Spring Issue: March 2013 Created by Gedling Homes’ tenants like you
news & views Tenants Shape Services
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How we deliver Sheltered Housing services is changing
5 Confusion Street brings clarity for residents
14 Gedling Tenants Standard
New Welfare Reforms
pages 12 & 13
ISSUE 17 • SPRING 2013
Importa informa nt tion!
18 Lifeline offers security
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nefi your be Be wise with your options
We’re here to help you be Money Wise!
Gedling Homes Money Wise Team (formerly called FIT) provides free, confidential and impartial benefit and money advice to all our tenants. We know that it can be difficult to budget, especially if you are on a low income, and we know how easy it is to get into debt. You may be worried because you have used a doorstep lender or are in rent arrears. Our Money Wise Team can provide you with the right information and advice to reduce debts and better manage your money. The Money Wise Team can: • Provide independent and confidential advice and assistance on a range of money matters • Offer specialist advice is you are struggling to pay your rent and/or other debts • Talk to lenders on your behalf to organise repayment arrangements
• Provide budgeting advice, money management and debt solutions The Money Wise Team can also explain how the changes to the welfare benefits system will affect you. They can also find ways to increase your overall income by: • Benefit and tax credit entitlement checks and calculations • Making claims for benefits you are entitled to but are not currently receiving • Filling in benefit forms and applications • Dealing with benefit letters You can call in to see a Money Wise Team Adviser at Gedling Homes Customer Contact Centre, Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, every Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm. You don’t need an appointment. We are also planning to hold regular advice sessions in Newstead and Netherfield so look out for our next update.
We’re Tweeting
@Gedling_Homes
Come and follow us to discover what’s happening at Gedling Homes, we’ll be updating our page with • What’s happening at Gedling Homes • Courses we’re offering • Tenant meetings we’re holding • Links to tools that might help you • Housing information • Information about how you can get more involved and have your say
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk If you have a smartphone you can find more information on our website by scanning this barcode with a QR code reader app.
2 2The Customer Experience team at Gedling Homes produces your newsletter. You can contact them on 0115 9051515
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Contents Tenants contribute to future direction 4
9 id, a s u o Y we did
New look for your contractors
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How we deliver Sheltered Housing services is changing
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Eat healthily‌ and cheaply
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Defect Liability Period
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The first apprentice
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Could you be a HomeSwapper?
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Let’s get you the keys to your door
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You said we did... GREAT Feedback
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Sheltered Properties To Let
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CCTV Installation helps cut ASB
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Neighbourhood Management Officer for Arnold combats ASB!
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Street Talk
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New Welfare Reforms
12&13
New Welfare Reforms p12 & 13
You can also follow us on Facebook facebook.com/gedling
12 & 13
Confusion Street
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Bobble Day
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In the Community Chest today...
15 & 16
The Arnold Foodbank
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Princes Trust Partnership Blooms
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Competition Winner
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Gedling Tenants Standard
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Our performance
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Walk & Talks
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Estate Inspections
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Word Search & Sudoku
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Lifeline offers security to vulnerable tenants and residents
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STOP PRESS...
Gedling Homes has been shortlisted in the TPAS Excellence awards for the annual report and tenant scrutiny. The winners will be announced in April. 3
Tenants contribute to future direction of Tenant Involvement Gedling Homes held a highly successful event at Bestwood Lodge for tenants who attended to give their views about the way they would like to see the Tenant Involvement service develop. The day began with a welcome and introduction from Steve Ward, Customer Experience Manager, followed by Lynn Clayton, Managing Director, who spoke about the great things already achieved and what Gedling Homes’ aspirations were for the future of the service. Tenants were asked for their views and suggestions at a number of workshops, and were given the opportunity to
A big every thanks to partic one who helpi ipated in ng the fu to shape involv ture of emen t.
look at visuals of new branding designs for Tenant Involvement. They identified some priorities for the service, community regeneration and the use of social media. Their views will now be used to plan the strategy of how this service will look in the future. A big thanks to everyone who took part in helping to shape the future of involvement.
New look for your repairs contractors but the same familiar faces After years as a familiar sight on our streets, the Morrison brand is about to be replaced with Mears after the company was bought out last year. You will see the same members of the contractor’s team but they will be in Mears’ branded vans and uniforms. As always, remember to ask to see an ID card if someone comes to your door and wants to look around your home. All our contractors carry ID and should show this to you before entering your home, if you have any concerns please call us on 0300 0300 400.
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How we deliver Sheltered Housing services is changing Gedling Homes’ sheltered housing service is currently funded by Nottingham County Council’s Supporting People Grant.
