The Grapevine - Summer 2018

Latest News from Tai Tarian
THE
GRAPEVINE
3
Don’t get bitten
by a loan shark
6
End high
cost credit
17
New look community
challenge
1

In this issue...
3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
16
17
18-19
20
21
22-23
24
Don’t get bitten by a loan shark
Your privacy is important to us
Ending high cost credit
A day in the life of.... a Tenant
Liaison Officer
Copper Foundation success
New developments
Haven Housing
Universal Credit is here
New look for community
challenge
News in brief
Cold callers alert
Emergency repairs
On the Board
Who’s my Tenancy Relations
Officer?
Keep in touch with us
GO GREEN
AND WIN!
If you want to receive future editions of the
Grapevine via e-mail rather than through the post
then please let us know.
Everyone who gets in touch with us before Friday
10th August will be entered into a draw to win a
£100 Tesco voucher, courtesy of SERS.
To enter, just contact us with your name,
address, contact number and an e-mail address
where you’d like future copies sent.
Call: 01639 505855
E-mail: media@taitarian.co.uk
You can view this edition of the Grapevine at
www.taitarian.co.uk
GAS SAFETY WINNERS
Carrying out annual gas safety
checks is extremely important
and could save your life.
DON’T GET BITTEN
BY A LOAN SHARK
Earlier this year, we launched a campaign
aimed at raising awareness of the dangers
of illegal money lending and loan sharks.
Part of the campaign was a video which
was based on the real-life experiences
of a Tai Tarian tenant. The film focuses on
the misery, stress and dangers borrowing
money illegally can cause and the
downward spiral that can follow.
0300 123 3311 for advice or if you think there
may be a shark operating in your area. All
calls are completely confidential.
Whilst illegal money lending is a criminal
offence, borrowing from a loan shark is
not. No action will be taken against any
individual who has been lent money in this
way.
Tenants who keep their annual gas safety check
appointment are entered into a monthly prize to
win a £50 gift card courtesy of Westward Energy
Services.
The latest winners are:
Mr Griffiths, Ynysmeudwy
Mrs Philpott, Ystalyfera
Mrs Powell, Abergwynfi
Miss Watkins, Pontardawe
This help often turns to intimidation and
threats of violence when re-payments are
missed. This can lead to borrowers fearing
for their safety and scared to leave their
house. It can be an awful experience for
anyone and can have a negative impact on
their health and well-being.
There are thought to be over 310,000 loan
shark victims across the UK, with many of
these likely to be living in social housing.
Illegal money lending or being a loan shark
is a criminal offence. Any Tai Tarian tenant
who has become a victim of illegal money
lending is urged to contact us for help and
advice.
You can also contact the Wales Illegal
Money Lending Unit on their 24 hour hotline
Our Illegal Money Lending campaign has
reached over 1 million people. You can
view our video by visiting
www.taitarian.co.uk/loansharks
If you’re in financial difficulties, don’t
turn to a loan shark for help.
Contact our Financial Inclusion team on
01639 506623 or email financialinclusion@
taitarian.co.uk for help and advice.
We can help you manage your money
and keep control of your finances. We
can also assist with budgeting and
help you claim any benefits you may be
entitled to.
3

YOUR PRIVACY
IS IMPORTANT TO US
New data protection legislation came into
effect on 25th May 2018 and we are required
to comply with the new rules, which give you
more power over your personal information.
More details on how we handle this information
and your rights can be found here
www.taitarian.co.uk/privacy-statement
This privacy notice explains what personal data
we collect about you, how we use it and who
we share it with. If you’d like more information,
contact us at:
Data Protection Lead
Tai Tarian Ltd
Ty Gwyn
Brunel Way
Baglan Energy Park
Neath
SA11 2FP
Telephone 01639 505854 or email
corporateservices@taitarian.co.uk or
read the full version at www.taitarian.co.uk/
privacy-statement
It is likely that we will need to update this privacy
notice over time. If there any significant changes
we will notify you and of course you’re welcome
to check back at any time for the latest version.
Why do we hold your personal information?
