Spring
2016
News for Bristol City Council tenants
WIN a Room Makeover! Bristol: Learning City Active in the community
Meet the tenants
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
Blooming rewards
Welcome to the spring issue of We’ve plenty to tell you about what’s happening in Housing, including national changes to welfare benefits. There’s also lots happening in Bristol which, in 2016, became England’s first, official Learning City. We are committed to promoting learning opportunities for everyone to enjoy, please see Page 6 for how to get involved. Meanwhile, our Housing Scrutiny Panel (HSP) works with the council to help ensure high quality services are delivered. It looks at issues affecting tenants and leaseholders and makes recommendations for improvement.
Written, designed and printed by Bristol City Council. BD7880 April 2016
The panel explains: “The HSP is keen to hear from tenants of all ages who could join us. We act on issues raised by tenant groups and through performance records such as annual reports and satisfaction surveys. Once evaluated, if the Panel agrees, we will investigate, check the evidence and make recommendations to the Housing Management Board for action.
Mary Ryan and Steven Barrett – Service Directors, Housing Delivery
This process does need some of your time and attention but if you want to be involved in supporting successful tenancies we’d love to hear from you. It’s also a great learning opportunity and training will be provided to develop your scrutiny skills. Please contact us – we’ll accomplish more if you join us! (See details on page 7]”
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Spring shoots came early this year and Housing News popped over to Burchell’s Green to check the results of last autumn’s bulb-planting by local residents. Crocuses and daffs have sprung forth to brighten up the verges and green spaces (see below) – great news for people in the area. We spoke to local neighbours enjoying the blooms with us. Comments included, “It’s lovely to see”. “Something so simple can make such a difference” and “Children do play here as there aren’t many other places for them nearby – but it’s very pretty”. See if your ideas could get Environment Improvement Budget funding or other Neighbourhood support: bristol.gov.uk/eib
• T he editorial team for Housing
News welcomes tenants of all ages to help produce this magazine (see contacts below).
Good News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Keep calm and work together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 News in brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 In the know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Energy and benefits advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 9 Meet the tenants. Neighbourhood activities. . . . . . . 10–11 Decorate a Room competition. Household Support. 12–13 Save time – do it online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What’s on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Get in touch – contact council housing services . . . . . . 16 Housing News is published three times a year and delivered to every city council home. To contact us email tpu@bristol.gov.uk, call 0117 352 1444 or write to:
Good news!
Freepost RTKJ-SGBZ-ULSH, Tenant Participation (SAH), Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS. (no stamp needed) Cover pictures: Hannah and Amber – see competition pp12–13 Inset – Tony Grouvel and Spirit
If English is not your first language and you need a translation, we can get one for you. If you would like this information in another language, Braille, audio tape, large print, easy English, BSL, video or CD rom or plain text, please contact: 0117 352 5935
Get Housing News by email To switch to the email version of Housing News email tpu@bristol.gov.uk
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
The right home for you Following a successful 12-month trial, our UnderOccupation team is now a permanent council housing service. Since 2015 the scheme has helped 65 tenants move, free-ing up over 100 properties which were then offered to overcrowded families or other Bristol City Council tenants. 45% of the tenants helped by the team were affected by the Housing Benefit spare room subsidy (‘bedroom tax’). The team also saved £75,000 in adaptations costs by moving tenants to more suitable homes already adapted to meet their health needs.
Lucy (left) and Dean (right)
If you are under-occupying your homeand would like some help and advice on downsizing please contact the team at under.occupation@bristol.gov.uk
New council homes – update The latest new homes we are building are taking shape. Work on two of our sites started in November 2015. ●● The Ledbury Road site is taking shape with the
contractors building four, 4-bedroom, timberframe houses. These will make good use of a former garage site, built to Code 4 of the code for Sustainable Homes. The Houses are now up with roofs complete and are due for completion in July 2016. ●● The diggers have been busy at Kingsmarsh and
Baynton. 13 new homes will occupy two former
garages sites, again putting underused spaces to good purpose, and built to the same level of sustainability. Walls are going up, with work due for completion in December 2016. Work started in March 2015 at Butler House to create four houses and two bungalows. Due for completion in June. In Ashcroft Road & West Parade seven houses are making use of brownfield sites. At Chakeshill Drive, Satchfield Crescent, and Peverell Drive 20 flats and bungalows will be built on former garage sites. These should be finished at the end of 2016. We hope also to progress five sites in Lawrence Weston.
Kingsmarsh and Baynton
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News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
Keep calm and work together
Evacuation practice in North Bristol
Volunteers were tested too as we ‘evacuees’ were allowed to invent pretend facts about ourselves. There was something of the ‘spirit of the Blitz’ about the event as staff and evacuees looked after each other.
