ex ss Su
Summer 2013
www.amicushorizon.org.uk
t n e d i s e R l a n o i t a n scoops d r a w a g n i learn See page 5 Inside: Affected by the bedroom ta x? We can help .
Turn to page 3
Like us
My Landlord
Available on Google Play and iTunes
to read more.
Welcome to news&views
Need a document in a different format?
It’s a busy time, we’ll be running lots of events over the summer. Coming to these events is a great chance to have your say about our services.
We can send it to you in:
You’ll find several competitions in this edition of news&views. So, why not give them a go? A big ‘thank you’ to all residents who helped with this edition of news&views.
Another language
With this edition you'll find:
Mid Kent Area Plan 2013-14
Here’s what we plan
to do in your area
Support and community develop groups where neede d
Your local area plan – this gives details of the work we’re doing in your area.
Audio
by April 2014:
Launch a “who do you think we are?” campaign to tackle anti socia l behaviour. We’ll focus on Court, Vicara Ceres Newington ge and
Create and sustain a roaming youth club
Su
sse x
k
rizon usHo uide Ameicnts’ trainin1g3g-2014
rg.u orizon.o
micush
www.a
20
Resid
Braille A B C
to all Open orizon sH Amicu idents res
E FRE ning trai
and
learn
fun guide ess , have . This e not r succ involvaeddifference run. who’v s we ng fo to get ma idents ke urse h res Trainint residents can of the co basis – wit they ny ved t ser We wal skills so out ma e, firs ab t com usefu u a bit a firs . yo rity ed on tells
section Team each rt of ement the sta Involv cat prio ails at t: sident are allo getting l. the det interes sex Re cessfu Places d before your using the Sus n suc ister phone it to attende to reg ’ve bee send by tele if you ’d like and team ber. If you form are confirm ct the king who Decem ch to and. boo to Conta and tou , ber in n before lete this ’ll be jority dem Septem rses s we Comp ma d cou n run from course ed on r nde will bas you atte g ed e not Trainin chosen confirm who’v be you’ve idents Once e times will to res dates. given Cours ed will be confirm Priority le on the availab
Take part in a national projec t to agree and carry out ‘neighbourh action plans ood We’ll do this ’. in Milton & Hartlip, and Newin gton & Upchurch
These are new 1674 - Mid-Kent
Our resident training guide – get signed up for a new course today!
Area plans
‘local offers’
v2.indd 1
Publish a ‘Green Deal’ fact sheet for residents
requested by your
www.amicu
Work with residents and partne rs to get the Regis Crescent allotments up and running residents’ Area
Panel.
shorizon.org
05/06/2013
.uk
Residents
09:13:31
and staf f workin g
Amicus
together
Horizon Resident Inv olvement Get involv guide; ed and ma ke a differ ence
, delay Don’t today book
4
Easy-read
Your guide to resident involvement.
Keep us posted! Large print
Sign language
Tel: 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** Email: contactus@ amicushorizon.org.uk
2
*Calls free from a BT landline, charges from mobiles and other networks may vary. **If you are calling from a mobile, it may be cheaper for you to dial 01795 434 606. Calls may be recorded and monitored for quality and training purposes. This accessibility statement has been checked by the RNIB.
Please remember to tell us if your circumstances change. We want the information we hold to be correct. So please let us know of any changes: � � � � �
I f anyone moves in or out of your household If you stop or start working If you change your working hours If you have a change in your income If the benefits you receive change
Call or email us today and we’ll update your details.
Contains material sourced from responsibly managed forests, certified in accordance with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
When you finish with news&views please pass onto a friend or recycle it. www.recyclenow.com
Your AmicusHorizon
Affected by the bedroom tax? We can help you move Are you under occupying your home and would like to move to a smaller property? If you find a suitable mutual exchange we’ll help pay for your removal costs. Speak to your Housing Officer to find out more, conditions apply. If you’d like more information on any of the recent benefit changes, visit our website. You’ll find useful leaflets, links and even a film about welfare reform: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/benefitsinformation You can also speak to our Financial Inclusion Team. They’re here to help you make the most of your money and can assist with benefit claims.
