English

heart
of the matter
New Director of Housing
Hilltop funday
Anti Social Behaviour
Spring 2012 | Issue 6
facebook.com/taicalon
Sheltered Shout inside
@taicalon
www.taicalon.org
Contents
z Celebrating Being in Training
p3
z Tenant OCN Courses
p4
z New Director
p4
z At Risk
p5
z Getting Stuck In
p6
z Gardening Competition
p7
z Hilltop Funday
p8/9
z Potty About Pots
p10
z Flexible Learning in the Community
p10
z Sheltered Shout
z Be In It ... To Win It
p11/14
p15
z Neighbourhood Walkabouts
p16/17
z Antisocial Behaviour and Neighbour Nuisance
p18/20
z Grass Cutting
p21
z Tenant Board Member Elections
p22
z Time to say Thank You
p23
z What’s Happening
p24
Going Large
Every member of staff at Tai
Calon Community Housing
carries an identity card.
The size of a credit card
it has their name and
photograph.
Tenants should always
insist on seeing it
when someone
calls at their home.
However, the card
can be difficult to
read for people with
sight impairments,
which is why the
organisation has
issued its trade staff
with a larger, easier
to read, ID card.
.
2
Keep in Touch
There are so many different
ways in which you can get
in touch with us and keep
up-to-date with what is
going on.
By Phone:
Ring us on 0300 303 1717
between 9AM and 5PM
Monday to Friday.
By Email:
info@taicalon.org
By fax:
01495 290 501.
Visit or write to us at:
Tai Calon, Solis One, Rising
Sun Industrial Estate,
Blaina, Blaenau Gwent,
NP13 3JW
Website:
www.taicalon.org has lots
of useful information about
us and you can read all our
latest news.
facebook:
join our page by
“liking” us at
facebook.com/taicalon
Twitter:
follows us @taicalon
If you have a story to tell
us, or want us to include
something in the next
edition of our newsletter,
contact:
Hefina Rendle,
Communications and PR
Manager, at Solis One,
or by email
hefinar@taicalon.org
The apprentices pictured with
Hayley Selway
Celebrating Being in Training
15 apprentices were
invited for afternoon tea
at the headquarters of Tai
Calon Community Housing
to celebrate National
Apprenticeship Week.
Six work for the organisation
and are the first recruits to its
apprenticeship scheme. The
other nine are employed by
firms which work alongside Tai
Calon. Between them the group
are doing apprenticeships in
bricklaying, plumbing, plastering,
carpentry, and electrical
engineering.
Simon Carter, Director of Assets
at Tai Calon, said “It is very
important for us to provide jobs
for local people now as well as in
the future. Our apprenticeship
programme is one of the ways
we can do just that. We set it up
with the intention of employing
as many youngsters as possible
and have worked with our
contractors to get them to do
the same.”
One of the 15 is Jamie Boucher
from Ebbw Vale. He is a first
year bricklaying apprentice
with Tai Calon. “It took me five
years of applying to different
schemes before I managed to
get an apprenticeship. Being
rejected was so disheartening
and although I was working in a
factory, I wanted a proper trade.
When I was accepted by Tai
Calon I was over the moon.”
Joshua Price from Abertillery has
been training as an electrician for
just a month. He was successful
in getting his apprenticeship
with A Bennett Electrical after
attending a careers evening in
Ebbw Vale. “You just can’t bypass the experience you get as
an apprentice. Learning from
someone else on the job is one
of the most important aspects of
an apprenticeship.”
Apprentice plumber, Josh Evans
from Cwm, Ebbw Vale, agrees.
He feels he was very lucky to get
his job with R and M Williams,
after seeing many of his friends
struggle to find work. “I always
wanted a trade and a plumber
is an excellent job. It also
means that in the future I can do
whatever I want knowing I have a
trade to fall back upon.”
The young men all believe
more employers should
be encouraged to take on
apprentices. Tai Calon building
superintendent Dilwyn Snelgrove
agrees. He started his career
as a trainee plasterer 32 years
ago with the old Blaenau
Gwent borough council. “It was
difficult even in those days to
get an apprenticeship. There
were loads of tests and it was
a big thing to be accepted
onto a scheme. Someone saw
something in me and I got the
job. Now I am doing my bit by
helping the next generation of
apprentices with their training.”
The invitation to tea came
from Hayley Selway, Assistant
Director of Housing and
Communities. “We wanted
to get the apprentices
together to celebrate National
Apprenticeship Week. So we
invited our own along as well as
those from firms who work with
us, R and M Williams, Seddon,
A Bennett Electrical and Seren
Contractors. It is nice to meet
the young men and to talk
to them about how they are
progressing with their training.”
3
New Director
Tenant OCN Courses
The views of tenants are
very important to Tai Calon
Community Housing.
Every week it contacts residents,
who’ve had repairs carried out
at their homes, to find out what
they think of the work. However,
tenants were often reluctant to
tell canvassers what they really
think.
“We carry out the repair
satisfaction surveys on a weekly
basis. It lets us know what we
are doing well and what we
need to improve. So it’s very
important that we get as much
information as possible, but we
just weren’t getting that. The
tenants were not opening up to
us when we rang to ask for their
opinions,” said Hayley Selway,
Assistant Director of Housing
and Communities.
4
The organisation realised the
solution to its problem was
simple. Ask tenants to carry out
the survey on its behalf. The
results were amazing. So much
so, that Tai Calon is now helping
some of its tenant canvassers
obtain a qualification for carrying
out the weekly telephone calls.