The animals
On a rainy January morning, Housing News joined volunteers and an energetic group of older council tenants on an evacuation exercise in Shirehampton. It was a practice held by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to test the city’s emergency procedures. These tests demonstrate what to expect and where to go in a citywide emergency. These include major gas leaks, security threats and severe weather problems. Practices consist of role-playing exercises to help everyone rehearse how to look after people and pets. Volunteers from around the council help run each exercise.
The tenants We met residents of Jim O’Neil House and Stow House – two of our sheltered housing schemes for older people. Tenant Mike Bryant, and pals, kept spirits high during our ‘evacuation’, onto the community bus, and to our rendezvous, the City & Port of Bristol Social & Sports Club, Nibley Rd. The building is one of page four
dozens of safe places Bristol has ready for real life emergencies. “These events help us prepare for emergencies by testing our whole plan. We practice everything as if it was real. It’s worth knowing where Bristol’s ‘community places of safety’ are. You can check the map online.” Nigel Parsons, Civil Protection Officer.
Reception volunteers issued us with identification tags, checked our medical needs, gave us refreshments and provided an Information zone, places to sit and talk, and somewhere for pets to bed down. Eve and Jane with dog, Ruby
Margaret’s dog Bonnie was in safe hands as the CPU is an award-winning team having taken Gold in the RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint Awards three times. Local animal charities, HorseWorld and Guide Dogs for the Blind, also took part in the test. Eve and Jane (pictured below) from Bristol Community Health were involved today as observers. They’re also looking after Ruby the dog. Said Eve, ‘We walked Ruby in from home – today we’re all evacuees! After a choice of hot food provided by Bristol Community Meals some participants continued for the duration of the exercise or, like Housing News, signed out to get the train – back to real life!
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
Volunteering is good for everyone involved! Where is my nearest Community Place of Safety? To find your nearest community place of safety, check online at: bristol.gov.uk/safeplaces
Being a volunteer is about giving your time to a good cause. You don’t get paid, but it’s a great way to support different communities or age groups, learn new skills or develop a talent, meet people, and get experience for your CV. In 2016 Bristol is a ‘Learning City’, so reap the rewards of giving some time for free if you can. Here’s our volunteering roadmap: lmost anyone can volunteer somehow, somewhere, as there ♥A
are over 600 different volunteer roles available in Bristol alone!
ombat loneliness with ‘befriending’. Communities are ♥C
stronger when they look out for each other. Two’s company!
♥ F eelgood factor. There’s pleasure that comes from making a
Be a blood donor
real difference to other people’s lives, as well as your own.
♥ Welcome aboard! You’ll be helping people and
organisations. You’ll also gain experience, so who knows, there might be a job at the end of it!
An amazing gift. Blood is required to treat people in accidents and emergencies, during surgery and in maternity care. It is also used to treat cancer and for blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia. You can register as a donor, find out about local sessions or book your donation through blood.co.uk or by using the ‘NHSGiveBlood’ smartphone app. Can I donate? Yes, if you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged 17 to 66 (70 if you have given blood before). Where? Bristol Donor Centre in Southmead Hospital, BS10 5LX is open Monday – Friday and alternate Sundays. Car parking is available for donors.
7 Top Opp’s… could this be you? Our list of volunteering opportunities:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Befriending. When did you last check in on Mrs Smith
down the road? bristol.gov.uk/befriendingvolunteer
Walking. Help adults to better health through walking:
bristol.gov.uk/walkvolunteer
Young people. Help Bristol to get young offenders back
on track: bristol.gov.uk/yot
Libraries. Discover how to be a library volunteer:
bristol.gov.uk/libraryvolunteer
Museums. Find out about museum volunteers:
bristol.gov.uk/museumvolunteering
Snow warden. Help Bristol in the winter months:
bristol.gov.uk/snowwardens
ore ideas for new volunteers: M volunteerbristol.org.uk/firststeps
page five
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
News in brief Twinnell looking up but block inspectors wanted Easton’s Twinnell House has had a transformation. A smart, new bricktype finish covers the specially insulated walls. This spring Housing News biked by to admire the tower from the new cycle/walkway opposite. But all of our towers and walk-up blocks could use your help. Can you spare some time
to be a ‘block inspector’? Contact 0117 922 2200 (option 5), or email: caretaking@bristol.gov.uk
EU Referendum:
make sure you can vote! Don’t miss having your say on whether the UK remains in, or leaves, the European Union. You can register to vote online in just a few minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote You need to give your National Insurance number, date of birth and address.
