InsideGoing green in Crickhowell

Melin’s summer activities

Our Finance team making the sums add up

And more!

MELINNEWSSUMMER 2011 www.melinhomes.co.uk EDITION 10

Who is our special guest at Clos Odyn?

130611001

Welcome to another edition of Melin News. As usual it is packed full of useful information which I hope you will enjoy. We have our usual Moneybox feature which this time looks at what help you may be able to get for schoolchildren and also where you can go in your local area for debt and money advice.

Find out what our Communities and Enterprise team will be doing this summer. I am sure you will agree they will be very busy. If they are in your area, pop along and say hello. They would love to see you.

On page 7 you can find out why the Shadow Energy Minister came to see some of our houses. We had another special guest at the opening of our Pentwyn development recently. Find out more on page 14.

We also have a feature about our Finance team. As you will see they do a lot more than just collect the rent. Find out more on page 9.

I hope we to see you at one of our summer events.

Best wishes,

Chief Executive.

ContentsLiving in harmony

Jumping for joy

Money Box

Melin’s commitment to energy efficient housing

Keeping your bills downHow green is Melin?

A day in the life of …. Melin’s financial support team

Community round-up

Are you looking to get onto the property ladder?

Special guest at Clos Odyn

Melin scheme goes from strength to strength - our counselling service

Noise Action Week Helping hand for residents

Blooming brilliant landscaping work!Melin’s long summer scorcher

Residents Panel news

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WelcomeTo YourLatest Issue OfMelin News

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Melin news

If you need this newsletter in large print, Braille, CD or explained in your own language, please contact Paula on 01495 745907.

Summer is fast approaching, meaning BBQ’s, parties and playing outdoors. Unfortunately, this can often lead to an escalation of anti-social behaviour, which is something that you shouldn’t have to put up with.

Our award winning Community Safety Team is serious about tackling any issues reported to us. We want to reassure you that their innovative techniques have proven successful in challenging unacceptable behaviour and we will use all the powers at our disposal to put an end to it.

We take a firm but fair stance on all cases of anti-social behaviour amongst our residents. We will not tolerate any hate crime, domestic violence, physical abuse, drug dealing, prostitution or other criminal offences from our residents. We will give you the support to deal with these issues; so don’t ignore them

We have a number of powers to deal with your complaints, including:

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts • Anti-social behaviour Injunctions• ASBO’s• Notice of Seeking Possession• Demotion of Tenancy Order• Section 21 Notice• Eviction•

You can report anti-social behaviour by phoning us on 08453101102 or via our online form at www.melinhomes.co.uk

If you are concerned about an act of anti-social behaviour you can also contact the Police, on 01633 838111 and ask for your Neighbourhood Team or you can also call 101.

Contents

Living In Harmony

02

Last year:• Seven residents had their tenancy demoted to an Assured Shorthold

• Five residents were issued with a Section 21 notice, ending their tenancy • We took four people to court

• One resident was evicted

Firm But Fair

Melin news

03

Two very different local clubs are the latest to benefit from our Jump Fund. Thornwell F.C under 11’s and Ceffyl Du Carriage Driving for the Disabled have received new kit and equipment to help get their summer season underway.

The Thornwell Dragons were delighted with the fetching kit they received, which is ‘fantastic’ according to 17 year old manager Leon Ivin.

“This new kit definitely makes us look the part. We will look like professionals next year when we start to play in the East Gwent Under 12’s League.”

Melin’s Jump fund provides grants of up to £250 for groups and organisations that benefit residents and the communities in which we operate.

Jumping For Joy

If your local group

would like to apply

to our Jump Fund,

give us a call on

08453101102 or

go online at www.

melinhomes.co.uk/

jumpfund

left to right: Rhys Brooks, Josh Adams, Ewan Hanington, Coner Lewis from Thornwell Under 11’s modeling their new kit.