We process your personal information in
connection with managing your tenancy. This
would also include us dealing with any housing
applications that you might make, and things
such as antisocial behaviour, insurance claims,
complaints and appeals. We process this
information either because it’s necessary for us to
do so to manage your tenancy or because there
are laws that allow us, or require us, to process it.
If you didn’t give us this information, we wouldn’t
be able to manage your tenancy.
Sometimes we process your personal information
because we have a legitimate interest in doing
so. We only do this though, when we’re confident
that you would reasonably expect us to do so,
for example, the council to inform them that the
property has been let.
In some instances we may require your consent
to process your personal information. If we do,
we will make this clear to you and will not process
your information unless you consent to us doing
so. You will then be given the option to withdraw
your consent at any time.
We record all telephone calls to our repairs line
and customer service line for training purposes.
We always tell you if the call is going to be
recorded at the start of the call. For safety and
security CCTV operates in all of our public offices.
Who do we share your personal information
with?
To ensure we manage your tenancy we
sometimes share your personal information with
other people or organisations.
This includes:
• contractors working for Tai Tarian;
• organisations like the council, to allow them to
process any claim for housing benefit that you
might make or to provide a service to you; or
• the police and other agencies for the purposes
of crime prevention or detection.
We only do this with your consent or if there are
laws which allow us to do so or when necessary
for us to manage your tenancy. We will not share
your information with third parties for marketing
purposes.
What personal information do we process and
where do we get it from?
Most of the personal information that we process
is information that you’ve given us about you and
the people who live with you. This includes things
like your name, address, telephone numbers, date
of birth, national insurance number, gender and
bank account details. We also process special
categories of personal information such as your
race or ethnic origin, religion and information
concerning your health or orientation. We will only
do this where there is a lawful basis for us to do
so, for example, where you have consented to
us processing your information, where we need
to process your information to protect your vital
interests, or where there are laws that allow us,
or require us, to do so. In addition to the above,
when we deal with antisocial behaviour cases
we may process information relating to criminal
convictions or allegations.
Sometimes we process personal information
about you that we’ve been given by other
organisations such as the council or the police.
This could include, for example, information
relating to a housing application, housing benefit
claim or support package, or something like
antisocial behaviour. The other organisation would
only share this information with us where either
you’ve given them permission to do so or the law
allows them to do so.
Do we ever transfer your personal information
outside of the European Economic Area?
Much of the personal information that we process
is held electronically with our servers located
locally.
If personal information is transferred outside of
the European Economic Area we will take steps
to ensure that your privacy rights continue to be
protected.
How long do we hold your personal
information?
We hold your personal information in line with
our data retention procedure. A copy of which
is available on request. Personal information is
always securely disposed of.
Protecting your personal data
We know how much data security matters to all
our tenants and leaseholders. With this in mind we
will treat your data with the utmost care and take
all appropriate steps to protect it.
We secure access to all transactional areas of
our websites and apps using ‘https’ technology.
Access to your personal data is password
protected.
We regularly monitor our system for possible
vulnerabilities and attacks, and we carry out
penetration testing to identify ways to further
strengthen security.
We use cookies to enhance performance of our
online platforms. Further information can be found
on our website.
What rights do you have?
You have a number of rights under the General
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
You have the right to access the personal
information that we process about you and, if you
believe that the personal information is incorrect
or incomplete, to have it corrected or deleted. You
have the right, in certain circumstances, to block
the processing of your data and the right to object
to some types of processing including automated
decision making.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint
to a supervisory authority - the Information
Commissioner’s Office for the UK.
If you wish to access the personal information
we hold on you please refer to our subject access
request process or contact us on the details
above.
For more information on individual’s rights, you
may wish to visit the Information Commissioner’s
website: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guideto-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/
individual-rights/
4 5

END HIGH COST
CREDIT ALLIANCE
We recently teamed up with local actor and
activist, Michael Sheen to support a new
movement aimed at tackling the unfair targeting of
high cost credit at those who can least afford it.
We are one of the key members of an organisation
called The Alliance which aims to find ways to
make change happen.