Tenancy changes In April and May, we consulted with you on proposed changes to your tenancy conditions. We wrote to all residents and discussed changes at resident meetings. We've had a great response. Nearly 3,500 residents have been in touch to let us know what they think. Based on the feedback, we’re taking the proposals to the Residents' Council, and then the AmicusHorizon Board in July. Once approved, we’ll contact you to ask you to sign the new tenancy conditions. This won't apply to residents in Housing for Older People schemes (HOPS).
Your voice, your vote Your Area Panel members want your vote! In July you’ll receive a ballot paper so you can choose who you’d like to represent you on your local Area Panel. The panels are made up of eight elected residents along with independent people from the local community. The Area Panel work with us to identify the priorities in your community. Please return your ballot paper to us by 17 August. Or you can vote online at: www.amicushorizon.org. uk/AreaPanelvote The results will be announced at the Area Panel Annual Meeting, on our website and Facebook page.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
3
Sussex news
Summer fun – free events for you! Throughout the summer months we’ll be finding out what you think of our services. We’ll be knocking on your doors and asking you to complete a short survey. By way of a thank you, we’ll give you a wrist band for free entry to our ice rink events and all the events listed below. Don’t worry if we miss you on our door knock day, you can complete the surveys at the event or online: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/ yourview
Events Ice is nice – Come and have a go on ou r outdoor ice rink! Broomgrove, by co mmunity centre - Th ursday 8 August Tilekiln, 'The bowl' - Friday 9 August Bexhill, Sidley Child ren Centre - Tuesda y 20 August Kingsmere, Eastbo urne - Saturday 7 Se ptember Skip days – We brin g a skip to your esta te and you bring us all your old rubb ish! We’ll also have staff and resident volunteers on hand to tidy estates and make minor repairs . Bishops Lane and H eathfield Gardens, Ro bertsbridge Tuesday 2 July Mayfield, St Leonar ds - Friday 12 July Four Courts, St Leon ards - Friday 19 July Hillside Road, Bexh ill - Tuesday 30 July Ingram Gardens, Be xhill - Thursday 15 August Coronation Gardens , Battle - Tuesday 27 August Camber, Rye - Tues day 28 August Fun day dog show – Contact the Suss ex Resident Involvement Team fo r more information. Downs Farm Comm unity Centre – 1 Au gust
4
Dog chipping event
Pet subject In April, we gave residents the opportunity to have their dog micro chipped for free. Bull cross breeds could be neutered as part of our dog safety campaign working with Hastings Borough Council, RSPCA and the Dogs Trust. It was a great chance to get residents to sign up for our pets policy to promote responsible pet ownership. The RSPCA were on hand to discuss any concerns. We’ll run more dog chipping sessions. Contact the Sussex Resident Involvement Team for info.
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Resident scoops award Bexhill resident, Tracy Bailey signed up to our ‘Get On’ project in 2008. She started by coming along to the ‘taster workshops’. She then, with a little support, signed up for our Personal Development short courses. Completing the ‘Get On’ courses was a huge boost to Tracy’s confidence. At the end of the course she spoke to the rest of the group about how the course had helped her and made her feel more positive. She was inspired and motivated and didn’t want the experience to end. Tracy was passionate about wanting to help others get as much out of the courses as she had done. So she now works as a course mentor. Tracy’s hard work was officially recognised when she won the ‘Empowered to Speak out through Community Learning’ award at the National Adult Learner awards 2013. Congratulations Tracy! Find out more about these courses, contact our Sussex Community Development Team.