Could you be a Shared Lives Carer? Shared Lives is a national initiative where carers open their homes, family and community lives to people aged 16 and over who need care and support. By offering a spare room, and your time, you could help a vulnerable adult to live well. Tenants can be shared lives carers too: you can use the spare bedroom and fees are paid to you. To find out more contact Bristol Shared Lives. Email: sharedlives@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 903 6680. You can write by Freepost (no stamp required) to: FREEPOST RTKJ-SGBZULSH, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS page six
e n u J 23
Register before 7 June or you’ll lose the opportunity. Can’t vote in person? You can still have your say via a postal or proxy vote (where a person you trust votes on your behalf). Find out how to apply at: bristol.gov.uk/elections
Do you know library opening hours? Bristol Libraries have been going through changes recently, with many changing their opening hours. The Central Library was closed in March to allow Cathedral Primary School building work to be carried out. Please support your libraries – they’re a great place to use computers and get some ideas in Learning City! Check changes at: bristol.gov.uk/librarychanges
Bristol has become England’s first official Learning City, as classified by UNESCO*, supporting the city’s commitment to create and promote learning for people of all ages, and backgrounds. Bristol is a great place to learn, with many opportunities available. Our schools are better than ever, our universities world-class, and our cultural organisations have lots on offer. But not everyone in Bristol gets the same opportunity to learn and prosper. Being a ‘learning city’ will help bring partners together to develop, promote and celebrate learning for all citizens and organisations. In 2016, everyone is being encouraged to learn something new and promote the benefits of lifelong learning to others. Love Learning activities and events will be promoted around the city, providing useful tips, inspiration and ideas for how to get involved. For more information, visit bristollearningcity.com facebook.com/ BristolLearningCity *UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
Help us maintain your home
Bristol’s new housing strategy Bristol’s new housing strategy has now been published. Called ‘More than a Roof’ it sets out Bristol’s plans to address housing-related issues over the next five years. The city’s important challenges for 2016 – 2020 include a serious shortage of housing, particularly affordable housing for low-income households. The strategy presents plans to address these problems. Work will now begin on an action plan to deliver the new strategy. For a copy of ‘More than a Roof’ please visit: bristol.gov.uk/housingstrategy
sing l’s Hou Bristo 2020 2016 −
gy Strate
Your health and safety is our priority and it’s our legal duty to rewire a property when it is due. This means we must access your home as soon as possible to do
the work. When you receive written notice about rewiring your home, please discuss it with us. Contact details will be on the letter. You can also find out about other issues we can help you with. bristol. gov.uk/electrictestingsurvey
The Housing Scrutiny Panel wants your help! o you want to have a say on •D
how your housing service works? • Got ideas, or want to learn new skills? ant to meet new people and •W work together? If so, the Housing Scrutiny Panel (HSP) wants to hear from you. We are a small team of council tenants and leaseholders who have a big say in the management of council homes. Our important role helps improve council housing for current and future tenants.
What’s on offer?
Book a free, 2hr taster session. Ask questions and see if this is for you! To book an afternoon or early evening slot, email hsp@bristol. gov.uk or phone: 0117 352 1444. For tenants of all ages.
More information: bristol.gov.uk/hsp
Interested but can’t attend? Contact HSP as above or write to us (no stamp required): Freepost RTKJ-SGBZ-ULSH, Housing Scrutiny Panel (SAH), Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, BS3 9FS
• Friendly faces • A volunteering opportunity eet and work with •M
new people L • earning & training – great for your CV! • References for volunteers • R efreshments & reasonable travel expenses.
2015 HSP member talks with managers
Taster Days: 24 May (book by Friday, 20 May) and 7 June 2016 (book by Friday, 3 June), Bristol Tenants Resource Centre, 4 Waring House, Redcliff Hill, Bristol BS1 6TB
Buses: 24, 75, 76, 90 and A1 to and from Redcliffe Hill. travelwest.info/journeyplanner Map © Bristol Design
page seven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
Doorstep selling by energy companies Someone knocks on your door and says, ‘We can save you money on your energy bills!’ Check they are a genuine salesperson, and if their offer is the best. Here are four points to check:
1 Think it over in your own time. Don’t feel pressured into signing on the spot. Ask them to leave some information for you to compare the deal against other offers.
