Call 0300 123 2100 if you wouldlike help with this newsletter

thevoiceof change

Spring20

11

WIN:£100 High Street

Vouchers

V2C’s gardeningcompetition is back– see p17 for details

VALLEYS TO COASTCYMOEDD I’R ARFORDIR

2

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

Get in Touch�� 0300 123 2100

@ comments@v2c.org.uk

�� Customer Service CentreNolton CourtBridgend, CF31 1BX

�� www.v2c.org.uk

You can also call into our Customer Service Centre at Nolton Court.

Spring Opening TimesV2C offices and switchboards will close over the followingbank holidays. Friday 22nd April, Monday 25th April, Friday29th April and Monday 2nd May. During this period, in theevent of an emergency please call 0300 123 2100

Count the Easter Eggs (not including the oneabove) in this edition of The Voice of Change.Then tell us on the Competition Entry Form on page 20 howmany you found for your chance to win £100 in High StreetVouchers. (Closing date 11th May 2011.)

Welcome tothe Spring edition of the Voice of Change

Easter Egg Hunt!

Be aware - Who is at your door?All V2C employees andcontractors carrying outwork on our behalf carryidentification, so pleaseremember to ask to see it.

If you are visited bysomebody claiming to befrom V2C or one of ourcontractors and they cannotprovide identification weadvise that you contact usbefore letting anyone enteryour home. If anyone triesto enter your home withoutyour permission please donot hesitate to contact thepolice – dial 999.

In this issue...Spring opening times 2Easter egg hunt! 2Get in touch 2V2C Rents teams 3If we’ve let you down - Let us know! 4Tenants’ satisfaction survey 5Work and training update 6Apprentices 8Your benefits 9Training opportunities 10Census update 12Got something to say 13V2C community forum 15Seasonal guidance 16Gala awards 17Extracare scheme 18Useful contacts 18Recipe 19Competition 20

Spring 2011

3

V2C Rents teamsRespond – we aim to respond to you quickly

Encourage – we can assist and encourage you financially

Negotiate – we can make agreements with you

Talk – we will discuss your situation & options

Area 2Covers: Sarn, Bryncethin, Heol y Cyw, Pendre,Wildmill, Pencoed, Ogmore Valley, Blackmill,Evanstown and Lewistown.Visiting Officer – Joanna WaltersRecovery Officer – Gaynor BillinghurstCollection Assistant – Rosie Baldwin

Area 3Covers: Cefn Cribbwr, Bryntirion, Cefn Glas,Marlas, North Cornelly, Kenfig Hill, Pyle and Porthcawl.Visiting Officer – Christiaan JonesRecovery Officer – Howard MerrettCollection Assistant – Clare David

You can contact the Rents team on 0300 123 2100(Option 2) 8.30am-5pm Monday - Friday

Area 1Covers: Ynysawdre, Aberkenfig, Maesteg Valley,Coytrahen, Bettws, Brackla, Garw Valley,Pontycymmer. Visiting Officer – Bernie Aston Recovery Officer – Jayne ThomasCollection Assistant – Alison Howe

Tel: 0300 123 2100

4

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

We know we do not always getthings right but only by hearingfrom you can we improve thequality of our services.

If we have let you down:

• Tell the person you are dealingwith at the time they may be ableto change something there andthen or explain why they can’t.• Telephone our Customer Serviceteam on 0300 123 2100 and letthem know as soon as you can;we may be able to put it rightquickly and easily.• Email complaints@v2c.org.uk or visit our website:www.v2c.org.uk/complaints• Write to us at our CustomerService Centre, Nolton Court,Bridgend. CF31 1BX.

To help reach a quick conclusion,please:

• Contact us as soon aspossible. If too much time haspassed it may be too late to doanything about it.• Be as specific as you canincluding as much detail as youcan: names of people involved,times, dates, damage, etc.• Tell us what you would like us todo to resolve your problem

If you feel we have donesomething particularly well, or youwant to make sure one of our staffdeserves a special thank you,then let us know.

If we have let you down don’t tell your neighbour – tell us

V2C ScrutinyGroup

WAGthumbs up!