The Alliance seeks to end the damage caused by
high cost credit by bringing together organisations
such as ourselves to help raise awareness, spark
a public debate and promote fairer ways of
borrowing money.
Research we’ve carried out shows that many
Neath Port Talbot residents are struggling to make
ends meet and are experiencing unmanageable
debt.
We, along with other
Alliance members, are
committed to working
with communities to
come up with solutions
to this problem and
are looking forward to
testing some of those
solutions locally in
Neath Port Talbot.
Speaking at the launch event, Michael Sheen
said:
“From the very beginning of this initiative I sat
down with Tai Tarian to explore the challenges
and opportunities locally, and they have
been an integral part of the planning for the
Alliance.
“The impact of the Alliance will be UK wide,
but Tai Tarian will play a lead role in helping to
test ideas.
“Our message is simple, credit is good but
not in a system where it is unfairly targeted
and maximised for profit. We need ideas, we
need solutions and most importantly we need
to act.”
For more information on the project visit
www.the-alliance.org.uk
MICHAEL SHEEN
SPOKE EXCLUSIVELY
TO TAI TARIAN TO EXPLAIN
WHY HE SET UP THE ALLIANCE.
“Too many people in communities like Neath
Port Talbot have been getting an unfair deal
when it comes to a lot of things, but access
to credit when you need it is one of the most
important and widespread.
In setting up the Alliance I wanted to address
that. I wanted to try and create a fairer deal for
people.
I’ve been working with Tai Tarian from the
very beginning of this project. They’ve been a
fundamental part in the planning of this, because
it’s about trying to get a much deeper connection
to the community that we’re a part of. I want
what happens on the streets of Sandfields,
Taibach, Margam and Baglan to influence what
is going on in offices in Westminster and all
over the country.
There needs to be a direct connection, so
instead of people just being asked what their
opinions are, they feel that they will actually
create change - that action will come of it.
I look forward to working with Tai Tarian to
create a fairer deal for our communities and
the entire country.”
6
7

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...
A TENANT LIAISON OFFICER
With our major new fencing and boundary
programme getting into full swing, it’s a busy
time for our Tenant Liaison Officers.
These are the people you will see regularly,
whenever we have some major works underway
in or around your home. We have 13 officers
in the team and they are there to keep you
updated on the work and to answer any queries
you may have.
One of our Tenant Liaison Officers is Ria and
she is currently based in Gwaun Cae Gurwen.
She can often be found visiting tenants who
are having their boundaries and garden fences
renewed. We spent the day with her to find out
exactly what her job entails:
Ria starts her day by reviewing the list of calls
she has to make. They typically range from
visiting tenants at various stages of the work to
on-site meetings with the contractors to discuss
any issues that come up.
The first call of the day is to a property where
the work is just coming to an end. First of all
Ria takes a quick look around the garden and
then speaks to the tenant to ask how the work
is going. He reports that he’s very happy with
the work and how much better his garden looks.
Ria tells the tenant that she’ll call again once the
work has been completed.
Next stop is a house where work has yet to
get started. Our team of surveyors are there,
measuring the garden and deciding what size
and style of fencing should be erected. Ria
explains to the tenant what is going on and what
the next steps will be.
We leave the surveyors to complete their work
and head to the next house on the list. On the
way there another tenant approaches Ria to
ask about the work that is about to begin in her
garden. She needs clarification on what work
is planned. Ria looks up the details on her ipad
and is able to put the tenant’s mind at rest by
confirming exactly what work will be carried out.
We arrive at the next house to chat with the
tenants, Mr and Mrs Turner. The surveyors have
already been there so the work of installing the
new fences is about to begin and Ria explains
the process to them. She also reminds them
that they can contact her if they have any
queries whilst the work is being carried out.
There are two more stops left this morning
- both to houses where the work has been
completed. At the first one, the tenant is happy
with the work that has been completed but
points out that some rubble from the work
has fallen into a drain and is causing a small
blockage. Ria phones the site manager to
discuss the issue and he immediately calls
round to take a look. After a quick inspection,
he arranges for the drain to be cleared as soon
as possible.