Sheltered tenants will have seen the new service charges in the rent notice they received in early March. If the new service charge is more than the old service charge plus the annual increase, the However, the Council is removing the funding difference has been subtracted from the rent. and this means we will have to make changes to the services we provide and the way we This means that tenants will pay no more than deliver them to sheltered tenants. they would have done if service charges had increased by the annual percentage as usual. From April 2013: There are more headings on the rent notice • Mobile Scheme Managers will be called than previously as we believe tenants should Sheltered Housing Co-ordinators be able to see exactly what they are being • Sheltered Housing Co-ordinators will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the charged for. scheme or site and helping residents with any The new headings include: tenancy management matters • Cleaning • Each scheme will have a dedicated Sheltered • Caretaking Housing Co-ordinator who will be on site at • Lift maintenance regular times • Communal heating The changes to the way sheltered support • Door entry services are funded has meant we have had to maintenance look at how to continue to provide value-forNottingham County money services. Council will continue to The Sheltered Housing Co-ordinator charge is provide Supporting People Grant funding until currently £7.79. The charge is different March 2014. This means Gedling Homes will depending on the type of scheme a tenant lives continue to provide support to existing in and is directly related to the level of service residents within its schemes who have been they receive. assessed as requiring a daily visit. This charge will be eligible for If a resident’s individual circumstances Housing Benefit. change, the Sheltered Housing The cost of the emergency pull-cord Co-ordinators will be able to signpost system will now have a small, separate residents to floating support services. service charge to cover the 24 hour We will continue to consult with emergency response service and tenants to ensure they have say in annual maintenance. This charge will ensuring that the services provide not be eligible for Housing Benefit. value for money. We have worked closely with If you have any questions, sheltered service users to agree please contact Sandra Fox or ways of allocating the costs of Jacquie Beacroft on services to individual properties. 0115 905 1515. Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Healthy Ea ting Helping you to eat healthily‌ and cheaply Gedling Homes is involved in a range of initiatives across the Borough supporting access to cheap healthy food for tenants.
FREE Cook and Eat courses In 2012 we ran courses at Gedling and Pinewood Schools and are currently running a six week course at Netherfield Primary School where a local chef cooks cheap, healthy meals with Gedling Homes tenants using recipes that can then be passed on to their families. If you are interested in attending future Cook and Eat courses which will be available in all areas of the borough during 2013, please contact Sarah Quinn at Gedling Homes 0115 905 1515 or email Sarah.Quinn@gedling homes.co.uk/ Watch this space! Gedling Homes is developing its own YouTube channel where you will be able to see how to cook cheap, healthy and appetising meals. We’ll bring you full details in the next News and Views.
And you can grow your own too!
Gedling Homes are developing new opportunities for tenants to grow their own fruit and vegetables at: Bourne Mews in Netherfield Killisick allotment site in Arnold Walton Court in Carlton In partnership with a horticultural specialist from Groundwork Greater Nottingham, we will be running weekly sessions on raised beds on each site. There are still spaces available on these Tuesday sessions particularly at Walton Court and Killisick.
From flowers to fruit and veg In 2012 we undertook bulb-planting sessions with tenants and local schools at Nabarro Court in Calverton and Bailey Court in Netherfield. This year we will be supporting Ernehale Court in Arnold to grow salads and Coronation Walk in Carlton to grow seasonal bedding displays. Our partners Bullock Construction are hoping to construct raised beds by the end of March.
If you are interested in getting involved in any of these projects please contact Martin Curtis at Gedling Homes on 0115 9 051512 or email Martin.Curtis@gedlinghomes.co.uk 6
Defect Liability Period for Internal Works
A new apprentice on the contractBullock Construction are currently delivering the external improvement programme in partnership with Gedling Homes and are pleased to announce the appointment of their first apprentice on the contract. Richard Akers was appointed as a Groundworker apprentice for Bullock Construction in January. Richard felt that further full time education wasn’t for him and decided to do an apprenticeship. Each week he spends four days working on site and one day at college, where he is undertaking an NVQ. Richard has now been with us for six weeks and is really enjoying learning a trade. Gedling Homes and Bullock construction are currently working together to try and appointment more local apprentices and so continue to develop skills and reduce unemployment within the local community.
Gedling Homes’ kitchen, bathroom and heating replacement contract is due to finish at the end of March 2013. Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and T&S Heating Ltd have carried out, in excess of, 3000 kitchen, bathroom and heating system replacements between 2009 and 2013. Each kitchen and bathroom has a 12 month warranty from the date they are fitted, so if you have had yours fitted within the last 12 months and you have a problem, please report it to FHM’s Customer Care Line on 0800 019 09 19. Over the past 12 months we have carried out a detailed analysis of the overall reported defects and devised a script that should enable a significant proportion of reported defects to be resolved over the phone or alternatively with one visit by a qualified operative. Daniel Smith, Project Surveyor, for Gedling Homes said “The in-depth analysis of the data that we have collected over the past few years has resulted in us being able to gain a greater understanding of the defects that are typically reported and the script will help us adopt a common and logical approach”. In order to ensure that FHM continue to provide us with a first class service, they have set up a local office at Junction 25 off the M1 for when they leave Rolleston Drive at the end of March 2013. With regard to heating upgrades still within the 12 month defect liability period, please continue to report any issues direct to T&S heating on 01159 202 115.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Could you be a HomeSwapper? Want to move home? Why not try HomeSwapper?