With increasing emphasis onperformance and value formoney, it is important thattenants and residents are ableto decide on the standards ofservice they want and thatV2C actually delivers againstthese. The Scrutiny Groupconsists of a group of tenantsand residents that will do justthis and therefore ensure thatV2C’s services are tailored tothe needs of those that usethem.

If you are interested in becominga member of the group, orwould like more information,please contact Andrew Alsepton 01656 762463 for an informal chat.

V2C’s financial strength giventhe all clear by the WelshAssembly Government.z

The Welsh AssemblyGovernment publishes anassessment of every HousingAssociation’s financial position.In the assessment published31st March 2011 V2C wasawarded a pass – the highestjudgement available.

This means that the WelshAssembly Government believes our business plans to be reasonable with sufficient finances in place to deliver our promises to tenants.

If you would like a copy of this assessment (called the Financial ViabilityJudgement) you can download a copy free of charge from our website(www.v2c.org.uk) or contact our Customer Service team on 0300 123 2100.

5

Spring 2011

Tel: 0300 123 2100

83% of the tenants who wereaware of the CommunityCaretakers thought they wereeither quite good or very good –this result has increased from54% in 2008.

86% were happy with the Valuefor Money received for their rent– this result had increased from83% in 2007.

85% of tenants were satisfiedwith the quality and condition oftheir property and their localneighbourhood.

70% of tenants were satisfiedthat their views were taken intoaccount by V2C and 82%thought V2C was good atkeeping them informed aboutthings that might affect them asa tenant.

84% were satisfied with the wayV2C dealt with their last repairthis result has increased from79% in 2007.

88% were quite satisfied or verysatisfied with the way V2C dealtwith enquiries.

Overall 86% were satisfied withthe services provided by V2C.

�Tenants’SatisfactionSurveyIn October 2010 V2C askedRMG Clarity, a specialistmarket research company, toconduct a tenants’ satisfactionsurvey on our behalf. In thisarticle we have highlightedsome of the key findings. Theresults of the survey will helpus to better understand whattenants think of our servicesand enable us to address theconcerns raised. Watch outfor further details of these infuture editions of the Voice ofChange.

96% of tenants found our staffhelpful and 80% were satisfiedwith the outcome of their lastcontact with V2C staff.

51% were not aware of V2C’scomplaints procedure. So wehave made changes to theprocedure and you can finddetails of this on page 4.

31% of tenants were dissatisfiedwith the way their Anti SocialBehaviour (ASB) complaint washandled. In partnership with theCommunity Forum we havechanged our ASB policy andhave placed more emphasis onkeeping complainants informedof progress.

6

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

Being in receipt of welfare benefits doesn’t have to be a barrier tolooking for work, volunteering or undertaking training.

Thinking of returningto work or training?

Looking for workJobcentre Plus “New Deal”provides advice, support andemployment training to help youget back into work. You mayalso receive reasonableexpenses for things like travel tointerviews (Travel to InterviewScheme). Your benefits will notbe affected by being on NewDeal.

You will normally go on to a New Deal programme if you'reclaiming Job Seeker's Allowance(JSA) and have been out of workfor between six and eighteenmonths. How soon you startdepends on your age.

There are specific NewDeal programmeswhich offer tailoredhelp for particulargroups, for examplelone parents or peoplewith a disability. Your localJobcentre Plus adviser willgive you more informationabout New Deal.

There is lots of support availableif you want to take up a trainingcourse or get back into work.How this affects your benefitswill depend on what you aredoing and your personalcircumstances. In all cases, it isrecommended that you speak toa benefits adviser for detailedadvice specific to your situation.

VolunteeringYour benefits will not be affectedby doing voluntary work as longas it is unpaid and is for anorganisation like a charity. Youcan still receive reasonableexpenses for things like travel ormeals while volunteering.

There is no time limit on howlong you can volunteer but youmust still be seeking a full-timejob, be able to attend interviewsat 48 hours' notice and able tostart a job at one week's notice.

Your benefits may be affected ifyou receive an allowance fromthe volunteering organisation orany payments 'in kind'. Youshould always check with abenefits adviser before startingvoluntary work.

