Opening Doors – Enhancing Lives
www.clwydalyn.co.uk
Residents’ Newsletter – Summer 2016
In this issue: Pg 7 Work starts on new affordable homes in Rhyl Pg 11 New Clwyd Alyn App Pg 3 Old Court House Café
Pg 4 Safety Notice
Pg 12 Competition Time
Telephone: 0800 183 5757 or 01745 536800 Email: enquiries@clwydalyn.co.uk Clwyd Alyn Housing Association is a Charitable Industrial and Provident Society
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WELCOME
Keep up to date with the latest news and events on Facebook and Twitter Don’t forget to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages, where we update you with everything that’s happening. Post on our wall if you want to ask anything, discover more about what’s going on in your neighbourhood and find out what we’re doing in your community. We post service updates as well as news from the Group, developments, job vacancies and local events. Like us: facebook.com/PennafHGroup Follow us: @PennafHGroup
RESIDENTS’ CONFERENCE 2016 This year’s Residents’ Conference will take place on Wednesday the 26th October 2016 at the Beaufort Park Hotel near Mold. The theme will be: ‘Run Clwyd Alyn for a Day’. More information on the conference will be provided to all Residents later on in the year.
CONTENTS
page
ÃÃ Have you been to the Old Court House Café in Flint?
3
ÃÃ Safety Notice
4
ÃÃ Changes to housing benefit
5
ÃÃ We Need You
6
ÃÃ Work starts on new affordable homes in Rhyl
7
ÃÃ Community Events
8-9
ÃÃ Pencartref - Advice, Adaptations & Repairs
10
ÃÃ Important information about light bulbs
10
ÃÃ Your Account
11
ÃÃ Competition Time
12
CONTACT DETAILS We always want to hear about your local news. If you have any articles you would like to include in the next newsletter, please send them to Gareth on the contact details below. 01745 536843
gareth.hughesroberts@clwydalyn.co.uk
Like us: facebook.com/PennafHGroup Follow us: @PennafHGroup
www.clwydalyn.co.uk
72 Ffordd William Morgan, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, Denbighshire, LL17 0JD.
0800 183 5757. For cheaper calls from a mobile 0300 183 5757 or 01745 536800
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OLD COURT HOUSE CAFÉ
Have you been to the Old Court House Café in Flint? Whether you fancy a cappuccino, americano or hot chocolate, the Old Court House Café serves a range of coffee blends and refreshing teas by Dwyfor a premium Welsh supplier of coffee. Open Monday to Saturday, the Old Court House Café is ideal for a quick coffee, whether you’re passing through and want a takeaway latte, or enjoying a leisurely drink whilst catching up with friends. If you’re hungry too, a wide range of quality food is served; grab a breakfast, lunch or some cake to satisfy those hunger pangs! You can even enjoy afternoon tea, a bargain at £4.99 per person! Oh, and there’s free Wi-Fi! The 16th century Old Court House on Church Street is the second oldest building in the town and has been renovated and restored into a modern café and community hub. The Pennaf Housing Group, which includes Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, transformed the Old Court House, thanks to funding support from Flint Townscape Heritage Initiative – a partnership funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, CADW, Flint Town Council, Flintshire County Council and the European Regional Development Fund. As a complete contrast to the contemporary café the Old Court House is also a hub of activity centred on the historic past of the building, pre-dated only by the castle. A ‘Memories Day’ has already taken place, where Flint residents helped bring history to life, sharing memories of their bygone times in the town. There are lots more activities planned with: Weekly family activities over the summer holidays Look out for the Halloween Ghost Walk on the 31st October! Earlier this year, the Heritage Lottery Fund announced a £48,200 grant to create a community heritage hub within the building. The grant includes a £7,000 contribution from Flintshire County Council. Why not call into the Old Court House to see how impressive it now looks and to taste the coffee, of course! Don’t forget to pick up a free loyalty card too! Watch out for special offers and activities on Facebook and Twitter:
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SAFETY NOTICE
Safety Notice Fire-risk tumble dryers The safety alert relates to Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and October 2015. A fault was discovered with the machines which could expose the dryers to a firerisk when excess fluff touches the heating element. After receiving reports of fires and injuries, the manufacturer was made aware of the potential fire-risk – which was formally announced in November 2015.