At the next property, we take a quick look at the
new fences before being invited in by the tenant,
Mrs John. With the work now complete, Ria
goes through a tenant satisfaction survey with
her. The form allows us to know what aspects
of the work went well and if there are any areas
where we could improve.
Before leaving Mrs John
thanks Ria for her
work and for her
new fencing:
“I’m overjoyed
with my new fences.
They have really improved
my garden and it means that
my granddaughter now has
somewhere safe to play. Everyone
who’s worked here has been really
friendly and professional. Ria in
particular has been wonderful and
has kept me informed of the
work at every stage.”
Mrs John
With the visits now complete, Ria heads back to
the office to catch up on paperwork. On the way
back to the office, Ria tells me what she likes
most about her role:
“I just love
being outdoors and
meeting people. I feel it’s
very important that we keep our
tenants informed about the work
we’re carrying out at their homes.
Inevitably, work like this can cause
some disruption and so speaking
regularly to tenants allows them to
be prepared and to quickly sort
out any issues that might
come up.”
Our external programme is scheduled to
continue for another five years, with properties
right across Neath Port Talbot due to be
assessed and have their garden walls and
fences replaced where necessary.
Hidden Treasure
Our Neighbourhood team never know what
they’re going to come across when they start
clearing vacant properties.
At one house in Gwaun Cae Gurwen, the team
came across a mound of coal in a bunker
in the back garden. It is believed the former
tenant was an ex-miner and was still receiving
an allowance from his former employers. With
the house converted to oil heating, the coal
went unused and had amassed to around two
tonnes.
Rather than dispose of this coal we’ve been
distributing it for free to local residents who still
use coal to heat their homes. This saves them
money whilst we ensure that the coal does not
go to waste.
For Lynn (pictured), helping to
clear the coal was like
turning back the clock
as he used to be a
miner himself.
8 9

COPPER FOUNDATION
SUCCESS
Just a year after launching, our Copper
Foundation is already bearing fruit.
The project, which began last summer,
offers 12-month contracts to people who
are struggling to find work. The successful
applicants get the chance to spend a year
working alongside our experienced trades
people, learning the skills and gaining the
experience necessary to go on to secure
future opportunities.
They also receive mentoring from Tai Tarian
staff and advice on how to compile CVs, fill in
job application forms and interview technique
training.
Now, as they come to the end of their initial
contracts, five staff have gone on to secure
new roles. Two of them are starting work with
our Neighbourhood team whilst the other
three are beginning careers with external
companies.
The Copper Foundation project is set to expand
further over the coming years with the latest intake
beginning their training recently. Over five years,
around 80 people will be given the opportunity to
join the Foundation.
“I’m really thrilled for the five of them. They’ve all
worked hard over the past year and it’s great to
see them go on to new roles. This is the reason
why the Copper Foundation was established
– to give opportunities to people who were
struggling to find work and providing them with
the skills, knowledge and experience they need
to go on to further opportunities. I wish them all
the best of luck in the future.”
Aled Guy,
Copper Foundation Senior Operations Officer
“I’m over the moon to have landed this new
opportunity. I’ve learned a great deal over
the past year by being part of the Copper
Foundation project. I’ve worked with a great
bunch of boys and had fantastic support from
my supervisors and manager.
I love working outdoors and hope I can use
some of the skills I’ve learned with the Copper
Foundation in my new job.”
Lewis Jones
10 11

NEW
DEVELOPMENTS
It’s been a busy time for our house building
programme with several developments
currently underway.
On the site of our former Cartref flats on
Burrows Road in Skewen, we are building
17 new homes, whilst Wembley in Melyn is
currently seeing the construction of four flats.
At Moorland Road in Sandfields, work recently
began on two new bungalows. The work is
being carried out as part of an innovative
scheme, supported by Welsh Government,
which will see a combination of our staff and
contractors working together to deliver the
project.
Some of our apprentices have also been
working on this project, giving them important
practical experience.
SCHOOL VISIT WARNS OF
BUILDING SITE DANGERS
Together with our partners from Hale
Construction, we recently visited Coedffranc
Primary School in Skewen.
