Calon Cylchlythyr Tenantiaid / Tenants Newsletter Rhagfyr/December 2015 Grw p Cynefin Mwy na thai / More than housing Rhifyn Nadolig o Calon Calon Christmas Edition Gwobrau i Llys Awelon a Awel y Coleg Awards for Llys Awelon and Awel y Coleg www.grwpcynefin.org Grw p Cynefin post@grwpcynefin.org Ffôn/Phone: 0300 111 2122 Ffacs/Fax: 0300 111 2123 Ty Silyn, Penygroes Caernarfon LL54 6LY 54 Stryd y Dyffryn Dinbych LL16 3BW Uned 8 Gweithdai 33-35 Stryd Fawr Penllyn, Y Bala LL23 7SP Llangefni LL77 7NA
CYNNWYS / CONTENTS Cynnwys a Chroeso Contents and Welcome Enillwyr Gwobr Rhenti / Rent Prize Draw Winners Safonau Gwasanaeth / Service Standards Y Tîm Tai â Chefnogaeth The Supported Housing Team Ydych chi n barod am Credyd Cynhwysol? Are you ready for Universal Credit? Codi Arian Raising Money Grantiau Bywyd ar ôl Strôc / Life After Stroke Grants Perchnogaeth Cartref Cost Isel / Low Cost Home Ownership Gwobrau i Llys Awelon a Awel y Coleg Awards for Llys Awelon and Awel y Coleg Newyd byd i Will Life changing support for Will Helpwch ni ddewis y gorau / Help us choose the best Stori Tenant: Elizabeth Jones Tenant Story: Elizabeth Jones Sudoku Tudalen Plant Childrens Page 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Gair o Groeso Croeso i r rhifyn mis Rhagfyr o Calon, eich cylchlythyr tenantiaid chwarterol. Dwi n gobeithio y byddwch yn gweld y cynnwys yn ddiddorol a defnyddiol. Rydym wedi cael blwyddyn arall brysur, ac mae n braf cael cyfle i edrych yn ôl ar rai o uchafbwyntiau r misoedd diwethaf yma. Cofiwch, eich cylchlythyr chi ydi Calon. Oes ganddo chi awgrymiadau ar gyfer erthyglau i r dyfodol, neu fyddech chi n hoffi bod yn rhan o r tîm sy n golygu r cylchgrawn? Cysylltwch â ni os fuasech chi, byddem wrth ein bodd yn clywed gennych! Walis George Rydym yn gallu darparu gwybodaeth mewn fformatau eraill yn cynnwys print mawr, tâp sain a Braille. Cysylltwch â ni am gymorth pellach. Word of Welcome Welcome to the December edition of Calon, your quarterly tenants newsletter. I hope that you find it to be an interesting and informative read. We ve had another busy year, and it s great to look back at some of the highlights of the past few months here. Remember, Calon is your newsletter. Do you have suggestions for future articles, or would you like to part of the team that edits the magazine? Please contact us if you would, we d love to hear from you! Walis George We are able to provide information in other formats including large print, audio tape and Braille. Please contact us for further assistance. ORIAU AGOR DROS Y NADOLIG Bydd swyddfeydd Grŵp Cynefin ar gau o 12:00 o r gloch prynhawn Dydd Iau 24 Rhagfyr 2015 tan 9:00 o r gloch bore Dydd Llun, 4 Ionawr 2016. Dim ond ein gwasanaeth argyfwng cynnal a chadw fydd ar gael dros y cyfnod hwn. Gallwch gysylltu a r gwasanaeth argyfwng cynnal a chadw ar yr un rhif, 0300 111 2122. CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS The Grŵp Cynefin offices will be closed from 12:00pm on Monday the 24th of December 2015 until 9:00am on Monday the 4th of January 2016. Only our emergency maintenance service will be available during this period. You can contact the emergency maintenance service on the same main number, 0300 111 2122. 2
Enillwyr Gwobr Rhenti Llongyfarchiadau i r rhai sydd wedi ennill y wobr yn ddiweddar, sef Mr Hughes a Miss Lamberton o Rhostyllen, a Ms Owen o Bethesda. Cofiwch gadw eich cyfrif rhent yn glir er mwyn bod a siawns o ennill. Am fwy o fanylion, neu i drafod eich cyfrif rhent, cysylltwch â ni ar 0300 111 2122. Rent Prize Draw Winners Congratulations to the winners from recent draws, Mr Hughes and Miss Lamberton from Rhostyllen and Ms Owen from Bethesda. Remember to keep your rent account clear for your chance to win. For more details, or to discuss your rent account, call us on 0300 111 2122. Safonau Gwasanaeth Fel yr adroddwyd yn y rhifyn Ionawr o Calon, mae Grŵp Tasg a Gorffen, sy n cynnwys cynrychiolaeth tenantiaid a Tenant Archwilwyr, wedi bod yn brysur yn llunio Safonau Gwasanaeth. Mae r safonau yma n amlinellu r safon o wasanaeth y dylech dderbyn fel tenant. Mae r safonau canlynol yn weithredol erbyn hyn: Cysylltu â ni Ymddygiad Gwrthgymdeithasol Gwaith Trwsio