Our Voice Winter 2017 by Longhurst Group

LONGHURST GROUP CUSTOMER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2017

INSIDE… YOUR STORIES FESTIVE BUDGETING TIPS FAMILY NETS HAT-TRICK OF JOBS WIN £50 OF SHOPPING VOUCHERS

IT’S NOT JUST SANTA WHO’S GIVING GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS Find out how we’re rewarding those who make a difference to their communities as part of our festive campaign…

OPENING HOURS

LONGHURST GROUP CUSTOMER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2017

Our offices will be closed over the Christmas period from 5pm on Friday, 22 December until 9am on Tuesday, 2 January. In the event of an emergency repair being required during this time, please call the out-of-hours line for your landlord.

Hello and welcome to the third Longhurst Group Customer magazine.

Axiom – 0800 585699 Friendship Care and Housing – 0300 123 1745 L&H – 0800 111 4013 Spire – 0300 123 66 11

This winter edition of Our Voice is filled with good news stories from across the Group and customer case studies as well as plenty of tips and advice. Whether you are a Friendship Care and Housing, Spire Homes, Longhurst and Havelok Homes or Axiom Housing Association customer, there’s something for everyone inside this magazine, which is as packed as Santa’s sleigh! In the run-up to the big day, we’ve got some budgeting advice to ensure that you have a cracking Christmas without breaking the bank, while, staying with the festive theme, we’ve got the story of how we’re rewarding individuals and groups that make a difference in their communities as part of our 12 Good Deeds of Christmas campaign. We also focus on the birthday party of the first resident at our Mary Street Extra Care service to celebrate their 100th birthday and share the

CONTENTS:

inspiring story of how three members of the same family secured jobs thanks to the help of our Employment and Training Advisor.

In this issue… 4-7 News from around Longhurst Group 8-9 Home from home 10-11 Money talk 12-13 Health and wellbeing 14-15 Just the job 16-17 Around your way 18-19 Customer story Back Competition

I hope you enjoy the magazine and we look forward to bringing you the next edition in the

Tap Longhurstgroup.org.uk Like /FriendshipCandH / LandHHomes / spirehomes Tweet @longhurstgroup Email communications@longhurst-group.org.uk

New Year. In the meantime, on behalf of Longhurst Group, I’d like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2018.

Matt Dannatt

5. NEWS

4. NEWS

HIGH FIVE FOR AXIOM

INTEREST IN LUXURY DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES TO GROW AFTER EVENT MORE than 100 people attended an exclusive launch event as interest continues to grow in Home Grange – a unique and stunning new housing development south of Lincoln City Centre. Built in partnership between Keystone Developments – part of Longhurst Group – and Gusto Homes, Home Grange will comprise 36 one and twobedroom ground, first and second floor apartments, exclusively for the over 55’s. The development, which is due to be completed in March/April 2018, is located adjacent to the 50-acre, Grade II listed Boultham Park – a location which also benefits from excellent local amenities and city-centre access. Those who had already registered their interest in the development were invited

‘Good’ in its latest report, following a comprehensive, unannounced inspection in August.

AXIOM Housing Association is celebrating a high-five for its care schemes after receiving another glowing report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

to the recent launch event at the nearby St Peter & St Paul’s Church Hall on Skellingthorpe Road.

together their history of developing and

Guests were treated to a guided tour of the immaculately-appointed one and two-bedroom apartments and they were clearly impressed by what they saw, with several reservations being taken on the day.

of Gusto Homes and SGA Architects.”

Director of Development and Sales, Nick Worboys, said: “We’ve had a phenomenal response to Home Grange. Welcoming so many people on the day and taking so many off plan reservations is testament to the quality of these luxuriously appointed apartments, the location, local amenities and transport links to the city centre.” Steff Wright, Chief Executive of Gusto Group, added: “Our partnership with Longhurst Group and Keystone brings

Bircham House in Sawston, Cambridge, which had previously been assessed by CQC inspectors as ‘requiring improvement’, has been graded as

The scheme provides care to people within their own flats, including older residents living with dementia, people with mental health conditions, younger adults and those with physical disabilities or sensory impairment. The latest report means that five of Axiom’s six care schemes across Cambridgeshire are now rated as ‘Good’, with Willowbank in Cambridge, Friary Court and The Pavilions in Peterborough and Beech

Court in Littleport all achieving the same standard in their most recent inspections. The Group’s Executive Director of Care & Business Partnerships, Louise Platt, said: “At Longhurst Group, we are passionate about improving the lives of our customers and this latest CQC report shows that we continue to do that. “This shows that we’re committed to continually improving the service and care we provide to all of our customers and I’m delighted that work has been recognised by the CQC.”