Jump Fund

04

We are able to provide the jump fund due to the generous donations of Melin staff. We hold a monthly “dress down” day which staff pay £1 to participate. We also hold other fund raising events throughout the year.

For example, Melin Board, staff, their family and friends and Melin partners all got together recently for a challenging quiz. Reputations were at stake and nerves frayed as the questions became harder and harder.

A fantastic total of £735 was raised which will go into Melin’s jump fund helping local community groups. Melin would like to thank the generous contributions of their partner organisations and contractors.

Melin Residents Mark Gibbons and Rex Codd also successfully applied for harnesses to help them enjoy their carriage driving at Green Meadow Community Farm

They have been taking part in the sport for many years, with Taliesin resident Mark calling the community of riders at Ceffyl Du ‘just like a family’. “When I’m driving, it gives me a freedom I don’t usually have. It’s great because I can be in control, and this harness means I can ride for longer. I love all of the horses too.” said Mark and Rex agreed.

Rex Codd enjoys a carriage ride

Melin news

05

It’s summer time so start thinking about saving for Christmas!

Speak to your Housing Officer. They can give you advice. • Contact our ShelterCymru Benefits Adviser, Mike Bailey, who can explain the changes and help • with any problems.

You can contact them on 08453 101102

MON£Y BOX Helping You Make The Most Of Your Money

Melin news

Here are the changes:

Non-dependant deductions from your • housing benefit increased, meaning you will now receive less Housing Benefit

Anyone claiming Incapacity Benefit, Severe • Disablement Allowance or Income Support will have their claim reviewed by Jobcentre Plus. These benefits will be replaced by Employment and Support Allowance.

If your benefits have been reduced, the important thing is not to panic. Work out a new weekly budget and look at ways you can reduce your spending.

We can give you advice if you are having money problems.

It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas, especially when it means you can have a debt and worry free holiday. Your Local credit union offers a safer solution to saving for Christmas than

expensive catalogues or hampers which can leave you with big bills in January.

Why not start saving during the summer and get ahead of the game by opening a Christmas savings account.

My benefits have changed. Who can I ask for help?

Benefits Follow UpThe first wave of benefit changes took place in April and you may already be feeling the pinch as a result of them.

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What help is available for parents on benefits or low incomes?

A clothing grant of £105 is available for pupils starting secondary school who are entitled to free school meals. Pupils are identified from council records so you do not have to fill in an application form. For more information contact your local council.

If you receive any of the following you may be able to claim free school meals for your child.

Income Support •

Income based Job Seekers Allowance •

Child Tax Credit - as long as you are not • entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual household income of less than £16,190

Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit •

Support under Part VI of the Immigration & • Asylum Act 1999

Application forms are available from your child’s school or on the council’s website.

Gateway Credit Union are now offering a new holiday saving and loan scheme. Call them on 01495 750020 for more information.

Where is my local Credit Union?

For people who live in NewportNewport Credit Union Tel: 01633 214913www.newportcreditunion.co.uk

For people who live in Torfaen and MonmouthshireGateway Credit Union Tel: 01495 750020www.gatewaycu.co.uk

For people who live in Blaenau Gwent and CaerphillySmart Money Credit Union Tel: 029 2088 3751www.smartmoneycreditunion.co.uk

For people who live in Crickhowell and BreconBrecon and District Credit Union Tel: 01874 620104www.breconanddistrictcreditunion.co.uk

Back to school

Melin news

07

Residents in Gerdd i’r Mynydd, Crickhowell recently showed Shadow Energy Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies MP how they have been benefiting from Melin’s commitment to green and energy efficient schemes.

Huw Irranca-Davies, MP for Ogmore, went to Crickhowell to hear how resident Laura Costema has been reaping the benefits of solar panels.

Laura explained: “The system has been working brilliantly - if I use all of my appliances for doing things like washing and cooking during the day when the panels are producing the most energy, I use hardly any of the money on my electricity meter”.

