Open House - Issue 1 2019

OpenHouse The Magazine for Council Tenants and Leaseholders

Issue 1 2019

Work continues on improving homes and estates to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Return Address: City and County of Swansea, Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN

What’s Inside Welcome to Open House FEATURES Focus on... Introduction to new Head of Housing and Public Health ............................... 1 Get Swansea Online .......................... 2 Community Centres ........................... 3

LOCAL LINKS Indoor activities ................................... 4

TENANCY AND ESTATE Tenants’ Voice .....................................

Supporting residents with Recycling .....................................

Sheltered housing news ....................

How would you prefer to receive Open House? ....................

HomeSwapper ..................................

Gardening Competition .....................

Contact information ...........................

Playbus fun at Colliers Way ...............

Launch of a new Homelessness Strategy .....................

Improvements to Council Housing / Welsh Housing Quality Standard Capital Programme update ..............

The big community recycling event ....

Electrical safety in the home ..............

Rent payment methods .....................

Support services ................................

6 7 8 9 10 12 14 14 15 16 20 21 22 23

GENERAL ADVICE Don’t be a victim of Scammers .........

Crimestoppers ....................................

Condensation and mould in your home ...........................

Help to Save ........................................

Recycling and waste collections 2019 ..................................

Kerbside Recycling and Black Bag Collections .........................

24 25 26 27 28 30

EQUALITIES Healthy City Directory ......................... 32 Can we help you? ............................... 32 ALL INFORMATION IN OPENHOUSE IS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.

Open House: Issue 1 2019

Welcome to this edition of Open House. Hopefully you will ďŹ nd it packed full of useful advice and information but if you have any suggestions about what you would like to see in future editions, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

We are busy on our estates carrying out work to ensure all council properties meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard and you will ďŹ nd out where we are with the programme on pages 15-19.

There is useful advice on page 24 about how you can ensure you are not a victim of a scam. Many of these scams can be quite convincing so please take the time to read the advice provided carefully.

On page 28 you will ďŹ nd some information on recycling, including what you can and can’t recycle. This is a popular topic in our tenant groups so hopefully you will also ďŹ nd this useful.

Finally, it’s nice to see some pictures of our winners from the gardening competition, there are some fantastic gardens out there - well done to you all.

Open House is also available to read online at www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Rachel Cole, Editor

Useful Contacts Editor - Rachel Cole ..................................................................

Repairs Contact Centre ...........................................................

Out of Hours Emergency Repairs ...........................................

24 hour Neighbourhood Support Unit ...................................

Housing Options ......................................................................

Environment Contact Centre ...................................................

Housing BeneďŹ t Queries .........................................................

635045 635100 521500 648507 533100 635600 635353

District Housing OfďŹ ce Numbers Eastside District Housing OfďŹ ce ..............................................

Morriston & Clase District Housing OfďŹ ce ..............................

Sketty District Housing OfďŹ ce ...................................................

Townhill & Mayhill District Housing OfďŹ ce ..............................

Blaenymaes District Housing OfďŹ ce .......................................

Gorseinon District Housing OfďŹ ce ...........................................

Penlan District Housing OfďŹ ce ................................................

Town Centre District Housing OfďŹ ce .......................................

West Cross District Housing OfďŹ ce .........................................

All telephone numbers are Swansea based (01792)

791251 601720 516810 513900 534060 897700 582704 650486 402500

District Housing Email Addresses Blaenymaes.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk Eastside.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk Gorseinon.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk Morriston.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk Penlan.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk Sketty.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk Townhill.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk TownCentre.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk WestCross.DistrictHousingOfďŹ ce@swansea.gov.uk If you require this information in a different format eg large print, Braille, disc or other, please contact Housing Customer Services 01792 635045 or visit our website www.swansea.gov.uk/housing or email housing@swansea.gov.uk We welcome correspondence in Welsh and will deal with Welsh and English correspondence to the same standards and timescales.

Focus on...

Introduction to new Head of Housing and Public Health Mark Wade was appointed to the position of Head of Housing and Public Health in September 2018. Mark brings a wealth of experience in both the Environmental Health and Housing sectors.

Background - from Mark I started my working life as a student Environmental Health Officer employed by Swansea City Council.

I have always had a keen interest and passion for housing. I spent 10 years living and working in local government in England before coming back to Wales and, after a short spell in Neath Port Talbot, I re-joined the City and County of Swansea in 2009.

Since then I’ve worked in and managed a number of teams across Housing including Renewal & Adaptations, Business Planning and teams in what was Public Protection. I became interim Head of Housing and Public Protection in March 2018 before being appointed to the post of Head of Housing and Public Health last September.

My areas of responsibility now include Landlord Services, Business Planning, Housing Grants as well as teams in Public Health including Environmental Health and Licensing, Building Control, Trading Standards, Registrars and Bereavement Services.

Commitment to delivering Welsh Housing Quality Standard The Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) is the Welsh Government’s target standard for all social housing in Wales. We are investing £169.5 million in

improving council housing between now and 2020 so we reach the WHQS. We want to ensure that all council properties are • In a good state of repair • Safe and secure • Adequately heated, fuel efficient and well insulated • Contain up to date kitchens and bathrooms • Located in attractive and safe environments

Building more council properties In previous editions, you will have seen pictures of our Colliers Way development. We have also now applied for planning on a second site in Birchgrove.

We will keep you updated on progress.

Your views on the Housing Service One of my key first tasks is to oversee a commissioning review to improve our services to customers and ensure we run a more efficient service. If you are interested in giving your views or have any ideas for service improvements or, what to include in future editions of our Open House magazine, please contact our Tenant Participation Officer, Alison Winter on 01792 635043 or email housing@swansea.gov.uk.

Open House: Issue 1 2019

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Want to learn how to get the most out of the internet? It’s never too late to learn!

Get involved in the FREE beginners courses to get you online Learn how to get the most from the internet, send e-mails, save money, book holidays, surf the web, communicate with friends and family, and lots more.

Run by a qualiďŹ ed tutor, these FREE sessions are held in a number of venues across Swansea including libraries and community buildings.

Each course will last for 2 hours a week for 5 weeks.

They are aimed at people with limited or no experience of using computers or tablets to get online.

You can register for one of these courses: 1.

PC beginners course - we provide the computers to use for the course

2. Tablet beginners’ course - bring your own iPad or android tablet to use on the course

For information about dates, times and locations of courses, contact Lifelong Learning in Bryn House on 01792 470171 Alternatively, ask someone to book online for you on www.getswanseaonline.co.uk

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Community Centres Community Centres are often at the heart of communities within Swansea, providing opportunities for local residents to take part in groups and clubs and enabling them to meet other people and make new friends.

Two centres in Swansea which are an integral part of the community are based in Blaenymaes and Penlan.

Blaenymaes Community Centre Blaenymaes Community Centre has recently received funding so that essential works could be carried out to the exterior of the building. With the help of the management committee at the centre and the money made available by the Pobl trust, the outside of the community centre has been transformed.

The committee look forward to seeing more residents using the centre. The groups who regularly use Blaenymaes Community Centre include a bingo group, a boxing club, senior citizens group, ďŹ tness classes, holiday activities, help and advice sessions as well as regular parties.

If you would like to book Blaenymaes community centre, please contact Brian Pridmore on 07875 469858.

North Penlan Community Centre North Penlan Community Centre is available to hire!

Situated on John Penry Crescent, the centre has a fully working kitchen, medium sized ‘chillout room’ and a large sports hall. Prices to hire the centre range from ÂŁ10 to ÂŁ20 per hour and are negotiable.

There are a number of events currently being held at the centre: A youth club takes place every Thursday during term time from 4.00pm - 6.00pm. It is aimed at 8-16 year olds and includes activities such as dodgeball, slime and craft making, games nights and movie nights.

A netball group meet and play on a Monday evening, from 7.00pm - 8.00pm. Everyone is welcome. It costs ÂŁ2 for an adult and ÂŁ1 for a child. Children must be of comprehensive age and be accompanied by an adult.

All sorts of community groups, events and occasions are welcome at the community centre. If you are interested in booking an event, please contact the Booking Secretary on 07794 701007.

Information on community centres in the Swansea area can be found on our website www.swansea.gov.uk/communitybuildings Open House: Issue 1 2019

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LocalLinks Local Links provides information about activities taking place in your area. If you have any suggestions of things you’d like us to feature, please get in touch.

Indoor activities Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Glynn Vivian is a vibrant and inspiring FREE art space for everyone and provides spaces for historical, modern and contemporary art exhibitions, workshops and activities, talks and tours and live music and events. Following the redevelopment in 2016 there is also a shop and cafĂŠ on site, and the Gallery is now fully accessible and open to all.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10.00am - 5.00pm. Last admission 4.40pm Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays 01792 516900 glynn.vivian.gallery@swansea.gov.uk www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian

Swansea Central Library Swansea Central Library has a huge range of books including children’s, reference, local history, large print and audio books, along with PCs and microďŹ lm readers (booking advised).

The library is located in the Civic Centre and open Tuesday - Friday, 8.30am - 8.00pm and Saturday - Sunday, 10.00am - 4.00pm.

01792 636464 libraryline@swansea.gov.uk www.swansea.gov.uk/centrallibrary?contactid=2158

National Waterfront Museum The National Waterfront Museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years.

The museum is located in the Marina and is open 10.00am - 5.00pm daily. Admission is free.

0300 111 2 333 waterfront@museumwales.ac.uk www.museumwales.ac.uk/swansea/whatson/

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Swansea Museum Swansea Museum is a real treasure house of the ordinary and the extraordinary from Swansea past and present, and is a focus for the future of the city and its people, as well as providing a visitor experience that we hope you ďŹ nd enjoyable. You are able to visit Swansea Museum at two locations - the Museum itself on Oystermouth Road, and the Tram shed in Dylan Thomas Square in the Marina. Free admission.

Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10.00am - 4.30pm (Last admission 4.15pm) Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays 01792 653763 swansea.museum@swansea.gov.uk www.swanseamuseum.co.uk

Dylan Thomas Centre Learn to ‘Love the Words’ the way Dylan did at the Centre’s permanent interactive exhibition, which explores the life, times and work of one of the 20th century’s greatest writers. The exhibition includes a learning space, activities for children, a temporary exhibition area and an events programme throughout the year.

The Centre is located in Somerset Place, Swansea and is open 10.00am - 4.30pm daily.

01792 463980 dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk www.dylanthomas.com

Swansea Grand Theatre Swansea Grand Theatre has a wide variety of shows and exhibitions for everyone to enjoy. You can book tickets for shows in person at the box ofďŹ ce, over the telephone on 01792 475715, at a ticket agent or online www.swansea.gov.uk/article/2268/Whats-on-at-Swansea-Grand-Theatre.

Swansea Grand Theatre is at Singleton Street, Swansea.

Box OfďŹ ce opening hours: Mon - Sat, 12.00 midday - 8.00pm show day Mon - Sat, 12.00 midday - 6.00pm non-show day Join our email list at www.swanseagrand.co.uk 01792 475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk

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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 from the local, city and countywide groups.

Local Groups / Events Clyne Court Residents Association continue to meet on a regular basis and discuss issues affecting the 3 blocks of flats. Heather Elphick, who is the chairperson, says “I would like to encourage all residents of Clyne Court to come along to our meetings. We have an update from the Housing Office staff, local Councillors and a guest speaker.”