Cynnwys Tenantiaid Mae copi o r safonau uchod ar gael ar ein gwefan, neu gallwch gysylltu â ni am gopi caled. Os ydych eisiau cynorthwyo i lunio ein safonau gwasanaeth mae croeso i chi ymuno a r grŵp - Cysylltwch â Bethan Thomas, Swyddog Cymuned ar 0300 111 2122 am ragor o wybodaeth. Service Standards As we reported in the January edition of Calon, a Task and Finish Group, which includes tenant representatives and the Tenant Inspectors, has been busy drawing up Service Standards. These standards set out the expected standard of service you should receive as a tenant. The following standards are now operational: Contacting us Anti Social Behaviour Repair Work Involving Tenants Copies of the above standards are available on our website, or you can contact us for a hard copy. If you want to assist in creating our service standards, you are welcome to join the group - please contact Bethan Thomas, Community Officer on 0300 111 2122 for more information. 3
Y Tîm Tai â Chefnogaeth Mae Grŵp Cynefin yn cydweithio gydag Awdurdodau Lleol a nifer o Asiantau Rheoli i ddarparu tai â chefnogaeth i dros 470 o bobl ar draws gogledd Cymru. Rydym yn anelu i ddarparu llety a gwasanaethu tai rhagorol i bobl sydd eisiau cymorth i gynnal eu tenantiaeth. Mae amryw o r gwasanaethau hyn yn galluogi pobl hên a phobl ag Tîm Pobl Hên: Uwch Swyddog Tai Pobl Hên: Sian Ellis sian.ellis@grwpcynefin.org Tîm Pobl Hên - Sian, Gwawr, Rachel, Heather, Natalie, Lorriane, Emma, Cathy, Ruby anableddau dysgu i fyw mor annibynnol ag y gallent yn eu cartrefi eu hunain. Rydym hefyd yn darparu llety dros dro, lle mae pobl yn cael help i ddatblygu sgiliau i gynnal eu tenantiaeth cyn symud ymlaen i gartref mwy sefydlog. Mae r gwasanaethau yma yn atal a lleihau digartrefedd, cefnogi pobl ifanc, cefnogi pobl â phroblemau iechyd meddwl, cefnogi pobl â phroblemau camddefnyddio Gwasanaethau Pobl Hŷn Rydym yn darparu tai gofal ychwanegol a thai gwarchod i bobl hŷn. Mae r tîm yn anelu i hybu annibyniaeth mewn llety diogel ac awyrgylch gymunedol, gefnogol. sylweddau, dargyfeirio pobl o'r system cyfiawnder troseddol ac yn helpu pobl i fyw bywyd yn rhydd o gamdriniaeth yn y cartref. Mae swyddogion y tîm Tai â Chefnogaeth yn gweithio n agos gyda thrigolion, tenantiaid ac Asiantau Rheoli gan ymgynghori, adolygu a monitro safonau a chynghori ar faterion rheolaeth tai. Tîm Tai â Chefnogaeth: Uwch Swyddog Tai â Chefnogaeth: Bethan Lewis-Roberts bethan.lewis-roberts@grwpcynefin.org Tîm Tai â Chefnogaeth: Bethan, Cerian, Carol, Gwenan Os ydych eisiau rhagor o wybodaeth neu sgwrs am waith y tîm mae croeso i chi gysylltu â ni ar 0300 111 2122 neu e-bost: Gwenan Ellis, Rheolwr Tai â Chefnogaeth gwenan.ellis@grwpcynefin.org 4
Grŵp Cynefin works in partnership with Local Authorities and a number of Manangement Agencies to provide supported housing to over 470 people across north Wales. We aim to provide excellent housing and services to people who need support to sustain their tenancies. The Supported Housing Team A number of these services allow older people and people with learning disabilites to live as independently as possible in their own homes. We also provide temporary accomodation, where people are supported to develop skills to sustain their tenancies before moving onto a more permanent home. These services also prevent homelessness, support young people, support people with mental health issues, people with substance misuse issues, divert people from the criminal justice system and help people to live a life free of domestic violence. The Supported Housing team work closely with residents, tenants and Management Agencies by consulting, evaluating and monitoring standards and advising on aspects of housing management. Services for Older People We provide extra care housing and wardened accomodation for older people. The team aim to promote independence in safe accomodarion in a supportive, community surroundings. Older People Team: Senior Older People Officer: Sian Ellis sian.ellis@grwpcynefin.org Older People Team: Sian, Gwawr, Rachel, Heather, Natalie, Lorriane, Emma, Cathy, Ruby Supported Housing Team Senior Supported Housing Officer: Bethan Lewis-Roberts bethan.lewis-roberts@grwpcynefin.org Supported Housing Team: Bethan, Cerian, Carol, Gwenan If you need more information or a chat about the work of the team you are welocome to contact us on 0300 111 2122 or email: Gwenan Ellis, Supported Housing Manager gwenan.ellis@grwpcynefin.org 5
