Posted 04.04.2024

Newyddion: Your April tenant newsletter

Welcome to Newyddion. Here's a sneak peek into what you'll find inside this newsletter:

  • Our community pop-ups
  • Do you claim Universal Credit?
  • Improving our communal cleaning
  • Keeping safe in the event of a fire
  • Join the movement: GetFit.Wales needs your voice
  • Join our funding panel
  • FREE eCymru courses during April
  • Tech tips: Stay safe from scams


Our community pop-ups

Our community pop-ups are continuing despite the weather. We will be visiting Maes yr Ysgol and Heritage Drive in Barry on Thursday 25th April. We will be litter picking and our caged van will be in the area for tenants to dispose of unwanted items. Our Digital Inclusion Team will also be available to offer digital support and if you are in need for financial support please let staff know on the day.

If you want a pop up in your community, please let us know by replying to this email.


Do you claim Universal Credit?

If you claim Universal Credit housing costs, please remember to update your account with new rent figures today. You will receive a “To do” in your journal. You will need to include both rent and eligible service charges. Rent and eligible service charge figures can be found on the rent increase letter we sent 8 weeks ago.

You can read more about how to do this on the Understanding Universal Credit website. If you need help please call us on 0303 040 1998 or email enquiries@newydd.co.uk


Improving our communal cleaning

We are always looking at ways to increase the levels of satisfaction with the services we provide. Back in October, 250 tenants completed our rent and service charge affordability survey. We are very grateful for all your responses.

You told us that some of our service charges were not value for money. We have therefore decided to trial a new way for you to give us your feedback on the cleaning services you receive in some of our blocks of flats.

A number of tenants have agreed to take part in a short survey every time the communal areas around their homes are cleaned. This is so we can assess whether the cleaning services meet your needs and to understand what service levels you would like in the future. If the pilot proves to be a success we will roll it out to more blocks of flats, and then look at doing the same thing for the grounds maintenance service too.


Keeping safe in the event of a fire

To keep you safe in the event of a fire, it is important to know the basic steps you need to take to make your home safer.

Here are some of our tips:

  • Test your smoke alarm weekly
  • Plan how you would get out if there was a fire in your home. Get to know your building’s evacuation plan
  • Remember to close all doors, switch off and unplug your appliances such as TV's every night. Keep your phone and any mobility aids close by if you need them
  • Make sure candles are not on or near anything that could catch fire and make sure heaters aren’t covered
  • Use a maximum of one plug in each socket and never use them if wet
  • Make sure you put out and dispose of cigarettes properly and keep matches and lighters away from children. Never smoke in bed

For more information go to Fire Safety.


Join the movement: GetFit.Wales needs your voice

We’re on a mission to bring the GetFit.Wales project to your area, and we need your help to make it happen. By completing our survey, you’re providing essential evidence on the need and potential impact that GetFit.Wales can have on you and your community. Your participation is key to securing the funding necessary to launch this initiative in more areas and start making a positive change to your health and well-being.

GetFit.Wales is not just a fitness program; it’s a promise of a healthier, more vibrant community. And it starts with you.

To find out more watch below:

We’d love to hear from you. Let’s build GetFit.Wales together, for a healthier, happier Wales.


Join our funding panel

Our community benefits fund has been running for several years. We use our contracts with partners to deliver positive impacts in our communities. from defibrillators, park seating, bowling shoes to projectors and safety equipment, we have supported communities in many different ways.

Jonathan, our Community Benefit’s Co-ordinator explained more, “Applications to the fund are scrutinised by our funding panel which includes members of staff and a pool of our tenants. We are looking for new tenants to join the panel to help choose where the funding should be spent.”

“When we receive a funding application from a charitable organisation, the form gets sent to selected tenant representatives via email who are given up to 2 weeks to feedback their comments back to me. It’s as simple as that!”

If you would like to become a member of the panel, please email Jonathan


Check out the FREE eCymru courses during April!

Join the eCymru community as we host a series of online events throughout April. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, connect with other tenants, or practice a new language, eCymru has something for everyone.

1. Healthy Eating on a Budget

When: Mon, 08/04/2024, 4:00 pm

Details: Discover how to nourish your body without breaking the bank. This free session is perfect for anyone looking to make healthier food choices while managing finances.

2. Tenant Participation and Networking

When: Tue, 09/04/2024, 2:00 pm

Details: Dive into the world of tenant participation with our introductory event. Connect with other tenants, share experiences, and learn the ropes of effective community engagement.

3. Practice Your Welsh

When: Tue, 30/04/2024, 11:00 am

Details: Embrace the Welsh language in our friendly and supportive environment. Ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills.

Go to the eCymru website to register!

Tech Tips: Stay Safe from Scams

With more of our lives moving online, it’s important to use phones, computers, and the internet confidently and safely. To help you, we share ‘Tech Tip’ videos, offering short, easy-to-follow tips on our Facebook page.

For instance, take a look at our video on “How to spot phishing emails”. It’s straightforward, and will teach you the red flags to watch out for, allowing you to spot email scams.

And remember, if there’s a specific topic you’d like us to cover or if you have any questions, just let us know by commenting on the Facebook video or contacting us. 

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