ex ss Su
Spring 2014
www.amicushorizon.org.uk
rate! b e l e c s t n e d Torfield resi ore m d a e r o t 7 e g Turn to pa
Win a ÂŁ12,000 big break from your bills! Simply sign up for Direct Debit. Turn to page 2 to read more
Like us
Follow us
Watch us
My AmicusHorizon
Available on Google Play and iTunes
Welcome
Welcome to the spring 2014 edition of news&views. The New Year is well under way and this newsletter is jam packed with news and information for you! There are also several competitions to enter. So, why not give them a go? Please remember to send us your stories, articles and ideas, you might see them in the next edition.
News&views is going digital – sign up to receive your paperless newsletter!
Rent payment reminder Your rent and service charges may change from April 2014. If you’re affected, our Finance Team will have written to you with all the details. Don’t forget to keep up with the new payments. If you pay by Direct Debit, we’ll change your payment. If you pay by standing order, you’ll need to tell your bank. If you need advice or support with any changes, please contact us.
Later this year you’ll be able to receive news&views via email. This will save money and the environment and be more convenient for you. Sign up using the reply slip on the back page of this newsletter. Or, email your name, address and tenancy reference number to: contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk and we’ll update your records.
WIN – A big break from your bills! It’s not too late to sign up and pay your rent and service charges by Direct Debit! If you sign up by June this year we’ll enter you in a prize draw to win £12,000. That’s a whole year of bills taken care of! And it gets better, because if you're already paying your rent by Direct Debit you will still be entered into the draw. Call us today and find out more about Direct Debit, the easy way to pay!
2
Contains material sourced from responsibly managed forests, certified in accordance with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
Did you know? You can pay on the go! You can pay your rent from your smart phone or tablet! Simply download the Allpay app for free from the iTunes Store or Google Play Store.
When you finish with news&views please pass onto a friend or recycle it.
www.recyclenow.com
Your AmicusHorizon
Keep your contents covered We’ve had some bad weather over the last few months, from flooding to high winds. We’ve been offering lots of support and advice to many residents who have been affected. And one thing we’ve been highly recommending is that you take out a contents insurance policy. Contents insurance is your responsibility and a policy will ensure your possessions are safe in the unlikely event of an incident. Contents insurance should cover your household items against loss or damage by theft, fire,
Thinking about older people Staff and residents got together for our first TOP (Think Older People) event in February. The day was an opportunity to discuss the kind of homes older people want to live in and the support they may need. Many of the residents on our Older People’s Forum spoke about their priorities. These included: M atching our homes to those who need them – letting adapted properties to disabled residents, and freeing up family homes by supporting people who want to downsize Enabling older residents to live independently for
explosion, water and flood, lightning or earthquake. But you need to check with your insurance provider exactly what you are covered for. We're working together with the National Housing Federation to provide an affordable contents insurance scheme. For more information please contact us on 0800 121 60 60 or visit our website: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/contentsinsurance
longer. Providing residents with accommodation where they can access support but remain independent Being great communicators and ensuring older residents know how we can help. Not only do we need to be thinking about what our older residents want now - we need to plan for future generations. If you’d like to get involved in our Older People’s Forums please contact your local Resident Involvement Team.
It's in the bank! We’re helping residents find the right bank account to prepare for the introduction of Universal Credit. From April 2014 the Government will start merging some benefits and tax credits into one monthly payment. If you receive these benefits your payment will be made straight into a bank account. So it’s important you’ve got a bank account and are able to budget for the month. For more information and advice, speak to Wayne McQuaid, our Financial Inclusion Co-ordinator, on 0800 121 60 60.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
3
Sussex news
Spring is on its way! We’re collecting unwanted items to help new residents who have nothing when they move into their new home. And we want to stop items being dumped in communal areas. So if you’re having a spring clean, you can donate your: Crockery
DIY SOS volunteers
Furniture Wooden or metal bed frames Tables, sideboards and chairs Please no soft furnishings. Our team can collect from your door. Help us to help others! For more information contact the Sussex Community Development Team on 0800 121 60 60.
ng is “Spri way” on it’s
FRE E
c by oollectio ur t n eam s
We’re collecting unwanted items to help our residents who have nothing when they move in. We want to stop items being dumped in communal areas when residents no longer want them. We’ve lots of easy ways you can donate your l Crockery l Furniture, wooden or metal bed frames, tables, sideboards, chairs, please no soft furnishing The AmicusHorizon team can collect from your door Our Housing teams are working together...... Sheltered schemes, Community Development and Anti- Behaviour team...help us to help others
“say yes to recycling” on contact For more informati Sussex ....................