Ydych chi n barod am Credyd Cynhwysol? Beth yw Credyd Cynhwysol? Credyd Cynhwysol yw enw taliad misol newydd fydd yn cymryd lle nifer o fudd-daliadau a chredydau treth cyfredol yn cynnwys Budd-dal Tai, Credyd Treth Plant, Lwfans Ceisio Gwaith seiliedig ar incwm, Lwfans Cyflogaeth a Chymorth cysylltiedig ag incwm, Cymhorthdal Incwm a Chredyd Treth Gwaith. Beth yw r gwahaniaeth rhwng Credyd Cynhwysol â fy nhaliad budd-dal cyfredol? Caiff Credyd Cynhwysol ei dalu i ch cyfrif banc. Byddwch yn cael un taliad misol ar gyfer eich holl aelwyd. Bydd y taliad yma n cynnwys Budd-dal Tai a bydd yn rhaid i chi dalu eich rhent eich hunan. Bydd yn rhaid i chi wneud cais am a thrin Credyd Cynhwysol ar-lein. Pryd? Caiff Credyd Cynhwysol ei ymestyn ar draws y wlad mewn camau ac mae eisoes wedi dod i Gymru. Caiff hawlwyr budd-daliadau newydd eu rhoi ar Credyd Cynhwysol yn gyntaf ac yna bydd pawb sy n hawlio ar hyn o bryd yn cael eu symud yn raddol i r system newydd rhwng nawr a 2018. Beth sydd angen i mi wneud? 1. Bancio Bydd angen i chi agor cyfrif banc, cymdeithas adeiladu neu undeb credyd i dderbyn a thrin eich Credyd Cynhwysol. Unwaith y byddwch wedi agor eich cyfrif, mae n well trefnu debyd uniongyrchol - cyfarwyddyd gennych i ch banc i dalu biliau fel eich rhent a ch treth gyngor yn awtomatig. Gallwn eich helpu i wneud hyn. 2. Ar-lein Bydd yn rhaid i chi wneud cais am Credyd Cynhwysol a thrin eich hawliad ar-lein drwy gyfrifiadur. Os ydych angen help i fynd ar-lein, cysylltwch â ni. 3. Trefnu arian Os ydych wedi arfer cael eich budd-daliadau bob wythnos neu bob bythefnos, gall fod yn her i chi drin incwm eich aelwyd a threfnu eich arian ar sail fisol. Caiff eich taliad Credyd Cynhwysol cyntaf ei dalu o leiaf bum wythnos ar ôl i chi hawlio. Os na chredwch y gallwch ymdopi gydag aros 5-6 wythnos am eich arian, gofynnwch i r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau am flaendaliad tymor byr. Bydd yn rhaid ei ad-dalu o fewn 3 mis a chaiff ei dynnu o ch taliad Credyd Cynhwysol ond bydd yn ddi-log. 6
Are you ready for Universal Credit? What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit is the name of a new monthly payment that will replace a number of current benefits and tax credits. These include Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, income-based JSA, incomerelated ESA, Income Support and Working Tax Credit. How is Universal Credit different from my current benefit payment? Universal Credit will be paid into your bank account. You ll get one monthly payment for your whole household. Housing Benefit will be included in this payment and you ll have to pay your rent yourself. You will have to apply for and manage Universal Credit online. When? Universal Credit is being rolled out across the country in stages and has already come to Wales. New benefit claimants will be put on to Universal Credit first and then all existing claimants will be moved over to the new system gradually between now and 2018. What do I need to do? 1. Banking You will need to open a bank, building society or credit union account to receive and manage your Universal Credit. Once you have your account set up, it s best to set up a direct debit an instruction from you to your bank account to automatically pay bills such as your rent and council tax. We can help you to do this. 2. Online You will have to apply for Universal Credit and manage your claim online via a computer. If you need help to get online, contact us. 3. Budgeting If you ve been used to getting your benefits weekly or fortnightly, it may be a challenge to manage your household income and budget on a monthly basis. Your first Universal Credit payment will also be paid at least five weeks after you make your claim. If you don t think you can manage to wait 5-6 weeks for your money, ask the DWP for a short term advance. It will have to be repaid within three months and will be deducted from your Universal Credit payment, but it will be interest free. 7