The school is just a short distance from our
development on Burrows Road and so we took
the opportunity to talk to the children about site
safety and warn them of the dangers of playing
on building sites.
After watching a short film and trying on some
safety clothing, the children were given the task
of designing a poster to warn of the dangers of
playing on building sites. The winning design
will be displayed on all Hale Construction sites
across Wales.
Any questions?
If you live in the vicinity of any of our building
sites and have any queries or questions about
the work, then contact our team of Tenant
Liaison Officers. They’re on hand to keep you
up to date as work progresses so please get in
touch if you’d like to speak to them.
Burrows Road
Steve Grey, 07816 796318 or
e-mail steve.grey@taitarian.co.uk
Wembley
Roxanne Collins, 07816 929291 or
e-mail roxane.collins@taitarian.co.uk
Moorland Road
Stephen Bell, 07772 912057 or
e-mail stephen.bell@taitarian.co.uk
Llys Wern
Gareth Davies 07972 179798 or
e-mail gareth.davies@taitarian.co.uk
Elsewhere, construction has just started on
building eight new homes at Llys Wern in
Caewern whilst work will start later in the
summer to convert offices on Llansawel
Crescent, Briton Ferry into flats.
12 13

to the 1940’s Swansea Bay Museum, followed
by a visit to Mumbles pier and a Big Sunday
Lunch.
More events are planned over the coming
months, including days out, a Christmas
shopping trip and more lunches.
The Independent Living Officers for each
scheme are:
Tania Hearne
(Mozart Court and Tŷ Llansawel)
Kirk Davies
(Gwyn Court and Michaelstone Court)
As always, we are looking for new volunteers to
join the group and more people who live in the
community to get involved with the events.
Bethan Wallace
(Tŷ Gnoll Newydd)
Ellen Dargavel
(Cysgodfa and Maes Hir)
Chantelle Murphy
(Godrecoed and Llwynon)
HAVEN HOUSING
REFURBISHMENTS
Many of our Haven Housing schemes have
been undergoing extensive refurbishments over
the past couple of years to bring them up to
modern standards.
The work has included converting bedsits into
modern flats, equipping them with new kitchens
and installing wet rooms. Access in and around
the schemes has also been improved. Many of
the schemes also had their communal lounges
upgraded to turn them into bright, comfortable
areas where tenants can get together and
socialise.
One of the biggest refurbishments took place
at Ty Gnoll Newydd in Neath. Tenants recently
moved back into the scheme following the work.
One of residents, Alwyn George said:
So far, refurbishment at ten schemes has been
completed, with work ongoing at Cysgodfa in
Tonna and Maeshir in Glynneath.
If you’re interested in moving into a Haven
Housing scheme then get in touch with our
Lettings team to see what availability we
have and to discuss your options. Contact
them by calling 0300 777 0000.
HAVEN SOCIAL GROUP
The Haven Social Group have been busy
recently, planning and organising social activities
for older tenants living in the community to help
combat isolation and loneliness.
LIVING IN HAVEN HOUSING
We have 15 Haven Housing schemes dotted
around Neath Port Talbot. The schemes
are designed for tenants who wish to live
independently in a safe environment.
They also have access to the Life Line alarm
service which provides help 24 hours a day, 365
days a year. The service provides reassurance
that should an emergency happen such as
an accident or a tenant becoming unwell, the
appropriate help can be provided very quickly.
Each scheme also has an Independent
Living Officer who is there to oversee day to
day management and maintenance of the
accommodation and communal facilities.
Peter Williams
(MaesY Darren and Tŷ Maes Marchog)
David Thomas
(Riverside Court and Hafan Bryn Heulog)
Hayley Parry
(Llys Nant Fer and Pantyfedwen)
Lynda Morgan, Lynda Edwards
& Margaret Gaskins
(Mobile officers who provide cover at
any scheme as and when necessary)
If you would like to become a volunteer or
attend one of our events, please get in touch
with the Tenant Empowerment Team on 01639
508455 or email involved@taitarian.co.uk
“They’ve
done a wonderful
job, especially in the
communal lounge. It used
to be like a dark dungeon, but
now this area and the rest of
the building is lovely. We meet up
regularly for lunches and coffee
mornings and we have a wonderful
community spirit. It couldn’t be
better here. I’m really happy
to be back.”