Is your Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda tumble dryer safe? NEVER LEAVE YOUR TUMBLE DRYER OR WASHING MACHINE RUNNING WHEN YOU’RE NOT IN THE HOUSE, OR ASLEEP
Look for a green dot. If your product has a green “dot” sticker in the door area or on the back plate, no action is required. If you don’t have the green dot, you’ll need to find out whether your dryer is affected by visiting: https://safety.hotpoint.eu/?lang You will need to enter the full model number and serial number online to check your model. If your dryer is affected, they will arrange a visit from an engineer, free of charge, to modify your appliance. The improvements are necessary to enhance the safety and quality of your dryer.
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WELFARE REFORM
Changes to Housing Benefit If you have signed a new or renewed tenancy from 01 April 2016 (01 April 2017 for supported accommodation tenancies) onwards, the amount of Housing Benefit (or the housing cost element of Universal Credit) that you may receive from 01 April 2018 could be restricted. This is because if you rent from a local authority, a registered housing association or other registered social landlord the amount of Housing Benefit (or the housing cost element of Universal Credit) you will receive will be capped to the relevant Local Housing Allowance rate for your household size that currently applies to private sector tenants. The Local Housing Allowance rates for your area can be found at: http://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx If you are under 35 years old and do not have any dependent children living with you, your eligible rent will be capped to a shared accommodation rate, even if you do not share your home with anyone else. The rate for your area can be found at: http://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx
Will I also have to pay for any spare rooms? If you are of working age and have one or more extra bedrooms, your rent and any service charges used in the assessment of your Housing Benefit (or the housing cost element of Universal Credit) is already capped.
If the difference between your rent and the relevant Local Housing Allowance rate for your household is higher than the reduction for under-occupied bedrooms, only the cap will apply. Similarly, if the reduction for under-occupied bedrooms is higher than the relevant Local Housing Allowance rate for your household, only the reduction for underoccupied bedrooms will apply. If you are of pension age, you will not receive a reduction in the rent used to assess your Housing Benefit for any under-occupied bedrooms, but your rent will be capped to the relevant Local Housing Allowance rate for your household. Please note – in all cases, you will only receive one reduction.
What do I need to do now? If you sign a new tenancy, or renew after 1 April 2016 (01 April 2017 for supported accommodation tenancies), you will need to think about whether the rent you pay in the social sector is higher than that allowed for private rental sector tenants. In particular, if you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit on or after 1 April 2018, you will need to consider how you will afford any shortfall in your rent. The website links above will help you to determine whether your rent is above the Local Housing Allowance rates for your area.
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VOLUNTEERING
VOLUNTEERING TO IMPROVE CLWYD ALYN’S SERVICES In the Christmas 2015 edition of this newsletter we talked about opportunities for Residents to get more involved in the way we provide services to you. We thought you might like more information about this. We always need more Resident volunteers, so here are some more examples on what Residents are currently getting involved in:
• Quality Partners are made up from Residents. They investigate services provided by the Association and recommend improvements
• Improving Services throughout Clwyd Alyn. You could join one or more of our Service Panels. These include a Leaseholder Forum, Maintenance / Technical Services Panel, Housing and Estate Management, Rents and Services and our Communications.
• Become a member of our Resident-led Service Improvement Committee which sits below the Board. They scrutinise, review and make recommendations to policies and procedures.
• Become a shareholding member of the Association at the cost of £1. This gives you voting rights at the AGM. • Come along to our Residents’ Conference to meet Staff, Board Members and fellow Residents to discuss, in some detail, current issues that affect people’s lives and communities. • Attend one-off ‘focus group’ meetings which cover various topics. • Set up a new or join an existing Residents’ Association where you can work with us to improve services, or campaign for improvements for your community.
• Apply to become a Board Member. You will use your experience as a customer of the Association to make decisions at the highest level.
We want you to feel comfortable as a volunteer with the level of involvement you choose. But, at whatever level you get involved, you will be given the support and training which you might need. If you would like more information on this, please contact Gareth Hughes-Roberts, Community Involvement Officer by telephone on 01745 536843 or by email to gareth.hughesroberts@clwydalyn.co.uk
Want to do more? You can: • Join one of our mini panels or one-off ‘task and finish’ groups. These involve a group of Residents, for example looking at landscape maintenance and complaints. • Join the Customer Service Ambassador Team, working with Staff to improve good practice. • Join one of our Improvement Teams, which include Residents and Staff. These Teams look at various services for all our Residents and suggest improvements. Their input is part of the Association’s annual Self-Assessment, which is a requirement of the Welsh Government.
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NEW BUILD HOMES
Work starts on new affordable homes in Rhyl Work has commenced on the development of 20 new affordable homes on Abbey Street and Gronant Street, Rhyl around the new Gerddi Heulwen green space. Ideally suited for couples and families, the new two and three bedroom contemporary homes will be built to a high quality standard and come complete with environmental features, providing you with the benefits of energy-efficient homes, with affordable running costs. Key features Gronant Street – 13 Affordable homes to buy under a tenure neutral scheme Abbey Street – 7 Affordable homes to rent under a tenure neutral scheme Homes to suit all budgets Energy-efficient with affordable running costs Bathroom: white suite comprising WC, hand basin and bath with shower attachment
You can register your interest in these new properties by contacting us on:
0800 183 5757 Quote: Love Rhyl
Kitchen: fitted units Double glazed windows Allocated parking space available Private garden
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!
To be completed in Spring 2017
Tai Heulwen – Gronant Street Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2016 clwyd_alyn_newsletter Summer 2016 Eng To Print.indd 7
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Spring has sprung, summer has arrived and our communities have been alive and busy with activity!
Residents keeping upat Bro Trehinon energy-sa to dat e with th ving advice .
GRE
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The litte rwho took pick superstars p clean-up art in a commu nit a Heulwen round the Gerd y di area of Rhyl.
air njoying fresh . e , y e n lt a S t’ Children from ture and Wellbeing even a ‘N and fun at a
GARDENING
COMPETITION
Brooke aged 5 from Cwr y Coed, Llangefni, winner of our Christmas colouring competition, (0-6 category).
sidents enjoy Erw Groes ree with the at the schemGrow Wild. donat ed by
E lisha a F lint, w ged 10, from compet inner of our Cwrt yr C ition, (7 -11 cat hristmas egory).
Ysgol, colourin g
How does your garden grow? Are you interested in sharing your garden with our dedicated panel of judges? You can enter the individual garden section or you can enter your scheme or estate in the scheme category. This year we have also added a hanging baskets/pots and a best vegetable patch/allotment section (although please note we are not judging individual produce).
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Children from Saltney, enjoying fresh air and fun at a ‘Nature and Wellbeing event’.
Bro Treh o dat e witinon have been g advice. h the lat est
g ying gardenin residents enjo seeds kindly e eme with th . ild y Grow W
dol at Y Dyfo e s t n e id s e R em iving Sch s. L d e t r o p p Su n track w o ir e h t creating
Former homeless people in Flintshire helping others without homes, volunteering at the ‘Share Aid’ Centre.
r Court w a M t n s at Na ! Resident getting crafty ley in Buck
e read mor o t e k li uld s If you wo nity event or u m m o c e , about th pin board is h t n o d e highlight nts, visit: other eve lyn.co.uk/news yda www.clw
Greenbank Villas, Supported Living Scheme tidying up Garden City and what a difference it made!
WE DON LL E!
There will be a cash prize of £40 for the winner in each category, £20 for second place and £10 for third place.
26th August 2016, letting us know what category you wish to enter.
an
Also, we are encouraging people to send their own photographs, preferably digitally, so you can be sure to capture your entry looking at its best.
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So, all you need to do is send in your digital photo by e-mail to: gareth.hughesroberts@clwydalyn.co.uk as soon as you are able, but with a closing date of
If you are not able to send in your own photograph, don’t worry. You can contact Gareth Hughes-Roberts on: 01745 536843 and we will arrange for your entry to be photographed.
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PENCARTREF
PenCartref Advice, Adaptations and Repairs We offer advice and practical assistance to people regarding repairs, improvements or adaptations to their homes. Services available to residents living in Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Powys. We can help with jobs such as: Painting and decorating Joinery* Plumbing* *Excludes work that is not covered within Clwyd Alyn’s existing day-to-day maintenance budget.
We work in partnership with our customers to deliver quality projects, safely, competitively and on time. We have a wide range of expertise and all our staff are skilled and highly qualified professionals.
For more information, or to arrange an appointment, call us on: 01978 714180 www.pencartref.co.uk
Important Information about Light Bulbs PenAlyn have asked us to clarify who is responsible for changing light bulbs in residents’ homes. The general rule is that PenAlyn are not responsible for changing light bulbs, even where these are in sealed units. Residents will need to buy and fit the new bulb themselves, including unscrewing the sealed unit first, where this is in place. PenAlyn are responsible for changing bulbs in communal areas only. In Sheltered / Warden Controlled schemes, PenAlyn will only change bulbs that are in sealed units, or that are inaccessible, for example schemes with very high ceilings. If you live in an Extra Care scheme, PenAlyn are able to change any bulbs. The same advice applies if you are in one of our Supported Living schemes. 10 clwyd_alyn_newsletter Summer 2016 Eng To Print.indd 10
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YOUR ACCOUNT
There are now lots of ways for you to access your account! You can now check you rent, log a repair, report anti-social behaviour and much more on the residents’ portal, website and you’ll soon be able to do this via the new Clwyd Alyn app!
New Clwyd Alyn App coming soon! Soon you’ll be able to use your Smartphone to access the new Clwyd Alyn app. This app allows you to make payments, view repairs and report issues and submit requests. Rent balances can be quickly checked, making keeping track of your finances a doddle and if you want to report ASB you can do this as well. You will be able to download the new customer app from from the Google Play and App Store, making accessing our services really easy when you’re on the go.
Residents Portal Don’t forget to register on the Resident’s Portal, another way to access your account details 24 hours a day! You will need the tenancy reference number and unique number to register. If you do not have these details, please contact us on 0800 183 5757. If you’re not confident on the computer/Internet and need help in registering on the Portal, or if you’re having any problems, email: enquiries@clwydalyn.co.uk. Don’t forget that there is lots of useful information on the website for you to access, including: Homes in development The latest handbooks, newsletters and reports Planned maintenance Debt and money advice Latest news How to get involved
Did you know we have over 1,200 followers on Twitter?
Did you know we have over 360 Likes on Facebook?
Visit www.clwydalyn.co.uk for everything you need! Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Residents’ Newsletter - Summer 2016 11 clwyd_alyn_newsletter Summer 2016 Eng To Print.indd 11
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Competition Time!
Complete the word search, spot the difference and answer the questions, cut them out and simply post them to us, along with your full name and address, to be entered into a prize draw to win a £25 shopping voucher. Three winners will be selected. Send your entries by post to: Gareth Hughes-Roberts, Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, 72 Ffordd William Morgan, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, Denbighshire, LL17 0JD All entries must be in by Friday 2nd September.
Quiz
Word Search C K C I P R E T T I L
V O L U N T E E R S A
C O M P E T I T I O N
A E M M P W E L B C U
G N I S U O H F S Z K
K U S A K N O I A E O
WORDS TO FIND ARE: COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SUMMER LITTER PICK
I R U R S S I A R C S
O O M D I G I T A L E
R S M A D F H P Y B N
T N E M P O L E V E D
S P R I N G E F R S A
DIGITAL CAFE VOLUNTEERS SPRING COMPETITION
Spot The Difference
Please answer the following questions (you’ll find the answers within the newsletter) and send it along with your name and address in order to be entered into the prize draw. 1. How many new homes will be available on Abbey Street and Gronant Street? 2. How much does afternoon tea cost, per person at the Old Court House Café? 3. What 3 services does PenCartref offer, Advice, Adaptations and ………? 1 ………………............................................................. 2 ………………............................................................. 3 ……………….............................................................
There are five differences – can you spot them? Circle the five differences on photo two.
Name …………………………………………………..............
Address …………………………………………………..........
…………………………………………………....................................................
...................................................................................
Email …………………………………………………....................
Tel/Mob................ …………………………………………....
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