TyAgored ˆ Rhifyn 1 2016
Y cylchgrawn ar gyfer Tenantiaid a Lesddeiliaid y Cyngor
OpenHouse The Magazine for Council Tenants and Leaseholders
Gwella cartrefi a stadau Gweler tudalen 11
Cyfeiriad dychwelyd: Dinas a Sir Abertawe, Canolfan Ddinesig, Heol Ystumllwynarth, Abertawe, SA1 3SN
Issue 1 2016
Improving homes and estates See page 11
Return Address: City and County of Swansea, Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN
Y tu mewn
Croeso i
Gobeithio y byddwch yn mwynhau darllen y rhifyn hwn sy'n llawn gwybodaeth a newyddion diddorol. Cadwch lygad am ein herthyglau rheolaidd gan gynnwys ‘Llais y Tenantiaid’ ar dudalen 10, a ‘Chysylltiadau Lleol ’ ar dudalen 8.
Cystadleuaeth Debyd Uniongyrchol... 5
Croeso i T yˆ Agored, cylchgrawn i denantiaid a lesddeiliaid y cyngor.
Lloches ................................................1
TyAgored ˆ
ERTHYGLAU Anrhydedd Dydd D i Denantiaid Ffocws ar...........y Tîm Gwella Tai........ 2 Balchder Penderi................................ 4
CYSYLLTIADAU LLEOL
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TENANTIAETHAU A STADAU Llais y Tenantiaid ................................ 8 Newyddion Tai Lloches ................... 10 Y Diweddaraf am Safon Ansawdd Tai Cymru..................................... ...... 11 HomeSwapper.................................... 16 Newidiadau i’ch Cytundeb Tenantiaeth......................................... 18 Credyd Cynhwysol...............................19 Mynd i’r Afael â Thipio Anghyfreithlon .................................... 20
CYNGOR CYFFREDINOL Ailgylchu ............................................. 21 Rheoliadau Newydd ar gyfer Perchnogion Cwn.............................. 23 ˆ Inswleiddio Llofftydd .......................... 24 Cymorth gyda Dyled ......................... 25 Newidiadau i’r LBA ........................... 26
CYDRADDOLDEB Cydlynu Ardaloedd Leol .................... 27
I gael mwy o wybodaeth am y gwelliannau rydym yn eu gwneud i eiddo a stadau'r cyngor er mwyn iddynt fodloni Safon Ansawdd Tai Cymru, ewch i dudalen 11 am yr holl fanylion. Gallwch ddarllen T yˆ Agored ar-lein yn www.abertawe.gov.uk/tai Anne Webber, Golygydd
Cysylltiadau Defnyddiol Golygydd – Anne Webber ...................................... 635045 Y Ganolfan Gyswllt Atgyweirio ............................... 635100 Atgyweiriadau Brys y Tu Allan i Oriau Swyddfa .... 521500 Uned Cefnogi Cymdogaethau 24 awr .................. 648507 Canolfan Gyswllt yr Amgylchedd ........................... 635600 Ymholiadau Budd-dal Tai ....................................... 635353
Rhifau Swyddfeydd Tai Rhanbarthol Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Eastside .......................... 791251 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Treforys a’r Clâs ............. 601720 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Sgeti ................................ 516810 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Townhill a Mayhill .......... 513900 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Blaenymaes ................... 534060 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Gorseinon ...................... 897700 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Penlan ............................ 582704 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol Canol y Ddinas ............... 650486 Swyddfa Dai Ranbarthol West Cross ..................... 402500 Mae pob rhif ffôn yn dechrau gyda chôd Abertawe (01792)
All telephone numbers are Swansea based (01792)
Allwn ni eich helpu chi?.......................28
Changes to DLA.................................. 26 Loft insulation ..................................... 24 New regulations for dog owners....... 23 Recycling ............................................ 21
GENERAL ADVICE
Os hoffech gael yr wybodaeth hon mewn fformat arall e.e. print bras, Braille, disg neu ddull arall, ffoniwch 01792 635045, ewch i’n gwefan http://www.abertawe.gov.uk/tai neu e-bostiwch tai@abertawe.gov.uk
Help with debt .................................. 25
Eastside District Housing Office .............................. 791251 Morriston & Clase District Housing Office .............. 601720 Sketty District Housing Office .................................. 516810 Townhill & Mayhill District Housing Office .............. 513900 Blaenymaes District Housing Office ....................... 534060 Gorseinon District Housing Office .......................... 897700 Penlan District Housing Office ................................ 582704 Town Centre District Housing Office ....................... 650486 West Cross District Housing Office ......................... 402500
Cysylltiadau defnyddiol a chalendr y ganolfan
Tackling fly tipping...............................20
Useful Contacts
Sheltered Housing news ................... 10
Croesewir gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg a byddwn yn ymdrin â gohebiaeth Gymraeg a Saesneg i'r un safonau ac amserlenni.
District Housing Office Numbers
Tenants' voice ..................................... 8
Open House is also available to read online at www.swansea.gov.uk/housing
MAE’R HOLL WYBODAETH YN TYˆ AGORED YN GYWIR WRTH FYND I’R WASG.
We welcome correspondence in Welsh and will deal with Welsh and English correspondence to the same standards and timescales.
If you require this information in a different format eg large print, Braille, disc or other, please contact 01792 635045 or visit our website www.swansea.gov.uk/housing or email housing@swansea.gov.uk
Universal Credit................................... 19 Changes to your Tenancy
Anne Webber, Editor
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To find out more about the improvements that we are making to council properties and estates to bring them up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard – go to page 11 for all the details. We hope you enjoy reading this edition which is packed full of information and interesting news. Look out for our regular features including ‘Tenants’ Voice’ on page 10 and ‘Local Links’ on page 8. Welcome to Open House, the magazine for Council tenants and leaseholders.