Codi Arian Mae staff a tenantiaid wedi bod yn brysur iawn yn ddiweddar yn casglu arian i wahanol elusennau. Bu i griw o denantiaid Penucheldre, Caergybi, gynnal bore coffi a llwyddo i gasglu 95 i Plant Mewn Angen. Mae tenantiaid Awel y Coleg wedi bod yn brysur hefyd, yn casglu 630 i r Gymdeithas Alzheimers trwy fynd ar daith sgwters noddedig o amgylch Bala. Hefyd, mae Grŵp Cynefin wedi mabwysiadu Awyr Las fel eu elusen corfforaethol am y dwy flynedd nesa. Awyr Las yw elusen GIG Gogledd Cymru, sy n cefnogi gwasanaethau iechyd ar draws yr ardal. Fel rhan o r ymdrech i gasglu arian, bu i griw o staff gerdded o Penmaenmawr i Landrillo yn Rhos ar Ddydd Sadwrn y 3ydd o Hydref, taith o 20 milltir! Casglwyd dros 1000. Yn ogystal â hyn, rydym wedi cynnal diwrnod gwisgo pinc, taith gerdded o Penygroes i Beddgelert, ac mae tenantiaid Llys Awelon, Rhuthun wedi cynnal bore coffi i godi ymwybyddiaeth i Awyr Las, sydd i gyd yn mynd i helpu ni yn ein nod i gefnogi r elusen. Diolch yn fawr! Raising Money Staff and tenants have been very busy recently, raising funds for various charities. Tenants at Penucheldre, Holyhead, held a coffee morning and raised 95 for Children in Need. Awel y Coleg tenants have also been busy, raising 630 for the Alzheimers Society by organinsing a sponsored mobility scooter ride from Bala to Llanycil. Grŵp Cynefin has adopted Awyr Las as its corporate charity for the next two years. Awyr Las is North Wales NHS charity, which supports health services across the region. As part of our campaign to raise money, a group of staff walked 20 miles from Penmaenmawr to Rhos on Sea on Saturday the 3rd of October. Over 1000 was raised by the walk. In addition to this, we ve held a wear pink day, another walk from Penygroes to Beddgelert, and tenants from Llys Awelon, Ruthin held a coffee morning to raise awareness of Awyr Las, all of which helps us in our aim of supporting the charity. Thank you! 8
Grantiau Bywyd ar ôl Strôc Mae r Gymdeithas Strôc yn helpu pobl i wella i r gorau o u gallu ar ôl dioddef strôc. Un o r ffyrdd y gallant helpu yw trwy gynnig cymorth ariannol i r rheiny sydd ei angen fwyaf. Mae Grantiau Bywyd ar ôl Strôc yn daliad unigol hyd at 300 i dalu am offer hanfodol i r cartref neu i chi eich hun, neu i ch helpu chi i fod yn weithgar yn eich cymuned leol. Roedd Mark, goroeswr strôc 22 oed, yn gallu casglu ei ferch o r ysgol ar ei diwrnod cyntaf, diolch i Grant Bywyd ar ôl Strôc a ariannodd sgwter symudedd yn rhannol. Rwy n ei chael hi n anodd cerdded ers fy strôc. Y prif beth oeddwn yn colli allan arno oedd casglu fy merch o r feithrinfa. Mae grant y Gymdeithas Strôc wedi bod yn ardderchog i mi; mae wedi fy helpu i deimlo fel rhan o r teulu. Os ydych chi n ffrind neu n ofalwr sy n gofalu am oroeswr strôc a fyddai n elwa o r cymorth hwn, ewch i www.stroke.org.uk neu ffoniwch eu llinell gymorth ar 0303 3033 100. Perchnogaeth Cartref Cost Isel Ydych chwi, neu aelod o ch teulu gyda diddordeb mewn cyfleon berchnogaeth cartref fforddiadwy? Os oes, ymwelwch â n gwefan am fanylion ein cynlluniau perchnogaeth cost isel, ac am fanlyion sut i gofrestru diddordeb drwy ddilyn y linc isod: Siroedd Fflint, Wrecsam, Conwy a Dinbych http://www.grwpcynefin.org/cy/finding-a-home/affordablehomes Siroedd Gwynedd a Môn http://www.taiteg.org.uk/cy/home Ar hyn o bryd mae eiddo newydd ar gael i w prynu yn ardaloedd Cei Connah, Oakenholt, Brychdyn, Bwcle, a Penrhosgarnedd. Ewch i n gwefan am fanylion llawn. Gweler hefyd fanylion am eiddo ail law sydd ar gael ar draws y siroedd, ac am arian Cymorth Prynu sydd ar gael yn Sir Conwy i ch cymorthwyo i brynu eiddo ar y farchnad agored. Rhent Canolraddol Er yn opsiwn mwy costus na rhent cymdeithasol, efallai y bydd yn opsiwn i chwi os ydych yn gweithio, gydag incwm cartref net rhwng 15,000-30,000. Eiddo ar gael nawr yn Gwersyllt a Rhuddlan. Am wybodaeth pellach, cysylltwch â Tîm Cartrefi Fforddiadwy ar 0300 111 2122 neu ewch i n gwefan www.grwpcynefin.org Life After Stroke Grants The Stroke Association supports people to make the best possible recovery following a stroke. One of the ways they can help is through offering financial support to those most in need. Life After Stroke