and training may vary. monitored for quality mobiles and other networks 434 606. Calls may be recorded and landline, charges from 01795 *Calls free from a BT cheaper for you to dial a mobile, it may be **If you are calling from
4
DIY SOS to the rescue! Our DIY SOS volunteers have given the Hastings & Bexhill Mencap Society building a fantastic make over. The 14 dedicated team members spent five weeks brightening up the St Leonards-on-Sea venue which supports local people with learning disabilities. Their work included painting all the walls and ceilings in the community hall, decorating the kitchen area and removing and replacing dado rails. The DIY SOS programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, offers a group of unemployed and low waged volunteers the opportunity to learn DIY and decorating skills over a five week course. Pauline Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Hastings & Bexhill Mencap Society, was delighted. She said: “The standard of work has been really high and very professional. They’ve all worked extremely hard.” DIY SOS participant Stuart Bowers said: “The course was excellent and I learnt so much!” Further DIY SOS courses will take place later this year in Hastings, Winchelsea, Eastbourne and St Leonards. To get involved call the Sussex Community Development Team or email: contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk
purposes.
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Coastal Space project gives welcome boost to St Leonards! We’ve converted 11 run down bedsits in Stockleigh Road, St Leonards into seven high quality apartments for local people. The seven new homes are the first to be delivered as part of our Coastal Space regeneration project. The project will see £6.2m invested in 51 homes for local people.
The £700,000 investment at Stockleigh Road includes a spacious three bedroom flat with a private garden, as well as a mixture of one and two bedroom flats with a shared garden. All the homes have been rented to local people in housing need. Contractors are also on site in Carisbrooke Road, St Shared garden in Stockleigh Road Leonards for the next phase of Leonards by assisting local the project. people into jobs, training and support. In addition to the property development, Coastal Space For information visit: is committed to helping the www.amicushorizon.org. wider regeneration of St uk/CoastalSpace
Why don’t you…‘get on’ board a training course? Our ‘Get On Plus’ programme is aimed at local unemployed and low waged people. It’s a motivational programme designed to help people develop the skills and confidence to get involved in their communities.
Get On Plus participants receive their certificates
The practical courses include: First Aid Floristry Cake decorating Woodwork Head massage Confidence building Making IT work for you.
Project Officer Angela Sharman said: “These courses are fun and informal. They offer a great opportunity to make friends and learn something new.” Taster sessions and courses will run from May-July in Bexhill. Help with childcare and transport costs is available. If you’d like to find out more information, contact the Sussex Community Development Team or text ‘Get on Plus’ to 07815 575753 and we’ll call you back.
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
5
Hastings Area Panel
0300 123 6010 hastingsap@amicushorizon.org.uk
The power of three! The Hastings Area Panel has agreed the following priorities for the coming year, starting in April 2014. These are: 1. Young people and families The Area Panel will support projects aimed at helping young people and families. For example: supporting youth clubs and providing funding for family events. 2. Neighbourhoods The panel will continue to develop their understanding of how neighbourhoods tick and how we tackle issues like anti social behaviour if they arise. They’ll also look at how we can improve neighbourhoods through Local Improvement Fund projects or estate action days. They’ll also work more closely with residents' groups to improve three Hastings community centres. 3. Elderly and vulnerable
Easter egg extravaganza! Members of the Hastings Area Panel and our Homes and Communities staff will be out and about this Easter. Look out for them on your estate giving out Easter eggs. It’s a great chance to have a chat with them about our services, your welfare benefit queries and any estate issues you might have. For dates and times please check our Facebook page or contact the Sussex Resident Involvement Team on 0800 121 60 60 or 01795 434 606
The panel will support projects offering help to the most vulnerable residents. For example: Money Matters courses, food bank parcels and the assisted furniture voucher scheme. They’ll support a project to improve the thermal efficiency and fuel affordability of 1,525 homes in Hastings through an energy efficiency programme. And they’ll ensure AmicusHorizon provide services for older residents to help them at home.
'Crash course' in first aid We're running a two day, first aid training course on 15 and 16 May. Participants will face road accident scenarios whilst under the instruction of emergency service staff. For full details please contact Zoe Jackson on 0800 121 60 60. 6
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Four Courts garden club The estate improvements at the Four Courts have been hugely supported by the Four Courts gardening club. This group of residents work hard to create beautiful borders, planters and pots. The group meet regularly and have received Local Improvement Funding from the Hastings Area Panel. Their work has really improved the appearance outside the Four Courts. All we need now is some sunshine!
