6 1 0 2 g n i r p vtheoice s of change · vibez summer holidays 5 let’s talk universal credit 6-7...

Call 0300 123 2100 if you wouldlike help with this newsletter

the

voiceof change

SPRING 2016

Find out about V2CTogetherevent on page 8

the voice of change

Welcome tothe spring edition of the Voice ofChange

Count thedaffodilsWe have hidden lots ofdaffodils in this edition of theVoice of Change.

Tell us how many, not including the daffodilabove, for your chance to win £50 of highstreet vouchers (first prize) or £25 of high streetvouchers (second prize).

Closing date is 15 July 2016 and a competitionentry form can be found on page 16.

Get in Touch0300 123 2100

[email protected]

Customer Service CentreTremains Business Park, Tremains RoadBridgend CF31 1TZ

www.v2c.org.uk

www.twitter.com/valleystocoast@valleystocoast

You can also call into our Customer ServiceCentre at Tremains Road.

Please note there is no onsite parking but thereare two public carparks; one at the top of thehill, opposite Castle Bingo and the other at thebottom of the hill behind the Coity Castle.

2 0300 123 2100 [email protected]

If we have let you down don’ttell your neighbour - tell usWe know we do not always get things rightbut only by hearing from you canwe do better.If we have let you down:• Tell the person you are dealing

with at the time- they may beable to change something.

• Telephone our customer serviceteam on 0300 123 2100 and let them knowas soon as you can.

• Email us at [email protected] or visitour website: www.v2c.org.uk/complaints

• Write to us at our Customer Service Centre.To help reach a quick conclusion pleasecontact us as soon as possible. If too muchtime has passed it may be too late to doanything about it. Be as specific as you canincluding as much detail as you can, includingnames of people involved, times, dates,damage, etc. Tell us what you would like us todo to resolve your problem. If you feel we havedone something particularly well, or you wantto make sure one of our staff deserves aspecial thank you, then let us know.

This publication can be made available in alternative formats on request, including audio tape, large print & translations. Please call 0300 123 2100

In this issue...Are you interested in a career in Law? 4Vibez Summer Holidays 5Let’s Talk Universal Credit 6-7Juggling Fun 2gether in Wildmill 8-9RNIB Visibly Better Platinum Award 10Thanks for your views on Service Charges 10Successful partnership with Shaw Trust 11Team V2C 12£12,000 raised 13V2C Board Recruitment 14Scrutiny Panel 15Wordsearch and entry form 16

Come along toOnline Thursdays!Nolton Court is open every Thursday

9am-4pm for Online Thursday!There are a number of computers available and Wi-Fi

available that you can come in and use for FREE!!

Staff will be on hand to help and refreshments areavailable! So if you need somewhere to do job

searches, shopping, check emails or anything elseonline come along and say hi!

Bonus!We’ve just arranged for Bridges into Work to join us for Online Thursdays!

Their advisor will be here between 10am and 12pm and happy to help you with one-to-onesupport on finding work, CVs and training opportunities.

PDSA returns toBridgendIt was lovely to see lots of residents comeout and take advantage of the PDSA’s freepet check again this year. The PDSA trailerand Reggie van visited Marlas, Cefn Cribwr,Maesteg Park and Ynysawdre to check up onresident’s dogs in March. They also got the chanceto share their views with V2C on the services weprovide and the current pet policy.

The PDSA will be returning to the same locations onceagain from the 2nd - 5th August, check out our website;www.v2c.org.uk for more details.

If you are interested in owning a pet in your V2C home don’t forget to give us a callfirst and chat with us about your plans so we can ensure it’s suitable for everyone.

spring 2016

www.v2c.org.uk follow us on Twitter: @valleystocoast 3

the voice of change


Interested?To find out moreRing: Marie: 01656 762487 or Jo: 01656 762528 Email: [email protected] or text 07717571735

There is an open evening on Thursday 19 May @ 5pm where youand your parent/guardian can come along to find out more!

