Link Housing Tenants Newsletter Summer 2012 by Link Group Ltd.

SUMMER 2012

housing The newsletter for Link tenants

Happy Birthday, Link

news INSIDE The Big Lunch

This year Link turns 50 and in March Link Chief Executive Craig Sanderson and Link Group Chair Peter Foreman officially launched the birthday celebrations. Did you know? Link was created shortly after the 1962 Housing (Scotland) Act. The aim was “to carry on the industry, business and trade of providing housing for letting and any associated amenities in Scotland”. The name “Link” was chosen because the houses built would help fill the gap between the private and the public sectors. Since 1962, Link has grown from a small voluntary organisation to a workforce of over 400 who serve over 10,000 individuals and families across central Scotland.

West Tenant Conference

Litter-picking good

Link Group Chair Peter Foreman and Link Chief Executive Craig Sanderson launch Link’s birthday celebrations. Link Group Chairman, Peter Foreman said: “It is very exciting to be part of Link’s 50th birthday celebrations and I am confident that Link will continue to develop further the scope and range of its services which it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the people who use them.”

If you want to find out more about Link’s history visit the website at http://linkhousing.org.uk/ about-us/history-of-link/ You can also follow us on Twitter @Link_Group_Ltd and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ LinkGroupLtd

Link Housing – 08451 400 100 or 0330 303 0013 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

Tenant scrutiny in action

Tenant-led inspection in Petersburn, Airdrie.

We encourage our tenants to get involved in tenant-led inspections as they are a great way to review services and to make sure tenants get an excellent service and value for money. Tenants who are involved lead on all aspects of the process from deciding the topic and service area to be inspected, designing surveys, doing interviews, carrying out the inspection and writing up findings. Tenants undergo training and are supported by staff to plan and carry out each inspection. They work in collaboration with staff to make their recommendations for change and service improvements. In June, the tenant-led inspection team carried out inspections on Link’s estate management services. This is a high priority area for tenants as having a well maintained, safe and attractive environment plays 2

an important part in how tenants feel about their homes and communities. The topic was chosen because the estate management policy and landscaping contracts are due for renewal. The team felt it was a great opportunity to influence decisions about the services going forward. The team visited sites across Edinburgh, Falkirk, Grangemouth, North Lanarkshire, Glasgow, West Lothian and Renfrewshire. The visits included a survey of residents, staff and contractors to get their views on Link’s estate management services,

(including landscaping, maintenance of common areas, gardens) as well as doing walkabouts of estates. They looked at what works well and what could be improved within the current services. The findings will be presented to the Link Housing Association Board later in the summer. Arlene Welsh, Tenant and Link Housing Association Board Member, met the inspectors when they came to Petersburn, Airdrie. She said: “I think tenant-led inspection is a great way to see what is happening on the ground. People here were more willing, open and forward to say what they really think as they are talking to other tenants. The inspectors were not from this area, which I think was good as they are independent and can be objective. They were very polite, organised and approachable when talking to tenants. We look forward to seeing what their findings are.” If you would like to become a tenant inspector please call Leah Webb on 08451 400 100.

Tenant inspectors and staff doing training earlier this year.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

Tenant participation activities 2012-2013 In April, tenant representatives from Registered Tenant Organisations as well as tenants from the consultation register got together to evaluate tenant participation in the past year. Here is what they looked at: ● Review of achievements in 2011/12 ● Introduction to Scottish Social Housing Charter and Scottish Housing Regulator ● Developing plans for a tenant scrutiny panel ● Tenant participation 2012/13 – deciding on activities and priorities for the action plan The group reviewed the tenant participation action plan for 2011/12 and agreed that the following activities had been achieved: ● Two tenant conferences in west and central Scotland ● Attendance at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) conference ● Tenant-led inspection group ● Tenants panel consultations ● Future repairs service planning ● Tenant events and trips ● Increased number of tenant groups – registered and non registered ● Increased number on the consultation register ● Equality and diversity information was gathered

The following areas have been prioritised for tenant participation activities throughout 2012 /13: ● Welfare reform advice and support ● Tenant scrutiny panel and Social Housing Charter planning ● Tenant communications panel ● East tenant conference ● Accredited and informal training ● Tenant-led inspection on estate management ● Tenants group support ● Policy reviews – allocations strategy and customer care and rent setting policies. Complaints policy to adopt the model complaints handling procedure issued by the Ombudsman ● Repairs and planned maintenance ● Customer service standards and Tenants Charter review

The new Scottish Social Housing Charter says on tenant participation: “Social landlords manage their businesses so that tenants and other customers find it easy to participate in and influence their landlords’ decisions at a level they feel comfortable with.” The tenant participation strategy will reflect this and we will ensure we have a range of ways for you to have your say. If you need any other information go to www.housingcharter.scotland. gov.uk or call Leah Webb on 08451 400 100.

valuing people, providing homes, building communities, working together

The Big Lunch – what a bunch!

A number of tenants’ groups participated in the ‘Big Lunch 2012’ which this year coincided with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Big Lunch is an annual event that is promoted by the Big Lottery to encourage neighbours and communities to come together and share food, laughs and conversation. Tenants’ groups from Oatlands, Clydebank, Larbert, Petersburn (and many more!) got together and said it was a very enjoyable day and great way to meet neighbours. Tenants and owners from new Link developments at Beardmore Place, Dalmuir, and MacIntyre Avenue, Larbert, used it as an opportunity to create a sense of community. As well as lunch, activities were put on for children including arts and crafts, traditional games and a bouncy castle.

Lorraine McAuley, a tenant from Beardmore Place, Dalmuir, said: “We used this as an opportunity to bring everyone together and promote the new tenants’ group which is in the early stages of being set up. Owners and tenants were all invited and some residents donated bunting and banners to decorate the street. I was overwhelmed by the amount of residents who attended and the wide variety of food from all over the world went down a treat!”

Big Lunch get-together in Oatlands.

Link Housing – 08451 400 100 or 0330 303 0013 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

Link tenant in a World Record attempt! Stuart Gunn from Edinburgh, will be undertaking a world record attempt later this summer to become the fastest blind and disabled motorcyclist in the world. Stuart is doing this to raise money for four charities – Royal National Institute for Blind People, The Joy Dunlop Foundation, Diabetes UK and Scotland and Riders for Health. In 2002, Stuart was involved in a road accident, which left him paralysed down one side of his body and 100% blind. His family, friends and those that have worked with him say he is a remarkable character, and that he has chosen to deal with his situation in a courageous and inspirational way. Stuart became a Link tenant this year, and lives independently with the support of his friends and family. He says,“It took a while to get everything in the flat sorted, but now I am in, I am really happy with the place and Link staff have been great.” One of Stuart’s friends says, “Most of his friends probably find that part harder (his disability) to cope with than he does. Stuart has simply ‘got on with’ whatever hand he’s been

dealt since his original accident – and that wasn’t pretty. We all know if anyone is going to break the current record, it will be Stuart.” Link has donated £250 to Stuart to help him with his record attempt and we wish him all the best. We will let you know how he gets on in the winter newsletter. If you would like to find out more about Stuart check out his website www.raspberryrippleracing.com

Paying your rent has just got easier Many of you will pay your rent to Link using allpay and now there is an even faster and easier way to do this. The new allpay mobile app, which you can download for free from the Apple App store or Google Play, allows you to pay bills at the touch of a button from your smartphone. By logging your details with allpay, and inputting a four digit pin number, you can easily access your secure account. Payment can be made quickly and safely anywhere you are, providing you have a mobile signal.