Planting trees at the Four Courts
Tree hugging! We’ve recently planted 30 trees at Stonehouse Drive, St Leonards around the Four Courts estate. We’ve also given the existing young trees some extra attention. We’ve put in ‘mulch pits’ around all the trees to keep them healthy and protect them from damage caused by grass cutters. The new trees were selected specifically for the area and have been positioned in clusters to make focal points across the estate. These are noticeable from the moment you arrive on the estate and local residents have told us they really like the improvements.
Green fingered residents have been busy!
Torfield celebrate Residents of Torfield Housing for Older People (HOPs) scheme in Hastings celebrated the £1.1 million scheme refurbishment with a pancake event on Shrove Tuesday. It was flippin' fantastic!
Residents and staff at Torfield scheme
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
7
East Sussex 0300 123 6010 eastsussexap@amicushorizon.org.uk Area Panel
East Sussex Area Panel
The Panel’s three priorities for 2014/15
Support local furniture projects. 2. Neighbourhoods Continue with parking project to improve areas
The panel held their regional priority and budget-setting Improve access around meeting. They agreed their new estates – wheelchair users, priorities for 2014/2015: buggies, etc 1. Elderly and vulnerable Continue with environmental improvements using our Local Support events and projects to Environmental Action Fund tackle isolation (LEAF)/Local Improvement Increase activities with the Fund budgets help of the Community Support gardening projects Development and Resident Involvement Teams Hold estate action days, skip days and community events. Promote the added value services – gardening/ 3. Children and families decorating/handyperson Continue to support those Review scheme plans affected by welfare reform Continue to support those Support training and affected by welfare reform activities to help people get back into work 8
Support activities and community projects eg, DIY SOS, Motiv8, Get On Plus, parenting skills, make it project, cookery classes and first aid courses Support projects with local schools Support local food banks.
Date for your diary East Sussex Area Panel meet at The Watch Oak, Battle from 6-8pm on 8 May 2014. You are welcome to attend. Please contact Karen Earl, Resident Governance Officer on 0800 121 60 60.
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Cooking up a storm! We teamed up with our local partnering contractors to install a new kitchen at Kingsmere Estate Community Hall. Local contractors 'Hedley Visicks Ltd' and 'CDS Ltd' provided labour and materials, while kitchen units were given by kitchen manufacturer Rixonway. The East Sussex Area Panel donated money to buy a new cooker. And ‘Places for People’ are providing funding so the Kingsmere residents can cook hot meals for the children at the youth club.
The Easter bunny is coming...
The secret to a long life…
The East Sussex Area Panel and our staff will be out and about this Easter. Go and see them to claim your free Easter egg! It’s also an opportunity to talk to them about our local services and how you can get involved with us.
Congratulations to Mrs Lyell who lives in Thornwood, Bexhill and recently turned 102!
Check our website and Facebook page for dates and times. Or call the Sussex Resident Involvement Team on 0800 121 60 60.
Her Housing Officer, Sarah Hillbrig, presented her with a bottle of sherry. Mrs Lyell says she has a small glass of sherry every night. Maybe this is the key to her longevity?!
Mrs Lyell with Sarah
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
9
Our performance in Sussex Repairs
Performance indicator
Our target
% repair satisfaction
98%
April 2013 to January 2014
Target met
98.29%
More than 98% of residents were satisfied with their repair, beating our target. This is great news!
Lettings
Performance indicator
Our target
April 2013 to January 2014
Average time to re-let homes – general needs
13.9 days
12.57 days
Target met
On average we took just under 13 days to relet homes. This means less homes standing empty and an increase in income to improve our services.
Income
Performance indicator
Target to end of January
January 2014
% rent arrears – general needs
3.21%
3.35%
Target met
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who paid their rent on time. If you’re struggling to pay your rent please contact our Income Officers, they're here to help.
Anti social behaviour (ASB)
Performance indicator
Satisfaction with handling of anti social behaviour
Our target
April 2013 to January 2014
93%
94.55%
Target met
This year so far more than 94% of residents said they were satisfied with how we handled their ASB case. We're committed to providing safe and peaceful neighbourhoods. Our Anti Social Behaviour Teams are here to help, so please get in touch if you need to.