Five tenants and three residents
are studying for the Open
College Network certificate in
Customer Care. It is an eight
week course and their work is
assessed by Bridges into Work.
One of the trainees is Morgana
Wathen. “This is really a great
way to gain work experience
and a qualification at the same
time.”
Mawena Blackman agrees. “I
am really looking forward to
completing the course and it is
great that Tai Calon is helping us
do it.”
It is hoped that after successfully
completing the course, the eight
students will be able to obtain
further work experience or even
a job in customer care in the
Blaenau Gwent area.
The new Director of
Communities and Housing
at Tai Calon Community
Housing is Andrew Myatt.
He joined the organisation
from Selwood Housing
in Wiltshire where he was
Head of Neighbourhoods.
A Member of the Chartered
Institute of Housing, Andrew
has worked in the social
housing sector since leaving
university 18 years ago.
“Tenants, staff and board
members have been very
welcoming and have helped
give me a real insight into
where we have come from,
where we are now and
where we want to be, said
Andrew Myatt.
“The quality of our services
has improved over the
past 18 months. I am
excited at the prospect of
developing them further
and in helping to introduce
new ones, as promised to
our tenants. Making sure
the front line services work
as effectively as possible is a
key component in delivering
what we’ve promised,” he
added.
Andrew Myatt is moving
to Wales with his wife and
two young children. He has
previously worked for local
authorities and housing
associations in the South
West and South of England,
including Sovereign
Housing, Bristol, Gosport
and Portsmouth councils.
At risk
best to help and we also try to
make sure tenants don’t find
themselves in the situation in
the first place. ”
Everything fell apart for Sue when her beloved
husband died suddenly. For six months she
couldn’t bear to leave their Blaenau Gwent home.
Her only companion was their dog, and with no
family or friends to offer support, things went
from bad to worse.
Sue* struggled to cope. As she
fell into debt, her telephone
was cut off and she got behind
with her rent.
“I could barely afford to buy
food, let alone pay for anything
else. I owed so much money,
I just didn’t know how I was
going to pay it back,” she said.
But, Sue, who had been her
husband’s full time carer,
realised she couldn’t ignore her
financial problems.
“I was very frightened of losing
my home. He and I had lived
here for over 20 years. I have
no one. The only thing I have
left is my home and I was so
worried about what could
happen.”
not thank them enough.”
Sue is now working part time.
“Things are still tough for
me, but I can afford to keep
my home and that is really
important to me.” She said.
Sue wanted to give others the
confidence to seek help. “I
am not the only person to find
myself owing money, had I
ignored the problem I could
have lost my home.”
Income Manager Ceri Owen
agrees. “We would encourage
our tenants to tell us if they
have a problem paying their
rent. We will certainly do our
A member of the Income team
meets prospective tenants to
help them budget for the cost
of running their new home.
The staff can also give them
and existing tenants’ advice
on what housing and other
benefits may be available.
However, Tai Calon will write
to a tenant if they fall more
than a week behind with their
rent. That initial contact is
followed up by further letters
and even visits to the home. If
the tenant doesn’t respond the
organisation will go to court to
ask for the property back.
“We don’t want to get to that
situation,” said Ceri Owen. “We
will always do our best, but we
can’t help if we don’t know what
is wrong. And in the case of
Sue, everything turned out fine
for her because she came to
us and told us she was having
problems.” said Ceri Owen.
* We have changed her name to protect her identity.
“If you owe money and can’t
afford to pay, is, don’t ignore
the problem, you have to tell
them that you are in difficulty.
I am so glad that I contacted
Tai Calon, they have been so
supportive. I couldn’t have got
through it without the help and
advice of Income officers, Zoe
Bishop and Sara Edwards. They
have been marvellous and I can
More changes are coming to housing benefit
Registered Charity 515902
Sue got in contact with her
landlord, Tai Calon Community
Housing, and was overwhelmed
by the support she received.
If you get help to pay your rent then you need
to find out how the changes will affect you.
Get advice now
Call 0845 075 5005, visit sheltercymru.org.uk
Or email hb@sheltercymru.org.uk
Or call 08444 77 2020 or visit adviceguide.org.uk
5
Getting Stuck in
For the past 32
years, Mike Harvey
has been cultivating
his allotment. He is
the longest serving
member of Brynmawr
Allotment Society and
loves to grow flowers
as well as vegetables
for show.
A few years ago he won first
prize in two novice classes at
the National Chrysanthemum
Society show in the Midlands.
Gardening is also a hobby that
has blossomed in popularity
as more people want to grow
their own food.
“An allotment was once seen
as an old man’s playground
and in the past we have
6
struggled to find enough
people to cultivate the plots,
but not anymore. Our four
newest members are in their
thirties and we still have others
waiting for an allotment.” said
Mr Flarvey.
is free for anyone who wants it.
It is ideal as a fertiliser and as
a covering to prevent weeds.
So we were delighted when
Brynmawr Allotment Society
asked for enough to lay over its
paths.”
The society has been in
existence since 1917 and the
paths around the 30 plots can
get very muddy in the winter.
However Mr Harvey solved the
problem when Brain Cooper,
a painter and decorator, told
him that Tai Calon Community
Housing in Blaenau Gwent is
giving away mulch to tenants
and residents.
Brian Cooper, who works for Tai
Calon, has had his allotment
for eight years and grows his
own vegetables. Much of what
he produces Brian grows from
seeds and from the end of
March onwards he will be very
busy cultivating his crops.
Green Earth, which looks
after the green spaces for
the organisation, has a large
stockpile from mulching green
waste. Gwynfor Evans, of
Green Earth, said “The mulch
“It is a really healthy way of
putting food on your table. It is
also cheaper than shopping in
the supermarket as well,” says
Brain.
The mulch is free for tenants
and residents and can be
collected from Tai Calon’s
headquarters in Blaina.
Competition
Is your garden pretty as a picture?
Do you enjoy growing things?
If the answer is yes, then enter
the 2012 Tai Calon Gardening
Competition.
The contest is open to all
tenants and judging will take
place around the end of July.
The winners in each category
will receive prize money of
£100, 2nd place £75 and 3rd
place £25 as well as a trophy.
Categories are:• Best Garden
• Best Beginner Garden
(tenancies under 3 years)
• Best hanging basket/pot/
container
• Best Community Garden
• Tallest Sunflower (only open to
children aged 11 and under)
Closing date for entries is
29th June, 2012.
The decision of the
judges will be final.
Entrants must be
tenants of Tai Calon
Community Housing.
The winners will be
invited to attend
a prize giving
ceremony.
Tai Calon Community
Housing reserves
the right to print
names, areas and
photographs
of entrants in
publicity material.
!
Tenant Gardening Competition 2012
PLEASE COMPLETE DETAILS BELOW IN BLOCK CAPITALS
Name: ....................................................................................................................................................................................
Address: ................................................................................................................................................................................
Postcode: ............................................................................................................................................................................
Telephone Number: .........................................................................................................................................................
Please tick the box for which category or categories you wish to enter:
Best Garden
Best Beginner Garden (tenancies under 3 years)
Best hanging basket/pot/container
Best Community Garden
Tallest Sunflower (only open to children aged 11 and under)
Return entries to Chloe Williams, Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial
Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW. Closing date for entries is 29th June, 2012.
7
Hilltop Funday
Face painting ...
the Dragons’ Den
Community Bus ...
arts and crafts ...
street dancing
It was all happening at
Hilltop Community Fun Day
in Ebbw Vale.
This is just one of the many events
that we help organise or run in your
community. If you are thinking of doing
something in your area let us know.
We may be able to offer support, as well
as put you in touch with organisations
that could fund your activity.
8
9
Potty About Pots
If you have ever fancied throwing a
pot or decorating a vase then now
could be the ideal time to have a
go, by signing up for training at Tai
Calon Community Housing.
Local potter and ceramist, Matt Jones, is
running two short courses at our offices at
Solis One in Blaina.
In weekly, two hour sessions, Matt will teach
students the art of making a pot and how to
decorate it. Each of the courses, Creative
Pottery Craft Skills and An Introduction to
Decorative Work, will last three weeks and
lead to a certificate from Agored Cymru.
“I was studying art at college and became
fascinated by ceramics. I love making things
and teaching others how to do it as well,”
said Matt, who went on to get a degree in
ceramics before setting up his own business,
“Ave a go Ceramics”. “The courses give you
the chance to try something new and to be
creative. They are also a great way to boost
your confidence.”
A large jug made by Matt Jones is on display
in reception at Blaina.
Students do not need any experience to sign
up for the courses which are free.
For more information contact Natasha Jones,
Community Investment and Involvement
Officer on 0300 303 1717.
10
Flexible
Learning
in the
Community
Carrie Herbert realised she needed
to do something to improve her
chances of finding work. So she
signed up for a Learndirect class at
the Garnlydan Communities First
Info Shop in Ebbw Vale.
Carrie originally studied English because she
wanted to improve her literacy skills and has
since enrolled on a Maths class. The courses
lead to City and Guilds qualifications.
Learners access their courses via the Internet,
for example, during classes, at a local library, in
their home or at a WEA (Workers Educational
Association) centre.
Carrie enjoys being able to study from home,
especially since she hasn’t been able to get to
class recently because of illness. It also means
she can work at her own pace wherever and
whenever she chooses
There are a wide range of courses, including
Employability Skills, Life Skills and IT. They are
run through the Qwest Project and are free.
For further information on any of
the Learndirect courses please
contact:
Alyson Smith 01495 791128
James Fleming 01633 613680
Or check out the website at: www.swales.
wea.org.uk/courses/learndirect/
Shout
Sheltered
Life at Riverside Flats
Be a Friend
Spring 2012 / Issue 3
facebook.com/taicalon
@taicalon
www.taicalon.org
Riverside Flats
A lot of people get the wrong impression about
sheltered housing. To them it’s somewhere dull
where residents just wait out their days. But that
couldn’t be further from the truth, says the residents
of Riverside Flats at Blaina.
the milkman if they want. There
are no strict rules. Yes, like any
tenancy, there are regulations, but
otherwise they can come and go
as they please.”
The complex has 25 onebedroomed apartments, some
with stunning views over the
surrounding hills. Brenda Chivers
and Evelyn Young have lived at
Riverside for 12 years. Like their
friends at Riverside, they believe
“sheltered” is the wrong word to
describe the way they live. They
prefer the term “independent
living” because that is how they
see it.
“I have had a new lease of life
since coming here. I have as
much privacy as I want. There is
always something going on and I
can choose whether to join in the
activities,” said Mrs Chivers.
Evelyn Young agrees. “There is a
real mix of people here, women,
men, singles and couples. It is
so convenient and easy. The
company is great.”