HomeSwapper is the UK’s largest and most successful home swap service. HomeSwapper is free to all Gedling Homes tenants and is an easy to use and exciting way to move home. Each week thousands of people living in social housing register online and advertise their homes, looking for another tenant who would like to swap. As a tenant of Gedling Homes you can swap homes with another tenant using HomeSwapper and best of all it is FREE! Better still, finding a mutual exchange through HomeSwapper means you won’t have to wait months on a housing transfer list and you will get to choose the home you want for yourself. HomeSwapper uses the details you supply to automatically match you to other tenants who may have a home that you'd like and who would also be interested in your property. When HomeSwapper finds you a match you will be alerted by SMS text or email. You can then log onto HomeSwapper, look at the home you have been matched with and if you like the look of it you can arrange to visit it. Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager said: “Welfare Reform changes mean that if your house is too big for your needs there will be a deduction in the amount of housing benefit you will receive. This means that if you are of working age, you may not be able to afford to continue to live in a house which is too big. HomeSwapper can help you!”
Anyone interested in registering can call the Tenancy Services team on 0115 9051515 or visit the Customer Contact Centre to speak to a member of staff or, if you have access to the internet, you can register at www.homeswapper.co.uk
Let’s get you the keys to your door Gedling Homes has run a trial of a pre-tenancy training programme called Keys to Your Door which is used by New Charter use to get prospective tenants, tenancy ready. We are making some changes to the course so that it matches the requirements of the people of Gedling and the allocations policy and it will be launched in the near future. 8
Of the people that attended the trial, two have obtained tenancies with Gedling Homes, one of whom has also started work. A 60 piece kitchen set was raffled for the attendees of the course and the winner was Grace Bartlett who is one of the attendees that have taken on a new tenancy with us.
You said we did... GREAT Feedback Gedling Homes has recently carried out a survey of all the partner agencies we work with to help us tackle anti-social behaviour. Feedback shows that 100% of our partners stated that they were very satisfied with the way we work to together to tackle ASB. Mark Vasey Tenancy Services Manager said: I hope that this illustrates to tenants that they can have confidence in our ability to tackle anti-social behaviour. Feedback like this is very important as it 97% shows that we are on the right track. satisfactio If anyone is experiencing anti-social behaviour then please contact a n member of the Tenancy Services team on 0115 9051515. We have also received some extremely positive feedback regarding the grounds maintenance service that we provide to tenants, with 97% of respondents stating satisfaction with the service. Richard Quinn, Neighbourhood Management Officer for Netherfield said: Satisfaction levels like this are really positive as it shows what good work our partners from Gedling Borough Council are doing towards helping look after tenants’ gardens which, in turn, helps to improve the appearance of our neighbourhoods.
If anyone is interested in joining our garden maintenance service then please call the Tenancy Services team on 0115 9051515
Sheltered Properties To Let in Gedling Borough
• Do you want to move closer to family or do you want your
loved ones closer to you? • Do you want peace of mind, comfort, and independence? • Do you want the security of living in a sheltered complex? If so we currently have a number of sheltered properties to let in Gedling Borough. These include Flats and Studio Apartments in Carlton, Mapperley, Netherfield, Burton Joyce, and Calverton. These properties are within well maintained grounds at quite locations, benefits include direct access to local shops, doctors, and other amenities. If you are over 60 or of a similar age on Disability Living Allowance, or know someone who is and would like more information, please contact the Relet’s Team on 0115 9051550. Please note all applicants will be assessed for suitability.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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CCTV Installation helps cut ASB Gedling Homes have installed CCTV cameras Ruby Salmon, a tenant at Walton Court general needs scheme to who lives on the ground help combat persistent incidents of antifloor said: social behaviour within the block. Installation of the cameras was completed by The cameras contractors just before Christmas and has made a big improvement to the quality of life for the vast have helped reduce majority of law abiding tenants within the block. the disturbances Richard Quinn, Neighbourhood Management Officer for Walton Court added: “I hope this proves that Gedling Homes significantly and it is will do all it can to eradicate anti-social behaviour. It is nice to be able to unfortunate that the behaviour of a small minority has impacted on the majority of decent tenants within Walton have the reassurance Court for so long. I am pleased that these cameras provide additional safety and security to tenants and will help them to that they bring. live peacefully within their homes.�
Neighbourhood Management Officer for Arnold combats ASB!
Malcolm Bullard, the Neighbourhood Management Officer for Arnold has used his initiative to come up with a way of combatting some persistent ASB in the Smithy Crescent area of Arnold. Malcolm had been contacted by residents who informed him of youths congregating on the steps that lead down from Smithy Crescent to Front Street and cause ASB. Malcolm consulted local tenants about some re landscaping works and the erection of a fence along the steps to help deter youths gathering. Before Tenant Mrs Lucy Clements said: The improvements made by Gedling Homes have made a real difference to the quality of life along Smithy Crescent. I would like to thank our Neighbourhood Management Officer Malcolm for his swift thinking and the way our needs were listened to. Malcolm said: It is great to have been able to help tenants in this area as they have been experiencing problems for some time. I hope that these changes result in positive and permanent change. Should anyone be experiencing any anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood please contact the Tenancy Services Team on 0115 9051515.
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Neighbourhood Management Officer Malcolm Bullard talks to Alan White Tenant Inspector How long have you been with Gedling Homes and what does a Neighbourhood Management officer do? I’ve worked for Gedling Homes for six years now; previously I worked for Nottingham City Council, then Nottingham City Homes. I also worked for the Police Service. My role with Gedling Homes involves managing everything to do with tenancies and the tenants who live in them. This can be dealing with Anti-Social behaviour, estate inspections and a whole range of issues concerning how tenancies are conducted and looking after environmental issues in my area. How does your role help the people of Gedling? I like to think that it enhances the quality of life for everyone living within the area I manage. How do you see the welfare reform changes affecting tenants? I think this will have an enormous impact on certain tenants, especially those who have reductions in benefits because of the bedroom tax. I think they will feel very pressured financially and perhaps emotionally upset if they have to move from their homes where they may have formed an attachment and where they have brought their families up. Tenants may not want to relocate but unfortunately for some this will be their only option. What do you find most interesting or rewarding about your role? Finding solutions to problems be that neighbour disputes, or anti-social behaviour, and coming up with ideas to enhance neighbourhoods and make them better places for everyone to live in. What is the most challenging aspect of your job? Trying to please everyone, and
sometimes having to have very difficult conversations with people about unpleasant situations. Outside of work what are your interests? I love walking my two dogs an exgreyhound and a mongrel. I’m involved with animal welfare. I also raise funds for retired greyhounds. I became involved in this when we got our first one from the rescue centre and have been doing this ever since. I also love rugby, football and cricket. I support Notts County. What’s your idea of a good night out? Socialising anywhere with friends, a Guinness with a whiskey chaser, and watching live sport. What three words would you use to describe yourself? Genuine, trustworthy, and passionate. What is your favourite holiday destination? Greece, Italy and the USA. What is your favourite film? Difficult one I’ll have to give you a few; ET, Gladiator, Beverley Hills Cop, and The Godfather. I think they show how diverse my personality is. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? When the going gets tough the tough get going – (Billy Ocean 1986). What is your greatest achievement? Gaining a 2.1 at university and the other one is yet to come. What is your idea of bliss? Watching live sport or lying on a beach somewhere warm. How would you like to be remembered? Firm but fair with a good sense of humour.
11 Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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New Welfare Refor • Any other child • A carer (who does not normally live with you) if you By now, you will have seen a or your partner need difference in the Housing overnight care Benefit you receive if you are It does not matter how the affected by the Government’s introduction ‘spare’ bedroom is used, the new rules will apply even if: of the ‘bedroom tax’. • You and your partner need to Your Housing Benefit will be sleep apart because of a reduced if you have one or medical condition more spare bedrooms • Your children live at another How many bedrooms can address, but you have a spare I have? bedroom for when they stay From April 2013, if you have with you one or more ‘spare’ bedrooms, When you apply for housing your housing benefit may be benefit, your full rent is used as reduced. a starting point to see if you This could affect you: qualify for help. Charges that would not usually • if you are16 to 61 years old be covered by housing benefit • even if you only get a small are then taken off the full rent. amount of Housing Benefit This leaves a figure called 'the for example, if you are eligible rent' – in other words, working the maximum you could get in • if you are sick or disabled housing benefit. You won’t be affected if you If you have one spare bedroom, live in a one bedroom flat or the ‘eligible rent’ will be used to bedsit and you may not be assess your entitlement and affected if you or your partner your housing benefit will be is old enough to receive reduced by 14%. This means Pension Credit. the maximum you can claim will be much lower. Under the new rules, if you have more bedrooms than the If you have two or more spare Government says you need, you bedrooms, the ‘eligible rent’ will be reduced by 25%. will lose part of your housing benefit. The new rules mean You may be entitled to a you will be allowed one Discretionary Housing Payment bedroom for: (DHP) if you receive housing benefit or council tax benefit, • Each adult couple • Any other person aged16 or but are struggling to pay the rest of your rent yourself. over • Two children of the same sex To find out if you can apply for one of these ‘top-up’ payments, under the age of 16 • Two children under the age of contact our Money Wise Team on 0115 905 1515 and we will 10 regardless of their sex
The bedroom tax has moved into your home
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direct you to the right person at the council. The council will decide who should be given the payments. And there’s more… From April 2013, the overall amount of benefit you can receive will be capped. This will begin in London and will then be rolled out across the country in the summer. The Government will add up how much money you get from a range of benefits. If the total comes to more than the maximum amounts below, your housing benefit payment will be reduced and other benefits may be too. The maximum amount of benefit you will receive will be: • £500 per week for single parents • £500 per week for couples with or without children • £350 per week for single people without children This may not apply to you if: • You get pension credit or working tax credit • A member of your household is claiming disability living allowance, attendance allowance or the support element of employment support allowance.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a new benefit which will start to replace the main means-tested benefits for working age people from October 2013. It will combine all of the following benefits into one payment:
rms - how prepared are you? • Income based jobseekers allowance • Income based Employment and Support allowance • Housing benefit • Income support • Working and child tax credits Council Tax Benefit is not included and will be dealt with by the council. The council will look at ways to financially support people on low incomes. For most people, Universal credit will be paid monthly in arrears direct to you and will include an amount for housing costs. Most claims for Universal Credit will have to be made online. If you are affected by the changes, you will have to pay your rent directly to Gedling Homes. You will have to make sure there is enough money in your account to cover the rent or you will get into debt (rent arrears), which could ultimately lead to you losing your home. You’ll no longer have the choice to have your Housing Benefit paid directly to Gedling Homes (your landlord). Instead you will have to make sure you pay the rent yourself to Gedling Homes. For most people, Universal Credit will be paid monthly in arrears. This means if you claim at the beginning of the month, your benefit will be paid to you at the end of the month. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is changing to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). People who currently claim
DLA will be asked to claim PIP, when there is a change of circumstances or if they need to renew a claim. It is expected that in this area those receiving DLA will be asked to reapply for PIP by the end of 2015.. There are no current plans to replace Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 and people aged 65 and over, for those who already receive it. The new benefit will be based on an individual’s ability to carry out a range of key everyday activities. Information will be gathered from the individual, as well as from health care and other professionals who work with and support them. If you are worried about being able to afford to pay your rent when these changes happen, ask for advice now. If you don’t pay your rent, you could lose your home, so talk to us about different ways to pay. You can also: • Talk to Gedling Homes about moving to a smaller home. • Contact the council to ask about extra financial help. The council may prioritise your claim if you have a disability and your house has been adapted. • Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or other local advice agencies. • Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you can. • Try to find some paid work to increase your income. • Look at how you spend your money now - are there things you can cut back on?
You can get more information about the cap on benefits by calling the Government’s information line on 0845 605 7064.
So ‘SWAT’S’ it all about? To help you through the changes, we have created a Specialist Welfare Reform Advice Team called SWAT.
They are here to offer advice and support you, if you are affected by the changes. The SWAT team are out and about in your neighbourhoods, helping people to address the impact of under-occupancy and look at ways we can help you. To find out when we are in your area, visit our website or ask in Customer Contact Centre. There may be some difficult times ahead, but remember SWAT’s only mission is to help you. If you need help to decide what you should do, your local advisor in Gedling is Lynne Welch and she can be contacted on 0115 905 1515 or via e-mail at swat@newcharter.co.uk
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 13
‘Confusion Street’ brings clarity for tenants Tenants joined in a ‘soap opera’ event organised by Gedling Homes to help tell them about important changes to their welfare benefits. The soap opera-type shows were held at the Richard Herrod Centre, Carlton, at a benefits advice event for Gedling Homes’ tenants where help was also on hand to give tenants advice on the benefit changes and support with managing money. Gedling Homes worked with tenants and dramabased training group ‘AFTA Thought’ to put on the plays and, through the power of drama it hopes local people will better understand how the Government’s benefits cuts will affect them. The theatre group acted out scenes to explain the different cuts including the ‘Bedroom Tax’ which will affect around 400 Gedling Homes’ tenants. This new rule for people who are under-occupying their homes will see those with one ‘spare’ bedroom lose out
on around 14% from the maximum Housing Benefit they get and those with two or more will lose 25% per week. Actors also performed scenes around moving to a smaller home, lodging and the impact of other benefit caps and changes. Gedling Homes has a dedicated SWAT team to give help and advice to tenants around changes to their benefits and staff were on hand to talk to tenants at the soap opera event. Tenants were also offered advice on swapping their home with other tenants and what properties are available for exchange. Lynn Clayton, managing director at Gedling Homes said: “The changes to welfare benefits will affect many working people as well as vulnerable tenants who will struggle to make ends meet. “In particular where working age tenants have a spare bedroom, they are likely to see a significant cut in their housing benefit. “Unfortunately there aren’t enough smaller homes to move people to and for those that can’t or don’t want to move, we are doing everything we can to help them manage their money to lessen the impact of the new ‘Bedroom Tax’ rules.
Sheltered schemes brighten up on Bobble Day Residents and staff of Gedling Homes’ Sheltered Schemes helped support national ‘Bobble Day’ in February with a series of awareness and fundraising activities. Bobble Day is a fun day aimed at making winter a better season for older people. Tenants at schemes across the borough attended coffee mornings wearing something bright and warm and made donations towards Age UK for cakes that had been baked for the day by Heather Purdie, the cook at Moreland Court. Jacquie Beacroft Head of Neighbourhoods said: “This is a great event to support as so many of our tenants are older people. Taking part is so simple and so much fun. All anyone needs to do is wear something warm! 14
Tenan Homes help ts of Gedling £125 for Aged generate approx e UK to all those . Many thanks involved.
And in the Community Chest today... Here’s some of the most recent ideas that funding from The Community Chest helped bring to life. >>>>>>>
Brickyard Caribbean Elders celebrate new Lunch Club funding The monthly Caribbean Elders Lunch Club, which meets at the Brickyard Community Centre in Carlton, has received funding from Gedling Homes’ Community Chest small grants programme to support the running of the Club over the next year. Gedling Homes funding will support room hire and refreshment costs for the group.
Plenty more news for Arnold and Killisick residents There will be plenty more news for residents in the AKRA (Arnold and Killisick Residents Association) area after they were presented with a cheque for £710 from Gedling Homes to fund the next two editions of their newsletter. The newsletter is circulated to 2500 households in the Killisick area and keeps local people informed and involved in what is happening in their area. nity Chest u m m o C ort e Th ar to supp e y y r e v e hear 00 has £60,0 tives and we want to initia your community with your ideas for from you . community
Friends of the Hobbucks invest in nature
Gedling Homes has supported the Friends of Hobbucks with £1000 to support their activities for the next year at this local nature area in Arnold. The Friends work to enhance the Hobbucks area so it can be used and enjoyed by the general public and as a conservational area. The area is also used by local people for recreational activities, such as walking and exercising their dogs. Friends secretary Josie Blackstock said: “This support from Gedling Homes will enable us to continue our hard but rewarding work.”
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 15
And in the Community Chest today...
Cheque Presentation at Netherfield Primary School Martin Curtis, Community Regeneration Officer for Gedling Homes, presented Netherfield Primary School with a cheque from its Community Chest small grants programme to support the provision of booster classes for children with special educational needs during the Easter 2013 school holidays. This funding will support the provision of staffing and resources for additional sessions for the children during the holidays to further improve their literacy, numeracy and science. Headteacher, Sharon Jackson said: “Thanks to Gedling Homes this additional funding will be hugely beneficial for local children.” Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager said: “Helping local communities in any way we can goes to show that Gedling Homes is about more than just housing and shows how our services have changed since we became part of the New Charter Housing Trust Group.”
If you have an idea that would improve your community, or help your organisation and would like to know more how to apply please ring us on 0115 9051515 and ask to speak to the Gedling Homes Customer Experience Team or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Hands 4 Hire
Don’t struggle with those little jobs – Gedling Homes is on hand! Gedling Homes offers a Handy Person service to customers within the borough. This is charged at £17 per hour and the service can be used for many things such as erecting flat pack furniture and fixing curtain rails. Hands for Hire is run directly by Gedling Homes so all you need to do is call us on 0300 0300 400 and a member of our team will visit you and provide you with a quotation for the work. 16
Emergency support from the Arnold Foodbank
The Arnold Foodbank has been operating on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon since December 2012 from Daybrook Baptist Church on the Mansfield Road.
The Foodbank gives food to individuals and / or families in crisis, providing balanced and nutritional meals for three days. It has been established to provide a short-term emergency solution while a long-term strategy is developed to address the underlying issues affecting the family. Arnold Foodbank received a cheque from Gedling Homes on its first day of opening. The cheque from the Community Chest was to help the Food bank with administration, publicity and setting up costs.
Gedling Homes is a registered distributor of Foodbank vouchers so we can give vouchers directly to people that they can then exchange for a supply of food from Daybrook Church. Foodbank coordinator Helen Lloyd and volunteers thanked Gedling Homes for their support. Alongside other local groups, Gedling Homes staff have also donated items to the Foodbank. If you know of an individual or family in crisis that might need a Foodbank voucher please contact the Moneywise team at Gedling Homes on 0115 9051515 or email Moneywise@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Princes Trust Partnership Blooms
Tenants at Moreland Court and St Andrews House benefitted from an exciting new partnership with the Princes Trust in March. A group of young people from the Trust have undertaken a variety of environmental improvements at both sites, working closely with Gedling Homes catering staff. The young people undertook two days fundraising at a local supermarket in Arnold to raise money and seek donations for this project. A full report highlighting these improvements will appear in the next News and Views.
Competition Winner
The competition winner, Doris Poultney, 85, who lives at Seagrave Court in Arnold received a £50 voucher, of her choice. Doris won this prize as she was drawn out of a hat for attending and contributing towards helping Gedling Homes improve their service at the Investment Customer Experience Forum last quarter. Michelle Swanson, Customer Liaison Officer, said: “Doris was really thrilled at receiving this voucher before Christmas and her comments where really welcomed at the meeting.”