John Thomas, a Haven Housing tenant is
the resident singer at the Big Sunday Lunch,
entertaining guests with their favourite 60’s hits
and calling the bingo.
June Brayley collects deposits, organises the
bingo and sells the raffle tickets.
Joy Chiverton, Mina Baker and Valerie Scavolo
promote the events, encourage tenants to
attend, collect deposits for their schemes and
volunteer for the bus journeys.
So far this year, the tenants have enjoyed a trip
14 15

NEED HELP
WITH YOUR
HOUSING COSTS?
Do you need help?
Unless you are already getting Housing Benefit,
you may need to claim Universal Credit.
ALREADY ON
HOUSING BENEFIT?
Before you act - seek advice first!
Call for advice on 01639 315000
for a better off calculation.
ALREADY ON
UNIVERSAL CREDIT?
You need to report a change of
circumstances on your online
journal. Tell UC your landlord is Tai
Tarian, your new address and rent
and service charge amounts.
NEW LOOK FOR
COMMUNITY
CHALLENGE
ACT NOW!
For advice, call 01639 315000
If you delay, you miss out on getting help to pay your rent!
Universal Credit may not backdate the help they give, so if you need
to make a claim or there’s been a change in your circumstances, you
need to tell them straight away.
You can ask UC for an advance. This will help you pay your rent until
you get your first full UC payment.
NEED HELP? Call 01639 315000 and we will be happy to help!
We can give you advice on what to do, help with making claims and
updating your Universal Credit online journal.
Our annual Community Challenge is back, but
it’s taking a slightly different approach.
This year, the challenge will be concentrated on
areas where we are carrying out major works.
In these areas, our teams will be working with
volunteers and community groups to identify
potential land so that we can work together to
improve the local area’s open spaces.
In consultation with local groups, we will
transform disused and unsightly areas into a
more functional space and where possible turn
them back to nature.
The Community Challenge will also be
supporting BugLife, an initiative to develop land
to become more bug friendly environments to
halt the decline of our bees and butterflies.
As with all of our challenges, we are looking
for volunteers so if you are passionate about
your community, have ideas for improving
outdoor spaces or can help by clearing land
and painting, please get in touch with the Tenant
Empowerment Team on 01639 508455 or email
involved@taitarian.co.uk.
Baglan Community Challenge
The final Community Challenge under the old
system took place at Baglan Primary School
back in April.
Our staff, together with teachers from the
school and volunteers from our contractor,
Hale Construction, spent the day renovating
playground equipment, weeding the yard and
general grounds maintenance. A new outdoor
stage and wall panels will also be installed in
the next few weeks.
16 17

NEWS IN BRIEF
Blood Bikes Wales
Well done to residents at Llwynon in Crynant
who have raised £2020 for Blood Bikes Wales,
a charity which transports emergency blood
donations, breast milk, medical samples and
surgical items around the country. The money
was raised by a number of social events,
including concerts, raffles and table top sales.
“We have a very close knit community and
enjoy coming together for social events
and so use them as an opportunity to raise
money for good causes. We’re a very
generous bunch and we are proud that
we can help charities which often have a
personal connection with the residents.”
Hillary Blunden, Llwynon resident
Shaw Trust
Not to be outdone, residents at our Maeshir
scheme in Glynneath have also been raising
money for charity.
During refurbishment at their scheme, instead
of binning unwanted items, they were donated
to the Shaw Trust, a charity which supports over
50,000 people a year to live independent and
inclusive lives.
The items were then sold on,
resulting in £514 being
raised for the charity.
Hettie Celebrates
Happy Birthday to
Hettie of Riverside
Court in Pontardawe
who turned 103 earlier
this year.
Hettie celebrated the
occasion with a party
for family, friends and
fellow residents in the
scheme’s communal
lounge.
Gwersi Cymraeg
Well done to a group of tenants who recently
completed a Welsh language course with us.