City and Countywide Groups During the last meeting of the Buildings and Repairs Group, Marion Jones and Nikki Phillips from the Call Centre spoke to tenants about their experiences of reporting repairs to the Call Centre. The group talked about both good and bad experiences of reporting repairs, which led to discussions about appointment systems, how repair jobs are allocated and how missed calls from workmen impact upon repairs for other tenants. The group found the meeting very useful and they now have a greater understanding

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of how the call centre works.

The Tenant Participation Strategy and Action Plan is currently being reviewed to look at what improvements can be made to the way tenants can get involved and access information. Members of the Tenants’ Consultative Panel have received a survey asking for their opinions and suggestions and a meeting will take place with the group to discuss the findings. If you would like to get involved or have any suggestions, please contact Alison Winter.

Val Taylor

Tenants’ Consultative Panel (TCP)

It is with great sadness that I let you know about the passing of one of our longstanding tenants, Val Taylor. Val was actively involved with tenant participation for over 35 years and was a member of the Tenants’ Consultative Panel, Tenant Steering Group, Building and Repairs Group and Estate Management Group. She was also a member of TPAS Cymru Management Board for many years.

Any tenant or leaseholder can be a member of the TCP. You will be asked for your views on new service developments or changes to any policies and procedures. This may be undertaken through questionnaires, via email or text or attending meetings - it’s up to you.

If you would like to join the Tenants’ Consultative Panel, please contact Alison Winter on the number below.

If you would like to have your say and get involved you can contact Alison Winter, the Participation OfďŹ cer on 01792 635043 or email alison.winter@swansea.gov.uk or text your comments along with your name and address to 07775221453

Supporting residents with Recycling If you are new to recycling but daunted by the prospect and not sure how to get started the Recycling Promotion Team are on hand to offer support, recycling equipment and information.

The team have been working with the District Housing OfďŹ ces to contact residents that require a little bit more help in order to manage their waste effectively and have had some great results.

Swansea Council has a three black bag limit in place but if you fully recycle using our kerbside collection service and still require to put out more than three black bags then we have an exemption scheme in place. You can apply for an exemption by phoning 635600 or emailing evh@swansea.gov.uk.

The black bag restriction is in place as we need more residents to recycle to reduce the amount of money wasted sending recycling to landďŹ ll. We

also have strict recycling targets to meet.

If you are struggling to recycle or need some additional support and assistance to get you started then the Recycling Promotion Team can work with you until you are able to use the services available correctly.

So, if you have waste piling up in your garden or in your house and you don’t know where to start to get rid of it then contact your District Housing OfďŹ ces and they will arrange for the Recycling Promotion Team to come and visit you.

For more information about recycling services available to Swansea residents visit www.swansea.gov.uk/recycling.

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Sheltered Housing News Macmillan Coffee Morning During September, many of our sheltered complexes took part in the Macmillan Coffee Morning.

This is Macmillan Cancer Research’s biggest fundraising event and all money raised goes to the charity.

One coffee morning was held at Maes Yr Efail, Gorseinon. A representative from the complex said “There was plenty of coffee, tea and cake available for the residents who took part along with many opportunities to win prizes. Everyone enjoyed the event and a total of £620 was raised.”

Some of the other complexes that took part were Pantgwyn, Sketty and Dan Yr Allt, Gowerton.

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How would you prefer to receive Open House?

Open House is currently circulated as a paper copy to over 14,000 tenants and leaseholders. It’s also available in other formats such as CD, large print and on our website.

We are always looking at ways to improve Open House and save on costs at the same time. So we’d like to hear from you if you’d prefer to read Open House online. Instead of sending a paper copy, we’ll send you an email version. You can then read it where and when you want to, using your phone, tablet or PC – it couldn’t be easier! This makes it more accessible, sustainable and more cost effective as we’ll be reducing the number of printed copies.

If you’d like to receive Open House online, you will need to complete our “sign upâ€? form www.swansea.gov.uk/openhouseemail Please provide us with your: • Name and address • email address • telephone numbers Just remember to keep us informed of any changes to your contact details.

If you prefer to continue receiving a paper copy of Open House, there’s no need to do anything.

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Want to move home?

can help!

Swapping your home with another Council or Housing Association tenant may be quicker than waiting for a transfer. You can search for homes in and around Swansea as well as other towns and cities in the U.K.

All Swansea Council tenants who have been tenants for more than 12 months can register with and use HomeSwapper for FREE Step 1: Visit www.homeswapper.co.uk

Step 2: Register your name and create a password and username for your account

Step 3: tell Homeswapper about the home that you currently have (location, number of bedrooms, garden, parking etc)

Step 4:

You can download the FREE HomeSwapper app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android.

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tell Homeswapper about the type of home you are looking for (location, number of bedrooms, garden, parking etc).

Step 5: Select ‘find a swap’ and start looking at properties you have been matched with.

Tips: Please remember to add photos of your home. Most successful swaps have at least one photo of the home.

Photos give people more information about your home. Try to show your home at its best - ask yourself “what does this show someone who has never seen this room before?�. Hold the camera in the corner of the room to try and get as much as you can in the picture.

Also remember to log onto your account frequently to check on potential swaps and to ensure your account stays live.

www.homeswapper.co.uk

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 or email to housing@swansea.gov.uk or phone on 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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2018 - the winners...

During the summer of 2018, the 19th annual tenants and leaseholders gardening competition took place. This year, we received a record number of entrants and once again, the judges were impressed with the high standard of gardens.

Here is a selection of photographs of the winners’ gardens. Seeing these gardens will hopefully encourage more tenants to enter the competition in 2019!

The overall winner was Richard Russ who has been entering the competition for a number of years. This is the ďŹ rst time he has received the overall winner award. Richard spends a lot of his time maintaining and developing his large garden which has a grassed area, a patio, wildowers and an edible garden.