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...
AmicusHorizon and Respond Academy By Hannah Fisher, aged 17 "I am Hannah, a member of Respond Academy; they help support me in my interests such as photography. AmicusHorizon kindly helped me by donating a camera to Respond Academy and by using me as a lead photographer at some of their events. This has really helped me with my photography skills. AmicusHorizon has also helped me in other ways, such as paying travel expenses. Working as a photographer in different social settings has also helped me to improve with my school work. It's helped me to socialise with a range of people and helped me to become more confident. Without the support of AmicusHorizon, I would struggle to fulfil my interests in photography and broaden my horizons as an artist. Having a professional camera allows me to take my photography further and I've gained qualifications in photography. In July 2013 with Respond Academy I achieved my Silver Arts Awards. Using a camera and taking photographs has been a positive experience for me and I'm grateful for this."
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
XXXXXXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXX XX
Campfire building skills Basic woodcraft skills. To book your place or for more information please contact: Zoe Jackson on 0800 121 60 60. Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
11 11
Your Home
New heating contractor for London and Surrey Annual gas inspection is a must! Every year our contractors must carry out a gas inspection in your home, it’s a legal requirement. This is for your own safety and it’s really important you stick to your appointment. If your gas inspection is due please make the appointment today.
Since January this year BSW Heating has been servicing and maintaining heating and hot water for all our London and Surrey residents. BSW Heating is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 0208 763 3993 or free phone 0800 142 2760 or email: enquiries@bsw-heating.com
In a recent case in Lambeth, a court ordered a resident to pay £750 for failing to allow us access to their home for a gas inspection.
Need help around the home and garden? Last year we launched three new added value services: • Gardening – a complete gardening service in the growing season • Decorating – we’ll decorate one room every three years • Handyperson – for a variety of minor jobs around the home. The services are there for our residents who need them most, so eligibility criteria apply. Contact us and ask about our new added value services. If you’re not eligible we may be able to help you find an alternative local agency. Call us on 0800 121 60 60 or visit: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/addedvalue
Top tips for trees In the recent stormy and wet weather, we’ve had lots of calls from residents when trees have fallen down. We can deal with trees in communal areas but any trees in your garden are your responsibility. You need to: • Regularly remove any dead wood • Prune trees between November and March • Remove mushrooms at the base of the tree • If there are cracks or cavities in the trunk or large branches have fallen off you may need to employ a tree surgeon. We can advise you further.
12 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Repairs and Maintenance Panel (RAMP)
Beware of Japanese Knotweed Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive plant, it can grow up to 10 feet tall and very quickly take over a garden. It can also cause damage to paths and brickwork. Penny Walker, Chair of London RAMP says: “We know lots of residents are worried about this plant." How do you know if you’ve got it? • It’s lush green in colour with shovel shaped leaves • It has a stem which is bamboo like in appearance and grows in a zig zag pattern • And it produces white flowers around September or October.
New web page Have you seen our new repairs advice pages on the web? There’s lots of great information, much of it suggested by the residents on your Repairs and Maintenance Panels (RAMP).
It’s vital you remove all of the plant above and below the ground. Because it’s considered “controlled waste”, you need to take it to a licensed landfill site. Don’t put it in with your general composting. If you suspect you have Japanese Knotweed, contact us and we can advise you further.
Visit: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/repairs Here are just some of the great things you’ll find: • How to report your repairs online • The level of service you can expect • If you’ll be charged for a repair • 'Frequently Asked Questions' about fire safety and asbestos. You’ll even find our fantastic seasonal tips about looking after your home and garden!
Japanese Knotweed in flower
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
13
Your services
Living her dream Emma has lived in a Casa Support Learning Disability scheme in Croydon for the past 10 years. During the Paralympics in 2012 Emma was inspired to develop her swimming skills. Emma spoke with her key worker, who encouraged her to ‘go for it’!
Green Ambassador Training Day
Energy event In February we held our Green Ambassador training day. Around 30 Green Ambassadors met in Tonbridge to gain new knowledge around reducing energy, waste and water use in their homes. The day covered: Composting Recycling Reducing water use Reducing energy use Tariff switching. It was also an opportunity for residents to give their ideas for our Sustainability Strategy 2015.
Emma was supported to visit her local swimming pool. Her aim was to compete in the Halliwick, Association of Swimming Therapy Gala in September 2013. She enjoyed the training and worked on her speed and stamina. By September she felt ready to compete. On the competition day, Emma felt nervous yet confident. Family came to support her at Sevenoaks Swimming Pool. Emma watched her team members competing and felt proud to be a part of it all. When her turn came, her team cheered her on. She swam brilliantly and came third, receiving a medal for her achievements. She felt proud, excited and relieved. Emma is going to compete next September and is aiming for second place! Emma’s been an inspiration to her friends and family and now her nephew has started taking swimming lessons. Emma would like to thank all the staff at Dagmar Road for their support.
Green Ambassador Ludmila Cavendish said: “The event was helpful and teachers were knowledgeable, the workshops were very good.” For more information or if you would like to become a Green Ambassador please contact Bianca Difolco or Jade Wilson on 0800 121 60 60 or email: thegreenplan@amicushorizon.org.uk
Emma with her medal!
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
The Dorn Moller Award Monica at the award ceremony
She’s a winner! Congratulations to our Resident Councils' Vice Chair, Monica Barnes, who was named TPAS (Tenant Empowerment Organisation) Tenant of the Year, Southern Region at a recent award ceremony. Monica has spent 30 years helping to improve people's lives. She works with various agencies to tackle gun and knife crime, drugs and anti social behaviour. And she works tirelessly for her fellow AmicusHorizon residents. Well done Monica!
Conference is a first
Residents’ Council
The Dorn Moller Award 2013
Thank you for all the nominations for this year’s Dorn Moller award. The award recognises an individual or group who make an outstanding contribution to their local community. The Residents' Council will carefully consider all nominations. The winner will be announced in the next edition of news&views.
Congratulations Beth!
Our first governance conference brought together staff and all members of our governance structure including Area Panel and Residents’ Council members. Our senior staff team held a ‘Question Time’ so delegates could challenge them on current issues. The day also included workshop sessions on Customer Service, Scrutiny and ‘Housing Hot Topics’.
Former East Kent Area Panel member, Beth Williams, has recently been appointed as a Resident Board member of AmicusHorizon.
Chair of Residents’ Council, Glen Cady, explained: “Every governance member has an important role in influencing the external environment. The conference reinforced individual roles and increased awareness of how members can make Governance Team an impact where they live.”
Beth made a big contribution to the Area Panel and Residents’ Council, and will be a great asset to the Board. We wish her well in her new role.
Beth Williams
Sky community channel - 539 Virgin community channel - 233 Smartphone - My Landlord app
15
Your notice board
Need help with a financial dispute?
Spring word search Fancy winning £25 in high street vouchers? Then give our spring word search a go. This time the theme is the circus. The competition closes on Friday 2 May 2014. Congratulations to Mr Hayes of St Leonards on Sea, our winter word search winner! n Clown n Juggler n Trapeze n Acrobat n Show C
n Elephant n Fun n Ringmaster n Tickets n Popcorn
£25
L O W N Q W E R T
Y U F
I
O P A S D F
U G G L
R I
G
J
T
K N P O P C O R N G
I
L
T
R A P
E R H J E
Are you having a financial dispute? Perhaps you’ve had issues with a payday loan, insurance payment or credit card charges? The Financial Ombudsman Service resolves complaints between consumers and businesses when the two sides aren't able to sort it themselves. Their service is free for consumers and aims to resolve issues quickly and informally, without going to court. For more information about the Financial Ombudsman visit: www.financialombudsman.org.uk or call 0800 023 4567.
N
Z E Z M
C X C V B N M Q W R A K
T
Y A C R O B A T
S
I
O P P A S D F
T
T
A S D S H O W A S
E
S
Z
X C V B N N M L
R
E
L
E
E U
P H A N T Q W E
Please fill in your contact details: Name:...................................................... Address:................................................... ...............................Post code:................. Telephone:.............................................. Mobile: ����������������������������������������������������� Email: ������������������������������������������������������� I'm happy to receive news&views by email from November 2014. Freepost RSBU-ASLS-XTXZ AmicusHorizon PO Box 322 SITTINGBOURNE ME9 8PQ
Communications staff collect the award
Excellent report! Last year we wanted to produce an annual report which was as resident-led and accessible as possible. Over 500 residents were involved with it, acquiring training in copywriting, design, photography and social media skills in the process. We’re pleased to say it worked, we’ve just won the TPAS award in the Southern Region for Excellence in Annual Reports. We’re now looking for residents who’d like to get involved with the design of this year's annual report. To find out more please call our Communications Team or email: comms@amicushorizon.org.uk
16 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk