PCH In Touch Newsletter - Autumn 2015

make it happen

InTouch Issue 24 Autumn 2015

No sitting around for keen gardener Jim Page 15

Can you afford to lose all your belongings?

Page 12

Inside this issue Pets page Page 16

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Development update Page 10

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Big cheers for royal visitor Page 8

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Community comes alive with colour Page 3

Hello In Touch

Hello!

Call us on 0800 694 3101

w Elaine Pelloe Board Chair of th

Welcome to the latest edition of In Touch.

Since I last wrote, I’ve been mixing with royalty – the Princess Royal officially opened the Beacon in North Prospect.

Also included is the Menu of the grass cuttings service and Involvement leaflet, which details how development updates to solar panels. you can get involved with PCH and make our services better.

I had the pleasure of leading Her Royal Highness around our flagship community hub, showing her the regeneration from its rooftop and introducing her to key local people.

You can find out why it’s so important to get home contents insurance on page 12.

She seemed to genuinely enjoy her visit and it was a pleasure to meet her. There is full coverage of her visit on pages eight and nine.

You’ll notice that with this issue, the Learn for Free supplement is attached as part of your In Touch. It may be a slightly different format but we’re still offering the same great free courses for all residents.

Last issue, we promised to showcase your favourite pets and we’ve got Elaine Pellow Chair of the Board some very attractive cats and dogs on pages 16/17 – is yours there? Please send us your photos.

Our tree surgeon Colin Rowland lists his three favourite Plymouth trees on page 11 and is keen to hear which yours are. Let us know.

There is plenty more news on everything from benefits changes to

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Inside 3 Community comes alive with colour 4 Welfare reform 5 Alarm installation landmark 6 Annual Report goes digital 7 Cadet marching to success 8 Big cheers for royal visitor

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9 Trip down memory lane for Gladys 10 Development update 11 PCH Arboriculturist 12 Can you afford to lose all your belongings?

13 Future of housing

14 Think before you flush 15 Keen gardener Jim 16/17 Pets page 19 #OurPCH

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Top Story In Touch

Community comes alive with colour

The streets of Ernesettle were awash with sound, colour and energy as locals came out to celebrate the completion of the Ernemetal project.

We care about Ernesettle and want to help get the pride back.

with artist Noah Taylor and local people to produce designs around the themes of heritage, history and “It’s brilliant to work with the local environment. He said: “The aim was community and we want to continue to engage with as many people as This public art project has seen local this collaboration. This project reflects possible to create art. The project has people leave their creative mark on that we are more than about providing seen a real cross section of residents the area by creating customised metal quality housing services – we have a from the very young to secondary railings. role as a community leader.” school, parents and grandparents.

The area around Hornchurch Road has been transformed by the project, which has been taking place alongside improvements to buildings and the shopping precinct.

Children from Ernsettle Community School entertained the crowds with live percussion, poetry and ribbon dancing. The riot of colour continued as the children paraded past the new railings with banners, flags and insect costumes.

Apprentices have been part of the team renovating the local garages, repainting railings, externally cladding and decorating the homes and giving the whole area a new lease of life.

Our Communities Team and charity Barefoot have been working closely with local artists, groups, schools and residents on the project.

Clive Turner, PCH Chief Executive, said: “This location was an early priority for us as it has previously been forgotten.

“If people create art for their community they feel part of it and respect it. It makes a total difference and you can tell that people from the area know that.”

Once the designs had been produced, our Sign Shop and Metal Amy lives in Ernesettle and created Fabrication Shop made them into some of the artwork. She said: “My life-size railings. Using their specialist design shows people holding hands skills, they formed bespoke metal because everyone knows everyone railings in two formats – printed metal and it’s like a massive family. I did it panels based on stencil printing and at the local church with my Mum and panels with intricate designs cut into sister. I can now say ‘I did that’ when I them allowing light through to reveal show my Grandma and Grandpa. the image.

All of the designs show what the community is about. It’s been a The project was supported by our massive glamorous make over.”

Money Tree Fund, which allows residents to apply for funding to Richard Marsh, of Barefoot, worked improve shared communal areas.

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In Touch

Welfare reform update There are only a few months left until people living in Plymouth see a change in the way they receive their benefits.

This January, Universal Credit will be introduced in the city, beginning with single childless people.

Universal Credit replaces Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit and some other benefits.

The changes mean you will need a bank account for the benefit to be paid into and instead of filling out paper forms, you’ll have to apply online.

You’ll also need to pay your rent out of your Universal Credit payment.

We’re continuing to work closely with tenants who’ll be affected by these changes.