Well d o Doris!ne
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Gedling Tenants Standard Since transfer we have been working hard with our partners, Frank Haslam Milan, Bullock Construction and T & S Heating to deliver our £42 million programme of improvements. This work included internal and external works and remodelling of our sheltered accommodation to meet the future demands of our customers. In total, the Gedling Tenants’ Standard programme has committed around £36 million since November 2008 which has included 2,800 property upgrades, including 2,300 kitchen and 2,100 bathroom replacements, 2,000 heating replacements, external works to 1,500 properties and window and door replacements to 2,500 properties. The remodelling work at Moyra House is almost complete and we have delivered a programme of works to our nontraditional properties But the Gedling Standard is not just about bricks and mortar. It has supported over 20 apprenticeships, 15 works experience pupils and over 300 local school children have been supported in their curriculum activity. Alongside this we have sponsored two local football clubs involving another 30 children. In total over 600 individuals have seen a positive impact on their lives from the delivery of the Gedling Tenants Standard.
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The programme has helped bring communities together in many different ways, including supporting local initiatives and leaving a legacy of inclusion via direct work engagement. When the programme started, we has one focus creating Great Homes in Great Neighbourhoods and this is something we have achieved in abundance. Overall satisfaction of the service has remained high at over 95% and during our journey we have engaged with our customers to ensure that the service is delivered in a customer focused way. The Gedling Homes Investment Team is now preparing the programme of work that will be carried out in the 2013/14 financial year. These are: 1) External improvement programme – focusing on Carlton 2) Internal improvement programme – completion of the programme where access to the home was not secured during the main programme. 3) Lift refurbishment works. 4) Aids and adaptations programme. 5) The provision of mobility scooter storage to various warden aided schemes. These works are still in the planning phase and any tenants who will be affected will be told before the work starts.
Our performance
How we’re doing
Performance
Our traffic light system tells you how we are doing.
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.
Performance areas
On target, going well
Our target
OK, work in progress
How we What we achieved are doing
Responsive repairs works undertaken Right First Time
93%
92.7%
All responsive repairs completed on time
97%
91.8%
Rent collection rate – rolling 12 month
99.8%
100.16%
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (excluding low demand)
25 days
17.88 days
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (including low demand)
25 days
25.18 days
Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs
97%
96.62%
Customers satisfied with investment works
97%
99.06%
Customers satisfied with gas servicing
97%
99.1%
Customers reporting a complaint who were satisfied with how we dealt with it
80%
84.4%
80%
90.5%
85%
95.71%
Customers reporting Anti-social behaviour who were satisfied with how we dealt with it Customers satisfied with the condition of property when the property was let
Below target, looking to improve
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 19
Sheltered Housing Walk and Talks Scheme
Date
Time
Officer
Cavendish Road Carlton
4 April 2013
1pm
Karen Wright
Bailey Court Netherfield
10 April 2013
10am
Richard Quinn
Ernehale Court Arnold
10 April 2013
10.30am
Malcolm Bullard
Britannia Court Netherfield
17 April 2013
10am
Richard Quinn
Tavill Field Arnold
17 April 2013
10.30am
Malcolm Bullard
St Andrews House Mapperley
17 April 2013
10 .30am
Naomi Davy
Orchard Court Carlton
18 April 2013
10am
Richard Quinn
Rushcliffe Avenue Carlton
24 April 2013
11am
Karen Wright
Westmoore Court Mapperley
1 May 2013
10.30am
Naomi Davy
Moreland Court Carlton
1 May 2013
1.30pm
Karen Wright
Coronation Walk Gedling
3 May 2013
10.30am
Malcolm Bullard
Seagrave Court Arnold
7 May 2013
2pm
Malcolm Bullard
Bramble Court Gedling
8 May 2013
10.30am
Karen Wright
Walton Court Carlton
9 May 2013
10am
Richard Quinn
Carlton House Carlton
14 May 2013
10am
Karen Wright
Lendrum Court Burton Joyce
16 May 2013
10.30am
Naomi Davy
Roe Hill Woodborough
18 June 2013
2 30pm
Naomi Davy
Nabarro Court Calverton
20 June 2013
10.30am
Naomi Davy
Foxhill Court Carlton
26 June 2013
10.00am
Richard Quinn
Housing Surgeries Location
Date
Time
Neighbourhood Management Officer
Netherfield Surgery. St Georges Centre
4 April 2 May 6 June
11am 11am 11am
Richard Quinn Richard Quinn Richard Quinn
9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
Naomi Davy Naomi Davy Naomi Davy
4 April Newstead Village surgery. 2 May Newstead Community Centre 13 June Gedling Surgery. The Ark, Wollaton Avenue
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17 April 22 May 19 June
11.30am Karen Wright 11.30am Karen Wright 11.30am Karen Wright
What’s Happening Estate Inspections Location
Date
Time
Neighbourhood Management Officer
Calverton Village. Meet at 10 May 2013 2pm Nabarro Court car park
Naomi Davy
Bourne Mews Netherfield. 16 May 2013 2pm Meet near block 1-11
Richard Quinn
Arnold. Meet at the corner of Calverton Road and 28 May 2013 10.30am Malcolm Bullard Church Lane Gedling Village. Meet at Sainsbury’s Arnold Lane
29 May 2013 11am
Karen Wright
Tenant Involvement Events Event and Location
Date
Time
