ISSUE 19 • AUTUMN 2013
news & views
A GREAT Day Out Page 10
GREAT Home s
We own 3,36 2 homes acro ss Gedling borough. We wan be GREAT hom t these properties to es. Last year we:
In 2012/2013
We’r GREATe Togeth er er pa ge 12
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…
96 out of every 100 tenants were with their repair satisfied All properties had
a valid gas safety
Launched our Community Rege neration Servi ce This has delive red many projec ts including, environmental projects, comm unity allotments vocational trainin and g Introduced Shelt ered Housing Coordinators ● In all sheltered schem es to improve older tenants the service to our
Continue to impro ve repair times Improve the numb er of repairs comp right first time leted
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Completed the Gedling Stand ard ● A five year programme of improvements our properties to all Achieved three awards from Committed to Construction in the East Midla nds ● Comm itment to Collab orative Working ● Comm itment to Healt h & Safety ● Comm itment to Corpo rate Responsibili ty Changed our repairs contr actor ● To Mears
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How we’ll imp rove:
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certificate
Improve the satisfa returning home ction levels of tenants after major work s ● Impro ve the communicat ion to tenants during refurbishment works
GREAT Neighbourho ods
We also wan t to create GRE AT neighbourhood s for you to live This include in. s the look of areas, reducing prob lems like anti -social behaviour and developing sust communities aina ble . Last year we: Achieved the Hous Behaviour accre emark Anti-Social ditation ● This independent accre ditation demonstrat commitment to es our resolving anti-s ocial behaviour
In 2012/2013 ●
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9 out of 10 tenan ts were satisfie d with the result their anti-social of behaviour comp laint Vacant properties were let within 25 days
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How we'll imp rove: ●
Deliver Neighbourh ood Sustainabilit all our areas. Makin y Plans for g your community place to live a better
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Deliver a wide range of social and community activities within the sheltered schem es ● Re-let all our empty prope rties within 24 days ● Conti nue to support tenants affected under occupancy by the rules
GREAT Peop le
As well as offe ring GREAT Hom GREAT Neighbo es in urhoods, we want our people to be GREAT. We sup port our tenants in a number of way s, from training to supporting their involvement with us. Last year we: Developed an I d
Offered 687 oppo rtunities for involv ement ● Ensur ing there is tenan t focus across all of our work Created links with local food banks and utility suppliers ●
Providing suppo rt to
In 2012/2013 ●
those who need
…
it the most
191 training places were offered to 100 were happy tenants, 98 out of with the trainin g they received Launched the Mone y manage over £221, Wise Team, helping tenants 000 of debt
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How we'll imp rove:
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Create a Tenant Academy to train and support tenants to devel op new skills Develop social media communicate with and other technology to tenants ● Introd uce DIY workshops and other initiat to help tenants ives to sustain their tenancies ●
Tenan Annuat’s Repor l t
Pull-ou t & vide o
GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People
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Community improvements p5
Worried about Universal Credit p9
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Your GREAT Day Out p10
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Macmillan coffee morning p15
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Contact us Tel:
0115 905 1515 Email:
enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk Website:
www.gedlinghomes.co.uk Twitter:
Strawberry tea in the sun p17 2
@Gedling_Homes Facebook: www.facebook.com/ gedlinghomes
Contents News
Your Community
Partnership enforcement action Hoarding can be dangerous Gas safety check could save your life Scrap metal wanted Cutting trees falls to you Community improvements Summer fun What do you want for your neighbourhood? We’re expanding our Lifeline Service Prince’s Trust gives tenants a hand Moyra House reopens
4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7
Arts & crafts celebration Full steam ahead! Macmillan coffee morning Try IT
14 14 15 15
Sheltered A very special birthday! Royal connections! Off to Scarborough Time for Zumba! Strawberry tea in the sun
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Community Chest
Money Affordable warmth Credit Unions Worried about Universal Credit?
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Out & About Your GREAT Day Out Harvest at Bourne Mews! Gedling in Bloom
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Tenant Involvement We’re GREATer Together Member of the Board
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CycleHub
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Street Talk Nicole Grant
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Events Events List
20-21
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 Homes,Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Gas safety check could save your life Thank you to all of our tenants who let us carry out the gas safety check every year. We appreciate your co-operation. While we have seen a vast improvement in gaining access for gas safety checks recently, some tenants are still reluctant to let us in. Think about it. The check could help prevent serious injury to you, your family and your neighbours. We have a legal responsibility to carry out an annual check and we will take action against tenants who refuse to let us into their home.
