Veteran Spring Social 2022

2022 is a big year for First Choice Housing Association, with an important drive to improve health and wellbeing for all Tenants and staff. With this in mind, we hosted a wellbeing event for ex-Armed Forces Tenants in North Wales, plus their family and friends.

The 'Ty Ryan Spring Social' was an opportunity to bring those living at the scheme together with support networks and local services for an afternoon of socialising, pizza eating, and free haircuts. We hoped that the afternoon would support a community feel at the scheme and promote an increased sense of belonging for all.

The 'Ty Ryan Spring Social' was jointly funded by The Armed Forces Covenant and our own Community Involvement Grant. We met the following objectives of The Armed Forces Covenant Grant:

• To support members of the Armed Forces Community (AFC); • To support community integration for members of the AFC; • To improve/support health and wellbeing of the AFC; • To reduce isolation for members of the AFC; • To support any local initiatives for the AFC.

"The Chop Box", a mobile barbering initiative, had some really positive health and wellbeing benefits for Tenants. Lots of people took the opportunity to have some 'me time' in the barbers chair. For some people, it was the first professional haircut they had had in a long time and, with The Chop Box being local to Wrexham, Tenants took away contact details so that they can make use of the service in the future.

Jordy's Pizza brought their wood fired pizza pickup to provide fresh pizzas for Tenants and their support networks. With 4 different kinds of pizza available, everyone had full stomachs at the end of the day!

We were over the moon to see so many people join in at the 'Ty Ryan Spring Social' - not even the cold and wet weather stopped us. It not only gave Tenants an opportunity to socialise with each other, but also with us as their Housing Association and other support services in the area, such as Woody's Lodge, Help for Heroes, and Wrexham Citizens Advice.

6 reasons to visit a National Trust site this year

We have been awarded a special pass from the National Trust that will allow First Choice Tenants to visit any National Trust site in Wales free of charge. You don’t even need to pay for your parking! This pass allows groups of up to 50 people to attend any National Trust site.

Here are 6 reasons why First Choice Tenants should visit a National Trust site before the offer expires in November.

First Choice have the pass available for all tenants across Wales, Shropshire and Telford, so please contact if you are interested!

Email: customerserivces@fcha.org.uk

Phone: 029 2070 3758

1. To help with your exercise or wellbeing goals.

Whether you want to get out in the fresh air more or to see how far you can push yourself on a walk, the National Trust sites are the perfect place to do that!

Walking keeps our bodies and minds healthy, giving us a breather from the stresses of daily life and the space to gather our thoughts. Exploring open countryside also brings us closer to nature, giving us time to notice what being outdoors has to offer. You can read more about the health and wellbeing benefits here.

2. Creating or joining a group for Photography or Wildlife Spotting

If you enjoy taking photographs or love to spot wildlife, the National Trust sites are definitely some of the best places to put your hobby into practice.

The scenic routes throughout Wales might inspire you to get your cameras out and take photographs. Maybe of the sun breaking through the trees, or taking a selfie in front of the rolling Welsh hills.

We know there were many Tenants who took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch event in 2021. Tenants made a note of all of the birds they spotted nibbling at their bird feeders in the Autumn. Now is the perfect opportunity to take those new bird spotting skills out into the countryside!

3. To meet friends and family outdoors.

Up to 50 people are allowed to attend the National Trust sites so why not take your family and friends? There are some lovely places for a cup of tea or a picnic.

This is a fantastic opportunity for your loved ones too! COVID-19 has stopped us all from doing the things we enjoy and seeing the people we care about. Using the National Trust pass is a good way of bringing people together.

4. To learn about the history of the site.

Some of the National Trust sites are home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the UK. There are many opportunities for you to take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the place.

Each tour doesn't take long and will help you understand what these buildings were used for many years ago. You can also walk through the gardens and beside the rivers.

5. To join in with some volunteering.

Help look after a community garden, allotment and orchard by joining the Friends of Felin volunteering group. Sessions run every second Saturday of the month and welcomes anyone from aged 14 and above. Join one of National Trusts' clean ups and help give the estate a good tidy up by collecting rubbish and checking for any damage to the signs and gates. If you’ve joined one of their active groups, take things one step further and help out on sports volunteering days, where you can help to restore the pathways to ensure they are fit or many more trainers to walk, run and jog along in the future. If you’re looking for a great way to spend your time, there are a range of regular volunteering opportunities, from welcoming visitors in the house to outdoor conservation in the garden and on the estate.

6. Because more and more sites are accessible!

Although some of the walks may be more difficult if you have issues with your mobility, a lot of parks are improving their accessibility. This means that Tenants with wheelchair requirements and other needs will have access to a number of these beautiful sites. Why not use the pass to experience what’s on offer?

If you search on the internet for a National Trust property or site, you will find their ‘Access Statement’ on their website. These Access Statements help people to understand the facilities available and help people to make their own decisions about visiting. The National Trust is developing their accessibility and making improvements. This means that more people with a disability should be able to enjoy the sites and have a more positive experience.

If you feel like some exercise, you can find a full list of the National Trust accessible walks here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/our-top-accessible-walks

So which of the 6 reasons are you most interested in? Let us know!

Email: customerserivces@fcha.org.uk

Phone: 029 2070 3758

Cardiff Half Marathon Fundraising.

March marks this years Cardiff Half Marathon and 6 members of staff from FCHA are running on behalf of Gig Buddies Cymru. First Choice has been a funder of Gig Buddies Cymru since it's inception in 2018 are honoured to support them during the Half Marathon for such a fantastic cause.

Gig Buddies Cymru pairs up adults with and without a learning disability who share the same interests so they can go to gigs and events together. It’s a very simple and effective way to tackle loneliness and isolation, while creating new friendships who can enjoy the arts, sport and new experiences together. You can find out more and apply to be a gig buddy here:

The 6 members of staff running the Cardiff Half Marathon are: Adrian Burke, Nigel Bowen, Tudor Davies, Michael Mainwaring, Dave Bingham, and Richard Griffiths. You can support their fundraising here.

First Choice's Housing Manager Nigel had this to say about supporting Gig Buddies Cymru in the Cardiff Half Marathon:

First Choice has been very proud to support and provide funding to Gig Buddies Cymru since 2018. The actions, aims and outcomes of Gig Buddies Cymru are directly linked to the values of the Association. First Choice has been a provider of housing for people with a learning disability for over 30 years. We feel passionately about promoting the rights of our tenants – and all people with a learning disability – to be able to enjoy all aspects of life.

Bristol Fundraising Gig in 2020

First Choice agrees with the Disability Rights Commission`s stance that all people with a disability should have equal opportunities to participate and contribute as equal citizens in the social, economic, civic and community life of the country. We believe that Gig Buddies Cymru plays a key role in helping to achieve this for people with a learning disability. Six members of the First Choice staff team are running the Cardiff Half this year to raise awareness of the great work that Gig Buddies Cymru does – and we welcome any donations to help motivate us further for what we are sure will be a great day. Training is going well but there is a lot of hard work still to be done. We can’t wait to join the rest of the runners representing Gig Buddies Cymru on 27th March.”

Support our runners

You can find out more about all our runners and donate to their LocalGiving fundraising page at the link below:

First Choice Housing – Adrian, Nigel, Tudor, Michael, Dave, Richard