Priority will be given to those who live in a V2C home.

Blake Morgan Solicitors have an exciting workplacement opportunity - the chance to spend aweek (25 July- 29 July 2016) in theirCardiff Office! V2C can even helpyou with travel costs.

During the week you willhave the chance to:

• Spend ‘a day in the life’of a lawyer

• Visit a local law court

• Find out about starting acareer in law

• Learn new negotiating andpresentation skills

• Learn hints and tips on interview skills andcompleting application forms

• Spend time in the marketing and ITdepartments

Are you interested in a careerin Law?

Are you 15-16 years old?If the answer is YES we’ve got agreat opportunity for you!

After Street Vibez, young people toldus the best way to keep in touch wasthrough Facebook, so you can nowtake a look to see what we are up to atfacebook.com/Freshvibezz

We need your help!We are busy preparing for this year’s project but weneed your help on what you think we should doover a couple of days during the school holidays.

Send us your ideas on our Facebook page(freshvibez1), by email to [email protected],text or Whatsapp (07717 51735) for your chance to win£50 High Street Shopping voucher and the chance tomake your idea a reality! Deadline date is the 20 May.

The Big Step Against Bullying walk isback! On Saturday 9th July V2C willbe supporting Stand Against Bullyingto walk from Blackmill to PencoedCollege to raise awareness ofbullying behaviour and its effects onindividuals and their families. Lookout for more details on our website.

A week of fun filled activities including StreetDance; Music Production; DJ/MC-ing and FilmMaking with a big performance for family and

friends at the end of the week!

Try It!One day of tryingdifferent activitiessuch as Circus Skillsand Free Runningthroughout differentareas of Bridgend.

Brush UpA taster session learningDIY skills for decorating

their new home

A week where young people got to maketheir own film of what it is like to live in theirarea including a day of fun activities at theend of the week. A big Film Premiere was

held a few weeks later to show the final films!

Let’s get planning our

Vibez Summer HolidaysOver the last few years we have

run a number of

projects especially for Young People!


spring 2016

Win£50

the voice of change

Universal Credit can now be claimed by all single peoplewho would otherwise have been expected to claimJobseekers Allowance. Universal Credit is paid monthlyrather than weekly or fortnightly, some customers havestruggled with this change and have encountered moneyworries as a result. Unfortunately anyone claiming this newbenefit has to wait for at least five weeks to receive theirfirst payment.

Where can I get help?The Money Matters Team understand what a difficult andworrying time this waiting period can be, as rent and otherbills build up. We are available to help anyone struggling tocope with the changes at our Talk Tuesday Sessions heldat Nolton Court from 9.00am to 4.00pm every week.We’re also on hand at the Online Thursday Sessions atthe same time in the same venue.

Let us know…Please let us know if you’re claiming Universal Credit assoon as possible as we can help you through the process.

In the last year alone we’ve helped 304 customers atthese sessions, with issues ranging from completingapplication forms and budgeting advice to how tosearch for jobs or homes online.

Let’s talk Universal Credit


Checklist: What will I need to

claim Universal Credit?

3 Your postcode

3 Your National Insurance Number

3 Details of your bank, building society, credit

union or post office account

3 How much rent you pay (including service

charges). We can provide you proof of this

3 V2C’s address and phone number

3 Details of any savings that you have

3 Details of any income that your household

receives – earnings, benefits or anything else

3 How much you pay for childcare if you want

help with this

3 Child Benefit reference numbers

Useful numbers:

V2C Money Matters: 01656 762582

HMRC for Tax Credit or National Insurance

enquiries: 0300 2003500

Child Benefit Office: 0300 2003100

Universal Credit Claim line: 0345 6000723

(Charges apply)

spring 2016


What you need to knowabout Basic BankAccountsFrom 1st January 2016, theGovernment has announced thateveryone should be able to access a fee-free basic bank account.