Nicky Kingston, Head of Income Recovery and Financial Inclusion, said: “We’re visiting single people under pension age to prepare them because they’re going to be the first group affected. Some have already set up Direct Debits.”

Universal Credit will gradually be extended to couples with no children and then families.

The government’s emergency summer budget also saw a number of changes which could affect you and your family.

The Benefits Cap – the total amount of benefits you can get if you are of working age – is being reduced to £20,000.

Rents for social housing tenants are going down by 1 per cent a year for four years and tenants on higher incomes (over £30,000) will be required to pay market rents.

Clive Turner, our chief executive, has warned people could struggle. He also fears the announcements could have an effect on housebuilding.

He said: “The budget is what we feared it would be – more welfare cuts, including housing benefit cuts and caps, which will squeeze family budgets even more than they are already.

“The government is also determined

to push ahead with the Right to Buy scheme, which will sell off this country’s precious social housing.

Without a clear way of replacing these homes this effectively strips us of the very homes people on low incomes so desperately need.

“However, the real surprise for us was the announcement to reduce social rents by 1% for the next four years.

Whilst we appreciate this is welcome news for our tenants, our rents are already some of the lowest in the country and hence already the most affordable so reducing them by 1% per year will have a serious impact on our income as a business, and therefore our ambitions to grow and improve our homes as we would like.

“PCH is a leading housing association with real ambition to develop more affordable homes for the benefit of Plymouth people but these latest cuts by the Government certainly won’t help us to achieve that vision.”

Our housing teams are happy to speak to you to discuss any concerns you may have about Universal Credit, benefits and rent. Call us on 0800 028 0350.

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Would you like your grass cut more often?

Residents are being offered the chance to get extra grass cutting around their homes.

We currently provide a grass cutting service to estates – which in the main is the grass areas around our blocks of flats – and also the communal grass areas around our bungalows.

This service is a cut and drop service where we provide a minimum of nine cuts a year although we often do more than this. We also provide a hedge and shrub cutting service once a year to these areas.

Kevin Perry, Area Manager for Environmental and Landscaping Services, said: “Residents often ask

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us if we can provide a more comprehensive service than the one we currently provide. We can, but any increase in the service will come at an additional cost.

“The sort of services we can offer could be a more frequent cut that would maintain the grass at a far shorter level. This would ensure that if we cut and drop the grass the cuttings would be much less than is currently left.

“We would consider any request for an enhanced grass cutting service, but for the service to be worthwhile, we would only consider requests from a bungalow scheme or an estate, rather than individual residents.

“My team will happily work out the cost of any additional service. For any change to be introduced, 60% of residents affected by it would have to agree.”

If you’re interested in finding out “We could also cut and collect, where more, contact Kevin’s team on we remove the grass cuttings after 0800 917 9455. we have cut the grass. Each of these options would require employing extra staff which would have to be paid for by an increase in service charges.

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In Touch

Alarm installation at landmark stage A project to help older residents feel safer in their homes has reached an important milestone.

Michael Harney is the 1000th resident in one of our over 60s bungalows to receive an upgraded alarm system.

The system, called the REACH unit and supported by a staffed service provided by Appello, features a number of improvements on the previous older units that it’s replacing.

Tenants wear a pendant around their neck or wrist so there is no need to have old-style orange pull cords in each room. Activating the pendant connects the tenant straight to Appello and the tenant can then talk to Appello staff, who can contact the emergency services or the tenant’s next of kin.

offer this peace of mind to tenants and their families.

system in future, for example, a fall detector that automatically activates the alarm if a tenant has fallen.”

This new system also connects the Jon Fox, Housing Assistant (Alarm smoke detector and carbon monoxide Project), who has been overseeing Mr Harney said: “It’s very clear alarm in the tenant’s home to the project, said: “It’s a much better compared to the old one and the Appello’s call centre. Providing a system than the previous one. range is much better.” safe, reliable early warning system that will directly alert staff to a “It’s also much easier for tenants to potential problem is a huge use. There are a number of add-ons improvement and we’re delighted to that could be attached to this new ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Care for your kitchen – register your appliances now To help make this process quick and easy, the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) has created a user-friendly website where you can register all your appliances in one place.

All the main brands are on one page – just select your brand and fill in minimum details. It means you’ll be the first to be contacted if your We just can’t live without them – washing machines, dryers and appliance needs a free safety repair fridges. But do we give them the care any time in the future. they deserve?

To register your appliances, go to: Manufacturers have no idea where to registermyappliance.org.uk. find you if a safety repair is needed Here are some top tips for caring for – unless you’ve taken a moment to your appliances: register your appliances.