Caroline Bridge is the scheme
manager. She also agrees with
her residents. “One prospective
tenant wanted to know what
time they had to be in at night.
As if there is a curfew. As I
explained, they can come in with
Sheltered Shout 2
The tenants can also decide
how little, or much, support they
want from Caroline. She calls
on residents at least once a day,
although some choose not to
have any visits from her at all.
Riverside is also at the heart of
Blaina. There are bus stops and
shops nearby, so everything is
within easy walking distance for
residents.
Marilyn Werrett and husband Reg
moved in two years ago. “We
came here for a variety of reasons,
including the fact that we no
longer want the responsibilities
that go with having a big home.
It’s lovely here, we feel safe and
there is always something to do.”
The residents certainly keep
themselves busy with bingo
sessions, coffee mornings and
meals together at Riverside.
They also enjoy lots of outside
activities, including visits to
the theatre and concerts. Last
December they had Christmas
Lunch at Tredegar House in
Newport.
Elaine Singleton sums up what
they all think about Riverside. “It’s
a community within a community.
I have really enjoyed myself in the
Residents on a trip to
Tredegar House in Newport.
Caroline Bridge in one of the
empty flats Riverside
18 months I have been here. I
have been doing and going out
more than I ever have done.”
A couple of the flats are currently
empty. Caroline Bridge would
urge anyone who thinks they may
be eligible to come and have a
look. “Riverside isn’t what most
people expect. It’s about people
living as they please, but knowing
they can have support, if they
need it.”
Tai Calon has 11
sheltered housing
complexes.
If you would
like more information
contact Anthony Rowson,
Sheltered Housing team
leader on 0300 303 1717.
A Friend is ...
Sometimes it is hard to make friends. It’s even
harder as we get older or after a bereavement.
A new befriending group – ‘Welcome Friends’ - has
been set up by RSVP in Blaenau Gwent to help get
people together.
RSVP has been going since
1988 and has money from
the Big Lottery AdvantAge
Programme to fund its work in
the county for five years.
Retired Gwent police officer
Andy Harris is the project
development co-ordinator.
“RSVP is aimed at people
aged 50 and over. It is about
being a friend to someone,
visiting them, taking them out
and giving them an interest
again. It’s about taking away
their feelings of loneliness and
isolation.”
Andy Harris is looking for
“befrienders” as well as older
volunteers to help him run the
scheme. He needs someone
to help set up a register of the
groups, clubs and associations
in the area which would be of
interest to someone who is 50
plus.
“We take care to place our
volunteers in a project where
they can use their skills and
experience. If further training is
appropriate, it can be arranged if
the volunteer thinks it would be
useful,” he said.
Sheltered Notes
Should tenants in sheltered housing be able
to keep pets? Tai Calon Community Housing
wants to know your views. At the moment it isn’t
allowed, but we are now considering a number of
options.
1. Keeping the ban in place
2. Allowing tenants to keep a pet, subject to
certain conditions.
3. New tenants can bring one pet with them.
But it can not be replaced when the pet dies.
Let us know what you think by contacting
Anthony Rowson, Sheltered Housing team
leader on 0300 303 1717.
Please remember ... to ask your guests to sign
the visitor’s book on their arrival at your complex.
It is important that we have a record of who is
Welcome Friends is to run
initially at Davey Evans Court,
one of Tai Calon’s supported
housing schemes at Abertillery.
“It is awful to think of anyone
being lonely. We at Tai Calon
want to do what we can to help.
I am sure there are tenants
who would like to become
volunteers, as well as others who
would really benefit from the
services of RSVP,” said Anthony
Rowson, Sheltered Housing
Team Leader.
If you would
like to volunteer
contact
Andy Harris
on 01495 353343 or
07788 310444 or email
andyharris.rsvp@gmail.com
visiting in case of a fire or another emergency. For
everyone’s safety, please make sure that all visitors
enter and leave the complex by the main entrance.
We are also carrying out a survey of our complexes
to try and find suitable areas for the storage and
recharging of mobility scooters. They can not be
kept in communal areas or corridors because of
the risk of fire.
If you have a question or a problem, please
contact your scheme manager for help. We
also hold regular meetings of the
Sheltered Housing Committee
at Solis One to discuss a wide
range of issues. Everyone is
welcome, ask your scheme
manager for
details and the
date of the next
meeting.
Sheltered Shout 3
A Blooming Business
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to
make a real difference. Tenants at
Peacehaven Court at Peacehaven
in Tredegar have been given nearly
£3,000 by Tai Calon Community
Housing to spend on their garden.
Residents at the sheltered complex used some of
the money to fence in the area. The remainder is
going on compost and plants.
One of Tai Calon’s contractors, Seren, carried out
the manual work and Green Earth arranged the
delivery of the compost. The main gardener
is Dennis Davies, (pictured in the greenhouse)
although his friend Hywel Jones helps with the
digging (as pictured).
“We have 13 planters and I have had to replant
11 of them,” says Dennis Davies. “The money
has made a real difference. It had been a bit of
a jungle out here, but now it should be a really
nice area for people to sit and enjoy being out of
doors.”
Dennis, who also has an
allotment, grows a lot of
his flowers and vegetables
from seed. It’s a hobby he
really enjoys. All he wants
now is some sunshine
and the garden will be
really blooming.