Partnership enforcement action Working with Gedling Borough Council’s Public Protection Team, we have served a tenant from Netherfield with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC). This was a consequence of the tenant being aggressive to other tenants and staff. The ABC contains a number of conditions around the behaviour expected from our tenant. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in further legal action. Jackie Gill, Tenancy Enforcement Officer, said: “ABC’s are a very good way of ensuring that behaviour improves and also illustrate to tenants and other residents that we will not tolerate unacceptable or aggressive behaviour.”
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Hoarding can be dangerous Hoarding rubbish or goods in your home is an issue that we take very seriously at Gedling Homes. It is a health and safety risk both to the hoarder and their neighbours. When we become aware that a tenant has a problem with hoarding we aim to work with them to resolve the problem. However, where a tenant refuses to engage with us, we may have to take enforcement action. We are currently taking legal action against a tenant in Arnold who is refusing to work with us or allow us into their home to remedy the problem. Jackie Gill, Tenancy Enforcement Officer, said: “I would ask any tenant who feels they have an issue with hoarding to contact us immediately as we can help them to sort it out and help turn their house back into a home.” If you would like to to talk to a member of the Tenancy Services team about this, please call 0115 905 1515.
News Scrap metal wanted Do you have any unwanted scrap metal? Washing machines, bikes, most items welcome - large and small. If you have any unwanted scrap metal that you would like us to collect for FREE, call Daniel Smith on 0115 905 1515. Employees at Gedling Homes are taking part in a competition to help raise a combined total of £1 million for The Prince’s Trust as part of the Million Makers challenge. All funds raised from selling on unwanted scrap metal will be donated to the project.
The Prince’s Trust helps young people aged 13 - 30 who are struggling at school, are in or leaving care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. They offer practical and financial support via a range of programmes to help young people develop key workplace skills and confidence to get a job, start up in business or move into further education or training. Help us support young people
Community improvements Following a consultation with tenants we have launched our Community Regeneration Strategy. This plan will help target the work of Martin Curtis, Community Regeneration Officer to the areas and issues that most concern you. The main points of the strategy are that our community work must: • Contribute towards neighbourhood sustainability • Help to reduce anti-social behaviour • Generate inward investment to enable a wider provision of regeneration initiatives
• Work with partners to ensure a joined up approach to regeneration initiatives across the borough • Improve the physical and social environment of land owned by Gedling Homes • Promote healthy living • Encourage lifelong learning and employment opportunities Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager said “Putting this Community Regeneration Strategy into action will help ensure we offer the services and projects that tenants most want to see. We aim to strengthen our partnerships with other agencies to create a positive impact within our communities. A big thanks to all tenants who took part in the consultation.”
Cutting trees falls to you
We get a lot of requests asking for us to cut trees in tenants’ gardens. Please note that this is your responsiblity, as detailed in your Tenancy Agreement.
Malcolm Bullard, Neighbourhood Management Officer for Arnold said: “This is a question that I get asked often and unfortunately I need to remind tenants that it is something that they are responsible for. If tenants would like any clarification on this matter then I advise them to speak to their Neighbourhood Management Officer on 0115 905 1515.”
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Summer fun
Over the summer we teamed up with Gedling Borough Council to fund the YMCA’s summer holiday schemes in Newstead Village and Netherfield. The week long programmes for 6-14 year olds included sports activities, arts and crafts and outdoor education. Over 80 young people took part in the two schemes. Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager said: “These two weeks were designed to give younger people opportunities to engage in activities over the Summer holidays. The idea is to reduce the instances of anti-social
What do you want for your neighbourhood? We are currently developing Neighbourhood Sustainability Plans in three pilot areas of Netherfield, Newstead Village and Woodborough/Burton Joyce/Lambley. You may have seen us out and about in your area, taking photos and interviewing tenants. It is important to us that we know what improvements you would like to see in your areas. The results of these consultations will help us to create our plans. They will provide us and our partners guidance on what to do to make your neighbourhoods a better place to live. The plans will be officially launched in November.