You can also access other ways to pay using allpay on your smartphone. These include via its website at https://www. allpayments.net/allpayments/ calling or texting them on 0844 557 8321. If you don’t have a smartphone or want information on other ways to pay go to the Link website at http://linkhousing.org.uk/ make-a-payment/ or call the Customer Service Centre on 08451 400 100 or 0330 303 0013 from your mobile phone.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

Link and Horizon West of Scotland TOGETHER we have huge POWER!

Wow! THAT can’t be ignored! graham@ogilviedesign.co.uk

Over 70 tenants got together on Saturday 31 March 2012 for Link’s Annual Tenant Conference. This year Link and Horizon Housing Association joined forces to hold the event for west of Scotland tenants in Glasgow. The conference was an excellent opportunity for tenants and staff of both organisations to meet and get to know each other. Tenants were able to participate in discussions and workshops about a broad range of issues including tenant-led inspection, anti-social behaviour, Link’s Design Guide and Older People’s Strategy. Tenants also had the opportunity to get advice on recycling, energy efficiency, money, budgeting and benefits as well as being able to meet representatives from Glasgow Credit Union, The Big Lunch, Regional Networks and 6

the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living. Link Group Chief Executive, Craig Sanderson welcomed everyone to the conference while Julia Fitzpatrick, Horizon Managing Director, highlighted how both organisations can work together, share ideas and discuss with tenants how services can be continuously improved. Anne Cook from the Scottish Government led the plenary session in the morning on the Scottish Social Housing Charter

and how tenants can be involved in monitoring their landlords’ services. In the afternoon, Strathclyde Police led an entertaining session on antisocial behaviour and personal safety. Although a serious topic, the session left everyone in good spirits. At lunch everyone was treated to a fantastic performance from the Soundsational Community Choir, which includes some Link tenants. The performance was so good that nearly £40 was collected to put towards the running costs of the choir. Graphic facilitator Graham Ogilvie drew pictures of the themes emerging throughout the day and tenants got a chance at the end to say what they felt about the conference.

valuing people, providing homes, building communities, working together

Tenant Conference a great success The best communities . . .

The welfare reform scheme is having a big impact

Help!

This is really causing waves

Are INCLUSIVE communities!

graham@ogilviedesign.co.uk

Following the conference we gathered a range of feedback. Here is what we found: ● Tenants thought there was a positive atmosphere throughout the day, allowing staff and tenants to build relationships outwith the normal channels of communication ● Tenants thought the graphic facilitator, lunch and the community choir were excellent ● There needs to be more work done to involve tenants in monitoring the new Charter ● It was agreed that tenantled inspections are a valued method of participation and empowerment

Ellen Kenny, a Link tenant from Paisley, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the conference, it was very well organised and everyone seemed to have a good day. I attended the workshop on tenant-led inspections and it was interesting to hear from other tenants what they got out of being involved with the landlord. Hopefully the conference has encouraged more tenants to get involved”. At the end of the day a raffle was held with all tenants getting free entry. Congratulations to Eva Hackett from Alexandria who won the star prize – a 32 inch television!

● Tenants still are unaware of the welfare reform agenda and its impact on them ● Tenants have been recruited for a tenant communications panel and discussed the role of the panel and expectations of good communications and customer services standards.

Following successful conferences in Falkirk and the west a conference for Link and Horizon tenants in the east of Scotland will be held later this year.

Link Housing – 08451 400 100 or 0330 303 0013 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

COMING SOON Link’s Welfare Reform Special Edition Newsletter ● What is Welfare Reform? ● What do I need to know about Welfare Reform? ● Will it affect me and what will the changes mean for me? The new Scottish Housing Regulator and the Tenants Information Service are organising a number of consultation events over the next few months – see below for details of where they are being held. If you would like to attend please call Leah Webb on 08451 400 100. Travel and expenses will be covered.

● Where can I get help to manage the changes? The answers to these questions and lots of information about Welfare Reform will be available in the Welfare Reform Special Edition Newsletter, which Link’s Advice team is preparing. You will receive a copy very soon. In the meantime we have some questions for you to think about: ● Do you get Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or help to pay your child care costs? ● Are you in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit? ● Do you get Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Child Benefit? ● Do you receive Pension Credit are either you or your partner is under pension age? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions then you will be affected by Welfare Reform. Please look out for the welfare reform special edition newsletter for all the information we can give you.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

Link tenants net millions in unclaimed benefits Housing Minister, Keith Brown said: “Many of those who have used the free, confidential service were unaware of their full benefit entitlement before receiving help and advice from OPAS’s skilled advisors. It is important that we do all we can to make sure that older people across our communities know that there are services available to help maximise their income. Maureen Middleton, Link’s Director of Housing, said: Advice is delivered face-toface in the person’s own home, engaging with those people that do not access the internet or want to discuss these issues on the telephone. Not only does the service increase the household income Since its launch in 2005 with for clients but it can also help funding from a variety of sources to improve their quality of life, and working in partnership with such as reduced social isolation local authority and housing and improved diet, improved association partners, OPAS has long term health and reduced boosted the weekly incomes of fuel poverty. over 5,400 older people by OPAS is currently funded by securing £11 million in benefits. Scottish Government, Glasgow OPAS helps to combat poverty Housing Association, Glasgow and financial exclusion by City Council and Falkirk Council. improving take-up of older OPAS is delivered in Falkirk, people’s benefits with particular North Lanarkshire and West emphasis on clients who have Lothian as well as to tenants and health problems, are housebound, sharing owners of Glasgow or who live in remote areas. Housing Association.

Link’s award winning Older People’s Advice Service (OPAS) has claimed more than £11 million in previously unclaimed benefit for Link tenants across Scotland.

“We established OPAS because benefit underclaiming is a major issue with severe implications for the health and well being of older people. “Our results show that we have made a real difference to the lives of some over 60s, who for reasons such as the complexity of the benefits system or the feeling that they are ‘getting by’, were previously not claiming their full entitlement.” If you are over 65 and live in Falkirk, North Lanarkshire or West Lothian and feel you could benefit from a visit from the OPAS team please call 0845 002 0941.

valuing people, providing homes, building communities, working together

Litterpicking good On Saturday 26th May 2012, staff and tenants from the new Allander Road development, Bearsden, took part in a community litter pick. The day was a great success and children who took part received a goody bag. Tenants said a special thanks to Link Housing Officer Angela Nisbet who organised the day.

Falkirk school children ‘paws’ for thought over dog fouling Pupils from Carmuirs Primary school are now ‘Green Dog Walkers’ thanks to Link. Link Housing officer Elaine McAuley organised a visit from Michelle MillerAllen, Falkirk Council’s Community Litter Officer who told them about the Green Dog Walkers campaign; a

non-confrontational, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling in the Falkirk Council area. Link provided the funds to purchase Green Dog Walker armbands for all the children. The armbands show that they have pledged to clean up after their pet, while it acts as a reminder for others to do the same. Elaine said:

“This is a great way of reaching the wider community in the Camelon area. The children of Carmuirs Primary School are so enthusiastic about this project and they will hopefully encourage other family members to be responsible owners as the wider community who will see the children wearing their armbands.” The children were also urged to pass on the message outside of school and help to keep the streets clean of dog mess by reporting irresponsible dog owners to them. For more information on Green Dog Walkers call 01324 504433 or email greendogwalkers @falkirk.gov.uk L-R Michelle, Elaine and Audrey with children from Carmuirs Primary School.

Link Housing – 08451 400 100 or 0330 303 0013 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

PUT YOUR MIND TO IT!

Art Attack

In the winter newsletter we asked you to send in a drawing or painting of your favourite winter scene to be in with the chance to win an ipod. We received lots of entries and it was very difficult to choose a winner but congratulations to Leela Dolby from Edinburgh who won first prize and the ipod. Leela’s picture is shown here on the right with our other favourite drawing – unfortunately no name was given so we don’t know who the talented artist was. Why not let us know if you were the mystery artist.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCE Link is continuing its effort to ensure that our services are open to all people irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. We are working towards being an Investor in Diversity, and will shortly be seeking the views of a range of tenants, service users, staff and other organisations we work with to get feedback and develop an improvement plan. As part of this, we will be contacting some tenants for feedback, and would appreciate your support to help us understand more about your experience of Link. If you would like to participate, please contact either Sarah Bickerstaff on 01324 417156 or Leah Webb on 01324 417192.

Mindfulness is a different way of seeing things that matter in your life. It helps you develop a greater control of your emotions and reactions to whatever life throws at you. It also helps you grow an appreciation of everyday things along with a sense of empathy and compassion for the problems others are going through. That sounds like a lot of big claims – but it is backed by research from around the world, and it is why the NHS made mindfulness the highestrated practice for people with depression and stress. So what actually is mindfulness? It is based on an ancient form of meditation, where you sit quietly (on your own or in a group) and focus on your breathing. That’s it. Doing this regularly helps you see that you can become calm and peaceful quickly and in the long-run prastising your breathing makes you calmer, kinder and less frenetic. If you think you could benefit from mindfulness training, Martin Stepek teaches a free drop-in class every Tuesday from 6.30 – 7.30pm at the Caird Building, University of West of Scotland, Caird St, Hamilton. Contact martin@martinstepek.com for details.

Training and Apprenticeship opportunities Link is currently working with our contractors to provide a range of training and employment opportunities for those who are currently unemployed. These opportunities could be in the form of work placements or apprenticeships. We are keen that Link tenants have the opportunity to apply for these positions and so will be advertising any future positions on our website (http://linkhousing.org.uk/tenants-zone/) and via our Facebook page and our Twitter feed.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

READY, STEADY, GROW We are pleased to announce the launch of our Garden Competition 2012. If you have a garden, patio or yard, hanging basket or window box, communal garden or vegetable plot and want to show the rest of Link what you have produced, then why don’t you enter our competition! We want you to send in photos of your garden, with your name, address and contact number with a small explanation on why you should win! You can either email your photos to leah.webb@ linkhaltd.co.uk or post them to Leah Webb, Watling House, Callendar Business Park, Falkirk, FK1 1XR. You have until Friday 31 August to get your entries to us. Our green fingered staff at Link will then decide on the winner who will receive a £50 B&Q voucher.

Meet the Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo Summer Outing – Friday 27th July 2012 Due to the fantastic success of previous summer family outings, we are once again organising a free trip for Link tenants and their families. This year we will be going to say hello to the pandas (and all the other animals) at Edinburgh Zoo. The outing will allow Link tenants and staff to get to know each other. Transport will be provided with a coach leaving from both the East and West regions (pick up points and times to be confirmed). Entrance to the park and lunch will be provided – all you have to do is cross your fingers and hope the sun shines! If you want to attend with your neighbours, make sure you let us know. As in previous years places will be allocated by drawing names “out of the hat”. To be in with a chance of attending this great day out, please let us know by Wednesday 18 July 2012: You can write to: Eleanor Henderson, Link Housing Association, Watling House, Callendar Business Park, Falkirk, FK1 1XR. Email: csc@linkhaltd.co.uk You can call Eleanor Henderson or Leah Webb on 08451 400 100 Please note that this trip is for Link tenants only. Link will produce this information on request in Braille, Audio Tape, Large Print and Community Languages. To find out more, please telephone the Customer Service Centre on 08451 400 100. Link Housing Association Limited is a company registered in Scotland. Company registration number SC216300. Registered Office: Link House, 2C New Mart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1RL. Part of the Link group. © LinkGroup Ltd 2012.

valuing people, providing homes, building communities, working together