running other retirement schemes and the design and construction experience

As well as luxuriously-furnished homes, an elegant communal lounge and onsite guest facilities, Home Grange will also boast a stunning piece of local art. Taking centre stage in the development will be The Golden Knight, designed by Lincoln artist Peter Segasby, after the sculpture was bought by the developers

TREE PLANTING MARKS COMPLETION OF 46 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES IN RUSHDEN LOCAL VIPs, including Peter Bone MP, recently planted a tree to mark the completion of a new 46-home development in Rushden that has transformed a brownfield site and regenerated the area.

at auction. Allen Road, which previously hosted a The Golden Knight formed part of the

historic shoe factory, is the result of a

Lincoln Knights’ Trail in 2017, which

successful partnership between Spire

celebrated the 800th anniversary of the

Homes – part of Longhurst Group –

Battle of Lincoln and the sealing of the

and East-Midlands developer, Westleigh

Charter of the Forest.

Partnerships. Peter Bone, MP for Wellingborough,

COMPLETE REGENERATION OF GRIMSBY NEIGHBOURHOOD ENTERS FINAL STAGE WORK on the final phase of a £7-million social housing project in Grimsby has begun, with construction of the remaining 19 social rented homes. The 70-unit project, which has seen a huge joint investment by Longhurst Group, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and the Homes & Communities Agency, follows the

demolition of 100 properties on Guildford Street, which were over a century old and in poor condition.

homes over five years and play our part in fixing the broken housing market.”

was joined by the Chairman of East Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Colin Wright at a celebration event that also comprised a guided tour of the scheme. Longhurst

Group

Chief

Executive

Julie Doyle, said: “Everything we do at

people living here and it would not have

an attractive new development has

been possible without the Homes and

been delivered which provides a great

Communities Agency and the support

place to live and is an asset for the local

neighbourhood.”

East

Northamptonshire

Council,

helping to bring about much-needed investment to this part of the town.

Ian Jackson, Executive Director of Portfolio Investment at Longhurst Group, said: “We’ve been committed to this area for a long time, so to see the regeneration of Guildford Street nearing completion is very satisfying.

Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for housing at NELC, added: “This project is great for the local area. These works will see the creation of a substantial number of affordable, sustainable houses for future generations.

Longhurst Group is about improving the

“Longhurst Group has a clearly defined strategy to deliver more than 3,000

“Without Longhurst Group’s investment, this might never have happened.”

“This type of development will really

Council,

make a difference to the area and the

added: “Through working in partnership,

lives of our customers and Allen Road,

“We’re very proud of Allen Road and

with its range of fantastic affordable

were delighted to showcase what it had

homes, is another shining example of

to offer at this celebration event.” of

East

Northamptonshire

Councillor

Steven

were unable to attend the event but a spokesperson said: “We are very proud to have played a vital role in supporting this development – not only is it providing

how we as a Group continue to do that. Leader

The Homes and Communities Agency

North

much-needed affordable housing for Rushden, but is also preserving an iconic part of the town’s history.”

6. NEWS

7. NEWS

LONGHURST GROUP BRINGS RELIEF TO RESIDENTS WITH CLOSURE OF FLAT LONGHURST Group has joined forces with Northamptonshire Police to close a Rushden flat and bring to an end months of anti-social behaviour problems. Northampton Magistrates granted a closure order for the ground-floor flat on Devon Walk following repeated reports of nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

Neighbours had raised concerns about drug use, people sleeping in communal areas – where human waste was also left – damage to the building and litter. The address had also been linked to the supply of drugs in the town. Colleagues from Spire Homes – part of Longhurst Group – worked closely with police, resulting in the arrest of

three males, including the tenant, and the seizure of drugs and several bladed weapons. The flat will now be closed for three months, preventing the tenant or any visitors from entering the address. Lee Hopton, Housing Services Team Manager at Spire, said: “This underlines how seriously Spire Homes take issues of this nature and how tirelessly we work to achieve the right result.”

PROTECTING NEIGHBOURS BY EVICTING AN ABUSIVE CUSTOMER A CUSTOMER who caused her neighbours years of suffering has been evicted thanks to the tireless work of staff from Longhurst Group. The woman, who lived in a Friendship Care & Housing (FCH) property on Brooklea Grove in Birmingham, will no longer blight the lives of others after a court judge ruled on a string of allegations against her. The customer and her children were accused of subjecting three neighbouring families to racist verbal and physical abuse over a two-year period, in addition to causing nuisance and annoyance to the wider community. Nick Woods, West Midlands neighbourhood team leader for Friendship Care and Housing, which is part of Longhurst Group, was keen to pay tribute to the hard work of his staff.

GUESTS WOWED BY FLAGSHIP DEVELOPMENT KEY figures have hailed the impressive progress that has been made at Longhurst Group’s ‘flagship’ development. Carrington Gardens and Humberston Meadows on Humberston Avenue, near Grimsby, is being delivered as part of a joint venture between Keystone Developments, part of Longhurst Group, and Westleigh Partnerships. When completed, the development will offer a mix of 200 family homes on Humberston Meadows and 200 luxuryliving properties for the over 55’s across the Carrington Gardens site. Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers, Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Ron Shepherd and local ward councillors Stan Shreeve, John Fenty and Stephen Harness were given a guided tour of the site and had the chance to walk around the immaculately-appointed show homes.

“Evicting somebody from their home is always the absolute last resort,” he said. “But in cases like this, it really is the only outcome that can ensure that people living in the community can feel safe and continue to enjoy living there. “Our neighbourhood team worked tirelessly and passionately, often speaking to witnesses and the Police in their own spare time, making evening visits to Brooklea Grove and ensuring that everyone understood the severity of the case.” Representing herself throughout proceedings, the woman denied the allegations she faced, but the judge dismissed her defence and justification for her behaviour, awarding FCH with the right to remove her from the property. During the two-day case, the court was shown CCTV images from the nearby St Michael’s supermarket, where

a member of the offending family had been accused of physically assaulting the shopkeeper and stealing goods. As part of the summing up, the judge commended FCH colleagues for both their hard work in helping to bring the case to court and their sensitive support of those witnesses who testified. “Our barrister labelled our approach as a case study of how to build up evidence and manage a case in the right way,” added Nick.

Martin Vickers MP, said: “It’s an impressive development. We are an ageing society and so we need properties of this kind – there is a high demand for them. “These are nice homes for those over the age of 55, giving them the opportunity to have a modern property in a very desirable part of North East Lincolnshire, without the hassle of too much maintenance. “They are nice properties and it has been good to have the chance to see the progress that’s already been made.

“Our dedicated team supported witnesses throughout the build up to the court case and we will keep in touch with them going forward. It really has been a fantastic team-effort. “Following the eviction we hope that Brooklea Grove can return to being a pleasant neighbourhood where people are proud to live.”

An aerial view of the development

“From what I was told, the work is going well and I’m sure everyone involved will keep their foot on the gas to ensure the properties are completed as soon as possible.” Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Ron Shepherd, added: “It’s a very, very impressive development and the amount of open space that has been retained is great to see. “Certainly what we’re seeing at Carrington Gardens and Humberston Meadows is the provision of quality housing and that should be encouraged across the borough of North East Lincolnshire. “The whole development offers a mix of housing that the area needs and it’s the right balance of homes for the over 55’s and family housing. They really are excellent, high-standard homes. “Hopefully what has been achieved here will encourage other developers to

mimic it. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the development once it’s finished.” Nick Worboys, Longhurst Group’s Director of Development and Sales, added: “It was a fantastic event. To be able to showcase the scheme, give people the chance to look around the showhome and demonstrate what we do, was fantastic. “They’ve seen the mix of properties that will be available here, their build quality and the quality of finish that’s available.” Chair of Longhurst Group’s board, Bob Wilson, added: “It’s been fantastic and our thanks go to our guests for joining us on the tour, we’re hugely grateful for them giving us their time. “They were shown what is basically a jewel in our crown. This is a much sought-after area in North East Lincolnshire and we’re very, very proud of this development.”

8. HOME FROM HOME

9. HOME FROM HOME

A BIG FESTIVE THANK YOU FROM LONGHURST GROUP!

to save them the strain of having to do it themselves. He added: “I started doing it over a year ago now, firstly for a neighbour who was in a wheelchair, to save her having to do it herself. “Then someone on the street got burgled and so I thought, if I brought their bins in for them, people wouldn’t know that they’re out. “It seemed to work and so I just kept doing it. I’m retired now and it gives me a way of helping people. I’ve had a lot of help off my neighbours over the years and so I just wanted to give something back. “Blimey, it was fantastic when you presented me with the hamper – a really nice surprise. I’ll admit it brought a tear to my eye afterwards.

Gerald receives his hamper from representatives from Spire Homes and Burleys.

KINDHEARTED individuals and worthy causes from across Longhurst Group’s operational area are being recognised for the difference they make in their communities as part of our Good Deeds of Christmas campaign. Staff from across the Group were asked for their nominations for which groups and individuals they felt could benefit from a good deed in the run-up to Christmas. Those deeds could range from the presentation of a festive hamper to an unsung community hero, the donation of a Christmas tree to a local charity of even some DIY at someone’s home or community building. Nominations flooded in throughout the Autumn months with a judging panel coming together to carefully select those to be presented with awards, in partnership with project sponsors

Keepmoat, Kier, Burleys, J R Allen, and Aaron Services. Among the first to have their Christmas hampers delivered as part of the campaign were Marguerite Burnage and Gerald Donaldson. Marguerite, 84, who is a resident of The Forresters in Raunds, Northamptonshire, was recognised for organising various events at the sheltered scheme to support the community. For the last 13 years, she has been waking up early most mornings to open up the scheme’s community room and get it ready to host the day’s activities.

I’ve been doing it most mornings ever since. I used to do it on my own but now some of the younger residents help me out. “We have coffee mornings every Tuesday with tea and cakes and then on a Wednesday we have Knit and Natter sessions, which are very popular.

“There’s a lot of bad things in the world

Customer Engagement Team Manager,

but this was lovely. I only do it out of

Helen Mead, said: “The Good Deeds

goodwill and not for thanks but I really

of Christmas provides an excellent

appreciate what you’ve done for me.”

opportunity to thank those people in our community who voluntarily carry

Initially an initiative launched successfully

out good deeds to help others.

by Spire Homes, this year, the Good Deeds campaign was opened out to all

“Spire had successfully delivered good

of the Group’s member associations,

deeds such as hampers, shopping

meaning that even more deserving

vouchers and gifts for people in the

people and causes were recognised.

Northamptonshire area for the last two

“I just do it to try and help out, but it was a lovely surprise to be given a hamper as a thank you. I think it’s a wonderful gesture and I’m very thankful.” Gerald, meanwhile, was nominated for looking out for his neighbours in Fosse Green, Rushden.

She said: “I was very thrilled and very surprised when I heard that I was going to be given a hamper.

The 81-year-old regularly brings in the bins for people on his street so it isn’t obvious that their homes are empty while they’re away at work.

“I first started opening up when my daughter worked here as a warden.

His ‘bin monitor’ service also extends to some of his more elderly neighbours

Customer Engagement Team Manager Helen Mead (left) presents a hamper to Marguerite Burnage.

years and we wanted to open this out to the Longhurst group as a whole to include, L&H, FCH and Axiom as well as Spire Homes. “It’s been a huge success with nearly 30 Good Deeds due to be given during the run up to Christmas.”

Pick up the next edition of Our Voice for a look back on the Good Deeds campaign.

10. MONEY TALK

11. MONEY TALK

NEED A FINANCIAL FRIEND? SEEK OUT THE MONEY MAN! IF you’re struggling with your finances, then who better to turn to than someone who’s affectionately known as ‘The Money Man’?

CHRISTMAS can be one of the most expensive times of year, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some top tips for having a cracking Christmas without over-stretching yourself.

Spire Homes’ Money Guidance Officer, Steve Thomas.

Have a Christmas clear-out Clothes, books, jewellery, furniture, music, or sporting equipment could all be sold online or at a car boot sale to generate some extra festive funds.

Spire Homes’ Money Guidance Officer Steve Thomas has built up an encyclopaedic knowledge of benefit entitlements, built up over more than 20 years in the field.

Make a list and check it twice! Make lists of the things you need to buy and the food you need to prepare for the Christmas period. Having lists will help you keep on top of your spending and identify areas where you can save time and money.

In the last year alone, he appealed against 22 DWP decisions and was successful with all but two; securing almost £90,000 of additional benefits that our customers would have otherwise missed out on. Earlier this year, Steve’s eagle eye spotted an error in a customer’s previous benefit assessment, resulting in a housing benefit backdate of £11,000, back paid over a period of six years. During his time with Longhurst Group, Steve has assisted more than 1,000 customers, helping to secure millions of pounds of benefits and changing their lives for the better. He helps customers with a range of issues, from simple entitlement and affordability checks to appealing

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) decisions, challenging debt and applying for administration orders. Routinely exceeding the remit of his role, Steve also prepares written submissions on behalf of customers and represents them at court hearings and tribunals. It’s no exaggeration to say that the results he achieves on behalf of customers can be life-changing, but for Steve, it’s all in a day’s work. His commitment to helping customers saw him shortlisted, along with five other Longhurst Group colleagues and the Axiom Academy, at the recent 24housing Awards.

Steve’s colleague Pam Malhi (left) with FCH customer Lesley Machray.

HOW TO HAVE A CRACKING CHRISTMAS – WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

As you’ll read later on, Steve’s colleague, Money Advisor Pam Malhi, who he works alongside to help customers with a range of money matters, scooped the

Bag the online bargains Gifts are often much cheaper online than on the high street so be sure to scour the internet for cut-price deals, but remember to only buy from reputable sites. Don’t make a meal of it Don’t overdo it on the Christmas dinner and only buy the food that you’re actually going to eat. That way, you’ll avoid throwing money in the bin! Ditch the unnecessary gifts We often feel obliged to buy for extended families and not-soclose friends, but if you agree to ban swapping unneccessary presents, everyone saves cash!

Housing Professional of the Year award at the prestigious event.

The survey, which is the first of its kind, is tailored to different customer groups and will gather a substantial amount of YOUR feedback, from the satisfaction of the services we provide to any ideas you may have for the future. The results are expected to be returned by the end of the year and feedback will be shared with colleagues and customers alike to enable us to improve the services we provide.

YOUR UNIVERSAL

CREDIT CLAIM UNIVERSAL Credit is due to be introduced into your Jobcentre early next year.

Steve and Pam can find out if you are under-claiming benefits, give support with dealing with your debts, discover additional support and provide help with budgeting.

If you feel you’re in need of the help of our team, simply call 0300 123 1745 and ask for Steve or Pam or visit www.longhurst-group.org.uk for more information.

THANK you to everyone who has already taken part in our Group-wide customer satisfaction survey.

SPEED UP

Licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), our money advice service exists to support customers and always has their best interests at heart.

Depending on your circumstances, they will be happy to visit you at home, speak to you over the phone, or arrange for you to visit one of our offices.

CUSTOMER SURVEY

SUPPORTING OUR HEROES RESIDENTS, staff and family members from four of our schemes knitted together for a worthy cause. Crispian Court, Farrar Court, Kilburn Place and The Forresters joined forces to produce knitted poppies to raise money for the Royal British Legion. The group raised a brilliant total of £140 in just two weeks after selling the items at various offices and schemes.

GOV.UK Verify is the new way to prove who you are online. Simply visit www.universal-credit. service.gov.uk. To help speed up your claim to Universal Credit, and other government services, verify your details on the secure website today If you need help to do this, pop in to your local Jobcentre where someone will be on hand to help.

12. HEALTH AND WELLBEING

13. HEALTH AND WELLBEING

SOWING THE SEEDS OF A BRIGHT FUTURE THANKS TO NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN THE opening of a new Community Garden is giving young residents on Walsall’s Beechdale Estate the chance to sow the seeds of their future. Jemma Betts, who works for Friendship Care and Housing (FCH), which is part of Longhurst Group, has transformed a previously disused area of the provider’s office into an all-year garden for the whole community to use. With support from the local branch of Buildbase, who donated hundreds of pounds worth of materials and the hard work of Jemma’s partner Kirk, repurposed mini allotment beds have been installed, along with lowmaintenance gravelled borders and planting.

LONGHURST GROUP TRANSFORM GARDENS AS PART OF NATIONAL AWARENESS EVENT

Jemma explained: “I live on Beechdale myself. I’m passionate about the estate and I know what the estate needs. “I wanted to provide somewhere for the young people on the estate to come, have fun and learn and so I came up with the idea of creating the garden. “The project has taken a few months now and to see it come to fruition is fantastic. It was really overwhelming to see the children enjoying the garden, planting their seeds and the positivity that it has already helped to create. “Now, I hope that we can work closely with the nursery and other community groups to hold regular sessions here, helping people to grow their own fruit, vegetables and plants.

Jemma (above), the garden and FCH, adding: “This is a fabulous garden and a fabulous idea. Very often, it’s the smaller projects like this that make a huge difference to a community. “I take my hat off to Jemma and Friendship Care and Housing for what they’ve created for the community.” Jonathan Driffill, Executive Director of Partnerships at Longhurst Group, said:

The revamped space was officially opened at a special celebration event which was attended by residents of the estate and local councillors along with children of the nearby Beeches Day Nursery, who planted their first seeds in the new garden.

Housing Day volunteers at Manor Close

“It’s about bringing the community together and showing what we can achieve when we work and grow together.”

“Back in 2011, we made a promise to

Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, was full of praise for

of examples of the work that we do here

the estate that we would continue to

OVER 20 colleagues and contractors of Longhurst Group gave their time to makeover communal gardens at three locations across the Midlands on Monday, 18 September as part of Housing Day.

do great work with the community and this garden is the latest in the long line on this fantastic estate.”

Children from the nursery enjoy the garden

Housing Day is a day for raising awareness about social housing and telling the stories of those involved. This year, Longhurst Group took the opportunity to highlight a selection of projects that make a positive difference to people’s lives. In Thrapston, Northamptonshire, colleagues joined forces with Keepmoat and Burleys to makeover the garden at their care centre, Manor Close. The team of volunteers cut back hedges, opening up the space, refreshed existing flower beds and replaced the old sleepers holding up the raised beds with new ones donated by Keepmoat. At Nettleham, Lincolnshire, Kier attended to help colleagues replace and refresh tired benches for residents at Longhurst Group’s sheltered scheme, Church View.

They also installed a memory plaque to remember previous residents. Over on the Beechdale estate in Walsall, Jemma Betts, Community Champion and Dawn Lomas from Lakers ran an event with the local nursery in their community garden. The community garden, which was recently unveiled at Longhurst Group’s Beechdale office, was the hard work of colleagues and residents on the Beechdale estate who wanted to give something back to the whole community. For Housing Day, they took the opportunity to involve the nursery

children in painting plant pots in the garden and planting Daffodil bulbs ready for Spring. Helen Mead, Customer Engagement Team Manager said: “I’d like to thank everybody who helped out at our three locations for Housing Day. The day was a great success and will make a huge difference to our customers who use these facilities. “At Longhurst Group, we are committed to improving the lives of our customers and this was a great opportunity to show the heartfelt service we offer.”

14. JUST THE JOB

15. JUST THE JOB

FAMILY NETS A HAT-TRICK OF JOBS FOR CHRISTMAS

Rob Friday’s 5 tips for job hunting

Maria Urmos, whose life has been transformed through volunteering, after being encouraged by Rob

FOUR out of five jobs aren’t advertised, so using a range of tactics can increase your chances of finding work.

THREE members of the same family have secured a hattrick of jobs within a fortnight of each other thanks to the support of our employment and training service.

1. Make direct contact Use online directories like www.yell.com and www. thomsonlocal.com to find local businesses that you can ring up to ask if they have any vacancies.

When Heather Willetts, a customer living on the Beechdale estate in Walsall, was referred to Employment and Training Advisor Rob Friday, she perhaps didn’t realise the opportunities it would open up for her, daughter Becky and Becky’s boyfriend Tim Middleton.

2. Use your network Contact family, friends, former workmates etc. Let them know you’re looking for work, share ideas on how they found work and keep in regular touch with them.

Tim, 23, was the first of the trio to land a job after reaching out for Rob’s help ahead of an interview at UPS, which had been arranged by his local Jobcentre. “He was anxious about interviews,” Rob explained, “So I gave him some practical tips on dealing with nerves and printed off a generic profile for the job he was applying for, to help him think about the sort of questions that he might be asked.” Needless to say, Tim passed his interview with flying colours and duly started his new job in November.

3. Try volunteering

That meant, when the team at her local branch of The Card Factory invited her for an interview, she was ready. The very next day, she was offered a job as a customer service assistant, bringing to an end her long search for employment.

Rob added: “I was really impressed by the way they supported and looked out for each other while they were looking for work – pulling together as a family. “Each success added further encouragement to the others as one after the other moved into work. It’s come at a great time, too, with Christmas fast approaching.”

With a wealth of experience in retail and Heather’s daughter Becky, 21, came to Rob for help having been searching for a job for a while. Together, they drew up a CV that better emphasised her skills and experience which, in turn, boosted her confidence and led to her securing an interview with McDonald’s. After receiving the disappointing news that she had been unsuccessful, Rob was on hand to help Becky to research and prepare better for an interview, including what questions to ask.

customer service, Becky’s Mum Heather was keen to find work as quickly as possible. Putting together a new CV with the help of Rob enabled her to contact employers directly with confidence. She applied for online vacancies at the same time and was invited to interview at McDonald’s. The family treble was completed when she too was offered a job that she started last month.

Heather, 47, added: “We really can’t thank Rob enough for what he’s done for us. He really pulled out all the stops. “We all found the process of working with Rob very calm and relaxing. He has given us something to look forward to and shown us the light at the end of the tunnel.

WHY NOT VOLUNTEER THIS CHRISTMAS?...IT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE VOLUNTEERING can be a lifechanging experience – not just for the people you’re helping, but for you as well. Friendship Care and Housing customer Maria Urmos from Nechells in Birmingham knows that better than most.

“We’re all so pleased to be back in work – it’s made our Christmas this year!”

You may recall from the last edition of the magazine that she was encouraged to volunteer at her local soup kitchen after being referred to Rob Friday for help in her search for work.

If you are a Longhurst Group customer and need some help, contact Rob Friday on 0300 123 1745.

She says that volunteering has given her a new-found purpose and it could do the same for you, too.

Across the country, there are thousands of groups, projects and charities that rely on the generosity of volunteers to help those who need it most – especially at this time of year.

Ask an employer if you could volunteer with them for a few weeks. If you’re signing on, ask your Work Coach if they can then arrange the paperwork for this to happen. 4. Use agencies wisely Instead of just uploading a CV to an agency’s website and hoping for the best, make contact with local branches and ask to meet a consultant. Most agencies recruit for both temporary and permanent positions, so make it clear what type of work you’re looking for. 5. Try different websites

One of the biggest Christmas appeals in the UK is Crisis at Christmas, which sees temporary shelters opened across the country, giving homeless people access to the services they need most.

As well as general jobsites like Indeed and Universal Job Match, check out more specialised websites for your type of work – have a look at www.everyjobsite. co.uk

In order to keep their doors open over the Christmas period, the charity needs to recruit over 11,000 volunteers.

In the next edition, we’ll be looking at CVs.

For more information on this and the other volunteering opportunties in your area, visit www.do-it.org/ opportunities.

If you would like help from Rob, please contact him today on 0300 123 1745 or email rob. friday@longhurst-group.org.uk

16. AROUND OUR WAY

17. AROUND OUR WAY

PROUD PAM CROWNED HOUSING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR A LONGHURST Group colleague who helped people save or reclaim almost £300,000 recently received a prestigious national award.

very pleased to see the Axiom Academy highly commended for the support it provides to people looking for training and employment. “These awards were a great opportunity

Pam Malhi, who works as a Money Advisor for Friendship Care & Housing (part of Longhurst Group), was named Housing Professional of the Year at last week’s 24housing awards.

for the Group to showcase the amazing work that colleagues do on a day-to-day basis. We are very proud to have been recognised in so many categories. “Housing professionals right across the

Pam provides advice and support to customers to ensure they receive the benefits they’re entitled to, as well helping them budget and manage debt.

country provide a fantastic service and this shows that our colleagues are right up there with the very best of them.” Pam’s success came on a night of

Between April 2016 and March 2017, she managed a caseload of 255 people, recovering £200,000 of ongoing benefit entitlement and back-paid claims. Other financial gains included £60,000 of PIP claims and discretionary housing payments totalling £8,000.

significant recognition for Longhurst Group as the Midlands housing provider was shortlisted in a total of six award categories.

Pam was joined in the Housing Professional of the Year category by Community Champion Jemma Betts, who was also shortlisted in the Community Achievement category. The Group’s newest edition, Axiom Housing Association, was highly commended in the Best Training Scheme for its Axiom Academy employment and training initiative. The other Longhurst Group finalists were Group Chief Executive Julie Doyle, who was shortlisted in the Chief Executive of the Year category and Money Guidance Officer, Steve Thomas, who was shortlisted in the Welfare Wise category after successfully appealing 20 out of 22 Department of Work and Pensions decisions and securing almost £90,000 of additional benefits for customers.

MP CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF UNIQUE DAY CARE SERVICE LOCAL MP, Melanie Onn, has joined councillors to celebrate the launch of a new and unique service which is now available to dementia patients in Grimsby. With its own designated space and dedicated staff, the new day care service at Longhurst & Havelok Homes’ Cranwell Court care home on Cambridge Road is the only one of its kind in the area. The service is available to anyone with a dementia diagnosis and aims to give the balance back to family members who have become carers. Each customer

Grimsby MP Melanie Onn at Cranwell Court’s Open Day launch

is assessed on an individual basis and their day care plan tailored to meet their needs and those of their carer.

Angela Kirman, Manager of Cranwell

nutritional lunch is provided each day.

Court, said: “There is a need for this

This can be enjoyed in the dedicated

support in the local community and

day care centre or in the main care

there isn’t anywhere else in Grimsby

home dining room.

which offers this specific service. Jonathan Driffill, Executive Director of

One of Pam’s individual success stories saw a disabled customer receive 12 years of backdated DLA care payments totaling £25,628 and the reinstatement of £55 weekly payments after they were wrongfully withheld.

“Our service is person-centered and

partnerships at Longhurst Group, said:

customer led. Activities aren’t set on a

“We are dedicated to improving the lives

rota; they vary depending on what the

of our customers and this service is a

customers each day would like to do. Whether it’s making a cake to take home

Longhurst Group Chief Executive, Julie Doyle, said: “Pam’s commitment to her job and to helping our customers through extremely challenging situations is truly inspirational. She provides a heartfelt service that has significantly improved the lives of so many people.

or growing vegetables, we vary activities

“By offering this service we are fulfilling

each day to suit the customers’ wants

a local need in the area and giving

and needs.

dementia patients and their families the

“By doing this we can help customers to maintain a skill to help keep them independent for longer.” The facilities are open Monday to Friday each week, with customers able to attend on any day which best suits them.

“I was delighted to see Pam collect this well-deserved award which recognises what a fantastic job she has done and

Pam Malhi receives her award at the 24housing Awards

shining example of how we do this.

heartfelt service they deserve.” A free trial is available to any potential customers to make sure the service is the right fit for them and their carer. To arrange a visit or to find out more about the day care service and its prices, please contact Angela Kirman on 01472

Transport to and from Cranwell Court is

278479

available for day care customers and a

group.org.uk.

angela.kirman@longhurst-

18. CUSTOMER STORY

19. CUSTOMER STORY

DIPLOMATIC VISIT FOR MARY STREET’S FIRST CENTENARIAN REACHING 100 years is always a cause for celebration, but Longhurst Group customer Rudolph Smith’s birthday festivities were made extra special thanks to a diplomatic visit.

who choose to live as independently

“A 100th birthday is an incredible

and happily as possible within an African

milestone to reach and, tragically, few

Caribbean culture.

people get the chance to celebrate it, so it was with great pleasure that I was

The first Mary Street resident to celebrate

afforded the opportunity to pass on best

his 100th birthday, Mr Smith marked the

wishes, health and happiness to him and

occasion with a party organised by staff

his family on behalf of the Jamaican

at the centre, surrounded by his family,

Government

friends and fellow residents.

community.”

He was also joined by Wade Lyn

Mr Smith’s eldest daughter, Faye Lawson,

CBE, Honorary Consul for Jamaica

72, who attended the celebrations, said:

He then moved on to work at British

in Birmingham, who passed on his

“I am proud of my dad and that he’s

Leyland for a spell before becoming an

congratulations

reached his 100th birthday.

estate agent; a job he would hold until

presented his commemorative birthday

his retirement.

card from The Queen.

In his later years, Mr Smith moved into

Mr Lyn CBE said: “I was delighted to be

Friendship Care and Housing’s Mary

asked to join Mr Smith for his birthday

Street Extra Care Service in Balsall

celebrations, along with his family,

Val Paragon, Registered Care Manager at

Heath in Birmingham, which provides

friends and the fantastic staff at Mary

Mary Street, added: “We are really excited

individualised support for older people

Street.

at Mr Smith reaching this grand age and

Born in Jamaica in 1917, Mr Smith came to the UK in the 1950’s and initially began working on the buses.

Smith

and

the

Jamaican

“I am especially happy that he is living in a place where he is getting excellent care and regular visitors.” we pass on our heartfelt congratulations

She

and best wishes to him.

independent until a number of health

added:

“Rudolph

was

very

issues slowed him, but he still has “He is the first resident in the history

an eye for the ladies! He also has a

of Mary Street to celebrate his 100th

large extended family, all of whom are

birthday and so a celebration was in

important to him.

order. It was a tremendous honour to have the Jamaican Honorary Consul Mr

“We wish him and his family peace, joy

Lyn join us in marking this occasion

and happiness.”

IN TRIBUTE ... A few days after his birthday celebrations, Mr Smith sadly passed away. Longhurst Group wishes to pass on its sincerest condolences to his family. In tribute, Val Paragon said: “Rudolph Smith will be forever remembered at 179 Mary Street as being our first centenarian in the history of the service. “It was our absolute pleasure to have been an integral part of his life over the last two and a half years.”

LONGHURST GROUP CUSTOMER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2017

COMPETITION TIME Our Voice Wordsearch Find and highlight all 12 of the words listed below for your chance to win a £50 LOVE2SHOP gift voucher. Each of the words relate to a story that featured in this newsletter.

Q W O

Y W T

Please post your completed wordsearch to: Our Voice Competition, Longhurst Group, Communications Team, Endeavour Park, Gilbert Drive, Lincolnshire, PE21 7TQ. Entries can also be sent via email to commuications@ longhurst-group.org.uk

B W N

U M

Q O

W H

C M

U Q Q

O G

A W

The closing date is 21, January 2018 Our winner from last time… June Hill was the lucky winner of our wordsearch competition and has been awarded a £50 LOVE2SHOP voucher.

Words… Christmas Award Development Bircham Interview Garden Planting Guildford Poppy She said: “Many thanks for my vouchers. I was so shocked when I received them. They’ll come in really handy for Christmas too. Thanks!”

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