These accounts are aimed at those whodon’t currently have an account, or thosewho’ve been frozen out of normal bankingbecause of previous money problems.These accounts would be suitablefor payment of Universal Credit.

Where can I get fee-free basic bankaccount?• Barclays – Barclays Basic Current

Account• The Co-operative Bank – Cashminder• HSBC – Basic Bank Account• Lloyds Banking Group (Bank of Scotland,

Halifax and Lloyds) – Basic Account• National Australia Bank Group (including

Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank) –Readycash Account

• Nationwide – FlexBasic• RBS Group (NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland

and Ulster Bank) – Foundation Account andBasic Account (England and Wales)

• Santander – Basic Current Account• TSB – Cash Account

Contact your local branch to find out whichaccount suits you best. Please note that we arenot able to recommend specific banks, so thechoice is yours.

Discretionary Housing PaymentsWe recently wrote to everyone whose

Discretionary Housing Payment is dueto expire, and have had a good

response. However, there are manycustomers who are yet to respondand may be missing out on help

with payments towards their rent. Ifyou haven’t already done so, please

contact the Money Matters Team on 01656762582 to make an appointment to

complete a new form, or drop in to oneof our Talk Tuesday and Online

Thursday sessions.

What’s changing in2016?

The Government announcedfurther changes to the welfare

system for 2016, and there will be noannual increase in working age

benefits from this April.

In May 2016, the Housing Benefit system willchange, and customers with children who donot have all their rent paid could see theirHousing Benefit reduced by up to £11.35 perweek. We will identify and contact you if youare affected in order to discuss your options.

The maximum period for a backdated award ofHousing Benefit will also be reduced from amaximum of 26 weeks to just 4 weeks fromApril, so it’s really important to get your claimform in as quickly as possible if you need helpwith your rent.

We’ll keep you updated with any other changeswhich may affect you on the Money Matterspage of our website www.v2c.org.uk and infuture editions of the Voice of Change.

Fun and enjoyment was had by all during the halfterm holiday at V2C’s together event and theofficial opening of the natural play area! Wildmillresidents were invited to V2C’s Together Event onthe 18th February to meet with V2C staff alongwith a range of other organisations to share theirviews on services in the community with plenty offun activities to keep all ages entertained.

There was opportunity for residents to viewimprovement plans for the flats in Glanffornwgwhich we hope will improve the energy efficiency ofhomes. BCBC came along to gather views on thecurrent recycling system.

the voice of change


Juggling Fun2gether inWildmill!

“I thought it was a very good event,

with lots of differentorganisations working in

partnership to support thepeople living in the

community.”Debbie Bryn,

Resident on Wildmill

Meet

with V2C

staff

Circusskills forall ages

The event celebrated the opening of the newNatural Play Area which has been designed bylocal residents in partnership with Play Walesthrough V2C’s Space Saviours project.

Circus skills was provided for all ages to take partin adding a fun element to the afternoon with manygetting involved in juggling or stilt walking. It was agreat opportunity for residents to meet and learnmore about V2C in an informal, fun environment.

If you would like to learn more about becominginvolved with V2C and many of theopportunities available call Marie Kiff on 01656 762487 or email [email protected]

spring 2016


REG61E

Welcome

“This was oursecond Together Eventwhich was once againreceived with a warm

welcome from the residentswith plenty of fun and

interaction. The next one willhopeful be even bigger; lookout for us when we come to

your area!”Marie Kiff, CustomerEngagement Officer

Natural

playarea

Shareviews onservices

Discusscurrentrecyclingsystem

the voice of change


Thanks for your views on Service ChargesV2C and Reggie, the regeneration van travelled across the borough during February askingresidents about service charges. The consultation was a success with over 50 peopleproviding us with their views and opinions.It was a unanimous decision from everyone who came along that we should only introduceEstate Services (Litter picking, Grass Cutting and Caretaker services.) for the first year with theremaining services being added in April 2017.Residents also thought we should phase the cost in so a reduced charge would beimplemented from April 2016 before introducing the full charges in April 2017.Those that have been paying the charges since 2008 on a Global Service Charge will continuefor April 2016 and we will look to merge all by April 2017.The calculations of these service charges will be based on the original stock allowing us todemonstrate fairness. In streets where many properties have been bought, remaining V2Ctenants will not be penalised by paying more.