• Fridges and freezers shouldn’t be installed in garages • Be sure to keep the back of your fridge clear from old newspapers or bags • As well as a rinse aid, your dishwasher needs salt – don’t forget to top up with special dishwasher salt (different from sea salt) regularly • Leave the door of your washing machine open after use to help moisture escape and to prevent damp smells occurring.

• To avoid fires, don’t overload extension leads. Check the amps yours can carry safely. Then check your appliance usage.

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In Touch

Residents will see further improvements to their homes “It’s all part of fighting fuel poverty. By improving thermal performance, we’re saving our tenants money.

Thousands of tenants and leaseholders will see their homes undergo a major transformation to make them warmer, more energy efficient and more attractive.

We’re about to embark on a massive 20-year Neighbourhood Investment Programme which will see around 9,000 homes – both flats and houses – fitted with external wall insulation or cavity fill and cladding, cutting fuel bills and modernising the appearance of homes.

Alongside this programme, the environment surrounding blocks of flats will also be discussed with residents. This is with a view to providing bright, modern facilities that will improve quality of life.

Bill Voyce, Asset Manager, said: “In the last five years or so, we’ve kept to our promises and delivered new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors. Now we’re going to be concentrating on the external environment.

Steve Ford, Head of Neighbourhoods, said: “This programme will mean that our customers will have bright, warm homes in buildings that look great – and surroundings that are suited to the way people live now, rather than the 1950s, when many of our blocks were built. Residents will play a role in the choice of facilities and improvements to the outside space.”

Bill and Steve’s teams have been working with colleagues across PCH, in Communities, Repairs, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to make sure we’ve taken into account all aspects of our residents’ circumstances.

We’ve also been working together to look at the type of property and its build characteristics – to ensure that we are tackling the areas that are in the most need first.

We’ll be consulting widely with residents during the programme, which will include improvements to roofs, gutters, fencing and landscaping.

In blocks of flats, communal areas will be enhanced and improvements to play areas and green space may also be on offer. We want the programme to improve residents’ quality of life.

Bill added: “Properties which have recently had cladding as part of the British Gas ECO project won’t need to be done again but are an example of the type of improvements to the look and feel of the outside of our properties that we want to make to all our homes. We’ll be looking at improving an additional 3,500 homes in blocks and just over 5,500 individual houses.”

We’ll be giving more details on this work in future issues of In Touch.

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11am to 4pm Devonport Guildhall, Ker Street, Devonport Free entry

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Always Apple festival Wednesday 28 October

Christmas toy giveaway Do you have any unwanted toys, DVDs, games, bikes, scooters or craft kits?

Following the success of last year’s toy fair in Stonehouse, we are holding a Whitleigh Christmas Toy Fair on 8 December.

We are currently looking for donations. If you have anything, please drop it in at our headquarters: Plumer House, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, between 9am and 5pm (4.30pm on Fridays) and ask for the Whitleigh or Estover teams.

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In Touch

Cadet marching to success

A PCH resident has been awarded the honour of Lord Mayor’s Cadet.

Army Cadet Ben Menhennet,17, lives in North Prospect and joined the Army Cadets five years ago. Since then, he’s moved up the ranks and his seniors were so impressed they nominated him for the position of Lord Mayor’s Cadet.

After being interviewed by the Lord Mayor and his Deputy, Ben was told he’d got the position – the first time it’s been given to an Army Cadet.

Ben now accompanies the Lord Mayor during official duties, making formal introductions and acting as flag-bearer at ceremonial events.

Ben said: “I was shocked to get the position, I didn’t think it was going to happen. It’s been great having my family’s support, especially from my mum who’s been transporting me around.

“I’ve wanted to join the army since I was little, it’s always been my aspiration. Meeting all the dignitaries

at events has helped me know what to expect when I join.”

Ben’s mum Alison said: “We’re all over the moon – I tell everyone! It’s such an achievement and he’s a great ambassador. Ben is highly thought of and he’s worked hard to get where he is.”

Ben’s joining the army when he finishes school, aiming to join the Royal Logistics Corp as an Ammunition Technician and work his way up to officer.

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Saving energy come rain or shine Some of you with solar panels had the chance to find out more about how they work and how to save even more money on your fuel bills at a special event at our headquarters, Plumer House.

We installed our first solar panels during a trial in 2012 and have gone on to install more than 1,500 across the city, but wanted to make sure people who have them already know how to make the most of them.

I learnt about how to make the best use of the energy they generate by seeing how much electricity appliances use to run.”

We’re hoping to hold more events in the future, but if you want to read more about the event, test your knowledge in our quiz and find out more information including frequently asked questions about solar panels, visit plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk.

Pam Curle, who came along, said: “Work has started where I live and I’m due to receive solar panels.

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In Touch

Big cheers for royal visitor

The crowds turned out in force when the Princess Royal visited North Prospect to officially open The Beacon.

Princess Anne toured the community hub, met locals and saw for herself the widespread regeneration of the area.

Our Chief Executive Clive Turner and Chair of the Board Elaine Pellow showed HRH around the building and gave her a bird’s eye view of the development site from its roof terrace.

On the terrace, she mingled with Beacon residents and learnt more about the area’s background from members of the North Prospect History Project.

resident – 87-year-old Gladys Tapper (see Gladys’s story opposite).

Clive and Elaine also showed their VIP guest North Prospect Library and introduced her to Beacon staff including the rangers who clean it and the PCSOs who police it.

Elaine said: “It was such a great honour and privilege to escort Her Royal Highness around The Beacon.

I was really nervous as I waited for her to arrive.

“Her manner was friendly and relaxed, so much so that once I got out my curtsy and welcome greeting and we started talking about the Beacon, my nerves just disappeared. She had the ability to make you feel at ease.

She then met dozens of residents and community figures in the building’s “The Princess Royal was amazingly atrium who told her what the area’s knowledgeable about the difficulties improvements meant to them. housing associations face today and clearly had an interest in what social They had earlier enjoyed a tea party housing offers. supplied by the Beacon Café “She was also highly impressed with alongside developers and children what we had done at North Prospect from nearby Mayflower School, who and our plans for the future. impressed the princess with a rendition of their school song.

“I thought it was so wonderful that she wanted to chat to so many tenants Before leaving, The Princess Royal and groups who use the Beacon and unveiled the official plaque and you could see how pleased everyone received a posy from a special

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plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk was to see her and to tell her a little about themselves.

“The visit was a fantastic success.”

North Prospect was designed to give those returning from WWI a decent place to live as part of the Homes for Heroes initiative.

In Touch In 1932, Swilly School was formally opened by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother), grandparents of the Princess Royal.

began in 2009. It will create more than 1,000 new homes, replacing around 700 properties, plus a further 300 homes will be refurbished to exceed decent homes standards.

Clive said: “North Prospect tells the story of the journey of social housing from 1919 to the present day and the changing views and attitudes towards large-scale developments. It has always been a significant place and we’re extremely pleased this continues to be recognised with The Princess Royal’s visit.”

The visit was a fantastic success.

The area is no stranger to visiting Royalty – in 1921 the first sod of its original development was turned by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), great-uncle to the Princess Royal, to mark the beginning of the building of the ‘Swilly Estate’.

The North Prospect regeneration

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Trip down memory lane for Gladys

Most people are lucky to meet one member of royalty in their life – Gladys Tapper has met three.

North Prospect-born Gladys, 87, was one of the many residents invited to meet Princess Anne at The Beacon.

But it wasn’t her first brush with the royal family. In the 1930’s, North Prospect paid host to the then Duke and Duchess of York, later to be King George and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother).

Gladys was there to meet them and she remembers the day well.

“I remember having to wear a nice dress to meet the lady,” she said, “She was very nice to us and spoke

to me and asked me how I was and whether I liked it at the school and I told her I did. He was very quiet and didn’t speak very well but she seemed ever so nice.”

People will have to curtsey to me soon!

Gladys, pictured in the above photo front right in a flowery patterned dress, had started at North Prospect School at two-and-a-half after following an older child from her home in Housing with Support owned by in nearby Laurel Road to the school.

PCH. She said: “They had little trestle beds for the children to rest so I just sneaked in there and went to sleep.”

After marrying, Gladys moved to St Budeaux and had eight children.

She now has 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and lives

Speaking about the recent visit by the Princess Royal, she said: “Princess Anne said she was having a lovely day and enjoying her time in Plymouth.

“People will have to curtsey to me soon!”

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In Touch

Development update

Here’s an update on what’s happening on some of our development projects around the city: Over the next two years we have plans to build more than 300 new homes in North Prospect and other sites.

Southway Campus Skerries Road In May we held a consultation event for residents about our proposal to develop new homes on a site just off Skerries Road in Southway. The event was well attended and has influenced our plans for this development which will give PCH 67 new homes (a mixture of 1,2,3 and 4 bed houses and flats). We expect to submit a planning application for this project this month and will update you in future issues.

Two of the homes will be fully wheelchair accessible. We’ll start on site in April 2016 and finish in February 2017.

Allenby Road, North Prospect On this site we are demolishing four steel-framed Dorlonco houses and building four new family homes.

If you want to know more about the developments, go to our development page on our website or email us at development@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk.

