It is a little self indulgent to write this blog post, but what the heck. After almost 4 years at CHC I am, as the cliché goes, off to pastures new. I have worked across a range of housing policy areas in this small but dynamic organisation including housing management, community regeneration, rural housing, support, older people, equality and, more recently, worked on the vast learning and improvement programme of conferences, events and also commercial members. I have been fortunate to cram a lot of learning into a relatively short space of time, and met many inspirational people who are helping to empower communities and individuals across Wales to make positive changes to their lives. I feel very proud to have been involved with the huge range of policy, learning and events which I know are amongst the best the Welsh housing sector has to offer.
It is quite rare for anyone to leave CHC and there is a good reason for that. It’s a fantastic team and organisation, and the values are second to none. However, the time was right for me to go back to a housing association and I was delighted to be offered the role at Newydd Housing Association as their Community Partnership Manager. I am excited to take forward the great work on regeneration and tenant involvement across the 11 local authority areas Newydd covers. I feel lucky to be staying in such an innovative sector that really does make a difference.
So what is coming up at CHC? Our One Big Housing UnConference is being held on 10/11 October 2013 at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. I really feel that this one will be the best yet (I am slightly biased, but still…). As I'm leaving CHC in September, I’ve already signed up as a delegate to attend in my new role! I love the relaxed and informal atmosphere, the networking and the chance to hear so many great speakers and attend practical workshops. I particularly like the ‘UnConference’ theme, especially the fact that you can leave a workshop if it isn’t for you and go where you can contribute and learn the most. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the event and continuing to contribute to the work of the housing movement in Wales.
Another big event coming up is the ‘Let’s talk about...’ conference which has a PR and Communication angle for the big housing issues. This event is on 4/5 December in Llandrindod Wells. If your role is about communicating in your organisation to staff, tenants or stakeholders, then you’ll find this one really useful. I’ve had a sneaky peak at the packed agenda and it is very diverse and inspiring! The full programme should be published at the end of September. Keep an eye on the CHC website.
My new email address will be kevin.howell@newydd.co.uk and I will be starting my new role on 16 September 2013. I look forward to networking with you in my new role!
Kevin Howell
Learning and Improvement Manager
Community Housing Cymru
Wednesday 28 August 2013
Friday 9 August 2013
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd a'r iaith Gymraeg
Gyda dros 75% o boblogaeth rhai ardaloedd Gwynedd yn siarad Cymraeg fel iaith gyntaf mae gwneud pob dim yn gyfan gwbl ddwyieithog yn rhan annatod o'r ffordd rydym yn gweithredu yn CCG (Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd).
Mae ein gwasanaethau i gyd ar gael yn Gymraeg a Saesneg, ac mae gan ein tenantiaid yr hawl i ddisgwyl gwasanaeth o'r un safon yn y ddwy iaith. Rydym yn rhoi'r dewis i'n cwsmeriaid ym mha iaith maen nhw am i ni gyfathrebu efo nhw.
Yn amlwg felly mae rhan helaeth o'n staff yn siarad Cymraeg. Mae ein deunydd cyfathrebu i gyd gan gynnwys ein gwefan yn gwbl ddwyieithog. Yn fwy diweddar mae CCG wedi camu mewn i fyd rhwydweithio cymdeithasol. Roedd trin y ddwy iaith yn hollol gyfartal yn y maes yma hefyd yn gam naturiol. Ac mae CCG yn un o'r prin gymdeithasau tai sy'n trydar ac yn postio ar Facebook yn y ddwy iaith bob tro.
Ond mae rôl a chyfrifoldeb CCG o ran yr iaith yn mynd ymhellach na chynnig gwasanaeth dwyieithog i denantiaid. Dros bum mlynedd rydym yn gwario £136miliwn ar uwchraddio ein cartrefi. Mae hyn yn hwb sylweddol i economi'r sir, i fusnesau ac i swyddi.
Mae bron i hanner cytundebau'r gwaith gwella wedi eu rhoi i gwmnïau bychain lleol ac mae gorfodaeth ar bob un contractwyr sy'n gweithio ar y rhaglen i gyflogi yn lleol a chreu prentisiaethau. Mae hyn mewn cyfnod pan mae swyddi lleol a chyfleoedd i weithio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn brin. Rydym yn falch felly o allu cynnig swyddi o safon a chyfloedd datblygu i unigolion fel bod byw a gweithio yng Ngwynedd drwy gyfwng y Gymraeg yn opsiwn go iawn.
Ffrancon Williams, Prif Weithredwr
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd and the Welsh language
With over 75% of the population in many areas of Gwynedd speaking Welsh as a first language, providing a fully bilingual service is an integral part of the way we operate in CCG.
All our services are available in Welsh and English and tenants have a right to expect the same standard of service in both languages. We offer tenants the choice of which language they would like us to communicate with them.
Most of our staff are Welsh speakers. All our communications and promotional materials including our website are bilingual. More recently, CCG has moved into social networking where using both languages came naturally. We are one amongst the few housing associations that always tweet and post on facebook in both languages.
However, CCG’s role and committment to the Welsh language goes further than simply offering our services to tenants bilingually. Over five years we are investing £136 million on improving our homes. This brings with it a substantial boost to the county's economy, businesses and jobs.
Nearly half of the improvement contracts have been awarded to small local businesses with every contractor working on the scheme obliged to employ local staff and create apprenticeships. This comes at a time when local jobs and the opportunity to work locally through the medium of Welsh are scarce. We're pleased we can offer quality jobs local and development opportunities so that living and working in Gwynedd through the medium of Welsh is a realistic option.
Ffrancon Williams, Chief Executive
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
Mae ein gwasanaethau i gyd ar gael yn Gymraeg a Saesneg, ac mae gan ein tenantiaid yr hawl i ddisgwyl gwasanaeth o'r un safon yn y ddwy iaith. Rydym yn rhoi'r dewis i'n cwsmeriaid ym mha iaith maen nhw am i ni gyfathrebu efo nhw.
Yn amlwg felly mae rhan helaeth o'n staff yn siarad Cymraeg. Mae ein deunydd cyfathrebu i gyd gan gynnwys ein gwefan yn gwbl ddwyieithog. Yn fwy diweddar mae CCG wedi camu mewn i fyd rhwydweithio cymdeithasol. Roedd trin y ddwy iaith yn hollol gyfartal yn y maes yma hefyd yn gam naturiol. Ac mae CCG yn un o'r prin gymdeithasau tai sy'n trydar ac yn postio ar Facebook yn y ddwy iaith bob tro.
Ond mae rôl a chyfrifoldeb CCG o ran yr iaith yn mynd ymhellach na chynnig gwasanaeth dwyieithog i denantiaid. Dros bum mlynedd rydym yn gwario £136miliwn ar uwchraddio ein cartrefi. Mae hyn yn hwb sylweddol i economi'r sir, i fusnesau ac i swyddi.
Mae bron i hanner cytundebau'r gwaith gwella wedi eu rhoi i gwmnïau bychain lleol ac mae gorfodaeth ar bob un contractwyr sy'n gweithio ar y rhaglen i gyflogi yn lleol a chreu prentisiaethau. Mae hyn mewn cyfnod pan mae swyddi lleol a chyfleoedd i weithio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn brin. Rydym yn falch felly o allu cynnig swyddi o safon a chyfloedd datblygu i unigolion fel bod byw a gweithio yng Ngwynedd drwy gyfwng y Gymraeg yn opsiwn go iawn.
Ffrancon Williams, Prif Weithredwr
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd and the Welsh language
With over 75% of the population in many areas of Gwynedd speaking Welsh as a first language, providing a fully bilingual service is an integral part of the way we operate in CCG.
All our services are available in Welsh and English and tenants have a right to expect the same standard of service in both languages. We offer tenants the choice of which language they would like us to communicate with them.
Most of our staff are Welsh speakers. All our communications and promotional materials including our website are bilingual. More recently, CCG has moved into social networking where using both languages came naturally. We are one amongst the few housing associations that always tweet and post on facebook in both languages.
