ISSUE 18 • SUMMER 2013
news & views Starey Surgve 7
Join th Allotm e ent Group
pa
page 1 4
Whats inside...
Tack anti-s ling behavocial iour page 5
Kitch score ens to marks p page 6
GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People
Ne Contraw ctors pag e6
Contents
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Introducing Mears p6
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Search & Swap p9
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Reducing Fire Risk p10
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A 'Princely' partnership p12
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Contact us Tel:
0115 905 1515 Email:
enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk Website:
www.gedlinghomes.co.uk Twitter:
@Gedling_Homes
Join the Allotment Group p14 2
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes
Tenant Involvement Page
News Drugs activity “will not be tolerated” Independent Complaints Panel Tackling anti-social behaviour Neighbourhood STAR quality? Introducing Mears Kitchens score top marks Star Survey Redevelopment programmes
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Money Looking to downsize? Search & swap!
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Tenant Scrutiny Panel
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Community Chest Projects awarded funds
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Sheltered Sheltered Scheme Coordinators Support Workers
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Street Talk Street Talk – Kat Collins
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Events Events List
Gedling Homes out & about Tackling the risk of fire A Wheel-ie good day out! Spring clean at Nabarro Court Bloomin’ Balconies A 'Princely' partnership Calverton Play Day School holiday activities Give & Gain Day
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Your Community Take a bow? Join the Allotment Group Foxhill Court fundraisers Bloomin’ Gardens
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Fun & Games
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Our Performance
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We want to hear from you!
Send us your photos, news, ideas, or feedback on our services and we will print a selection of the responses in the next edition of News & Views. Email us at customerexperience@ gedlinghomes.co.uk or write to News & Views, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Drugs activity
“will not be tolerated”
A Carlton tenant has received a caution from the police for attempting to grow cannabis at home. A formal warning has also been issued from Gedling Homes’ Tenancy Enforcement Officer, Jackie Gill. Jackie says, “We work very closely with the police and they inform us every time any of our tenants are involved in criminal activity. Criminal activity within our properties will not be tolerated and we will do everything we can to eliminate it.” You can report criminal activity directly to Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515, call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111 or call the Police direct on 101.
New panel of trained tenants will help resolve complaints If tenants feel a complaint has not been dealt with sufficiently by Gedling Homes, they can now refer their issue to a panel of representatives from three local housing associations, including Gedling Homes. The Independent Complaints Panel (ICP), working in conjunction with two other landlords, Tuntum Housing and Derwent Living, consists of six tenants. The members of the panel have been trained to resolve complaints between landlord and tenant, adding a valuable new layer to the process. The ICP was set up in response to the Localism Act designed to increase the influence of local people in decision making. From April 1st 2013 this new stage in the complaints process will take place before a case is referred to the Housing Ombudsman.
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The new panel is the third stage in the complaints process. Tenants with a complaint must first go through the internal Stage 1 & Stage 2, before the ICP will consider the case. Tenants can bypass this panel if they prefer and go straight to the Housing Ombudsman. However, they must wait eight weeks after Stage 2 before they can do this. Steve Ward, Customer Experience Manager, said: “This is a valuable addition to our complaints process. Our tenants are best placed to help resolve any issues that arise. By teaming up with other landlords, the panel has secured a wealth of experience in the housing sector.” For more information please contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515.
News
Tenant input supports the anti-social behaviour service
A group of tenants recently got together to look at Gedling Homes’ anti-social behaviour (ASB) service. The tenants involved had previously used the service, and were able to provide first-hand feedback on possible changes. Mrs Whitehead from the ASB Customer Experience Forum, said: “We need to know our concerns and any problems with ASB are taken seriously. Knowing Gedling Homes listens to us is very important and I’m delighted that our feedback has led to improvements.” As a result of the meeting, the tenant’s diary - that records incidents of anti-social behaviour - will be altered, making it easier and more efficient to use.
If you are suffering from the effects of ASB, please call the Tenancy Services team on 0115 905 1515. Out of office hours, please call 0808 145 6555
Does your neighbourhood have STAR quality? Gedling Homes’ Tenancy Services team is taking part in a project with the Chartered Institute of Housing to develop a new generation of Neighbourhood Sustainability Plans. The plans are being piloted in Netherfield, Newstead Village and Burton Joyce/ Woodborough but will be introduced in all areas over the next 12 months. Tenants in these areas may be contacted by Gedling Homes’ staff for their views on the communities they live in. The areas will receive a star rating, based on how tenants feel about living in the area and how good local services are.
Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to speak to residents about how they feel Gedling Homes and their partners can improve the neighbourhoods they live in. It will also enable us to develop and sustain stronger communities for neighbourhoods”
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Introducing Mears have taken over as partnering contractors from Morrison FS and will provide a full responsive maintenance service to Gedling Homes’ customers. Mears operatives will wear uniforms in black, white and red; the vehicles will look different too. Gedling Homes’ customers will benefit from new information technology Mears have introduced to provide an improved service. Gedling Homes is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Mears and looks forward to a successful working relationship.
hhhhh
Staff cook up five stars in the kitchen
Jean & Kate from St
Andrew's House
Nothing frightens the kitchen staff at Moreland Court and St Andrew’s House; certainly not a visit by inspectors from the Food Standards Agency. The kitchens have received their first on-thespot inspection for the new kitchen star system. In a fantastic result, the teams at Moreland Court and St Andrew’s House were both awarded the highest accreditation possible - five stars! Kitchen Supervisor Heather Purdie was delighted with the result. She said: “This is very much a team effort and all the catering staff have had to work hard to achieve such an amazing result. “Next year it will be law for everyone to display certificates, even if they do not get the five stars. So we will have to ensure we maintain standards and carry on improving along the way.” Congratulations to Heather and her teams - keep up the good work! 6
News Star Survey ANNUAL SURVEY OF TENANTS & RESIDENTS
A research company called Explain will be telephoning a sample of our tenants over the coming weeks, asking for their views on Gedling Homes. Tenants will be contacted in July and August. Those who are telephoned will be asked to answer a questionnaire which will take approximately 15 minutes, and by providing their details will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win
£150 worth of supermarket shopping vouchers. Steve Ward, Customer Experience Manager says; “The annual STAR Survey is really valuable to us: it helps us to review our services, finding out what is working well for customers, and what we can improve on. We are also able to compare results with previous years and other organisations to see how things are changing.”
Redevelopment programmes completed - and it’s only the beginning! Gedling Homes are proud to announce the completion of two redevelopment programmes. In Newstead, Gedling Homes teamed up with Bullock Construction. Works, on all of Gedling Homes’ properties in the village, including fencing, gates, driveways and roofing are now complete. Gedling Homes also teamed up with Gedling Borough Council to fund a number of owner-occupiers in the area to upgrade their fencing for free. The funds are part of a £100K Public Realm investment. The outcome is a huge improvement in the appearance of the area. Katharine Riches of Newstead commented, “It’s brilliant! I love my new garden”, whilst her neighbour Lynne Shipson added that she now feels “more secure.” At Moyra House in Arnold, tenants are enjoying the new facilities. The remodelling of the warden aided scheme is part of Gedling Homes’ £42 million, five year programme of improvements. Moyra House’s 60 bedsits have been remodelled into
Katharine Riches, Newstead
Gedling Homes and Bullock Construction at Newstead Village
40 one and two bedroom apartments to better meet the needs of residents. The £1.5m project was delivered jointly by Gedling Homes and its parent organisation New Charter Housing Trust. Paddison Construction Ltd was the contractor responsible for delivering the re-modelling work. Jason Cannon, Director of Asset Management for Gedling Homes explained that, “in relation to the quality of design this is one of the best specified projects I have seen within the social housing sector.”