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behaviour during this period as well as presenting children with opportunities to get involved in a new activity or interest. The success of these two weeks means that we will be looking for ways to extend opportunities like this with our partners in the future.” The children involved had a great time and made lots of friends. Steven told us “I’m really proud that I tried all of the activities. I got a certificate!”
We’re expanding our Lifeline Service We are very excited to be extending our Lifeline Service. The service provides a lifeline to tenants and non-tenants, enabling them to live independently in their homes for longer. The Lifeline Service offers a 24 hour monitoring service with a pendant as standard, with the option to add on a range of telecare equipment to meet individual needs. The telecare equipment range is expected to include fall sensors, voice reminders, smoke, carbon monoxide and temperature detectors, exit sensors, and bogus call panic buttons. The affordable service charge will vary depending upon level of service chosen. As part of the service, regular contact will be made to ensure residents are receiving the right level of service to maintain independent living and their wellbeing. For more information, please contact Gedling Homes’ Lifeline Service on 0115 905 1515 and ask for Sheltered Housing.
News The Prince’s Trust gives tenants a hand
Moyra House reopens Moyra House in Arnold has been reopened by Gedling Mayor Bob Collis, following a £1.5m refurbishment. He commented: “I think it’s marvellous. I’m very, very impressed with what I’ve seen today.” The 1970s unit was immediately earmarked for a full remodelling programme following the stock transfer in 2008. It formed part of the now completed, £42m programme to bring all Gedling Homes properties up to the ‘Gedling Standard’.
The young people of Team 52 from the Prince’s Trust have helped Gedling Homes tenants with a garden make over and a trip to Matlock Bath. The team tidied up the garden at Foxhill Court in Carlton and planted new shrubs bought by the Tenants’ Group there. Secretary Toni Faulkner said: “The team has done a wonderful job.” The young people also treated tenants from Moyra House and Seagrave Court to a day trip in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. They visited a tea shop, enjoyed fish and chips and visited Masson Mill for a spot of retail therapy! Mobile Scheme Coordinator Linda Watson said: “Our tenants had a very enjoyable day out and are very grateful to the Prince’s Trust team. The young people were great.”
The remodelling work has seen the creation of 40 new one and two bed apartments to better suit the needs of tenants. Vernon Coaker, Gedling MP, also attended the event. He said: “It is great to see this excellent quality of investment in housing and in the additional support on offer to the residents. There is a real feeling of security and community here, especially with the addition of the patio area. It’s a brilliant facility.” Clearly delighted, new resident Jean Woonton said: “It’s lovely, I am very happy.” Her neighbour Emily McIlwaine, couldn’t agree more: “It’s out of this world. I couldn’t have wished for a nicer home!”
Team 52 were officially thanked for all their hard work at a presentation at Broadway Cinema. Gedling Homes’ tenants and staff were there to express their support. The visit is a great example of the very real benefits of inter-generational activities and the gains that can be felt on each side. Our collaboration with the Prince’s Trust is mutually beneficial and one we hope to continue into the future.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Affordable warmth As the weather turns cooler you may be concerned about the cost of keeping your home warm. There is help and advice available:
Home Heat Helpline The helpline provides advice on paying your energy bills and keeping warm during the winter. It is free to call and is open 9am-6pm Monday to Friday.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme The discount offers support for households who are living in, or are at risk of, fuel poverty. You do not need to apply for the discount. If you qualify, the Department for Work and Pensions will write to advise you of what to do next. The discount is applied directly to the qualifying customer’s electricity account to help over the winter months. This year the annual discount will be £135 and you will automatically qualify if, on 20 July 2013, you are under 75 and receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit (and do not receive Savings Credit) or are aged 75 or over and receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit. If you don’t qualify for the discount you may be able to apply directly to your energy supplier for help. Contact Gedling Homes’ Money Wise Team on 0115 905 1515 for more information.
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Winter Fuel Payment This is an annual payment to help with heating costs, made to households with a member of pensionable age. Eligible households will normally receive £200 if under 80, and £300 if 80 or over. You can contact the Winter Fuel Payments Helpline on 0845 915 1515.