North Prospect We are almost halfway through the redevelopment of North Prospect, Phase 2, which is due to finish in March 2017. The completed scheme will include 347 new homes – 118 rent We aim to start on site in January and 56 shared ownership both owned 2016 and to complete in November by us and 173 for open market sale.

2017.

Goodwin Crescent, North Prospect We’re demolishing six steel-framed Dorlonco houses and building eight new homes.

We’ll start on site in February 2016 and complete in January 2017.

Wren Gardens, Plympton This is a development of two new homes on one of our sites. We will demolish two homes that are subsiding and replace them with two Also in North Prospect we have Southway Primary School Site three-bedroom houses. The new hosted a consultation event for Phase We’re drawing up plans for the homes will be purpose built as fully 3 of the redevelopment. Residents redevelopment of this site, our wheelchair accessible houses. This gave us a lot of feedback on the intention being to build 95 new homes project will start in February next proposed scheme and we’ll consider – all owned by PCH. There’s still year and take around 12 months to their comments as we draw up the quite a lot of work needed to take this complete. final plans for the area. scheme forward and we’ll keep you updated as we go along.

Housing Award nomination We expect to make a planning The North Prospect Regeneration application for Phase 3 this month Whitleigh, Woodlands School Programme has been nominated for a and start on site in the new year.

We hope to develop 72 Passivhaus national housing award in recognition buildings on this site by Christmas of the work undertaken to improve Hope Woods 2017. Passivhaus houses are super the neighbourhood over the past five We’ve taken handover of new homes insulated and have very low energy years. at our site at Hope Woods on Ham bills.

Drive. By the time you read this, we’ll We can’t say anything more just yet; have 17 new homes at Hope Woods. We will hold a consultation event in but we hope to hear if we have been All of the homes will be owned by the Autumn and make a planning shortlisted for the award by the end of us (12 for rent and five for shared application before Christmas. We August. Keep your fingers ownership). hope to complete in early 2018. crossed – it could be us.

This is exciting as it is our first site outside North Prospect and we’re already taking reservations on our SO Living Shared Ownership homes.

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make it happen

Learn for Free Autumn 2015

Photo courtesy of Stiltskin Arts.

For more information and to book a training place Please call 01752 388361 or 01752 388215

plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

Learn for Free

Learn for Free is a FREE training programme for all PCH tenants and leaseholders. The courses, which are all one day, are free whether you are working or not, and a free buffet lunch is provided. Call 01752 388361.

Training topics for Autumn 2015 Emergency First Aid

A certificated emergency first aid course that includes a free first aid booklet for you to keep.

How to get involved with Plymouth Community Homes (PCH)

There are many different ways residents can get involved with PCH. Find out what would suit you on this course.

How to do a Health and Safety Risk Assessment

Learn how to do a Health and Safety Risk Assessment for your own local event on this course.

Improve your confidence

Does your confidence need a boost? Then come along to this course.

‘Make do and mend’

Learn how to put on buttons, darn, put on a zip, fix cushion covers and curtains on this course.

Free sewing kit included.

DIY wall-papering and painting

Learn how to paint properly and put up wall-paper with the professionals.

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Learn for Free

GET DIGITAL Make it easier to keep in touch with friends and family, do your shopping and save money on your household bills with some help from our IT training programme.

Whatever your skill level, we can help you learn more about computers, laptops and tablets and reap the benefits of being online.

Many organisations including the NHS, Plymouth City Council and the Government are offering more online services.

In fact, the Government’s Digital by Default policy means that more people will be expected to go online to access services and benefits that they may be entitled to.

If you’re not sure where to start we have plenty of opportunities for you to learn.

PCH Computer Club Are you looking for a different way to learn about computers and tablets? Have you heard of our FREE drop-in Computer Club at our Plumer House office?

The PCH Computer Club runs from 1pm until 4pm, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

You can work at your own pace in these friendly sessions, with a tutor on hand to help when you need it. We have desktop computers, laptops and tablets for you to use at each session, or bring your own tablet or laptop and use our free Wi-Fi.

PCH Drop In sessions We also run different ‘digital drop in’ sessions in different locations such as our shop in Frankfort Gate. Call 0800 917 9457 for more details and times, or join the GET DIGITAL list for more information.

Free Courses with PCH and other providers in Plymouth We provide an ongoing range of courses for beginners and improvers. There are also many opportunities available in Plymouth with other reputable providers. You can also find details of drop-in training sessions in your local library. We promote these new courses and opportunities to our GET DIGITAL list of learners.

Join the GET DIGITAL list by giving us your details. We will send out regular updates and newsletters about new clubs, pop up events and free or inexpensive training courses.