Bridgend AM Carwyn Joneshelped us celebrate theachievement of gaining the RNIBVisibly Better Platinum Award.V2C have worked hard to earn this Visibly better PlatinumAward, which includes providing large documentationwhere needed for our tenants, promoting good eye healthand working with local sensory team to identify need for improved lightingand giving each flat different coloured front doors and décor so they are easily recognised.

Carwyn Jones AM said “I would like to congratulate Valleys to Coast on their award. It is not aneasy task to achieve the Platinum Award and is a great testament to the staff for their continuingefforts and commitment to ensure that Llys Ton is fully accessible to people with sight loss and toensure that their tenants live in the best possible environment”.

Thanks to those who attended the event and helped us achieve the award.


spring 2016

Successful partnershipwith Shaw TrustShaw Trust is a national charity that helps peoplefacing disadvantage into work, to gain skills and takecontrol of their future.

Valleys to Coast has worked with Shaw Trust since 2011by offering paid work placements to individuals who, forvarious reasons, have difficulties in finding or returning to work.

V2C has offered, to date, 13 work placements in various departmentsthroughout the business. Whilst the placements are usually for a minimum of13 weeks, some have been extended, subject to funding, and others havebeen offered fixed term contracts to stay on as V2C employees. Here aresome of those we have helped and what they think about it:

Susan Thomas is ourClerical Assistant withinthe New Homes Team.“I was referred to Shaw Trustwhen I started havingdebilitating migraines on aweekly basis, severelyimpacting my ability to holddown a full-time job. Yourconfidence takes a knock and you feel that no

employer will ever understand your condition orbe able to accommodate you in their workplace.However, the staff at Shaw Trust were amazing,by not only offering guidance and practical helpin gaining employment, but their encouragementand belief in you as an individual. The only reason I can work whilst managing my

medical condition, is due to the flexibility,support and assistance afforded to me by V2C.”.

Deborah Williams

is our Clerical

Assistant within

the Development

department.

“I was introduced

to V2C through

Shaw Trust 18

months ago. From

the time of my interview I have

been made to feel very

comfortable with everyone and

believe this is because they are so

understanding and friendly.

After my placement with V2C I was

offered a 6 month contract as a

part-time Clerical Assistant and I

have absolutely loved every minute

because V2C feels like home.”

“I haveloved everyminute of it”

“V2C feelslike home”

“Shaw Trust wereamazing”

the voice of change


We got a big helping handfrom local charities Gofaland CADDT who sent alongwilling volunteers to clearout and cut back thegrowing site in Pyle, readyfor a new batch of keengrowers in the Spring.

V2C started off KeepWales Tidy’s week of ecoactivities at MaestegWelfare Park. Along withTesco staff and parkvolunteers, screens werebuilt to help local schoolswith their eco activities.

The Bridgend Carers Centre on Park Streetcalled us in to help out with their lovely relaxationgarden. Working with Keep Wales Tidy and theProbation Office we had a great afternoonweeding and turning over the planting beds.

Steve from the Centre said there was ‘more workdone in a day than we could manage in the last 6months - it has given the project a real boost’.

We’ve been back

into our communities

and doing more!

spring 2016


£12,000 raisedthrough raffles, knitting and afternoon teaResidents at Llys Cynffig Sheltered Scheme in Pyle have been busy raising money for a number ofdifferent charities. So busy in fact, that they have raised a remarkable £12,000 over the last fewyears.

