Gedling News and Views - January 2015 by Jigsaw Group

ISSUE 24 • January 2015

news & views

UNIVERSAL

Happy New Year!

CREDIT

Update on changes

Universal Credit page 10

Netherfield Safety Action Week page 15

Older Person’s Day page 18

GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People

Guest Editorial

Alan White

A very Happy New Year from the Gedling Homes Tenant Editorial Panel! There’s a lot to take a look at in this Winter 2015 edition. With plenty of financial advice and money-saving energy tips, you can find out where to get the help you need to get the New Year off to the best start (pg. 11) There’s an important update on Universal Credit (pg. 10) and more on the latest Strengthening Families Project that provides invaluable help to teenagers and their parents (pg. 8).

Do you know this landmark? This is The Ernehale Wetherspoons pub in Arnold, built in 1904. But what was is originally?

Send your answers to Customer Experience, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, NG4 4AD for your chance to win £25 in shopping vouchers. We’ll let you know the answer in the next edition!

Last edition’s answer: Did you recognise it? It was the old doctor’s surgery on Gedling Road in Gedling, in use in the 1930s. Congratulations to Chris Johnson, Cromwell Street, Carlton. You got it right! £25 vouchers coming your way!

Our communities have been involved in all sorts of events, including: Older Persons’ Day, Safety Action Week and commemorating the end of the Great War. I have to give special mention to the writing skills of Jane Hipkiss, from Carlton whose poem welcomes in 2015 with a flourish! (pg. 3) Keep in touch and let us know what you and your community are up to... and take care during these winter months.

Alan White

QR Codes In this edition you will notice small chequered boxes. These are QR codes. They are a type of barcode that you scan with your smart phone or tablet to visit a specific website. If you have a smart phone or tablet, simply download a free QR code scanner app. Using this app, the camera in your phone or tablet will read the QR code, just like a barcode scanner in a shop. Your phone or tablet will then take you straight to the specific website. Give this one a try, it will take you straight to our website.

@Gedling_Homes Facebook: www.facebook.com/ gedlinghomes

Contents News

Your Community

External Wall Insulation 4 St. Andrew’s House 4 Case Resolved! 5 No. 1 Top 50 Landlords 5 The GREAT Get Together 5 ‘Available Now’ homes 6 The 2014 customer survey results are in! 7 Strengthening families 8 Activity day at Lockwell Hill 8 GH Facilities 9 Changes to ASB legislation 9

Mosaic project Illuminate Newstead Netherfield Safety Action Week Tenants join in The Last Post

Street Talk Brian Fisher, Tenant Board Member

Projects update

Older Persons’ Day Who’s who in Independent Living?

10 11

18 18

Events Events list

12 12 12 13

Celebrations

20-21

Fun & Games

Our Performance

We want to hear from you!

Year, It’s time to ring in with another New AR!!!, WE I DO Lots of parties, GOSH WHAT r, ethe tog te Family and friends, celebra ver. fore last ’t And make resolutions, that won ty poppers, Set off some fireworks, and pull par stoppers, the all out pull HAPPY NEW YEAR, lets Lang Syne, Auld sing and ur, Join hands with your neighbo s start to chime. Drink some champagne, as the bell , Kick out the old year, bring in the new luck to you, The first-footers, are bringing good manay eve, New year, new beginnings, on Hog r we leave. Good luck to you all, and the old yea YEAR HAVE A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW ) Jane Hipkiss (Foxhill Court, Carlton

Independent Living

Tenant Involvement Annual Report reminder Training updates MyWorksearch Cook & Eat recipe

Community Chest

Money Universal Credit - update on changes After Christmas Money Planning

14 14 15 15

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 Customer Experience, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

External Wall Insulation Gedling Homes is investing £2m in an external wall insulation (EWI) program to improve the energy efficiency of over 500 homes. Lynn Clayton, Managing Director, comments: “The EWI programme will transform the appearance of our solid walled properties in the Netherfield and Carlton areas of Nottingham. In addition, we will see significant improvements to the thermal performance of these homes, helping to reduce fuel bills and contributing to the organisation’s goal of addressing fuel poverty among our tenants.”

Gedling Homes and Wates held an open event in Carlton in September, for customers to look at samples and ask questions about the project. More than 90 tenants and local councillors attended, with an overwhelming positive response to the proposals. To discuss this project in more detail, please contact Asset Management on 0115 905 1515 or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Working with approved contractor Wates Living Space, the project is expected to be completed in June 2015.