Grants provide a one off payment of up to 300 to fund vital home or personal equipment or by funding support to become active in your local community. Mark, a 22 year old stroke survivor was able to pick up his daughter up from her first day of school, thanks to a Life after Stroke Grant which partly funded a mobility scooter. Since my stroke, I m unable to walk very easily. The major thing I missed out on was picking my daughter up from nursery. The grant from the Stroke Association has been amazing for me; it has helped me feel like part of the family. If you are a friend or carer supporting a stroke survivor who would benefit from this support please visit www.stroke.org.uk or call their helpline on 0303 3033 100. Low Cost Home Ownership Are you or member of your family interested in low cost home ownership opportunities?, if so, please visit our website for details of low cost home ownership schemes and information on how to register an interest by following the link below. For Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and Conwy counties http://www.grwpcynefin.org/cy/finding-a-home/affordablehomes For Gwynedd and Môn counties http://www.taiteg.org.uk/cy/home New build properties now available at Connah s Quay, Oakenholt, Broughton, Buckley and Penrhosgarnedd. Visit our website for further information, for details of re-sale properties available across the counties, and the availability of Homebuy Funding in Conwy County which enables you to purchase a property of your own choice on the open market. Intermediate Rental Although a more expensive option than social rent, it may be an option if you are in employment with a net household income of between 15,000-30,000. Properties now available in Gwersyllt and Rhuddlan. For further information, please contact the Affordable Homes Team on 0300 111 2122 or visit our website www.grwpcynefin.org 9
Grŵp Cynefin yw'r gymdeithas tai gyntaf yng Ngogledd Cymru i dderbyn gwobr fawreddog gan Sefydliad Cenedlaethol Brenhinol y Deillion (RNIB). Mae cynlluniau tai gofal ychwanegol Llys Awelon yn Rhuthun ac Awel y Coleg yn Y Bala ill dau wedi derbyn safon blatinwm yr RNIB sef safonau Visibly Better Cymru. Y wobr yw lefel uchaf achrediadau r elusen colli golwg, ac mae n cael ei chyflwyno i ddarparwyr tai sy'n sicrhau bod eu heiddo, eu gwasanaethau a u staff yn diwallu anghenion pobl sydd â nam ar eu golwg. Cyflwynwyd y wobr blatinwm Visibly Better Cymru i breswylwyr a staff yn Awel y Coleg gan Gomisiynydd Pobl Hên Cymru, Sarah Rochira a John Ramm, Cadeirydd RNIB Cymru. Llys Awelon ac Awel y Coleg yn ennill gwobrau sy n cefnogi r rhai sy n colli eu golwg Cymrwyd nifer o gamau ymarferol i gefnogi trigolion sydd wedi colli golwg, gan gynnwys peintio waliau pellaf ystafelloedd yn lliw gwahanol i wella r canfyddiad o ddyfnder a defnyddio botymau a switsys gyda lliwiau cyferbyniol i gynorthwyo gwelededd. Yn ôl Ceri Jackson, Cyfarwyddwr RNIB Cymru: "Mae ein gwobrau Visibly Better Cymru yn gwneud gwahaniaeth mawr i fywydau tenantiaid. Yn aml, y newidiadau bychan a syml sy n arwain at leihad yn nifer y cwympiadau a damweiniau. "Er bod y safonau wedi'u hanelu at wella hygyrchedd ar gyfer pobl sydd wedi colli eu golwg, byddant o fudd i ystod eang o denantiaid, gan gynnwys pobl sydd â phroblemau dementia neu symudedd. "Rydym yn gwybod bod un o bob pump o bobl 75 oed a hên yn byw gyda cholli golwg, a bod colli golwg yn debygol o ddyblu yn y 25 mlynedd nesaf. Llongyfarchiadau i Grŵp Cynefin ar lwyddo i dderbyn dwy wobr ragorol blatinwm!" Bydd Grŵp Cynefin nawr yn ceisio gweithredu safonau Visibly Better Cymru yn ei adeiladau eraill, gan gynnwys ei trydydd canolfan gofal ychwanegol, Penucheldre yng Nghaergybi. Mae'r RNIB hefyd yn cydweithio ar ddyluniad cynllun tai gofal ychwanegol arall Grŵp Cynefin, sef Hafod y Gest ym Mhorthmadog, sydd wrthi n cael ei ddatblygu ar hyn o bryd. Yn ôl Cadeirydd Bwrdd Grŵp Cynefin, John Arthur Jones: "Rydym yn gwneud pob ymdrech i wella safon byw ar gyfer ein holl breswylwyr tai gofal ychwanegol. "Mae r newidiadau bychain yn ein heiddo yn gwneud gwahaniaeth mawr i fywydau tenantiaid sy'n byw â cholled golwg, ac rydym nawr yn gweithredu'r safon Visibly Better mewn cynlluniau eraill." 10