Tracy was presented with the award at a ceremony in London
£1 million lottery win for Sidley! Residents in Sidley are excited at the prospect of regenerating the village to its former glory. They’ve launched ‘The Heart of Sidley’, a ten year regeneration project that’ll receive £1 million in funding from the Big Lottery Fund. The aim of ‘The Heart of Sidley’ is to improve Sidley, benefiting all residents. They’re looking for volunteers to assist in the process and to listen to your ideas. Our staff will be supporting the resident working group throughout the project. Rother District Council, the Children’s Centre and their ‘trusted organisation’ Rother Voluntary Action will also be on board. The group has received the first £20,000 to create the community plan for Sidley. ‘The Heart of Sidley’ will visit local groups to gather opinions. You can contact them on Facebook and Twitter @HeartOfSidley or leave a message on 07779 496417.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
5
Hastings Area Panel
0300 123 6010 hastingsap@amicushorizon.org.uk
Welcome to our newest members Beverley Winchester joined the Hastings Area Panel in March. She used to be a Hyde resident but says the recent stock swap has really benefited her neighbourhood. Services are more local and accessible now. Bev’s a real asset to the Area Panel as she’s: � been working in the community for 23 years � been a resident with various social landlords � got involved in lots of local projects � helped co-ordinate the Ore Valley Forum and won an award in recognition of her work
� written policies and constitutions � been a board member for 1066 Housing Association and was on their Tenant Consultative Group. She also has a National Certificate in Tenant Participation. Bev works in Hastings and has a great knowledge of the community. We’d also like to say a big welcome to Linda Seddon, who joins us as our resident Board link. Linda is a Sidley resident and also sits on the AmicusHorzion Board. It’s great to have her on the panel. We’d also like to say ‘goodbye and thanks’ to several panel members who’ve now stepped down.
We’re recruiting Hastings Area Panel is looking for new members. Why not get involved and: � help shape our services � make improvements in your community � influence what’s going on in your neighbourhood � make a difference for other residents. We’ll hold elections this summer for new members. Contact Karen Earl, Resident Governance Officer for more information.
6
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
A rubbish day? A group of local volunteers showed their community spirit with a litter pick in the woodland surrounding the Four Courts, Hastings.
‘Get On’ training In April, 20 participants were presented with awards to mark their achievements on our ‘Get On Plus’ training programme. Mentors and participants attended the celebration event at the Bridge Community Centre, Hastings. ‘Get On Plus’ provides practical training courses and workshops to help people build their confidence and skills to move into volunteering and paid work. At the event the ‘Get On Plus’ participants and course mentors explained what they’d achieved over the six week course. The course includes five modules that residents can choose from:
Doug Bing, AmicusHorizon Housing Officer asked the Community Payback Team to carry out the clear up. The Hastings Housing Management Team offered their services too. Roderick O’Regan, Vice Chair of the Hastings Area Panel and local PCSO James Ozcelik also got their hands dirty! The team managed to fill 20 black sacks with litter from the woodland. What a great day's work!
� Move forward � Work together � Working in the community � Want that job � Making IT work for you. Course member Anita Daniels said: “These six weeks courses are fantastic. It really does help with your self confidence. It also helps you realise your capabilities. A great course, I really enjoyed it.” The ‘Get On Plus’ project, funded by the Big Lottery, will run more courses later this year. Please contact our Sussex Community Development Team to find out more and register. Or visit our website: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/getonplus
Clearing out the rubbish
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
7
East Sussex Area Panel 0300 123 6010 eastsussexap@amicushorizon.org.uk
Welcome to Dan
Farewell to Loz
A big welcome to Dan Lake who joined the East Sussex Area Panel. He’s a member of two Residents’ Associations in Rye and loves to get involved with his local community. Dan’s worked in customer service and wants to help shape AmicusHorizon services in his neighbourhood, and make a difference. Dan’s keen to identify local issues for discussion.
Loz is taking a break from the Area Panel. She’s made a big contribution and represented her communities’ views. A big ‘thank you’ to Loz for the enthusiasm and energy she’s given to the panel during her time as a member. Loz will continue to be involved as a Green Ambassador.
Youth have a say
Tucking in!