However, CCG’s role and committment to the Welsh language goes further than simply offering our services to tenants bilingually. Over five years we are investing £136 million on improving our homes. This brings with it a substantial boost to the county's economy, businesses and jobs.
Nearly half of the improvement contracts have been awarded to small local businesses with every contractor working on the scheme obliged to employ local staff and create apprenticeships. This comes at a time when local jobs and the opportunity to work locally through the medium of Welsh are scarce. We're pleased we can offer quality jobs local and development opportunities so that living and working in Gwynedd through the medium of Welsh is a realistic option.
Ffrancon Williams, Chief Executive
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
Tuesday 6 August 2013
'Just Google it!'
How quickly have those three words become part of our everyday conversations, and how often do we say them? For so many of us the use of IT, being online and using the internet is just a part of our everyday lives, yet for so many older people it is a real fear. Resent research has shown that only 39% of people over 65 have accessed the internet once in their lives.
So why do older people have a real fear of IT? For some it’s the fear of 'breaking it', of being 'hacked' and of giving out their personal details. For others it’s the language used and for many it's simply not understanding what the internet is for and how they could benefit from getting online. 'I’ve managed all my life without it so why bother now?'
But bother they should.
Being online for older people can literally help them improve their lives and wellbeing. We are an ageing society, where more and more older people find themselves living alone. According to Sarah Rochira, The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, loneliness in older age is a real issue affecting many, and a 'growing epidemic'. The internet can help us keep in touch with family and friends - we can email, text, Skype or Facebook, make new friends and re-connect with old ones. It can help us keep connected to the world and allows us to contribute to society, whatever our age.
The cost of equipment is often perceived as being prohibitive by older people yet the financial saving that can be made from researching the best prices and buying online can be very cost effective. Being digitally included means you are not financially excluded. For older people, many living on low incomes, using the internet can save them money.
Whether we like it or not, IT is playing an increasing part in all our lives and older people should not be excluded. Care & Repair caseworkers are seen as trusted advisers by their clients, which is why we joined with Communities 2.0 to deliver the MyPad project. Giving caseworkers an iPad to use while visiting our clients in their own homes allows them to show how easy it is to use the internet; the benefits that can be gained and what can be done online, from shopping to booking cinema tickets to emailing grandchildren in Australia to checking the bus timetable.
IT has real benefits for older people and we all need to encourage them and help them to get online. I know it is a real cliché but, you’re never too old to learn. That includes learning how to 'Google it'!
Vera Brinkworth
Head of Learning and Enterprise, Care & Repair Cymru
So why do older people have a real fear of IT? For some it’s the fear of 'breaking it', of being 'hacked' and of giving out their personal details. For others it’s the language used and for many it's simply not understanding what the internet is for and how they could benefit from getting online. 'I’ve managed all my life without it so why bother now?'
But bother they should.
Being online for older people can literally help them improve their lives and wellbeing. We are an ageing society, where more and more older people find themselves living alone. According to Sarah Rochira, The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, loneliness in older age is a real issue affecting many, and a 'growing epidemic'. The internet can help us keep in touch with family and friends - we can email, text, Skype or Facebook, make new friends and re-connect with old ones. It can help us keep connected to the world and allows us to contribute to society, whatever our age.
The cost of equipment is often perceived as being prohibitive by older people yet the financial saving that can be made from researching the best prices and buying online can be very cost effective. Being digitally included means you are not financially excluded. For older people, many living on low incomes, using the internet can save them money.
Whether we like it or not, IT is playing an increasing part in all our lives and older people should not be excluded. Care & Repair caseworkers are seen as trusted advisers by their clients, which is why we joined with Communities 2.0 to deliver the MyPad project. Giving caseworkers an iPad to use while visiting our clients in their own homes allows them to show how easy it is to use the internet; the benefits that can be gained and what can be done online, from shopping to booking cinema tickets to emailing grandchildren in Australia to checking the bus timetable.
IT has real benefits for older people and we all need to encourage them and help them to get online. I know it is a real cliché but, you’re never too old to learn. That includes learning how to 'Google it'!
Vera Brinkworth
Head of Learning and Enterprise, Care & Repair Cymru
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