Contact Us:
If you would like to contact Tai Calon Community Housing
you can phone us on 0300 303 1717
If you wish to report a repair, enquire about your rent or would like to speak
to a member of staff from Tai Calon please telephone us on 0300 303 1717
www.taicalon.org
Sheltered Shout 4
Be in it ... To Win it
We are only a few months into 2012 ... but here at Tai Calon Community Housing
we are already thinking about next year. That’s because we want YOU to take
photographs for the 2013 Tai Calon calendar.
The pictures could be of a tree, a family pet, a
place or a view, anything, as long as they were
taken within Blaenau Gwent. In the next edition
of the newsletter we will be printing details of
where to send your photographs and the closing
date for the competition.
The 12 winners will have their photographs
printed in the calendar and win a prize as well.
To help you take amazing pictures, Damian
Vizard, our Communications and Marketing
Officer, has eight tips to get
you started.
1.You don’t need an
expensive camera
You can take award winning
photographs with a simple
“point and shoot” camera.
As your skills develop, you
can then think about buying
a more professional model.
2.Know your camera’s
capabilities
Read the manual for your camera and then reread it, several times. The more you know about
how it works, the better you will become at taking
photographs.
3.Using a tripod
If you want perfect, crisp images, even when the
light isn’t ideal, use a tripod. It will help reduce
camera vibration. Some models have an “image
stabilization” setting, which performs the same job.
4.Good lighting and time of day
Visit the location you want to photograph at
various times of the day, and in different weather
conditions, to find that perfect moment to take
your picture.
5.Change perspective
Experiment with different perspectives. Don’t just
take a photo “straight on”. Try different angles,
frame your subject against the background, or
off-centre for a more unusual look.
6.After taking your photos
Manipulate the images by
cropping or adjusting the
colours. Some cameras have
their own software to help you
to do this. You can also find
image editing programmes on
the internet.
7. Expect the unexpected
Always keep your camera
nearby. Sometimes the best
photos are taken on the “spur of
the moment”. Even if you have
an expensive camera, keep a cheaper one handy
for that “once in a lifetime” picture opportunity.
8.Free help
There may be a photography club in your area.
The internet is also a great source of information.
Join an on-line group or watch tutorials.
Above all, have fun and just remember
practice makes perfect.
15
We all want to live in a nice, clean and safe neighbourhood, which is why we
organise regular estate walkabouts.
Neighbourhood Walkabouts
We all want to live in a nice, clean and safe neighbourhood,
which is why we organise regular neighbourhood walkabouts.
The idea is for staff and
tenants to walk around an
area to;• Identify improvements that
they would like to see carried
out to communal areas in the
neighbourhood,
and
• Identify problems that
detract from the appearance
of the area, like litter on
pathways, rubbish that has
been dumped in communal
areas, potholes etc.
Each neighbourhood
walkabout lasts around two
hours and we will provide
refreshments for all those
taking part.
16
The walkabout is not
concerned with the condition
of individual tenant’s gardens,
that job is carried out by a
dedicated team from within Tai
Calon Community Housing,
but about improving the
environment in which you live.
So if you fancy a breath of
fresh air and the chance to be
involved in deciding how to
improve your area ... join us on
the neighbourhood walkabouts
in your neighbourhood.
Regular Neighbourhood Walkabouts
Sirhowy Valley Neighbourhood Walkabouts - 10.00 am on Tuesdays
Neighbourhood
Walkabouts
Area
Meeting Point
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Sirhowy Lower St James Way
3-Apr
10.00 am St James Way
car park.
Georgetown
1-May
10.00 am in the car
park opposite Peacehaven Court
Sirhowy Lower
- St James
Way
5-Jun
10.00 am St James Way
car park.
Cefn Golau
10-Apr
10.00 am outside the
Community House on
Attlee Way
Cefn Golau
29-May
10.00 am outside the
Community House
on Attlee Way
Cefn Golau
19-Jun
10.00 am outside the
Community House on
Attlee Way
Tredegar Town
Centre
17-Apr
10.00am in the car park
at St Georges Court
then 10.30 am outside
Deighton School
Ashvale
15-May
10.00 am at the
corner of Griffiths
Gardens / Griffiths
Square
Tredegar Town
Centre
12-Jun
10.00am at the car park
outside St Georges Court
then 10.30 am outside
Deighton School
Dukestown
24-Apr
10.00 am near number 1
Ystad Deri
Sirhowy Ysguborwen
8-May
10.00 am Outside
Top Shop Store,
Ysgubrowen
Nantybwch &
Waudeg
26-Jun
10.00 am outside the
Waundeg Community Flat
Nantybwch &
Waundeg
22-May
10.00 am outside the
Waundeg Community Flat
If you want further information about the Tai Calon Neighbourhood Walkabouts taking place in Tredegar, please contact
Kelsey Watkins, Community Involvement & Investment Officer on 0300 303 1717.
Ebbw Fawr Valley Neighbourhood Walkabouts - 12.00 am on Tuesdays
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Beaufort
3-Apr
12.00 pm at the car park
to the rear Beaufort
Ballroom. 12.30 pm
Bryn Coch site entrance
12.55 pm meeting at
Lansbury Terrace.
Garnlydan
22-May
12.00 pm outside
Garnlydan Club,
Queensway.
Rassau Lower
26-Jun
12.00 pm outside Ty Bryn
Club, Rassau Road.
Hilltop Upper
24-Apr
12.00 pm outside Hilltop
Shopping Centre shops.
Rassau
Upper
15-May
12.00 pm outside
Rassau Community
Centre.
