key news
Win with us ÂŁ30 vo uche up for gr r abs
Winter 2014
new year, new career
see how we can help you take that next step
your money
offering you benefit, budgeting and debt advice you said, we did
how you are improving the way we work
We’re here to help you, get in touch with us today for advice on how to prepare for Universal Credit. Call 01724 279900 or visit ongo.co.uk
in this issue...
a message from Andy Orrey
Volunteers awards night
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10
15
Your money
The Big Tidy Up
get in touch Ring us
Contact Centre (01724) 279900 Freephone 0800 0326363
Go online
Visit us at www.ongo.co.uk
(remember to sign up for your do it online account where you can manage your tenancy online)
Facebook www.facebook.com/nlhomes join our online community
Twitter @ongoUK are you one of our 2,400 followers?
Pop in Customer Centre 15-19 Cole Street, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN15 6QY We are open Monday 9.00 - 5.00 Tuesday 9.00 - 5.00 Wednesday 9.00 - 5.00
Thursday Friday Saturday
10.00 - 5.00 9.00 - 4.30 9.00 - 12.00
Just flicking through the pages of this edition of Key News shows how much we’ve changed as an organisation over the last few years. We’re not just maintaining your homes; we’re actually building lots of new homes. We’re not just an organisation that provides homes, but we are improving communities by encouraging volunteering, offering support and opportunities to those wanting to gain employment, providing solutions to tenants money problems, improving the environment, offering apprentice opportunities and a whole host of other things. In the last edition of Key News, I asked for your views and I got a letter from one tenant about the support services we offer to older tenants. The letter described how important the small things are to people and prompted a debate, which went to our Board. We now have approval to invest up to £200,000 a year in developing and expanding those services. As a non-profit making organisation we have made savings in how we deliver services and are now reinvesting those savings back into the community. So if it worked last time, I’ll ask again – what do you think we should do next? Answers on a Christmas card. Have a safe and relaxing Christmas break, Andy Chief Exec
Residents
Involved and approved
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supporting you into employment apprenticeships Over the years we have employed over 30 apprentices. Initially this was in the maintenance section such as painters, plasterers and joiners, but since 2011 we’ve offered apprenticeships in office based jobs such as in Housing and Customers Services. We offer a salary of just over £8,000 per year which is more than the national minimum wage for an apprenticeship. As well as learning valuable on the job skills, the apprentices get to study for a qualification relevant to their job such as an NVQ.
As part of our ongoing commitment this year we have taken on 12 apprenticeships and three graduate apprentices. Next year we are going to be offering another 12 apprenticeships. We will be doing this in August 2015 so keep an eye out for details. Katie Walmsley joined North Lincolnshire Homes in October 2011 as a planning and administration apprentice in the repairs and maintenance department. After the first year of her apprenticeship she applied for a full time job within the department and was successful. Katie said: “Taking the apprenticeship with North Lincolnshire Homes was the best decision I ever made. Not only was I learning and doing a level 3 NVQ, I was also earning money. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to apply for a full time job here before my two year apprenticeship was finished. I was then given the job I applied for and have been in this role ever since and still loving every minute. I couldn’t thank North Lincolnshire Homes enough for the opportunities and what they have done for me.” Visit apprenticeships.org.uk to find out more and register your details.
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intensive support
Over 200 local people have been helped into the job market thanks to Crosby Employment, part of ongo and their Intensive Support scheme.
“Since coming to see Jane and the rest of the team at Crosby I have a lot more confidence and have been on quite a few training courses to help me in my job search. They are interested in you as a person and are always here to help. I feel revitalised through having this one to one coaching, I’ve created a CV and I am applying for jobs.
People receive one to one coaching to look at CV’s, job searches, interview techniques and boosting confidence to name just a few. Since the scheme started in July, 215 people have found work, attended training courses or started an apprenticeship.
“I would recommend this service to other people who are currently unemployed; you are not on your own.” Crosby Employment is going to hire another coach to offer yet more support.
Intensive Support is there to help anyone who is unemployed and of any age. Ruth is from Scunthorpe and has been receiving intensive support this year, she say’s it’s really helping her. “I was a full time carer for my husband for six years, but since he died four years ago I’ve suffered from a social phobia which I knew I needed help to tackle if I was going to get a job.
To find out more ring Crosby Employment on 01724 844848 or pop in and see them at Laneham Street, Scunthorpe.
learning with ongo Since April we’ve been offering you free online learning through our dedicated e-learning website. At the moment there are 39 courses available including health & safety courses and how to use Microsoft Office programmes such as Word or Powerpoint. At the end of each course you will receive a certificate to show you have completed it. To access the courses just visit ongo.co.uk to register your details. You will then be sent an email with your unique log in details so you can get started. 05
new year, new career
As we approach 2015 we wanted to give you a helping hand if you fancy taking the next step in your career
say hello to Deb & Jane They are our experts from Crosby Employment when it comes to writing CVs and going for job interviews so here’s a few top tips just for you.
CVs
Jane says
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Make sure your CV is no more than two pages long, the person reading it will probably have lots of them to read and we don’t want them to get bored.
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Tailor your CV to the requirements of the role you’re applying for, by making sure you talk about the skills you have which fit the job.
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Include references – people who will back up what you’re saying about yourself.
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If you include an email address in your contact details or social media links make sure they sound professional and create the right impression.
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Add in additional information such as whether you have a driving licence or you can speak foreign languages. You can also use this section to explain gaps in employment or training.
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Include any voluntary work as well as paid work.
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You need it stand out from the rest so they remember you – what makes you unique such as hobbies or personal interests.
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Keep it positive.
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Check your spelling and grammar.
10 Make sure your CV is up to date.
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crosby employment Crosby Employment, part of ongo is a one stop shop for all your training and employment needs. They are a team of experts who can help you in your quest to find a new job, change your career or get you into training. They will work with you to find out what’s right for you.
Ring them on 01724 844848, visit www.crosbyemployment.co.uk, email jobs@crosbyemployment.co.uk or go and see them on Laneham Street, Scunthorpe.
Job interviews So you’ve applied for a job and you then get a phone call inviting you for an interview. What do you do next? 1
Make sure you do some research about the company to help you learn what they are all about.
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Think about what you’re wearing, first impressions count.
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Make the interview the most important thing you do that day.
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Have a good nights sleep.
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Eat before you go, you don’t want to get distracted.
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Remember you are in an ‘interview’ from the moment you enter the organisations premises and this includes the car park.
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Smile and maintain eye contact with interviewer.
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Ask questions of them too, the interview works both ways.
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Give real examples of things you have done, this will demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Deb says
10 Ask for feedback after the interview to learn what you did well on and how you can improve for the future.
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You can speak to the Resident Involvement Team on 01724 279900
volunteer awards Each year we arrange a celebration night for all our tenant volunteers to say thank you for all their hard work. We give out a few awards too and here are the winners our ongo digital champion is Don Lange for helping the residents of Haxey with digital learning. our good neighbour is Angie Dye for giving up her time to help combat loneliness and social isolation. She spends time with people who may be housebound, have no visitors, family or friends. our community energy champion is Mary Southgate for raising awareness of keeping warm in winter and helping to eradicate fuel poverty in the sheltered scheme where she lives. our community champion is Alison White for her bravery standing up to Anti Social Behaviour within her local community. our young person of the year is Kayleigh Dunn
who has overcome lots of challenges to improve her life even though her circumstances have been difficult. our volunteer of the year is Margaret Kiddle for her exceptional work in merging two Resident Associations together in Westcliff and her commitment to making a positive difference for the benefit of others. our group of the year is the Tenant Inspectors for the work they have done improving our services for the benefit of all tenants through mystery shops, empty homes and green space inspections.
say hello to Wendy She’s our Senior Resident Involvement Officer. She provides support and advice to staff and works closely with our tenant volunteers and makes sure tenants are involved in everything we do. She said: “I love the variety of my job and each day there can be different challenges to deal with. I’ve been doing this for 11 years and have worked with a number of tenant volunteers who all have great personalities. It’s so rewarding working with them all and knowing that they want to give up their time and work with us to help make a difference in their local communities. I enjoy being part of that and offering support from our team.” What you might not know about Wendy is that this year has been full of celebrations, she married her soul mate, celebrated her 50th birthday and she now has one wish and that’s to meet Ronan Keating. 08
volunteering in our local communities Mark
Every year our staff are given 15 hours to volunteer with a local organisation. Gareth, our Homeownership Manager, is a business mentor through the Young Enterprise Scheme at Frederick Gough School. He started working with the Year 10 students last year to set up a business. He said: “It’s the students job to come up with a business idea and evolve it into an actual operating business. Last year the kids ran an event management company, and this year it’s a design company producing t shirts, hoodies and bags with different slogans. “I do it because I get a real buzz from the energy and enthusiasm of the kids. I’ve been really lucky to have a couple of great teachers to work with too. “The benefits are that the kids get real life experience and it’s something great to have on their CV, as well as competing against other schools locally & nationally. We were recognised for our teamwork at an awards evening at The Baths Hall last year.” Gareth’s team of youngsters visited us here at Meridian House to work with our caretakers to earn their registration fee for this year’s scheme.t
Mark is one of our electricians and has started to work with Magic Moments in Scunthorpe. They support children and their families with autism. Mark has two children himself who are Autistic so this is very close to his heart. In February he’s organising a martial arts fundraising event, which the children who attend Magic Moments can take part in as well as ongo staff. There’s going to be a challenge to see how many side kicks can be done and all money raised will go to supporting more children and families living with Autism in North Lincolnshire. For more information about Magic Moments visit www.magicmomentsforaustickids.org or give them a ring on 01724 848683.