The group met every week at Ty Gwyn over 15
weeks and learnt some basic Welsh words and
phrases. The group continue to meet regularly
and practice their new found skills with each
other.
Rent Increase Workshop
Prior to the recent rent increase earlier this year,
letters were sent out to tenants to inform them
of the change. These letters included the new
rent amount, a breakdown of other charges, a
document detailing rights and obligations, and
an explanation of why the rent was increased.
For us to ensure that the information was as
clear and understandable as possible, the Tenant
Empowerment team arranged workshops with
tenants to get their opinions.
Using a co-design approach, the team and
tenants worked together to gather feedback on
the content, layout and language used in the
letters. The first session was held in March and
tenants were encouraged to tell staff how they
felt about the letter.
We received valuable feedback and suggestions
that resulted in the design of a new document
which clearly shows the rent charges and
ensures that tenants understand what they are
paying for.
More work will be done on this
over the coming months including
preparing advice to Universal Credit
claimants on how to update their
on-line journal.
Tenant Assessors
The Tenant Assessors are a group of tenants
who regularly monitor and check the internal
and exterior areas of their own blocks.
To widen the scheme, our current Tenant
Assessors will head out into the community to
roll out the project to other areas and to recruit
new assessors.
If you would like to become a tenant assessor
for your block, please get in touch with the
Tenant Empowerment Team on 01639 508455
or email involved@taitarian.co.uk.
Women’s Centenary Project
To celebrate 100 years of the women’s vote, Tai
Tarian’s Tenant Empowerment team are inviting
women to come forward and tell their stories
inspired by the anniversary.
We welcome women from all walks of life to
share their stories of hardship and success.
If you have a story to tell please contact the
Tenant Empowerment Team on 01639 508436 or
email involved@taitarian.co.uk.
Spectrum Project
The Spectrum Project is an all Wales programme
funded by the Welsh Government which aims to
promote the importance of healthy relationships
and raise awareness about the issues of
violence against women, domestic abuse
and sexual violence.
The project is mainly delivered through
workshops in schools ensuring young people
are taught to recognise and avoid abusive
relationships. They also receive information
about where they can access help and support,
both inside and outside of school.
It also delivers training for school
staff and governors, educating
them about understanding the
impact of domestic abuse on a
child and improving the school’s
ability to identify and support at
risk pupils.
For more information on the project, visit
www.spectrumproject.co.uk
18 19

COLD
CALLERS
ALERT!
We’ve received reports of people going from
door to door in the Sandfields area, offering
to carry out repairs on tenant’s properties.
Tenants who require any repairs carried out
on their homes should report them to us
directly by calling 0300 777 3000.
All our staff carry identification badges when
visiting properties, so please ask to see this
before allowing anyone into your home.
If you’re still unsure whether the caller
is from Tai Tarian, then please call our
customer contact centre on 0300 777
0000 to check they are authentic.
ON THE BOARD
EMERGENCY
REPAIRS
All tenants and leaseholders have access to
our repairs contact centre and out of hours
emergency line.
To report a repair to your property, call our
contact centre on 0300 777 3000 or e-mail
repairs@taitarian.co.uk
Repairs can be reported between 8am-6pm from
Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours (and
on public holidays), emergency repairs can be
reported by calling 0300 777 3000 and speaking
to one of our on-call team of experts.
You’ll need to provide as much information as you
can when reporting a repair, as the more details
you provide, the quicker we will be able
to respond. The time taken to deal with an
emergency will depend on the exact nature of the
problem and could take up to 24 hours.
Please only report genuine emergencies out of
hours. Repairs reported out of hours and found
not to be an emergency will result in a charge
being made for the cost of the call out.
Details of what constitutes an emergency can
be found in the repairs section of our website:
taitarian.co.uk/our-services/property-andmaintenance/repairs/responsibilities-andtimescales.
It’s been a busy time for our Board with a
number of departures and a new face to
welcome.
Councillor Annette Wingrave and one of our
tenant members, Daniel Smith have decided to
step down. I’d like to thank them both for the
time, commitment and hard work they have put
into their roles.