Hilltop Upper
19-Jun
12.00 pm outside Hilltop
Shopping Centre shops.
Hilltop Lower
17-Apr
12.00 pm outside Hilltop
Shopping Centre shops.
Briery Hill
1-May
12.00 pm outside
RTB Club, Drysiog
Street.
Gwaun Helyg
12-Jun
12.00 pm car park to the
rear of Wordsworth Close.
Newtown
10-Apr
12.00 pm outside the
entrance to Princes
Court Flats.
Brynteg
8-May
12.00 pm outside
Hilltop Shopping
Centre shops.
Newtown
5-Jun
12.00 pm outside the
entrance to Princes Court
Flats.
Cwm
29-May
12.00 pm outside
the entrance to the
School on Curre
Street.
If you want further information about the Tai Calon Neighbourhood Walkabouts taking place in Ebbw Vale, please contact
Natasha Jones, Community Involvement & Investment Officer on 0300 303 1717.
Ebbw Fawr Valley Neighbourhood Walkabouts - 10.00 am on Thursdays
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Neighbourhood
Walkabout
Area
Meeting Point
Twyncynghordy
5-Apr
10.00 am outside
Twyncynghordy Stores.
Bryn Farm
3-May
10.00 am - the entrance
to the estate.
Bryn Farm
14-Jun
10.00 am - the entrance to
the estate.
Winchestown
12-Apr
10.00 am at the entrance
to Waunheulog estate.
Coed Cae
10-May
10.00 am outside the
community centre.
Winchestown
7-Jun
10.00 am at the entrance
to Waunheulog estate.
Cwmcelyn
26-Apr
10.00 am in Troed Y Bryn
car park.
Ffoesmaen
24-May
10.00 am outside the
ffoesmaen Inn.
Coed Cae
28-Jun
10.00 am outside the
community centre.
Cwmtillery
19-Apr
10.00 am outside the
entrance to Valley View.
Roseheyworth
17-May
10.00 am - Lower
Arael View outside
the car park near 41.
10.30 am - Upper
Arael View in the car
park.
Beaumont
Close
31-May
10.00 am in the car park.
Brynithel
31-May
10.00 am - car park
near number 1 Hafodarthen Bungalows.
If you want further information about the Tai Calon Neighbourhood Walkabouts taking place in Abertillery, Blaina & Brynmawr, please contact
Chloe Williams, Community Involvement & Investment Officer on 0300 303 1717.
17
Anti Social Behaviour
and Neighbour Nuisance
Tai Calon Community
Housing recognises
the stress caused by
antisocial behaviour;
such as harassment,
racial harassment,
domestic violence and
general nuisance.
The Crime and Disorder
Act 1988 introduced a legal
definition for anti social
behaviour as “behaving in
a manner which causes or is
likely to cause harassment,
alarm or distress to one or
more persons not of the same
household”.
What is anti social
behaviour?
Anti social behaviour can
come in a wide variety of
forms. For any behaviour to be
classed as anti social, it must
be persistent. A one-off noisy
party would cause disturbance
to neighbours but isn’t classed
as anti social behaviour.
However, regular, noisy, parties
would. Other examples of anti
social behaviour includes, but
are not limited to:
Domestic violence, using
aggressive and/or threatening
language or behaviour, actual
violence, threats of violence,
18
damaging or threatening to
damage someone’s property.
Hate crime is behaviour that
targets groups or individuals
because of their race, sexuality,
physical disability or mental
health issues, religion or
learning difficulties.
What is nuisance
behaviour?
Nuisance behaviour is
“behaving unreasonably in a
way that affects others living
nearby or using communal
facilities”.
Examples of nuisance
behaviour would include,
but are not limited to:
Nuisance caused by pets or
other animals such as dog
fouling or allowing constant
barking, noise nuisance
caused by loud music or
constant arguing, repairing
vehicles in public areas,
unlawful tipping or dumping
of rubbish, inappropriate use
of communal areas, selling or
using illegal drugs, causing
vandalism and graffiti.
Your responsibilities under
the Tenancy Agreement
The Tenancy Agreement is a
legal contract between you and
Tai Calon and sets out a number
of conditions in exchange for
you living in the property. These
include, agreeing to pay your
rent, reporting repairs and being
responsible for every person
living in, or visiting, your home,
including pets and children. This
also includes communal areas
and the neighbourhood in which
you reside.
If you breach the terms of your
Tenancy Agreement, Tai Calon
can enforce the agreement
through court action, if there is
enough evidence.
How can I be a Good
Neighbour?
Neighbour disputes are often
caused by noise, from TVs,
radios or parties, children
playing, dog nuisance, cars or
rubbish. Tai Calon encourages
all tenants to sign a Good
Neighbour Agreement in
addition to the Tenancy
Agreement. The Good
Neighbour Agreement asks
you to be considerate towards
your neighbours, for example
keeping TVs and music noise at
a reasonable level, particularly
during the evening or letting
them know if you are having a
party.
What can you do if you
have a problem with your
neighbour?
If this is the first time you have
experienced a problem, it may
be better to do nothing, as it
could be a one off incident.
However, the earlier a dispute
is resolved, the better it is for
everyone involved. Try talking
to your neighbour, they may not
be unaware of the effect of their
actions.
Approach your neighbour in a
calm manner, at a time when
they are free to talk, and explain
how their behaviour is affecting
you. If this does not resolve
the issues, please contact Tai
Calon and we will arrange
for a Neighbourhood Officer
to contact you to discuss the
matter.
