YOUR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FROM FAMILY MOSAIC
WINTER 2014
WE SAID WE'D DO IT
... AND WE DID!
2
editorial we can...
news round-up
BE OUTSTANDING
SUBLETTER NABBED
In this edition we’re celebrating a big achievement: helping 1000 of you into jobs in just 2.5 years. Why did we believe this was worth doing? We knew many of you already had jobs and careers. But we also knew that many of you had tried and struggled to find work. There are lots of reasons why your efforts might not have succeeded and we wanted to find out what they were. We also wanted to know what we could do to help overcome obstacles like a lack of confidence, skills or suitable experience.
We believe that working is the best way for you to avoid the risk of poverty and benefit cuts. But there's more. Reaching our 1000 into jobs target has shown the outside world that housing associations contribute more to society than just homes. A second benefit is that we now have more of you working for us than ever, which means we are better connected with your needs. We recognise that some of you can't work because of age or poor health and our support for you will
inside this issue 4, 5
8
10
SPECIAL FEATURE
VOLUNTEERING
HOME MOVES
CELEBRATING 1000 INTO JOBS
GOOD TURNS
SWAPPING HOMES
How to turn your talents and spare time into a real community asset
Expert advice at our now monthly surgeries
TREKKING IN EPPING
YOUR SERVICES
Three years ago we set out to get 1000 of you into paid employment. How did we (and you) do? Find out on pages 4 and 5
Duke of Eds brave the wilds of the forest
Every tree to get its own health and safety check
YOUNG PEOPLE
DISCOUNT PAINTS
MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
Special cut-price deal on home decorating!
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REGIONAL NEWS
CREDITS: EDITORIAL PORTRAIT BY PAUL SANDERS
TREE SURVEY
9
6, 7 Local round-up of events and services happening down your way
10, 11
GARDEN OF DELIGHTS Be Heard's new youth ambassadors sharpen their political skills
A chance to win £50 to spend at a garden centre in our new competition.
LATEST RENT DRAW WINNERS The following tenants have won £250 each in our quarterly prize draw of tenants who keep their rent account in credit.
East: Mr Gordon, E3 Essex: Mr & Mrs Duff, RM20 North/west: Ms Gabriel & Mr Darroux, NW10 South: Ms Sharples, SE1
continue. But others are wrongly told you will never amount to anything, like 21 year old Ricky from Bermondsey, who has autism. Some of you may have seen Ricky on the BBC's Saints and Scroungers. His story is proof that, with the right support and perseverance, nearly everyone can get a job. Helping 1000 of you into work is something I am so proud of and I congratulate everyone who was part of this fantastic achievement. BRENDAN SARSFIELD CHIEF EXECUTIVE
LAW-BREAKING TENANT LOSES TENANCY
Stefan, age 23, who lives at one of our Essex support schemes, had never had a proper job. Detection: an illegal sublet is foiled after neighbourhood manager Emmanuel Akinde uncovers evidence of our former tenant's law-breaking enterprise
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A NEW CAREER Clear The Way has now helped 14 of you find paid or voluntary work and 22 have passed their City and Guilds level 2 in horticulture. If this sounds like the ideal qualification for you, and it could lead to paid work as a gardener, call Joe Thomas on n07930 874 957 or email joe. thomas@familymosaic.co.uk Joe can also give you a 'no obligations' quote if your garden needs some TLC.
A SPOONFUL OF VOLUNTEERING AND THE SELF ESTEEM GOES UP
In October last year, a change in law made it illegal to sublet a property owned by a social landlord like Family Mosaic. It also made it easier for social landlords to take tough action against housing fraud.
Rapid investigation
So we acted promptly on a tip-off this year that one of our homes was probably being sublet. Neighbourhood manager Emmanuel Akinde quickly found evidence that the property was being sublet – by a tenant who was now living in Angola. Faced with undeniable evidence, our now ex- tenant had no choice but to give up his tenancy. The tip-off also triggered a wider investigation that uncovered a second sublet property, this time owned by Guinness Partnership. After the joint investigation,
involving Family Mosaic, Guinness Partnership and Hackney Council, we were able to recover the properties and let them out to families in real housing need. In September, our property became home to a local family who faced homelessness after being evicted by a private landlord. After a spell in temporary accommodation, where the family of five was squeezed into just one room, they were overjoyed to get the keys to a secure home. ‘To live where we live now is brilliant,' said mother of three Mrs Pena. 'We couldn’t afford to pay the rent or the deposit needed in the private sector. ‘We’re so happy and grateful to have a property with Family Mosaic. The kids are happy to have their own room and there are no mice! I’m so happy to see them smiling.’
Untested
When he first met Becki from our volunteering team, Stefan's self esteem and his confidence badly needed a boost. Fast forward three months and Stefan is now a valued volunteer, regularly giving up his time to look after the communal garden at one of our London schemes for people with poor mental health. He is very popular with the residents, who often help him in the garden or meet up for a chat over lunch. Stefan is so dedicated to his voluntary work he was worried
Pep talk: Stefan, left, helping out at one of our Essex schemes
about taking a paid job. We've reassured him he can volunteer for as long as he wants!
VOLUNTEERING Find out more about voluntary work, and how to find something that matches your interests on...
PAGE 8
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special feature finding work 4
CELEBRATING
1000
INTO JOBS
See what some of you have said about 1000 into jobs in our short film on youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9QlV8VhS_ M&list=UUrdzzRWOv8wnDHzsegoYHzQ
“
Over
50% of those we've helped into work now earn the living wage, with the average salary over £18,000
BELIEF: SOLOMON 'Sometimes I just wanted to stay in bed all day,' said Solomon. He was living on his own and had applied for hundreds of jobs when he went on our first youth boot camp. 'Something changed in me. My confidence, self motivation and money management dramatically improved. Within a month, I was working! Bootcamp taught me to take control of my life and my coach kept in touch to make sure I kept to my career goals. I recently approached an employer I had seen on the telly and got a job with them. They weren't even advertising so it shows what self belief can achieve.' Solomon is now working front of house for Michelin-starred chef Tom Aiken.
We have been offering you employment support for over 10 years. But in 2012 we set out to achieve a whole lot more, targeting both those of you who live in our homes and the many others who receive our care and support. We gave ourselves an ambitious target - getting 1,000 of you into jobs in just three years We know a lot of you already work, but we aimed to help those of you who are able and of working age but didn't have a job. We’re proud to announce that not only have we reached our target we’ve done it ahead of schedule – within two and a half years! Our manifesto states that we improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of our customers through housing. Our employment support is a step in the same direction. If you work you have more to spend but research also finds that people who work have a sense of purpose that makes them happier. Many of the people we've helped into work have told us that having a good job and gaining new skills, has made them happier, healthier and wealthier. We don’t believe that people are unemployable. With the right support and guidance, and given opportunities, people can find a job that suits their abilities. What's more, over 50% of those we’ve supported are earning salaries above the living wage.
How did we do it?
We gave our employment team more staff and a bigger budget. We did our research, asking why some people found it hard to get a job. We found that people who needed extra support weren't always getting it from the usual sources so we came up with our employment boot camp, an intensive pre-work programme, to fill that gap. Boot camp tackles issues like low confidence and self-esteem but it also looks at other factors vital to being healthy and happy, like diet, exercise, managing money and positive body language. Those of you who have finished the course have told us that it transformed your lives and the way you think and interact with others. In two years over 150 of you, aged 16 to 57, have completed one of our boot camps, with 55% getting a job within six months. Most (85%) have also gone on to do extra training or learning. We found early on that younger people suited a different teaching style so adapted the course for our youth employment boot camp. Even more of you found paid work after finishing this course.
Daunting prospect
We know how hard it is to get back into the job market so we give everyone their own employment coach and lots of customised support and encouragement. Above all, we want you to find a job that will last, not the first one that comes along. So dare to dream of a job that will turn into a career. 'I was tired of being sent to dead end jobs,' said Maria from east London. 'Family Mosaic’s support was different and for the first time I felt like I was in control. 'I’ve always wanted to work in health care and they got me a job that has been a springboard to bigger and better things. 'I’m now studying to become a nurse, which is my dream job.'
What next?
Our multi-award winning service has its own ambitions. Our employment boot camp will be expanded so even more of you can benefit from it. We will have more, better paid apprenticeships. We'll be backing childcare initiatives. And we will be offering even more opportunities to those of you who use our care and support services.
A HUGE THANKS TO ALL YOU WHO HAVE TAKEN PART IN OUR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME SO FAR
ROLE MODEL: ABBY Abby has already had two job offers, having just finished a plumbing apprenticeship with one of our subcontractors. 'I always wanted to get into plumbing. I had theoretical knowledge but lacked the opportunity to put what I had learned into practice. I got a letter from Family Mosaic saying they wanted to hear from young tenants looking for apprenticeship opportunities. I registered, was assessed for an apprenticeship and very quickly placed with a contractor. I’m on site practising my skills, learning new things and developing all the time. I feel very lucky as I know how hard it is to find placements but I was able to secure one because of Family Mosaic’s apprenticeship programme. I’ve been given a lot of support, which has helped me get where I am today. My goal is to help other women get into construction roles by setting up a training company.'
'I was desperate to get into construction,' said Arian.'But for years I was unable to break into the industry even though I have an engineering degree. With a family to support I took any job going but it was hard working so far away from my career goal and training. Family Mosaic gave me the biggest chance of my life, getting me a role as site supervisor. I am so happy and proud to be their tenant and to have their support. They really make a difference.' Arian was appointed site supervisor with builders Rydon at a Family Mosaic development.
QUALIFIED: ARIAN
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local news
from east London 6
NEW HOME WELCOME LEADS TO A NEW JOB
ou all y g n i h Wis
ristmas h C y p hap a very year and new
Hot tasty food and and a fashion show of lovely, warm winter clothes greeted guests at our Winter Warmth event in Hackney, nicely timed to coincide with a sharp drop in the temperature
When Alison moved into her new home in Newham, she got an unexpected extra boost from neighbourhood manager Florence that led Alison straight to a new job with our employment team
New employment coach Alison
Alison first met neighbourhood manager Florence when she called by for Alison’s ‘welcome’ visit, given six weeks after a move to allow new tenants time to settle in. Alison explained that although she was now out of work, she was a trained legal secretary and had previously worked with people with drug and alcohol addictions.
Getting 1000 of you into jobs is a commitment that staff right across Family Mosaic signed up to. So Florence explained the types of support Alison could get from us. Alison had also read about our employment team in Connections. Florence referred Alison to employment coach Ren, who began helping Alison at her weekly job search sessions. When an admin post came up on our own employment team, Alison applied. Alison got the job and then, less than a year later, she successfully applied for the role of employment coach. ‘I love my new job,’ Alison said. ‘Having been out of work myself, I understand the difference a job makes. It lifts you up. ‘When you give people tips on how to complete application forms and interview techniques and the people you’ve helped come back and tell you they’ve got a job, it’s a really positive feeling.’
If you would like support into work, training or volunteering you can contact our employment team on q020 7089 1345.
A WARM GLOW IN HACKNEY
Many of our homes are in converted buildings of great historic value
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES: GOOD NEWS FOR LISTED BUILDING
We organised this special event in response to the rapidly rising cost of keeping warm in cold weather, with fuel bills up 23.5% in the past three years alone. We invited customers from our health and wellbeing project and Shoreditch floating support service. Everyone who turned up to the event in St Paul’s Church hall in
Wardrobe sorters: Natasha, Yvette and Megan
Above: sorting winter woollies Left: Big Lottery funded Friends Who Do Lunch chop up veg to make a wholesome soup
We’re very excited to announce plans to invest £80,000 in improvements to Hackney Wick’s historically valuable Eton House.
Prior consultation
We have been discussing the works with tenants and hope all will be finished early next year. Improvements will include an intercom system, automatic gate, landscaping to the communal garden and a new courtyard. Eton House is one of a select number of buildings and structures rated of ‘special architectural or historic interest’, including monuments and battlefields. Eton House’s ‘Grade II listing’ means that maintenance and any changes have to be very carefully carried out and only approved materials can be used. We’ll bring you a full report in Connections, including pictures, once the works are complete.
Stoke Newington was treated to a bowl of homemade soup followed by stewed seasonal fruit. The soup was prepared by Friends Who Do Lunch (above), a local group who have been learning ways to make healthy, great tasting
Homemade: making draft excluders
meals on a budget (featured in the autumn issue of Connections). ‘Helping the chef to prepare vegetables to make the soup’ was the highlight of the day, said Hackney resident Marcella, who noted the ‘lovely atmosphere’ in St Paul’s church hall that day. The hall turned into a catwalk for an unusually cosy fashion show featuring donated winter clothes. Everyone got a chance to buy up to two items for just a couple of pounds, with the proceeds set aside
to go to Hackney Food Bank. A catwalk turn by Fernando, once a professional dancer, went down so well, the suit and smart shoes he wore were sold off before he’d even had a chance to change. Fernando, who gets help from our Shoreditch support service, said he’d loved his brief return to the limelight.
Knit your own
Guests also learned useful skills, among them knitting and making draught excluders, played dominoes and learnt the art of marbling. Hilda, who had stopped knitting after glaucoma made it hard to see what she was doing, was delighted to find the answer to her problem was using chunky needles and wool. She plans to restart her hobby. Shine, the Hackney seasonal health interventions network, was also on hand with advice on staying warm and healthy in winter. Shine was set up in response to a rise in deaths in the winter months and the growing numbers of people living in fuel poverty.
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young people
get involved 8
STAR AS A VOLUNTEER IN YOUR SPARE TIME Over the summer, our new look volunteering team registered a whopping 80 new volunteer recruits! Over half are now giving up their time to help make life better for another 668 people We’d love to sign up more of you and there are so many ways for you to use your spare time usefully: ●●becoming a befriender to an isolated older person ●●getting work experience at one of our offices, maybe assisting with administration or helping our neighbourhood managers ●●being a telephone researcher, helping with customer surveys ●●helping organise and manage important community and other events throughout the year
supported housing customers
●●using your design skills to help
supported customers decorate and refurbish their rooms ●●working outdoors with Greening Communities on shared gardens ●●using your computer skills as a digital mentor, teaching others to use the internet. You could even start a project of your own. All volunteers are trained and expenses are covered. A DBS check is needed for some placements.
food and a 12-hour hike over two weekends was tough. At one point it was so cold that icicles formed on their tents. But as one 16-year-old said: 'It was challenging and frustrating but it was worth it.' Helping young people aged 14 to
24 to complete their Duke of Edinburgh awards is now the main focus of our Youth Academy. To get involved, you must learn a new skill, take up a physical activity, volunteer for at least three months, then do the weekend expeditions. There are three levels - bronze, silver and gold. Pick the level that appeals to you, or do all three!
www.be-heard.org.uk
Our Be Heard campaign against voter apathy is gaining power! In October, a group of young people got their first taste of democracy in action, with a tour of the Houses of Parliament and a chance to engage in debate with housing reform campaigners
Running for mayor
Call the team on q020 7089 1084 or email volunteering@ familymosaic.co.uk
@be-heard_FM
MAKE THEM SIT UP AND LISTEN In October we held our first Be Heard event. Targeted at 18- to 25-year-olds, the day set out to explain to them why voting is so important and to demonstrate that politics matters to everyone, no matter what your background.
●●running activities for our
TREKKING IN EPPING In October, 24 of our young people took to the wilds of Epping Forest to complete expeditions for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Their first outing was practice with the second being the real test. Setting up camp, cooking their own
Team manager Will with volunteer officers Aurelia and Jamila, both former apprentices
facebook.com/Be.Heard.FM.Vote
The day included a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, organised with Parliament Outreach, and lots of discussion and debate. The highlight of the day was mock manifesto speeches from four young Be Heard ambassadors. Each was told to imagine they were campaigning to be elected mayor of London, given just two minutes to convince the audience that they were the best candidate. Winner Sephton Henry, said: 'I think it’s wonderful what Be Heard is doing. Young adults need to be shown how they can create change by being a part of society, rather than fighting against it.'
Two themes emerged from the day. Our delegates said politicians didn't represent people like them and schools are failing to educate pupils about politics and Britain's parliamentary system. In his address, Family Mosaic chief executive Brendan Sarsfield said he recognised that many young people have become disillusioned with politics. But, he added: 'To change this, young people need to get involved in politics, they need to vote and to spread the message to their friends.' Our delegates also heard from Alex Hilton from Generation Rent, set up to campaign for a better deal for the rapidly growing number of private renters, and from the National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations. With impassioned debate and questions put to all speakers over the day, this group of 18- to 25year-olds proved that apathy about the next election is not an issue.
Fired up: answering the first call to arms are our young Be Heard ambassadors
If you go down to the woods: best foot forward for the D of E awards in Epping Forest
To find out more about the DofE awards or to subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter please email angus.kerr@ familymosaic.co.uk or call Angus direct on n07958 115 040 q020 7089 3996
Role play: Alex Hilton divided the group into rich people, politicians and the news media to explain how power and influence is spread
Sephton: winner of the mock mayoral campaign bid
And first prize for asking us the toughest questions goes to Joy We provide homes and support to over 45,000 people. Our Be Heard campaign was set up to raise the voice of people who, like you, use our services, and young people in particular. For decades, opinion polls have voted housing a lower priority than issues like the economy and transport. Politicians took note. We now have a stark shortage of homes, and rents and housing costs are higher than ever. It's hitting young people hardest yet only 32% of 18- to 24-year- olds say they are sure to vote in the next election. For housing to be taken seriously, that has to change.
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home moves 10
HOUSE EXCHANGE www.houseexchange.org.uk
NEW SWAPPING SCHEME NOW LIVE Come to one of our monthly mutual exchange surgeries at our main London office, Albion House, near Tower Bridge. You will get expert advice from us and help to use Homeswapper and you can register here with our new
your services
REGISTER OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT
free swapping scheme called House Exchange. We’ll give you a personalised service, help you look for likely home matches, and discuss ways to make your advert more appealing, like adding photos.
The next mutual exchange surgery will be in the new year, 9:30am to 12:30pm. To find out more and book a place or enquire about more events we will be holding in 2015, call Miles on q020 3544 9435. Miles supervises as homeswappers Carly Dunne and Denise Bennett complete their paperwork
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S EVE CLOSING TIMES Our opening hours for the festive period will be: 24 December
8am to 4pm
27–30 December 8am to 8pm
MOVE HOME WITH FAMILY MOSAIC We have launched a new section on our website called Moving In. It aims to tell new tenants and anyone transferring to a new property everything they need to know when moving home with us. You can find out about:
●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
the type of tenancies we offer our Better Deal initiative our property standards rules on pets how we can help you with low cost home insurance your residents handbook...
...and much much more at www.familymosaic.co.uk/moving-in
31 December
8am to 4pm
2 January
return to normal opening hours
If you need to report an emergency repair outside our opening hours, our usual out-ofhours service will be available.
FUEL BILLS: GET THE BEST DEAL As the nights get colder, make sure you're not paying over the odds for your gas and electricity bills. Call q01259 220 170 to find out how the different energy tariffs compare or go online to find the best deal at www.energylinx. co.uk/e2c/family mosaic
JUST DIAL ✆ 0300 123 3456 » THEN PRESS 2 OPEN 8AM-8PM ● MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS ● 9AM-1PM
TREE SURVEY PLANNED
LATEST NEWS ON OUR CUSTOMER CARE LINE SERVICE We would like to apologise for the time it has been taking to get through on our repairs line. Since the start of October, we have taken more calls than ever before and our service has been overwhelmed. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding. We can assure you we’re working really hard to increase care line resources so we can better manage the demand for our service.
CALLING THE CUSTOMER CARE LINE...
Trees are important. We need them to survive. Trees turn carbon dioxide in our air into oxygen. Without oxygen, we can't breathe. They also cool the earth by giving shade and recycling water
A QUICK LICK OF PAINT...
REFRESH YOUR HOME We've talked paint experts Dulux into a great discount on decorating supplies for Family Mosaic customers plus free home delivery! So whether you’re planning to give your walls a fresh coat of paint in the same colour or you fancy a cerulean blue bathroom, buying the materials to do it will now cost you much less. To get your discount, all you need to do is show proof of your Family Mosaic tenancy. The deal includes
●●savings across the range ●●top branded paints
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Trees
turn carbon dioxide in our air into oxygen. Without oxygen, we can't breathe
In any town, it can be hard to get the right balance between looking after a valuable living thing, like a tree, and making sure nature doesn't interfere with buildings or cause a danger to people. So we’ve asked our contractors Accuro Environmental to carry out a tree health survey in your area over the next six months.
and accessories
What is the survey for?
store and online
and health of trees within our property boundaries ●●to find out if any essential works are needed to protect the health and safety of all residents and the public. Once we have all the information we need we'll be able to plan a tree maintenance programme. We will do our best to protect the trees' look and environmental value.
●●discounts available in●●1,000s of paint colours
and wall coverings
●●friendly helpful staff.
Don’t forget, delivery is free! To find your nearest Dulux Decorator Centre, call q0845 850 2200 or visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre. co.uk/ housing/familymosaic To order supplies by phone, call q0845 602 3128
●●to find out about the species
Do you have trees?
It will help us hugely, and help cap costs, if you could spare a moment
to tell us, ahead of our scheduled visit, if there are any trees growing in your front or rear gardens.
Three ways to contact us
Send a free text to our team saying No trees or trees. Remember to give your house number and postcode. All messages starting with the word accuro and sent to 80800 will reach the team. Email us at Family.Mosaic@ accuro-environmental.co.uk Phone freephone 0800 689 0681 in office hours. Some mobile firms may charge for calls to this number.
ID check
The visiting tree inspector from Accuro Environmental will carry an ID badge. Always check this before giving them access. If you want to know more about this survey or have any worries about the inspector's visit, call Accuro on q0800 689 0681.
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Staying in touch Head office
Report repairs
Tenant enquiries
Care and support
Albion House, 20 Queen Elizabeth St, SE1 2RJ q020 7089 1000 www.familymosaic.co.uk
q0300 123 3456, then press option 1. Report repairs to us online at www.familymosaic.co.uk
London q020 7089 1000 Essex q01268 498 500
Essex office
Leasehold enquiries
Pembroke House, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea SS13 3DU q01268 498 500
Call q0300 123 2209 h CCLHomeOwnership @familymosaic.co.uk
Call q0300 123 3456 then press option 2. Lines open 8am 8pm on weekdays, 9am to 1pm on Saturdays h CustomerCareLine @familymosaic.co.uk Employment team q020 7089 1345
Welfare rights officers north west London q020 7089 1323 south/east London q020 7089 1187 Hackney/Essex: q01268 498 563
PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONSON PAPER FROM SUSTAINABLE SOURCES ✆ 01502 725 832 SUBEDITED & DESIGNED BY thompsons q 01732 750 433
WIN £50 TO SPEND AT A GARDEN CENTRE
best gardens competition
best private garden best shared garden best for wildlife best single container or basket display
A chance for you to win a prize for your gardening skills, whether you have your own garden, share one or just have a window box. If our judges decide that your display is the most attractive and well looked after in any one of these categories, you'll win a... £50 garden centre voucher Gardens will be judged in June so you’ve plenty of time to get your flowers in bloom. Look out for more on how to enter the competition in the spring edition of Connections. But for now, start planning, get planting and gardening gloves at the ready!