Thinking of returningto work or training?

Starting a courseMany colleges offer free ordiscounted courses for people on benefits. If you'reclaiming benefits like JobSeeker's Allowance, IncomeSupport, Employment andSupport Allowance (ESA) orHousing Benefit you may beeligible. Popular courses includeGCSEs, computer skills andNVQs.

Your benefits may be affecteddepending on what type offunding help you get and whatkind of course you choose to do.Always check where you standwith a benefits adviser and thecollege before you start acourse.

Lone parentsIf you are bringing up children on your own, there arevarious schemes available tohelp you get back into learningor work. These include New Dealfor Lone Parents, Job Grant andIn Work Credit.

There are also some importantchanges to benefitarrangements if you arereceiving Income Support. From October 2010, if youryoungest child is seven or overor will be seven during the

7

Spring 2011

following year, you will beexpected to move onto adifferent benefit like JobSeeker's Allowance.

Parents returning to workIf you have children and arethinking about going back towork, you may be able to gethelp in the form of tax credits,flexible working arrangementsand free childcare. You may alsobe eligible for a Job Grant – aone-off payment to help towardsthe costs of going back to workfor more than 16 hours a week.

In all cases, the amount of helpyou can get will depend onwhich benefits you receive, what you want to do and yourpersonal circumstances.

Tel: 0300 123 2100

“Make a Difference” is a newscheme aimed at involvingcommunities to look closely at where they live, thenworking with the assistance of V2C to make positivechanges.

The scheme is aimed specificallyat V2C communities. It looks tobring people together to tackle an issue or a project to make animprovement to a street or acommunity sometimes with asmall amount of investment from V2C.

Potential projects could be, forexample, reclaiming a derelictpiece of land for a communitygarden, starting a youth projectover the summer holidays orstarting a community crèche.

If you have an idea for acommunity project that youwould like to see happen please contact Matthew at

V2C on 01656 762405.

Make aDifference

Chris, Plastering Apprentice with V2C After leaving school Chris spent a year filling in applicationforms and sending his CV toemployers, but had little success getting an interview.After contacting theConstruction Training Centre inNantyfyllon Chris was offered aplace on a work based learningapprenticeship and successfullycompleted a Level 2 PlasteringNVQ whilst on placement withV2C. Chris is now entering hissecond year as a V2Capprentice and is very proud ofhow far he has come sinceleaving school.

the voice of change

After a successful two weeksLiam was employed as abricklaying apprentice and toldV2C that his supervisor had “thetime and patience to show methe ropes, guide me in the rightdirection”. Liam said “I love myjob and I am eager to learn, I amlooking forward to qualifying andbecoming a Bricklayer”.

Elizabeth, Business

ApprenticesTaking between one and four years to complete,apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16 yearsold, regardless of whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or want to start a new career

8 www.v2c.org.uk

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience.

Liam, Bricklaying Apprentice with V2Ccontractor CowlinHaving discovered he wasdyslexic at primary school, Liam never quite got to gripswith his academic studies,despite lots of support. Incomprehensive school Liamdiscovered he worked well withhis hands and at 16 enrolled atPencoed College on abricklaying course.

A year later, Liam enrolled as an apprentice with CITB –Construction Skills, working as a trainee bricklayer in Cardiff.Unfortunately, due to theeconomic downturn, Liam’semployer could not support hisplacement for a second year.

Through our local contacts weheard of Liam’s predicament and as part of our contractagreement with Cowlin toprovide local jobs and trainingarranged for Liam to have awork trial at an Extra Caredevelopment in Kenfig Hill.

Return to Work CreditA fixed payment of £40 perweek for people who have/orhave had a health condition ordisability. It is payable for up to52 weeks when you return towork for at least 16 hours perweek. You must have beengetting Incapacity Benefit for atleast 13 weeks prior to startingwork.

Travel to Interview SchemeHelp from the Jobcentre to getyou to and from your interview if you receive a qualifying benefitlike JSA. The interview must befor a job that will be for at least16 hours a week and last formore than 3 months.

