Planting a Greener Future at Maes Canol
Our cover image shows a special community event held on 13 November 2025... Residents, partners and pupils from three local schools came together to plant 28 different types of trees as part of Abergele’s brand-new Library of Trees project.
The tree designs were created by pupils from Ysgol Glan Morfa, Ysgol Sant Elfod and Ysgol Glan Gele, with the day led by our Environment and Landscape Manager, Matt Stowe. The aim of the project is simple but powerful - to boost biodiversity, improve air quality and create greener spaces for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future.
It was a day full of energy, learning and teamwork. One pupil summed it up perfectly:
“A healthy day is a great day!”
With support from Vectorex, Barclays, Waterstons, Onnen, local councillors and residents, this project has planted more than just trees - it has planted a lasting legacy the whole community can be proud of.
Welcome...
I'm Amy Garner, and I’ve worked at Cartrefi Conwy for more than 17 years. For much of that time, I’ve focused on customer service and working with colleagues to make sure our services meet your needs. It’s something I really care about.
We truly want tenants to help shape what we do, so a big thank you to everyone who took part in our recent satisfaction surveys. Your views help us understand what’s working well and where we can improve. In this edition, we’re sharing some of the survey results, so take a look!
We want to make sure the information we share is clear, useful and meaningful to you. What would you like to see? Your ideas matter, and we’d love to hear them! You can join the conversation on Cartrefi Connect, where you can help shape what we share and how we share it (see page 4).
We’ve heard from some tenants that they would like to see more stories from communities in our newsletter. If you’ve got something you’d like to share in our next edition, get in touch!
Have a question?
Your Customer Service team ...
0300 124 0040
*Monday - Thursday 9am - 4.45pm, Friday 9am - 4.30pm
Have you recently changed your phone number or email?
Pleas e remember to contact our Customer Service team to update your details. It's important for us to have your correct information so we can easily reach you if needed.
Out
Your Say Join Cartrefi Connects!
March
13
Friday
Tenant Talk
For more information or to book, call or text Sasha: 07778 454 376 or Email: voices@cartreficonwy.org
Glasdir, Llanrwst Library
10:30am - 3:00pm Book your place NOW!
You Said - We’re Listening
At our last Tenant Talk in October, you told us what matters to you, and shared your views on...
How
we set your rent
How we share information about improvements
You also took part in a workshop led by TPAS Cymru, which helped us check that our approach to tenant involvement is working well.
How we can make the sign-up process better for new tenants
Since October 2025, we’ve been using your feedback to make changes. We’ll be sharing more information about our business in a clear and simple way, so it’s easier to see how we’re doing and where your rent money goes.
We’re also planning rent workshops in February 2026. These sessions will give you the chance to ask questions, share your views, and help shape how future rents are set. Full details will be shared very soon.
Our Creating Futures Team is now visiting new tenants once they’ve settled into their homes. These visits help new tenants get to know their local community and learn about the support and opportunities available to them.
A Quick Visit That Made a Big Difference
During a recent Here to Listen, Here to Help visit, our team called in to see one of our older residents, Mr D., and their timing couldn’t have been better - a pan of potatoes had boiled dry on his gas hob and was starting to smoke. Our team were able to step in and make things safe before it became dangerous.
Never leave pans unattended on the hob
Later that day, our Health and Safety team returned to check on Mr D and see what extra support might be needed. Mr D shared...
“I feel vulnerable and forgetful.”
Our team have made a referral for extra help, and are now working closely with Social Services and the NHS to make sure Mr D gets the support he needs.
A simple visit made a huge difference.
Listening, acting early, and working together can make a real difference. With a few simple changes, Mr D can stay safe and continue living independently in his own home.
Stay Safe at Home -
Top Tips from Fire Safety Officer - Kevin, here at Cartrefi Conwy...
• Never leave pans unattended on the hob - even for a few minutes
• Check your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they’re working
• Keep flammable items away from cookers, such as tea towels and paper
• If you ever feel unsafe or need extra support, contact us straight away.
For more Top Tips on staying safe in your home, Kevin recommends visiting...
www.northwalesfire.gov.wales/ keeping-you-safe/at-home/
Or scan the code opposite with a smartphone ➜
Cooking Safety
Over the last few years, the majority of property fires attended by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service started in the kitchen. 99% of these fires were accidental and could have been prevented.
Home Fire Safety SupportFree Safe and Well Check
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers personalised fire safety advice and guidance to help reduce the risk of fire in your home. Every referral is assessed to make sure their service is directed to those most at risk of fire.
• They will offer a face-to-face home visit or provide fire safety advice by telephone depending on your circumstances
• Assess fire safety in each room of your home
• Identify potential fire hazards
• Offer advice to reduce or remove risks
• Help you create a night-time routine to stay safe
• Discuss a fire escape plan for your household
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor
• Offer free safety equipment where needed
• Refer you (with your permission) to other support services if helpful.
A Small Job That Made a Big Difference
Jacqui and Sasha recently visited a tenant in Cerrigydrudion to talk through a few small repairs. While there, Sasha noticed a drain cover near the back door needed putting back in place.
It was a quick and simple job that Sasha fixed straight away, making a big difference for the tenant. The tenant said she worries about these things when no one is around to help, and was concerned the drain could get blocked with leaves and cause a bigger problem. Having it sorted straight away gave her peace of mind.
“That’s wonderful, thank you so much. I don’t have to wait for someone to come out now – that’s one thing off my mind.”
Small jobs like this help make homes safer and easier to live in, especially for older residents. They can reduce trip hazards, make it easier to get outside, and help people feel more confident in their home.
At Cartrefi Conwy, we’re here to listen and here to help. If you have a repair or something that’s worrying you, please get in touch.
Jacqui, our Community Engagement Co-ordinator is available to help and support anyone who lives in a Cartrefi Conwy home - helping you to connect with services, activities, and opportunities that improve wellbeing.
Here to help, working directly with you to understand what matters most, and provide signposting to a wide range of internal and external services.
If you feel that you could benefit from a chat, just let me know
Text/Call 07391 069 293 | Email Jacqui.Renwick@creatingenterprise.org.uk
How our Money Support Team can Make a Difference
When life takes an unexpected turn, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why our Money Support Team is here –to work alongside you to get things back on track.
Recently, one of our tenants was referred to the team after falling into rent arrears. Until a few months earlier, his rent had always been up to date. Not realising he had reached pension age, his Universal Credit stopped – and without knowing how to claim his State Pension, he was left with no income at all.
Without a bank account and with no money coming in, he began relying on neighbours for food. Rent arrears and unpaid household bills quickly built up, and legal action was even being threatened on his energy account.
Our Money Support team made contact and together, they:
Set up a new bank account
Secured emergency food support
Successfully claimed the tenant’s State Pension, including over £7,000 in backdated payments
Applied for Housing Benefit, clearing the rent arrears completely
Stopped legal action on energy bills and agreed affordable payment plans
Helped set up utilities, and a TV licence
Arranged a Cartrefi Conwy Christmas hamper, delivered on Christmas Eve.
Our tenant now has a regular income, a bank account, and the confidence to manage his bills –with support still there if needed.
If you are worried about money, benefits, rent, or bills, please call us. No problem is too big or too small – and you don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming.
New Partnership
We’re delighted to announce that Cartrefi Conwy has formed a long-term educational partnership with Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno.
This collaboration represents an exciting step forward in our commitment to supporting young people, strengthening community ties, and creating opportunities that make a real difference.
This isn’t just a single event, it’s a structured, ongoing programme built on a “valued partner” approach. Throughout the year, we’ll work closely with the school to:
• Bring real-world insight into curriculum areas, co-creating innovative projects and activities
• Offer teachers opportunities to learn from industry experts
• Provide meaningful and consistent encounters between students and employers.
Why This Partnership Matters...
• Share knowledge and resources
• Exchange best practice
• Create opportunities that wouldn’t exist
• Respond to local needs and challenges more effectively.
Strong partnerships enable us to build a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant community. Our work with Ysgol John Bright is a great example of this approach in action.
Peulwys Community
Clean-up day
The Peulwys community came together for a clean-up. With 8 skips kindly donated by RELM Construction. #lovewhereyoulive
Community Chest Grant
Are you part of a local community group or organisation?
We can help you deliver small projects that make a big difference to your neighbourhood and local communities.
If you’re part of a community group with a great idea, please apply - small grants can create lasting change!
The next application closing date is 12 April, 2026. Gardening and green space projects
We’re recruiting for members to become a Community Chest Panel Member
An opportunity to represent tenant voices
Support projects that benefit local communities
Be involved in fair and transparent decision-making.
The panel is responsible for reviewing applications made to the Community Chest Grant and helping to decide which community projects receive funding.
You do not need previous panel or funding experience - this role is a valuable opportunity for tenants to have a direct voice in supporting local initiatives in a fair and transparen way.
Equipment and materials
Dates for your diary
Come along, chat with us ...
February
Here to Listen - Llandudno
Kings Avenue, Llandudno
Thursday 5 10.00am - 1:00pm
Ffordd Dulyn, Llandudno
Thursday 12 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Kings Road, Llandudno
Thursday 19 3:00pm - 6.00pm
Community Clean-up
Rhodfa Phil Evans, Llanrwst
Thursday 26
Community Walkabout Betws y Coed
Thursday 26
March
Are you aged 16 - 24 and interested in being your own boss? - Book Now
Text/Call Kerry 07789 381499
Y Fron
Wednesday 11 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Tenant Talk - Book Now
Text/Call Sasha 07778 454 376
Glasdir, Llanrwst Library
Friday 13 10.30am - 3.00pm
Satisfaction survey results
12 months up to December 2025
90% Feel that Cartrefi provides them with a home that is safe and secure
86% Find Cartrefi easy to deal with
82% Overall satisfaction with the service we provided
82% Satisfied with the overall quality of their home
71% Satisfied that Cartrefi listens to their views and acts.
Thank you to everyone who shared their views. We review the results every three months and use your comments to help us decide what to improve.
It’s great to hear that many of you find our colleagues friendly and helpful. Some tenants told us that repairs can take too long. We are working on longerterm plans to make this better.
You also said communication needs to improve. We are working on updating our systems and processes to help us keep you better informed.
Home Contents Insurance
Why do I need it?
If
Volunteering Opportunity with ...
We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to join us at our Creating Enterprise Timber Solutions factory based in Rhyl.
Gain hands-on experience in a real working environment while learning new skills and making a difference.
If you’re practical, enjoy being active, and want to build confidence in a friendly, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!
What you’ll be doing:
Helping with general labouring duties around the factory
Supporting basic machine work (with full training and a completed Personal Risk Assessment)
Following health and safety guidelines
Getting involved with day-to-day tasks around the workshop
Assisting with loading/ unloading vans and acting as a driver’s mate for collections or deliveries.
What we offer:
Full training and ongoing support to help you excel
Reimbursement for expenses and mileage.
What do you love about where you live?
To Daniel who has been successful in gaining a volunteer position with Crest. After moving into his own flat we were happy to be able to support - working with Suzanne, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Daniel applied for a role with Crest in their warehouse.
Daniel nailed the interview and was offered the position with Crest.
Crest is a social enterprise, with four shops that sell pre-loved furniture, clothing and refurbished electricals. Find out more www.crestcooperative.co.uk
Admin
CAD
Bricklaying
Electrical
Flooring
Joinery
Painting Plumbing
Plastering
Quantity
Finance
Gas Servicing
Decorating
Building Design
Project Management