Just call 0800 917 9457 or 01752 388215 to register your interest.

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Learn for Free

Menu of Involvement leaflet

You will have noticed we’ve enclosed an extra leaflet with this issue of In Touch.

new ways to be involved. She recommends other residents get involved.

The document is our Menu of Involvement, which details all the different ways you can get involved and have your say on the services we offer.

She said: “I wanted to find out more about what PCH did. For example, I didn’t even realise it was our money which funded the Learn for Free training programme.

We understand not everyone likes meetings but have you thought about becoming an armchair adviser?

These people make sure our documents are easy to understand before we send them out.

Perhaps you could be a mystery shopper, secretly testing out our services.

We came up with the Menu after consulting with tenants last year. Mandy A’Lee was one of eight residents who were on a Resident and Staff Steering Group which developed these 4

“Now I know the right people to speak to when I need to get things done.”

I know the right people to speak to when I need to get things done.

our tendering process.

This includes specifying contract requirements, shortlisting companies from Mandy enjoyed giving her feedback so much she went on bids received, conducting interviews and site visits and to join our Resident appointing the successful Scrutiny team which reviews PCH’s work and suggests ways contractor. for improvement.

If you’re interested in joining, tick the Spends and Saves box Another group in the Menu on the Menu of Involvement is Spends and Saves. We’ve form. recently recruited five people to this team but we’re on the lookout for more.

Spends and Saves is a group of trained residents involved in

If you would like to get involved with PCH but don’t know where to start, check out the enclosed leaflet.

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In Touch

Colin Rowland, our Arboriculturist, talks about his passion for trees and invites you to name your favourite.

As the PCH Arboriculturist, I’m well aware that trees divide people’s opinion.

Each week I get many requests to cut or fell trees because they drop their leaves or fruit, shade out the sunlight, disrupt TV or satellite reception, cause pavements to lift and walls to crack, sway with the wind or have become too big.

Other people want no tree to be touched – they point out the benefits that trees give, including providing oxygen, filtering out harmful pollutants, reducing carbon dioxide, shading us on the hottest days, reducing noise, breaking up the harsh lines of buildings, keeping us in touch with the natural world in the middle of a city or by being landmarks for past, present and future generations.

The key, I believe, is to have the right trees in the right place and to concentrate on quality and not quantity.

Over the winter period, we worked with the Plymouth Tree Partnership and with funding from the Big Tree Plant to look at areas with a tree shortage.

We considered the surrounding environment and what trees might succeed in these areas in order to provide real value to the city,

without impacting adversely on people’s lives.

Two examples are the 13 Field Maples planted at Alma Road flats which mirror the trees on the opposite side of Alma Road and in Keat Street, where there were six empty tree pits among a good deal of paving between the flats.

With little water getting to these pits, and with reflected light bouncing off the surrounding buildings and paving, it’s a harsh environment for a young tree. Only the toughest will survive.

I’m pleased to say that the six Honey Locust appear to be doing well and adding interest and life to a previously barren area.

have used it over the years and I hope they will remember it in years to come.

Turkey Oak • Weeping Ash (Fraxinus excelsior Pendula). This is in the lawn at New Zealand House. This is a really twisty, gnarled old tree that looks great in winter or summer.

I wonder if any PCH tenant has a favourite tree that they would like to tell us about? Below are three of my favourites in the south of the city.

• Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense). This tree is outside 109 King Street. I love its almost perfect mushroom shape.

Originally from South East Asia, it’s often used as a street tree in the USA. • Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris). This tree is on the green at the start of Granby Street. It was here long before the flats. The rope swings hanging from it show that children

Weeping Ash Do you have a favourite Plymouth tree? Write and tell us what and where it is and why. Email: news@plymouthcommunityhomes. co.uk or write to: In Touch, Plymouth Community Homes, Communications, Plumer House, Tailyour Road, PL6 5DH.

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In Touch

Can you afford to lose all your belongings?

“I work with our regeneration team to prevent people from entering as there could be safety hazards. For example, the ceiling could come down.

“Our regeneration team remove the contents and make sure the electricity and gas is isolated. We work closely with the loss adjuster to ensure works are completed to reinstate the property and bring it back into use as soon as possible.

“Our window factory is contacted if any windows or doors need to be replaced.

“I work closely with the housing team, who are in contact with the neighbours to give them updates on any work that’s going to be carried out.”

Liz Lawson knows first hand the damage that fires can cause to homes and families.

This year alone she’s had to visit three properties in Plymouth which have been hit by major blazes.

We all know about the serious fires at Clowance Street and Union Street and Liz has dealt with the aftermath of both of these.

One of her roles at PCH is to act as the link between the loss adjusters and our insurers.

and leaflets and I think the insurance leaflet gets put to one side,” she said, “People think it will never happen to them. Sadly, it does.

“We offer our tenants home contents insurance at a really reasonable price.

The good thing about our insurance After a serious fire, many people are is there is no excess, which is really faced with the realisation that not only unusual. do they have the upheaval of living in temporary accommodation, but they “People often make a claim against have also lost all their worldly goods. our insurance but there’s no guarantee it will pay out and they Sentimental possessions like photos could be waiting months to hear can never be replaced but fixtures that – whereas if they had contents and fittings and appliances can. insurance, they would be covered and get paid sooner.”

Of course, tenants and leaseholders without contents insurance will find it For just 84p a week, residents – both much more difficult to replace them, tenants and leaseholders – can get which is why Liz recommends all standard cover which insures them residents take out insurance. for up to £9,000.

One of the final jobs Liz does after work has been completed at She admits it can be a difficult job, fire-damaged properties is to send especially in serious fires where there the returning tenants information is loss of life or where people are about how to get contents insurance injured or lose all their worldly goods. so they won’t be left in that position again.

She said: “I have seen people’s lives devastated. Some people can be out We’ve had 10 fires within the last of their homes for months at a time 12 months and only one home had and lose everything.” contents insurance,” she said, “Only around 10 per cent of our tenants and Liz’s job starts when the repairs team leaseholders take up insurance. call her to say there has been a fire.

She will meet staff on site and help “When people move into their home, make the area safe. they are bombarded with information

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I have seen people’s lives devastated. Some people can be out of their homes for months at a time and lose everything.

There are a variety of ways to pay and it will cover you for furniture, TV, clothing, carpets, electrical items and general household goods.

There are also extra options – for example for mobility scooters or hearing aids.

It includes insurance against fire, theft, vandalism, water damage and other household risks.

To find out more about our insurance, call Jean Rogers on 388333 or David Byworth on 388335.

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In Touch

The future of housing

Residents had the chance to learn more about future housing designs at a conference this summer.

Our staff also attended the annual Homes for the Future Source Conference in Dorchester.

The day was split into workshops where residents were able to learn about different topics such as the new House Quality Mark – a rating system for new homes that evaluates features like design, construction quality and running costs.

A talk on crime prevention through design was delivered by officers from Dorset Police – their techniques mean new housing schemes discourage anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

Resident Eleanor Whitehead said: “Knowing a scheme is Secured by Design-accredited means residents there will feel safe in their homes.”

Regeneration Officer Jo Maddick added: “It was interesting to hear other associations talk about their

Residents had the chance to learn more about future housing designs at a conference this summer.

schemes and the challenges they face with delivering development.”

We joined the Source Development partnership last year. It’s a group of housing associations that come together to share best practice and expertise.

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Annual Report goes digital We’re using the most up-to-date technology to show you how we’re performing.

For the first-time ever, our Annual Report will be entirely digital – we’re not printing any copies of the document.

The report, which will be available on our website from September 14, includes videos featuring staff and tenants and has been designed so

you can share it across social media.

By going digital, we’re saving around £3,000 and approximately 400,000 sheets of paper.

Charlotte Edwards, Performance Manager, said: “We’re really excited about this innovative way of viewing our annual report which embraces new technology and we hope residents will be too. We want this to be a blueprint for future documents.”

By going digital, we can update the report quarterly with our latest financial figures.

There are videos on our Money Tree Fund, Manufacturing Services and our impact on the local Plymouth economy.

To view the Annual Report visit plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/ annualreport

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InTouch

All Ways Apples Festival Half-term week in October will find Devonport Guildhall full of apples once again.

The sixth annual All Ways Apples Festival, which we help to sponsor, will see people from across the city celebrating and enjoying this versatile fruit.

The popular apple press will be juicing locally-harvested apples.

Cookery demonstrations will show how you can save money and eat well using seasonal local ingredients.

You can find out about growing and caring for fruit trees, the many different varieties of apples and their history. Children will be able to enjoy art and craft activities and storytelling.

All Ways Apples coordinator Tess Wilmot said: “The Festival is a fun way to share the autumn abundance of fruit and learn the skills needed to take full advantage of the harvest.

Fruit can be expensive to buy, so helping communities learn about growing, harvesting and eating more local food has to be a good thing.”

The All Ways Apples Festival runs from 11am until 4pm on Wednesday 28 October at Devonport Guildhall, Ker Street, Devonport. Entry is free.

For more information contact Tess on 07531 506 481 or email digfordevonport@hotmail.co.uk.

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Think before you flush!