Jobcentre Job GrantA tax free lump sum to pay for the costs associated withworking such as clothes andequipment It is paid if you’vebeen receiving a qualifyingbenefit like JSA, ESA, IncomeSupport or Incapacity Benefit formore than 6 months. You mustbe starting work for at least 16 hours a week.

In Work CreditA fixed payment of £40 perweek for single parents. It ispayable for up to 52 weeks ontop of your earnings when youstart work for at least 16 hours aweek. To qualify you must havebeen on a qualifying Benefit likeJSA, ESA or Income Support formore than 52 weeks.

Yourbenefits

9

Spring 2011

Tel: 0300 123 2100

This summer Bridges intoWork are offering a range ofcourses to support localpeople back into learningand eventually move closerto employment.

Courses offered includecustomer service training, health and safety training,food hygiene training andcommunity development.There are also courses inconfidence building andgetting a job.

Courses are open to anyoneliving in the borough of Bridgend who is over 16 andworks less than 16 hours perweek. Courses are availableat various locations acrossthe borough, where you willbe offered guidance, trainingand support. All courses arefree of charge with help fortravel and child care costs ifneeded.

For further information contact Bridges into Work on 01656 642605 or email them atbridgesintowork@bridgend.gov.uk .

Apprentices Administration Apprenticehosted by V2CNot all apprenticeswill gainemployment withtheir placementprovider, but most will gain valuabletraining and experience.

Liz joined our finance team togain skills and confidence tocomplete a Level 1 BusinessAdministration NVQ. When Lizfirst joined us she lacked theconfidence needed to work in abusy office environment and with members of the public.Having successfully completedher qualification Liz told V2C, “I am really happy with all thestaff and training that has helped me build my confidenceand helped me work better aspart of a team. The skills I havelearned will help me for my future careers as I will be able to help customers better and be more confident in my role and know how to work in anoffice environment”.

the voice of change

Make an appointment with one of the places below and they’lldo their very best to help you onto a course or into work.They’ll even help you with all the forms!

10 www.v2c.org.uk

Courses, training or opportunities– all the help you will need

Bridgend College’sConstruction Academy atPencoed offers local residents a host of construction coursesincluding level 1 diploma inbricklaying, City and Guilds inplumbing, and Pathways toApprenticeships, providingspecific skills to allow people to move on to a fullapprenticeship.

The next open day isWednesday June 15th. For more information visitwww.bridgend.ac.uk or contact:

Bridgend College: Tel: 01656 302 302 Email: enquiries@bridgend.ac.uk

Bridgend CollegeTel: 01656 302 600 Email: pencoed-enquiries@bridgend.ac.uk

AdultLearners’ WeekMay 14th-21st

11

Spring 2011

Tel: 0300 123 2100

JobMatch was launched inBridgend in 2010 and isdesigned to help people onbenefits with barriers such aschild care issues, lack ofqualifications, transportdifficulties and health conditions,into paid employment.

V2C has already helped support 25 local people intowork and training, three withinthe organisation, and the restwith our contractors.Opportunities to becomecaretakers or customer serviceofficers were snapped up, withnot only paid employment butthe chance to achieve an NVQlevel 1 or 2.

Further opportunities areplanned for 2011 for jobs andtraining in areas such as SocialEnterprise – creating a not forprofit, self sustaining business,and Teacher ClassroomAssistant.

For more information contactBridges into Work: 01656 642605

Want2Work: 0800 328 6370

Bridgend JobMatch: Tel: 0800 066 5452

01656 661 418

The Construction TrainingCentre offers free work basedlearning for Construction skillsfor those in receipt of benefits.Referral is through Job CentrePlus or Careers Wales andcourses are made up of a 13 weeks Skill Build or tasterprogramme followed by theoption to complete NVQ level 1 or 2.