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Looking to downsize? The so called ‘bedroom tax’ is now a reality for many tenants. Those who are affected have a number of choices on how to cope with their shortfall in Housing Benefit. For those tenants who do choose to downsize their home, Gedling Homes is on hand to offer support throughout the process. With the support of Lynne Welch, Options Advisor for the Specialist Welfare Advice Team (SWAT), Maureen from Arnold is currently settling into her new one-bed flat. Towards the end of 2012, Maureen was forced to give up work to become a full time carer. Then at Christmas time, grieving the recent passing of her husband, Maureen realised that, living alone in a two-bed flat, she would be affected by the bedroom tax from April 2013. Maureen budgeted and identified that with a 14% reduction in Housing Benefit, and taking into account all of her other bills, she would be struggling to buy enough food for herself. After a lot of thought, she made the decision to move to a one-bed property. She signed up to Homeswapper, but found it difficult to find a direct swap as her flat was on the second floor, with no lift available. To open up further opportunities Maureen began to bid for properties on HomeSearch, and in April she was offered an ideal ground floor flat in Arnold. Gedling Homes was in the position to help Maureen with the financial costs of the move and Lynne supported her throughout the transition. Of Lynne’s assistance, Maureen comments; “she’s been brilliant. I wouldn’t have known what to do without her!” The last few months have been a struggle for Maureen, but she is now settled and happy in her new home. “I gave my job up, then I lost my husband and then I felt as though I was losing my home as well. But now it’s done, it’s a big tick off the list, a big relief”. She is also delighted with the additional benefits of her own garden and a reduction in her gas and electricity costs. Lynne said: “Maureen has shown real determination to improve her situation in adverse circumstances. She has continued to have a realistic attitude in relation to downsizing which has benefitted her in the move.” If you would like to talk to Gedling Homes about downsizing, or talk to the Money Wise Team about alternative solutions to remain in your home, please contact Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515.
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Money
Search & Swap!
HomeSearch is a choice-based letting scheme offered by Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe Borough Councils. All Gedling Homes properties are advertised on this If you are affected by the site, as well as homes from other housing ‘bedroom tax’ and you are associations within the three boroughs. considering moving to a smaller Available properties are advertised each week, and property. HomeSearch and you can ‘bid’ for up to three homes a week that best suit HomeSwapper can help your needs. you do this. For more information visit https://www.home-search.org.uk/
Gedling Homes recommend that you register for HomeSearch and HomeSwapper as the best way to secure a new property.
HomeSwapper is a free service that allows you to ‘swap’ homes with another tenant of Gedling Homes or other local authority housing association. To sign up to this service you must have; • A satisfactory rent account • No existing anti-social behaviour action against you • Maintained your property to an acceptable condition To register for free, and look for suitable properties, visit http://www.homeswapper.co.uk/ Gedling Homes may be able to provide financial assistance to tenants downsizing their property. To find if you are eligible please call 0115 905 1515 or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Day of action tackles the risk of fire Gedling Homes staff recently joined forces with members of the Nottinghamshire Fire Risk Reduction Team for a ‘day of action’. Their task? To improve fire safety and awareness for the residents of Bourne Mews, Netherfield. The prevention team knocked on each and every door, offering free home safety checks and installing smoke alarms where needed. Alistair Bramley, Crew Manager of the Risk Reduction Team, said: “The aim of the day is to give advice, look for potential ‘problem areas’ and to help people live with a reduced risk of fire.” Safety checks included testing existing fire alarms and highlighting any evident safety issues. The reduction team took the tenants through a questionnaire, asking about life style choices and providing advice on changes that could be made. The interview was completed with an explanation to the tenants on what to do in the case of a fire, and encouraging people to have a plan in mind including: • Keep a mobile phone by the bed, to call for help if needed • Have your house keys in your bedroom, to throw down to rescuers if needed • Do not place your rubbish bin too close to your home, so that fire can’t spread from the bin to the building • Switch electrical appliances off and do not leave them on stand-by
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Linda and Shireen, Bourne Mews
Karen Kirk, Risk Reduction Officer, said: “Prevention and awareness are our primary focus. We want to create ‘safer homes’, that is why we are knocking on every single door in Bourne Mews.” Residents of Bourne Mews, Linda and Shireen, were two tenants who took up the offer of the safety checks and felt reassured to know that all was being done to keep their homes safe from fire.
Out & About A Wheel-ie good day out! Emma Greenall, Nottinghamshire Family Intervention Project Worker recently took a group of children and their families on a day trip to Wheelgate Adventure Park. The day was so great, one youngster commented, “it’s the best day of my life!” The day trip, organised by Gedling Homes and the Nottinghamshire Family Intervention Project was about giving families the opportunity to spend some quality time together and for the children to enjoy the fun activities. Transport and food was provided so it was a hassle free, enjoyable
day to help strengthen the relationships, not only amongst the families but also with their project worker. The children, from four different families, enjoyed playing in the Alien Galaxy Zone, racing on the Go Karts, getting stuck on the water engine rafts and getting lost in the various mazes! Climbing up towers, jumping in ball pools and clinging to the Crater Climbing Wall were also part of the fun. Events such as this provide families with new experiences, enhance their learning opportunities, generate new interests and create friendships.
Spring clean at Nabarro Court
There was a helping hand, from the children of Sir John Sherbrook Junior School in Calverton, for Gedling Homes’ tenants. At Nabarro Court, the children ‘dug in’ for the ‘Spring Clean Up’ of the grounds. They swept up the leaves, created a new rhubarb patch and ‘potted on’ the dahlias. The garden was full of the daffodils that the children had planted the previous autumn. Head Teacher Sally Hill said the children really enjoyed themselves and Sandra Spink from Nabarro Court praised the children’s efforts, saying they “worked really hard and did a fantastic job.”
Gedling Homes’ Community Regeneration Officer, Martin Curtis said: “The tenants at Nabarro Court love the children coming down to see them and the children seem to respond in kind. It’s a GREAT partnership.”
11 Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Blooming balconies Balconies at Walton Court, Block A, in Carlton will soon be blooming. Residents are working with Tracey Lloyd from Groundwork Greater Nottingham to plant up pots and window boxes with strawberries, herbs, vegetables and flowers. The members of the group all came with different experiences, and the more seasoned gardeners were keen to give the ‘beginners’ a helping hand. It can be a problem keeping balcony plants moist enough because of the wind, especially if you are on the higher floors. But don’t worry; Marion, who lives on the fourth floor has become an expert in balcony growing. See Marion’s Top Tips for watering ideas!
Marion’s Gardening Top Tips • To keep plants well watered in windy positions, save used tea bags and put them under the plants when you replant them. It helps create a damp area around the roots • Cover any bare soil with pebbles or bark mulch, it helps to stop the compost drying out
A 'Princely' partnership
Following the success of the ‘Spring Makeover’ at two of Gedling Homes’ sheltered schemes, the young people from The Prince’s Trust ‘Group 50’ have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication. At the beginning of May, The Prince’s Trust celebrated the success of the young people’s apprentice scheme, and Gedling Homes’ tenants were invited to the ‘End of Term Presentation’ at Nottingham Forest Football Club. The young people were awarded certificates in recognition of their hard work over the 12 week course. Sam Houghton, aged 16, spent two weeks with Gedling Homes’ Maintenance Team, on an individual placement. 12
Sam said: “The experience helped me narrow down what I want to do in later life. It’s made me decide I want to do something a lot more hands on, and also to look at apprenticeships. It’s changed my outlook on learning.” George Abbott, a tenant of St Andrews House said: “I’ve had a great afternoon at Nottingham Forest and I didn’t realise that the young people had been so busy elsewhere.” The Prince’s Trust also took tenants on a day trip to learn more about horticulture. The residents of Moreland Court and St Andrew's House visited the Tropical House at Woodthorpe Park in Sherwood. Nottingham City Council’s Senior Park Ranger John
Simpson explained how plants grown in the greenhouses supply all of the parks and traffic islands in the City of Nottingham. Olive Olmond from Moreland Court said: “I’ve had a wonderful morning. What a lovely group of young people they are.”
Sam Houghton, Te am
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Out & About Fun in the rain at Calverton Play Day
Calverton Play Day, held at William Lee Park in April, may have attracted the rain but it also attracted a torrent of visitors! Those who braved the weather were able to see Gedling Homes ‘One Stop’ stand showcasing all the teams at Gedling Homes, including housing, neighbourhoods, ASB, investments and welfare reform. The police, fire and health services also took part.
Schoo holida l activit y ies
Gedling Homes is teaming up with Gedling Borough Council to deliver a series of holiday activities for young people in Newstead Village and Netherfield during the summer and October school holidays. These FREE activities, including fun sports, arts and crafts and outdoor learning are for anyone aged 4-14 years old. Events will be held in; Newstead Village: Monday 12th – Friday 16th August 10am – 3pm Netherfield: Monday 19th – Friday 23rd August 10am – 3pm To register your child / children or to find out more, contact Andrew Dowling at Gedling Borough Council on 0115 9013 708, or Martin Curtis Community Regeneration Officer on 0115 905 1515.
Give & Gain Day
Keen to always ‘do their bit’ for the community, Gedling Homes staff took part in Give & Gain Day in May, to improve the flora and fauna at two sheltered schemes. Teams were dispatched to Tavill Fields and Coronation Walk for a spot of tidying and replanting the raised flower beds. The staff were taking part in Business in the Community’s national Give & Gain Day, an annual event that sees hundreds
of businesses across the country give their staff time to improve facilities in the local community. It was hard, but rewarding work. The tenants were delighted with the results. Beryl Rayner of Tavill Fields said: “It was getting a bit straggly; it’s much nicer now, the transformation is lovely.” What a GREAT job all round! Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 13
Take a bow? Calling all budding actors and actresses! Gedling Homes is supporting a Gedling Borough Council project to develop a community play, based on the railway heritage of the area. The Netherfield play, due to be staged on a weekend in the autumn, will be part of a celebration that will include family friendly events, displays, walks and talks about Netherfield’s rich history. If you have any interesting stories or historical facts about Netherfield’s railway or would like to be involved in the play, please contact Martin Curtis, Community Regeneration Officer on 0115 905 1515.
Martin says: “This is a great opportunity for local people to come together and be part of a fabulous community event. Having been involved in similar projects before in other areas I can vouch that these events make genuine life-changing opportunities for those who take part.”
JOIN THE ALLOTMENT GROUP! Spaces are still available to get tips on growing your own fruit and vegetables. The weekly allotment group on the Killisick allotment site off Hawthorne Crescent, in Arnold is open to new members. The group meets every Tuesday morning between 9.30am and 11.30am and a horticultural worker from Groundwork Greater Nottingham is on hand to advise on ‘potting on’, ‘planting out’ and harvesting.
If you would like to join the group, please contact Martin Curtis at Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515 or email Martin.Curtis@gedlinghomes.co.uk 14
Your Community
Foxhill Court fundraisers
Bloomin' Gardens
When Barbara Peel’s great granddaughter was admitted to the neo-natal unit at Queens Medical Centre last year, her fellow members of Foxhill Court Committee in Carlton decided to raise funds for the unit. The group of Gedling Homes’ tenants are seasoned fundraisers and work to raise money for two different charities each year. Baby Belle Tetley was born five weeks early and needed an operation on her bowel. She spent four weeks in the QMC unit and the Foxhill Court residents kept up to date with Belle’s progress during this difficult time. Barbara said: “Because of Belle, everyone agreed to support the unit because they all know her. She’s a bit of a mascot here!” Now approaching her 1st birthday, Belle is a regular visitor at the community centre’s coffee mornings with dad Chris. She is a delight to all of the residents. A grand total of £625 was raised at the spring fair in April at the Foxhill Court Community Centre and was open to the wider community. A big thank you to everyone who came along to support the event.
It’s that time of year again to show off your green fingers! Gedling Homes’ residents have the chance to enter the Bloomin' Gardens Competition. As in previous years there are a number of categories to enter. Winners of each category will be picked by Gedling Homes’ staff and presented with a trophy and national garden centre vouchers. The competition is sponsored by, our partnering contractor, Bullock. To enter complete the form below and send to; Customer Experience Team, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD. Forms must be received by 9th August 2013 and judging will take place on the week commencing 19th August.
