January 2018.
Risca Risca Foodbank, The Salvation Army, 66a Commercial Street, Pontymister, Risca, Newport NP11 6BA Open 10am–12 noon on 22nd December, 29th December, 3rd January 2018. Then back to normal opening hours.
To find details of foodbanks in your area or anywhere in the country visit www.trusselltrust.org and type ‘foodbank’ in the search bar. The Find a Foodbank page will then show you a map where you can search any area.
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Melin News
You said, we did Barracksfield, Newport
W
e have been out and about with our communities team over the summer speaking to some of you. We visited Barracksfield in Newport and this is what was said:
You said We did
● Litter is a problem ● Anti-social behaviour was causing you problems ● With your support we organised a litter pic. We will be organising another one for next year. So, watch this space, your help is invaluable. ● We worked with the Police who we have a great relationship with and highlighted the anti-social behaviour issues. This has resulted in us obtaining two possession orders for properties. This shows that if we all work together we get results! ● Our Melin Works team has met with those who were interested in getting a job and training. ● Our Communities Team has contacted those who were interested in joining our Residents’ Panel.
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Heritage Gardens, Blaenavon You said
We did
● Litter is a problem ● Specific anti-social behaviour was causing problems ● It would be great to have more impact, working together as a resident group. ● All anti-social behaviour cases have been addressed and legal action has been taken. ● We will be organising another litter pick as our last one got rained off! We can’t control the Welsh weather! ● Our Housing and Communities teams are working together to set up a residents group. The first meeting will be held in December where we will find out how we can support you and what your priorities are.
Some of our staff and volunteers at our successful litter pick at Barracksfield. We’ll arrange another in Blaenavon when we get some better weather.
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Melin News
A year in the life of the Residents’ Panel A
t the Panel’s recent AGM they gave a quick round up of all the work the volunteers had accomplished throughout the year. Here is how the Panel has made a difference:
● They have helped to set up residents’ associations; ● They’ve given money for planting to brighten up communal areas; ● The Disability Group has carried out a review of accessibility on three of our sheltered schemes and have sent recommendations to the Independent Living team; ● Customer Services Group has been shortlisted for a Welsh TPAS Award for its work on reviewing the cleaning and anti-social behaviour processes; ● Chair Jan Harris was shortlisted for the TPAS Volunteer of the Year Award; ● Volunteers on The Volume – our youth forum have worked with schools and begun a training programme giving them valuable experience boosting their CVs; ● They have given £100 to each sheltered scheme to help them with their Christmas festivities;
42 ● They sponsored a young residents’ art competition giving the winners £50 vouchers each; ● They bought a TV for the young people’s room at Torfaen Carers’ Centre; ● They have supported Melin Works and Income & Inclusion by providing grant funding for their clients; ● They have had training in interview skills, welfare reform and digital technology. If you want to get involved in any of the groups or want to have your say email residentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk or call Caroline on 01495 745910.
Warm wishes to Jan T
hank you and farewell to former Residents’ Panel Chair and Board Member Jan Harris who stepped down as Chair at the last Residents’ Panel AGM. Chair of our Board Chris Edmondson presented Jan with a gift. Warm wishes for your future Jan – you will be missed and we hope you stay in touch.
Snap it Send it The new app for Melin residents. Report your repairs quickly and easily through your smartphone. Launching January 2018.
Opening times over Christmas? We will close for Christmas at 12 noon on 22nd December and reopen on 2nd January 2018. If there is an emergency and you need to get in touch with us when our office is closed, you can call our out of hours number 01495 325333.
New year new opening times! From 2nd January 2018 our Customer Contact Team will be available to help you at new times: From 8am till 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am till 5pm Friday. During these hours our Customer Contact Team will be available for you to chat with us online, email, tweet, message through Facebook, text us or call. Our reception and visits will still be between 9–5pm.