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2nd place

3rd place

Andrea Evans

Juliet Rees

Best communal garden

Best edible garden

Best container garden

Laugharne Court

Mountbatten Court

Andrew George

Best newcomer

Judges’ choice award

Judith Hatton

Paul Davies

Best wildower garden

Best lifestyle garden

Patrick McCormack

Stephen Rees

Best use of a small/restricted space Josie Phillips

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Contact information The Council may need to contact you from time to time about your rent, property improvements or any other housing related matters so it is important that we have up to date contact information so we can contact you when necessary. This includes your home phone number, mobile phone number and email address.

The Council is increasingly contacting customers by text message. Many of the sections within the Housing Service such as the District Housing Offices, Rents Team, Housing Options and the Tenancy Support Unit are using text messaging.

It is a really good way of getting messages to tenants quickly and we are finding that most tenants agree that it is an easy way of responding to us.

Please let us know if any of your contact details change so that we can update our system and continue to contact you when we need to.

Play Bus fun at Colliers Way As you probably know, the Council has recently built new council properties in Cwrt Trefor and Colliers Way in Penlan. The tenants started moving into their new homes in December 2017.

The Council’s Play Bus visited the Cwrt Trefor area on the 15 August 2018. 6 children living in the above areas attended the event and had a very enjoyable time! In addition to the children, some parents (and even grandparents!) also joined in the fun and ended up covered in face paint!

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As the Cwrt Trefor and Colliers Way area is a new community, the Play Bus gave the children, and their families, a chance to get to know each other better and make new friends. The event was a big success and residents would love to see the Play Bus return to the area at some point in the future.

Launch of a new Homelessness Strategy The Council has launched a new Homelessness Strategy, which aims to provide everyone with access to good quality advice, accommodation and support at the earliest possible opportunity in order to prevent homelessness.

The Strategy has been developed following a wideranging review, which looked in detail at how many people are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in Swansea and the services that are in place to help. A consultation exercise was carried out which gathered the views of people who have been homeless, organisations who provide support and accommodation and other charities such as Crisis and Shelter. As a direct result of consultation and evidence from the review, the Homelessness Strategy has now been apporved along with an action plan.

The Strategy will last for four years and has a large number of actions, which aim to reduce levels of homelessness. Some examples of what the Council intends to do over the next 4 years include:

• Develop an education programme to increase knowledge of housing and homelessness issues for young people. • Work with partners to address the increased need for advice on welfare beneďŹ ts, income maximisation and debt. • Improve the support and advice offered to private landlords in order to increase the supply of good quality, affordable private rented accommodation. • Development of shared accommodation solutions for single households under 35. • Improve access to substance misuse and mental health support services for homeless households.

• Reduce evictions and better understand reasons for abandoned tenancies.

The full strategy and action plan are available on-line www.swansea.gov.uk/article/46707/ Launch-of-a-new-Homelessness-Strategy

• Review and improve housing advice available on-line.

Or if you would like a hard copy, please contact Rosie Jackson on 01792 635046.

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

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Improvements to Council Housing / Welsh Housing Quality Standard Capital Programme update The Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) is the Welsh Government’s target standard for all social housing in Wales.

Achieving the WHQS in Swansea Over the next 2 years, the Council is investing over £156 million to improve homes and estates up to the WHQS by December 2020. Part of this investment is given to the Council as an annual Major Repair Allowance grant of £9,100,000 from the Welsh Government. This work helps improve the wellbeing of those who live in council homes and estates as well as providing community benefits.

Improvements needed to properties will vary as some may need more work than others to bring them up to the standard. Tenants will be notified individually in advance of work proposed for their home, including likely start dates, who the contractor will be, whether there will be a disturbance allowance and how much this will be etc.

The following information looks at what work has been completed so far and what’s planned over the next 2 years.

Roofing schemes Roofing schemes include loft insulation which will improve energy efficiency and help with heating bills.

4,320 properties have had new roofs since April 2010.

This table shows the areas and the number of homes which have received new roofs in 2017/18 and those planned for 2019.

Areas Blaenymaes Bonymaen

2017

2018

2019

106 36

Sketty Flats Clay Roofs Townhill including Port Tennant

37

Gower including Dunvant, Three Crosses, Llangennith & Penclawdd

63

Gorseinon & Penyrheol

84

Wimpey No Fines Penlan Various

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32

60

Wind and Weatherproofing programme This programme includes insulating and improving the external walls and roofs of the property. Since April 2010, the Council has completed 3,573 properties and work is planned for a further 1,174 properties over the next 2 years.

The following table sets out the wind and weatherproofing programme for the years 2017-2020. This includes work completed in 2017/18 and planned for 2019 onwards.

Area

2017

2018

2019

Clydach (Tanycoed) Penlan

10 48

Blaenymaes, Woodford Road Area

54

Tirdeunaw Complex Pontardulais

2020

21 26

25

30

Fforesthall, Cae Conna Road

42

Trallwn – Talycoppa

40

Townhill - Tower Gardens

18

Llwyncethin Complex and Maes Glas Flats

40

Various including Townhill, Gower & Caemawr

3

Felindre

4

Waunarlwydd Penllergaer

140 11

23

Loughor

30

64

Craig Cefn Parc

13

33

Cwmbwrla

49

West Cross

60

57

West Cross BISF

32

28

Sketty

29

30

74 55

Birchgrove

42

Clase

55

87

67

72

Winch Wen Croft Street

36

31

29

115

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Chimneys Scheme This scheme will remove, repair or rebuild the chimney. On ‘new roof’ schemes and ‘wind and weatherprooďŹ ng’ schemes, the chimneys are removed, if possible, since the introduction of combi boilers has meant that they are no longer needed.

This will reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and prevent potential damp problems and water penetration that redundant chimneys can cause.

In 2017, 340 properties had chimneys removed or repaired and in 2018 work was carried out to 244 properties in Mayhill, Cwmrhydyceirw, Llanllienwen and Upper Killay.