Annette’s place on the Board will be taken
by Sonia Reynolds, Councillor for Gwaun
Cae Gurwen. Daniel’s replacement will be
announced in due course.
We had our first Development Committee
meeting which looked at our aim of increasing
our housing stock, whilst we also approved
the first of our new storyboards, which have
been developed by our tenants and show
our performance in creating sustainable
communities.
Elsewhere, we were delighted to receive our
Regulatory Judgement from Welsh Government
back in March. The judgement assessed how
we had been performing over the previous
12 months and if we had met the required
standards. Well, I’m pleased to report that
we were judged to be Standard – the highest
possible rating.
The assessment looked at our financial
performance to ensure that we are financially
sound and delivering value for money in all areas
of the business. Needless to say, we were very
pleased with the outcome which is a testament
to the hard work of our staff and the support of
our tenants.
20 21

Who is my
Tenancy Relations Officer?
Port Talbot
Donna Davies
Pencaerau and
Sandfields West 2
Kacy Clark
Sandfields East 1 and
Sandfields Little
Warren
Su Morgan
Aberavon, Baglan,
Goytre, Margam, Port
Talbot and Taibach
01639 506601
donna.davies@taitarian.co.uk
01639 505999
kacy.clark@taitarian.co.uk
01639 506044
su.morgan@taitarian.co.uk
Kathleen Roberts
Sandfields East 2
and Sandfields West
1
Andrew Osborne
Cymmer, Dyffryn
Rhondda, Glyncorrwg
and Gwynfi
Grant Williams
Bryn, Cwmavon
Higher, Cwmavon
Lower, Oakwood and
Velindre
01639 506075
kathleen.roberts@taitarian.co.uk
01639 506074
andrew.osborne@taitarian.co.uk
01639 506621
grant.williams@taitarian.co.uk
Neath
Anthony Crecraft
Aberdulais, Briton
Ferry, Cadoxton,
Cilfrew and Roman
Way
Shane Jones
Melyn, Neath North
and Neath Town
Centre
Deborah Wallace
Llandarcy, Jersey
Marine, Longford,
Skewen Central and
Skewen Lower
01639 505996
anthony.crecraft@taitarian.co.uk
01639 506642
shane.jones@taitarian.co.uk
01639 505976
deborah.wallace@taitarian.co.uk
YOUR TENANCY
RELATIONS OFFICER
Rob Vickery
Caewern, Crynant,
Onllwyn and Seven
Sisters
Paul Adams
Cimla Hillside, Cimla
Top and Pelenna
Tony Derrick
Blaengwrach,
Glynneath, Resolven
and Tonna
The most regular contact you’ll have with one
of our staff will be with your Tenancy Relations
Officer. They are there to help you with any
tenancy related queries or concerns you have.
They can support you in managing your
tenancy and refer you to other Tai Tarian
departments or other organisations if you
need more specialist help.
They are also responsible for dealing with
complaints regarding Anti-Social Behaviour and
can provide help and support to you in dealing
with the problem.
Our Tenancy Relations team cover the whole of
Neath Port Talbot with each officer responsible
for a specific area. If you need to get in touch
with them to discuss any matter relating to your
tenancy then give them a call or send an e-mail.
01639 506618
robert.vickery@taitarian.co.uk
Pontardawe
Wyn Thomas
Cwmllynfell, Gwaun
Cae Gurwen and
Lower Brynamman
01639 505992
wyn.thomas@taitarian.co.uk
01639 505959
paul.adams@taitarian.co.uk
Sarah Clark
Godre’rgraig, Rhos,
Ynysmeudwy and
Ystalyfera
01639 506084
sarah.clark@taitarian.co.uk
01639 508451
tony.derrick@taitarian.co.uk
Matthew Prior
Alltwen, Pontardawe
and Trebanos
01639 505993
matthew.prior@taitarian.co.uk
22 23
For general enquiries call 0300 777 0000

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WITH US
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Tube for Tai Tarian.
General Enquiries – 0300 777 0000
Repairs Line – 0300 777 3000