Cold Weather Payment A payment to those in receipt of pension credit or other means tested benefits, when the weather is very cold. The payment is £25 a week when the average temperature has been‚ or is expected to be‚ 0°C or below for 7 days in a row (between 1 November 2013 and 31 March 2014).
Struggling to Pay Your Energy Bills?
Always contact your energy supplier straight away, to explain your situation and offer to pay an affordable amount towards the debt. If you need further help, contact Gedling Homes’ Money Wise Team on 0115 905 1515.
Money Credit Unions high balance in their account.
It can be hard to budget on a low income. With the up and coming introduction of Universal Credit, many are concerned about falling into rent arrears.
Budget Account This account allows you to pay all your regular bills and have the remainder paid into your bank account or onto a pre-paid card.
Credit unions are introducing rent and budgeting accounts to help people keep up to date with their bills:
Rent Direct Account Ensures your rent is paid by having your wages or benefits paid direct to the credit union. From this your rent is paid and the rest is transferred into your bank account to pay your other bills.
Credit Unions can offer loans at competitive prices, so you do not have to pay the high interest rates charged by doorstep and high street lenders.
Rent Payment Current Account
The local Credit Union is Nottingham Works as the Rent Direct Account, but includes Credit Union. For more information call 0115 828 3121, a current account for you to set up email rents@nottinghamcu.co.uk or arrangements to pay your other bills. visit www.nottinghamcu.co.uk Credit Union current accounts are specially designed to support people who do not have a
Worried about Universal Credit? Advice is on hand. Lynne Welch, Options Advisor for the Specialist Welfare Advice Team (SWAT) has spent the last few months providing advice to tenants affected by the Under Occupation Charge, also known as the ‘bedroom tax’. Now Lynne is turning her attention to providing advice to those who will be affected by Universal Credit. She will be out and about in your neighbourhood over the coming weeks, knocking on the doors of tenants currently claiming housing benefit, to offer advice on these changes. If you would like advice on how Universal Credit may affect you, call Lynne on 0115 905 1515 or email SWAT@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Your GREAT Day Out On Saturday 13th July, we hosted our annual tenant event: A GREAT Day Out. It was the most successful event we’ve held so far, with over 360 tenants enjoying the free family activities and entertainment, including Pogo the Clown and a 30ft slide. Our staff and partner agencies were also on hand to keep tenants up to date on the changes to benefits and provide advice on household budgeting. Colin from Burton Joyce said: “It was a real fun day for all; the whole family, young and old, all having fun together!” Lynn Clayton, Managing Director at Gedling Homes added: “It was great to see so many of our tenants enjoying themselves in the sunshine.” The Mayor of Gedling, Bob Collis commented on Twitter, “Thanks everyone who made @Gedling_Homes #GREATdayout such a great success. Well done to all.” For more photos, visit: facebook.com/gedlinghomes
Harvest at Bourne Mews! Members of the allotment group at Bourne certificates from Groundwork Greater Mews are celebrating their bumper crop. Nottingham, the providers of the course. The group has been busy all summer, seeding, replanting and watering and look at the results! They had a 'veg sale' in August and all the proceeds will go toward buying seeds and equipment for next year. Four tenants have now received their Entry Level Qualifications in Horticulture.
Tenant Karen Johnson Wood said: “I have really enjoyed this course and want to thank Tracey [tutor] for all her help.” The tenants are all hoping to undertake further horticultural courses or work in the future.
If you would like to join one of our allotment At a presentation, the tenants from Bourne groups call 0115 905 1515 and ask to speak to Mews, Killisick and Walton Court, received their Martin Curtis.
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Out & About Gedling in Bloom This year Sarah Quinn from the Customer Experience and colleagues from Bullock Construction have been busy visiting schools and residents’ gardens for this year’s Blooming Gardens Competition. The competition has been extremely strong this year, making the judging all the harder.
Patio
Sharon, Stonehouse Terrace
Well done to all who entered. Here are the results:
Planter
Beryl, Kilnbrook Avenue
School Competition
Abbey Gates Primary School
Sheltered
Tavill Field
Front Garden
Graham, Roe Hill
Vegetables
Bourne Mews
Back Garden
Joanne, St Albans Road
To view photos of all the winning gardens, visit http://on.fb.me/16o4Q0K
11 Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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We’re
GREATer
Together!