St. Andrew’s House Construction students take a tour of the St Andrew’s House Extra Care scheme which is expected to be completed in March 2015. The project, to refurbish the 1980s scheme into 32 one and two bedroomed self-contained apartments, will be the first Extra Care facility in Gedling borough. The project, providing independent housing for older and vulnerable people, has been supported with £592,000 from Nottinghamshire County Council who will retain nomination rights for 15 units. Gedling Homes gave twelve 15-16 year old construction students a tour of St Andrew’s House, so they could see what is involved in a live project and ask questions along the way.

Jason Cannon, Director of Asset Management, introduced the project and explained how the refurbished Extra Care facility has been designed specifically with the residents in mind - from the size of the apartments to the layout of the bathrooms. The St. Andrew’s House project is the biggest undertaken by Gedling Homes so far. It has involved months of planning and Jason took the group through all the different stages before taking them on a tour of the apartments. Construction workers talked

through various techniques and things that needed to be considered in the refurbishment of such a large scheme. For more information on the project and to express an interest in the Extra Care apartments, please call Independent Living on 0115 905 1515.

News

CASE RESOLVED! The Gedling Neighbourhood Resolution Panel has successfully completed its first restorative justice case. The case has involved two next door neighbours in Arnold who hadn’t spoken to each other for a year due to conflict over noise and loud music being played. An agreement was reached where both parties have agreed times when music can be played and they have also come to understand each other better. Going forward, they have agreed to discuss any problems between themselves to reach a conclusion. Jacquie Beacroft, Head of Neighbourhoods, said “We are extremely proud of the work the

No. 1 Top 50 Landlords

Gedling Neighbourhood Resolution Panel have done and will continue to do to bring neighbours and neighbourhoods together. This is an incredibly important part of our drive to create GREAT neighbourhoods”. Neighbourhood resolution panels bring victims and perpetrators together to resolve conflict and harm caused by anti-social behaviour and crime. There is considerable evidence that a restorative justice approach helps to reduce re-offending. Want to know more? Contact Neighbourhoods on 0115 905 1515 or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

The GREAT Get Together The Secret Kitchen is a social enterprise specialising in sustainable, fair trade food. The meal was created using food which would normally go to waste. On the evening of Thursday 27th November, Gedling Homes, in conjunction with The Secret Kitchen and the St George’s Centre, Netherfield laid on a FREE meal for residents to promote the 21 courses offered by the GREATer training Academy, including the next phase of Cook & Eat

courses. Over 40 tenants attended on the night and 15 signed up for the next Cook & Eat course. On the menu was steak pie with roast potatoes and vegetables as well as a vegetarian option. This was followed by a healthy dessert of yoghurt, fresh fruits and a freshly prepared granola. Tenants thoroughly enjoyed sharing this meal with their neighbours, showing appreciation with thunderous applause at the end of the evening. Sarah Quinn, Resident Involvement Officer for Gedling Homes said “It was lovely to see everyone sat together getting to know one another. In most cases

The votes are in and we’re delighted to announce that New Charter Group, of which we are a part, have reached number 1 in 24 Housing’s Top 50 Landlords survey! The national survey, in conjunction with the Housing Quality Network, celebrates the excellent work of the social housing sector’s very best landlords. We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us, as well as our great staff whose hard work and dedication helped us reach the top spot!

tenants came by themselves and it was so nice to see them getting to know people they wouldn’t otherwise meet. The event had a real feeling of community spirit which was so great to experience, especially since attendees were from different areas.” For more information on any of Gedling Homes' GREATer Training courses please see p.12 .

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

‘Available Now’ homes eaf v a h no e W ctio s e seleoperti o let pr ble t mber owr ila ily meor a nese a v a a fam king f , plea to ou, loo n If y nd is move lets o frie me to act Re 15 5 1 ho cont 5

90 5 1 01

All our homes are let through a Choice Based Letting scheme called Homesearch, for which you must have an account. This site is operated jointly by Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe Borough Councils. To register for a Homesearch account, please apply online at www.home-search.org.uk. If you do not have access to the internet and you would like help to apply, please contact Gedling Borough Council on 0115 901 3681 or visit their One Stop enquiry counter at the Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU. To be eligible for a Homesearch account you must be able to demonstrate a housing need. 6

How do I bid for a property? • Available or soon-to-beavailable properties are advertised weekly on the HomeSearch website, in council offices and in some local libraries • Applicants can bid for up to three eligible properties each week

What happens when I bid for a property?

