Newlon residents' newsletter autum 2014 by glendale

Residents’ Newsletter

What’s inside... Residents’ Forum update Looking for work – how we can help Our performance – keeping residents safe Kids’ Corner

Autumn 2014

Welcome to your new look newsletter We decided it was high time to give Newlon News a makeover to make it more colourful and easier to read. Also, as we will be trialling an electronic version in December, we designed this newsletter to work well in a digital format on a tablet, laptop or computer. Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the electronic pilot – nearly 200 people to date! We always welcome feedback and ideas for articles. So if you have any thoughts on the new design, if there are subjects you would like to see covered, or if you want to write something yourself, then let us know by emailing newsletters@newlon.org.uk.

Contents Page 1

Welcome to the new look newsletter

Page 2 Contents Page 3

Residents’ Forum update

Page 4

Meet the Asset Management Team RPI and rent increases

Along with this edition of Newlon News you will find your copy of this year’s Residents’ Review, our Annual Report for residents. The review lets you know about our performance over the year and how well we’ve done at providing services to our residents.

Helping London grow RESIDENTS’ REVIEW 2013/14

Page 5

How to choose the right bank account

Page 6

Our e-project

Page 7

Newlon Fusion’s half year report Energy saving app

Page 8

Dates for your diary

Page 9

Communal cleaning review

Page 10

Our performance

Page 11

Respecting your building

In addition we have involved more residents in inspecting the services we provide. You can read a reminder about how you can be rewarded for getting involved on page 3.

Page 12

Kids’ Quiz

We hope you find the review useful and interesting.

İçindekiler Sayfa 1

Haber postasının yeni görünümüne hoş geldiniz.

Sayfa 2

İçindekiler

Sayfa 3

Konut Sakinlerinin Toplantı güncellemeleri

Sayfa 4

Değerlendirme Yönetimi Ekibiyle Tanışın Perakende Fiyat Endeksi (RPI) ve kira artışları

Sayfa 5

Doğru banka hesabı nasıl seçilir

Sayfa 6

E-projemiz;

Sayfa 7

Newlon Fusion’un yarı yıl raporu Enerji tasarrufu uygulaması

Sayfa 8

Günlüğünüz için tarihler

Sayfa 9

Umumi temizlik incelemesi

Sayfa 10

Performansımız

Sayfa 11

Binanıza saygı duyma

Sayfa 12

Çocuklar için Bilmece

Follow us on Twitter at @NewlonHT For all the latest News about Newlon and what is going on in the boroughs we operate in.

Included with your newsletter

We are committed to improving performance and services. We have invested in increasing planned maintenance, especially in installing new boilers, and have improved how quickly we deal with Anti-Social Behaviour and make vacant homes available for new tenants.

Residents’ Forum Martin Hughes, Chair writes: In the summer Forum meeting a range of issues were reported on and discussed. These included: l Proposed changes to how the Housing Department operates were outlined. The next

stage of this was presented at the Autumn Forum meeting and this will be covered in more detail in the Winter Newsletter. l There was a performance update which demonstrated improvement in a number of key

areas. In particular arrears have not been as seriously impacted as expected following the introduction of benefit changes in the past year. Complaints handling has continued to be behind target for the year, but Newlon has now introduced a new complaints process and a team to manage complaints and it is hoped that this will quickly start to improve performance. l There was a summary of resident involvement issues. It was noted that there should be

a focus on demonstrating to residents that their involvement leads to change. In addition it was agreed that membership of the Residents’ Services Committee would be opened up to include more residents. l The compensation policy was discussed, including the level of compensation that

different scenarios would warrant. Newlon’s compensation policy is in line with other housing associations, but it was agreed that Newlon should be more consistent in its implementation. l There was an update on the new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system,

which is designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of dealing with residents’ enquiries. Currently it is just being used to deal with complaints, but is due to be rolled out further, starting with repairs. l The progress in meeting the objectives in the Business Plan was discussed. Newlon has

become stricter on fire and risk assessments and in ensuring works are completed and there is a focus on letting properties more quickly, and tackling illegal subletting.

Interested in

owning a home?