Cooking up a storm! Residents and their children enjoyed cooking sessions, learning how to make healthy meals on a budget. Our Community Development Team organised three family cooking courses in Rye, Hastings and Netherfield. The sessions were run by Community Chef, Olly Dawson. Fourteen parents and 32 children worked together to create some delicious dishes including pasta with homemade sauce, stir fries, flat bread and soups. For more information about future activities please contact our Sussex Community Development Team.
8
Members of the Sussex Youth Forum visited the Area Panel to discuss local issues. The four young people came along and talked to the panel about the services they’d like to see improved in their local area. Graham Morrow, Resident Involvement Manager, said: “We want the young people to have access to the right people, who can help them achieve the changes they want to make.”
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
DIY SOS success Camber Memorial Hall has been transformed thanks to the volunteers on our hugely successful DIY SOS programme. The DIY SOS programme offers a group of unemployed and low waged volunteers the opportunity to learn DIY and decorating skills over a five week course. They meet in local community venues, for four hours, twice a week and learn tips and techniques they can use at home and to gain employment. The project, in its second year, has just completed work on its fifth community venue, Camber Memorial Hall and doctors' surgery. At the event volunteers were presented with certificates of achievement, fantastic decorating kits and vouchers to use at Brewers Decorating Store. One volunteer was supported in gaining his Constructions Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card during the course. Two others are booked to take their tests in the coming weeks.
DIY SOS participants and staff
The card supports employment as evidence of occupational competence. DIY SOS participant Zoe Clark, aged 21, said: “I learnt so much. The people are welcoming and informative. I’ll definitely be doing a lot more DIY now.” We’ll be running more DIY SOS courses in Sussex over the next 12 months. If you’d like to get involved please contact our Sussex Community Development Team.
Generation art Later in the year we’re holding an art exhibition featuring the work of older adults. If you’re over 55 and have an artistic streak we’d love to exhibit your work. We’re holding the event to celebrate International Older Adults Day on 1 October 2013. If you’ve got work to exhibit or would like more information please contact Linda Benson or Zoe Jackson on 0800 121 60 60.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
9
Our performance
Sussex performance - how are we doing? Repairs Performance indicator % of repairs completed first time
April 2012 – March 2013 92.2%
Our target 93%
So far this year we've completed 92.2% of repairs first time. We're looking at how we can improve our repairs service (see page 12 for more details).
Lettings Performance indicator Average time to re let homes – general needs
April 2012March 2013 15.8 days
Our target 15 days
On average we took 15.8 days to relet homes. This means less homes standing empty and more income to improve our services.
Income Performance indicator
March 2013
% rent arrears
1.93%
Target to end March 2013 1.35%
A big thank you to those of you paying your rent on time. If you’re struggling to pay your rent please contact our Income Officers, they can help you.
Anti social behaviour (ASB) Performance indicator Satisfaction with handling of anti social behaviour
April 2012 - March 2013 89%
Our target 91%
We’re committed to making our neighbourhoods safe and peaceful. If you experience ASB, please call us today.
10 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
The happening
Here’s what’s happening for young people around Sussex...
Art to art Respond Academy is a high profile charity alternative education and youth project based in St Leonards. They provide opportunities for young people to gain new skills in music, media and the arts. The charity is led by JC McFee. The young people have visited Parliament and met Shadow Deputy Prime Minister Harriet Harman. They’ve also been invited by local MP Amber Rudd to be a part of an enquiry looking at unwanted teenage pregnancy. We’ve worked with the Academy for three years providing outlets for their talent. Their up and coming musicians have played at many of our activities, in return for sponsorship of equipment and expenses. To further promote the talent of their young members we’ve arranged to borrow some of their artwork. Their work will be on display and for sale at our Watch Oak office in Battle, so pop in and take a look! Some of the artwork is displayed below.
Wilderness survival The ‘Wilderness Survival’ course is a fun outdoor event teaching children the skills needed to survive in the wilderness. On this course they’ll be trained to make campfires, build shelters and how to navigate around the countryside. If you’re aged between 8-13 years, why not get involved and learn: Wilderness survival Basic first aid Map reading Basic shelter building Campfire building skills Basic woodcraft skills. To book your place or for more information please contact: Zoe Jackson, Senior Community Worker.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
11 11
Your Home
Your views
Improving repair times We know the time it takes us to do a repair is important to you. So we're changing how we measure a repair job. We’ll look at how long it takes from the day you report the repair until the whole job is finished. That way we’ll know if we’re doing our best. At the moment we measure how long it takes to complete each part of a repair job. Each separate trade is given a different target time. We’ll be testing this new system and the Repairs and Maintenance Panel (RAMP) will look at the results. If it works well, we’ll be rolling it out in London and Kent later in the year!
Need extra help? Are you aged 65 or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment? Is there no one living with you who could help you with minor repairs? Ask about our added value services:
Our strategy for repairs and maintenance is approaching its final year. We hope you’ll agree our service has improved. But it’s time to rethink our plans for the next three years. And we’re aiming high, we want to provide the best repairs service in the UK! This summer we’ll be out and about seeking your views. We’ve five short questions about the repairs service. For us to improve we need to know what you think. You can also visit our website to complete the survey at: www.AmicusHorizon.org. uk/yourview Or pop into any of our area offices and tell us your views. The survey also asks your views on Communications and Resident Involvement.
Decorating Gardening Handyperson Contact us or visit: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/ addedvalue
12 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Repairs and Maintenance Panel (RAMP)
Our Monitors enjoy meeting other residents. They feel being a fellow resident means they get a very honest response to the questions asked.
Are you interested in improving repairs? Our Resident Monitors check your experience of our repairs service. Monitors visit residents along with our Technical Inspectors at the end of a repair job. They ask questions about the quality of the service you received. They also look at the work that’s been carried out by our contractors.
Could you be a Resident Monitor? Do you have a morning or afternoon spare each month? Would you like to join the team? You’ll receive expert training and support. To find out more please contact Jill Kent, Partnership Development Manager.
Good to get away!
The year ahead
Our Repairs and Maintenance Panel (RAMP) enjoyed an away day to consider a few hot topics. They discussed:
RAMP have a busy year ahead. Here’s just some of the things they’ll be looking at:
� How a contractor must behave in your home
Helping us plan our repiars and maintenance priorities for the next three years
� The training needs of our new procurement panel
How we improve our Heating Policy
� RAMP’s work plan for the year ahead
Ways to help you keep your energy bills down.
They also agreed to recruit and train 15 new Resident Monitors.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
13
Your Green page
Grow for show! Residents and staff are working to create a garden that’ll be showcased at the Kent County Show on 12-14 July 2013. The garden includes herbs, vegetables, a small fruit tree and fragrant flowers. The showcase garden sits alongside a tatty plot of the same size, showing what can be done without spending lots of money. It’s also environmentally friendly and sustainable. The vision has become a reality with the hard work of residents and staff and help from contractor Blenwood Grounds Maintenance, and David and Sallie Shaw from Swale in Bloom. Children from The Abbey School in Faversham have also contributed to the design.
Why not come along and see them at the Kent County Show? And while you’re there, visit our IFORE stand… We’d love to see you at the show, so we’re giving away four sets of family tickets worth £37. Just answer this question:
Q. Children from which school have helped design our garden? Send your answer, along with your name and contact details to the Freepost address on the back page or email: comms@amicushorizon.org.uk Deadline: Monday 8 July 2013.
A ‘smoothie’ ride Our IFORE Team will also have a stand at the Kent County Show. IFORE (Innovation for Renewal) is our international sustainability project in Rushenden, Kent. The project aims to reduce our residents’ energy use by 80 percent. The team will be explaining the innovative technologies they use as well as their community engagement work. The team will also be showcasing their ‘smoothie bikes’. The bikes offer visitors the chance to make an energy efficient fruit smoothie drink. The blending is all done via pedal power! Find out more about IFORE at: www.amicushorizon.org. uk/IFORE
Little green bag give away Pop into your local Area Office and pick up your free green bag today! Packs include: � An energy saving light bulb and stickers to remind you to switch off and save � Water saving devices for your shower and toilet � Room thermometers to help you control the temperature of your home. If you’d like to request a bag and are unable to get to your local offi ce, speak to your Housing Officer or email: thegreenplan@amicushorizon.or g.uk
14 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
If you’d like to read the Residents’ Council meeting minutes please visit: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/ResidentsCouncil
Meet Rachel! Rachel Kemp has been a member of the East Sussex Area Panel for two years. She’s recently been voted onto the Residents’ Council. Why did you become an involved resident? “AmicusHorizon is good at getting residents involved. If others see that I can have an influence on services, it might encourage them to get involved too.” Why did you join Residents’ Council? “I joined because I wanted to be part of the decision making process. As involved residents
Residents’ Council
we want to improve services on behalf of other residents. By being on the Residents Council I feel I can get things done.” What will you be focusing on: “There’s not one particular area I’ll focus on. I just want to listen to other residents, represent them and make a difference.” Fun fact about Rachel: Her favourite album of all time is ‘21’ by Adele!
Could you be a Board Member for AmicusHorizon? Our Board is looking for a resident member to help deliver our vision for the best service and performance. Are you able to: � Influence what AmicusHorizon does on behalf of all residents? � Challenge and communicate effectively? � Work as part of a team? � Give us your time and commitment?
This is a paid position and you’ll receive: £7,175 per year plus expenses. We’ll give you a full induction and ongoing training. If you’re interested, contact Tracey Wellard, Governance Officer for more details. We’ll be running information sessions in July and August 2013. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the role and the recruitment and selection process.
Please contact Tracey Wellard, Governance Officer, for further information or to book a place on an information session. Email: tracey.wellard@amicushorizon.org.uk or telephone: 01795 434273. Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
15
Summer word search Fancy winning £25 in high street vouchers? Then give our summer word search a go. This time the theme is sporting activities. The competition closes on Friday 2 Aug 2013. Congratulations to Deborah Stewart from St Leonards-on-Sea our spring word search winner! n Hockey n Swimming n Netball n Tennis n Football
n Rugby n Cycling n Rowing n Athletics n Bowls
A Q W R S
E B S W O B
T D G Y W T H C C P L
I
E N N
I
S
T N F R U Y
Y H N M E N O G B A
E C O N M W B O W L I
I
S
T
L
S
X
Y
T U C T
I
I
K E N E
T
B A L
L
C N R U G B Y A R K H S G R R U G H
L Q R E
R O W
I
N G W L E D H
T N E
S
I
H O C K E
Y
Please fill in your contact details: Name:...................................................... Address:................................................... ................................................................. ...............................Post code:................. Telephone:.............................................. Mobile: ����������������������������������������������������� Email: ������������������������������������������������������� Freepost RSBU-ASLS-XTXZ AmicusHorizon PO Box 322 SITTINGBOURNE ME9 8PQ
Residents designing this year’s annual review
Rave reviews A huge ‘thank you’ to all the residents who attended our Annual Review Design Day. It was fantastic to see such a great turn out of residents both young and old! Residents and staff looked at the design of this year's Annual Review. They commented on themes, layout, language and style. They also enjoyed learning more about social media. We’d also like to thank all the residents who voted for their favourite Annual Review on our Facebook page. Look out for your Annual Review in September 2013. It’s been designed by residents for residents!
..
t. Tell us what you wan
Would you like to receive this newsletter by email? Do you ever use our website or Facebook page? Would you like to see more of our services available online? Later in the year we'll be writing our Communications Strategy for the next three years. And we'd like to know what your thoughts are. Over the summer we'll be consulting with you at our events and in our neighbourhoods. You can also give your feedback online by completing a short survey, it only takes a few minutes. Simply visit: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/ yourview You can also give your views on our Asset Management and Resident Involvement services.
Please remember to send us your stories, articles and ideas, you might see them in the next edition.
16 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk