Northern Silver Screen III Northern Housing Summit 2010
Sponsored by:
Northern Silver Screen III
Contents
Northern Silver Screen Overview
Categories & Finalists
Case studies Stockport Homes
Stockport Intensive Partnership Sweeps
Salix Homes
Customer Senate
The Airport Group
Young People Pathways to Work and Training
Knowsley Housing Trust
Planet Knowsley
South Tyneside Homes
Lukes Lane Renewable Energy Scheme
Guinness Northern Counties
Urban Essentials Project
Leeds Federated Housing
ESOL Classes
East North East Homes Leeds
Junior Warden Scheme
Sadeh Lok
UP & Working
Stockport Homes
Stockport Housing Offender Service
Northern Silver Screen III
Northern Silver Screen
One of the Northern Housing Consortium‟s (NHC) key roles is to share best practice across the region. Northern was originally started as a vehicle for conveying a large amount of information to Consortium members in a succinct and engaging way – considerably more can be gained from a 5 minute film than by reading a report or watching a presentation. Northern Silver Screen celebrates innovation by showcasing initiatives that are really making a difference at a grass roots level within our Members‟ communities. In 2010, the Northern Silver Screen will focus on examples of how the social housing sector is addressing Big Society, Localism, and the Low-Carbon agendas. The Northern Silver Screen III has been kindly sponsored by:
All of the Northern Silver Screen III shortlisted films and the full case studies provided by each nominee will be th available on the Northern Housing Consortium website from Monday 29 November 2010.
www.northern-consortium.org.uk For further information on the films featured or to find out how you can get involved with Northern Silver Screen IV, please contact; Tracy Harrison Marketing Manager Northern Housing Consortium tracy.harrison@northern-consortium.org.uk or 0191 566 1000
Northern Silver Screen III
Northern Silver Screen III Finalists Localism
Stockport Homes
Stockport Intensive Partnership Sweeps
Salix Homes
Customer Senate
The Airport Group
Young People Pathways to Work and Training
Knowsley Housing Trust
Planet Knowsley
South Tyneside Homes
Lukes Lane Renewable Energy Scheme
Guinness Northern Counties
Urban Essentials Project
Leeds Federated Housing
ESOL Classes
East North East Homes Leeds
Junior Warden Scheme
Sadeh Lok
UP & Working
Stockport Homes
Stockport Housing Offender Service
Low Carbon
Big Society
Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: Stockport Homes Scheme Name: Stockport Intensive Partnership Sweeps (SIPS) Length of time scheme has been running: The SIPS scheme first began in 2007 and has been more successful each year. Key objectives of scheme: Stockport Intensive Partnership Sweeps (SIPS) is a partnership based initiative across areas of Stockport where reports of crime and environmental crime, such as fly tipping and graffiti, are high. The initiative is designed to maximise the impact of Partnership working with a distinct focus on community engagement, crime and disorder, anti social behaviour, community safety, promoting positive behaviour and delivering environmental projects. The aims and objectives of SIPS are: 1. To deliver a partnership solution to target areas of multiple crime and anti-social behaviour and address quality of life issues for local residents. 2. To endeavour to reduce public fear and misconceptions about crime and lack of services in the area through media and public reassurance 3. To identify environmental issues and clean up the area in order to increase public confidence and pride of local residents 4. To establish a sense of pride and ownership from the community and residents within the targeted area, to enable longer-term community capacity building and overall sustainability Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: The key positive outcomes are a reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour, as measured by GMAC analysis. In addition to this, satisfaction of residents increased as measured in returned questionnaires. Furthermore, there has been an improved physical appearance of the environment after the interventions, with before and after photographs highlighting the work taken place and improvements. Following each SIPS initiative, a debrief takes place with all key partners to identify whether the priorities for that initiative had been met. The debrief details the issues which have been identified as causing a concern in the neighbourhood and the action which was taken in response. The project was deemed to be very successful because it addressed issues raised by the community and networks for partnership working were strengthened. The initiative improved confidence in the delivery of services, by addressing crime and disorder issues in the community, and by actively consulting with residents to find out their issues and priorities in relation to safer communities. Issues raised during the project are actioned through partners and addressed during and beyond the period of the project. Further evidence of how the schemes objectives were met include an off-road bike crushing event which was delivered and funded by a range of partners‟ agencies and held in the community. Off-road bikes had been identified by partner agencies and residents as a priority issue in the community. Twenty off-road bikes were crushed, eight of which had been recovered from the local area during the previous month. The event demonstrated the commitment of partner agencies to address crime and disorder issues and reduce fear and misconceptions about the lack of services in the area. Approximate costs involved in scheme: An overall budget of £35,000 per year is allocated to the SIPS with 4 sweeps being done per year. A sweep is done each quarter with a budget of £8,000. Funding for the scheme comes from a group of contributors of which Stockport Homes is one. Partnering organisations involved: Greater Manchester Police, Stockport Council including Community Safety, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation, Children and Young Peoples Services, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Immigration Service, Greater Manchester Public Transport Executive, DVLA, Her majesties Court Service. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Liz Ellis Email: liz.ellis@stockporthomes.org Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: Salix Homes Scheme Name: Customer Senate Length of time scheme has been running: 19 months since November 2008 Key objectives of scheme: Act as a driver for continuous improvement in performance and excellence through the process of Resident Led SelfRegulation. Ensure that customer‟s views, aspirations and priorities are central to Salix Homes‟ framework for directing, accounting for, monitoring, assessing and modifying the organisations behaviour and performance. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: Scrutinises individual areas of Salix Homes‟ business on a programmed basis. Contributes to the process of scoping and prioritising Salix Homes‟ programme of self-regulation. Holds a central position in supporting the process of establishing negotiated, customer focussed performance indicators. Holds Salix Homes to account for poor performance, advises and influences performance management and drives change. A review of the telephone contact centre has resulted in significant improvements, including a new out of hours service to deal with ASB and domestic abuse incidents, new customer access arrangements and improved customer satisfaction. As a direct result of the improvements the organisation has saved £50,000. New Service standards have been agreed and a robust programme of customer inspection is in place to test service delivery. Customers are central to business planning and have developed a customer business plan. Approximate costs involved in scheme: Annual budget of £4000. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Margaret Graham Email: Margaret.graham@salixhomes.org
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Organisation: The Airport Group Scheme Name: Young People – pathways to work and training Length of time scheme has been running: The specific offer on worklessness, employment and training was launched in 2009, however, all Group members have a commitment to tackling these issues in our communities and many of these commitments are enshrined in transfer agreements. Key objectives of scheme: The Airport Group is committed to working collaboratively in the communities where we operate and are signed up to the following key objectives: Provision of high quality frontline advice services Using our shared procurement power to promote training and employment opportunities Using engagement to develop the employability of our tenants Providing young people with pathways to work and training Maximising shared opportunities to work strategically to lobby policy makers, influence partner organisations and attract funding The Airport Group‟s work with young people falls into its wider worklessness, employment and enterprise remit. In the summer of 2009, the Airport Group commissioned independent research to critically review its work in tackling worklessness. This research led to the production of the Airport Group’s Offer on Worklessness. We recognise that working with young people is critical, as rising worklessness is highest in the 16-25 age group. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: The 2009 research highlighted the scale of our More recent research in 2010 has highlighted further interventions for young people: achievements: Over 3,100 young people helped through £2m In 2009/10 240 posts were provided through investment the Future jobs Fund. Apprenticeships account for 20% of the Each year, over 450 apprentices are Group‟s activity with young people employed by the Airport Group Each year, over 450 apprentices are employed In addition to the apprentices employed by the Airport Group through procurement clubs and partnerships In addition to apprentices employed through for Decent Homes/improvement and procurement clubs and partnerships, the maintenance programmes, the Airport Group Airport Group directly employs a further 223 also directly employed a further 229 apprentices apprentices. Our work with young people culminated in the first Airport Group Young People’s Regional Awards ceremony, th held on 30 April 2010 as part of the TSA tenant conference. 