GREATer Together is the new name for our tenant involvement service. YOU are essential to our success. We want your ideas to be at the centre of everything we do. As a customer of Gedling Homes you are best placed to tell us how we are doing. You can let us know when we are getting things right, and help us find alternatives when things could be better. We believe that we work GREATer Together! The mains aims of our GREATer Together programme are: • Putting you at the centre of every decision we make • Giving you plenty of opportunities to get involved and influence what we do • Supporting you to achieve GREAT things • Using your knowledge and ideas to improve our services to you • Encouraging and promoting community involvement We want to help you learn new skills. Whether you want to be active, creative or improve your workbased skills, we have a course just for you. It will be an opportunity to meet others in your community and to begin GREAT new friendships. We want to give you the opportunity to be heard, to have a say in the services provided for you and we don’t want it to cost you a penny! We will provide transport and reasonable expenses, 12
including travel, child care, meals and carer support, to allow you to take part. There are many different ways you can get involved. You can give your opinions from the comfort of your own sofa, join a group, sit on a panel, or even become a board member! So why not join us, so we can all become GREATer Together!
To find out more about how to become an involved tenant, or to request your copy of the GREATer Together brochure call Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or email customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Tenant Involvement Member of the Board The Gedling Homes Board is made up of 4 Tenant Directors, 4 Independent Directors and 4 Council Directors from Gedling Borough Council.
You get to be involved at a strategic level. And we don’t just focus on Gedling Homes; we look at the wider community and relationships with the council and other agencies.
Kat Collins, Communications Advisor spoke to Zoe Taylor, Board Member and tenant in Arnold since 2006, about her involvement with the Board:
Why did you decide to run for Tenant Director?
I have to say that every single board member is valued and has a voice. Oh, and you have to be able to keep confidentiality!
I remember seeing in an edition of News & Views a call for the tenant elections. I saw the chance for a new opportunity and thought, why not? I applied, was shortlisted and was elected! After that I hit the ground running. I love it - it’s such a great opportunity!
How much time does it involve? Not a lot really. There are 6 meetings a year, with a few training sessions, normally run just before the meetings. The meetings are in the evenings, so you can work and still be a member.
What was the process to become a Board Member? I had to have an interview with the panel. I was just myself; no pretences. I showed them that I was an interested tenant with a genuine passion for my community, and I got in!
What has being a Board Member meant to you?
What do you get out of it? Oh, you get far more out of it than you give; training opportunities, meeting interesting people. You gain an understanding of your wider community and all your expenses are covered. The training opportunities are great and all paid for by Gedling Homes. I am currently studying towards my Institute of Leadership and Management, NVQ Level 3 equivalent, in Housing Governance. I get to travel around the Midlands and North West and find out what other Housing Associations are doing.
What does it involve? At the board meetings we discuss lots of things, contractors, the financial implications of welfare reform, new ideas, and the implementation of employment support in the local areas.
Before, I didn’t know anything about housing. I have been given the support and funding to complete the Chartered Institute of Housing Level 2 in Housing Practice and am half way through the Housing Governance, Level 3. My confidence and professionalism has grown massively and my wider understanding of housing has prompted me to seek a job in housing. Being a member of the Board opens doors. Without being a Board Member I wouldn’t have done any of these things. Board member elections are run each May. If you are interested in becoming a Tenant Director contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 13
Arts & crafts celebration Residents have been celebrating with tea and cake, showing off their fabulous handiwork at the end of a series of Arts & Crafts sessions, at St Andrew’s House. The sessions have been a brilliant opportunity to reduce isolation and create new friendships. Tenant Joyce explained that the sessions are about, "Everybody getting together with the same interests and to make something we can take away with us at the end of the day." If you would like to find out about future courses, please contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or email customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Full steam ahead! A weekend to celebrate Netherfield and Colwick’s Railway Heritage has now been confirmed. A variety of exciting activities are planned at different venues across Netherfield on the weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November. The project’s Steering Group want to gather photos / objects and artefacts connected to the railway history of Netherfield and Colwick for an exhibition. If you would like to donate memorabilia or volunteer to be a part of the weekend, please contact Martin Curtis at Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515.