I would like to be considered for the following category / categories; (you may tick more than one)
o o o o
Best back garden Best front garden Best patio / yard Best gardener, under 16 o Best individual planter / hanging basket / window box Name
o Best communal
garden o Best sheltered housing scheme garden o Best leaseholder garden o Best vegetable plot
......................................................................................
Address
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Telephone Email
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Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 15
The Tenant Scrutiny Panel -working for you Gedling Homes is delighted to introduce their Tenant Scrutiny Panel which will aim to complete three projects a year. The Panel will be looking at policies and procedures, interviewing staff, and speaking to tenants to help them challenge and improve services – putting tenants at the heart of the organisation and holding Gedling Homes to account for their performance and behaviour. Tenants were recruited to the Panel through an application and interview process and the Panel is currently working with a mentor from TPAS to help develop the role and guide members through the first Scrutiny project.
Colin Harrison said: “I am looking forward to playing my part as a tenant in order to make Gedling Homes’ procedures open, honest and fair to all tenants. It’s my hope that all tenants will see an improvement in communication and procedures.”
The panel will be attending training to develop their skills and experience to help them in scrutinising services.
Fellow panel member Sue Munt added: “I joined Scrutiny to help maintain the high standard of Gedling Homes and to help deliver an excellent service for all concerned,”
Their first project will be ‘complaints handling’ where they will scrutinise complaints to improve the way they are handled so customers get a better, more open, honest and just service The Tenant Scrutiny Panel members are:
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• • •
Graham Weatherall Toni Faulkner Pat Fisher
• • •
Dora Godfrey Sue Munt Colin Harrison
Panel member Toni Faulkner said: “Working as a Tenant Inspector, it was great to see how tenants and Gedling Homes worked together and how Gedling Homes listened to what tenants say. Becoming part of the Scrutiny Panel will take me one step further in what we can do together and I’m looking forward to seeing our achievements.” If you would like to become involved in inspecting Gedling Homes' services why not become a Tenant Inspector? Contact Sarah Quinn for more details on 0115 905 1515 or customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk
And in the Community Chest today... Gedling Homes’ Community Chest is a pot of money that tenants can apply to, to spend on projects that will improve the community in which they live. A Community Chest Panel, comprising of Gedling Homes’ staff and tenant representatives meet every quarter to consider applications. Projects awarded funds in the previous quarter are; CH MAR 2013
IL APR 2013
MAY 2013
Extension of allotment at Newstead - £500 Football strip, Carlton le Willows - £326 Mats & trolley, Gai-Jin Karate Club - £300
Previously fund AKRA Fun Day...ed projects include,
' frame... Newstead Village 'A
Bus trip, Netherfield Parents’ Forum - £520 Greenhouse & shed, Moreland Court - £300 Coach trip, Netherfield Children’s Centre - £640 Bike restoration project, Central College Nottingham - £1,260 Bingo machine, Coronation Walk - £150 Greenhouse & garden furniture, Nabarro Court - £300 Day trip & party, Carlton & Stanhope Parents’ Forum - £600
ard... and nature information bo
If you have an idea for a project that will bring benefits to your community, contact Customer Experience for an application form on 0115 905 1515 or customerexperience@ gedlinghomes.co.uk
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Sheltered Sheltered Housing Service - changes put into action Since April the Sheltered Housing Service has been split into two separate teams, each having a clearly defined role while still being linked to ensure consistency of service delivery to residents.
Sheltered Housing Coordinators A team of Sheltered Housing Coordinators (SHC) are now in post. Their main responsibility is to ensure the day-to-day running of the schemes, taking responsibility for health and safety, reporting of repairs and tenancy management issues. Each SHC will be responsible for either one or two schemes and will meet tenants at agreed times, offering assistance and advice in relation to their tenancy. Each SHC will also be able to carry out welfare checks and advise on welfare issues. They will refer residents, where needed, to the Money Wise Team for appropriate assessment.