The residents have worked tirelessly, arranging weekly raffles, knitting items, including Easter chicks,monthly food hamper draws and giving any small donations that they can afford.

Claire Phillips, Scheme Co-ordinator said: “At the start of each year the tenants decide what charitythey are going to support; often choosing one close to their hearts, and then think of new ideas toraise more cash. V2C are always happy to support their ideas where they can.”

Last year the residents decided to raise money for British Heart Foundation and were pleased topresent a cheque to Sammi Bell (Fundraising Manager) at a special afternoon tea on the 18thJanuary for the grand total of £2,130.47.

One of the tenants commented “Not bad for a load of wrinkilys, especially for such a smallcommunity”. Residents are already busy deciding on their charity for the forthcoming year anddiscussing new fun fundraising ideas.

the voice of change


We’re looking for a new tenant tojoin us on V2C’s board!We have a great opportunity for you to volunteer, get involved, learn newskills and benefit from training, when joining us on V2C’s board.

The board is responsible for making sure the organisation is financiallysound and that it complies with the law in everything that it does. Theboard also has the responsibility for deciding the strategic direction of theorganisation, what it needs to be doing in the future and what needschanging. The board meets around 10 times a year and meetings start at5:30pm and usually last around 2 and half hours.

If you would like more information on joining the board or would like torequest an application form, please contact Communications Assistant Lizzie Conway on 01656 762444 or drop us an email on [email protected].

Completed application forms must be returned by the closing date of 1st July and if shortlisted interviewswill be held week beginning 11th July.

Think this could be you?Come along to ourtaster sessions tofind out more inthe first week

of June.

?

V2C receive another pass from the Welsh Government!The Welsh Government published its most recent Regulatory Opinion of V2C on 24th March 2016.The Regulatory Opinion is an important part of how Welsh Government regulates housingassociations in Wales and sets out where the regulator will be looking for improvements over the next12 months. This means that Welsh Government recognises our business plans to be reasonable withsufficient finances in place to deliver our promises to tenants.

Take a look at the full report on our website:http://www.v2c.org.uk/WelshGovernmentRegulatoryOpinion.html

3


spring 2016

What have theScrutiny Panelbeen up to?The panel has just completed and submitted their 3rdreport to V2C’s board on:

How well does V2C communicate withtenants about routine repairs?

The members discovered that:

Do you agree with the panel’s assessment? Would you like to join the panel?

Contact Michael Hughes on 01656 727948 or email [email protected].

V2C provides more

detailed informationthan many other

HousingAssociations.

But could improve the

information of thetype of repair e.g

emergency, urgent orroutine.

TenantScrutinyGroup

When informingtenants of the repair

service:

V2C provides aquick and easy

service, whichevermethod is used.

But could improve by using

online ways ofreporting a repair.

When reporting arepair:

The tradespeopleemployed by V2C

are helpful andpolite.

But could improve by ensuring

V2C’s external sub-contractors

consistently meet thesame standards.

When the repair isbeing carried out:

V2C has trieddifferent methods

such as textmessaging tenants.

But could improveby expanding these

methods.

When keeping tenantsinformed throughout

the process:

the voice of change


I found................................................Daffodils in the Voice of Change.

Name ................................................ Contact Phone Number/Email................................................

Address ..............................................................................................................................................

.......................................................... Post Code ..............................................................................

Would you like to be part of our Communication group and give us feedback on our publications?Yes No

Would you be interested in joining V2C equality group and work with us to ensure we are deliveringservices equally? Yes No

Would you like to become a scrutiny group member? (See page 15) Yes No

Thank you for your time. Please return this completed form in thepre-paid envelope provided by 15 July 2016.

Competition Entry Form

Spring FlowersWord Search

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6 1 0 2 g n i r p vtheoice s of change · vibez summer holidays 5 let’s talk universal credit 6-7...

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