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Your Community Macmillan coffee morning Tenants attended a coffee morning at Rushcliffe Avenue Community Centre to raise money for the cancer charity Macmillan in August. The event, organised by June Dudley, daughter of Foxhill tenant Mr Arkwright, was a huge success. More than 50 tenants and family members came along to enjoy the sandwiches and cake, try their luck at the raffle, purchase goodies from the bric-a-brac stall, and enjoy a spot of bingo! The charity is very close to June’s heart, as her mother passed away from lung cancer. Macmillan were a huge support to the family during this time and June wanted to give something back.
Try IT
The new Universal Credit system will be launched soon. It will require applications to be made online. You can develop your IT skills by taking part in the free Computer Skills and Internet Training at your local library. Try IT sessions are open to people who have no previous computing experience. Available topics are: • Basic Computing introduction to a mouse and keyboard • Introduction to the Internet
In total the event raised more than £400. For more information on organising your own coffee morning for Macmillan visit www.macmillan.org.uk/Home
• Setting up an email account. The hour-long sessions are one-to-one, but couples or small groups can usually be accommodated. To sign up for these sessions, contact your local library on: Arnold 0115 920 2247 Gedling 0115 987 6886 Calverton 0115 965 2580 Carlton 0115 987 0276 Carlton Hill 0115 987 3050
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 15
A very special birthday! Congratulations to Winnie Norman who turned 102 in July. The birthday girl had a celebration tea at Foxhill Court attended by the Mayor of Gedling, Bob Collis. Winnie is an active member of the Foxhill Court community and she said: “We have a keep fit class on a Monday and a coffee morning on a Tuesday. "It's all these events that keep me going."
Royal connections! At Moreland Court in Carlton the recent birth of Prince George, third in line to the throne, has been a cause for a celebratory lunch for sheltered scheme residents. Resident Ray Price is a distant relative of the Duchess of Cambridge. They share the same great grandfather. Ray has in the past written to St. James Palace detailing the connection and he received a reply. Another resident, Mary Thorne, has mobility problems and hadn’t left her flat for four months, but with help from support workers she was able to make it downstairs to take part in the celebrations. She said:“Everyone has done a really good job setting up today. I don’t normally come down to the lounge since I can’t walk very well, but came today because it’s a special occasion.” Mrs Dick added that the event was “ideal for residents who can’t get out.” Over 30 residents attended the event at Moreland Court, and encouraged visitors from other sheltered schemes to join them. The kitchen staff at Moreland Court catered for the event using the fresh produce grown on site. 16
Off to Scarborough! The newly formed Carlton House Committee Club have got off to a great start by organising a highly successful trip to Scarborough for some of our sheltered tenants. The trip proved to be so popular that the 54 seater coach was fully booked only 48 hours after being advertised. The feedback was very positive. The trip was made possible by the additional
funding raised through a table top sale at Carlton House. In total the committee raised £440. Following this success, the Committee are already planning their next outing - this time for those less mobile. Well done Carlton House Committee Club, we look forward to hearing about your next adventure!
Sheltered Time for Zumba! Over the past 3 months sheltered tenants have been limbering up and getting active, taking part in a 6 week low impact Zumba Course. All who have taken part have really enjoyed the sessions and further courses have been requested. During the 45 minute sessions participants are transported around the world with a great mix of Latin-inspired rhythms such as the Merengue,
Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Bollywood, Flamenco and even a bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll! The exercise is at a nice gentle pace that’s more suitable for older adults, beginners and those with physical limitations. If you are interested in a similar course or information on other courses available please contact Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515.
Strawberry tea in the sun The residents of Foxhill Court in Carlton celebrated their new outdoor, communal space with a strawberry tea. The new patio, funded by the Community Chest, is next to the community centre, and has extended the residents’ social space, providing them with a spot to bask in the sun. Residents had a wonderful afternoon enjoying sandwiches, cake and strawberries. Everyone commented on how thrilled they were with the newly designed space. Beverley Mee, Sheltered Housing Co-ordinator at Foxhill Court said: "The residents at Foxhill Court are delighted. It is a fantastic addition to the communal space for social occasions.”
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Community Chest 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.
CycleHub Community Chest recently awarded £1,260 to run a bike maintenance educational course with Central College Nottingham. If you are interested in bike maintenance and would like to achieve an employable qualification then the eight week ‘CycleHub’ course could be for you. The course will be held at the Loco Project in Netherfield. To find out more, contact Martin Curtis at Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515 or email Martin.Curtis@gedlinghomes.co.uk.