Where can I find more information about Homesearch? • If you, or someone you know, need support to take part in the Homesearch scheme, or to bid for a property, please contact Gedling Borough Council’s Housing Needs Team on 0115 901 3681

• If you are the successful bidder we will arrange to accompany you to view the property

• There are a number of publications about Homesearch that should help you. The Housing Allocations Policy, Homesearch Scheme Guide and How to Bid Guide are all available from the Homesearch website www.home-search.org.uk

• If you decide to accept our offer, an appointment is made for you to sign your tenancy agreement

• Alternatively, please contact Relets on 0115 905 1515 or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Applying for a home • The highest priority bidder for each property, subject to checks, is offered the property

News

The 2014 customer survey results are in! We are really pleased that the majority of you are happy with our services and your views really do count. However, we do recognise that in some areas there is still room for improvement so this year we will be doing things differently. We will give you regular updates about the action plans we have put in place to address the concerns some of you have expressed in the survey.

The Neighbourhoods team will feed the STAR survey results into the work on ‘Your GREAT Neighbourhood’ plans to work with tenants in those areas and address the issues raised.

87%

The delivery of the repairs service is a key area for us. GH Response will work with the involvement team to develop customer engagement in this area which will feed into the delivery of the service.

Some of the key results highlighted through the STAR survey were:

72% 84% OVERALL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Everyone who answered our questions was entered into a prize draw and we’re delighted to tell you that Mr & Mrs Tetley from Gedling were our lucky winners of £150 shopping vouchers! Well done Mr & Mrs Tetley.

SATISFIED WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD AS A PLACE TO LIVE WHILE 61% SAID IT IS A PRIORITY FOR THEM

OF YOU SAY THAT REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE IS A PRIORITY

Gedling Homes will be expanding its offer to involve younger tenants by improving consultation through social media and other digital platforms.

THE STAR SURVEY REVEALED THAT OUR YOUNGER CUSTOMERS ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INVOLVED WITH US GH Facilities has recently been launched, find out more on pg 9.

RESULTS REVEALED THAT THE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE & CARETAKING SERVICE ARE AN IMPORTANT ISSUE

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Strengthening families Working in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council’s Supporting Families Team, Women’s Aid, HomeStart and SureStart we have delivered the latest Strengthening Families Programme (SFP). Emma Greenall, the Supporting Families Key Worker for Gedling Homes, facilitated and delivered the latest SFP. The programme is for all families with young people aged between 10 and 14 years of age to help prepare them for their teenage years. The seven-week course aims to reduce alcohol and drug use, behavioural problems in adolescence and strengthen the parent/carer child relationship. This is achieved through discussions, fun games and activities where families solve problems together, learn about rules and consequences and explore ways to show love, support and strengthening family communication.

Five families took part, and two of the families were Gedling Homes tenants. The feedback from parents and young people was very positive. One parent said: “The course really helped me to understand the different challenges children face in 2014 compared to when I was a child.” One young person said: “Me and my mum get on much better now. I know that she gives me rules because she loves me.” Jacquie Beacroft, Head of Neighbourhoods, comments, “The programme demonstrates Gedling Homes’ commitment to supporting our most vulnerable tenants to change their behaviour in order to sustain their tenancies and become valued members of their communities.”

Activity day at Lockwell Hill Three young people, who access our Supporting Families services, took part in quad biking and team building activities at Lockwell Activity Centre in October. This was organised by the Targeted Support & Youth Justice Outreach Team in partnership

with the Supporting Families team at Nottinghamshire County Council. Staff from the day fed back that the young people were polite, well-mannered and a pleasure to work with. One young person said: “The day was brilliant, I loved going fast on the quads and I got really muddy!” Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager, said: “This demonstrates how Gedling Homes is more than just housing.

Opportunities like these can help to make a real positive impact on lives and lead to positive and long lasting change.”

News

GH Facilities have launched! You may have seen the new vans and caretakers’ uniforms out and about already.

communal schemes as well as making weekly inspections at all our sheltered schemes, looking at required minor repairs and general upkeep.

The GH Facilities team is comprised of the caretakers, The new approach will see the cleaners and facilities management. scheme maintained in better order and will reduce long The team will be responsible for term costs. the cleaning and security of our

Changes to ASB legislation The government has recently made changes to anti-social behaviour (ASB) legislation. The previous disciplinary orders have been combined and limited to just 6. All of the 15 old orders, such as an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) or the Individual Support Order (ISO), have now been replaced. This is intended to introduce simpler, more effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour that provide better protection for victims and communities. Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager, said “This new way of working will help to create a more streamlined approached to tackling ASB and provide improved partnership working between Gedling Borough Council, the police and us. This will also provide a quicker and more joined up approach for the victims of ASB”.