Work on 254 properties is due to take place in Llwyn Derw, Pentrechwyth and in Townhill.

including work to retaining walls where they support land next to it. If you have any concerns regarding walls in your garden, please contact the Housing Repairs Call Centre on 01792 635100.

Drainage work is also being undertaken in some areas.

Fire Safety Considerable work has been done to enhance ďŹ re safety in blocks of ats and sheltered complexes which includes ďŹ re doors, emergency lighting and new improved signage.

Flats with communal areas have new doors which are of a higher standard and will provide 60 minute ďŹ re protection for residents. Other ďŹ re safety work will include the installation of sprinklers and new ďŹ re alarm systems to sheltered complex communal areas.

Sprinklers Seven of the larger sheltered complexes have had sprinklers installed. Work is currently taking place to install sprinklers in all high-rise blocks of ats – Jeffreys Court is now complete and work is progressing at Matthew Street. The team are currently designing the sprinkler systems for the remaining blocks.

Balconies 864 balconies have been repaired or upgraded since April 2010. Work is taking place on 59 ats during 2018/19.

Door Renewal Programme Since April 2010 10,588 properties have had new external doors. Of these, 2,755 were ďŹ re doors.

Work to sheltered complexes Plasmelyn has had new windows installed, and work is also due to take place at Ty Dewi Sant and Gloucester House to replace the conservatories.

Structural repairs, drainage repairs and improvements A number of structural repairs will be carried out

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Voice Entry Systems Voice entry systems help to keep the blocks secure and allow tenants the opportunity to control access.

It also keeps the communal areas more secure, preventing anyone from entering the blocks who does not have a reason to be there.

Flats in Sketty, Clase, Waunarlwydd and Uplands now have upgraded voice entry systems.

Improvements to door access has been made at Gloucester House Sheltered Complex.

Smoke alarms Smoke alarms have been installed to all properties and since 2010, over 10,300 have been renewed.

A further 458 properties are scheduled to have new smoke alarms in 2018/2019.

In 2017 we also put in new smoke alarms in some sheltered complexes with a radio link system.

This enables the Council to check the alarms are operating and that they also link to support services such as Care Line.

In addition. the Council check smoke alarms annually as part of its annual heating service.

However, these should always be regularly tested to see if they are working. If you have any concerns about your alarm or need to report a fault, please contact the Housing Repairs Call Centre on 01792 635100 or your local District Housing OfďŹ ce.

Electrical testing and rewiring All of the Council’s properties are tested for electrical safety every 10 years. If the electrics do not pass the test then the property has to have improvement work carried out. It is important that tenants allow access for these safety tests to be done. 11,416 properties have been tested since April 2010. Properties are rewired every 30 years. Since April 2010, 5,012 properties have been rewired.

The SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is a measure of the energy efďŹ ciency of your home and is recorded on an Energy Performance CertiďŹ cate.

This looks at heating, lighting, insulation, and gives a score for your home. When we add new rooďŹ ng, boilers, external wall and roof insulation, this will improve the SAP rating on your home.

Fuel Conversions Tenants are offered the option to switch heating fuels to either gas or oil if they currently have coal or electric. Since April 2010, 87 properties have converted from coal to gas.

Upgrades Tenants can request small items of work such as timer clocks, room thermostats or radiators for a room without one, or where the existing one is inadequate to heat the room.

Kitchens and Bathrooms Scheme New kitchens and bathrooms will be installed in properties that need them. So far, 5,427 properties have had kitchens and 5,706 properties have had bathrooms.

Heating Boilers are renewed as part of a planned programme with the oldest systems treated as a priority. The aim is for all properties to have efďŹ cient boilers installed. 10,425 new boilers have been installed so far. New communal boilers have been installed in some sheltered complexes providing more efďŹ cient heating to 504 properties.

Energy efďŹ ciency rating levels The Housing Service is taking a closer look at its energy rating levels in line with Welsh Government legislation.

As part of the scheme, kitchens and bathrooms may be adapted to meet individual needs. Tenants can discuss medical needs with staff when they visit and before the kitchen and bathroom are designed.

Sometimes the property will be rewired or require partial rewiring to ensure the kitchen has sufďŹ cient sockets.

Tenants have ten weeks’ notice of the work and a

Open House: Issue 1 2019 19

visit from a member of staff provides an opportunity to discuss the scheme in general and raise any particular concerns they may have.

Eight weeks before the work starts, a kitchen designer will come and plan the kitchen layout and there is a choice of kitchen styles. This will accommodate existing white goods, such as your washing machine and fridge. It is important that access is provided during the works so the improvements can be carried out. The aim is to ďŹ nish the work in 4 to 5 weeks.

Sometimes, new kitchens and bathrooms are installed in empty properties so that they are in place when the new tenant moves in.

During 2017, over 1800 properties had new kitchens and bathrooms.

The 2018 programme started in Blaenymaes, Loughor and Gorseinon and work in these areas should be ďŹ nished by March 2019. The kitchen and bathroom schedule for 2018-2020 can be found on our website www.swansea.gov.uk/ article/45170/Welsh-Housing-Quality-Standard--Capital-Programme-update---Autumn-2018

Alternatively, you can contact your local district housing ofďŹ ce or telephone 01792 635117.

External Facilities Scheme Work on the External Facilities scheme has started and some areas of Gorseinon are now complete and work is ongoing in Penlan. Surveys have been undertaken in Bonymaen, Pentrechwyth and Port Tennant in readiness for work to begin.

These improvements will focus on the outside area of your property (e.g. fencing and paths) to tackle any accessibility and safety issues.

Suit the speciďŹ c requirements of the household When delivering schemes, the Council aim to address any household needs where possible.

Tenants can speciďŹ cally request alterations to help continue to live in their home through the adaptations programme. For further information, contact Renewals and Adaptations on 01792 635330 or by email urbanren@swansea.gov.uk

The big community recycling event On Wednesday 3rd October 2018 a big community recycling event was held in Waunarlwydd. This follows on from a similar event previously held in Portmead which was a great success.