“ ”

Newlon has now introduced a new complaints process and a team to manage complaints, and it is hoped that this will quickly start to improve performance.

If you are a resident interested in getting on the property ladder, we have a number of Shared Ownership schemes which are due for completion soon. Watermill Lane, Enfield

Tottenham High Road, Haringey

This development will provide 81 new homes – 51 for general needs and 34 Shared Ownership. It will be built on the site of the former boiler house of the North Middlesex Hospital.

A brand new development made up of 9 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Well located for easy access to the City and Central London via Seven Sisters underground station.

Chigwell Road, Redbridge

Rivers Apartments, Haringey

This is a smaller development of 4 two and three bedroom Shared Ownership apartments, set within a new development in South Woodford, less than a mile from South Woodford underground station.

Rivers Apartments is a 100 apartment tower block forming part of a larger development. It is based on the site of the old Cannon Rubber factory close to White Hart Lane and is part of the proposed wider regeneration area around Spurs’ new stadium.

Find out more and register your interest by going to www.newlonhomeownership.co.uk 3

Meet the Asset Management Team In the Spring Newsletter we told you about our new Property Services Department and that we would give you more news about the three teams within it. One of these teams is the Asset Management Team which is led by Jeff Driscoll, and includes three surveyors – Jodie Desai, David Cooke and Jason James. This team is responsible for the management and delivery of our cyclical and planned investment programmes to our rented properties. In addition they deal with larger, more technically complicated one off repairs jobs, where they work closely with the Repairs and Maintenance Team. These works often include repairs for serious damp and structural problems. The Asset Management Team also manage planned and cyclical works to the exterior and communal parts of leasehold properties, which we are responsible for. They also survey our properties. This information is carefully recorded on our systems and forms the basis of future capital investment programmes for Newlon Housing Trust. It aids in setting the relevant budgets, and is used when consulting with leaseholders on sinking fund expenditure. We are currently focusing on increasing our property surveying programme.

The team are currently running cyclical decoration programs with Quill Construction and Kenyons to paint 750 of our social rented and supported homes. They are also managing a boiler renewal program with BSW Heating, and work with Axis Europe to upgrade kitchens, bathrooms, doors and windows to over 250 of our rented homes. The team are also in the process of consulting leaseholders on upcoming cyclical decorations to 18 blocks.

Rent increases and RPI If you live in a socially rented home then on 6th October you will have had an increase in your rent. We increase rent in order to be able to meet the rise in the cost of providing services, and we do so according to a formula set by the Government for all housing associations. This formula uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) in September of the previous year as a basis for the increase.

What is RPI? Each month the Government announces the Retail Prices Index (RPI) — also known as the headline rate of inflation — which shows the percentage price rise over the past 12 months.

How is RPI calculated? The Government takes a ‘shopping basket’ of more than 650 goods and services on which we typically spend our money — including food, furniture, transport and housing costs, and comes out with an average price. That price is compared to the price of the same goods in the same month of the previous year, to show the annual rise in RPI.

What does this have to do with rent increases? RPI levels are used when we review our rent, as part of our calculations to determine the increase. In general the greater the increase in RPI the greater the increase your rent will be. It is worth noting that not all leases are the same. Some may have slightly different formulas in them, which would impact on the calculations. If you want to find out more about how RPI is applied in calculating your rent increase, then please contact us at income@newlon.org.uk.

How to choose the right bank account ‘Financial exclusion’ is when someone cannot access the banking services that most people take for granted. Even if you are on a tight income it is important to make sure you have the best bank account for your needs. This article tells you more about the different accounts available, and if you want help Newlon Fusion can provide you with advice and support with managing your finances.

What different accounts are there? Current accounts Most people have a current account to manage their day-to-day money. It allows you to pay bills by direct debit or standing order, receive payments, withdraw money from ATMs and can provide access to an overdraft. The account itself is usually free, although any overdrafts are usually not. They are paid either via interest payments, or a fixed sum. In addition there are charges if you exceed the agreed overdraft limit.

Packaged accounts For a monthly fee, some accounts have additional features compared to a regular current account. These can include travel insurance, vehicle breakdown cover or better interest rates on overdrafts. These are known as packaged accounts. Although they may look appealing they are not for everyone. The most important point to consider is whether the benefits you get outweigh the fees you need to pay.

Basic bank accounts If you have a poor credit history, have regularly missed payments on loans or overdrafts, or have been declared bankrupt, then you may be refused a current account. However, you might still qualify for a basic account. These are similar to current accounts – you can receive and make payments, set up direct debits and withdraw money – but also have restrictions. For instance they will not provide an overdraft facility or pay interest on any money in the account. It is unlikely that you will be provided with a chequebook or be able to withdraw money abroad.

What should you consider if you do want to change? l If you think you are likely to be using an

overdraft facility then compare accounts to find which one has the lowest interest rates and penalty fees on overdrafts. l If you are good at saving and do not

expect to go overdrawn, then consider signing up to an account with the highest interest payments on money you have in the account. l Read the small print - some accounts have

a minimum amount you need to pay in. If you fail to do so you may lose any benefits or incur a fee. l If you like to use walk-in branches, then

check if the bank has any near where you live.

Find out more

Student accounts

For independent, impartial advice on finding an account that may be right for you go to https://compare. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/ currentaccounts/Step1.

If you are studying you may be eligible for a student account which could offer benefits such as an interest free overdraft facility. The competition between banks means many offer students free extras, such as a young person’s railcard.

Alternatively you can contact Newlon Fusion on 020 7033 4605 or by emailing info@newlonfusion.org.uk.

In the long-term a basic bank account can be a stepping stone to getting a regular current account, provided you follow the rules you sign up to.

However, budgeting remains important. If you go beyond the agreed overdraft then you will incur penalty fees and once you graduate interest payments on overdrafts can kick in immediately.

Is it worth switching your bank account? l You may want to consider changing your bank account if your circumstances

change and you are paying for added benefits that are unnecessary. l Many accounts have special offers when you open them - such as good interest

rates - that expire after a set period, so consider shopping around.

Are you looking for a job? Our ‘e-project’ can help you!

The ‘e-project’ is our new employment programme which aims to help 1,000 residents into employment by 2022. It’s a big target, but we think it is achievable. We know there are a lot of people out there looking for work who need that extra bit of assistance, and this programme can help.

What makes the e-project different? The most unique feature of this scheme is that there is 12 months in-work support available. With many schemes once you get a job you are on your own. However, with our e-project you can rely on a year’s in-work support from a dedicated advisor who can help you if and when things get a little difficult and give you the encouragement to keep going.

Who are our partners and how can they help? Community Worth Project (CWP) Based at the Enterprise Centre in Tottenham, CWP are our dedicated job brokerage team who will be using their links with employers to get Newlon residents into work. They currently have vacancies in retail, health and social care, and security, but they can adapt their job searches to you. If you express an interest in a particular area of work they will start looking for opportunities there.

iWork This is the new employment support programme delivered by Islington council. In addition to employment assistance the programme also provides help and advice regarding housing and money. It aims to tackle the key problems to ensure people are in the best position to get and keep a job.

MLB Learning Solutions Based at the same offices as CWP, MLB’s team provides one-toone business advice, run workshops and provide membership to the Enterprise Club, a peer-mentoring group running twice monthly which delivers master classes and acts as a forum for members to share ideas, and encourage innovation.

Outward Outward is Newlon’s care and support partner and over the coming year they are providing a number of apprenticeships for those interested in working in HR or health and social care. Run in partnership with Westminster College, successful applicants are provided with a 12-month contract and undertake an NVQ2 in their chosen discipline. 16 places are available this year, of which four have already been allocated. These have been ring-fenced exclusively for Newlon residents in the first instance, and we will soon be recruiting for the next round.

Can you help me find my own job? We’re encouraging residents to do just that with our ‘Myworksearch’ recruitment tool. This online resource brings together the majority of jobs and vacancies available across the web and can send them all directly to you. What’s more, those who use Universal Jobmatch as part of their Job Centre Plus requirements will find that both programmes interact, meaning you save time and effort while meeting all your job-seeking obligations. Please use the contact details below to find out about registering for Myworksearch.

What’s the next step? Simply email us at info@newlonfusion.org.uk or call 020 7033 4605. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll book you an appointment with one of our partners and provide you with a log-in for Myworksearch.

Save on your energy bills with the Newlon Fusion Energy Saving app. Want to save money on your energy bills? Newlon Fusion have collaborated with Student@ Home to create a free, easy to use app for your smartphone or tablet that provides simple and practical advice to help you reduce your energy consumption and cut your bills. It also contains useful links and contact details, so you can stay in control of your household energy usage. You could also win £100 by participating in the interactive pledge. Just go onto the app, click the pledge button and share you savings with us to be in with a chance of winning. So download the free Newlon Fusion Energy Saving App from Google Play or the iTunes store today and start saving. If you have got any questions about this, or if you need extra help and advice about managing your money, then call Newlon Fusion on 020 7033 4572. Alternatively text the word ‘SAVE’ to 07879 555 564 and we will call you back. You can also email us at knajjingo@newlonfusion.org.uk. Scan the QR code opposite using your smartphone to go to the download page, or alternatively search for ‘Newlon Fusion app’ on Google Play.

Newlon Fusion’s half year report We’re already halfway through the financial year – so what better time to give everyone a taste of Newlon Fusion’s highlights of the year so far? l Resident engagement with our community hubs is

improving, with an increasing number of Newlon residents having accessed the centres since April, and we are now looking at creating new hubs in both Hackney and Enfield. l Our new training partnerships have increased the diversity

of opportunities on offer across the boroughs in which we operate, which means we can offer the kind of training that can make a difference to residents. l Our work with childcare providers continues to grow and

has helped expand the provision of services running from the Barnsbury Community Centre. This will create an additional eight spaces for local children. l We have provided 65 computer literacy classes for Newlon

residents to help people improve their technical skills and confidence. l We have supported 20 volunteers as part of a Cabinet

Office initiative – the Social Action Energy pilot project where we trained community champions to support their local community households in ways to save energy. l Over £8,380 in hardship funding has been allocated by

Newlon Fusion to help Newlon residents furnish their homes. l A new energy saving advice app developed in partnership

l Our self-employment support programme continues to

grow with over 68 Newlon residents being helped – a 36% increase on our annual target. l Surveys completed in April showed 84% of clients and 96%

of partners were satisfied with our services. l Finally, we’ve helped secure an additional £9,541.80 in

benefits for residents who’ve engaged with our welfare and debt support programmes. We hope you agree this is a great start, and we’re looking forward to further improvements over the next year, but we’re always on the lookout for new ideas or suggestions on how we can improve our services. So if you have any ideas or comments you want to contribute then get in touch by emailing info@ newlonfusion.org.uk

In financial difficulties? Are you a new resident, having trouble furnishing your home? Or do you have financial difficulties? Well Newlon Fusion would like to hear from you. Call Ketra Najjingo at Newlon Fusion on 020 7033 4572.

with Student@Home has been launched. You can read more about it above.

Dates for your diary Hackney community event: Thursday 30th October, from 12pm – 4pm at The Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, E5 0PU. A free event for all the family with plenty of activities including face painting and entertainment from children’s entertainer Smartie Artie. There will also be free lunch, so why not pop along for a tasty snack and a fun time! You will have an opportunity to talk to our Newlon Fusion team for advice and information on our employment project, and our Housing team, to discuss your housing issues. Islington community event postponed: Please note the

event planned for the end of October has been postponed. We will contact Islington residents in the near future to let you know the new date.

Activities at the John Scurr Community Centre

Activities at Barnsbury Community Centre

What?

When?

What?

When?

Lunch Club

Wednesdays & Fridays, 12pm-2pm

Tiddley Tots Nursery

Weekdays, 9am-6pm

Community Believe - helping adults with learning difficulties

Mondays & Tuesdays, 10am-2pm

Premier Results health & fitness classes

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-11am, and Thursdays & Fridays 5pm-6pm

Karate classes

Saturdays, 1.30pm-2.30pm

Mondays, 7pm-9pm

KalKaal Somali Homework Club

Saturdays, 9.30am-12.30pm

Copenhagen Youth Project (CYP) – Youth Club

Rainbow Hamlets drop in advice service for LGBT community

Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm

Barnsbury Youth Forum

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7pm-9pm

Youth boxing

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7pm-8pm

Parent and toddlers group

Tuesdays, 10.30am-12pm

Health and Fitness Forum

1st Wednesday of the month, 10am-11am

Yoga classes

Thursdays, 6pm-7.30pm (6 classes)

Volunteers’ Roundtable

Wednesdays, 10am-3pm

Lunch Club

Thursdays, 12pm-1pm

Crochet, arts and crafts

Thursdays, 2pm-4pm

Jumu’ah prayers

Fridays, 1pm-2pm

Please note that session times are subject to change. For more information you can contact the John Scurr Community Centre team on 020 7790 3113, or by emailing jscc@newlonfusion.org.uk. For events at Barnsbury please contact Femi on 07557 562 720.

Youth Boxing There is still time to take part in the late summer boxing themed fitness sessions at the Thursday night youth club at the Barnsbury Community Centre. Running since August and funded through Free Sport, these sessions are open to young people aged 13+ and have become very popular. Paula, our resident fitness trainer, is running the sessions and has been putting the kids through their paces. And don’t worry – it is non-contact. The sessions are all about technique and conditioning, and there should be no bloody noses! For more information email info@newlonfusion.org.uk or call 020 7033 4605.

Get involved and earn rewards! As we reported in the summer edition of Newlon news we now have a pilot programme of rewards for residents who get involved in the way we provide and run services. You could earn gift vouchers from £15 to £300. Interested? Find out more online at www. newlon.org.uk/residents/getting-involved or email karen.orr@newlon.org.uk.

atisfied

sfied

ssatisfied

plicable

Communal cleaning review We are doing a review of all the blocks or schemes where we are responsible for communal cleaning to check the level of service provided and because we will soon be retendering our cleaning contracts. It is important to us that residents get involved with the cleaning review, as you know best how well the cleaning is being carried out where you live.

Cleaning survey results During the summer we asked those of you who live in a block or scheme to complete a cleaning survey online. In it we wanted to know what you thought about the cleaning in communal areas. 345 residents completed the survey. Here are the results: Overall how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the internal cleaning?

We have a variety of different cleaning contractors and are aware the quality and value can vary from place to place, so we want to be certain it is being done to a good standard across all our properties and that you are getting good value for money.

Very satisfied

There are two phases to the cleaning review involving residents:

Very dissatisfied

Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied

l Our estate cleaning online survey which 345 people took part in

Not applicable

(see the results on the right). l Resident consultation, estate walkabouts and one off meetings.

If you want to participate in the review then you can give your comments on cleaning by emailing housing.services@newlon.org.uk. Your feedback will help us to monitor the performance of our contractors.

Very satisfied

Overall how satisfied or dissatisfied are Satisfied you with the external cleaning? Neither Neither Satisfied

Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Not applicable

Dissatisfied Very satisfied

Satisfied

Very Dissatisfied Not applicable

Neither Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Not applicable Very satisfied Satisfied Neither

Very satisfied

Is the quality of the cleaning on your Satisfied estateNeither good value for money?

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

Yes

Not applicable

Very satisfied

Satisfied

Neither

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

Yes

Not applicable

Overall are you happy with the job that the current cleaning contractor does?

New lift contractor Very satisfied

From the 7th October we will have a new contractor, CrownAcre lifts, providing Satisfied lift maintenance servicesNeither to our properties. CrownAcre are part of the Kone Group and as the majority of our lift cars are Kone units they will be able to Dissatisfied provide an improved service. Very Dissatisfied Not applicable

Thank you to everyone involved for your responses. We will use your feedback to monitor our cleaners, to drive improvements, and for setting service standards when appointing new contractors.

Our performance Gas Safety

% of properties with valid gas safety certificate

It is important that you allow us access to your home in order to complete these checks.

99.5 99.25 99 98.75 98.5 98.25

100

100 99.87 99.74 99.74 99.75 99.92 99.95 99.95 99.9 99.9

01 3

01 3 No v2 01 3 De c2 01 3 Ja n2 01 4 Fe b2 01 4 Ma r2 01 4 Ap r2 01 4 Ma y2 01 4 Ju n2 01 4 Ju l2 01 4 Au g2 01 4

100

Our Board have set us a target that all our properties should hold a valid test certificate. Since the start of this financial year we have consistently been hitting 99.9% or above. Although this is very close, we are still striving to improve so we meet our 100% target.

99.75

As a result our job is to ensure that all gas appliances, fittings and flues in our homes are safe, and safety tests are carried out by a qualified ‘Gas Safe’ engineer. Every year we will check your gas central heating and - if you live in an intermediate rented property - your gas cooker, if we provided you with one.

100

Every year 4,000 people attend A&E departments in England because of carbon monoxide poisoning, and it is responsible for dozens of deaths. The main causes are poorly maintained or incorrectly installed gas appliances, such as boilers, cookers and flues.

If you want more information on gas safety then please contact the Service Centre or visit the Health and Safety Executive website: www.hse.gov.uk.

Fire safety

% of properties with a valid fire risk assessment

We regularly perform fire risk assessments on our buildings, examining all aspects of fire safety, ensuring they are compliant with safety requirements, and checking that escape routes are unobstructed and free of combustible materials. After these assessments take place any issues that have been identified will be addressed, including commissioning works where required. We are pleased that 100% of our properties have a valid fire risk assessment, and are working to ensure we maintain this record.

100 99.75 99.5 99.25 99 98.75 98.5 98.25

New service – get your rent statement by email In order to try and be more green and to save on paper and printing costs, we are now offering residents the opportunity to have their quarterly rent statements emailed instead of posted. If you are interested in having your rent statements emailed to you in the future please email income@newlon.org.uk stating that you would like to use this service.

100

t2 01 3 No v2 01 3 De c2 01 3 Ja n2 01 4 Fe b2 01 4 Ma r2 01 4 Ap r2 01 4 Ma y2 01 4 Ju n2 01 4 Ju l2 01 4 Au g2 01 4

100

Se p

Please help us to make your building as safe as possible by keeping corridors free of items such as bikes and pushchairs, which can block escape routes.

Healthwatch – your local and national health and social care champion Did you know that Healthwatch England is the new national and local consumer champion in health and social care? Healthwatch has significant statutory powers to ensure the voice of the consumers is heard by those who commission, deliver and regulate health and care services. At a local level Healthwatch works to: l Represent the views of people who use health and care services on the Health

and Wellbeing boards set up by local authorities. l Report local concerns about the quality of health care to Healthwatch England,

which can then recommend that the Care Quality Commission take action. l Provide a complaints advocacy service to support people who make a

complaint about services. There is a Healthwatch network for each London borough and you can find our more at www.healthwatch.co.uk or by calling 03000 683 000 for advice and support.

Respecting the building by Charley Knight (resident)

Being a tenant of any building can be a challenge. Housing blocks often act as a mini- community pulling together people from different ages and different walks of life, so there can often be conflicts. However, there can also be great harmony. Having a mutual respect for a housing block and its residents is often the first step in the move towards a harmonious atmosphere. Maintaining key areas such as corridors, entrance ways and shared gardens is essential. Simple steps like placing rubbish neatly within the bin cupboard, rather than leaving it in a corridor or on the floor of the refuse areas, can be a supportive act within any shared block. Here are some tips to help your building maintain its friendly atmosphere: 1. Greeting neighbours and residents when you pass them. This may seem strange at first but it’s a great way to begin to open communication with other residents. 2. Picking up stray bits of litter or rubbish, or advertisement flyers dropped in the corridors. Even if it is not your litter, removing it just helps to boost the cleanliness and remind others about the kind of area you would like to live in.

