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      • 3 min read

    Tenant Talks Spring 2022

    A lot has changed since our last set of Tenant Talks events. We have increased the number of staff at the organisation who help tenants in both north and south Wales whilst also challenging ourselves to deliver more information and resources on the environment, energy, money and Health and Wellbeing.

    Housing Officer David talking to Tenants


    Climate change & decarbonisation

    FCHA has had a lot of work done to the organisation as a whole when it comes to decarbonisation. 2 of our staff received carbon literacy training which we passed onto Tenants during these tenant talks.


    Lots of aspects were covered including:

    1. What is the greenhouse effect?

    2. Greenhouse gases and what the sources are

    3. What is a carbon footprint?

    4. What does zero carbon mean?

    5. What FCHA are doing to reduce their carbon footprint?


    By informing tenants on the above, we can help them understand what in their household produces greenhouse gases and it gave them a foundation for the next part of the Tenants Talk, which was energy saving tips.


    Money & energy saving tips


    FCHA's Eve with tenants at a table.

    Energy prices are on the rise so FCHA thought it was appropriate to provide tenants with some energy saving advice. This information was already provided in the Newsletter that was delivered to all tenants and is also available on our website as a blog, just click here.


    The energy tips given were a success! Some tenants already practised some of the tips provided in the session, such as having energy saving bulbs and only boiling the water you need in the kettle.


    But they said that the other tips provided were very easy to implement and will start doing these more often.



    Raffle


    In North Wales as part of a Healthy Eating drive, our Housing Manager Maureen created 3 fruit baskets that went down a treat! In the South, Chocolates were handed out as prizes and the whole raffle was a success.




    National Trust and future events


    FCHA's National Trust image

    As part of our Health and Wellbeing drive in 2022 the National Trust provided us with a special pass allowing First Choice Tenants to visit any National Trust site in Wales free of charge. This pass allows up to 50 people to attend any National Trust site for a number of activities until November 2022. You can read more about it by clicking here.


    Tenants were very excited to be provided with an opportunity like this and there are plans for some visits this year already!




    Renting Homes Act

    Tenants having a meeting

    A new act to be implemented in July 2022 will change every tenants’ Tenancy Agreement to an Occupancy Contract. We provided tenants with information about what that will mean for them going forward after July and ensured that all Tenants will have to sign and return the new contracts to FCHA in the post.


    More information will be provided closer to the date as well as a blog which will be linked here.


    Community Involvement Grant


    Tenants talking about community involvement grant

    FCHA's community involvement grant is to benefit tenants and the communities that they live in. Tenants were given information as to how to apply for a community involvement grant which is a fund that FCHA can provide for more equipment, helping with partnerships or to help fund local community volunteer groups that tenants are a part of.



    Tenants Voice newsletter


    Tenants with FCHA's Sarah

    Finally, we talked about our Tenants’ Voice newsletter and spoke to tenants about how they can get involved in contributing stories, hobbies and recipes to share with other First Choice tenants.


    These newsletters are given to every property at FCHA so we provided information about how to send us a story and mentioned that there is a prize for the best story in every newsletter!


    The next Newsletter is due in July so keep your eyes peeled for the stories from tenants at this season's Tenant Talks.


    Gig Buddies

    Gig Buddies with their presentation

    A special guest was at our Tenants Talk in north Wales. Gig Buddies Cymru made an appearance with their stall to provide information about their project and to provide opportunities for FCHA Tenants in North Wales to meet a Gig Buddy and go to events with a new friend!




    A Gig Buddy is a volunteer who shares the same interests in music and hobbies as you. They can go to gigs and events with you that are sometimes hard to get to.

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    6 reasons to visit a National Trust site this year

    Updated: Mar 22

    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 until November 2022, 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!


    First Choice would love the pass to be used before it expires in November 2022, so please contact us if you are interested!


    Email: customerserivces@fcha.org.uk

    Phone: 029 2070 3758

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    Tenant Activities: DANCECLUSION

    In North Wales we have been contacted by a dance class for people with learning difficulties and additional needs that FCHA believe would be a fantastic opportunity for our north Wales tenants to learn how to dance!

    Image: J.A DANCECLUSION with quote "Making dance accessible to all... for adults with learning difficulties and additional needs. There is also Josh's logo.

    Josh sent us some information about him and his dance class Danceclusion to share with everybody:


    About Josh:

    Hello! my name is Josh, and I am so excited to be starting this new venture. I have danced all my life and trained professionally, also gaining my AISTD teaching qualifications. I have performed and taught all over the world, such as Disneyland, Cruise Ships, UK Tours, Stage and TV. I am now a full-time support worker which I thoroughly enjoy, and so I wanted to merge my two passions of dance and support working together to create more opportunities for adults with additional needs!

     

    Information about the class….

    “This project is to improve motor skills, self-esteem, and confidence in students with additional needs. Studies have shown that dance has a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Students with varying degrees of disabilities have the potential to become more social, better coordinated, and more confident by incorporating dance into their lifestyle. Experiments have been conducted to prove that dance is not only a positive outlet for individuals with disabilities, but also a key point in beginning their creative and artistic personalities.”


    If you require support, you will be politely asked for your support worker/carer to stay for the duration of the session.

     

    -The session is held at

    Directions

    King’s Hall, Prestatyn- King’s Avenue

    LL19 9AA.


    -Every Thursday 11-12.15pm

    -Each session is £4 cash per student (Support workers and staff go free).

     

    Joshua Allan A.I.S.T.D

    Mobile- 07494418702

    E-Mail- josharmstrong10@hotmail.co.uk

    Fully DBS checked

    Full Public Liability Insurance

    First Aid Trained



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    First Choice Housing Association Ltd
    10 Village Way, Greenmeadow Springs
    Cardiff
    CF15 7NE
    Tel: (029) 20703758

    Registered with Charitable Status under the Co-Operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014
    Number 26118R Registered with the National Assembly for Wales under number J094

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