Llys Awelon and Awel y Coleg win sight loss support awards Grŵp Cynefin is the first housing association in North Wales to receive a prestigious award from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Extra care housing schemes Llys Awelon in Ruthin and Awel y Coleg in Bala have both been awarded the RNIB s Visibly Better Cymru platinum standard. The award is the sight loss charity s highest level of accreditation, and is given to housing providers that ensure their properties, services and staff meet the needs of people with sight loss. The Visibly Better Cymru platinum awards were presented to staff and residents at Awel y Coleg by Older People s Commissioner for Wales Sarah Rochira and John Ramm, chair of RNIB Cymru. Practical measures taken to support residents with sight loss include painting the far walls of rooms a different colour to improve depth perception, and using fittings with contrasting colours to aid visibility. Ceri Jackson, Director RNIB Cymru, said: "Our Visibly Better awards make a huge difference to the lives of tenants. Often the changes are very simple but lead to a reduction in falls and accidents. Although the standards are aimed at improving accessibility for people with sight loss, they will benefit a wide range of tenants including people with dementia or mobility problems. "We know that one in five people aged 75 and over are living with sight loss, and that sight loss is set to double in the next 25 years. Congratulations to Grŵp Cynefin on two outstanding platinum awards!" Grŵp Cynefin is now working to implement Visibly Better Cymru standards in its other properties, including its third extra care scheme, Penucheldre in Holyhead. The RNIB is also contributing to the design of Grŵp Cynefin s next extra care scheme, Hafod y Gest in Porthmadog, which is under development. Grŵp Cynefin s Chairman, John Arthur Jones said: We make every effort to improve the standard of living for all of our extra care housing residents. Small changes to our properties make a big difference to the lives of tenants living with sight loss, and we re now implementing the Visibly Better standard in our other properties. 11
Newid byd i Will Mae bywyd un o drigolion ifanc Dinbych, Will Hession wedi trawsnewid diolch i'r gefnogaeth sydd ar gael yn HWB Dinbych. Wedi cynnal swyddi achlysurol yn y gorffennol a heb unrhyw ragolygon tymor hir, dechreuodd Will deimlo wedi ei ddadrithio ar ôl nifer o geisiadau aflwyddiannus am swyddi. Wedi profedigaeth deuluol a olygodd bod Will yn wynebu bod yn ddigartref, fe i cyfeiriwyd at Yr Hafod, sef prosiect llety â chymorth wedi ei leoli yn HWB Dinbych. Cynigiodd y cyfnod preswyl dros dro yn Yr Hafod y cyfle i Will dderbyn cefnogaeth a r amser roedd ei angen i roi ei fywyd yn ôl ar y llwybr cywir. Crëwyd rhaglen cymorth wedi'i deilwra gan swyddogion Grŵp Cynefin a leolir yn HWB Dinbych, i ddatblygu sgiliau byw'n annibynnol, rheoli arian a hyder Wil. Gyda chymhelliant newydd ac agwedd gadarnhaol, mynychodd Will sesiynau clwb swyddi rheolaidd a redir gan Brosiect Ieuenctid Dinbych, a buont yn help iddo chwilio a gwneud cais am swyddi, gan ddatblygu CV cryno. Talodd ei amynedd ar ei ganfed yn ddiweddar wrth iddo lwyddo yn ei gais am swydd fel labrwr gyda chwmni adeiladu lleol. Yn ôl Russell Davies, Rheolwr Prosiect Ieuenctid Dinbych: "Mae sefydlogrwydd o fyw mewn llety fel Yr Hafod, a chael mynediad hawdd ei gyrraedd at gymorth ychwanegol o fewn yr un adeilad gan Goleg Llandrillo a Phrosiect Ieuenctid Dinbych, wedi bod o gymorth mawr i Will. Mae wedi sicrhau ei fod wedi cyrraedd ei nod o ddarganfod swydd a symud yn ei flaen gyda i fywyd. Cymrodd ran hefyd mewn gweithgareddau a redir gan sefydliadau partneriaeth yr HWB sef Prosiect Ieuenctid Dinbych a Choleg Llandrillo. Roedd y rhain yn cynnwys sesiynau coginio, rhaglen o weithgareddau cynhyrchu pren, a thaith saith diwrnod i Eryri. Roedd yr amser a dreuliodd Wil yn Yr Hafod o fudd iddo ddarganfod yr hyn roedd am ei wneud â'i fywyd, a bu n anogaeth iddo sicrhau agwedd gadarnhaol wrth chwilio am swyddi. 12