Local people benefit fromenrolment into Neath Port TalbotCollege as well as support withtravel expenses. For moreinformation ask your Job CentrePlus or Careers Wales advisor orcontact:

The Construction TrainingCentre (TCTC), Unit 7, SpelterIndustrial Estate, Maesteg,CF34 0TY

Tel: 01639 648180 or 01639 648182

Email:TCTC_Enquiries@nptc.ac.uk

For more help visitwww.directgov.ukor contact JobCentre Plus BridgendAngel Street, Crown Buildings, Bridgend,CF31 4ADTel: 01656 762000

Last year V2C supported two local people to gain formal qualifications through theChartered Institute of Housing Active Learning forResidents Award. These awards recognise people’scontribution to their communities and are a way togain a qualification that is based upon the skills andknowledge that you probably already possess...

and its free! If you are interested tofind out more contact Marie Kiff on

01656 762487

12

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

In the last edition of the Voice of Change we told you about theproposed changes to the welfare benefit system. As expectedsome of the changes have been approved, but some have beendropped altogether.

We now know that the proposalfor a 10% reduction in HousingBenefit for anyone who has beenon Jobseekers Allowance formore than 12 months has beendropped.

However, if you are currentlypaying a shortfall in your rentbecause you have an adult son,daughter, relative or friend livingwith you, you will have to paymore towards your rent from4th April 2011.

The table details how much youwill now need to pay:

If you’re still unsure about what you need to pay, pleasecontact the Rents Section on0300 123 2100. (Meet theRents team on page 3.)

Was paying Will nowneed to pay

£7.40 £9.40

£14.80 £18.80

£17.00 £21.55

£23.35 £29.60

£38.20 £48.45

£43.50 £55.20

£47.75 £60.60

Yourbenefits Did you know that everyone is

legally obliged to complete the census and could be fined up to£1,000 for not doing so?

If you have not yet completedand returned your Census form,or would like help with the formcontact the census helpline on0300 0201 130.

Censusupdate!

Save £s on yourwater charges• Is yours a low income

household?• Do you have three or more

children living at home?• Does a family member

living with you have amedical condition requiringhigh water use?

If so, you could qualify for areduction in your water chargesto less than £5 a week.

Contact Chris Randall on 01656 762501 or Welsh Waterdirect on 0800 0520145 for a“Water Assist” application form.

Don’t forget...The Benefit Bus is at V2CCustomer Service CentreEvery Wednesday morning (except during the holidays)

10-12 o clock

13

Spring 2011

At V2C we know the best way to improve our services is bylistening to tenants and residents that live in our communities. We are continually trying new ways to invite people to share their views and influence the decisions which we make.

Read on to find out more about how some V2C tenants have been involved with us.

“My name is Mary Webb and I first became involved in thecommunity forum because Iwanted to know more aboutV2C, what would be expectedof me as a member, what Iwould gain from it and how I could contribute to it. Ineeded to know if my voicewould be heard and if myopinions or suggestions wouldbe valued. Indeed I found thisto be so.

As I progressed as a member ofthe group, my confidence grewand I became a member of twoof the working groups, which Ithoroughly enjoy. We are alsogiven the opportunity to attendvarious training courses - muchknowledge can be gained andit’s a chance to make newfriends.

I’m on the Policy Group which is made up of tenants and V2C staff. Last year we

worked on the Anti SocialBehaviour policy, looking atdefinitions of ASB, agreeing theapproach of supporting the complainant and allegedperpetrator, and further legaloptions.

I found this to be very informativeand enjoyable. I would certainlyencourage other people tobecome a member of either theForum or one of the workinggroups.”

Got somethingto say? Get involved and tell us!

Tel: 0300 123 2100

14

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

“Hello, my name is BrianPhillips. I am 65 years of age and a member of V2C’sCommunity Forum. I havebeen privileged to receivetraining to enable me to takepart with V2C. Training hasincluded how to set up adiscussion group and onwebsites and blogs.

I attended courses at TraffordHall in Chester a NationalCommunities Resource Centreoffering residential training withaccommodation adapted forindividual needs. The cuisine is all fresh products and the tranquilsurroundings help you to relaxand take in the unspoilt sceneryincluding squirrels climbing treesoutside my window. The costswere covered by V2C.

I wanted to understand thejargon and be able to take part inthe forums not just sit on the sidenot understanding what wasgoing on

It gave me the opportunity tomeet tenants from other areas inWales and England to shareideas and exchange information,particularly on the transfer fromCouncil to Housing Association.On the last course I learnt how tobuild a web site and a blog(news sheet).

The web site can be reached atwww.v2ctenantsparticipation.webeden.co.uk

If anyone offers you training onhousing or ways to get involved, I urge you to take all that isoffered to you as you are nevertoo young or old to learn newthings

Anyone can take part in theseforums no matter what your age. There is an opportunity forone and all to voice their opinionon V2C’s plans.”

Leaflet Working Group“My name is MargaretMacIntyre and I am a tenant of V2C. For a number of years I have been involved withTenant Participation Groups.This has given meopportunities to have inputinto services offered by V2C. It has helped me to know thatas a tenant my voice can beheard and I can make realchanges.

Over the past few months I havehad the privilege to work onleaflets for tenants – to removegobbledegook and make themeasy to read and understand...without needing a degree!

These leaflets include things like how andwhere to pay rent,repairs, anti socialbehavior andgetting involved.

I really enjoy theexperience – whydon’t you join us?”

If you’re interested in telling us what you think contact Marie on 01656 762487 or marie.kiff@v2c.org.uk

Got something to say?

Spring 2011

Good afternoon Keith, I wondered if we could start by you telling us what is V2CCommunity Forum?It’s a group of tenants, residentsand leaseholders who areinteresting in being involved withV2C and having input intodecisions which are made. Wemeet about every 6 weeks andhave opportunity to put forwardideas about what we’d like totalk about and meet differentstaff from V2C.

Why did you first becomeinvolved with the Forum?I got involve when I first became a tenant of V2C, and the Housing Officer suggestedthat there was a group that meetregularly and it maybe of interestto me. I was interested to findout more and what it was allabout.

Can you tell us a bit aboutwhat the Community Forumhas been up to recently?We have been able to getinvolved in volunteering to be ajudge for V2C in Bloom;reviewing the Anti-socialbehaviour policy; working on the tenant participation group,learnt about V2C’s communityprojects; learning about newservice improvements and most recently visit solar panelinstallations in V2C communities.

15

If you’re interested in telling us what you think contact Marie on 01656 762487 or marie.kiff@v2c.org.uk

Keith, do you enjoy the Community Forum and would yourecommend to others?I enjoy being involvedwith V2C and wouldrecommend to anyonewho is interested inknowing more abouthow V2C operate. I havebeen involved with theForum for five years and forthe past 18 months have heldthe position of Chair.

Thank you for your time Keith, do you have any final thoughts?We would like more tenants,residents and leaseholders to become involved.

If you are interested then let usknow by email atmarie.kiff@v2c.org.uk ortelephone 01656 762487 and speaking to Marie Kiff.

V2C Community ForumKeith Dessurne a member of V2C Community Forum took some time out of his busy schedule ofmeetings with V2C and preparing the garden for summer to share his thoughts on the CommunityForum:

Tel: 0300 123 2100

Contact Marie on 01656 762487 fordetails of the nextCommunity Forum

meeting

the voice of change

16 www.v2c.org.uk

... as we move into the spring and summer months,here is some advice andguidance based on topicalissues received by ourCustomer Service Team

Pest ControlIf you’re experiencing problemswith pests (including rats, beesand wasps) please contactEnvironmental Health on 01656 643260 for advice. If treatment is required you may be charged.

DogsBridgend County BoroughCouncil operate a Dog WardenService, patrolling for stray dogsand responding to complaintsconcerning strays, dangerousdogs and barking dogs.

There is a legal obligation for adog owner to not let their dogsstray on the streets and fordogs to wear a collar with theowner’s name and address.Dog fouling is a major problemand the local authority is able totake action against dog ownerswho allow their dogs to foul inthe street without clearing themess.

For further information pleasecontact BCBC’s PublicProtection Department on01656 643273.

Seasonal guidanceGarden FiresYou should use the mostenvironmentally friendly meansof disposing of waste. Mostimportantly, remember yourneighbours - let them know ifyou’re planning a bonfire so they can close windows or take the washing. For moreinformation contact BCBC’sEnvironmental Healthdepartment on 01656 643260.

Anti Social BehaviourAnti Social Behaviour can causeharassment, nuisance or stress.Please be considerate to yourneighbours and community.

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour pleasecall our anti-social behaviournumber - 01656 762500.

... with the evenings gettingbrighter and warmer, thinkabout how you and yourfamily safe can stay safe:• If you are going for a walkkeep to well lit areas

• Make sure you secure yourhome before you leave it.

• Do not leave garden tools on display - put them away

• Make sure your shed issecurely locked

• In hot weather remember tokeep car windows open forchildren & pets

• Make sure you and your loved ones have suitablesunscreen protection

is coming backto BridgendOnce again the PDSA isreturning to Bridgend to giveresidents free pet checks ondogs and advice on other pets.The trailer will be visiting the areaduring the first week in June atthe following locations:

Thursday 2nd JuneOakwood Estate, parking areaadjacent to 42 10-5pm

Friday 3rd JuneCar Park Area at BryntirionSports Pavillion/CommunityCentre 10-5pm

Saturday 4th JuneGibbons Way, Marlas 10-5pm

Sunday 5th JuneYnysawdre: Parking Area on the right hand side of Ynysteg,10-5pm

All dogs must be accompaniedby their owner. Please be awarethat where there is a highdemand the trailer will operate anappointment system.

Only dogs can be brought to the trailer but the PDSAveterinary nurse will be on hand to offer advice on otherhousehold pets such as rabbits,cats and other companionfriends.

17

Spring 2011

Seasonal guidanceThe Gala Awards Dinner is oneof the highlights of V2C’s yearand is our chance torecognise the good work thathappens in our communities.This year’s event will be heldon Friday 16th September.

V2C in BloomWhatever size, shape or type of garden - whether it iseye catching, has somethingunusual about it, isenvironmentally friendly, is acommunity garden or is simplya stunning hanging basket, wewant to hear from you.

CommunityAwards We are looking for groups ofpeople of any age who aremaking a real difference inimproving the environment oftheir local areas. This couldinclude clean up campaigns,organising local events ororganising other activities that help build strongercommunities. Get in touch!

Good Neighbour/Volunteer AwardsDo you know someone whohas made a contribution in tothe community in which theylive, including volunteering, acts of bravery or simply byhelping others. If so, it doesnʼt matter how oldthey are – tell us about them.

We are particularly interestedin hearing about the differenceyoung people make in ourcommunities.

We need your nominations for the following three main categories:If you would like to enter V2C in Bloom, nominate someone for theGood Neighbour/ Volunteer awards or nominate a group for theCommunity awards, please contact Darryl Rees on 01656 762476or email events@v2c.org.uk.

The closing date for all thenominations is Friday 22nd July.

Gala Awards It was with sadness weheard that one of ourYouth In Action winnersrecently passed away.

Pee Jay Morgan Thomas ofPencoed was nominated forthe Youth In Action category of the 2010 Gala Awards byStudio 34. Nominationsreceived for this categorywere outstanding, and it was Pee Jayʼs commitment to putting others first thatstood out for the judgingpanel.

Pee Jayʼs mum, HelenMorgan, said: “Pee Jayalways made me proud ineverything he did. He is a trueinspiration and it was fantasticfor him to be recognised”.

Pee Jay bequeathed his prizemoney, along with his othersavings, to Latch WelshChildrenʼs Cancer Charity.

Pee Jay at the 2010 GalaAwards

Tel: 0300 123 2100

There are just over five monthsto go before we open our firstExtra Care housing scheme inKenfig Hill.

Llys Ton will provide high-qualityspecialist homes for 70 olderpeople in 8 one bedroom and 31two bedroom flats. Each of theflats has a lounge, kitchen abathroom with walk in showerand central heating.

Tenants will have their ownapartment with their own frontdoor and full control over whogoes into their flat.

To support independent livingthe scheme has a restaurantarea open during the daytime,coffee making facilities, residentslaundry, guest bedroom, ITroom, residents’ lounge, mobilityscooter store and beautifullymaintained gardens.