Residents in Gerddi’r Mynydd are provided with meters that allow them to monitor their electricity usage so that they can get the most out of the system. These meters feed back to Melin who ensure that the system is working properly.

The panels, which will save each household a minimum of £120 a year, were installed as part of Melin’s commitment to providing cost effective, green energy and to help residents make savings on their energy bills.

Melin’s Commitment To Green And Energy Efficient Housing

David Bolton, Assistant Director of Asset Management explained: “Melin is passionate about providing the benefits of renewable energy to residents.

In good weather the system will provide enough energy to run all background household appliances such as fridges and light bulbs.

During winter the system will produce less energy, but still enough for most background appliances –saving tenants money”.

We are the first housing association in • Wales to self fund energy efficient solar panels – we have spent £250,000 from the Feed in Tariff scheme (FIT), which pays the users of renewable energy for the power they save and export back into the grid

We have installed over 100 solar panels • to date and we plan to install around 100 a year over the next five years, using £1 million funding from the Welsh Assembly’s ‘Arbed’ scheme to give residents the benefits of renewable energy

Most solar panels are on individual houses • and flats, but we have installations on two sheltered schemes in Cwmbran and Pontypool which will mean cheaper energy bills for our older residents living in the schemes.

Keeping Your Bills DownYou don’t need to have solar panels to save money on your bills – small changes often make a big difference. Here are some top energy saving tips:

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How Green Is Melin?

Turn your thermostat down by 1 • degree – this will save you around £30 a year.

Turn off household appliances such • as TV’s, computers, microwaves and music systems when not in use – they continue to use energy when on stand-by.

Use a low temperature on your • washing machine and dry your clothes on a washing line instead of in a tumble dryer in nice weather.

When cooking, consider using • pressure cookers, microwaves and steamers as they use less energy than ovens.

Consider turning the water • temperature on your thermostat down to 60 degrees – this will reduce your heating costs.

Having a shower will use 40% less • water than having a bath.

Melin news

09

A Day In The Life Of... Our Financial Support Team

9:00 AM

10:30 AM

Jackie and Hannah, who handle rent payments, start the day by processing residents rent payments onto their rent accounts.

George and Liz deal with payments to suppliers and send out resident rent refund cheques. They make sure our suppliers are paid on time by processing invoices for purchases of things such as spare parts for repairs and pass them onto the relevant staff for authorisation.

Cheques are due to be phased out by October 2018, Melin are currently investigating alternatives.

Direct debit is the easiest and most convenient way to pay – it saves time, is reliable and gives you peace of mind. To pay by Direct Debit print off the form on our website or call us.

If you’re paying weekly and would like to change to monthly payments, multiply your weekly rate by 52, and then divide it by 12 to see how much you would be paying.

The Financial Support team have a very important role ensuring that your payments are

processed and that we remain financially secure. If you have a query about your rent or

service charge payments you can contact the team on 08453 101102.

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11:30 AM

2:00 PM

4:30 PM

Elizabeth, our Financial Support Manager, meets with external auditors to take them through the end of year accounts. Nigel and Eian help with the preparation of the accounts making sure all the books balance.

Sue is our Debt Recovery Officer. She chases up a former resident who hasn’t paid their outstanding rent. Sue uses various tracing techniques to locate the ex-resident and contacts them to arrange a payment plan. Last year Sue reduced former resident rent arrears to 1.54% - the lowest it has ever been.

Matthew works closely with the Asset Management team to oversee that money is well spent on things such as repairs and improvements for residents. Did you know that 42% of money spent goes into repairs, maintenance and planned improvements?

Melin has annual internal and external audits. This ensures that we remain financially secure. This year the Welsh Government recognised us for our long-term financial viability

It is important that you pay any amounts due to us. If we do not receive full payment the money cannot be used on to carry out repairs or planned, improvements.

The Financial Support team are vital to ensuring that money gets put back into the community – for example, they assign and monitor an annual budget to our Asset Management Team who use it to carry out millions of pounds worth or planned maintenance and repairs.