Life changing support for Will Young Denbigh resident Will Hession has transformed his life thanks to the support available HWB Dinbych. Having previously only held casual jobs without any long-term prospects, Will became disillusioned after a number of unsuccessful job applications. After a family bereavement left him facing homelessness, Will was referred to Yr Hafod, a supported accommodation project based at HWB Dinbych. The temporary residency afforded by Yr Hafod allowed Will the time and support he needed to get his life back on track. A tailor-made support programme was drawn up by Grŵp Cynefin officers based at HWB Dinbych, designed to develop Will s independent living skills, money management and confidence. He also took part in activities run by partner organisations Denbigh Youth Project and Llandrillo College, including cooking sessions, a wood crafting programme, and a sevenday expedition in Snowdonia. Time spent at Yr Hafod helped Will gain a clear idea of what he wanted to do with his life, and encouraged him to have a positive attitude in searching for jobs. With a newfound motivation and positive attitude, Will attended regular job club sessions run by the Denbigh Youth Project, which helped him search and apply for jobs, and develop a concise CV. His patience paid off recently when he was successful in applying for a labouring position with a local building company. Russell Davies, Denbigh Youth Project Manager said: The stability of living in supported accommodation at Yr Hafod, and the easy access to additional support in the same building by Llandrillo College and the Denbigh Youth Project, has really helped Will achieve his goal of finding work and moving forward with his life. Helpwch ni ddewis y gorau Mae r gwasanaeth mae tenantiaid yn ei dderbyn yn dibynnu ar staff y Gymdeithas. Y ffordd i sicrhau r gwasanaeth gorau yw dewis y staff gorau. Mae r broses penodi yn hanfodol i helpu sicrhau tenantiaid bodlon a chymdeithas dai llwyddiannus. Ers y gwanwyn mae tenantiaid sy n aelodau o r Panel Recriwtio wedi bod yn ein cynorthwyo wrth fynychu a chymryd rhan mewn cyfweliadau swyddi. Hoffwn gynyddu r nifer o denantiaid ar y Panel a byddwn yn darparu hyfforddiant i denantiaid i ddeall sut i gymryd rhan proses tynnu rhestr fer, cyfweld ymgeiswyr, parchu cyfrinachedd ayb. Ni fydd disgwyl i rywun gymryd rhan mwy nag dwywaith y flwyddyn. Oes gennych ddiddordeb? Cysylltwch â Ben Gregory ar ben.gregory@grwpcynefin.org, neu ffoniwch 0300 111 2122 am sgwrs. Help us to choose the best The services tenants receive depend on the Association s staff. The way to ensure the best service is to choose the best staff. The recruitment process is an essential part of ensuring tenant satisfaction and a successful housing association. Since the spring, tenants who are part of the Recruitment Panel have been helping us through attending and taking part in job interviews. We would like to increase the number of tenants on the Panel. Those who are willing to take part will be given training to help understand how they can contribute - the process of shortlisting candidates, interviewing candidates, respecting confidentiality etc. We would not expect members to take part more than twice a year. Are you interested? Contact Ben Gregory on ben.gregory@grwpcynefin.org or call 0300 111 2122 for a chat. 13
Stori Tenant: ELIZABETH JONES Dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, dwi wedi cymryd rhan mewn llawer o fforymau a grwpiau, ac wedi mwynhau. Yn 2009 penderfynodd criw o denantiaid yn y fflatiau lle dwi n byw, gyda cefnogaeth staff, sefydlu fforwm i edrych ar ein problemau, ac edrych ar ffyrdd o u datrys. Cychwynnwyd wrth yrru holiadur, a defnyddwyd yr ymatebion i gynnig gwelliannau. Yn hwyrach, pan oedd hi'n amser gwneud gwelliannau i n cartrefi i gyrraedd Safon Ansawdd Tai Cymru, roeddem yn rhan o r gwaith o ddewis contractwyr i wneud y gwaith. Cawsom hyfforddiant gan TPAS Cymru i n cynorthwyo hefo r dasg, ac mae r sgiliau yna wedi fy nghynorthwyo i fod yn Denant Archwilydd ers 2010. Pan wnaeth Tai Clwyd a Tai Eryri uno yn 2014, daeth cyfle i ni fel tenantiaid ymuno hefo n gilydd, ac rydym nawr yn gweithio fel rhan o grŵp mwy. Rydym wedi cwblhau arolwg yn ddiweddar ar safonau gwasanaeth, trwy ymweld a derbynfeydd o fewn swyddfeydd Grŵp Cynefin, gan gynnig gwelliannau er budd y tenantiaid a staff. Cefais gyfle llynedd i fod yn aelod i r Pwyllgor Cwsmeriaid a Chymunedau. Rydym yn cyfarfod pedair gwaith y flwyddyn i graffu ansawdd gwasanaethau i denantiaid, cwsmeriaid eraill a chymunedau. Rwyf wedi mwynhau a chael budd o r 6 ½ mlynedd diwethaf, wedi cyfarfod a llawer o bobl o bob oed, a dysgu llawer iawn am gymdeithasau tai. Buaswn yn annog unrhyw un i ymuno gyda un o r grwpiau sydd ar gael. Mae hyfforddiant yn cael ei gynnig, yn ogystal a chefnogaeth gan staff Grŵp Cynefin a TPAS Cymru, ac mae o AM DDIM! Tydach chi ddim yn gwybod beth allwch gyflawni nes eich bod wedi mentro!! Cofiwch, heb adborth gan denantiaid, ni fyddai n bosib gwneud newidiadau a gwelliannau. 14
Tenant Story: ELIZABETH JONES Over the years, I ve been involved in a number of forums and groups, and have enjoyed it. In 2009 a group of tenants from the flats where I live decided, with the support of staff, to set up a forum which would look at the problems we had and the ways of resolving them. We started by sending out questionnaires, the results of which we used to suggest improvements. Later on, when work to bring our homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard began, our group was involved in selecting contractors to do the work. We were given training by TPAS Cymru to help us with the task, and these skills have helped me become a Tenant Inspector since 2010. When Tai Eryri and Tai Clwyd merged in 2014, the opportunity came for us to join our counterparts and we are now working together as one larger group. We have recently completed a survey on 'service standards' by visiting all reception areas within Grwp Cynefin offices, and have suggested changes for the benefit of both tenants and staff. Last year I was recruited to join the Customers and Communities Committee. We meet four times a year to scrutinise the quality of services to tenants, other customers and communities. I have found the last 6½ years rewarding and enjoyable, met a great deal of people of all ages, learnt a great deal about housing associations, and would encourage anyone to join one of the groups available. Training is provided, with support given by Grŵp Cynefin staff and TPAS Cymru, and it's FREE! You don't know what you are capable of until you have ventured and tried!! Remember, without the feedback from tenants improvements and changes would not be possible. SudOku 15
Tudalen Plant / Childrens Page Dyn Eira allan o Hosan / Sock Snowmen Mae hon yn grefft mor gyflym a hawdd, beth am greu teulu cyfan o ddynion eira ar gyfer eich cartref! Ar gyfer y grefft hon, bydd angen: Pâr o hen sanau 3 band rwber Reis Botymau Glud neu Binnau Darn bach o ddefnydd ar gyfer y sgarff 1. Yn gyntaf, torrwch ben yr hosan oddi wrth y droed. 2. Trowch yr hosan o chwith a rhowch fand rwber yn dynn ar ddiwedd yr hosan. Yna trowch yr hosan allan i r ochr gywir eto. 3. Llenwch yr hosan gyda reis. 4. Rhowch fand rwber arall ar ben yr hosan i'w gau a rhowch fand rwber arall 3 /4 o'r ffordd i fyny ar gyfer gwneud pen eich dyn eira. 5. Rŵan i w addurno! Clymwch sgarff o amgylch gwddf eich dyn eira ac yna ychwanegwch lygaid, trwyn, a botymau. 6. Defnyddiwch droed eich sanau wedi torri i wneud het mwy na r arfer. 7. Gallwch naill ai wnïo neu gludo eich botymau ar, ac ychwanegu addurniadau - cortyn, bwâu, rhubanau, ac ati - yn ôl yr angen. This is such a quick and easy craft why not create a whole family of snowmen for your home! For this craft, you will need: A pair of old socks 3 Rubber bands Rice Buttons Glue or Pins Small piece of Material for the scarf 1. First, cut off the top of the sock from the foot. 2. Turn the sock inside out and attach a rubber band tightly to the top of the sock. Then turn the sock right-side out again. 3. Fill the sock with rice. 4. Place another rubber band at the top of the sock to close it put another rubber band 3 /4 of the way to the top for the head of your snowman. 5. Now, decorate! Tie a scarf around your snowman's neck and add eyes, nose, and buttons. 6. Use the toe of your cut socks to make an oversized hat. 7. You can either sew or glue on your buttons, and add embellishments - twine, bows, ribbons, etc - as needed. 16