“I do it because I get a real buzz from the energy and enthusiasm of the kids.” Gareth, Homeownership Manager 09
your money
Universal Credit, are you ready?
Universal Credit is a new way of paying your benefit. It works differently from the benefits it will replace. You need to prepare yourself for Universal Credit if you receive one of the following working age benefits:
• It will be paid once a month direct to a bank account.
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• You will get a single payment for your household.
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• If your Universal Credit includes rent you will need to pay this direct to us.
• Income Support
• You will be expected to make your claim online.
• Working Tax Credit
We’re here to help. Give us a call for advice to prepare for Universal Credit 01724 279900.
• Child Tax Credit • Housing Benefit
non payment weeks for your rent Did you know there are four weeks in the year where you don’t have to pay rent? We calculate your annual rent over 48 weeks instead of 52 and the next none payment week one is just before Christmas. If you pay by direct debit the none payment weeks are accounted for in your agreed payment amounts.
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If you pay your rent by any other means you just need to make sure your account is in credit before being able to take advantage of the none payment weeks.
money advice Banish those January blues We know that January can be a long month especially when it comes to making your money last so the Money Advice Service set up by the government to offer free and impartial money advice has some top tips. In 2 minutes you can visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk and print off one of their free guides to saving money. In 10 minutes you can take a free money health check to see how you can make the most of your money and create a personalised action plan just for you.
In 15 minutes you can use three free simple tools such as the Cut-back Calculator or the Money Stretcher to see how you can make your money you do have last longer. In 30 minutes you can create a budget planner to see how much money you have coming in and going out. Give the Money Advice Service a ring on 0300 500 5000 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm or Saturday 9am to 1pm. You can also take part in a live web chat via the website moneyadviceservice.org.uk
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building homes & improving others new homes for people with learning difficulties We’ve completed our first specially designed supported housing scheme in North Lincolnshire. Eight new homes designed for people with learning difficulties are now ready for people to move in. The homes near Haig Avenue have taken 12 months to complete and have been built by TG Sowerby Developments Ltd costing around £800,000. This was the first scheme in the region (North East, Yorkshire & the Humber) to be built with funding from the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) Core & Support Specialised Housing Fund. The homes have been built for disabled adults so they can live as independently as possible.
around the living area no matter what levels of mobility and there is space for a carer or relative to stay. They are also energy efficient with the use of air source heating making sure residents can save money on their energy bills. Martin Philips, our Development Manager, said: “We want people to be able to live independent lives as they wish to and these specially designed homes will allow people to do just that.” “We’ve been able to incorporate lots of special features in the design of the homes so we can provide the best possible homes for people who would otherwise struggle to live an independent life.”
Each one bedroom apartment is designed to be open plan to allow residents ease of movement
high demand for new homes in Riddings Four families have moved into brand new homes on Somerby Road in time for Christmas. With over 100 applicants for each house, Riddings has proved itself to be a sought after place to live. The two bedroom houses took six months to build by Lindum Construction and form part of a larger 12 home scheme which is due for completion by June 2015. The homes are suitable for families and come complete with parking and gardens, front and 12
back. They’ve also been designed with energy efficiency in mind to make sure residents can keep their energy bills to a minimum. Gemma Liversidge and her young daughter were one of the first families to move in and they already feel at home saying: “The house is gorgeous, it’s a good size with lovely gardens front and back, we even have a driveway. We’re settling in very well and are happy here.”
you said, we did We have a scrutiny panel, who are a group of tenants who look in detail at how we run our services and to see if any improvements need to be made. The Panel have just recently reviewed how we manage the maintenance of empty homes from the time we receive the notice the tenant wishes to leave, to getting the homes ready to let again. The investigation started in May 2014 and took 18 weeks to complete. At the moment 41% of empty homes are repaired and re-let within 28 days, we’d like this to be 50%. 81% of new tenants are satisfied with the quality of their new homes, we’d like this to be 90%.
