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Autumn/Winter 2025 Cartrefi Conwy Newsletter

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Celebrating Marcia - Our front cover image shows Marcia with her friend and fellow resident, Brian, when they visited the Cartrefi Conwy stall at the Colwyn Bay Together event.

Marcia, who sadly passed away recently, was a much-loved part of the community, always ready with a smile and a helping hand.

Her friends fondly remember ...

“A very considerate neighbour, always there to help. Keeping up standards in the washing-up, always checking for missing spoons in the bowl.

You will never be forgotten, your work is done, time to rest. We will miss you now and always, your friends from Pentre Newydd.”

Marcia made a real difference to those around her, and her warmth and humour brought people together.

Thinking about work?

Job searching

Writing a CV that stands out

Completing application forms

Preparing for interviews

Kerry’s goal is simple - to help you achieve your employment ambitions, build confidence, and create a more secure future.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, a change of career, or just some friendly advice, Kerry is here to help you take the next step.

Call or text Kerry: 07789 381499

kerry.ottley-jones@creatingenterprise.org.uk

Hello ...

My name is Daniel Hall, and I’m really pleased to introduce myself as Cartrefi Conwy’s Executive Director of Customer and Communities.

I’ve worked in housing for more than 16 years, starting out in supported housing before joining Cartrefi Conwy in 2014 as an accommodation officer. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work in different leadership roles, including managing our Income Team and leading our Neighbourhoods department.

In my current role, I look after our social and affordable homes. My main focus is making sure we provide excellent customer service, support tenants to stay in their homes, and create opportunities that help our communities grow and thrive.

A key part of my job is keeping in touch with you, our tenants. Good communication builds trust, and this newsletter is one of the ways we’ll share updates on what’s happening at Cartrefi Conwy, as well as information on the support and opportunities available to you.

I’d also like to thank the tenants who gave their time and ideas to help shape this autumn edition. Your feedback is so valuable, and it makes sure the newsletter reflects what matters most to you. I hope you enjoy the updates, and I look forward to seeing some of you at our next Tenant Talk event on 5 November.

Best wishes, Daniel

November 5

Wednesday

Tenant

Talks

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join in the conversation, and get your voice heard - Join us at our ‘Tenant Talks’ where you will have the opportunity to share your views, feedback and enjoy lunch on us!

Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction 9.30am - 2.30pm

For more information or to BOOK YOUR PLACE, call or text Sasha: 07778 454 376 or Email: voices@cartreficonwy.org

Are you Winter ready?

Winter can bring cold, wet, and windy weathera few simple checks now will help keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable ...

Need help?

If you’re unsure about anything, get in touch with Customer Services

0300 124 0040

Heating & Energy

Check your boiler – It’s better to test your boiler now, before the cold weather starts. Call Customer Services on 0300 124 0040.

Boiler servicing – We service your boiler every year. Please keep your appointment so we can make sure it’s safe and working properly. If your service is due soon, BOOK IT NOW.

Bleed your radiators – If you feel confident to do this, it helps them heat up quickly and evenly.

Set your thermostat – Choose a comfortable temperature and try to keep it steady. Make sure you know which batteries your thermostat uses and keep some spares handy.

Plumbing

Find your stopcock – Know where it is and make sure you can turn it off easily. Report leaks quickly – If you find a leak, use a bucket or towels to catch any water until help arrives. This helps reduce damage to your home.

Windows & Doors

Ventilation – Even in winter, it’s important to open your windows regularly to let fresh air flow through your home. This helps reduce condensation and stops mould growth.

Safety

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – Check them regularly (once a week if you can).

Keep emergency supplies – Have a torch, spare batteries, blankets, a first aid kit, and any essential medicines ready.

Be ready for a cold snap – Stock up on food, water, and other essentials just in case bad weather stops you getting out.

Outside

Gutters and drains – If you see a blocked gutter or loose roof tiles, let us know so we can arrange to fix them.

Secure outdoor items – Tie down or store away garden furniture, bins, and tools to stop them blowing around in strong winds.

Maintenance

Making a difference –our promise

Providing excellent customer service is really important to us. Our new corporate plan puts you – our customers at the heart of everything we do.

We’ve worked with tenants and colleagues to create our new Customer Promise. Here’s what you can expect from us:

We’ll keep in touch, do what we say, and be there when you need us

You’ll only need to tell us something once – we’ll make sure you get the help or answer you need

We’ll treat you with re spect and do our best

We’ll help you feel confident and supported to manage your home

Our team will be friendly, easy to talk to, and ready to help

Your voice matters – we value your thoughts and ideas

We know we won’t always get it right, but we promise to listen, learn, and keep improving

Real People - the difference that our colleagues make ...

Mrs S’s story: Mrs S recently had a problem with her Universal Credit claim and was feeling worried. Her Housing Officer listened, stayed calm, and took time to explain things clearly, he also kept in touch and got back to Mrs S when he said he would – something that really mattered to her at that time.

We’re here to help If you’d like to talk to someone about your home, tenancy, benefit claim, or just want help meeting new people, please get in touch.

We’d love to hear from you - call us on 0300 124 0040

Bannister,

Thank you!

... and I’d like to share what’s next

We’ve been listening to you, our tenants, about repairs – through surveys, complaints, Tenants Talk events, and everyday chats. You’ve told us what’s working well and what could be better.

We’ve looked closely at our repairs service and asked ourselves:

“How can we make it better for you?” We want it to be reliable, easy to use, and to show that we really care about keeping your homes safe and in good condition.

Now it’s time to put words into action. With help from tenants and colleagues, we’ve created a plan to improve how we do things over the next few years.

We’re starting from a strong place – we carry out more than 14,000 repairs every year and often receive lovely feedback about our tradespeople and customer service team.

I want to be honest – these changes will take time. But we’re working hard, and you’ll start to see improvements soon. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you and keeping you updated as we go.

Volunteering

Everyone has something special to give – whether it’s making a great cuppa, lending a listening ear, being brilliant with kids, or being organised.

We’d love you to join our team of volunteers and use your skills to make a real difference in your community. Volunteering isn’t just about giving – it’s about what you get back too ...

 Build your confidence

 Share your skills and talents

 Gain new experience and qualifications

 Meet new people and have fun along the way

Greenflag Award

Eleven years and counting

Back in July we celebrated at the Peulwys Community Café celebration, thank you to everyone who joined us including residents, Housing Offcier Paul, PCSOs Anna and Trish, and Creating Enterprise team members and volunteer Ian.

Our landscapes team - Matt, Mark and Carl work tirelessly to keep the area looking its best.

Together we’re keeping Parc Peulwys clean, green and welcoming - with your support, Parc Peulwys has maintained Green Flag status for 11 years, reflecting real community pride.

Celebrating Age 2025

Celebrating Age 2025

Llanrwst, Llanfairfechan, Llandudno, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn ...

Together We Grow

Outdoor Classroom Opens at Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, Abergele

Cartrefi Conwy and Creating Enterprise joined Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan to open a new Outdoor Classroom - designed to engage, achieve and inspire through outdoor learning.

Our Creating Enterprise’s Timber Solutions team, designed and built the classroom, donating all materials. Vectorex who are currently working on our site in Pensarn, completed groundworks and surfacing, making the space fully accessible.

Guided by the school’s ALN team the classroom will support vulnerable learners. Year 7 pupil Ollie a wheelchair user tested access and gave it a big thumbs-up.

Partnerships

A proud moment for our Creating Enterprise Timber Solutions team based in Rhyl!

The team were recently able to see the timber frame kits they manufacture being erected while visiting our Pensarn site –where we’re delivering 128 sustainable, affordable homes.

The progress is impressive, high-quality manufacturing through to quick on-site assembly, this is collaboration at its best.

Top Tip ...

Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle is a quick and easy way to keep your important medical and personal details safe. Fill in the form, then keep it all in your fridge – a place emergency services know to check.

If paramedics, police, or fire-fighters come to your home, the bottle helps them find out fast if you have allergies, take special medicines, or need urgent care.

With the Message in a Bottle, help can arrive quicker, the right treatment can be given - your family or emergency contacts can be told straight away.

Order your bottle today ... www.lionsmessageinabottle.co.uk

If you have a ‘Top Tip’ that you’d like to share, tell us and we’ll share it ... email communications@cartreficonwy.org

you to Christine for sharing this Top Tip with us ...

Hi, I’m Jacqui, Community Engagement Co-ordinator - I’m here to help and support anyone who lives in a Cartrefi Conwy home to connect with services, activities, and opportunities that improve wellbeing and help people flourish.

Here to help, working directly with you to understand what matters most, and provide signposting to a wide range of internal and external services, including:

• Volunteering Opportunities

• Money Advice

• Community Activities and Projects

• Job-Seeking Support

• Second Chance - Furniture

If you feel that you could benefit from a chat, just let me knowI’ll take care of the rest. Phone, email, or arrange to meet me at one of our community centres or hubs.

Morfa Gele, North Wales Business Park, Cae Eithin, Abergele, LL22 8LJ 0300 124 0040 | enquiries@cartreficonwy.org

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Autumn/Winter 2025 Cartrefi Conwy Newsletter by OfficialCartrefiConwy - Issuu