YOUR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FROM FAMILY MOSAIC
WINTER 2014
WE SAID WE'D DO IT
... AND WE DID!
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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
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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
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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...
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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
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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 Essex 6
NO HURDLE TOO HIGH At the tender age of 16, Havering resident Michelle Hughes is already a star UK athlete, ranked just second in the country for the under-17s 300m hurdles Winning streak: Michelle leads the field in the 300m hurdles
ll g you a n i h s i W s hristma C y p p a h a very year w e n d n a
But she’s now gone one better, winning the 300m hurdles in just 43.9 seconds at the recent Sainsbury’s School Games in Manchester.
UK champion
Michelle’s win at the ‘mini-Olympics’ for the UK’s elite young athletes, makes her a national champion! Her latest achievement follows her England Schools’, South of England and Essex champion titles. Michelle’s ambitions go beyond athletics. Her combined academic and sporting prowess have won her a scholarship to King’s College School in Wimbledon, where she is now studying for her A-levels. Her ultimate goal is to be awarded a scholarship at an American university where Michelle hopes to study medicine, with a view to becoming a surgeon.
GET CONNECTED AT THE SOUTHEND DROP-IN Fifteen people who use our support services have added a new feather to their cap having completed a Get Connected course at our Southend-on-Sea drop-in service.
Three modules
The computer skills course has three stages: starting online, computer basics and advanced. Mark Lee has completed the first two modules. ‘This has been a real achievement for me,’ Mark said. He is now working towards a third certificate that will be proof that he knows how to shop online, fill in government forms over the internet, and use social media.
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The course has opened doors for others. ‘I didn’t know a thing about computers before,’ said Ruth Barik, ‘But I love music and wanted to know how I could use a computer to listen to it. ‘Now I can listen to anything I want using the internet. I’m really pleased to have scored top marks in one part of the course and now I’ve got my certificate to prove it.’ The Get Connected team runs eight-week courses across Essex, and at least twice a year each in Basildon, Harlow, Romford, Grays, Colchester, Tilbury and Southend. As well as gaining certificates for each module, course goers can do a
Award: mentor Richard De-wet hands Marc certificates for the completed courses
City and Guilds assessment in computer basics. Those wanting to do more can complete their European Computer Driving Licence at a Learn Direct centre. Anyone wanting extra support after the course can use Get Connected’s mentoring service for up to three months. Computer clubs have also been set up in some locations to offer ongoing skills support.
Plenty of prizes for the best fancy dress costumes at the Laindon Halloween party
PARTY TIME IN ESSEX! Colchester and Laindon tenants organised their own events during autumn, supported by our social and financial inclusion team and neighbourhood managers Michelle King and Janine Edwards. In Laindon, the King Edward estate community association held a packed End of Summer Sizzler. Disney favourite Mickey was a surprise guest. Another highlight was lessons in circus tricks laid on by Essex youth services. The event was funded by our Maisie Sheed Trust community champions programme. Over 80 parents and children came to the Halloween party in October, for apple bobbing, ‘guess the body part’ and a fancy dress contest. The community group also runs a weekly ‘community cuppa’ and regular bingo sessions.
Resident Jane Dobson said: ‘The new community centre has really brought people together. We’ve seen lots of local support and are now getting enquiries about future events.’ A local dance troupe helped get residents into the groove at a fun day organised by Solus & Quadrant residents association in late September. Hungrier guests tucked into a hog roast, children had a great time playing on an inflatable slide and staff gave out useful information and advice. ‘This was a brilliant communitybuilding event,’ said special guest Cllr Dave Harris, from Essex County Council. ‘I commend everyone who contributed. The number of people who came out to enjoy the space was awesome.’
What’s new pussy cat: purrfectly dressed
Crunch: apple bobbing at the Halloween party
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!