OpenHouse
Tyˆ Agored : Rhifyn 1 2016
Open House : Issue 1 2016 ALL INFORMATION IN OPENHOUSE IS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. Can we help you?............................... 28 Local Area Coordination ................... 27
EQUALITIES Agreement...........................................18
Editor – Anne Webber ............................................. 635045 Repairs Contact Centre ........................................... 635100 Out of Hours Emergency Repairs ........................... 521500 24 hour Neighbourhood Support Unit .................. 648507 Environment Contact Centre ................................... 635600 Housing Benefit Queries ......................................... 635353
Welsh Housing Quality Standard update ................................................ 11 HomeSwapper.................................... 16
TENANCY AND ESTATE LOCAL LINKS
Direct Debit competition..................... 5 Pride in Penderry ............................... 4 Focus On…the Housing Improvement Team............................ 2 Sheltered tenants’ D-Day honour....... 1
FEATURES
What’s Inside
welcome to
World War 2 veterans receive France’s highest honour Two of our sheltered housing residents have received France’s highest honour for playing a key role in D-Day. Richard Pelzer, aged 92 who lives in Ty Dewi Sant complex in Fforestfach, was extremely proud to be presented with the Legion d’honneur on behalf of the French Government. Without realising it at the time, Mr Pelzer was involved in building one of the biggest secret weapons of the Second World War. ‘Mulberry’ was the code name given to the building of an artificial harbour to allow the allies to land in France without suffering the same level of casualties as during the Battle of Dieppe in 1942 when a total of 3367 were killed, wounded or captured. Mr Pelzer said he was very surprised when he received his letter notifying him of the award and was incredibly proud to accept his medal.
Gloucester House resident Patrick Cullen was also recently presented with the Legion d’honneur. Patrick said “I was 23 years old when I took part in the D-Day Landings, and for this to be acknowledged 71 years later is a great honour for me”. Patrick received the medal at an honorary dinner surrounded by friends and family in the Towers Hotel. His proud wife Barbara said “This was a special occasion for all of Patrick’s friends and family”. Above: Mr Cullen Left: Mr Pelzer
Open House : Issue 1 2016 1
Focus on...
the Housing Improvement team
Meet the Housing Improvement team who work closely with tenants, leaseholders, contractors and staff from other services to help deliver major building repairs and improvement programmes. In 2016/17 the programme of work will be bigger than ever before, with £60m being invested to help improve the Council’s housing stock up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. The team is led by David Meyrick, Technical Operations Manager. The team’s main role is to provide advice, support and guidance for tenants before, during and after building repair works are carried out, working in partnership with the technical staff who project manage the schemes and the contractors who undertake the work. Before any repair work begins, the Housing Improvement Officer will contact the tenant by letter or in person to explain what work will be undertaken, how long it may take and how it will affect them when work is in progress.
The type of work carried out as part of the overall programme includes: • • • • • • •
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Re-roofing and chimney repairs Replacing rainwater goods and weatherboards Provision of external insulated render Renewal of windows and external doors Fire protection improvements Kitchen and bathroom improvements Environmental works such as boundary walls and fences
Open House : Issue 1 2016
In relation to kitchen and bathroom improvements, the work is extensive and it can be inconvenient for tenants, as properties are left with temporary kitchen and bathroom facilities. To ensure the work is carried out with minimal disruption, the Housing Improvement Officer and the contractor’s Tenant Liaison Officer will visit each tenant to discuss: • the likely layout of the new kitchen and bathroom •
the information brochure and Major Works Agreement document which explains the roles and responsibilities of the Council, the contractor and the tenant
• colour schemes for kitchen units, worktops, floor and wall finishes • likely timescales for the work to be completed • whether an assessment for adaptations may be needed
During the course of the work, the Housing Improvement Officer is available to assist with any concerns or complaints. After the work is completed, tenants are asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire to comment on the standard of service received.
For more detailed information about the above schemes, please see the Welsh Housing Quality Standard – Capital Programme Update on page 11.
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Pride in Penderry community museum The Pride in Penderry community museum of memories was opened in November 2015 at the 104 Community House, Broughton Avenue in Blaenymaes and is open for anyone to visit. Tenant Len Burns from Plasmelyn who is 94 years of age was asked to open the museum as he and other tenants have contributed stories for the museum. Displays include old photos of the area and memories of working in the old local industries such as Mettoys and Smiths Crisps. If anyone has any memorabilia from the area that they would like to share, the museum would be really grateful. Contact Ian Smith, Curator, mettoy@museumwales.ac.uk or Debbie Jones, Communities First 01792 578632. A sister museum was also launched on 18th March 2016 at Penlan South Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to come along to share more stories and history of the Penlan area. This project is working in partnership with Communities First, Gwalia Housing, National Museum Wales, National Waterfront Museum, West Glamorgan Archives, People’s Collection Wales, Penlan Library, Severn Wye and the community.
Pictured is Len Burns along with William Evans, Cabinet Member for Anti-Poverty, at the opening of the museum.
Your comments about Open House Do you have any comments about this edition of Open House magazine or any of the articles you have read? If so, you can either write to: Housing Services, City and County of Swansea, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN Freepost RSCT-JJZH-KLJZ housing@swansea.gov.uk 01792 635045
Thank you for your time. Please let us know if you are happy for your comments to be included in Open House magazine.
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Direct Debit Competition for Council Tenants Be in with a chance of winning one of five £1000 worth of Love2shop vouchers! This initiative encourages tenants to switch to the ease and convenience of paying rent by Direct Debit. A Direct Debit is an instruction from a customer to their bank or building society authorising an organisation to collect varying amounts from their account, normally for regular payments for everything from household bills (such as gas, electricity, mobile phone, Sky) to charitable donations. Following the success of the launch of the Bacs run national social housing rents campaign last year the Council have signed up to offer tenants the opportunity to take part once again. Simply for switching to pay their rent by direct debit, tenants will be in with a chance of winning one of 5 Bacs funded prizes of £1,000 worth of Love2shop vouchers.