THE NEW PENALTY ORDERS WILL BE: ➤ Criminal Behaviour

Order (CBO)

➤ Injunction to prevent

Nuisance and Annoyance (IPNA) ➤ Community Protection

Notice (CPN)

➤ Public Spaces

Protection Order (PSPO) ➤ Closure Power (CP) ➤ Police Dispersal Powers

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

UNIVERSAL

CREDIT

s Update on change

Universal Credit will be replacing: • Jobseeker’s Allowance • Housing Benefit • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Employment and Support Allowance

The Government has announced that Universal Credit will be rolled out across the County from February 2015. This is sooner than expected so now is the time to prepare for the changes Universal Credit will bring. Universal Credit will be replacing certain working-age benefits across the country and could affect you if you are on a low income or not in work.

A NEW WAY TO GET CREDIT

DO YOU FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A LOAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY BACK? ARE YOU HAVING TO MAKE COSTLY REPAYMENTS TO DOORSTEP OR PAYDAY LENDERS?

THERE IS NOW ANOTHER CHOICE OPEN TO YOU...

My Home Finance (MHF) provide loans for most purposes and can also help you with bank accounts and budgeting. When you apply, your benefits will be taken into account as income and a poor credit history doesn’t have to stop you from getting a loan. • A community based lender, working on a not-for-profit basis • Representative APR of 69.5% • Repayments are made via a bank account. If the tenant doesn’t have one, MHF works with NatWest to set one up

• MHF work with local credit unions with a view to setting up a savings account

01905 25805 www.myhomefinance.org.uk

• Income Support Universal Credit will result in changes to the way you apply for and receive benefits. It is applied for online and is paid directly into your bank or building society account monthly. If you are living with a partner you will receive a joint payment. Universal Credit will include the Housing Benefit element currently paid by Gedling Borough Council to help pay some or all of your rent. This will mean the way you pay your rent will change too. If you think you may be affected by the Universal Credit, have any concerns, or would like some advice on how to prepare for the changes, please call Money Wise on 0115 905 1515.

Did you know? That our Revenues team hold a weekly surgery at the Customer Contact Centre, providing one-toone support to anyone concerned about their rent account or the impact of universal credit. The surgery is 9am-12pm every Thursday, if you would like to attend please contact a member of the team on 0115 905 1515.

Money After Christmas Money Planning January is often a month when we all wish we hadn’t spent so much money over Christmas! Here are some handy hints to help you start the New Year on the right foot. • Watch all essential spending, such as food and travel, and see whether you can make any savings • Draw up a budget of what you need to spend, both weekly and monthly, and include an amount that will allow you to enjoy yourself, even if it’s quite small • Give the highest priority to debts or payments, such as rent where non-payment could result in the loss of your home • Regularly report meter readings to your supplier - that way you will pay a more accurate bill and avoid large one-off bills to correct errors

interest rate is attached. You could save money by switching to a new current account with a lower overdraft rate • Take a look at how much you'll be making in debt repayments every month. If this figure is more than 20% of your monthly income then you are entering a level of serious debt

• Ensure you are getting the best • Be realistic with your repayments deal on your gas and electricity. and do not borrow any more You may be able to save hundreds money until you've repaid your of pounds each year by changing existing debts supplier. My Home Energy lets • Use our budget calculator you compare all energy suppliers www.newcharter.entitledto.co.uk simply and quickly. Visit to work out how much you can www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk spend each week or month or call 0800 001 4706 for free • Many people rely on credit cards • If you are regularly in your to get through the Christmas overdraft you should find out what period. Take a look at the rate of interest you're paying and see if you can find better rates from a different provider • If you have any payday loans, clear them as soon as you can as they are very expensive ways to borrow

What if things get too much? Speak to someone immediately. If you feel that you can't repay your loan or keep up with your credit card payments then contact your provider. Money Wise can provide free, independent and impartial debt advice on 0115 905 1515. We can negotiate with lenders on your behalf and work out a manageable budget based on how much you can realistically afford to repay. You can also get help from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, National Debtline, StepChange Debt Charity or the Money Advice Trust.

Find us us online online at at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk www.gedlinghomes.co.uk11 11 Find

Annual Report reminder There is still time to view the Tenants’ Annual Report video for 2013/14. The annual report is also available in a leaflet which was given out in the autumn News and Views, and is available on request. Or take a look online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk/publications/our-annual-report. You can also scan the QR code. We’d love to know what you think of the annual report, email us at customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk or call Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515.

