G2g summer 2015 by Greenfields Community Housing

G2G

Autumn 2015

Formerly Gateway to Greenfields

Universal Credit Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story?

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Low-cost household items Donate or buy

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Be connected

Enter our prize draw!

And you could win one of 100 kitchen herb gardens

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GET ONLINE PAGE 20

Contents P3 P3 P4 P5 P6 P8 P8 P8 P9 P9 P9 P10 P12 P13 P14 P15 P16 P17 P17 P18 P19 P20 P20 P21 P22 P23 P23 P24 P24 P24 P25 P26

Pay your rent by direct debit? Staff members go straight to the top! Sweet charity Universal Credit: What’s the story? What’s been happening out there? The Oil Lady is at your service! Work experience with Greenfields A flaming good time for young recruits! Want to donate or buy cheap household items? And we have a winner… Heroes and Heroines Noticeboard Teabreak Kids’ Corner Crossword We need you: volunteers wanted Like a challenge? Our AGM: are you coming? What does Community Gateway mean to me? Spotlight on: Regeneration and Development Team In their own words Need help to buy? Be connected – get online Don’t stand for it: domestic abuse Helping you in your golden years Beat the bogus caller Did you know…? How does your garden grow? Competition: win one of 100 kitchen herb gardens Alfresco work-out Mr Green-fingers’ guide to gardening Know your Board…Stuart Ward

Daisy

Happy Halloween! Page 2

A welcome from the editor “Did you know gardening is the new rock n’ roll? Or is it baking? Either way, both are good for the mind, body and soul! To get you started, we are offering you the chance to win one of 100 kitchen herb gardens on page 25. And if you fancy that, you may also be interesting in teaming up with your neighbours to create your very own “edible estate”, with our support. Get stuck in, you might just enjoy yourself. And so as not to leave the kids out, we also have a competition to colour in and name their own scarecrow, so please keep them busy and get their entries to us by 9 October… On the other hand you may prefer baking, so do send us your tips for the perfect “bake” (as Paul and Mary would say). With Christmas getting closer, most of us are starting to tighten our belts a bit (which generally get tighter around that time anyway!) and think about making savings. One way that you can budget more easily is by paying bills, such as your rent, through Direct Debit. And if you sign-up by October, you could win one of five £1,000 shopping vouchers. See page 3 for more details about the prize draw. As ever, please get in touch if you have anything you would like to share with our readers See you again soon.”

Amanda x

Amanda Bhavnani - Editor

Call: 01376 332473 Email: Amanda.Bhavnani@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk

Pay your rent by direct debit?

You could win £1,000 in vouchers

If you currently pay your rent by Direct Debit, or you sign up by October 2015, you could be the lucky winner of £1,000 in shopping vouchers.

And with the introduction of Universal Credit from October 2015 (see article on page 5), it’s a good idea to pay your rent by Direct Debit if you are affected.

Greenfields is one of 30 organisations taking part in this campaign, which is offering five centrallyfunded prizes of £1,000 worth of Love2shop vouchers for those paying rent by Direct Debit.

If you would like to switch to Direct Debit please contact our Rent Accounting Team on 01376 535400 or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/paying-your-rent

Paying by Direct Debit payment is convenient because it means that you won’t have to worry about remembering to pay your rent on time.

The Direct Debit campaign is run by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited, the not-for-profit organisation behind Direct Debit in the UK.

Staff members go straight to the top! We are very proud that two of our staff members have recently won awards for the hard work they do and the contribution they make to their communities.

James Martin Our Positive Engagement Co-ordinator took home the Mentor of the Year Award at the national Housing Hero Awards in Manchester on Monday 22 June 2015. Through offering free sports sessions & other activities, James works with hundreds of people all over the Braintree District to guide and motivate them to increase their skills and find employment. His efforts have contributed towards a reduction in anti-social behaviour and negative stereotyping, and an increase in employment and better relationships between people of different generations.

Stephen Medhurst Our Repairs Administrator was proud to take home the Outstanding Apprentice Award in the Business and Services category at Colchester Institute’s Celebration of Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards 2015. Stephen stood out from hundreds of other students for showing an “outstanding approach to college and work; and excellent personal qualities as a mentor.” He said of his experience: “The Apprenticeship has been the best thing I could have chosen to do. Greenfields has given me great opportunities and guidance, and I am so glad I decided to do my apprenticeship here and that it led to my success in getting a job as well.” Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Sweet charity We are proud to have raised nearly £4,000 for local charities this summer, between staff, residents, Board members and partners. The biggest money-spinner was our annual charity golf day, which raised £2,700 for Crossroads Care, but many of us will never forget the sight of Daniel Allen, our Property Services Director, having his legs waxed slowly and painfully in full view of his highly sympathetic and not-at-all gleeful colleagues. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we donated £400. Sisters were doing it for themselves at the annual Race for Life in Chelmsford, where several special staff members raised £500 for Cancer Research. And it was the boys’ turn at Birketts Race4Business, also in Chelmsford, where five of our speediest fellas raised £100 for Age UK in the £5k run.

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And some of our less active but just as charitable staff members in our Witham Office happily consumed cream teas together and raised £44.93 for Crossroads Care. Crossroads Care, our Charity of the Year, helps to provide regular short breaks to carers who need a little time to themselves. If you’re a carer, trained care support staff can come into your home and take over for a few hours each week to give you a break. This could allow you to go shopping, see friends, relax with a magazine, have a bath or even just have some wellearned sleep. If you would like to organise an event or make a donation to raise money for Crossroads Care, please contact the editor.

Universal Credit:

What’s the story? What is it? Universal Credit (UC) is a new benefit that will replace these six existing benefits with a single monthly payment: • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Housing Benefit. When will it happen? UC will be launched in the Braintree District on 5 October this year. Initially, this will be for new claimants only, and will only affect you if you are single, of “working age” and have lost your job. How much will I receive? How much you will receive will depend on your circumstances. How will I get paid? UC will be paid monthly into your bank, building society or Post Office account. This will include any financial help you receive at the time towards to pay your rent (previously Housing Benefit), and you will need to pay your full rent directly to Greenfields yourself. If you don’t, you may lose your home. Your first claim will take at least six weeks to process. Following your first payment, you will receive future payments on the same date each month. What’s in it for me? UC could increase your income by starting a new job or working more hours at an existing one. It will also enable you to manage your own money. How much can I work? There are no limits to the number of hours you can work. Your UC payment will reduce gradually as you earn more - you will not lose all your benefits at once if you are on a low income and you will be responsible for informing the Department of Works and Pensions of any changes to your income in your circumstances. What do I need to do? Please contact our Income Team at Greenfields immediately on 01376 535400 if you apply for UC, as we may be able to provide assistance with your application. If you would like any more information about UC or any other benefits, please visit www.gov.uk/universal-credit. You can also contact our Welfare Benefits Service on 01376 535400 or email Benefits.Advisors@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

What’s been happening out there?

Laying the foundations Any excuse to get the hard hats and high-vis jackets on to celebrate the opening of more new homes – this time in the Braintree area; with nine in Coldnailhurst Avenue, two in Hillside Gardens and two in Queens Gardens, Panfield. Staff, residents and contractors gathered to celebrate on 23 July 2015 with a nice cup of tea and a bacon roll. The homes should be ready to move into by spring 2016. Our largest housing development to date – 36 new homes in Coggeshall – was officially opened in June by two of our oldest and youngest residents - Eleanor Adams, 98; and Amelia Mary Scudder; two-months-old. The ribbon-cutting was followed by a Community Fun Day, including a bouncy castle, face paints, arts n’ crafts, a barbeque and a visit from Princess Cinderella! (Actually staff member, Gemma Foxlow, but ssshh… don’t tell anyone.)

Having a good clear-out In June we worked with pupils from Alec Hunter Academy in Braintree to transform The Woodlands on Cressing Road as part of a mass clear-up of 14 areas. Greenfields’ staff and Academy pupils got stuck into litter picking, sweeping, weeding and lots more to significantly improve the area. 15 bags of waste were collected in total.

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And... action! Our Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) transform several areas in our communities by making thousands of pounds worth of improvements based on what the local residents want to see. Last year we madeover six areas, including Barwell and Fortis House on the Hatfield Road Estate in Witham, and Armstrong Way in Great Yeldham; with improvements including landscaping and bin storage. This year we are focusing on three other areas – Alan Road, Witham; Colne Court, Salcott Creek Court and Roding Court, Braintree; and De Vere Road, Halstead. Watch this space, people!

Celebrating our volunteers We loved celebrating the fantastic work our hundreds of volunteers do at a special event in June at Colne Valley Golf Club. Attendees were thanked with a delicious BBQ, a performance from Braintree Arts College, an opportunity to hear from lots of inspiring speakers, a chance to make balloon animals (you’re never too old) and some laughs from comedian, Tony Marrese, from House of Stand Up.

Keeping gardens NEET and tidy

Our Positive Engagement Programme helps young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to increase their skills, confidence and employability through lots of different activities. Recently, volunteers have been helping residents to keep their gardens ‘NEET and Tidy’ (get it?). One grateful tenant said: “I can’t thank the lads who made my garden manageable again enough. I can now maintain it myself & it’s taken away a lot of stress.”

Contact us on 01376 535400 or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/getting-involved to find out how you can volunteer for Greenfields.

We want to help you all to get “online” so that you can make the most out of all the opportunities it can offer you – including saving money on lots of different services. As part of the ‘Be Connected’ campaign we have been visiting residents in our older persons’ schemes to help them to learn how to make better use of their mobile phones, tablets, laptops or PCs - helping them to get in touch with long-lost residents and all sorts! If you would like help or support, find out more about our ‘Be Connected’ campaign on page 20, and feel free to fill out the enclosed survey. Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

The Oil Lady is at your service! “You don’t get much for free these days but I can recommend ‘The Oil Lady’ if you use oil for heating. About six years ago I started a free oil syndicate for our village, as prices were getting silly. I was not prepared for what followed. The word got out and I was flooded with enquires from people from surrounding villages, and our number increased from 24 to over 100 within a couple of weeks. Numbers continued to multiply and after a couple of years the lovely ‘Oil Lady’ (AKA Sheila Considine) jumped in with both feet and took over the syndicate.

She now runs the syndicate and helps others to set up their own, too. So if, like me, you are using oil for heating, you can simply contact Sheila and get any questions answered. From December 2014 to April 2015, her syndicate saved between 3p to 12p per litre for its members. They are also currently working on an idea for an anti-theft device, which I’m told is progressing very well. All members will be notified once it’s available. Contact the Oil Lady on 01371 238080 or visit www.theoillady.co.uk to find out more.” Phil Clark, tenant and Community Gateway Group Member

A flaming good time for young recruits! We recently teamed up with Braintree Fire Station in which ten young people learnt lots of fire-fighting skills. The free five-day ‘Firebreak’ course was primarily aimed at building students’ confidence and motivation, and providing support and direction in terms of interaction and communication.

Work experience with Greenfields Looking for a work experience placement? Why not come and work with us? Not only do we offer work experience opportunities for students in Years 10 and 11, but anyone of any age can come and work in lots of different areas in the business to experience life in the housing sector! A parent of a recent student said of his son’s experience: “He thoroughly enjoyed the week with the tradesman, who was a great mentor for him. The experience has confirmed that he is definitely interested in a professional tradesman’s career. We have seen him mature in the week spent with your company and staff. My wife and I can’t thank you and your team enough for all you did.” To find out more, call 01376 535400 or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/workexperience Page 8

Workshops included: First Aid training, Road Safety, and practical Fire Service Skills, and the exciting week ended with a Passing Out Parade where the ten 13 to 17-year-olds got the chance to showcase their new skills to parents and friends. To find out more about opportunities for young people to increase skills and confidence, visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/positiveengagement-programme or call 01376 535400.

Want to donate or buy low-cost household items? Look no further than T.R.E.E

And we have a winner… Congratulations to Greenfields resident, Katie Gettin, who is the grateful winner of £200 of shopping vouchers in our Customer Access Survey prize draw. Happy spending, Katie!

Tendring Reuse and Employment Enterprise (T.R.E.E.) is a charity which provides employment, volunteer and work placement opportunities for people in the local community. Greenfields and Braintree District Council have contributed £150,000 to help fund a project in Braintree. T.R.E.E. accepts and collects good-quality donated electrical items & furniture, and reuses or recycles them. Refurbished quality items are then sold at low cost to the general public, particularly benefiting those who are disadvantaged. And the good news is that a new warehouse/shop on East Street, Braintree, is open for business! You can: • Donate used furniture, white goods and other household items • Buy low-cost new and used furniture, white goods and other household items • Find out about employment, work placement and volunteering. And if you are a Greenfields’ tenant or leaseholder and a member of Greenfields (see AGM article on page 17), the £10 delivery charge is waived. The shop is open between 10am and 4pm, three days per week. Feel free to call them on 0300 6666 007. You can also contact Gary Elson at Greenfields on 01376 535400 or Gary.Elson@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk to find out about work and volunteering opportunities, and how to become a member of Greenfields.

Heroes and heroines We are very proud of you! xxx Love always Mum, Dad, Natalie & Wayne xxx

Ken Rogers, a Greenfields resident from Sudbury, would like us to recognise the courageous and selfless actions of his daughter, Emma. She just finished her exams and is currently in Morocco with her friend, volunteering for eight weeks to help with orphaned children.

Keep up the fantastic work, Emma! If you would like to find out about volunteering opportunities at Greenfields, call 01376 535400 or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/volunteering

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Noticeboard Dates for your Diary

Braintree Area Forum open public meeting

Wednesday 16 September 2015, 7pm - 9pm The Mulberries older persons’ scheme, South Street, Braintree, CM7 3FW

Greenfields’ Annual General Meeting Saturday 19 September 2015, 11am-3pm Braintree Arts Theatre, Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1WY

Braintree Museum: Tea and Talks Courtauld Collections by Courtauld Institute of Art

Wednesday 23 September 2015 (call 01376 328 868)

Braintree Museum: Tea and Talks – Castle Hedingham Bingham Pottery, by Charles Bird Wednesday 14 October 2015

Braintree Museum: Tea and Talks Medieval Castles, by David Andrews Wednesday 25 November 2015

Braintree Area Forum open public meeting

Wednesday 25 November 2015, 7-9pm Greenfields House, Charter Way, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8FG

Halstead Area Forum open public meeting

Tuesday 8 December 2015, 2-4pm. The venue is to be confirmed

@Green

fieldsC

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Top tip To remove burnt food from a pan, soak the pan in boiling water and biological washing powder for at least an hour.

To imp rove h ow we co mmunic ate with yo u, we m ay be asking for yo ur ema addres il s when you conta ct us. Thank s, in a dvance .

Our Performance April -June 2015 Description

Target

Actual Indicator

Complaints resolved within target time

100%

Green

Inbound calls resolved right first time

85%

87.9%

Green

Amount of rent arrears

2.38%

2.18%

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Wanted! Your Views We are currently reviewing the following policies and would appreciate your feedback: • Income Management • Asbestos • Aids and Adaptations • Shareholding Membership. If you are interested in being involved in these discussions, please contact Kim Langridge, Policy and Research Co-ordinator by calling 01376 535400, by emailing Consultation@GreenfieldsCH.o rg.uk or by logging onto www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/your-views

Did you k now that you a re able to ‘opt out ’ of non-essen tial post from Gree nfields? Just call 01376 53 5400

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Where am I?

Tea break

Which Essex towns are listed below

1.__________________ CLUE: Not so cuddly

Shape Math

2.__________________

CLUE: Panthera leo

3.__________________ CLUE: Flightless

16 4.__________________ CLUE: Keratin nose

20 17

5.__________________ CLUE: Tallest

Can you figure out and calculate the value of each shape?

6.__________________ CLUE: Stripy horse

Did you know...? The oldest timber-framed barn in the world is at Cressing Temple near Braintree.

Coggeshall is one of the many sites claimed to be the burial place of Boudica.

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Riddle me this:

2 coins make up 30p. One of the coins isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a 10p. What are the 2 coins? All the answers to this editionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tea break can be found on page 26.

Kids Corner

H Kids Corner H Kids Corner H Kids Corner H

‘Complete & colour in & name the scarecrow’

Co m p e t i t i o n

My name is

My age is

My address is My phone number is

Enterin and w rily a scaiting exc ze! pri

“Hi, my name is

The Scarecrow”

To enter, simply complete & colour and name the scarecrow and post to: Samara Hemdane, aged 7, from Amanda Bhavnani, Greenfields Community Housing, Guithavon House, Guithavon Street, Witham, Essex CM8 1BJ Braintree by Friday 9 October 2015. Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Summer month (4) 3. Sheath for a sword (8) 9. Stray from the subject (7) 10. Grown-up (5) 11. Paved garden area (5) 12. List of things to be done or discussed (6) 14. In truth (6) 16. Extortionate money-lender (6) 19. Infuriate (6) 21. Garden tools (5) 24. Contempt (5) 25. Incident (7) 26. Cooked egg dish (8) 27. Conspiracy (4)

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Down 1. Riding-breeches (8) 2. Of little weight (5) 4. Free-and-easy (6) 5. Red Indian warrior (5) 6. Apart (7) 7. Facts given (4) 8. Shrink in horror (6) 13. View (8) 15. Fashionable (1,2,4) 17. Exert to the utmost (6) 18. Owing money (2,4) 20. Tightly packed (5) 22. Hillock (5) 23. Capital of Norway (4)

WE NEED

YOU

Learn new skills Increase your confidence

Meet new people Give something back

We are always looking for volunteers to help us to improve & enhance our services. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer at Greenfields. These range from filling out a survey, to being on our Board, and many in between. We are currently looking for volunteers for the following projects: 1. Health Trainers to support or lead our chair-based exercise classes 2. Digi-Pals to support our residents to get connected by going online. “It’s great to see class members gain confidence and mobility to help them cope with their daily routines. It makes me feel proud to know that I’m helping and supporting my community.” Linda Hammond, Health Trainer

“Helping someone to get online can change a life. Being part of that and watching someone’s face light up as they realise what they can achieve is priceless.” Meryl Lawrence, Digi-Pal

Training and support will be included, and expenses covered.

Numbers are limited, so don’t hesitate; get in touch today! If you would like to find out more about these or other opportunities, please call 01376 535400, email csc@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/getting-involved Page 12

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Like a challenge? We’re looking for Greenfields residents to join our Resident Challenge Group. You can help us by: • Shining the spotlight on different services • Highlighting areas for improvement • Making recommendations for change. This is a great opportunity to use your skills and to learn new ones and it only takes, on average, eight hours of your time, each month.

Want to know more? Contact Gemma Foxlow, Business Services Co-ordinator: Call: 01376 535400 Email: Gemma.Foxlow@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk Page 16

What does Community Gateway mean to me? “I, and many other residents, got involved with the Council before the homes transferred to Greenfields because we had a real opportunity to help shape the way that our new landlord developed into the Community Gateway, resident-focused, organisation we know today.

Our AGM: are you coming? If you’re a member of Greenfields, you will have received your invitation to attend our AGM on Saturday 19 September 2015 at Braintree Arts Theatre, from 11am-3pm. The AGM is an excellent opportunity to find out what we have achieved in the past year, to ask us questions and to hear what we are planning next year. You can then enjoy lunch and come along to the afternoon session if you choose, where you will find out the winners of the Community Spirit Awards, our gardening competition and our new ‘design a garden’ competition for local school children – not to mention having a good ol’ sing-song with us and Goldies Charity! To confirm your attendance, please call 01376 535400 ext. 4088 or email Helen.Shuttlewood@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk by Thursday 10 September. To find out more about membership please call us or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/membership

I feel proud of all that we, as “involved residents”, have achieved. Working together with the Board and staff, we have a really good organisation that continues to improve. We have introduced some innovative services, such as the Positive Engagement and Health and Wellbeing Programmes, and supported several voluntary organisations, whilst listening to and learning from other residents. We have created an organisation that is so much more than a landlord, but we face some really challenging times ahead. The Government is making some changes that will mean there will be some difficult decisions to be made in the future. For some, these changes will be welcomed; for others, the changes may cause some real hardship on a personal level. There will be less money coming in so we will have to review our priorities. As a member of Greenfields’ Community Gateway Group, part of my role is to think about the impact that those changes will have on our residents and work with the Board and staff to balance the needs of residents alongside that of the organisation. We recognise that things do not stay the same and that we need to adapt and change. As a result of this, we need you to get involved and have your say. If you are interested, please contact Gary Elson at Greenfields on 01376 535400 or email Gary.Elson@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk.” Ian Marshall, Chair of the Community Gateway Group

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Spotlight on:

Regeneration and Development Team Greenfields’ Regeneration and Development Team was set up in 2010 to provide much-needed new, affordable homes across the District. Their work involves: • Planning, building or buying new homes Regeneration • Organising community events in the areas where and Development we work, to keep people involved and informed • Giving site safety talks at local schools • Keeping local people and organisations aware of our plans and activities, such as councils, residents, schools and, of course, neighbours • Employing local contractors to work on our sites • Encouraging apprentices to work on our sites • Reducing energy bills for residents living in our new homes. Here is an example about what the five members of the team are currently up to: • Working with local developers and authorities to find new sites to build on, or buy homes from • Building new homes in Panfield, Braintree and Kelvedon • Doing fun activities with school children from Richard De Clare School in Halstead, and John Bunyan School in Braintree, such as bird-box making, site safety talks and a poster competition, to raise awareness of environmental and safety issues • Remodelling Nash Court older persons’ scheme in Halstead.

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In their own words Steve Blows “My dad led the National Neighbourhood Watch movement” Steve Blows, 63, lives in one of our older persons’ scheme in Halstead. He is a “voice” for his fellow residents, representing their views about their housing service and homes to Greenfields. He compares his role to that of his dad’s, Alan Blows, who, in the 80s and 90s, set up the National Neighbourhood Watch movement to help reduce crime across the country. Steve says: “Previously, Neighbourhood Watch schemes were local and independent. Although they had good intentions, my dad, an expoliceman, thought that more could be done if a national organisation was formed to support them. He felt that the police were struggling to get public support and that they should be able to turn to the local Watch for the assistance and encouragement they need. Dad said: “The Watch sees another society starting from another place; the quiet street of law-abiding residents.” To set his own example of how a scheme could be run, Alan also led the Watch on Vicarage Road in East Ham, commanding audiences of 300 people, including Chief Constables and MPs. He passed information to the Police and vice versa, resulting in a local pub being raided and shut down for drugs. In 1987, Alan created a proposal to set up a National Federation of Watches. This would involve local schemes being set up by ordinary people and their neighbours, and supported by the national federation, police and MPs to reduce crime and villainy across the country. So, in 1987, he took the proposal to Margaret Thatcher and she said two words: “do it!” Alan also wrote a book in 1989 called the ‘The Active Watch’, to act as guidance for creating a Watch scheme. It offered hundreds of tips on how

Your resident representatives volunteer in a wide variety of roles to help to make decisions about your homes, neighbourhoods and housing service. Here, Steve Blows talks about how his Dad led the National Neighbourhood Watch movement, and how it inspired him to help his community, too... to work with the Police and neighbours to combat crime. Although some items may seem a little outdated now, such as “If you prefer being a backroom boy, send the wife round, or someone else’s wife. Women are persuasive organisers.” True though, some would agree! These days, the National Neighbourhood Watch Movement is still going strong. Steve can see similarities between what his dad did for his community and what he does himself, now. “People talk to me when they’re scared to talk to someone in authority. There are issues I pick up through normal conversation with other residents, which I can then pass onto Greenfields.” Steve has been a representative for Greenfields residents for the last two years. His role involves being a Community Voice for residents in Nash Court and Symonds Court older persons’ schemes, being on Greenfields’ Support and Wellbeing Committee, and being Chairman of Greenfields’ Halstead Area Forum. “Being on the Forum means helping to decide how thousands of pounds are spent each year on environmental improvements. In the last year, these have included car park improvements, play equipment, landscaping, benches, greenhouses, and much more.” Steve’s latest project aims to get all Greenfields residents to join their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. If you would like to find out more, contact Steve on 07932 805228 or visit www.ourwatch.org.uk

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Need help to buy? Shared ownership is a part buy/part rent home ownership scheme. It is designed to help people unable to purchase a home outright onto the property ladder. We sometimes have shared ownership properties available within the district, and beyond. Based on your household income and lifestyle, you can purchase as little as a 25% share in a property and pay rent on the remaining share. By initially buying a share, the total monthly mortgage and rent cost is normally less than renting or buying outright a similar property privately. As your household income allows, you can purchase further shares in increments of 10% or more. Shared ownership can be a great, affordable way to get your foot onto the property ladder. To find out more about our shared ownership scheme and the criteria you need to meet please call 01376 535400 or visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/shared-ownership

Is this you? “I don’t know where to start when it comes to computers” “I feel left behind, as I don’t know how to get online” “I don’t know what ‘dot. com’ means or when mice started ‘clicking’!” Page 20

We are giving you all the opportunity to become confident in ‘logging on’ to the internet, whether it’s through your computer, tablet, Smartphone or something else (don’t worry if you don’t know what a Smartphone is – that’s what we’re here for!) Being online can help you to get discounts on services, such as insurance, to do your shopping, to keep in touch with friends and relatives, to find out what’s happening in your community, and so much more! If you would like to increase your online skills, or learn the absolute basics, please contact us to find out about drop-in sessions in your area, and fill out the enclosed survey to tell us more about you.

You can also visit www. GreenfieldsCH. org.uk/computerguides-2015 to learn many basic skills, such as how to use a mouse and send an email. If you are already comfortable with the basics, you may wish to help others by volunteering to become a Digi-Pal. Find out more on page 15. We will be running fun activities throughout the week of 12 to 18 October 2015 to celebrate National Get Online Week, and we would love to see you. You can meet the staff who are helping you ‘be connected’ and learn about the opportunities available to you and your families. Call Val Thompstone at Greenfields on 01376 535400 ext. 5678, for an informal chat.

Domestic abuse occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse includes a range of behaviours: physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse. It happens within intimate relationships, as well as between family members and it forms a pattern of bullying and controlling. It is rarely a one-off event and it tends to get worse over time. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship are the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love.

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse, call Essex Policeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency number: 999; or their non-emergency number: 101. You can also call us on 01376 535400 and we will listen to you and let you know who you can contact to get the right help and support. You can also visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk/domestic-abuse Source: www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Helping you in your golden years Teaming up with Age UK We are working in partnership with Age UK Essex to boost the support, information and advice available to our older residents to help you enjoy your ‘golden years’ as much as possible. Thank you so much to everyone who has told us what you want & need to help you to live happily and independently. You have told us that loneliness and isolation can become a problem for older people, particularly when mobility and general health are compromised. Age UK offers a befriending service to help combat this. Trained and vetted volunteer “befrienders” extend a hand of friendship through a weekly visit, accompanied activity or a phone call. The benefits can range from someone keeping a friendly eye on you, to having someone to share a hobby or every-day day activity with, like cheering your team on at a football match or simply taking a stroll to the shops. Age UK also offers tailored products to help make either yours or your families lives easier, such as helping you to sort out ‘end of life care’ and funeral arrangements (probably not something you will enjoy thinking about, but it’s worth preparing for). Knowing that everything is in order and that your family won’t be lumbered with the stress of paying for and arranging a funeral can mean peace of mind all-round. Age UK can provide a Funeral Plan service to anyone aged over 50-years-old. To find out more about these services and many more: Call: 01245 346 106 Email: info@ageukessex.org.uk Visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/essex Page 22

New service for over 85’s If you’re aged 85 or over and living alone or caring for others, you may be part of our six-month pilot for a new Outreach Support Service. We are trialling this because want to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible in your home, and have access to any available support to help you to live independently and well. Simple tasks that we all take for granted can become more problematic as we get older. Often we just need a little bit of extra help to get around these annoying signs of our age and wisdom! At the end of pilot we hope to have gathered some really useful information regarding the best ways we could possibly support you in the longer term. These are challenging times for all of us, but we are committed to doing whatever we can to help you to really enjoy retirement and remain firmly in the driving seat of your life.

Did you know…?

Beat the bogus caller

We have built 102 homes over the past three years

Most people who call at your home will be genuine but it’s important to be on your guard and remember there are “bogus callers” about. “Bogus callers” are people who turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home to steal. They are also known as “distraction burglars.” These callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or utility companies e.g. gas or electricity. But remember that official visitors should always arrange an appointment with you beforehand, and carry an identification card. Fraudsters may also try to steal money over the telephone or by letter; using different techniques to trick you into handing over your bank details. For example, a letter was recently sent to a Greenfields resident which claimed to be from the ‘People’s Postcode Lottery’ and asked for a ‘processing fee’ so that they could collect their winnings. This was a scam. But don’t worry; by taking a few simple precautions you can help to protect yourself and your home. • If you receive a phone call asking for your bank details or for large sums of cash, put them on hold and call the police from a different phone e.g. a mobile phone. • Don’t be frightened to ask for identification and always check it carefully. If you’re not sure, ask them to come back another day. Greenfields staff and contractors always carry identification and will be happy to show it to you. • Think about installing a door chain and use it. Keep the door on the chain until you’ve seen identification. • If you need your glasses to read the identification, close the door before going to find them. Don’t leave the door open and unattended. • Remember to lock the back door before opening the front. • Don’t be pressured into letting someone into your home if you have suspicions. • Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house. • Remember that most callers are genuine! Some of the information in this article was taken from www.essexpolice.uk

95% of Greenfields’ waste materials are recycled

Our membership scheme is free to join and allows you to vote on important decisions that affect your housing service, and to benefit from discounts to local services

You could save up to £500 per year by going ‘online’

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Blackberries are in plentiful supply this time of year; what could be better than a walk in the countryside, gathering your free harvest from the hedgerow? And during September, winter radishes and onions can still be sown. October is the main month for preparing any unused land or plot for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crops. Dig the soil as deep as possible and leave it rough so it may be pulverised and cleansed by nature over the winter months. Remember that this is good exercise, and more productive and cheaper than going to the gym. Here is an easy recipe for pickled shallots or onions: 1. Peel, place in a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt on each layer 2. Cover for 24 hours to remove excess moisture 3. Rinse and pat dry on kitchen roll 4. Pack into clean jars (recycled coffee jars are ideal) 5. Cover in white or malt vinegar. If using malt vinegar, a spoonful of brown sugar takes away the harshness 6. Enjoy!

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MR RS E G

EEN-FI N GR

September is the month for harvesting vegetables that are not frost-hardy. You can ripen green tomatoes by placing them in a drawer or box (if you add a banana it speeds up the process).

Mr Green-fingersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guide to gardening!

RS GE

How does your garden grow?

EEN-FI N GR

Alfresco work-out Some medical experts now regard gardening as the perfect way to keep fit and reduce the risk of potentially fatal diseases.

Prize draw: win one of 100 kitchen herb gardens

Research shows just two-and-a-half hours of gardening a week can improve an adult’s fitness levels. The combination of walking, digging, weeding and raking gives an all-over body workout comparable to anything that can be done in the gym but without the expense. Find out more here: www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/ 170247/Why-gardening-is-good-for-you

Calling all budding (get it?) gardeners! If you would like to be in with a chance of winning one of 100 kitchen herb gardens, please just send us your answers to the following questions by Friday 9 October 2015, and you will be entered into a prize draw: 1. Do you grow your own fruit or veg? If so, please feel free to send us a photo. 2. Would you be interested in getting involved in a community initiative to ‘grow your own’? Please email your answers, along with your name and address, to Competition@ GreenfieldsCH.org.uk. You can also post them to Rikki Burt, Estate Management Team Leader, Greenfields Community Housing, Greenfields House, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8FG or drop them into any of our offices.

Edible estates Have you ever fancied growing your own fruit & veg, but not sure how to get started? Well, have no fear, Greenfields is here!

We have been supporting residents all over the districts to create their own ‘edible estates’ with their neighbours – which can be anything from garden beds, to troughs, to rock gardens, to trees. A group of residents who live at Woodlands older persons’ scheme on Cressing Road in Braintree have done just that, and we have supplied a trough, a mini allotment, water butts and advice to help them along the way.

Not only will the project hopefully ‘bear fruit’ (and vegetables) but it is bringing people together. Some residents are unable to do the gardening themselves, but sit outside when others are working to keep them company, which has led to drinks and BBQs – making Woodlands the place to be of an evening! One resident said: “As we live in flats, we miss out on having a garden and growing our own fruit and veg. This gives us something to do and a purpose of enjoyment; we really enjoy pottering and being part of a community.”

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

Know your Board...

Stuart Ward About you

• I’ve been married to Annabel for 20 years and have two daughters • I’ve worked in the Financial Services industry all my life (but please don’t hold that against me!) • I love cricket, football and Formula One. I find that being a Spurs fan prepares me for the emotional highs and lows of life, whilst being continually optimistic!

What’s good about Greenfields?

The desire to continually improve the services provided and actively involve residents in the running of the organisation.

Why are you involved with Greenfields?

Our first home was a shared ownership property in Dunmow so we have benefited from the help of a housing association first-hand. I want to help others to have access to the same opportunity that we did and (if it doesn’t sound too clichéd!) give something back to the local community.

How would you describe your perfect day?

A full English breakfast, seeing Spurs win the Champions League followed by a pit lane pass at the British Grand Prix and Essex winning the T20 Final! To finish the day I would take my family for dinner at Wildens Restaurant in Bocking. Oh, and if this day ever happens I will definitely buy a lottery ticket too! J

Tea Break Answers

Shape Math

Circle = 3, Star = 5, Triangle = 4

Where am I?

1. Coggeshall 2. Finchingfield 3. Halstead 4. Kelvedon 5. Maldon 6. Felsted

Riddle me this

O S

20p and 10p. Therefore one is 10p the other isn’t (it’s 20p) :-) Page 26

Translations FRENCH Passerelle pour le bulletin de Greenfields Pour une traduction, composez 01376 535400

LITHUANIAN Gateway to Greenfields naujienlaiškis Dėl vertimo skambinkite numeriu 01376 535400

MANDARIN 获取 Greenfields 新闻通讯翻译请拨 01376 535400

POLISH Biuletyn Gateway to Greenfields W celu uzyskania tłumaczenia, proszę zadzwonić pod numer 01376 535400

PORTUGUESE Boletim informativo “Gateway to Greenfields” (Porta para a Greenfields) Caso pretenda uma tradução, ligue para o 01376 535400

SPANISH Boletín informativo Gateway to Greenfields (Puerta a Greenfields) Para obtener una traducción llame al 01376 535400

URDU

‫رٹیلزوین زڈلیف نیرگ وٹ ےو ٹیگ‬ ‫ںیرک نوف رپ سا ےیل ےک ہمجرت‬ 01376 535400

Please Note This newsletter can be made available in larger print, in Braille, on audio CD or in an alternative language by calling

01376 535400 www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper

Gateway to Greenfields | Autumn 2015

G2G Formerly Gateway to Greenfields

Telephone 01376 535400 Email csc@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk Website www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk Head Office Greenfields Community Housing Ltd Greenfields House Charter Way Braintree Essex CM77 8FG @GreenfieldsCH