During 2013/14 a total of 1,282 homes became empty and cost on average ÂŁ1,753 per home in repairs. The Panel spent time with our staff to see how the process works. They carried out telephone surveys with people who had moved into their home within the last six months. This was to fully understand the process and see if any improvements needed to be made.
you said: Make sure homes are regularly checked to identify if any repairs are needed rather than waiting for homes to become empty.
Reduce tenancy turnover where possible.
Inform tenants of our expectations for home improvements made by them.
Reduce the need to use external contractors by using local labour and apprentices.
Know more about what we recharge for.
Look at the possibility of offering incentives for tenants who leave their homes in good repair and clean and tidy.
we did: We have created a plan to address all of these over the next year where possible. Watch this space for further updates. 13
getting involved dine & dance Over 140 of you joined us for an afternoon of singing, dancing and entertainment at this year’s dine & dance event aimed at tackling social isolation.
giving something back to local communities and with a third of our tenants aged over 55 it’s a great way to encourage people to socialise and have a bit of fun.”
Every year our Tenancy Support Team arranges this free event for residents aged over 55.
“We do this each year as a way to tackle loneliness and as we’ve found some people can spend a lot of time on their own and there is often a fear of going out.”
Music through the ages was played and everyone enjoyed a pie and pea lunch at Heslam Park Rugby Club in Scunthorpe on 10th November. Staff dressed up to the nines in their finest retro gear from 1920’s flapper girls to the psychedelic colours of the 60’s.
“This has been our biggest dine & dance event yet. We started it four years ago with just 70 residents coming along, and each year it grows and grows which is great to see.”
Maureen, 67 of South Ferriby said: “It’s absolutely brilliant, this is my first time here and the disco is playing my sort of music.” Iris, 81 of Broughton, said: “It’s been brilliant getting to talk to everyone and the best part of the day has been the meal.” Karen Cowan, Head of Customer and Support Services, said: “The dine & dance event is about
“It’s absolutely brilliant, this is my first time here and the disco is playing my sort of music.” Maureen, South Ferriby 14
residents join forces to help tidy up where they live Over 120 people from seven neighbourhoods in Scunthorpe teamed up to spruce up where they live as part of a national campaign called ‘The Big Tidy Up’. North Lincolnshire Homes staff and members of six residents associations helped local residents keep their streets clean as part of a week long campaign. The campaign, invented by the Keep Britain Tidy charity, aimed to unite neighbourhoods by bringing people together to transform their public spaces. 75 bags of rubbish, weeds and leaves were collected as well as trolleys, clothes and even a baby’s pram was found dumped. The areas involved were Westcliff, New Westcliff, Argyle Court & Wilsons Close, Market Hill, Lodgemoor, Nookings Drive and St Lawrence Place. Gary Lewis, Caretaking Manager for North Lincolnshire Homes, said: “The Big Tidy Up is about working together to make our neighbourhoods a cleaner and safer place to live.”
what have you been up to “With over 120 residents turning out to join in, it shows they take great pride in their communities and this was a great way for us to support people further.” “Our caretaking team work 365 days a year to look after their estates and this was a chance for residents to meet with them and for us to work together to keep their area free of rubbish.” “Thank you to everyone who joined in the events, clearing 75 sacks of rubbish is a massive achievement.” Sarah Christmas, Vice Chair of the Lodgemoor Residents Association, said: “We wanted to arrange an event which everyone could get involved in and also benefit where we live. “As a Residents Association we want to encourage the area to have a real community feel and be somewhere people are proud to live.” The events took place over four days and started on Monday 27th October. They were aimed at families with school-age children over the half term holiday period.
We’ve posted a selection of photos from each area at ongo.co.uk. Can you spot yourself?
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news from your housing team we need your thoughts We’re updating our recharge policy which is when we charge you for things such as carrying out repairs which are your responsibility or for putting things right because of something you have or have not done. The main changes we’d like to put in place are: •
We will only carry out rechargeable repairs to your home once you have paid in full (check your tenancy agreement for more details about what rechargeable repairs are).
• We will carry out any work and recharge you later where there is a risk to your
check your emails for open house viewings Where we can we’re sending invitations to open house viewings via email. If you’ve given us an email address and said you’re happy to be contacted in that way, keep an eye on your account. If you’d still like us to write to you, that’s fine, but you need to tell us how you’d like us to get in touch. You can do this by ringing our Customer Services Team on 01724 279900.