The Housing caretaking team were joined by ofďŹ cers from the Recycling Promotion team and NEAT teams.

OfďŹ cers from the Recycling Promotion team took the opportunity to knock on doors, offering advice and information on recycling.

Residents were informed of the event a month in advance and advised to put their waste and recyclable items out on the kerbside on this day.

Residents were encouraged to take the opportunity to clear their gardens for this one-off event.

Housing Estate Caretakers took away all waste and recycling which had been brought to the kerbside.

During the day the NEAT team scraped weeds from car parks, gutters, paths and walkways.

Areas were swept with a mini street sweeper.

• Recycled garden waste, white goods and other recyclable items

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In total caretakers: • Undertook 18 trips to the Bailing Plant

• Tipped 9.3 tonnes of waste.

Electrical safety in the home There has been a rise in the number of house ďŹ res caused by electrical appliances. Try to keep your home as safe as possible by following some simple tips:

Don’t overload plug sockets by plugging too many items into one socket.

Don’t leave electrical appliances running or charging overnight or whilst you are out.

Check electrical items regularly. If your appliance is making a strange noise or doesn’t appear to be working properly, then don’t use it.

Test your smoke alarms every month to check they are working.

Trading Standards has also highlighted the dangers in buying counterfeit electrical items. Fake goods such as hair straighteners, digital cameras and mobile phone chargers can be bought online for a fraction of the cost of the real items. However, when

tested, many items are found to be of poor quality and dangerous. The Trading Standards team want to stress to Swansea residents that if you buy these goods you are potentially buying a product that could put you and your family at risk.

Further information on safety in your home, including ďŹ re safety, is on our website www.swansea.gov.uk/article/35293/Safety-in-your-Council-home Open House: Issue 1 2019 21

Rent payment methods Forms are available on-line or you can request them from your Rent OfďŹ cer on 601720 / 534094 or email request to rentsteam@swansea.gov.uk You will need a Payment swipe card, ask your Rent OfďŹ cer, or phone us on 601720 / 534094. Payments made on a Thursday or Friday will not show until the following week Payzone - You can use your Payment swipe card to pay at any retailer that displays the payzone logo. For a list of retailers please visit www.payzone.co.uk By contacting your Rent OfďŹ cer

You can pay using Debit, Switch, Solo, Maestro or Credit Card by ringing 601720 / 534094 or your local DHO during OfďŹ ce Hours

Via the Internet

Please visit the Council’s website www.swansea.gov.uk Click “Do It Onlineâ€? & “Pay for itâ€?. If you have any difďŹ culties, please call on 601720 / 534094 for assistance

Over the phone

At your local Housing OfďŹ ce

If you know your rent reference number, you can phone our automated service English 0300 456 2765 / Welsh 0300 456 2775 at any time. (If you do not know your rent reference please call 601720 / 534094) At the following District Housing OfďŹ ces & Civic Centre: Townhill, Sketty, West Cross, Blaenymaes, Penlan, Town Centre, Morriston, Eastside, (Gorseinon - Card payments only) If you are on Universal Credit your Housing Costs will be paid to you directly by the DWP. Please contact the DWP on 0345 600 0723 if you have not received your Housing costs

22 Open House: Issue 1 2019

Support services Housing BeneďŹ t Claim

Financial Inclusion OfďŹ cer

TSU Tenancy Support Unit

Housing Options

To make a new claim for Housing BeneďŹ t contact the Take Up Team 635353 or email newclaims4beneďŹ ts@swansea.gov.uk To discuss your existing claim with a Housing BeneďŹ t OfďŹ cer please ring 635353 or email beneďŹ ts@swansea.gov.uk If you are having difďŹ culty with paying your rent contact Lesley Jenkins 01792 534064 or 07920 560243 email rentsteam@swansea.gov.uk The TSU is run by the City & County of Swansea; they can offer a support worker to help with ďŹ nancial problems or any other support issues with your tenancy. Please contact your Rent OfďŹ cer or the Tenancy Support Unit on 774360 if you feel you need support Money advice and debt advice - Also free advice given if your tenancy is at risk. Call at 17 High St, Swansea SA1 1LF 01792 533100 housingoptions@swansea.gov.uk Swansea Citizens Advice Second Floor, City Gates, 50a Wind Street, Swansea SA1 1EE 0300 3309 082 www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales.htm If you are threatened with homelessness they will offer you free advice and assistance 01792 469400 Housing Advice helpline 0845 800 4444 www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/home/ Stepchange Debt Advice 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org Want to Work - Workways - If you would like advice on how to get into work Freefone 0800 328 6370 or 01792 637112 www.workways.co.uk Open House: Issue 1 2019 23

Don’t be a victim of Scammers Scammers can trick you in a numbers of ways - by email, phone, post or online.

They sound convincing and often pose as someone from your bank, telephone provider, HMRC and even the police.

We have had a number of Swansea residents reporting that they have been a victim of scammers who have contacted them by telephone, stating that they are from Talk Talk. They advise the caller that they owe money or there is a problem with their internet and they have to pay a fee to resolve this.

Another telephone scam involves HMRC whereby residents receive a call to say that they owe money which must be paid within 24hours or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. The scammer then asks for bank or credit card details for payment or alternatively, they ask you to purchase iTunes cards and then email them the codes.

There are many other types of scams.

Some examples include: • Lottery or prizes draw scams - You will be notified that you have won a large sum prize on a lottery or draw that you didn’t enter. To claim the winnings victims must send a fee to release the funds.

at bargain prices. But these products are of little value, do not achieve what they promise and may not even arrive.

• Investment fraud - This involves cold calling consumers to offer products such as wine, diamonds and land as an investment opportunity.

Often, the products do not even exist and even if they do, the financial returns promised simply fail to materialise.

How to avoid being scammed • Never share your PIN with anyone • Do not provide banking or personal details to someone you don’t know and trust • Do not reply to unsolicited text messages • Check website email addresses carefully.

Scammers can use illegitimate sites with similar addresses to legitimate ones • Genuine lotteries will not ask you to pay a fee to collect your winnings

• Dating/romance scams - People who use dating websites are targeted by scammers who set up fake profiles where they groom the victim by building an online relationship. Victims are often persuaded to hand over money to help their online ‘partner’.

• Install antivirus software on your computer and on your Smartphone if you use it like a computer

• Catalogue scams - Victims are encouraged to buy products which promise ‘miracle cures’

• Never send money abroad or to someone you don’t know or trust.

24 Open House: Issue 1 2019

• Do not respond to callers trying to sell you investments. Simply hang up the telephone.

Legitimate investments companies will never cold call.

• Delete all email messages without reading them if they are from somebody you do not know. If you open it by mistake and it has an attachment, do not open that attachment. It may be a virus.

large amounts of money to bank accounts aboard.

Scammers know this and they will tell you to lie to the bank and give you a story to tell as to why you are sending the money.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Where to ďŹ nd advice on Scams

There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.

English speakers 03454 040506

Banks have safe guarding systems in place and will likely ask you some questions if you are transferring

Swansea Trading Standards 01792 635600

Citizens Advice Consumer Service: Welsh speakers 03454 040505 Trading.standards@swansea.gov.uk

Crimestoppers asks Swansea residents to speak up anonymously The independent charity Crimestoppers is running a campaign in Swansea to raise awareness of a criminal activity called county lines. County lines is when criminals from major cities such as Liverpool, London and Birmingham expand their drug dealing networks to other areas of the country.

This activity can bring violence, exploitation and abuse to communities.

Crimestoppers wants to help reduce the impact of county line networks in Swansea. Vulnerable children and adults are being recruited to transport cash and drugs all over the country. This keeps the true criminals behind it detached from the act and less likely to be detected or caught.

These gangs often set up a drugs base for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person (also known as ‘cuckooing’). They then use adults and children to act as drug runners.

Ella Rabaiotti, Wales Manager for Crimestoppers said... “We need the help of the public to disrupt these criminal networks and to stop the misery they cause their victims. Reporting suspicious activity will help to safeguard many vulnerable individuals who have been coerced into these networks.

Our charity guarantees that everyone who contacts us stays 100% anonymous. Always. In over 30 years this promise has always been kept. No-one will know you contacted us and it could be your information that makes the difference. So please, speak up and tell us what you know.�

If you have any information on county lines drugs networks, you can contact us 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via our anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Open House: Issue 1 2019 25

Condensation and mould in your home What is condensation?

There is always moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. Condensation occurs when warm moist air hits cold surfaces, which then causes the air to condense and form droplets of water often resulting in patches of black mould.

Waking up to condensation on windows is a familiar sight for many people, especially in winter, and this is usually the ďŹ rst sign of a condensation problem.

If condensation occurs over a prolonged period, other symptoms will start to appear such as damp patches on walls, peeling wallpaper and ultimately black mould growth.

How do you know if you have condensation?

If your home is suffering from condensation you will start to see signs of it very quickly which include: • Streaming windows • Wet walls • Damp areas on walls • Wallpaper peeling • Signs of mould growth • Musty smell on clothes in wardrobes If condensation is left to develop into mould it can lead to an unsightly, musty property. It can also aggravate or trigger health problems such as asthma and wider complaints.

Reducing condensation It is possible to reduce the amount of condensation in your home by producing less water. Here are some handy tips • Always cook with pan lids on and turn the heat down once the water has boiled.

26 Open House: Issue 1 2019

• Only use the minimum amount of water for cooking vegetables. • When ďŹ lling the bath, run the cold water ďŹ rst then add the hot - it will reduce the steam that leads to condensation by up to 90%. • Never dry laundry on radiators. • Dry washing outdoors if possible, or put it in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open or extractor fan on. • Leave vents on windows open all year round. • If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is vented to the outside of your property (DIY kits are available for this) or that the tumble dryer is the new condensing type.

Treating mould If you notice mould growing in your home you should treat it straightaway to prevent it from spreading and causing more damage. Do NOT use bleach to treat the mould.

Sterilise the affected area with a suitable fungicial wash (available from most DIY stores). Ensure that you follow manufacturers instructions.

Keep checking the affected area for a week and if necessary, treat the area again. Using an anti mould paint will help prevent the mould from returning.

If you continue to have problems with mould and condensation in your property, please contact the Housing Repairs Call Centre on 01792 635100 or online www.swansea.gov.uk/ requesthousingrepair

Help to Save Get help with savings if you are on a low income Savings can help you and your family prepare and plan for the future.

Help to Save is a new savings scheme for people on low incomes who are claiming certain beneďŹ ts.

Through the scheme you can deposit up to ÂŁ50 a month for up to 4 years.

After 2 years you will receive a 50% bonus, based on the highest balance you have saved within that time.

Your bonus is paid into your bank account, not your Help to Save account.

Help to Save is backed by the government so all savings in the scheme are secure.

For information on eligibility and details on how to apply, visit the following link on the Government’s website www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income

Open House: Issue 1 2019 27

Recycling and waste collections 2019 Which calendar should I use?

Casgliadau ailgylchu a gwastraff 2019 Pa galendr ddylwn i ei ddefnyddio?

Check the number in the top right corner of your 2018 calendar and replace it with the same numbered calendar from the opposite page.

What if I don’t have a calendar to check?

Gwiriwch y rhif yng nghornel dde uchaf calendar 2018 a’i newid gyda’r calendr â’r un rhif o’r dudalen gyferbyn.

Beth os nad oes gen i galendr i’w wirio?

• Use our online collection search at: www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingsearch

• Defnyddiwch ein cyfleuster chwilio ar-lein yn: www.abertawe.gov.uk/chwiliocasgliadau

• Contact us to find out:

recycling@swansea.gov.uk 01792 635600

• Cysylltwch â ni i gael gwybod:

ailgylchu.ucc@abertawe.gov.uk 01792 635600

Follow us

Dilynwch ni

For helpful advice and information on recycling and waste in Swansea follow us at: @recycle4swansea www.facebook.com/recycleforswansea

Ar gyfer cyngor a gwybodaeth ddefnyddiol ynghylch ailgylchu a gwastraff yn Abertawe, dilynwch ni yn: @ailgylchutawe www.facebook.com/ailgylchutawe

Quality second hand goods available for bargain prices!

EĞǁ ƐƚŽĐŬ ĚĂŝůLJ͘ tŚĂƚ ǁŝůů LJŽƵ ĮŶĚ͍ • • • •

TVs & Hi-Fis Electrical appliances Furniture Home accessories

• • • •

DVD’s, CD’s & Vinyl Garden & Outdoor Sports Equipment Much, Much More!

www.swansea.gov.uk/reuseshop

Open 7 days: 9:30 - 16:30 Llansamlet Recycling Centre, Ferryboat Close, Swansea Enterprise Park Ar agor 7 niwrnod: 9:30 - 16:30 Canolfan Ailgylchu Llansamlet, Clôs Ferryboat, Parc Menter Abertawe

28 Open House: Issue 1 2019

Nwyddau ail-law o safon ar gael am brisiau rhad! Stoc ŶĞǁLJĚĚ ďŽď ĚLJĚĚ͘ ĞƚŚ ĨLJĚĚǁĐŚ ĐŚŝ͛Ŷ Ğŝ ĚĚĂƌŐĂŶĨŽĚ͍ • • • •

^ĞƟĂƵ dĞůĞĚƵ Ă ,ŝͲ&ŝƐ Nwyddau Trydanol Dodrefn Nwyddau Cartref

• • • •

DVDs, CDs a Finyl Yr Ardd a’r Tu Allan KīĞƌ ŚǁĂƌĂĞŽŶ Llawer, Llawer Mwy!

www.abertawe.gov.uk/siopailddefnyddio

Make sure you select the correctly numbered calendar!

(See opposite page)

Sicrhewch eich bod yn dewis y calendr â’r rhif cywir!

(Gweler y dudalen gyferbyn)

Recycling and waste collections 2019 Casgliadau ailgylchu a gwastraff 2019

Paper & Card Papur a Cherdyn

Glass & Cans Gwydr a Chaniau

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

Recycling and waste collections 2019 Casgliadau ailgylchu a gwastraff 2019

1

Garden Waste Gwastraff Gardd

Paper & Card Papur a Cherdyn

Glass & Cans Gwydr a Chaniau

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

2

Garden Waste Gwastraff Gardd

GREEN WEEK / WYTHNOS WERDD

GREEN WEEK / WYTHNOS WERDD

3

3

Plastic Plastig

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

Non-recyclables Gwastraff arall

Plastic Plastig

PINK WEEK / WYTHNOS BINC

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

Non-recyclables Gwastraff arall

PINK WEEK / WYTHNOS BINC

January Ionawr

February Chwefror

March Mawrth

January Ionawr

February Chwefror

March Mawrth

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

April Ebrill

May Mai

June Mehefin

April Ebrill

May Mai

June Mehefin

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

July Gorffennaf

August Awst

September Medi

July Gorffennaf

August Awst

September Medi

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

1 8 15 22 29

5 12 19 26

2 9 16 23 30

1 8 15 22 29

5 12 19 26

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

October Hydref

November Tachwedd

December Rhagfyr

October Hydref

November Tachwedd

December Rhagfyr

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

2 9 16 23 30

7 14 21 28

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

Open House: Issue 1 2019 29

Kerbside Recycling and

Paper & card together SEPARATE BAGS

Green Week

Metal, glass & foil together Empty and atten corrugated cardboard boxes and place out underneath your green bags

Garden waste

Pink Week

Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

3 Every Week

Non-recyclable waste only

Food waste 43336-18

30 Open House: Issue 1 2019

Black Bag Collections 31

Put me on your fridge or noticeboard!

To find out your collection day and download a recycling calendar for your address go to www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingsearch

Place bags and bins out after 7pm the evening before collection day and before 7am the morning of collection.

Recycling bags and food bins are available to collect from libraries and housing offices. For a full list of locations go to www.swansea.gov.uk/morebags

3

Keep it to 3! Each household is allowed to put out a maximum of 3 black bags for collection every fortnight. Recycle all you can to reduce your black bag waste.

If your bag is stickered, and left uncollected you have made a mistake. Remove the bag from the kerbside and follow the guidance on the sticker. Failure to do so may result in a fixed penalty notice of £100.

Many other items can be recycled at Recycling Centres. For a full list of locations and items accepted at each go to www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingcentres The council offers a chargeable collection service for ‘bulky’ household items such as furniture and white goods. For more information go to www.swansea.gov.uk/bulkywaste www.swansea.gov.uk/recycling evh@swansea.gov.uk 01792 635600

Open House: Issue 1 2019 31

Healthy City Directory Swansea’s community resource for wellbeing and health Swansea’s Healthy City Directory is an on-line resource that enables you to search for a wide range of organisations and groups who can support wellbeing and health.

The Healthy City Directory holds one of the most comprehensive lists in Swansea of groups, clubs and organisations who can offer support, teaching and encouragement for you to help feel healthy and well. Use the search to find information on a range of local and national support organisations.

www.healthycitydirectory.co.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. If you are a Welsh Speaker or are learning the language we can also provide information to you in 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 District Housing Offices have hearing loop systems,

32 Open House: Issue 1 2019

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.