Training updates Whatever you fancy doing - we have a FREE course for you! The following courses are available to book now, with limited places still available:

13th January 10am-12pm Reflexology St Georges Centre for 5 weeks 14th January 10am-12pm Employability St Georges Centre for 7 weeks 17th February 2-3pm Money Matters Gedling House 26th February 11.15am-12pm Zumba Gold Bramble Court, Gedling for 5 weeks 4th March 1-3pm Dress to Impress St Georges Centre for 4 weeks

We have over 20 different courses available to tenants. To book your place and to find out more, contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or email greatertraining@gedlinghomes.co.uk

MyWorkSearch; help for you Looking for a job can be stressful and time consuming but you can take control of your job search with MyWorkSearch, an online jobseeker’s toolkit. We are pleased to announce new support for our tenants in their job search. We have signed up to MyWorksearch as a way of offering support to our tenants in search of a job. So whether you are currently out of work and looking for a way back into employment, or you are looking for a career change, this is the website for you. The toolkit gives you job-search training and an effective job-search that offers you advice on all aspects of looking for and securing your new job. This service is totally FREE to tenants and their household members. It scans thousands of jobs boards for you and will help you spot job opportunities that are right for you. If you are claiming unemployment benefits, you can even set up MyWorkSearch to keep your Jobcentre Plus advisor informed of your job-search activities. For more information on how you can sign up to this GREAT online tool, please contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or email customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Cook &Eat

Tenant Involvement

Recipe courtesy of

Ingredients: • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 200g lean lamb/beef mince • 1tbsp olive oil • 400g chopped tomatoes • 2tbsp tomato puree • 2tsp dried mixed herbs • 200g closed cup mushrooms, sliced • 1 pepper, any colour, chopped • 200g dried pasta shapes

Method: 1. Mix some of the chopped onion and garlic with the mince. Shape the mince into small balls about half the size of a golf ball.

2. Heat the oil in a nonstick frying pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and put onto a plate. 3. Add the remaining onion to the frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the remaining garlic and cook for another minute. 4. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, herbs, mushrooms and peppers to the pan with 150ml water.

Meatballs ‘n’ Sauce Bring to the boil and then add the meatballs. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes. 5. About 10 minutes before serving, put the pasta on to cook in plenty of boiling water. Serve with the meatballs and tomato sauce.

£1.25 per portion

(Based on 4 portions)

Serves: 4 adults Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 35 mins Each serving contains: Calories: 320kcal /1339kj, Salt: 0.2g

Would you like to attend FREE cookery courses to learn this and other recipes? Call Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515 or email greatertraining@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 13

Mosaic project: Tenants proud of new found arts skills Illuminate Newstead

Sheltered Housing schemes recently took part in an 11 week arts course. Local artists Jess Kemp and Sarah Breen ran the course with the support of Gedling Homes Independent Living Coordinators. The tenants from Bailey Court in Netherfield, Moreland Court in Carlton, Moyra House in Arnold and Nabarro Court in Calverton created ‘Arts Boards’ of their local areas, featuring local landmarks, using different art forms such as collage, mosaics and silk screen printing. A ‘5th Nottinghamshire Board’ was also created for tenants to add other pictures of some of their favourite locations. 14

Burley Saxton, from Nabarro Court, said: ‘I’m so proud of our coat of arms and didn’t think I could create anything like this.’

Future Newstead and friends, working in collaboration with Gedling Borough Council’s Community Leisure team, held an ‘Illuminate Newstead’ event as part of the seasonal celebrations for Bonfire Night. The event was sponsored by Gedling Homes and Gedling Borough Council. Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager comments: “Now in its second year, this project brought people together to share a community experience and fostered volunteering opportunities by recruiting local people to build the bonfire, help to set up and manage the event and act as volunteer stewards. Supporting events such as this helps to demonstrate our commitment towards creating GREAT Neighbourhoods.” Local children were involved in creating costumes for the parade and families came together to appreciate their work on display. Local resident Phil Burnham commented: “It was another GREAT Bonfire night in the village which everyone seemed to enjoy. Thanks for your support.”

Your Community Netherfield Safety Action Week Organisations across Gedling joined forces to promote community safety in Netherfield’s second annual Community Safety Week. The week of action, in October, was funded by Gedling Borough Council and Netherfield’s Local Delivery and Tasking Group. The week included: • Walkabouts by police, wardens and parking enforcement officers • A money saving drop-in event with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Gedling Homes, Nottingham Energy Partnership, The Illegal Money Lending Team and Gedling Borough Council • School meetings to discuss the importance of cyber safety for children In addition, Jackie Gill, Tenancy Enforcement Officer and Richard Quinn, Neighbourhood Management Officer for Netherfield, issued warnings to tenants who had breached their tenancy conditions and also undertook a litter pick at Bourne Mews to help improve the appearance of the area. Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager said “Working with partners on events like this helps to demonstrate a joined up approach to improving neighbourhoods. Feedback from local residents was extremely supportive of this event and all partners were welcomed by the local community.”