The restaurant will provide atwo-course meal sevendays a week, and the costof this is included within theservice charge.

Cost will vary for 1 and 2bedroom flats, and in additionresidents will need to pay aservice charge which covers thecost of meals and services in thescheme.

If you have a low income youmay be entitled to benefit to helpwith the costs of some of thesecharges. However, charges formeals and the cost of heatingand lighting in the flat will not becovered by housing benefit.

Who can apply?Applicants must have a care andhousing related support need toqualify for accommodation andshould usually be over 55 yearsof age.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible please call us on 0300 123 2100 so that wecan discuss your individualcircumstances and housingneeds.

Extra Care Scheme

18

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

V2C out of hours repairs0300 123 2100

V2C anti-social behaviour line 01656 762500

Report a water leak 0800 281 432

Police / Fire / Ambulance(emergencies) 999

Police (non-emergencies) 101

Transco (gas emergencies) 0800 111 999

NHS Direct 0845 4647

BCBC homelessness 01656 643546

BCBC recycling / refusecollection01656 643443

BCBC bulky waste collection 01656 643438

National Rail Enquires (train times)08457 48 49 50

Traveline (bus times)0871 200 22 33

National Express (coach times) 08717 818178

Useful ContactNumbers

19

Spring 2011

Tel: 0300 123 2100

A great way for all the family to enjoy a little sweet treat thisEaster Time

Ingredients

400g milk chocolate 100g cornflakes80g mini marshmallows Mini Eggs to decorate

Preparation

1. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of boiling water.

2. When the chocolate has melted, remove from the heat and stiruntil all the chocolate has melted. Add the mini marshmallowsand stir until the marshmallows have just started to ‘melt’ into thechocolate.

3. Add the cornflakes and stir well to ensure all are coated in the chocolate mixture.

4. Spoon into paper cake cases and pop a couple of mini eggs on the top.

5. Allow to cool before eating.

Chocolate Easter Nests

The winner of the £100 HighStreet vouchers prize in theDecember edition of the Voice of Change is Mrs Harris of Sarn.Mrs Harris was very excited tohave won and said: �This iswonderful news - I've never won anything in my life before.

Mrs Harris of Sarn

We have a winner!

V2C CustomerFeedback

Name Address

PostcodeContact number E-mail

1. What would you like to seein The Voice of Change? Please �appropriate box(es).

�� V2C services�� V2C staff�� Community stories�� Local events�� Crosswords�� Competitions�� Recipes�� Hints and tips�� Readers’ letters/comments

Other

�

2. We are looking forvolunteers to get involved inThe Voice of Change? Would you like to:

�� Be a member of an EditorialPanel / get involved withdesign

�� Write articles on local events(fetes, carnivals, school plays, etc.)

�� Take photographs�� Check the newsletter beforesending out

Thank you for your time.

Please return this completedform in the pre-paid envelopeprovided.

The winner of the jacketis Mrs W of Maesteg.

20

the voice of change

www.v2c.org.uk

Design an Easter Egg competition

Competition Entry FormI found _____ Easter Eggs in the Voice of Change.

To help us improve the Voice of Change would you tell us what you thought of this edition: (please � appropriate box): Poor �� OK �� Interesting �� Very Good �� Excellent ��

Do you usually read the Voice of Change? Yes �� No ��

Why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have access At home �� On a mobile phone �� At work �� At school/college ��

to the internet: Other: ___________________________________________________________

If you have visited our website how would you rate the experience:Poor �� OK �� Interesting �� Very Good �� Excellent ��

Comments _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your time. Please return this completed form in the pre-paid envelopeprovided by 11th May 2011 if you are entering the competitions

�

Keep the children busy thisEaster with our Easter EggCompetition. Get them to usethe egg template alongside tocreate a character or pattern –the best design will WIN £20 worth of High Street Vouchers!

We are looking for something“eggstra”, so get them to gomad with their crayons, glitter,sparkles and feathers and sendtheir design to us in the pre-paidenvelope provided by 11th Mayfor a chance to win £20 inHigh Street Vouchers. (Ages 12 and younger.)