Melin news

11

In the last edition of Melin News we asked all our 16 to 25 year old residents to sign up for our 12 month GwirVol Volunteering Programme. We have found 10 of our 12 volunteers who are keen to get started and this is the last call to any young residents who want to experience the benefits of volunteering:

Call Alan on 08453 101102 for more information.

Community Round-Up

Last Call

getting involved• helping others• making lifelong friends•

having fun• improving your CV•

Do you know someone who is looking for a home in • Torfaen?Are you looking to improve your home?• Do you need housing support or advice? •

For advice, support and guidance on homes and housing issues in Torfaen visit www.torfaenhomes.co.uk

New Website Launched In Torfaen

We are open - Roderick Hill welcomes visitors

Send Us A Text!

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Torfaen Libraries now has a cancer information and support service based in Cwmbran Library. No appointment is necessary – just call in or you can phone Norah on 01633 647654.

Melin staff; Karen Jones, Lisa Hopkins and Bev Jones travelled to London in May to take part in the moonwalk raising money for breast cancer research.

They completed the 26.2 miles in 8 and 1/2 hours walking throughout the night and finishing at 8am Sunday morning. They raised a grand total of £1,530 with only a few blisters between them.

Well done ladies.

We have a new way for you to tell us about any repairs that you might have. It’s quick, easy for you and can be sent from straight from your mobile. Send us a text,

To text a repair simply send us your house number, postcode and a brief description of the problem to 07781 472210. You will receive an automated confirmation of your text. One of our repairs team will then contact you within two days to arrange a convenient time to carry out a repair.

Going The Extra 26 Miles!

Roderick Hill Court Sheltered Scheme, Tredegar, welcomes you to come and take a look around. They are holding an open day on Saturday 16th July from 12-3pm with viewings of the properties they have available to let for the over 55’s. Melin Scheme Managers will be on hand to answer your questions, and there will be a buffet and raffle as well. Call in for a chat if you’re passing by !

Melin news

13

If yes, you may want to find out more about the homes we are selling through our low-cost home ownership scheme - Homebuy.

With Homebuy you pay for just a percentage of the total house price, usually 70%, and we provide an interest-free loan for the remaining 30%. We call this an equity loan. The loan is paid back to us when you sell the property.

The prices shown represent 70% of the property prices which you will purchase with a deposit and mortgage.

For all these properties you must be registered with either Torfaen or Blaenau Gwent Council’s Homebuy scheme and you will have to meet eligibility criteria.

Call us and we will send you all the application forms.

Melin’s Homebuy Team 01495 745925 or 745928

Or you can email us homes@melinhomes.co.uk

Are You, Or Someone You Know Looking To Get Onto The Property Ladder?

Blaenau GwentTorfaen

Woodland Street, Cwmbran a two bedroom mid terraced house. £87,500•

Clos y Goedlan, Garndiffaith, Pontypool will be completed by July 2011.

One x 3 bedroom semi detached house - • £87,500Two x 3 bedroom end terrace houses - • £87,500One x 2 bedroom semi detached house - • £77,000Two x 2 bedroom mid terrace houses - • £73,500

Phase One at Mountain Road, Ebbw Vale

Two x two bedroom • semi detached houses - £84,000One x three bedroom • semi detached house - £91,000.

Phase Two will be coming soon.

Eastville Road, Ty Llwyn, Ebbw Vale

Six x three bedroom • houses - £91,000.

Homes For Sale In ...

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New residents of Clos Odyn, Pentwyn in Torfaen came out to meet Melin staff recently at the official opening of the development.

A special guest at the opening was Lynne Neagle, Assembly Member for Torfaen who popped in to see Mrs Gwyer and Mrs Jones, both new Clos Odyn residents.

As a new Melin resident living in North Torfaen the residents were also entitled to a new computer through our “getting connected” scheme.

The homes, costing nearly £4 million to build were completed with the help of funding of £2.3 million from the Welsh Government.

Lynne Neagle was very impressed with the homes and told us: : “As the local AM, I visited Clos Odyn whilst out on the campaign trail earlier this year, so it’s been great to be able to come back and see the finished homes and meet with residents – it’s a fantastic development.”

Mrs Gwyer loves her new home. She said: “This bungalow has made a huge difference to our lives. Before we had the Melin bungalow my husband, because of ill health, had to sleep in the conservatory as he could not manage the stairs. I am now able to work in the garden, which I love, and still be close enough to hear my husband if he needs me.

These homes make up just a small part of the homes we are building this year and people living in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire will benefit from a whopping 247 new Melin homes with a value of nearly £21 million.

In Torfaen we are • building 112 new homesIn Blaenau Gwent we • are building 94 new homesIn Monmouthshire we • are building 41 new homes

All the homes will conform to level three of the code for sustainable homes, which means they have energy saving features such as air source heat pumps and ways to reuse and recycle water.

Special Guest At Clos Odyn

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Melin news

We have just heard the excellent news that seven young people have found permanent employment thanks to Melin’s Intermediate Labour Market project (ILM).

The project helps unemployed people get back into work in the construction and green technology sector.

To date, Melin has provided 28 placements through nine different businesses and the success does not stop there. Of the 28 trainees, seven have secured permanent jobs at the end of their placement.

Wundagroup, based in Crick near Chepstow, manufacture under floor heating and is one of ILM’s biggest employers. So far they have taken on eight trainees and plan to take on more as the scheme progresses.

Tom Edmunds, Wundagroup’s General Manager explained: “The timing could not have been better for us. We are going through a period of rapid expansion and needed to increase our workforce quickly.

Our relationship with Melin is excellent. They know exactly what skills we are looking for so can match our needs to the skills of the trainees. Plus we feel we are giving back to our local community as all our employees live in Monmouthshre.”

Lewis Dowling, 19, from Caldicot has just been offered a permanent job at Wundagroup. He told us: “I really enjoyed my placement here. They are a really good employer and we have fun at work. During my placement

I was able to get my fork lift truck driving license and now I have a permanent job at the end of it.”

Mark Gardner said: “This is excellent news for Lewis and the other trainees. It just proves what an excellent scheme this is.”

We still have more opportunities for local businesses and unemployed people living in Monmouthshire to benefit from the ILM scheme. For more information contact Karen Green, on 08453 101102.

Melin Scheme Goes From Strength To Strength

I first approached Melin Homes in January 2011, as I felt that I was suffering harassment from other people and I was becoming extremely distressed by the whole situation. On top of that I had experienced a serious electric shock as a small child, which was still affecting me into my later life. I could not make a cup of tea, turn a light on, I basically had a severe fear of electric. With everything that was going on it was affecting my daily life. I was extremely embarrassed to tell anyone of my situation but I spoke to a member of staff at Melin and that was the start of my journey.

I was given the opportunity to use the counselling service offered by Melin Homes. I did not think it would be of any benefit to me as I had sought help in the past and thought that it would be a waste of time, but decided to go anyway. That was until I met Jane, the

Counsellor. She listened to me and understood my reasons for seeking counselling.

I had the full 10 sessions of counselling, once a week for one hour and what a difference it has made. I feel better about myself and I feel that I now able to talk to others about the problems that I experienced. I can now also make a cup of tea, a small step but a massive achievement for me. I still have a long way to go but I will get there thanks to Jane’s help.

I would recommend that anyone who is offered the counselling service, for what ever reason, take the opportunity to do so.

It’s the best thing that I ever did, I feel more hopeful about my future.

Feedback From A Resident Who Has Used The ‘Be You’ Service

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During the recent Noise Action Week we asked you what noise you found most annoying. The results are in, and according to 53% of Melin residents who answered our questionnaire and Cwmbran shoppers, dogs barking are the biggest culprits.

Noise Action Week is an annual event coordinated by Environmental Protection UK and this year our Community Safety Team have been out and about on the Melin bus, visiting residents at Llys Gwrdd and Jordan Way to raise awareness of the problems of neighbourhood noise. The team were on hand to answer questions about noise nuisance and offer practical solutions to everyday sound problems.

Helen and Steve also visited Cwmbran town centre during the week to offer sound advice to shoppers and give demonstrations using noise monitoring equipment.

Housing Manager, Rachel Mason said “Hopefully the advice will be of benefit to our residents and the wider community, helping people to enjoy a quieter life.”

If you have a problem with noisy neighbours contact our Community Safety Team for advice.

Would you like to return to education or training to improve your career opportunities?

If so, our Education Bursary could help you. Every year, we award up to £3,000 to residents to help them with their studies. Our bursary can help pay course fees, buy books and fund travel.

If you are a Melin resident over 18 and considering a further education course, re-training, improve your employment opportunities our Education Bursary could help you.

To apply complete our online form at www.melinhomes.co.uk/bursary or write to us telling us why you think you should receive a grant, what you would you use it for and how it will help you.

Mark your letter “Education Bursary” and send it to the address on the back cover of this newsletter. The closing date for applications is 31st July 2011.

Annouska Wheeler applied last year and received £1,000 to help with her studies and has now completed her NVQ in Playwork.

Annouska told us: “I am now a qualified playworker which has helped me to get a job at Nutkin Nursery in Lydney which I am thoroughly enjoying. Thank you Melin.”

Shhhhhhhh

Helping Hand For Residents

Top TipsLet neighbours know before having a • party Don’t put noisy appliances against • party wallsUse headphones late at night to listen • to music

Melin news

17

Keen gardener Julie Young recently found out she could get the communal areas in Beechwood Close, Chepstow renovated by Melin with help from Monmouthshire County Council, and Morris’ of Usk.

Julie and her neighbours got stuck in and were helped by staff from Melin and Morris’. She told us: “It was great to see everyone working together to transform the street. The sense of community and the end result makes me proud of where I live.”

If you would like to transform your communal area contact Alan Hughes on 08453 101102 or email alan.hughes@melinhomes.co.uk

Our landscaping team will only work on areas that are free from dog fouling and will not begin until the area is cleaned.

Summer is here and our holiday activities and events are well under way. We have already visited our communities in Clos Odyn, Pentwyn, Barracksfield, Newport and Llandegfedd Way, Cwmbran. We have a lot more organised and hope you will be able to join us.

At each event our staff will be available to give advice and information about a variety of subjects. We’d love to see you so come and see us for a chat. I think you will agree, this summer we have something for everyone.

We will be at:

Julie’s garden is bloomin’ brilliant

2nd July• Monmouthshire Housing Association’s Fun Day at Monmouth Leisure Centre from 1pm till 5pm

3rd July• Aberfest at Cwmtillery Lakes

9th July • Pontypool carnival

16th July• The Cwmbran Big Event

16th July• the Football Tournament and Family Fun Day at Newport Sports Village. 1pm -7pm

19th and 26th July •Activity afternoon at Rockfield, Monmouth

24th July• Hollybush and Coed Eva Family Fun Day

24th July• Parklife at Tredegar House, Newport

2nd and 9th August• Activity Afternoon at Rockfield, Monmouth

10th August• Family Fun day at Broadmead and Moorland, Newport

13th August• Family Fun Broadmead and Moorland, Newport

16th August• Activity Afternoon at Rockfield

24th August• Family Fun Day at Broadmead and Moorland Park

30th August • Activity Afternoon at Rockfield, Monmouth

10th September• the Usk Show

Melin’s Long Summer Scorcher

We are offering one lucky resident a chance to have a garden makeover carried out by our Volunteer Gardening Team, supervised by Dave Jones from the Communities and Enterprise Team.

Tell us in 50 words or less why you think we should give your garden a makeover. You can enter online at www.melinhomes.co.uk or you can write to us. Our address is on the back page. Closing date for entries is 31st July and the work will be carried out during August.

A condition of the prize is that you and your garden are available for Melin publicity.

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Panel members Mark Gibbons and Rex Codd were recently featured in the Free Press for their tireless work championing disability issues.

The pair work closely with Melin and use their experience of disability to help others. They told us: “The important thing is we can speak when a lot of disabled people can’t and through us they can get the help and support they need”.

The Resident’s Panel have an annual budget which they use to award grants of around £150 to £250 to Melin schemes for landscaping and small works such as theft deterrents and communal seating.

Julie Young from Beechwood in Chepstow recently received £150 towards renovating her front garden. Find out what she did on page 17.

If you would like to receive the grant for brightening up your garden or communal area, or would like it for other small works, then apply online at www.melinhomes.co.uk/residentpanel or call Rose Matthews on 08453 101102.

The panel consists of 10 elected members who play an active role in the day-to-day running of Melin Homes and provide a vital link between the organisation and all its residents.

They meet every two weeks at our office in Pontypool and their views shape Melin’s policies and procedures. The Committee helps residents resolve issues and has its own budget to carry out small improvement works.

If you are interested in becoming a Residents’ Panel Committee Member contact Rose Matthews, before 31st July 2011 for a nomination form. A ballot of all those who submit nominations will be held in August 31st 2011.

New panel members will be announced at our annual general meeting in late September.

Would You Like To Join The Residents’ Panel Committee?

Melin Residents’ Panel CommitteeMelin Homes, Ty’r Efail, Lower Mill FieldPontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0XJ

residentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk

08453 101102

Contact

Apply For A Grant For Your Communal Area

Mark And Rex Are Community Champions!

MelinTy’r Efail, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0XJT: General enquiries 08453 101102 T: Repairs 0800 9753149E: enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk W: www.melinhomes.co.uk

Residents’ PanelT: 08453 101102 E: residentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk

Last year Melin News featured Rebecca, our apprentice painter and decorator, who came to us through the Future Job Fund scheme and impressed us so much that we offered her a full time apprenticeship.

We now have two more success stories to shout about. Rhys and David both came to us as Future Job Fund trainees. Before this, both attended college and gained NVQ qualifications; Rhys in electrical engineering and David in plumbing.

During their placements, both Rhys and David showed that they had what it takes to work at Melin and we offered them both apprenticeships allowing

them to become fully qualified in their field.

Rhys, 18 from Cwmbran, told us: “It’s awesome that Melin gave me this opportunity. It means that I can continue to become fully qualified but I also learn on the job from the other electricians who are great teachers.”

David, 19, also from Cwmbran told us: “I went to college to learn a trade, but I soon found that getting a job afterwards was not so easy. Luckily for me, Melin gave me the opportunity to continue with my training. I love working with the team. They are a great bunch and I am learning a lot from them.”

Jill Bergin, Melin’s Asset Management Manager explained: “As we build more homes, our maintenance teams must also grow. Our apprenticeships are a way of offering young people work, giving them skills and qualifications and putting something back into our local communities. I think they see me as a “Mam” figure… someone to tell their problems to and someone who has to nudge them in the right direction occasionally.”

Your Hired…. Not Fired

We are currently offering a Modern Apprenticeship in painting and decorating. We are looking for an enthusiastic person who has the Melin Mindset plus the right commitment and attitude.

Starting salary: £9,167 Closing Date: Friday 8th July 2011As an apprentice painter and decorator you will gain a qualification and get valuable on the job experience.

The application process will include an assessment of your skills in English and maths and an entrance test to demonstrate your potential for painting and decorating.

The post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

To apply contact our People and Learning Team on 08453 101102 or apply online at www.melinhomes.co.uk

Apprenticeship Opportunity