Only approach your neighbour
if you feel it is safe to do so. In
cases where there have been
violence, threats of violence
or you feel threatened please
report this to the police, in the
first instance, and then Tai Calon.
We will work with the police and
other agencies to resolve serious
cases of anti social behaviour
and harassment.
How can I
report anti
social or
nuisance
behaviour?
You can report anti social
behaviour in a number of
ways.
Telephone us on 0300 303
1717 between 9.00 am –
5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Email us at info@taicalon.org
Visit us or write to us at:
Solis One, Rising Sun
Industrial Estate, Blaina,
Blaenau Gwent NP13 3JW.
www.taicalon.org
You can also make a report
via a third party such as
a friend, relative or
another agency
such as a Social
Worker.
Nuisance behaviour
would include
problems caused
by pets or other
animals such as
dog fouling or
allowing constant
barking.
19
Can I make an anonymous
complaint?
All reports of anti social
behaviour are confidential.
We would not disclose your
complaint to a third party or
the person, about whom you
are complaining, without your
permission. However, this may
limit our investigation. If the
complaint is anonymous we may
not have enough information or
evidence to deal with it. Also,
we can not take formal action
without signed statements.
If the anti social behaviour is of
a criminal nature, you can call
Crimestoppers anonymously, 24
hours a day, on 0800 555 111.
You can also contact the police
– if it’s an emergency dial 999,
otherwise ring 101, for example
if you have witnessed a crime.
What will Tai Calon do to
tackle anti social
behaviour?
We are committed to tackling
anti social behaviour and its
causes. We work with the
following agencies to ensure
a partnership approach to
tackling anti social behaviour:
Gwent Police, Community
Mental Health Team, Blaenau
Gwent County Borough Council,
Probation Service, Youth
Offending Service, support
groups and agencies such
as Victim Support and other
registered social landlords.
The Community Safety
Partnership has a responsibility
to minimise crime and disorder
in Blaenau Gwent. As a landlord
we are committed to working
with our communities to make
our neighbourhood’s pleasant
20
and secure places to live. We
will not tolerate unacceptable
behaviour to our tenants or
staff.
Where there is evidence of anti
social behaviour, we will take
action under the terms of the
Tenancy Agreement to resolve
the matter. This may include
legal action.
What can you expect
from us
• Very serious Anti Social
Behaviour directed at an
individual or group of
individuals that can cause
harm, fear and intimidation.
We will make contact
as a matter of urgency
and action will be taken
(within one working day
of reported complaint) to
make an assessment of your
case. Action may include
gathering evidence, and
with your permission, talking
to the alleged perpetrator,
or the removal of the
offensive graffiti.
• Serious antisocial behaviour
that because of its nature
and frequency; causes fear
and intimidation. We will
contact you within 2 working
days of receiving the
complaint and action will
be taken by us within five
working days”
• Behaviour, which may be
a breach of tenancy but
is not serious by nature
or frequency and is not
personally targeted. We will
contact you within 5 working
days and action
will be started within ten
working days.
Investigating your
Complaint and Taking
Action:
If you complain to us about anti
social or nuisance behaviour,
we will work with you to resolve
the problem. We will take your
complaint seriously and record
the details. We will allocate
the case to a named officer for
investigation. We will develop
a plan of action with you. We
will keep you informed while
we investigate the complaint.
We will offer you support and
ask other agencies, such as the
police, to take action where
necessary. We will explain to
you our reasons for closing your
case, before doing so.
Sources of
Further
Information
and Advice:
Blaenau Gwent Council –
C2BG helpline 01495 311556
for the following council
departments:
Environmental health
department,
social services department.
Community Safety
Partnership, recycling and
waste disposal team.
Blaenau Gwent Domestic
Abuse Service –
01495 291202
www.bgdas.co.uk
Crimestoppers –
0880 555 111
In an emergency dial 999
and ask for the police,
otherwise 101.
Grass Cutting
Green Earth, which looks after the green spaces for Tai
Calon Community Housing, expects to start grass cutting
across the three valleys at the beginning of April.
Each area will be cut around
once every three weeks.
However the schedule can
change because of the weather.
It is normal to continue cutting
flat areas during wet weather,
although banks will be avoided.
An area of 18 inches will be
left around the base of trees to
prevent damaging the trunks.
Other obstacles will be left clean
and tidy.
Areas where bulbs have been
planted, or have become
naturalised, will not be cut for a
minimum of six weeks until after
they have finished flowering.
The Green Earth teams
will follow the routes
listed below:
Ebbw Fach Valley
• Swffrydd/Grace Pope Court
• Brynithel
• Six Bells
• Cwmtillery West
• Cwmtillery East
• Blaenau Gwent Rows
• Roseheyworth
• Blaina Bungalows
• Llys y Capel/Riverside
• East Pentwyn
• Southlands
• Cwmcelyn
• Coed Cae
• Forgeside/East View.
Ebbw Fawr Valley
• Cwm
• Newtown
DON’T LOSE
EVERYTHING
• Glyn Coed
• Beaufort/Bryn Coch
• Gurnos/Bryn Farm
• Brynmawr Town area
• Winchestown
• Roundhouse Close
• Wesley Buildings/Limestone Road/Banna Bungalows
• Princes St Flats
• Cae Glas
• Hilltop
• Briery Hill.