Calverton Play Day William Lee Memorial Ground
27 April 13 1pm 5pm
Equality and Diversity Forum Gedling House. A Panel to look at policies and procedures associated with equality and diversity
8 May 13
Sheltered Housing Forum Moyra House Tenant Forum reviewing services provided by the Sheltered housing team
14 May 13 2pm 4pm
Sarah Quinn
Editorial Panel St Andrews House. A panel which reviews and edits our customer communications
15 May 13 10am 12pm
Sarah Quinn
Carlton Play Day Richard Herrod Centre Playing Field
29 May 13 1pm 4pm
Sarah Quinn
General Leaseholder Forum Gedling House Leaseholder forum to have your say and for Gedling Homes to listen to your views on the service provided
11 June 13 6pm 8pm
Sarah Quinn
Editorial Panel St Andrews House. A panel which reviews and edits our customer communications
12 June 13 10am 12pm
Sarah Quinn
10am 1pm
Contact Sarah Quinn Sarah Quinn
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 21
WORDSEARCH
S I You can win £25 in vouchers M in our “Months” wordsearch. P E Send your completed entries to us and a M winner will be picked from the correct entries received by Friday May 3rd 2013. P Return to: Wordsearch Competition, L Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, O Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD Y Name: ____________________________ M E Telephone: _________________________ N Address:___________________________ T
W I E S M E O P N S S F N N
G O V G I K Y T E U R H R E
E X L O D G E R P W P X E M
L A K V L D W P Y E A C B Y
Support ___________________________________ Bedroom Tax ___________________________________ Universal Credit
M T G E E L O L O L R Y E A
T M N R L R A C L F P F D P
Y O I N T E K S C A K I C B
K O K M W W L R R R R L I T
Employment Welfare Lodger Incentives
G R R E J F E G E E R P D S
M D O N Z D X R A U V M J U
V E W T I R X K G Q L I K G
W B G T W E K F T I L S N U
I N C E N T I V E S L Y V U
Government Payment Working Simplify
SUDOKU
You can win £25 in vouchers in our Sudoku competition.
Send your completed entries to us and a winner will be picked from the correct entries received by Friday May 3rd 2013. Return to: Sudoku Competition, Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD Name: ______________________________________ Telephone: ____________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
And the winners are…
The winner of the word search competition in our Winter edition is Mrs Mo McAdam from Carlton who wins £25.00 of high street vouchers. And Mrs Peel also from Carlton also won £25.00 for correctly completing the Sudoku competition. Well done to both. 22
Lifeline offers security to vulnerable tenants and residents Many older and vulnerable people want to retain their independence and enjoy the comforts of their own home, but there is always the worry that living alone could mean living at risk.
Lee says that without this service he could have been left stranded on the floor for a long time. The Lifeline service provided by Gedling Lee’s partner Carol Homes enables you to summon help or seek also feels that the reassurance instantly, in an emergency, Lifeline has given whenever you need it, wherever you are in her back your home. independence as Lee Haynes has been a Lifeline user for when she is out, or at work she knows that four years since an industrial accident left Lee can summon help if he needs it and she him with a damaged spine and severe doesn’t have to worry about him all the time. mobility problems. Lee said: “On the day I needed help the most, Lee had led a very active lifestyle but after the the Lifeline service was there. It’s now accident he became confined to his home become an integral part of my life, almost like which left him feeling very isolated, vulnerable a friend that you can totally rely on. I would and unable to even move around from room have no hesitation in highly recommending it to room in case he fell and was unable to to anyone.” contact anyone. He mainly spent his days in Jacquie Beacroft Head of Neighbourhoods his bedroom, which had the effect of making said: “Lifeline users are from all walks of life. him feel like a prisoner in his own home. You don’t have to be one of our tenants to He found it a very hard decision to accept that use the service; it is also available to owner he had a problem and that he needed support occupiers and those in private rented but eventually he decided to have a stair lift in accommodation who live within the Gedling his home. This still left him unable to contact Borough area. This service is a great help and anyone in the event of a fire or a fall within the a potential lifesaver. If any of our tenants or home but while enquiring about other aids and leaseholders are interested themselves or adaptations he was told about Lifelines and he know of a friend or neighbour who is, please took the decision to have one installed. get in touch.” This has proved to be invaluable in making There is a small charge for the Lifeline service him feel more confident and has in his own and you will be billed each quarter for this. words ‘changed his life’. If you would like to talk to us about our Recently Lee used the Lifeline alarm he wears Lifeline community alarm service, then on a wrist band to summon help when he fell please ring on 0115 9051515 and ask for in his bedroom. Gedling Homes Supported Housing Team. The operators were able to summon help from his partner who was at work and from the ambulance service to lift him. Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 23
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
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.
Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111