Power in waste
Did you know the food going into waste bins is transformed into nutrient rich fertiliser, ‘green’ electricity and biomethane which is supplied to local homes and businesses in Bristol? It could also be used to power a fleet of up to 50 Bio-Buses in the future. Around 9,000 tonnes of food waste was collected from Bristol households in 2014. Find out how you can play your part at: bristol.gov.uk/foodrecycling
You have the Power to Switch Did you know you can switch energy supplier? To get free and impartial advice on switching call the Tenants Energy Advice service for free on 0800 082 2234. You can switch energy supplier if you want to. You might save money. See the advice from Ofgem at: goenergyshopping.co.uk
2 Check the saving. Savings on your energy can only be worked out accurately based on a comparison with your current tariff and your yearly energy usage. If a doorstep seller says they can save you £100 a year on your bills, how do they know that? Your best option is to use an independent comparison website.
3 Warm Homes Discount?
The Priority Services Register
Smaller companies don’t offer this £140 discount for households on benefits or a low income. If you receive benefits always check that a company offers the Warm Home Discount before switching. Don’t miss out!
Western Power Distribution (WPD) are responsible for the substations and power lines that bring electricity to your home. WPD are separate from your electricity supplier and hold a free Priority Services Register for people who are:
4 ‘Cooling off’ period.
• dependent on electricity for home medical equipment
If you switch but want to cancel, remember you have 14 days to change your mind. Get the company’s name and contact details.
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• elderly • disabled • have special communication needs • vulnerable or require assistance during long power cuts.
People registered get advanced notice of any planned interruptions to their electricity supply. This allows householders to prepare. They also get prioritised for reconnection if there is a power cut. Should you be on the Priority Services Register? Call the Tenants Energy Advice service free on 0800 082 2234.
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
What’s happening to rents and benefits? In March the Chancellor George Osborne set out his new budget. We know that the following plans are already proposed but other decisions are still being challenged in Parliament. We will write to you if there are major changes to your tenancy.
• Your rent will reduce for four years. You will have
received a letter about the government’s decision to reduce your rent by 1% each year, for the next four years, from April 2016. This is to lower the national cost of housing benefit (HB) which many tenants receive towards rents. The government wants more households to find employment. The idea is that those receiving HB will have less of it to lose if they have more wages coming in. Lower rent is good news, but means we’ll have less money to invest in landlord services or new homes.
elfare Benefits Reform. Parliament is still making •W
decisions about changes to welfare benefits. But the new Universal Credit (UC) includes housing and other benefits in one payment. UC will mean a reduction for many household incomes. The latest information is:
C is now live across Bristol for single, childless •U
jobseekers who would otherwise have made a claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• From around July 2017 people making new claims
for any of the old-style benefits will have to apply for UC instead.
• I f you already claim old-style benefits you are not
t paid, you If your rent is no r tenancy are breaking you ing your tt conditions and pusk. home at ri But we can help.
Help if you are charged ‘the Bedroom Tax’ Are you one of our 2,400 tenants receiving less Housing Benefit due to the under-occupation charge, or bedroom tax? The council can help. Since 2013 the under-occupation charge means that working age tenants get less Housing Benefit if they have extra bedrooms. They must then pay the difference to cover the weekly rent. Our Rent Management advisors can explain the options available and help you to work out a payment plan for your rent. They can also advise you on how to: eal with debts •D • Make your money go further • Move to a smaller home, if you want to • Get tenancy support. If you are struggling to pay your rent, please contact us so we can help you look at your options and make a plan. Leaving rent unpaid is not an option as this puts your home at risk. Contact rent.management@bristol.gov.uk Telephone 0117 9222 200. More advice at: bristol.gov.uk/rentarrears
expected to move to UC before 2018.
• Check information at bristol.gov.uk/universalcredit • The Benefit Cap. The government sets the total benefit people of working age can claim at £26,000 pa This will be reduced to £20,000, probably from September 2016.
Money advice Debt and benefits help
orking-Age benefits. A freeze on Working-Age •W
Managing rent Help and advice with making a plan
What are my options?
benefits will be in place from 2016 – 2020.
Budgeting advice Make your money go further
Housing options Downsizing & rehousing advice
page nine
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
Meet the tenants As members of ‘The Outlaws Club’, Tony and Shirley Grouvel and neighbour Christine attend re-enactment events around Bristol. With other fans they make costumes, learn horse-riding skills, swap stories, and act out scenes from the American West. For the Bishopsworth couple, who have lived in their council home for 18 years, it’s a way to be active in the community, make friends, and raise money for charities. Housing News was lucky enough to join them on a three-stop tour of the Wild West-Country!
Wild West hero! Tony Grouvel and his horse, Mac
y d Shirle Tony an
Redcliffe pow wow At the
Tenants Resource Centre Tony attracts onlookers with a flourish of an impressive, American Indian chief’s headdress! We ask some friendly questions: HN: Is this more than a hobby? Tony: ‘I’ve been offered work doing this – never been on telly though! We take part in charity parades, local carnivals, fundraising for lots of charities – supporting animals, children and ex-servicemen. We’ve visited sheltered housing schemes to entertain the residents. And it’s great fun! HN: How did it begin? ‘I’ve done this for 20 years and switched from being a cowboy. I felt everyone did that in the same way, so I went for something different’. HN: What do your neighbours think Shirley? ‘We get a few looks getting into the car! They all stand there cheering!
Novers Hill Corral We hot-foot
it to Knowle to meet Tony’s horse, Macintosh. A number of other horses are stabled here by local people. It’s amazing to witness ex-Army Tony – who’s 75 – handle the animal with great skill, respect, and affection. HN: What do young people think? Christine: ‘We’ve had a few young
page ten
ones involved’. Tony: ‘Not so many now but I tell them about all the charity work. We’ve been to schools and given talks about the how the American Indian lived – their culture.’ HN: What’s the best thing about your hobby? Tony: ‘It keeps me fit. I get out and about. And it keeps me happy’. It’s clear that Tony is truly in his element tending to Mac. But after 20 minutes we’re off again. ‘Come on’, says Shirley, ‘let’s go to ours and look in on the other animals’.
Home on the range At the
Grouvel’s homestead we chat about their souvenirs of American Indian culture. Pet dogs Spirit and Foxy join us for photos in the garden and Tony warns Jeni our photographer, ‘You can’t move those poles – they’re for my tipi!’ HN: Who were your heroes Tony? ‘Geronimo… John Wayne! I go under the name ‘Chief Red Cloud’. Shirley smiles, ‘Tony’s one of the Elders – takes it seriously! His suit is specially made for him. The
headdress is real feathers from the States. He makes some of his own beaded decorations. We’ve travelled to other countries and then back home to sew our own tipi skins by hand! The tipi took two months and holds eight people – too big for the garden!’ HN: What’s the best thing about doing your re-enactments? Tony: ‘It keeps me out-and-about – sometimes all day! I mend fences and things where the horse is kept.’ HN: And what about living here? ‘I like staying active and helping with gardens here if people need me.’ We leave the Grouvels, impressed by the time and commitment they’ve given their pastime. Their unusual interest has kept them active, expanded their circle of friends, and supported young people and charities. Hobbies can be a passion or just a bit of fun. You don’t have to be a ‘Wild West hero’. You can follow interests quietly, on your own, or in a way that brings neighbours together to create a sense of community. (See more of our picture story at Facebook and Flickr).
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
Neighbourhood involvement – who’s doing what near you? If you care about what happens near you, your Neighbourhood Partnership can help. Whether you join a public forum meeting or a group working on a particular issue, or simply follow it on social media, being connected with your local Partnership can help link you with others in the local community, and have your say. Got a good idea or a bugbear? You are probably not alone. We can help you connect with people who agree with your view. Find out more about your local Neighbourhood Partnership today. For contacts, toolkits, and info about small grants, visit bristol.gov.uk/neighbourhoodpartnerships or call 0117 922 2329
Do you Know Your Place? Know Your Place is a website where you can explore your neighbourhood using historic maps, images and other information. It is about sharing and learning about historic Bristol. Got a nugget of Bristol history? The site lets you share your own information and images about Bristol. Give it a try: bristol.gov.uk/knowyourplace
MY NEIGHBOURHOOD
Bristol Soup – stirring up ideas Bristol Soup is a community supper event that gives grant-funding to local projects. After a successful first event in February more are planned in May and June. So how does it work? People attending the event vote on who gets the entry money. Four projects present ideas such as planting city flower beds, funding a sports team, or new businesses. Soup nights have four main ‘ingredients’:
It was hard to decide a winner as each project was good’. The West Indian Cricket Club won £320 towards equipment for their youth teams. The club attracts children and young people from different areas and backgrounds, including families who would struggle to afford sports equipment. The youth team will give an update at the next event.
Says Sam: ‘We are really keen to hold Soup events near you. If you would like to help an event to happen in your area please get in touch’. Call Sam Parker on 07775 227285 For the May event details visit bristolsoup.com, follow us on Facebook (Bristol Soup), Twitter, (@soupbristol) or email soupbristol@gmail.com
1 £4 buys soup, and a vote. minutes to present 2 Ftheour idea. udiences ask each project 3 Afour questions. Project with most votes 4 wins all the entry money!
Sam, a Bristol Soup organiser explains, ‘Around 80 people listened to February’s projects. Soup was provided by the Surplus Supper Club and a local music group entertained us. page eleven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
Decorate a Room for FREE and win! Aged 16 – 25? A spring spruce up is a chance to try new skills and get creative. You could be eligible for a room makeover worth
£500!
getting hands-on to create the room, and in sharing ideas such as charity-shop discoveries. What are you most looking forward to? Hannah: Seeing Amber’s finished room! I wasn't expecting to be making a FourPoster bed before I met Amber. That idea might change – but I'm also learning new skills!
v
C o re pr
PL
pro in a To a
Before
Young council tenant Amber, and interior designer Hannah, were brought together by Cash Pointers, a scheme run by Bristol charity 1625 Independent People (1625ip). Cash Pointers helps young people learn independent living and money management skills. Hannah is supporting people like Amber to gather ideas on a modest budget. This includes ‘upcycling’ items – which helps the environment too. We met at the Bristol Wood Recycling Project to find out more: How did you hear about the Room Makeover scheme? Amber: I used to be housed by 1625ip and I'm currently working with someone from Cash Pointers, who told me about the scheme. I hope to volunteer for them soon, as a peer-supporter. Hannah: Since qualifying in Design I’ve worked with schools and in healthcare but my main aim is to share my Interior and Textiles knowledge. I answered 1625ip’s advert for an Interior Designer to create rooms on a limited budget. The charity and the whole makeover-on-a-small-budget idea really appealed to me. What’s best about living in your place? Amber: I love my page twelve
independence and freedom. Before I lived here I was housed by other organisations and in supported or temporary accommodation. I was quite scared about where I would end up so it’s amazing to have the security of a council home!
Mood boards for ideas
What made you give this a go? Amber: I’ve been desperate to redecorate but had no idea where to start! Getting all the materials looked expensive. Working with a designer who knows what she’s doing, making the most of a small budget – and upcycling – made me think ‘why not?’ It sounds a fun experience! What will you use the budget on? Amber: My bedroom. Among other things, I’ll use it to pay for paint, towards upcycling my wardrobe, and some lighting. What’s the best thing about this project so far? Hannah: I have loved every project so far. It’s been challenging to find the items needed but we’ve succeeded! Rooms feel fantastic once they’re finished. The sense of ownership and pride that young people show,
Tenant, Amber
De
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
£
voucher200 of decora t s with y Cash Poin our effoing ters, with rts. Housing offering N
young te ews, is nants the redecora chance to te one ro om with professio the help nal desig of a ner! PLUS app licants projects reviewed will have their by a pan in a com el of jud pe ges To apply tition worth £2 00*! , see de tails (rig ht).
Hannah’s top tips for creating on a budget
1
Photo first. Decide before buying everything in one go at the big stores. Hold on. Take photos and make mood boards. You may find the right item for a fraction of the cost. Also, our homes get cluttered, so embrace the space while you can!
2
Low-cost. You can achieve a great room on your modest budget. There are many ways to source free or cheap items from online websites like Freecycle and Gumtree, in newspaper free pages, or on Facebook. Also, ask for things!
3
Paint one wall. You don't have to paint the whole room. For a small cost, one feature wall quickly makes a big difference. It’s also easy to change it.
Decorate a room for free! Look what’s on offer! Apply for a free room makeover worth £500! Including:
• T op advice from an interior designer, their time and
professional expertise. RenewAll course. Learn to upcycle furniture and make art and • soft furnishings. • £ 50-worth of paint/fabric. • B est makeover wins a bumper £200* home voucher (courtesy of Cash Pointers with Housing News. £200 vouchers available to Bristol Council tenants).
How to take part: To take part in the Cash Pointers Room Makeover Project:
• Open to tenants aged 16 – 25. • You must register with Cash Pointers: call 0117 317 8800 and
mention ‘Housing News: Room Makeover Project & Competition’.
• You must hold your own council housing tenancy (sole or joint). • You must be willing to work with the interior designer and the Cash Pointers project worker.
• You will be asked to open a ‘MyAccount’ rent-management account online.
• Closing date: 30 June 2016. • Best makeover wins £200 home improvement vouchers. The judges’ decision is final. Good luck and have fun!
*£100 worth offered by Cash Pointers, along with a further £100 offered by Bristol City Council if the competition winner is a Bristol Council tenant. Redecorate a Room project is open to any social housing tenants aged 16-25 (non-council tenants can apply directly through Cash Pointers). However, the extra £100 of DIY vouchers offered by the council is only offered if the winner of the competition is a council tenant.
How to get other support near you Support is also available to other tenants: help with the garden, around the house, furniture, recycling, and money to help improve your area.
Here’s our Top 5 ideas:
1 H andyperson service. Over 60? DIY assistance is available from WE Care and Repair wecr.org.uk/handyperson-service
2 A ssisted Gardens scheme. Help to maintain your garden bristol.gov.uk/gardenhelp
3 A ssisted collections. Do you struggle to put your rubbish, recycling, kitchen or garden waste out for collection? If you do, we can help: bristol.gov.uk/assistedcollection
4 Furniture packs. New tenants with very low incomes may be eligible for packs of essential furnishings to help them with basic comforts. bristol.gov.uk/furnishedtenancy
5 E nvironment Improvement Budget – suggest improvements for your local area, as a group or on your own: bristol.gov.uk/eib
Designer, Hannah
Money advice: Pennywise – money management for the over 25s: pennywise.org.uk Cash Pointers – money management help for 16 – 25 year olds: 1625ip.co.uk/cashpointers page thirteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
Save time Get a green do it online computer for £50! bristol.gov.uk/residents Did you know we’ve improved our website and you can now access lots of services online or by using your mobile phone?
Here’s the Top 10 online services for tenants:
1 Report council house repairs. 2 Pay council bills, fines and invoices. 3 Register to vote. 4 Check your entitlement for Housing Benefits. Tell us if your details have changed.
5 Order a recycling bin. 6 Get on the housing register or bid for a property.
7 Apply for an older person’s bus pass.
8 Find information about benefits. 9 Get residents’ parking permits. 10 Book an appointment to register a birth or death.
My Account MyAccount is the easiest way to manage council tax, rent and benefits. Visit bristol.gov.uk/ MyAccount online, or scan the Quick Response code with your smartphone on page 16. Then:
1 Register online: it only takes minutes. Libraries offer free computers.
2 View your statements,
payments, instalments and discounts.
3 Return to your account whenever you need.
Once registered, you can add other accounts to MyAccount, for example Housing Benefit. Just log in, and use the ‘Add Account’ option available under ‘My Profile’. page fourteen
Need a home computer? The Bristol Computer Reuse scheme can help you apply for a reconditioned Windows7 computer from just £50!
Manager Nathon Hawke told Housing News, ‘These desktops are great machines. They’ve decent processing power, 2 Gigabytes of memory, a flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse, all with a six- month warranty.’ The scheme is aimed at people aged 65 or over, full time carers, those registered Disabled, in receipt of benefits or on a very low income, and families whose child receives free school meals.
Don’t delay – apply today! 0117
3706 375
info@bristolcomputer reuse.org www
bristolcomputerreuse.org
MetroBus – connecting Bristol Construction on the MetroBus project is progressing across the city. MetroBus services will be more rapid and reliable than existing bus services, making it easier to travel across the city.
• The Centre. Changes will
improve traffic flow when works are completed. More space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
• R edcliff Hill. Two new MetroBus
stops installed, along with new paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
• S outh Bristol Link. Work is
estimated to be at the half way stage. The combined new road and MetroBus scheme will improve public transport for South Bristol residents and take traffic away from unsuitable roads by providing a direct link to the A370 and A38.
For more information visit travelwest.info/metrobus
Concessionary bus pass • Find out how to get the Older
or Disabled person’s bus pass, or the Scholar’s Park & Ride ticket. To change your details or replace your pass, visit: bristol.gov.uk/buspass
visit our website bristol.gov.uk
What’s on...
Spring into summer Briswool
24 May and 7 June 2016, Tenants’ Resource Centre, Redcliffe Hill. (See page 7) Book a free, 2hr taster session. Ask questions and see if this is for you! To book an afternoon or early evening slot, email hsp@bristol. gov.uk or phone: 0117 352 1444. For tenants of all ages. More information: bristol.gov.uk/hsp
Until 12 June, M Shed
Bristol WalkFest Until 31 May 2016, Citywide
10am–6pm. Join us for a tribute to Goram Fair – a funfair and community event celebrating the legend of local giant Goram. Discover how the giants Goram and Ghyston shaped Blaise Estate. Become a giant yourself in a magical miniature city. bristolmuseums.org.uk
Bristol Post
Housing Scrutiny taster days
The Story of Children’s Television from 1946 to Today
Briswool is back! The amazing knitted city features beautiful crocheted scenery, iconic landmarks and even woolly, local celebrities bristolmuseums.org.uk
2 July – 27 September, M Shed Take a trip down memory lane with all your favourite TV characters past and present. Meet original characters and objects, from Mummy Woodentop and Gordon the Gopher; to The Wombles, Sooty and Tracy Island. Under 16s go free! bristolmuseums.org.uk
Walk: Bristol Graffiti
Festival of Nature 2016
www.joncraig.co.uk
11 – 12 June, Bristol Harbourside 10am – 6pm. The UK’s biggest free celebration of nature and wildlife returns to Bristol Harbourside for hands-on activities and performances. A wild family day out! festivalofnature.org.uk
Bristol’s Brilliant Archaeology 23 July, Blaise Castle House Museum 10.30am-3.30pm. Find out about the work of community archaeology and history groups and watch Anglo Saxon re-enactments. Watch combat displays. bristolmuseums.org.uk
Goram Fair 30 July, Blaise Castle House Museum
Rastermouse © BBC
Bristol hosts the UK’s largest urban walking festival. With walks in and around Bristol including foraging, street art walks for wellbeing, there truly is something for everyone! Find out more at: bristol.gov.uk/bristolwalkingfestival and on Facebook.