37 young people were nominated for special recognition by Airport Group members. The award winners and nominees in 3 categories (Young Apprentice, Young Learner, Young Volunteer) were invited to receive an award and certificate from Peter Marsh. Approximate costs involved in scheme: Each year the Airport group invests over £2.9 million in specific projects dedicated to employment, encouraging enterprise and enhancing the employability of residents. These projects are reaching well over 17,000 people delivered through more than 210 projects. Partnering organisations involved: Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust, City West Housing Trust, Community Gateway Association, Eastlands Homes Partnership, Helena Partnerships, Incommunities Group, New Charter Housing Trust, One Vision Housing, Parkway Green Housing Trust, Prospect Homes Group, Trafford Housing Trust, Trans-Pennine Housing, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Willow Park Housing Trust, Wirral Partnership Homes. Projects are delivered in conjunction with many local partners including schools, colleges, community groups, local employers and contractors. Each year, over 450 apprentices are employed by the Airport Group. Many of these are employed through procurement clubs and partnerships for Decent Homes/improvement and maintenance programmes. In addition, the Airport Group also directly employs a further 229 apprentices. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Cath Owston Email: Cath.owston@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: Knowsley Housing Trust Scheme Name: Planet Knowsley Length of time scheme has been running: 12 months dependent on scheme Key objectives of scheme: KHT have developed a variety of initiatives in conjunction with several partners creating green services helping to meet government environmental targets and creating jobs and services for local people. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: 41 jobs created for long term unemployed – increase in confidence, aspiration skills and development Achievement of recognised qualifications for long term unemployed people New services for tenants i.e. gardening, cleaning, fresh fruit and Veg delivery and community cafes Savings on tenants fuel bills of up to £100 per annum Provision of services in areas classed as food desserts i.e. veggie van and community café Savings of over 190k in loan charges for tenants Subsidised white goods Expansion of local social enterprises Intergenerational work Cleaner, brighter more respected neighbourhoods Improved parks and communal areas Improved street scape. Approximate costs involved in scheme: £390k secured from DWP towards salary costs for some of the schemes. Partnering organisations involved: Job Centre Plus , Local Social Enterprises – Veggie Van, Create, Oasis, Fusion21, Credit Unions. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Louise Harris Email: Louise.harris@k-h-t.org
Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: South Tyneside Homes Scheme Name: Lukes Lane Renewable Energy Scheme Length of time scheme has been running: Project started in June 2009, agreeing specification, consulting with all stakeholders. Started on site in February 2010, completed May 2010. Key objectives of scheme: To replace outdated and inefficient ducted air heating with clean renewable energy heating systems incorporating air source heat pumps and solar thermal panels. 52 properties included in the scheme located in Hebburn and South Shields. Whole house approach to Improve thermal efficiency and comfort of tenant‟s homes. New heating systems supplemented by other energy efficiency measures including double glazing, new radiators, loft and cavity insulation and TRV‟s (thermostatically controlled radiator valves). To reduce tenants fuel bills and alleviate fuel poverty. To establish an Eco House/Demo Home for the scheme which can showcase the technologies, and be used as an awareness tool for staff, tenants and partners. Raise awareness of environmental issues across the community through a series of consultation events. To reduce tenant carbon emissions. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: Reduced fuel bills for tenants (approx 30%) Cleaner, more efficient heating systems. Carbon savings of 4 tonnes per property per year compared to previous system Low Carbon Eco House/Demo Home established to educate residents, staff and partners on benefits of Renewable Energy technologies and energy efficiency. Raised the profile of South Tyneside Homes, and our commitment to affordable warmth and environmental improvements. NEA (National Energy Action) are conducting a year long study to assess how tenants use the systems and how effective they perform. Increased floor space within the property resulting from new systems being located in Loft space. Approximate costs involved in scheme: Total cost of project £420,000. A grant has been received from the Low Carbon Building Programme for £170,000. The new systems will also generate income from the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) due to begin April 2011. Partnering organisations involved: CES (Community Energy Solutions) NEA (National Energy Action) Daikin (supplier of heat pumps) Potterton (supplier of solar panels) Rothwell Plumbing Services (installer) Warmer Heating (installer) Contact name for further information on the scheme: Nick Huston Email: nick.huston@southtynesidehomes.org.uk
Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: Guinness Northern Counties Scheme Name: Urban Essentials Project Length of time scheme has been running: The project was started in July 2009, and an activity has taken place almost every month so far in 2010, and will continue throughout the summer. Key objectives of scheme: To actively engage with young people in Blackburn, to increase confidence, encourage education, develop team work and provide motivation and inspiration for their futures. Customers told us they wanted us to provide opportunities for young people to give them interesting, inspiring, educational and healthy diversionary activities to take part in to prevent ASB in the local area and to improve engagement in general. We also wanted to set up a project that would help us achieve some of our own organisational objectives as well as enabling us to meet wider agendas for the local community. The aims of the project were partly developed around the 5 outcomes of „Every Child Matters‟, to: - Be healthy - Stay Safe - Enjoy and Achieve - Make a Positive contribution - Achieve economic well being Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: Since the project, reports of ASB have dropped - on one estate there have been no reports of youth nuisance since the project started. We are particularly proud of how the young people have developed during the progress of the project. Many have encountered activities and situations they had never experienced before, but their confidence and self belief has increased – one member said “I was really scared before but now I‟ve done this I feel like I can do anything”. Every opportunity has also been taken to educate them about E&D and celebrate the diversity of their community. To see changes in cultural and personal awareness and the breaking down of barriers has been a great measurement of the success of working with these young people. The initial success secured £3200 of funding from the Youth Opportunities Fund at Blackburn Council, which contributed towards the delivery of a wider mix of sporting and educational activities. The group also chose to carry out a 5k marathon to raise money for a charity that had supported a local family through the illness and death of their 12 year old boy from a brain tumour, which showed great team spirit as well as the wish to benefit their local community. As part of our wider Youth Strategy work the project provides us with new channels for engaging with and involving young people. We recognise that young people and BME people are generally under-represented in our involvement and so may not be empowered to influence service delivery or improvement. Before working with them on this project and building up positive relationships, the young people in this area were amongst these „need to reach‟ groups, but this project has helped to foster a fantastic working relationship with those involved and a level of trust that we perhaps did not have before. Approximate costs involved in scheme: The starting cost for the Summer Business Challenge in 2009 was £1500. We then obtained an external grant of £3200 Youth Opportunities Funding from working in partnership with Blackburn Council to be able to continue with the project until March 2010. In 2010/11 we succeeded in obtaining £6000 of Guinness Northern Counties Neighbourhood Planning Funding to expand the project into a 12 month programme. Partnering organisations involved: Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council (including their Youth Services and Community Safety Unit), Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Springfield Fuels Ltd, Preston, Rock FM Radio station. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Annie Hammond Northern Silver Screen III
Email: ahammond@ncha.co.uk
Organisation: Leeds Federated Housing Association Scheme Name: ESOL Classes Length of time scheme has been running: 12 months Key objectives of scheme: The ESOL classes were developed in response to a lack of accessible classes available locally for some of our most vulnerable customers. They not only help our customers to develop their confidence and skills in speaking English, but also to make friends and feel less isolated. The skills they have learned through these classes, has enabled them to access further training and employment opportunities. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: This scheme has made a difference to people‟s lives in a far greater way than we ever expected. Firm friendships have been made by people from a range of different backgrounds and they have really become a „family‟ that has supported each other to develop their confidence to speak English during their day to day lives. These customers now work with us on a regular basis through consultation, to improve a range of service and customer access issues we have identified. Without the development of this ESOL group, we would not have been able to engage with these customers effectively in the past. Approximate costs involved in the scheme: This scheme currently cost £6k per year for the tutor and provision of a crèche. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Sue Jennings Email: sue.jennings@lfha.co.uk
Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: East North East Homes Leeds Scheme Name: ENEHL Junior Warden scheme. Length of time scheme has been running: Nine months Key objectives of scheme: The unique contribution the Junior Wardens scheme has made to the local community through its clean ups, intergenerational work with local community groups and educating the children on how to become a good community citizen. The scheme is currently working with 13 children from Cross Gates Primary and has recruited a further 14 children to start in September from over 30 applicants in the school with plans to roll it out to others schools in the East North East Homes Leeds area from September. The schemes aim was to raise awareness amongst children about the state of their neighbourhoods and how to stay safe in their communities. Activities highlighted issues such as abandoned cars, dumped rubbish and graffiti and aimed to help children understand why these become problems and what they can do about it. Each junior warden completes a programme of activities which include: learning about fire safety, first aid, environmental and community issues and working with elderly residents from local groups to foster relationships between the ages and reduce social isolation. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: The key positive outcomes is that the Junior Wardens and their families can see the impact their behaviour can have on their local community but also on the wider community. The Activities helped the children understand issues that can cause problems and why these become problems and what they can do about it. Parents and the school comments have already included: “This Junior Wardens scheme was one of the best things my child has done. The things he has seen has opened even my eyes and the experience he has gained. I hope this will continue for other children as well in the future. Thank you for allowing my son to take part in this scheme”. – Parent “Rebecca has really enjoyed her time as a Junior Wardens and has gained a lot of knowledge regarding recycling and her impact on her environment and neighbours” - Parent “The improvement in the children‟s behavior within the school has increased because of the scheme and younger children also look up to the wardens as a good example of what they would like to be when they are in year five and year six”. – Headteacher. Approximate costs involved in scheme: The majority of the Junior Wardens scheme was sponsored by ENEHL partners which covered all printing costs, setting up of a Junior Wardens allotment. The cost to the company has been in time needed by staff for facilitating the scheme, hoodies for the wardens so they are noticeable in the local community and the cost of an outing as a treat for the work they have put in throughout the year. Partnering organisations involved: The scheme has a multi agency approach. Partners involved include: Gipton Fire station, Killingbeck Police station, Groundwork Leeds, various Leeds City Council sections including enforcement and building services. Community groups including Cross Gates Good Neighbours and East Leeds History and Archaeology Society. The Junior Wardens joined with some of the partners in various activities including: Creating an allotment at the school through support from printing companies, a landscaping firm who gave support but also helped with the initial digging of the allotment. They took part in the Big Tidy Up campaign by cleaning up the local estate around the school which has helped the area stay nice for the time being and hula hooped for Haiti with Ronnie the Rhino from Leeds Rhinos where they raised £500 for the charity. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Jean Barnbrook or Alison Pearce Email: Jean.barnbrook@enehl.org.uk or Alison.pearce@enehl.org.uk
Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: Sadeh Lok Housing Group Scheme Name: UP & Working Length of time scheme has been running: September 2005 – Present day: 4 years 9 months Key objectives of scheme: UP & Working is a community employment agency that is proactively addressing the „Worklessness Agenda’. UP & Working‟s mission is to provide a support framework to consult, advise and guide people to overcome their barriers with the aim of securing employment. They offer a holistic lifestyle service also providing advice and guidance on such issues as Financial Inclusion and Health and Well Being. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: Since the project began in 2005 UP & Working have had unrivalled success placing over 600 people into employment, supporting over 1000 beneficiaries and assisting over 100 individuals with skills development. They have also supported over 50 businesses in the region and helped create 15 new jobs. Approximate costs involved in scheme: From September 2005 to March 2010 UP & Working was initially funded through the European Union and later via A2E. From March 2010 Sadeh Lok has covered the operational costs of UP & Working, which is approximately £5,500 per month. Partnering organisations involved: UP & Working has developed partnerships with other agencies such as Jobcentre Plus, Worklink, Learning & Skills Council and Kirklees Economic Development Services. These partnerships compliment the services of UP & Working and help to provide a truly holistic approach to supporting individuals into employment. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Brenda Elson Email: brendae@upandworking.com
Northern Silver Screen III
Organisation: Stockport Homes Scheme name: Stockport Housing Offender Service Length of time scheme has been running: Commenced April 2009 - 15 months Key objectives of scheme: Stockport Probation approached Stockport Homes in April 2009 to replace an earlier provider, with an aim for Stockport Homes to give a new, innovative approach, improving performance and producing positive outcomes for offenders seeking accommodation in the Stockport borough. Main objectives: To improve offender access to housing, advice and support In order to improve intelligence and outcomes for offenders, it was important to develop a cohesive partnership with offender management services such as Probation and prisons and with support agencies such as Community Drugs Team and employment support. Achieving definitive, quantifiable outcomes focussed around; maintaining or securing accommodation; providing specialist advice and support undertaking assessments under homelessness legislation Visible reduction in re-offending rates and contribution to National Indicator set – NI146: Young offenders access to suitable accommodation; NI143, Offenders under Probation supervision living in settled and suitable accommodation at the end of their licence. Key benefits & outcomes of scheme: The Stockport Housing Offender Service provides a fully flexible, central point of contact for offenders and offender management services on all rehousing and housing related support issues. For example, assistance with rent arrears, neighbour disputes, transfer applications, and homelessness. No restrictive criteria in comparison to similar initiatives, such as length of sentence or being a prolific offender No restrictive access criteria to receive the service e.g. service also available to short sentence offenders (non statutory offenders) which is a new key government drive. This was not a service offered previously in Stockport, and no other comparable services are available in the Greater Manchester area. A dedicated worker provides outreach work to prisons, Youth Offending Team (YOT), and licensed premises across Greater Manchester and the North West. This service is based within Stockport probation one day per week. This allows for greater information sharing and joint working between agencies. Cost effective – especially compared with accommodation based services Over 300 offenders assisted with housing advice since April 2009 Over 80 offenders housed into a variety of accommodation since April 2009 The service forms the „housing‟ element of the multi-agency „Spotlight‟ integrated offender management initiative. This deals with high risk and Priority and Prolific Offenders and has reported a 38.5% reduction in offending levels for their target group The users of this service also benefit from Stockport Homes‟ „enhanced housing options‟ approach, linking in to employment, education, health, substance misuse and other floating support services. Approximate costs involved in scheme: The initiative is managed and delivered by Stockport Homes, with funding received from not-for-profit, non-political agencies: £7k funding provided by Stockport Homes; £13k funding provided by Probation; £15k funding provided by Supporting People. Due to time spent in intensively planning this initiative within Stockport Homes, as well as by consulting Probation and Supporting People, this initiative is a low cost exercise that produces maximum value. Costs estimated at £117 per case dealt with; for rehoused offenders only £438 per case. Partnering organisations involved: Probation; Youth Offending Team; Supporting People funded organisations (e.g. Threshold floating support); local prisons. Contact name for further information on the scheme: Simon Welch Email: simon.welch@stockporthomes.org Northern Silver Screen III
Northern Housing Consortium Limited Websters Ropery Ropery Road Deptford Sunderland Tyne and Wear SR4 6DJ Registered in England & Wales Company Reg no 4361009 Switchboard: 0191 5661000 Facsimile: 0191 5661001 Email: enquiries@northern-consortium.org.uk
Northern Silver Screen III