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health and safety, further damage could happen or if you are no longer living in the property. • We may impose a charge for missed repairs appointments if you do not give us at least one hours notice. • We’ve expanded the policy to cover all recharges not just those relating to repairs such as garden clearances and fly tipping. To read the full draft policy and to give us your thoughts visit ongo.co.uk/haveyoursay by Friday 16th January 2015.
condensation & mould When it gets colder outside there is more of a chance of condensation and mould appearing in your home. It’s caused by warm air settling as water on walls and other cold surfaces. You can reduce the chances of it happening by: • Using an extractor fan in your kitchen & bathroom. • Keep your bathroom door closed. • Open the window if you’re drying clothes inside. • Keep your furniture away from the walls.
advice from your repairs team • If you have rooms which are unheated, keep them ventilated. The only lasting way to stop mould is by stopping condensation so if you see moisture appearing wipe it away with a dry cloth. If you do have mould, wipe down your walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash. After treatment re-decorate using a good quality fungicidal paint to prevent the mould coming back. For more information give us a ring on 01724 279900 or visit ongo.co.uk/mould
• Keep your house warm.
reduced price gas cooker installations It’s important that gas cookers are installed correctly to keep everyone in your home safe, so we’ve teamed up with Sure Group (you may know them from your annual gas safety check) to offer you a discounted rate for fitting your cooker. Prices start from £37.50 and they will make sure your cooker meets current safety legislation. Give us a ring on 01724 279900 to take advantage of this offer. 17
news from your home ownership team
Gareth
How would you like to communic@te? We need to know how you’d like us to contact you?
Lesley
Beckie
Is your entrance door compliant with fire safety regulations?
There are some documents and notices we have to send through the post by law, but for other things we’d like to know how you would prefer to receive them.
After a detailed fire risk assessment was carried out on all our communal areas, it was highlighted that most of your front doors were not compliant with current fire safety regulations.
This could still be by post or we could contact you by text or e-mail. You will help to reduce the costs of the service.
Fire safety regulations state all homes within a communal block of flats must have a front door that meets fire safety standards.
Please let us know by calling 01724 279900 or send us an email to enquiries@ongo.co.uk.
We are going to offer all Leaseholders who are affected the chance to replace their own door as long as it meets the required safety standard. If you would prefer us to do it for you, we can arrange that too.
Getting to know your lease We are looking at every individual lease we currently hold, to make sure all terms are being complied with. We currently hold 275 leases and all of them have different payment terms for service charges. In order to continue offering you the option to spread your service charge over 10 or 12 months, we need to make sure you’re happy this payment method is different from the one stated within your lease. We’ll be in touch with you during the beginning of 2015 with a form for you to complete and send back to us.
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We need your support with this because we, as the landlord of the block of flats, are responsible for the safety of all residents in the event of a fire. This is the law, and most importantly could save someone’s life which is why we need this work completing as a matter of urgency.
get in touch To talk to a member of the homeownership team ring 01724 279900.
win with us win with us • win with us
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Santa Claus Stocking Toys Present Carols Satsuma Snow Nuts Reindeer Bauble
winner Name Address Postcode Daytime telephone number Email address
Congratulations to Mrs Wainwright of Althorpe for finding all of our autumnal words.
are you happy to hear about other promotions and competitions?
Entries must be in by Friday 27th February 2015. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries. The editor’s decision is final.
Please return the coupon with your completed wordsearch to: Editor, Key News, North Lincolnshire Homes, Meridian House, Normanby Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincs, DN15 8QZ
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help make Christmas safe & crime free whilst doing the Christmas shopping
Park your car in busy, well-lit areas, preferably in a car park with security. Lock your doors and close all the windows. Don’t leave your car with gifts or anything of value on display, use the boot.
keeping your home safe during the festive period Keep your home secure, keep all doors and windows locked at all times. Store your gifts out of sight until Christmas day. Be a good neighbour, report anything suspicious in the area on 101.
partying during the Christmas break When out in pubs and clubs never leave your drink unattended. Stay with friends and look after each other on a night out and when outside try to stay in busy well-lit areas. Before leaving for a night out, plan how you intend to get home. Book a taxi in advance or have money to get home in a taxi - never drink and drive.
after Christmas
Register all your new presents on www.immobilise.com. It doesn’t cost you a penny and it will help the police in returning all types of property should it be lost or stolen and helps prosecute thieves found with your stolen gifts.