3. Being conscious of the noise you might be making when moving around the building. It is easy to be swept up in a moment with a group of friends after a late night out. However, just taking a second to quieten your group as you walk along corridors can make a huge difference, especially as there may be lots of families living within our blocks. 4. Just be a little bit more open minded. Teenagers often like to congregate within certain areas and we need to be mindful that they often don’t have anywhere else to go. It may seem irritating if they are taking over an area, yet a simple “excuse me” or a smile can often defuse any hostility and allow you to share the area with them. Additionally, striking up a conversation could lead to a new understanding with a group and you can find your previous irritations are less of a problem. Every little bit helps when it comes to sharing and maintaining a positive and respectful environment. It is up to all of us as residents to make this happen, and if we want to live in a happy community we need to take the steps to achieve this.

Are you in digital need? Let us know and we can help you Most people use the internet, computers and smartphones as part of their every day lives. However, some of us have never really used a computer, or are unsure about how to manage ‘new technology’. With the Government moving ahead with providing many services on an online only basis it will soon be essential to be digitally skilled. Working with Newlon Fusion we are running a programme to help people gain the digital skills, confidence and knowledge they need. If you feel you could benefit send your details to: Digital Skills Project, Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk, London, N17 9FE and we will get in touch to find out how we can support you.

Check

your benefits

If you are in receipt of benefits, or think you could be why not use our handy benefits calculator to check your entitlement. You can find the calculator at www.newlon.entitledto.co.uk to see what you qualify for. You can also find about benefit changes at www.newlon.org.uk/residents/changes-benefits. So far Newlon Fusion has helped residents claim over £9,500 of benefits they are due.

Kids’ corner! This word quiz is based on the popular 3D stop motion animation The Boxtrolls. You can find the answers even if you have not seen the film.

To enter, draw a line in biro or dark pencil through each of the eight words, cut your completed word search out and send it to the address below. Remember that you need to read horizontally, vertically and diagonally and some words may cut across each other. EGGS

GRISTLE

SNATCHER

TROUT

FISH

PICKLES

SPARKY

TRUBSHAW

The Boxtrolls S R G S B P E G C O C V T Z T J N G P Z C R F I S H Q U G X Y G A H X I J L O C Z J O Q T E R D T S Y M R J R D K R M R Y W S T C M K J M R N S T I U T O L C X H E R D A K U D U B Z E U D X U E F A O Z S C L S Z X I K F A R R P P G I I G H S E L K C I P N I W S F L K A E W W Y D J O Q K Y X T N K W I F J J F L H C U P G A V G G

Have a go... Please post your entry for the quiz to: Newlon News Kids’ Quiz drawing competition, Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk, Hale Village, London, N17 9FE. All entries must be received by Friday 28th November. Please remember to include your name, age and address with your entry. You can enter the quiz if you are aged 12 or under. All correct entries will go into a draw, and two will win a £15 gift card or the equivalent in vouchers for a high street or online store of your choice.

J T Y E A X I M S G M R I C I P Q D J E E Z U K I M S L S T

Winners!

S H T D O E K O D V J F Z L M D L H K P V G O E B Y M L E W

Congratulations to 11 year-old Alicia from Tower Hamlets and 10 year-old Dorothy from Hackney, who are the joint winners of the How to Train Your Dragon 2 quiz in the last newsletter. They have both won £15 vouchers.

Write for our newsletter This is your newsletter – so why not write for it? We are looking for ideas and articles from residents of all ages. The article could be about your home – maybe you have recently done some decorating and you want to share ideas, things you like to do after school or places you like to visit at the weekend with family or friends. Why not tell us what you like and if we publish your article we will send you £20 in vouchers of your choice! All you need to do is send your article to Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk, Hale Village, London, N17 9FE or e-mail it to newsletters@newlon.org.uk. Don’t forget to include your name, address and telephone number so we can get in touch with you. To make your article even more interesting, why not send us a picture as well?

Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk, Hale Village, London, N17 9FE Telephone: 020 7613 8080 Email (general enquiries): info@newlon.org.uk Email (repairs): repairs@newlon.org.uk www.newlon.org.uk Newlon Housing Trust is a charitable Housing Association If you would like to visit our offices and need assistance with access please call us on 020 7613 8080. If you have difficulty reading this newsletter or require a different format please contact us on 020 7613 8091.