22 June, 19 July, 18 August, M Shed 10.30am – Best to book up! Join local graffiti artist Rob Wheeler on a walking tour of some of the key sites in Bristol’s world-famous graffiti scene, past and present. bristolmuseums.org.uk
80By18 – family fun for free All year – citywide 80By18 asked lots of different people ‘What’s great about Bristol?’ The result was a fab list of 80 things to do for under-18s. Most are free. Maps and checklists are available at: bristol80by18.org.uk
Park life All year – citywide Bristol boasts over 450 parks and green spaces. Check activities and events near you: bristol.gov.uk/parks Please note: all event information correct at time of publication. Please check before your visit.
page fifteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants spring 2016
You can contact us in several ways. Information about our services is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week at bristol.gov.uk/councilhousing facebook.com/bristolcouncilhousing flickr.com/photos/bristolcouncil
Repairs and maintenance Report a repair online Online: bristol.gov.uk/ ReportARepair Post: Responsive Repairs (A Shed)
Rents and other housing payments Pay your rent online Online: bristol.gov.uk/payrent Email: rent.management@ bristol.gov.uk 24hr payment line: 0870 707 7776 (for touch tone phones) Post: Rent Management Service (100TS)
Caretaking Online: bristol.gov.uk/caretaking Email: caretaking@bristol.gov.uk Post: Caretaking Services (BH)
Rehousing
Online: bristol.gov.uk/rehousing Email: rehousing.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2400 Post: Rehousing Services (FHO)
Housing benefit and council tax reduction
Online: bristol.gov.uk/benefits Email: benefits.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2300 Post: Housing Benefits (100TS)
Estates services
Your tenancy, neighbours and neighbourhoods. Online: bristol.gov.uk/estates Email: estates@bristol.gov.uk Post: Estate Management Service (100TS)
Postal address for above contacts: Department name (see ‘Post’ line, above), then add Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS To call about repairs, rents, caretaking, anti-social behaviour or estates (open Mon–Fri 8.30am–6pm, Wed closed 12–1.30pm): Main contact number:
0117 922 2200
Repairs Rents Estates Caretaking
option 1 option 2/3 option 4 option 5
You can ask us to call you back to save time and money.
Adaptations services
Grounds maintenance
Independence in the home. Online: bristol.gov.uk/caredirect Email: adult.care@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2700 All initial calls handled by the council’s Care Direct Service.
Email: bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 3719 (option 4) Post: Bristol Parks, Floor 4, Bazaar Wing, Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY
Tenants Energy Advice
Tenancy fraud Email: tenancy.fraud@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2470
Out of hours emergency 0117 922 2050 page sixteen
We don’t deal with all housing services face-to-face at our citizen service points, but we will help you contact services online or by telephone. If mailing us, to avoid delay please post to one of the council housing services (listed left).
Visit us at www.bristol.gov.uk/csp or: 100 Temple Street* Bristol BS1 6AG Fishponds Robinson House, Hockeys Lane, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3HL Hartcliffe Symes House, Peterson Square, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0BD Lawrence Weston Ridingleaze House, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0QE Southmead Southmead House, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol BS10 6BQ
Opening hours 100 Temple Street (*) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Other CSPs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 10.30am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Please note: Lawrence Weston closed Mondays.
Have you registered for My Account? Using ‘My Account’ is quick and easy. Find out how it can manage your Council Tax, Rent, Housing Benefit, and Landlords services all in one place! Visit bristol.gov.uk/myaccount Scan this code with your smartphone
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Email: home.energy@cse.org.uk Tel: 0800 082 2234 or 0117 934 1957 Online: cse.org.uk/bristoltea
Citizen Service Points
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