The initiative is run by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), the not-for-profit organisation behind Direct Debit in the UK. The Council is one of 30 organisations already taking part in the campaign. City and County of Swansea tenants have until 28th October 2016 to sign-up to pay by Direct Debit, by returning a completed Direct Debit Instruction form and sending it to the Central Rents Team, Blaenymaes Housing Office, 73 – 89 Ffordd Y Brain, Fforesthall, Swansea, SA5 5ED Contact the Rents Team on 534094 to find out more or visit: www.swansea.gov.uk/ article/20571/Direct-Debit-competition
Debt Panic? Push the button! Debts can be sorted out more easily than you think. The Debt Panic Button will help you take control, and get proper, free support.
www.debtpanicswansea.org.uk
Open House : Issue 1 2016 5
LocalLinks Local Links provides information about activities taking place in your area. If you would like to contribute to future editions please call 01792 635045.
Now that spring is here and the weather is hopefully going to improve, here are some outdoor activities that Swansea has to offer which you might like to try. Cycling Get on your bike - Swansea has plenty of great cycle routes and is part of the National Cycle Network (routes 4 and 43) and the Celtic Trail West. There are a number of family-friendly cycle routes as well as more challenging mountain bike tracks in and around Swansea and Gower. You can pedal your way from SA1 across Swansea Bay’s 5 mile promenade to Mumbles and grab an ice cream or a coffee along the way. Ride through Clyne Valley and around some of the quieter roads in North Gower. For gentle, traffic free cycling, a ride along the Tawe River is ideal.
You can download two cycle route maps for the Swansea area from www.swansea.gov.uk/cycling Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Councils have created the Swansea Bay cycle routes and tube map. The routes are aimed at commuters so focus on routes which, where possible, take the most direct and flattest journey and are suitable for all types of bikes. They include a mix of on and off-road cycle routes across Swansea. For more information and to use their interactive route map visit: www.cycleswanseabay.org.uk/
Skateboarding, BMX and Blading There are some great skate parks in Swansea • Ynystawe Park and Multi Use Games where you can show off and improve your skating Area (MUGA) Half pipe and street course, and BMX skills: Ynystawe • Clyne Valley Country Park, ‘The Pump’ BMX • Hafod Park, Hafod track - this has recently been redesigned and • Gors Ave, Townhill upgraded to make it more exciting for users. • Mynydd Newydd (playing fields area), Penlan • Elba Sports Complex Street course, Gowerton (near Penlan Leisure Centre) • Morriston Park, Morriston • Blaenymaes MUGA, Portmead • Parc Williams Street course, Loughor
• Phoenix Centre, Townhill
• Pontlliw Park, Pontlliw
• Maesteg Park, St Thomas
• Victoria Park, Half pipe and street course, Swansea • West Cross Skate Park, Half pipe with elevators, Mumbles Road
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Tennis Start getting ready for Wimbledon by warming up your tennis skills. There are a number of tennis courts in parks which are open access, but it is advised that you contact 01792 635411 to check courts and nets are available, before you go and play. Public Courts Venue Area Facilities Prices
Booking required
Coed Bach Park
Pontarddulais
3 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
Coed Gwilym Park
Clydach
2 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
Cwmdonkin Park
Uplands
4 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
De la Beche Park
Sketty
4 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
Elba Sports Complex
Gowerton
3 Courts
Court Hire From £0.80 (PTL)
Yes
Langland Bay
Langland
6 Courts
Court Hire From £2.90 (PTL)
Yes
Mumbles Gardens
Mumbles
3 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
Parc Llewelyn
Morriston
1 Court
Free of Charge All Year
No
Parc Williams
Loughor
1 Court
Free of Charge All Year
No
Pontlliw Park
Pontlliw
2 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
Victoria Park
Swansea
2 Courts
Free of Charge All Year
No
Ynystawe Park
Ynystawe
1 Court
Free of Charge All Year
No
You can also play tennis at Bishopston Sports Centre. There are 4 outdoor courts, suitable for all ages. Contact 01792 235040 for more information. More information on Swansea Tennis Courts, including where to find people to play, can be found at www.allplaytennis.com
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Hello, my name is Alison Winter and I am the Participation Officer. This is my regular update on tenant involvement in Swansea, where I provide you with news of the local, city and countywide groups.
Local Groups
City and Countywide Groups
Members of the Clyne Court Residents Association recently held their Annual General Meeting, where they nominated a new committee for the forthcoming year. We look forward to working with the new committee. The meeting was also attended by Thomas Williams, Recycling Officer, to discuss how recycling can be improved at Clyne Court. The group also received an update on the current refurbishment programme at Clyne Court and had the opportunity to discuss any issues with council officers and local ward members.
The Sheltered Reps group received a presentation from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about changes to the state pension and pension credits. A member of the Rents Team was also there to answer any other queries relating to benefits or paying rent. Feedback was positive and tenants were encouraged to get in touch with the DWP to ensure that their current pension allowance is accurate and up to date. For more information about the Pensions Service visit: www.gov.uk/browse/ working/state-pension Members of the Tenants’ Consultative Panel (TCP) have recently attended two meetings. The first was ‘The Christmas Debt Hangover’ with Paula Montez,
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Open House : Issue 1 2016
Financial Inclusion Officer, who discussed how to ensure that Christmas is debt free. The group also looked at the different ways to borrow money or buy on credit and were shocked by the final repayment amounts of some lenders and how easy it is to fall into debt. Paula also discussed the support available if you are in debt and encouraged group members to seek help if they or any of their friends and family were struggling to manage their debt. Paula can be contacted on 01792 534098, or by email on Paula.montez@swansea.gov.uk
The second meeting, ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ was hosted by the Environment Centre. The group looked at ‘food miles’ - the distance that food travels until it reaches your plate, and the impact of the choices made when buying food i.e. local may be more expensive but it helps the local farmers. The group also considered ways to reduce food waste. Feedback for the event was extremely positive. If you would like to learn more about the Love Food Hate Waste campaign visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
The Open House Feedback Group recently met to discuss the last edition of Open House. Some group members commented on the wide variety of articles and felt that there was something for everyone. The group liked the design, layout and colours and provided suggestions for future issues. Drop in sessions are still being held at the Community Space, Tesco Fforestfach every Monday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Call in for a chat or free internet access in this purpose built community facility. Universal Credit has been the main focus over recent weeks, where Paula Montez, the Financial Inclusion Officer, has been available to provide help and advice. Following the success of the drop in sessions at the Community Space, Tesco Fforestfach, we trialled monthly drop in sessions in the Community Space, Tesco Llansamlet between January and June. The sessions were held on the last Friday of the month between 10am – 12pm and were attended by the Financial Inclusion Officer who gave advice about your rent account, housing benefit and Universal Credit.
Tenants’ Consultative Panel (TCP) Recruitment Drive Any tenant or leaseholder can be a member of the TCP. As a member you will be asked your views on policies and procedures and ideas for improving services. You can do this through questionnaires, email and text or by attending meetings. If you would like more information about any of these groups or meetings, or you want to have your say and get involved, you can contact Alison Winter, Participation Officer on 01792 635043 or email Alison.winter@swansea.gov.uk
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Sheltered housing news Residents of Ty Dewi Sant marked the 25th anniversary of the complex with a party which included a buffet and entertainment. The complex has 77 flats, with a few longstanding tenants still living at the complex; this includes tenant Vi Davies who has lived at the complex since it was opened and was presented with a bouquet of flowers. The warden Linda said “This is a milestone event for the complex, I’m glad that everyone had a good time”.
have a good time” The photo shows them donating some scarfs, hats and blankets to the Salvation Army for distribution during the winter. Creative Coffee Club is a group of people who meet for coffee, a chat and a little bit of craft at the Llys Elba Sheltered Accommodation lounge every Thursday 11am - 1pm, which is open to residents and non-residents. Recently they have been busy making ‘Twiddle muffs’ to aid people living with dementia and have donated 24 of them to patients of Ty Waunarlwydd. Twiddle Muff Comforters are designed to provide a simple stimulation activity for active hands, particularly for people with a dementia like Alzheimer’s who often like reassurance and comfort. Twiddle Muffs can meet the needs of many people with this illness by helping to keep restless hands busy.
The residents of Coed Lan, Three Crosses have formed a club called Knitters and Natters who meet on a weekly basis. One of their members Lorna said, “we formed the group a few months ago, we knit, talk a lot, do some drawing, make jewellery and
Donating 24 Twiddle Muffs to Ty Waunarlwydd Nursing Home. Above: Community Connector, Corliss Horton and Sheltered Housing Warden, Sallyanne Taylor with some of the members of Creative Coffee Club based at Llys Elba Sheltered Housing in Gowerton every Thursday 11am to 1pm.
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Welsh Housing Quality Standard Capital Programme update
The Welsh Housing Quality Standard is the Welsh Government’s target standard for all social housing in Wales. The Standard states that all homes should be: • In a good state of repair Dwellings must be structurally stable, free from damp and disrepair with key building components being in good condition – roofs, walls, windows, doors and chimneys. • Safe and secure Dwellings should be free from risks that could cause serious harm and should be secure in key areas of the home: Heating and electrical systems should be up to date and safe, doors and windows to provide good levels of security, any risk of falls from height should be prevented, fire safety measures should be in a good condition and well designed. • Adequately heated, fuel efficient and well insulated Dwellings should be capable of being heated adequately by ensuring heating systems are fuel efficient and properties are well insulated. • Contain up to date kitchens and bathrooms Kitchen and bathroom facilities are to be relatively modern and in good condition; sufficient to meet the needs of the household and well laid out to prevent accidents.
A considerable amount of work has been undertaken already to achieve this standard in the 13,503 properties owned and managed by the Council and progress is being made to ensure full achievement of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2020. A significant amount of money has already been spent on the improvements and a further £200m is planned between now and 2020, part funded by the Welsh Government. There are a number of programmes, and some properties may need more work than others to bring them up to the standard. When improvement work is set to begin, tenants will be notified individually on what is planned for their home including likely start dates, what they can expect and who the contractor will be. Every year around February, the Council sets the budget for the next financial year and agrees the work that will be undertaken. The following information provides details of the work that has been completed so far and future planned work in the various areas.
• Located in attractive and safe environments Homes should be located in an environment which residents can relate to and in which they are proud to live. • Suit the specific requirements of the household The accommodation provided within the dwelling should as far as possible, suit the needs of the household.
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In a good state of repair Wind and weatherproofing - This is a scheme that is designed to bring together a number of repairs to homes in a single scheme. The work frequently includes new roofs, loft insulation, weatherboards, guttering, wall ties, wall insulation and window sills. Since April 2010, 2,378 properties have received wind and weatherproofing improvements and a further 1,863 properties are due receive this work over the next 4 years. A programme is also currently underway to improve the high rise blocks at Matthew Street, Clyne Court and Jeffrey’s Court where the work includes recladding, roofing, replacement windows, improvements to communal areas, new kitchens and bathrooms. The table below shows the number of properties in the wind and weatherproofing work programme for the financial years from 2014 -2016. This includes work completed during 2014, work ongoing/almost complete for 2015 and work commencing in 2016. (The financial year runs from April – March.)
Area 2014 2015 2016 Penlan 112 148 55 Waun Wen 40 27 Gendros 31 27 Caemawr 42 53 37 Waunarlwydd 29 Penllergaer 28 Llanllienwen - over 3 years 177 Mayhill 137 122 192 McRitchie Place - over 2 years 71 West Cross 62 Sketty 27
External Wall Insulation (EWI) is cladding which helps keep properties warm. All the Wind and Weatherproofing schemes will use EWI which will help to bring heating bills down and ensures the property stays warm for longer. The aim is to also improve the external appearance of the property and of the streets and general neighbourhood.
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Roofing 2,290 properties have had new roofs since April 2010. New schemes are planned over the next 4 years to improve weather protection. A further 288 properties are scheduled for roofs in 2016/2017 and 5 blocks of low rise flats. This table shows the areas where schemes are planned for 2016 to 2019 Pitched Roof Areas 2016 2017 2018 2019 Blaenymaes 112 105 Clase (Ewenny Place) 117 Sketty Flats 5 blocks Clay Roofs Townhill 37 Wimpey No Fines Penlan 59 Three Crosses & Llangennith 22 Penyrheol, Gorseinon 53
Flat Roof Renewal Areas 2016 2017 2018 Croft St and High Street 2 blocks (Low Rise Flats) Rheidol Court 50
2019
Chimneys scheme Chimneys are usually removed where roof renewal or wind and weatherproofing schemes take place but if not, they are placed in a separate chimney scheme.
improve your security and help keep your property warmer. If you have difficulties arranging to be at home for this work, check with the staff to see what can be done, they will do their best to help and advise you.
In 2014, 47 chimneys with a priority for removal were taken down and a further 118 were scheduled for 2015 with further properties added as required. In 2016, 221 chimneys are to be removed or repaired.
Structural Repairs A number of structural repairs are needed on council estates including work to retaining walls and drainage improvements. ÂŁ300,000 has been set aside to carry out this work during 2016/17.
Balconies A total of 399 balconies have been repaired or upgraded so far with a further 48 scheduled in the 2015/2016 programme. The Door Renewal programme is nearly complete with 9,571 properties having had new uPVC or fire safety doors installed since April 2010. Sometimes it is difficult to gain access to fit new doors. If you get a message advising you that a new door is to be fitted to your home, please contact the District Housing Office or the number on the card or letter. This work will not take long and the door will
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Safe and Secure
Up to date Kitchens and Bathrooms
Fire safety Considerable work is being done to enhance fire safety in blocks of flats and sheltered complexes which includes fire doors, emergency lighting and new improved signage. 2,584 of the doors replaced since April 2010 were fire doors improving the fire safety in flats opening out onto communal areas. The doors have been replaced to a higher standard and will provide 60 minute protection for residents. Other fire safety work includes work to sheltered accommodation communal areas and community rooms, installation of sprinklers in some complexes and new fire alarm systems. Four complexes have had sprinklers installed, which enhances the fire safety in the blocks.
Kitchens and Bathrooms programme A major part of improving properties to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, is the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms in properties that need them. In the last 4 years 742 properties have had new kitchens and 1,066 properties have had new bathrooms. Depending on individual needs, installations may be specially adapted and tenants with particular medical issues will be able to discuss this with staff when they visit. A further 1,820 properties are scheduled for 2016 with increasing numbers in the years following.
Voice entry systems From 2014 to 2018, 79 communal blocks will benefit from having voice entry systems fitted or upgraded. In 2015 these schemes have taken place in Morriston, Penlan and Town Centre and automatic doors have been fitted in the sheltered complexes at Plas Melyn, Laugharne Court and Llys Gwalia. The addition of robust doors to the blocks will enhance security and allow tenants to control who enters the blocks.
Adequately Heated Heating Boilers are renewed as part of a planned programme with the oldest systems treated as a priority. The plan is for all properties to have efficient combi boilers with 9,854 installed so far. Conversions Tenants are offered the option to switch heating fuels to either gas or oil if they have coal or electric. 12 properties are on the list to be converted in 2016 and since April 2010, 108 properties have received fuel conversions. Upgrades to heating systems are also offered. Tenants can request small items of work such as timer clocks, room thermostats or a radiator for a room if it does not already have one. There are 77 properties on the 2016 scheme for an upgrade.
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The following tables shows the areas and number of properties included in the kitchen and bathroom scheme for 2016 and 2017. 2016 Area No of properties Trallwn 270 Bonymaen 205 Pentrechwyth 171 Winch Wen 393 Port Tennant 177 St Thomas 137 Hollett Road 126 Brondeg Crescent Area 194 Samuel Crescent Area 316 Arennig Road Area 378 2017 Area No of properties Birchgrove 229 Caemawr 183 Clase 616 Clydach 451 Craigcefnparc 50 Cwm Felin Fach 221 Cwmryhdyceirw 124 Llanllienwen 220 Penllergaer 88 Pontardulais 280 For all kitchen and bathroom schemes the boilers are brought up to date with combi boilers if not already fitted. Also rewires will be done if the wiring is out of date but generally they will rewire the kitchen area only to add sockets and fit extractor fans.
Smoke Alarms 6,748 properties have had new hard wired smoke alarms fitted since 2010, and the Council aims to ensure all homes have at least two working smoke alarms. The Council check these annually as part the annual heating service however, you should always regularly test your alarms to see if they are working. If you have any concerns contact the Housing Repairs Call Centre or your District Housing Office.
Housing Quality Standard guidelines are met and for gardens to be safe and suitable for use. The scheme will also include an inspection of stores and garden structures and ensure boundaries are stable. Not all of this will be applicable in every property so an assessment will be carried out and anything needed will be included. Electrical testing and rewiring All of the Council’s properties are tested for electrical safety every 10 years. 8,464 properties have been tested since 2010. If the electrics do not pass the test then the property is rewired. These safety tests are a crucial area of work and it is important to allow access for this to be carried out. In addition to electrical testing work, properties are also rewired every 30 years. 2,679 properties have been rewired since April 2010. The wiring needs to be safe but if your property has not been rewired for 30 years then there may be too few sockets for your use and the position of sockets may not be practical for the amount of electrical equipment now used in most homes. The rewire will improve this and bring the property up to date.
Located in safe and attractive environments External Facilities Scheme This scheme is intended to ensure all the Welsh
Cyclical Repairs Scheme The aim of this programme is to undertake work to those building elements that require regular maintenance. The type of work planned for 2016 includes servicing windows to ensure they are in good repair, checking stairs to ensure handrails and the stairs are safe and in good condition, checking and clearing rainwater guttering and gullies, fitting new meter box covers over external gas and electric meters and painting communal areas. In 2015, 1,101 properties were included in areas such as Townhill and Gorseinon.
If you have any questions or would like information about the schemes affecting your property, please contact your District Housing Office in the first instance. Contact numbers are on the inside cover of OpenHouse.
Open House : Issue 1 2016 15
Website Update Homeswapper is a free on-line service for Council and Housing Association tenants who want to move to a bigger or smaller home. New changes to the way tenants use HomeSwapper have recently been introduced. HomeSwapper has worked closely with tenants over the last couple of months to develop a set of exciting new improvements which are all designed to make the experience of finding a swap easier than ever. The registration process has been made simpler to make registering with HomeSwapper quicker and even easier.
Upload a Profile Picture (you can use your house if you want!)
New Messaging – you can see all your messages in one place, see if another user is online (green dot next to their username), and see easily if a message you’ve been sent has been read.
To make things easier you can register and login with Facebook (make sure your Facebook email matches your HomeSwapper email)
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There are improved searches and adverts making it easier for tenants to find as many matches as they can.
New % match – see how you match up. The higher the number, the better the match!
There is now a ‘Request a photo’ feature – if someone doesn’t have a photo and you’d like to see one, click ‘Request a photo’ button – they’ll be prompted to upload an image.
An app for iOS and android is being developed and will be coming soon.
www.homeswapper.co.uk Open House : Issue 1 2016 17
Your Tenancy Agreement is Changing… The Welsh Government has introduced legislation that will make renting a home simpler and easier for tenants in Wales. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 became law in January 2016, and the Welsh Government is currently working on the guidance and regulations that Welsh landlords, including the Council, will have to implement. As yet there is no definite date for when the Act will be fully implemented but it is expected that it will be at the end of 2016, possibly a bit later depending on the progress made by the Welsh Government. It is early days but when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act is implemented tenants will be issued with a new ‘occupation contract’. There will only be two types: • A secure contract, modelled on a Local Authority secure tenancy which will be used by the Council and Housing Associations. • A standard contract, which will operate in the private rented sector. Nearer the time of implementation further information will be made available to tenants, in the meantime the Act can be found at: http://gov.wales/topics/housing-and-regeneration/legislation rentingbill/?lang=en.
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Universal Credit is a benefit for people who are in work and on a low income, as well as those out of work. The Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) began its roll out of Universal Credit to Swansea residents in July 2015 and a growing number of tenants are now affected by this change. At the moment it still only affects new claimants who are single and on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), however, eventually all people of working age (16-64) will receive all their benefits direct under a single Universal Credit payment. Universal Credit is paid into your bank or building society account as a lump sum each month to cover both daily living and housing costs and no longer direct to your rent account (previously Housing Benefit). This means that if you receive Universal Credit you will have to arrange to pay all of your rent yourself. This is a big change and if you need help in setting up a method of payment that suits you to ensure your rent is paid, the Council’s Housing Rents Team can help you. You will be told by the DWP in writing if and when the change will affect you. You will have to make your claim for Universal Credit online www.gov.uk/universal-credit. There is NO PAPER CLAIM FORM. You will also have to MANAGE YOUR CLAIM online.
Universal Credit: • • •
Replaced: Job Seeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support. Is a means-tested benefit, which means the amount you get depends on how much income and capital (savings and some kinds of property) you’ve got. It is a benefit for people of working age.
It is very important that tenants receiving Universal Credit pay their rent on time to avoid rent arrears. If you need support don’t forget to get in touch with the Council’s Rent Team, they can give you more information and also help and advice on Universal Credit or paying your rent. You can contact the Rents Team on
01792 534094 rentsteam@swansea.gov.uk Further information on paying your rent can be found on the Council’s website www.swansea.gov.uk/howtopayyourrent
Open House : Issue 1 2016 19
Tackling fly tipping A number of streets in a Swansea community have been targeted in a council-led clean-up operation. Swansea Council identified four streets in Townhill which suffer continually from fly tipping problems. Gomer Road, Gwylfa Road, Geiriol Road and Ceri Road have all been identified as hotspots for fly tipping which includes abandoned black refuse sacks on the streets. To help tackle the problem, members of the Council’s Recycling and Housing Teams’ visited the area over a number of days. Part of the work included trying to identify who is responsible for fly tipping. Councillor David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation said: “This initiative was about how we can help improve local communities for the people who are living in them. “Fly tipping is something which regularly occurs in many communities across Swansea and it’s something we are keen to tackle.” The initiative also aimed to increase recycling performance in the streets where it has been observed that recycling levels are low. On collection day, recycling officers selected a number of the black bags put out for collection in those streets and inspected them to filter out recyclable materials. Cllr Hopkins added: “Many of the homes in these particular streets were putting out more black bags than the limit allows and this leads to them being abandoned, contributing to the fly tipping problem. We have collected these bags to highlight the amount of recyclable material that is inside them and hopefully encourage residents to do the right thing. We provide kerbside recycling services to all households in Swansea. We are facing difficult financial challenges in Swansea and recycling is one way that residents can help us reduce our costs.” Over a hundred residents have been contacted as part of the project receiving advice on how to correctly dispose of their waste, whilst the council’s
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Pictured above left to right: John Player, Philippa Williams (Neighbourhood Officers), Christopher Wells (Recycling Team), Fran Williams (Enforcement Team) and Thomas WIlliams (Recycling Team). recycling mascot ‘Sammy the Seagull’ has been visiting local schools to spread the recycling message. Early indications suggest that the number of fly tipping incidents in the area has reduced since the project began. Engagement work is set to continue in the area in future with the possibility of enforcement action being taken against those who persist to offend after the education period. Similar work is expected to be completed in other parts of Swansea where recycling levels are low and where fly tipping continues.
Remember, to ensure collection: • Place recycling and rubbish bags out
- after 7pm the evening before collection
- before 7am on the day of collection
• Place bags and bins on the pavement directly outside your own property only. •
Black bags are collected once a fortnight on the Pink collection week. A maximum of 3 black bags will be collected from each household per fortnightly collection.
• Place bags out on the correct collection week only. • Large items of waste such as furniture and white goods can be collected by the council if booked in advance for a small fee or entirely free of charge for persons in receipts of certain benefits.
Recycling There are 16 places across Swansea where a variety of items can be recycled. Household Waste Recycling Centres are only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The Council’s 5 Household Waste Recycling Centres have facilities to recycle and dispose of household waste free of charge. They are not able to accept trade, commercial, construction or demolition waste. Information about all Council sites, including opening times are available online at: www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingsites
Household Waste Recycling Centres – what can be recycled and where Domestic material
Llansamlet
Clyne
Garngoch
Penlan
Tir John
Aluminium foil
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Batteries - car
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Batteries - household
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Books
✓
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Cans (food and drink)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Cardboard
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Carpets
✓
✓
Ñ
Ñ
✓
Ceramics
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Clothes/ textiles
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Cooking oil
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Electrical goods
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Engine oil
✓
✓
✓
✓
Ñ
Flourescent tubes
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Fridges / freezers
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Furniture
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Gas cylinders
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Garden waste
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Glass (bottles and jars)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Glass (window / plate)
✓
✓
Ñ
Ñ
✓
Household chemicals
✓
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Large domestic appliances
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Open House : Issue 1 2016 21
Domestic material
Llansamlet
Clyne
Garngoch
Penlan
Tir John
Mattresses
✓
✓
Ñ
Ñ
✓
Metal (scrap)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Paint / Household Chemicals
✓
✓
Ñ
✓
Ñ
Paper
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plastic (pink bags)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plastic - large (eg furniture)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Polystyrene
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Rubble
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Shoes
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Soil
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Televisions and monitors
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tetra Paks and drink cartons
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Wood (other e.g. MDF,
✓
✓
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
laminate flooring, hollow doors)
Wood
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Household waste
✓
✓
✓
✓
Ñ
Free compost available for public Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
Ñ
✓
Height restriction 2m
Ñ
Ñ
✓
✓
✓
(non-recyclable)
The Corner Shop
The innovative shop is located in Llansamlet at the Household Waste Recycling (HWRC). It is open 7 days a week. The Corner Shop sells a variety of items including books, toys, crockery, ornaments, furniture and electrical items. All items in the shop were destined to be sent to landfill or broken up for recycling, so staff at the HWRC are asking the public if any of the items they are throwing away are reusable. Anything that can be reused then goes straight to the Corner Shop to await a new home. This will keep a significant quantity of ‘waste’ out of the landfill sites and give many items new lease of life. The huge success of the shop and the amount of material coming in has meant that the shop has had to be expanded several times. There is now a whole
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department just for electrical items where you will find everything from lamps to televisions all of which have been tested for safety. Prices of all items start from £1 and all money raised will go towards educational projects being run by the Council’s Recycling Team. You can also buy kindling, eco-friendly briquettes and logs. Come along and grab yourself a bargain. New stock is always welcome so if you are having a clear out you can bring any reusable items direct to the Corner Shop. Remember one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Opening times Monday - Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am to 3.30pm
New regulations for dog owners Since April 2016 it has been a legal requirement for all dogs in Wales to be microchipped, after Assembly Members voted to approve new regulations on 20th October 2015. The Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015 came into force on 6 April 2016 and will require all dogs over eight weeks old to be microchipped, and the keepers’ details registered on an approved database.
breeding and help in the control of dangerous and nuisance dogs by creating a link between a dog and its owner.”
Animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government and legislation is part of a suite of measures aimed at improving dog welfare in Wales. This includes the ban on the use of electronic shock collars, the introduction of higher dog breeding standards and the commissioning of a review led by the RSPCA into responsible dog ownership.
“Microchipping is a simple procedure involving the implantation of a small microchip under the skin of an animal using a needle. The unique reference number stored on the microchip must then be registered on a corresponding database with the contact details of the animal’s keeper or owner.”
The Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans said: “I would encourage all dog owners who have not already had their dogs microchipped to do so as soon as they can. “Pet owners are far more likely to be reunited with their animals if they are lost, stolen or injured if they have been microchipped.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, said:
Dogs will still be required by law to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and contact details on it when it is in a public place after compulsory microchipping is introduced. For further information about microchipping, please contact your vet or a suitably trained pet care specialist. Some third sector organisations are also able to offer support to help individuals get their dogs microchipped.
“The ability to trace all dogs back to their owners should encourage more responsible ownership,
Open House : Issue 1 2016 23
City and County of Swansea are working in partnership with Dyson Energy Services to install Loft Insulation to Council properties in Swansea
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Help with debt If you are struggling with debt it can be hard to know what to do or where to turn, but there is help available. Contact StepChange Debt Charity www.stepchange.org, or 0800 138 111 – free from all phones for free, confidential advice. You can sign up online for a week of free debt advice emails: 7 days, 7 ways to deal with debt.
Doorstep lenders, weekly payment stores and catalogues maybe popular ways to buy what you need and spread the repayments over several weeks but the question to ask is: how MANY weeks? What’s the TOTAL you will repay?
Try to avoid unplanned overdrafts These happen when the bank allows a payment to leave your account, when you don’t have enough money there. They charge huge fees for this, and you may not know it is happening until it’s too late.
Before you get a loan or buy anything on credit, see if the local Credit Union can help you instead ( www.lasacreditunion.coop). You can probably make the same weekly repayments you were planning, but it will take fewer weeks, leaving you debt-free much sooner and costing far less in total. The difference could surprise you.
If you know there isn’t enough money in your account for a bill which is due, try to cancel it. Ask the company not to send the payment request to your account. If this isn’t successful – or if you want to be sure – cancel the payment instruction with the bank. You’ll need to arrange to pay another way or another time. If you can’t cancel it or don’t want to, ask the bank to give you an overdraft, or to increase your existing overdraft limit. You may face some charges for any of these things, but they will not be as high as going into unplanned overdraft. If bank charges occurred because you were struggling, and have now made your situation worse, you could try asking for them back. Ask StepChange for advice. Consider a basic bank account Most banks now offer basic bank accounts, with no overdraft facility. If you don’t have enough in your account to pay, the payment doesn’t get made, so you can’t get caught out with unexpected charges. (The company you were meant to be paying might still charge you, if you don’t pay when it’s due – but the bank can’t). More information at: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ basic-bank-accounts Weekly repayments? How about a LASA loan? If you can’t afford to pay upfront for something you need, arranging small, weekly payments can be a big help.
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Important information if you currently get Disability Living Allowance (DLA). DLA is ending for more people. A new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has been introduced to help with extra costs if you have a long-term health condition or disability.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is ending for people who were born after 8 April 1948 and are aged 16 or over on 8th April 2013 (the day PIP was introduced). This will happen even if you have an indefinite or long-term award. DLA is not the same as PIP. Q. When will I know when my DLA is ending? A. You’ll continue to get DLA until the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) writes to tell you about when it will end. The letter you receive will invite you to apply for a PIP and tell you what to do next. Look out for a letter from DWP. Q. What should I do when I get the letter from the DWP? A. Once you get your letter you’ll have 28 days from the date on the letter to decide whether you want to make a claim for PIP. As you won’t be able to choose to keep DLA, it’s worth finding out about PIP. Q. Will other benefits be affected? A. Other benefits you or your carer get, such as Motability or Carer’s Allowance, may also end or change.
Important You will not be affected by this change and will continue to receive DLA if: • You were born on or before 8th April 1948 • You are under the age of 16
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) What is a PIP? PIP helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill health or a disability if you’re aged 1664. You could get between £21.80 and £139.75 a week.* The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get. Your rate will be regularly reassessed to make sure you’re getting the right support. Visit www.gov.uk/dla-ending to find out more about DLA ending and applying for PIP www.gov.uk/pip.
*These are the 2015-16 amounts. Benefit rates are reviewed every year
Local Area Coordination It’s just over eight months since Swansea launched Wales’s first Local Area Coordination initiative to help people feel less isolated and alone and more connected to their neighbours and communities. Originally developed in Australia, Local Area Coordination is happening in three of our communities to start with - Sketty, St Thomas & Bonymaen and Gorseinon & Loughor - and if all goes well the scheme could be expanded to benefit people and communities across Swansea. Local Area Coordinators are a single point of contact in a community for anyone of any age who wants information or advice about what’s going on in their local area, and letting them know how they can get involved in community activities. They also work with disabled people, people with mental health problems, older people, families and carers to provide that extra bit of support when it’s needed to prevent everyday problems from turning in to a crisis. Sketty Local Area Co-ordinator Jon Franklin said: ‘’Local Area Coordination is about helping people make connections in their communities, discover ways to help themselves and get a boost in confidence from helping others.
feelings of loneliness and isolation. Dan Morris, Coordinator for St Thomas and Bonymaen areas said “When you ask people what is the most important thing in life to them, most will say it’s their family, or their friends, having somewhere to live, feeling safe and secure, and having a future to look forward to. These are the building blocks of a ‘good life.” This is where Local Area Coordination comes in; it’s a way of supporting people and communities develop the skills and ideas needed to find practical solutions to everyday issues and problems, stay strong and build that ‘good life.’ Ronan Ruddy Local Area Coordinator in Gorseinon & Loughor said, “Since starting this job I have been privileged to meet great people who are doing a lot of brilliant things here. I can provide advice and information, and also connect people to others with the same interests.”
“In the past when you needed a hand with something or when you felt lonely you would ask a neighbour. We know from our work that people really value that community feeling and enjoy contributing to it. We’re working to uncover peoples’ natural skills and talents so that everyone can benefit.” The approach is all part of Swansea Council’s aim to prevent everyday problems from becoming crises and supporting communities to become great places for everyone to live. When people are connected, they feel part of community life and want to contribute to it. All this helps people stay healthier for longer and beat
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As well as providing information, advice and links to groups and activities, Coordinators also connect people to the experts in housing, debts and benefits advice and volunteering opportunities. And when that extra bit of support is needed to help people avoid a crisis, Local Area Coordinators can help too.
Local Area Coordinators’ contact details: Sketty, Tycoch, Derwen Fawr, Sketty Park Jon Franklin 07471 145351. Jon.Franklin@swansea.gov.uk
Ronan continued, “the support we provide is informal: it might just be a chat over a cuppa; it’s whatever suits the person.”
St Thomas, Bonymaen, SA1 Waterfront: Dan Morris 07471 154352. Daniel.Morris@swansea.gov.uk
Councillor Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Healthy City said: “I am delighted with the work that our Local Area Coordinators are doing. Local people have grasped the idea and are coming together to help each other stay healthy, safe and happy.”
Gorseinon, Garden Village, Kingsbridge and Loughor Ronan Ruddy 07471 145353. Ronan.Ruddy@swansea.gov.uk
If you would like more information on Local Area Co-ordination head to: www.swansea.gov.uk localareacoordinationfaqs
For general information contact: Jane Tonks 01792 636645. jane.tonks@swansea.gov.uk
Can we help you? Do you have difficulty reading small print or perhaps you sometimes feel bogged down by the amount of information you see on letters, leaflets and application forms. If this is the case we can provide information to you in other ways. We can send you information in Large Print, Braille, or on a Compact Disc or Cassette tape. If you are a Welsh Speaker or are learning Welsh and we can also provide information to you in Welsh or in English and Welsh. To receive information in an alternative format, please let the staff at your District Office know or contact the Customer Services Team on 01792 635045 housing@swansea.gov.uk If you need help completing a form that we have given you, please ask your District Office staff for help. A private interview room is available if you do not wish to do this at the reception counter. All of our
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District Housing Offices have hearing loop systems, hand held magnifying glasses, signature guides, large grip pens and other aids which are available for use at the reception desk or interview room. It’s important to us that you are able to have access to all of the services which are available to you from the Housing Service; so if you would like us to do things differently for you, please just ask and we will be pleased to do so.