Sirhowy Valley
• Peacehaven
• St James Way
• Sirhowy
• Ystrad Deri
• Scwrfa
• Rassau
• Garnlydan
• Waundeg
• Gwent Way/Ashvale
• St Georges Court/Oliver Jones
• Cefn Gola.
INSURE YOUR
POSSESSIONS
Call Tai Calon
Community Housing
0300 303 1717
in association with
21
Tenant Board
Member Elections
Are You a Tenent of
Tai Calon?
We have made lots of
promises to our tenants and
communities about what
we will do. Our mission is
to “Deliver our promises,
improving homes and lives.”
Do You Want to
Make a Difference?
Are you enthusiastic and
committed to Blaenau Gwent
and its communities? Do
you want to help us make our
business the best?
If the answers are yes,
Would YOU be
Willing to Join
Our Baord of
Management?
Our board is made up of
5 independent members,
5 tenants and 5 council
nominees.
Board members at Tai Calon
share responsibility for:
• Setting objectives and
agreeing the plans to
achieve those objectives
• Approving our budget and
accounts
• Monitoring our performance
against agreed plans and
budgets; and
• Making sure that the affairs
of the organisation are
conducted in a proper
manner.
You will need to:
• Be able to devote at least
5 hours per month to
attend Board meetings.
These are currently held
on the evening of the 4th
Monday of each month at
our offices at Solis One.
• Attend training sessions
and
• “Away Days”
The position is voluntary,
however, you will be paid
expenses.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Please contact Jayne Lewis, Assistant Company Secretary,
on 0300 303 1717 or by email, jaynel@taicalon.org.
Information sessions will be held on Wednesday, 16th May,
between 12.45 pm - 3pm and 5.30 pm – 7.45 pm.
22
Time to Say
Thank You
It is nice to get a “thank you” and that is why Tai Calon
Community Housing likes to reward its volunteers.
For every two hours a tenant or
community member works with
the organisation, it gives them
a time credit under the Time
Banking scheme.
Volunteers can then cash in
their time credits on a range
of activities. Jen Griffiths from
Hilltop in Ebbw Vale treated
herself and her sister, Barbara
Kershaw to a manicure at
Coleg Gwent’s Hair and Beauty
department in Ebbw Vale.
“I really enjoyed it and will
certainly be going again. Next
time Barbara and I will be
having a pedicure. It is nice
to think that we had the treat
because I had done some work
for Tai Calon,” She said.
Volunteers receive credits for a
wide range of activities. In fact,
for every thing from attending
committee meetings, to taking
part in surveys, being a member
of a tenant and residents
association to undertaking
environmental and community
projects.
at the Garden Festival site and
on day trips organised by Tai
Calon.
Recently a group visited Cardiff
Bay and Techniquest at a cost
of four time credits per family.
David Grainger Jones and Zelda
Thomas really enjoyed the trip.
They agreed with Mike Roberts
who described it as an excellent
day all round. “If all tenants got
involved with the scheme they
too can go on excursions. The
scheme is well worth it,” he said.
Mike’s grandchildren, Lucy
Holly and Casey Stevens, also
thought it great fun, particularly
the Bubble and Blast show.
Time Banking partners also
offer other great deals as
well. From now until the end
of October, 2012, Tai Calon
tenants can benefit from a 20%
discount at the Supertubing
experience at The Festival Park,
Ebbw Vale. Simply show a copy
of this newsletter on arrival to
get your special offer of just £4
for five awesome rides – see
www.supertubing.co.uk. Only
one discount offer per family.
This offer cannot be combined
with any other offer or discount.
Photocopies of newsletter are
not accepted.
For more
information
on Time Banking,
or ways of getting
involved, please contact
Chloe Williams on 0300
303 1717.
Jen Griffiths needed just one
time credit for her manicure.
She could also have spent them
at sports centres operated
by Blaenau Gwent County
Borough Council, the EVI
(Formally the Ebbw
Vale Institute)
Supertubing
23
What’s Happening
Tenant Funday
The 2012 Tai Calon Tenant
funday is taking place on
Saturday, July 21st. It will be
held at our headquarters at
Solis One in Blaina. There will
be lots to do and enjoy.
Community Events
Tai Calon will be taking part in
the Neighbourhoods Together
Funday at the Star Centre in
Sirhowy on Wednesday, 11th
April, and Thursday, 12th April.
Let us know if
you are planning
any events.
This summer the Olympic
Games are being hosted
in the UK. Eight thousand
people will be carrying the
Olympic Flame during the
Torch Relay.
The torch comes to Blaenau
Gwent on Friday, 25th May,
when it travels through
Brynmawr.
Amanda Davies who made the cake to celebrate last year’s
Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh
is travelling to Blaenau Gwent as part of her Diamond
Jubilee celebrations.
They arrive in Wales on Thursday, 26th April and are visiting
Cardiff, Margam, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberfan, Ebbw Vale and
Glanusk Park in Powys during their two day stay.
To mark 60 years of The Queen’s reign a number of key
events are planned for early June. The late May bank
holiday has been moved to Monday, 4th June, and there will
be an additional Jubilee bank holiday on Tuesday, 5th June.
Residents at Newtown and Peacehaven Court at
Peacehaven in Tredegar are already planning to hold parties
to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
If you would like the latest, up-to-the-minute,
news from Tai Calon Community Housing ...
Text “newsletter” to 07797 871717.
Or
Email us at taicalonnews@taicalon.org.
You can opt out of either service at any time. .