Awarded in this quarter £2,750 towards room rental for We R Here counselling service
£350 to the Friends of Bailey Court and Curzon Street for a trip
£5,000 towards a new Skate Park at the King George V Playing Fields in Arnold
£800 to Woodborough Community Association for a new defibrillator in the village
£1,100 to Netherfield Social Enterprise towards creating a young persons’ shop in the area
£200 towards new garden furniture at Rushcliffe Avenue and Bramble Court
£200 to The Evergreen Club in Carlton £260 to Netherfield Forum towards their Open Day and children’s party
£380 towards a projector and screen at Carlton House £1,000 towards a planned Newstead Illuminations event on Saturday 9th November
£200 towards a new Rotary washing line at Bourne Mews £2,134 towards new fencing at Calverton Road Flats in Arnold
The next meeting of the Community Chest Panel is on Tuesday 26th November. For an application form please contact Sarah Quinn or Martin Curtis on 0115 905 1515.
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Nicole Grant, Neighbourhood Management Officer speaks to Shirley Palmer, member of the News & Views editorial panel. How long have you worked for Gedling Homes? 3 months What will you be doing for Gedling Homes? I am the new Neighbourhood Management Officer for Netherfield and parts of Carlton. I will deal with all aspects of tenancy management, inspections, estate management, anti-social behaviour complaints and neighbourhood disputes. What were you doing before you started at Gedling Homes? Prior to Gedling Homes, I worked for a Housing Association for 4 years, specifically dealing with lettings, anti-social behaviour disputes and income recovery. I have worked in the housing sector for over 5 years. What has been the most interesting aspect of the job so far?
What is your favourite book? ‘Bridge Above my Sorrows’, by Christina Noble. It is a very inspirational book, I would recommend it. What is your favourite film? ‘Grand Torino’ and ‘Now You See Me’ What is your favourite food? Thai, and I love anything garlicky What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Every day is interesting and each day is different! Meeting and getting to know the tenants has been the most enjoyable bit. When you are not at work, what can you mostly be seen doing? Spending quality time with my friends. I also love riding my bike, and am planning a cycling holiday soon.
Ghandi said - ‘Be the change you wish to see.’ How would you like to be remembered? As someone who was positive and enjoyed life.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 19
Date
Time
Event
Location
16 Oct
11.30am-1pm
Gedling Surgery
The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling
17 Oct
10am
Orchard Court Walk & Talk
Orchard Court
22 Oct
10am
Lendrum Court Walk & Talk
Lendrum Court
23 Oct
10am
Rushcliffe Avenue Walk & Talk
Rushcliffe Avenue
24 Oct
9am-12noon
Bourne Mews Estate Inspections
Bourne Mews
24 Oct
1pm-2pm
Curzon Street Estate Inspection Curzon Street
24 Oct
3pm-5pm
Netherfield Estate Inspection
Meet at the corner of Dunstan Street and Victoria Road
29 Oct
10am
Coronation Walk Walk & Talk
Coronation Walk
29 Oct
2pm-4pm
Sheltered Housing Forum
Tavill Field, Arnold
30 Oct
10am
Bailey Court Walk & Talk
Bailey Court
30 Oct
2pm
Britannia Court Walk & Talk
Britannia Court
06 Nov
10am-12noon
Equality and Diversity Forum
Gedling House, Gedling
06 Nov
11am
Gedling Estate Walkabout
Meet at the corner of Phoenix Avenue and St' Michaels Avenue
07 Nov
9.30am11.30am
Newstead Surgery
Newstead Community Centre
07 Nov
10am -11.30am Netherfield Surgery
St George's Centre
12 Nov
10am
Carlton House Walk & Talk
Carlton House
13 Nov
12pm
Bramble Court Walk & Talk
Bramble Court
14 Nov
11am
Princess Close, Leaseholders Walkabout
Meet at the garage site
19 Nov
10:30am
Moyra House Walk & Talk
Moyra House
20 Nov
11.30am-1pm
Gedling Surgery
The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling
27 Nov
10am
Bailey Court Walk & Talk
Bailey Court
27 Nov
2pm
Britannia Court Walk & Talk
Britannia Court
28 Nov
9am-12noon
Bourne Mews Estate Inspection Bourne Mews
28 Nov
1pm-2pm
Curzon Street Estate Inspection Curzon Street
20
Events Date
Time
Event
Location
28 Nov
3pm-5pm
Netherfield Estate Inspection
Meet at the corner of Dunstan Street and Victoria Road
29 Nov
10:30am
Westmoore Court Walk & Talk
Westmore Court
04 Dec
10:30am
Ernehale Court Walk & Talk
Ernehale Court
04 Dec
2.30pm
Calverton Estate Walk About
Meet at the corner of Collyer Road and Flatts Lane
05 Dec
10am -11.30am Netherfield Surgery
St George's Centre
05 Dec
9.30am11.30am
Newstead Surgery
Newstead Community Centre
06 Dec
10:30am
Nabarro Court Walk & Talk
Nabarro Court
10 Dec
6pm-8pm
General Leaseholder Forum
Gedling House, Gedling
10 Dec
11am
Roe Hill Walk & Talk
Roe Hill
11 Dec
11.30am-1pm
Gedling Surgery
The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling
11 Dec
2pm
Seagrave Court Walk & Talk
Seagrave Court
12 Dec
5.30pm-8pm
Business Planning Event
Gedling House, Gedling
18 Dec
10am
Bailey Court Walk & Talk
Bailey Court
18 Dec
2pm
Britannia Court Walk & Talk
Britannia Court
23 Dec
9am-12noon
Bourne Mews Estate Inspections
Bourne Mews
23 Dec
1pm-2pm
Curzon Street Estate Inspection Curzon Street
23 Dec
3pm-5pm
Netherfield Estate Inspection
02 Jan
10am -11.30am Netherfield Surgery
23 Jan
9am-12noon
Bourne Mews Estate Inspection Bourne Mews
23 Jan
1pm-2pm
Curzon Street Estate Inspection Curzon Street
23 Jan
3pm-5pm
Netherfield Estate Inspection
St George's Centre St George's Centre
St George's Centre
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 21
Fun & Games WORDSEARCH You can win £25 in vouchers in our “Autumn” wordsearch. Words go left, right, up, down, not diagonally, and can bend at a right angle. There are no unused letters in the grid, every letter is used only once. We have already found one for you! Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will be picked from the correct entries on 16th November 2013. Return to: Wordsearch Competition, Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD
Name:
.......................................................................
Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....................................................................................
Autumn Quiz
You can win £25 in vouchers in our Autumn Quiz competition.
BACK TO SCHOOL CORN MAZE FALLING LEAVES HALLOWEEN HARVEST
NOVEMBER OCTOBER PUDDLE RAIN RUBBER BOOTS SEPTEMBER
When did the failed gunpowder plot take place?
❏ 1700 ❏ 1995 ❏ 1605 ❏ 1559
Which fruit do we traditionally carve on Halloween?
Please send your completed quiz to us. A winner will be picked from the correct entries on 16th November 2013. Return to: Autumn Quiz, Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❏ Guido Fawkes ❏ Guy Falkener ❏ Guy Franks
Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Which nation invented the firework?
Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❏ Apple ❏ Tangerine ❏ Banana ❏ Pumpkin Which way do we turn the clocks at the end of October?
❏ Forward ❏ Back ❏ Neither
By what name was Guy Fawkes also known?
❏ English ❏ French ❏ American ❏ Chinese
...............................................................................
And the winners are…
Congratulations to our tenants from Gedling and Mapperley who won our summer edition competitions. They have won £25 in shopping vouchers each! 22
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%
96.12%
All responsive repairs completed on time
99%
93.61%
Rent collection rate - rolling 12 month period
99%
99.78%
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (excluding low demand)
24 days
23.38 days
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (including low demand)
24 days
29.66 days
Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs
98%
96.17%
Customer satisfaction with investment works
96%
98.46%
Customer satisfaction with gas servicing
97%
99.3%
Customer satisfaction with response to a complaint and how we dealt with it
80%
80%
Customer satisfaction with response to a report of Anti-Social Behaviour and how we dealt with it
80%
83%
Customer satisfaction with the condition of property when let
96%
98.88%
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 www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes
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