Support Workers A team of Support Workers has also been set up to complement the SHC. Support to residents will be based on a comprehensive assessment of their needs and aspirations. This will follow the completion of a new support plan which will include the outcomes that a resident has agreed with the Support Worker, as a reasonable goal for them to achieve. The Support Worker will then help and support the resident in reaching the chosen goals, with progress being monitored along the way. As part of the journey, the Support
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Worker may refer the resident to other appropriate agencies, putting together a jigsaw of service delivery providing long term benefit. The outcomes of the assessments will be measured in five main areas;
• Economic wellbeing • Staying healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a positive contribution
Communications Advisor, Kat Collins, talks to Barbara Wragg, Tenant When did you begin at Gedling Homes and what will you be doing? At the start of April 2013 so I’m still a bit of a newbie! I have come in to the new role of Communications Advisor, as a member of the Customer Experience Team. What were you doing before you joined Gedling Homes? My most recent role was communications for the Big Lottery Fund in the East Midlands. Before that I worked in marketing for a company that designed and built play areas. Many, many moons ago I was a receptionist for a Nottingham housing association, so I have some knowledge of how the sector works.
What is your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere where the grass is green and the sun is shining. Oh, and in a tent! What is your favourite food? I do love a good Indian meal. My most memorable dish was at a restaurant in Newcastle. Black lentils simmered for 24 hours. Simply the nicest curry I have ever tasted!
How do you think your role will impact Gedling Homes’ customers? The main reason I have been brought on board is to talk to the customers. My aim is to keep tenants up to date with news and information, but to also listen to customers' feedback. I will be producing News & Views, brochures and leaflets. I will also write news stories, develop Twitter and Facebook and keep the website up to date. I’m afraid that Gedling Homes’ tenants may struggle to avoid me! When you’re not at work, what can you mostly be seen doing? Escaping to the countryside! Whenever possible I will
bundle my family into the car and head out of Nottingham, usually to the Derbyshire Dales.
Which book are you currently reading? I have just finished ‘The Kite Runner’, and am on the lookout for something new. What is exciting you at the moment on TV? ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Game of Thrones’, no contest. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? ‘Pick your battles’ – I’ve learnt that it is so important to let some things go… What is your idea of bliss? Sun. Grass. Ice cold lager. How would you like to be remembered? With a smile!
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 19
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Date
Time
Event
Location
16-Jul
11am Inspection
Killisick area Arnold Estate
Meet at the corner of Birchfield Road and Hawthorn Crescent
17-Jul
11.301.00pm
Gedling Surgery
The Ark Surgery, Wollerton Avenue, Gedling
17-Jul
2.30pm
Ernehale Court Walk & Talk
Ernehale Court
24-Jul
10am
Bailey Court Walk & Talk
Bailey Court
25-Jul
10am
Netherfield Estate Inspection
Meet at corner of Dunstan Street & Victoria Road
30-Jul
10am
Coronation Walk Walk & Talk
Coronation Walk
31-Jul
10am
Britannia Court Walk & Talk
Britannia Court
31-Jul
11am
Orchard Court Walk & Talk
Orchard Court
01-Aug
9.3011.30am
Newstead Village Surgery
Newstead Community Centre
01-Aug
11-12noon
Netherfield Surgery
St George's Centre
01-Aug
10am
Walton Court Walk & Talk
Walton Court
07-Aug
11am
Moyra House Walk & Talk
Moyra House
07-Aug
11am
Bramble Court Walk & Talk
Bramble Court
07-Aug
11am
Carlton Estate Inspection
Meet at the corner of Fraser Road & Valley Road
Events Date
Time
Event
Location
09-Aug
9.3011.30am
Newstead Village Inspection
Meet at the Community Centre
15-Aug
11am
Princess Close Leaseholders Walkabout
Meet at the garage site
21-Aug
10am
Bailey Court Walk & Talk
Bailey Court
21-Aug
11.301.00pm
Gedling Surgery
The Ark Surgery, Wollerton Avenue, Gedling
28-Aug
10-12noon
Editorial Panel
St Andrew's House
28-Aug
10am
Britannia Court Walk & Talk
Britannia Court
30-Aug
10.30am
Westmoore Court Walk & Talk
Westmoore Court
03-Sep
2-4pm
Sheltered Housing Forum
Carlton House
04-Sep
2pm
Seagrave Court Walk & Talk
Seagrave Court
05-Sep
9.3011.30am
Newstead Village Surgery
Newstead Community Centre
05-Sep
11-12noon
Netherfield Surgery
St George's Centre
18-Sep
10-12pm
Editorial Panel
St Andrew's House
18-Sep
10am
Bailey Court Walk & Talk
Bailey Court
24-Sep
6-8pm
Princess / Queens Leaseholder Forum
Gedling House
25-Sep
10am
Britannia Court Walk & Talk
Britannia Court
25-Sep
11.301.00pm
Gedling Surgery
The Ark Surgery, Wollerton Avenue, Gedling
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 21
Fun & Games
WORDSEARCH
You can win £25 in vouchers in our “at the beach” wordsearch.
Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will be picked from the correct entries on 16th August 2013. Return to: Wordsearch Competition, Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................................................................
beach towel castle crab sand sunglasses lotion swimming suit tube ball ice cream
Holiday Geography Quiz
1. Which long river has white and blue tributaries ?
You can win £25 in vouchers in our Holiday Geography Quiz competition. Please send your completed quiz to us. A winner will be picked from the correct entries on 16th August 2013. Return to: Holiday Geography Quiz, Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD
2. Is Perth on the west or east coast of Australia ?
Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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3. In which country is ‘Calgary’ ?
4. Does Mumbai or Tokyo have the higher population ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. What is the world’s smallest, flattest and driest continent ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Is Argentina in the northern or southern half of South America ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Pakistan & Bangladesh both border which country ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Which country’s name is an anagram of ‘PURE’ ?
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And the winners are…
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A lucky tenant from Arnold has won £25 Argos vouchers for her excellent skills in sudoku, and in Calton a tenant is celebrating with £25 Tesco vouchers for her successful wordsearch. Congratulations both! 22
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Our performance Satisfaction & Performance Our performance matters at Gedling Homes. We are proud of the service we offer you, our customers, and regularly check that we’re on target. We set goals for each area of the company and here we tell you how we’re doing in the areas which matter most to you.
On target, going well
Our target
Performance areas
Our traffic light system tells you how we are doing.
OK, work in progress
What we achieved
Responsive repairs works undertaken Right First Time
99%
95.5%
All responsive repairs completed on time
99%
88%
Rent collection rate – rolling 12 month
99%
100.16%
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (excluding low demand)
24 days
21 days
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (including low demand)
24 days
27 days
Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs
98%
92.96%
Customers satisfied with investment works
96%
100%
Customers satisfied with gas servicing
97%
100%
Customers satisfied with the condition of property when the property was let
96%
100%
Customers reporting a complaint and were satisfied with how we dealt with it
80%
100%
Customers reporting an anti-social behaviour and were satisfied with how we dealt with it
80%
66%
Below target, looking to improve
How we are doing
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 23
Contact us By sending us an e-mail: General enquiries: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk Tenant Involvement: tenantinvolvement@gedlinghomes.co.uk By writing to us at: Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham. NG4 4AD In person: Please visit our Customer Contact Centre on the ground floor at: The Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU. The opening times are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday
@Gedling_Homes
By phone: 24/7 Repairs line 0300 0300 400 Anti Social Behaviour (24 hours) 0808 145 6555 Rent Payments 0161 331 2224 (24 hour automated payment line) For all other enquiries please ring 0115 905 1515 and ask for the team you want to speak to.
This information is available in large print, audio and Braille.
This information is from Gedling Homes. If you can tell us which language you speak, we will arrange for an interpreter. Or you can ask a friend or relative to phone us 0115 905 1515.
Chinese
Gujurati
Kurdish
Urdu
Polish
Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111