Tenants join in to hum The Last Post The Gedling Homes Singers entertained tenants and a party from Nottingham City Homes at Moreland Court as part of a Great War remembrance project. Tenants joined forces to take part in ‘The Last Post’, a national project aimed at getting as many people as possible to play and sing the famous bugle call. The music group based at NCH’s independent living scheme Foxton Gardens in Beechdale teamed up with the Gedling Homes Singers to perform The Last Post by humming it at two events, as well as singing and playing songs and music associated with the first and second World Wars. Jacquie Beacroft, Head of Neighbourhoods at Gedling Homes, said: “We are delighted that our singers are a part of this national initiative. It’s been fantastic to see these two tenant groups coming together for such a meaningful project.” The Gedling Homes Singers are a friendly informal group who rehearse on alternate Wednesdays at Carlton House. New members are always welcome so for more information please contact Martin Curtis on 0115 9051515 and / or email Martin.Curtis@gedlinghomes.co.uk

GEDLING SINGERS

AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS AT YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT Call Martin Curtis on 0115 905 1515 or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk to book

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 15

Brian Fisher, Tenant Board member talks to Shirley Palmer How long have you been a board member?

Thanks everyone for voting for me!

I’ve been a Board member for 3 years now and I’m just starting my 2nd term. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every aspect so far.

What is the best thing about sitting on the Board?

I retired in June 2003 after having served for 35 years as a sales representative where I had been promoted to Sales Manager for an international textiles company based in Germany. This entailed me having to travel all over the UK & Europe. On my travels I met buyers, mechanics and many operatives on the sewing machines. This gave me negotiating skills at all levels. What skills & experience do you bring to the role? After I retired, I felt I had more to give, so I became an involved tenant with Gedling Homes. I started out as a Tenant Inspector and then got involved in the procurement working party for the selection of contractors for the repairs and improvement programme. This then led to other opportunities. Over time, people got to know me and the work that I had been doing. Realising that I would leave no stone unturned, the people of Gedling voted me in as a Board member following my application. 16

My role is to represent the views of tenants at board level. I get a lot of satisfaction from the work I do for the board. Being a Board member means that I have to liaise with other board members, Directors and Heads of Services, whose ongoing help and support has been invaluable. You do not have to be voted on to the board anymore. It’s simply a case of completing a simple application form and having an informal interview. What positive changes have you seen brought about from the board? Gedling Homes have learned a lot from New Charter so far and this has brought about very positive change. I also think that the Scrutiny Panel is a fantastic idea as tenants can scrutinise services in detail and make recommendations to the board in relation to service improvements. This is one of the most positive changes I’ve seen.

What advice would you give to a tenant considering becoming a Board member? It’s a great experience and it’s very rewarding. There is lots to learn but you get loads of support and training. I would encourage those tenants who are interested in making a difference to the way in which Gedling Homes is run to contact the Tenant Involvement Team on 0115 9051515. What do you most enjoy doing in your spare time? My family and I are keen ice hockey supporters. Two of my grandchildren play for the Panthers so we spend a lot of time watching them play and going to games. It means a great deal to me to support their aspirations. I also support Notts County (somebody has to!). What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? My father told me to work hard and be honest when dealing with people. How would you describe yourself? Honest, good natured and a people person.

Community Chest Following the final Community Chest panel of 2014, the panel of staff and tenants have supported a number of projects improving local communities over the year. Some of the most recent projects supported are highlighted below.

Successful applications include: Bingo machine for residents of Orchard Court To provide residents with a bingo machine to host their own events in the communal lounge. This will help encourage social interaction at Orchard Court.

Installation of bin area at St Austin’s Court To create a communal bin area to encourage recycling and improve the bin storage at the flats. The project will improve the overall appearance of the flats.

St Mary’s Scout Group The group have recently doubled in size and are in need of more equipment to continue to deliver a wide range of activities. By offering the opportunities of scouting to the

young people, the group aim to help build lifelong skills and attitudes to help shape the future of the community.

properties on Cromwell Street. A fence will provide security and privacy to tenants and eliminate the dog fouling issue.

Netherfield Parent and Toddler Group

Evergreen Club

Delivering sport activities for children with disabilities, the funds will support the charity to deliver sport camps in school holidays.

The funds will allow the older people’s group to hire the space for a Christmas party and to enjoy a meal out.

Installation of car park at Washington Court To create designated parking for the flats, enabling those with mobility needs ease of access to their homes.

Fence perimeter of frontage to Cromwell Street Dog fouling has been a persistent problem on the grass area at the front of the

If you would like to submit a Community Chest application for a community initiative, tenants’ group or physical/environmental works please contact Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515, email customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk or visit our website www.gedlinghomes.co.uk to download an application form and factsheet. Please note that we can only receive one application per applicant per year.

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Older Persons’ Day Older Persons’ Day was celebrated nationally on 1st October 2014 with our tenants marking the occasion in a variety of ways.

Foxhill Court Held a ‘Down Memory Lane Tea Party’ and residents were encouraged to bring memorabilia, photos, books and any other items that would stimulate conversation and memories about their childhood. Residents were joined by Jenny Hollingsworth, Mayor of Gedling, together with Karen Sands, Head of Independent Living. There were lots of stories about the war and the effect that it had on their families. One resident had worked on the railways, and brought a book about the railway in Netherfield which generated a lot of discussion. Another lady brought a book which had pictures of household items, children’s annuals and lots of other things from times past everyone could relate to something in the book, bringing back many memories and stories from childhood. Many thanks to Nottinghamshire Fire Service for donating the funds for the event.

Nabarro Court Residents took a trip down memory lane with their cream tea. The Gedling Homes singers entertained them with popular songs from the 40s and 50s and the tenants enjoyed singing along.

Tenants brought along photos of themselves as children, and great fun was had trying to guess each person. Conversation included childhood memories. One tenant told how her earliest memory was being given a banana, and having no idea what to do with it. She tried to eat it with the skin on!

Independent living Who’s who in Independent Living? Independent Living is continually changing and adapting.

Leading the team of Sheltered Housing Co-ordinators is Sue Goliah. Sue is responsible for the day-to-day management of all the sheltered housing properties through the Sheltered Housing Co-ordinators, ensuring health and safety requirements are met and fulfil tenants’ housing needs.

Karen Sands

In April we welcomed Karen Sands with a wealth of experience to head the team. Karen is responsible for all designated older person’s accommodation and our community alarm service as well as planning future services for older people and exploring how we might work with other groups of people who need support and specialist housing.

Sue Goliah

Sarah Wilson The Independent Living Team also includes our GH Lifeline service promoting independence for older people in their homes with community alarms and other assistive technology. Sarah Wilson leads a team of three Independent Living Advisors who conduct visits, assess and fit the lifeline equipment and follow up any queries or additional assistive technology needs our customers have. There are approximately 850 Lifeline customers. Sarah also leads a team of five support workers who visit our older and vulnerable tenants in their properties to enable independent living, and a catering team, providing hot meals for our tenants at Moreland Court.

Nicole Grant

A recent addition to the team is Nicole Grant, Independent Living Housing Officer. Nicole has transferred from the Neighbourhoods team and will be working with our sheltered housing tenants promoting safer and happier communities. Other members of the Independent Living team include 10 Sheltered Housing Co-ordinators located at our schemes across the borough, providing a housing management service. They are: • • • • • • • • • •

Bev Mee Linda Hele Lily Lomas Shirley Leddy Linda Handley Sue Gamble Linda Watson Katie Sharpe Helen Bouraoui Michael Connelly

Diane Pearson provides office administration to support the team.

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 19

January 8 January, 9.15am-11.30am Newstead Village Surgery Newstead Centre, Newstead Village 8 January, 11am-12pm Netherfield Surgery St George's Centre, Netherfield 13 January, 10am-12pm Reflexology (for 5 weeks) St George's Centre, Netherfield

14 January, 10am-12pm Employability (for 7 weeks) St George's Centre, Netherfield 14 January, 10am Walk and Talk Foxhill Court, Carlton

26 January, 10.30am-12pm Rent Increase Consultation Morris Court, Colwick 28 January 2015, 2pm Walk and Talk Orchard Court, Carlton

21 January, 11.30am-1pm The Ark Drop-in Housing Surgery The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling

February 3 February, 10am Arnold Estate Wal Meet at corner whe kabout Avenue meets Rolle re Kiddier ston Drive 5 February, 11am -12pm Netherfield Surg St George's Centre,ery Netherfield 5 February, 9.15am -11.30am Newstead Village Su rgery Newstead Centre, N ew stead Village 5 February, 11am -12pm Leaseholder Walka bout Princess Close Princess Close, Ged on corner of Prince ling. Meeting ss Close near garage site 9 February, 10am Walk and Talk Bramble Court, Ged ling

10 February, 10.30 am Walk and Talk Moyra House, Arno ld 11 February, 11am Carlton Estate Wal Meeting on the corn kabout Road and Forrester er of Foxhill Grove, Carlton 11 February, 10am -12pm Sounding Board Editorial Meeting Morris Court, Colw ick 16 February, 10am Walk and Talk Bailey Court, Nethe rfield 17 February, 10am -12pm Community Chest Westmoore Court, Mapperley 17 February, 2pm-3 pm Money Matters W Gedling House, Gedorkshop ling

18 February, 11.30 am-1pm The Ark Drop-in Housing Surgery The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling 18 February, 10am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Net herfield 25 February, 6pm -8pm Leaseholder Foru Gedling Homes, Gedm Wood Lane, Gedlin ling House, g 26 February, 11.15 am-12pm Zumba Gold (for Bramble Court, Ged5 weeks) ling 27 February, 10am Walk and Talk Westmoore Court, Mapperley

Events March 3 March, 2pm Walk and Talk Seagrave Court, Arnold

11 March, 10am Walk and Talk Bramble Court, Gedling

4 March, 1pm-3pm Dress to Impress (for 4 weeks) St George's Centre, Netherfield

11 March, 10am-12pm Sounding Board - Editorial Meeting Morris Court, Colwick

5 March, 9.15am-11.30am Newstead Village Surgery Newstead Centre, Newstead Village 5 March, 11am-12pm Netherfield Surgery St George's Centre, Netherfield

11 March, 2.30pm Daybrook Estate Walkabout Daybrook 18 March, 10am Walk and Talk Bailey Court, Netherfield

April 2 April, 9.15am-11.30am Newstead Village Surgery Newstead Centre, Newstead Village 2 April, 11am-12pm Netherfield Surgery St George's Centre, Netherfield 9 April, 9.30am Walk and Talk Walton Court, Carlton

18 March, 11.30am-1pm The Ark Drop-in Housing Surgery The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling 18 March, 10am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Netherfield 19 March, 4.30pm-5.30pm St Austin's Court Estate Walkabout St Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court 27 March, 10am Walk and Talk Coronation Walk, Gedling

10 April, 10am Walk and Talk Bramble Court, Gedling

15 April 2015, 10am Walk and Talk Tavill Field, Arnold

15 April, 10am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Netherfield

20 April, 10am Walk and Talk Bailey Court, Netherfield

15 April, 10.30am Walk and Talk Ernehale Court, Arnold

21 April, 2pm-3pm Sheltered Housing Forum Moreland Court, Carlton

Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 21

Fun & Games WORDSEARCH You can win £25 in vouchers in our “Animals” wordsearch. Words go left, right, up, down, not diagonally, and can bend at a right angle. We have already found one for you! Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will be picked from the correct entries on Friday 27th February 2015. Return to: Wordsearch Competition,Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD CHEETAH CHIMPANZEE CROCODILE ELEPHANT FLAMINGO

Name:

GIRAFFE HIPPO KOOKABURRA LION OSTRICH

PORCUPINE PYTHON RHINO ZEBRA

....................................................................

Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COLOUR ME IN! Your child / grandchild could win a £25 book token in our colouring competition.

Please send your completed colouring to us. A winner will be picked on Friday 27th February 2015. Return to: Colouring Competition, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

Name: ...........................................................................................................................Age:................................. Telephone: .............................................................................................................................................................. Address: ...................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

And the winners are... Congratulations to Mrs C. A. Johnson. She receives £25 in shopping vouchers in our wordsearch quiz. And very well done to Katie, age 8 from Carlton. Winner in the Autumn colouring competition, she wins £25 in vouchers.

Our performance 2014-15

Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs

93.55%

On target, going well

Year End Target: 96%

OK, work in progress

Below target, looking to improve

Customers satisfied with investment works

Responsive repairs works undertaken â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;right first timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;*

RIGHT 1ST TIME

94.1%

99.39%

Year End Target: 96%

Year End Target: 99% All responsive repairs completed on time*

100%

Customers satisfied with gas servicing

100%

Year End Target: 97%

Year End Target: 99% Rent collection rate rolling 12 month period

Customers reporting anti-social behaviour who were satisfied with how we dealt with it

Year End Target: 99%

Year End Target: 80%

Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (excluding low demand)

Customers satisfied with the condition of property when the property was let

Year End Target: 27 days

Year End Target: 96%

100%

23.6 days

* from commencement of GH Response 1st July 2014

100%

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 0115 905 1515 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