The repairs department has seen a big increase in the number of blocked drains and toilets being reported over the past 12 months – mainly due to incorrect items being flushed and put down sinks.

The department spent more than £150,000 on clearing loos and drains last year.

Keith Gaydon, Repairs Manager, said: “We spent £156,000 clearing toilets and drains – money that could better be spent on other services for tenants. Sewers are not designed to cope with modern disposable products such as nappies and cotton buds and these items can cause blockages.”

Below is a list of the worst offenders of toilets and sewer blockages: • Sanitary towels, panty liners and backing strips • Tampons and tampon applicators • Condoms and Femidoms • Disposable nappies

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• Facial cleansing, baby and cleaning wipes • Bandages and plasters • Razor blades • Cotton buds • Syringes and needles • Cooking grease and fats • Plastic bags and wrappers • Disposable toilet brushes

We spent more than £150,000 on clearing loos and drains last year.

So where should they go?: • Don’t flush rags, cotton buds, sanitary products, nappies, plastic or similar materials down the toilet – put them in the bin • Medical items like needles and syringes should be placed in special sharps bins • Don’t push kitchen food waste down the sink – put it on a compost heap or in the dustbin • Grease and cooking fats should not be poured down the sink – allow fats to solidify and then dispose of in the dustbin • Keep unwanted oil in a metal can and take it to a recycling centre for safe disposal

Here’s what we could have done with that £156,000: • Carried out 160 electrical refurbishments • Completed 45 central heating installations • Installed 1,000 new LED lights • Fitted 30 new roofs • Completed 15,400 responsive repairs

plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

InTouch

No sitting around for keen gardener Jim

Plymouth’s answer to Alan Titchmarsh “But more importantly, it’s his is showing no sign of slowing down, community verve. What he does for even at the grand old age of 83. people is unbelievable. He looks in on them and has always got a laugh and Green-fingered Jim Madge has taken a joke. He’s very community minded. it upon himself to rejuvenate the communal gardens at Pendeen “There’s no one around here who Close, in Southway, and in the doesn’t know him. He knows our process, has inspired his neighbours habits. If you don’t turn up to to do their bit. something he’s the first one to start asking questions.”

He’s provided them with hanging baskets and seeds for their own Jim has even taught Wendy the Latin gardens and shown them how to take names for plants and tests her on care of them. them.

His neighbours are full of praise for Jim’s efforts – which they say go far beyond gardening.

Resident Wendy Russell said: “Jim came here about 18 months ago, the same time as me. He was very much a garden enthusiast and has encouraged all of us to take an interest.

His neighbours are full of praise for Jim’s efforts.

my life. It’s always been important to have a nice garden. I could sit out here for hours.

“It does people good. It gets people up and out. They’re thrilled to bits Bernie Howells added: “Jim has given with their gardens and it’s keeping me young. us all plants. We all want it to look nice. It brightens our spirits up.

“It’s the way we were brought up – I can’t sit down all day.

“And he brightens our spirits up. He takes us out anywhere we want to go.

“We’re in a community. We’re at the He always jokes: ‘I’ve got 36 widows age when we don’t know if there will to take care of!’” be a tomorrow. We’ve got to make the best of it.”

Jim said: “I’ve been gardening all

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plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

InTouch

Pets page We asked you last time to send in photos of your beloved pets.

Well, we’ve been inundated with images of your feline friends and canine chums.

We’re sorry if we couldn’t fit yours in this time – but don’t worry, because we’ll be publishing more in the next edition, out just before Christmas.

Leanne, of Derriford, says Bruce looks like a dinosaur running through the trees when she takes him walking in the woods.

If you think your pet should be on these pages, email news@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk.

Charlotte said her cat Daisy-May would ‘love’ to be featured in In Touch – fame at last Daisy-May!

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Suzy and David from Whitleigh wanted to show off Nicola the cat: “Here is our eight-month old tabby. Her favourite pastime apart from sleeping is chasing her big sister Sharon. She loves having her tummy tickled and also likes to nibble on her mum’s dressing gown!”

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InTouch

Natalie from Honicknowle sent in this picture of Tinkerbell the Chihuahua. Natalie says: “She’s adorable – she has big dog syndrome and has the most loving playful character. She rarely barks but when she does she howls like a wolf. I love her so much she snuggles right in for cuddles and cheers anyone up on a down day.”

Elaine’s three-legged Burmese Callie likes nothing better than a snooze on the garden chair.

Carly, from the Barbican, sent in this snap of Misty, who loves her food and her sleep.

Bob sent in this photo of Lad, his seven-year-old border collie pretending he’s a seadog. “He loves sailing but is scared of sheep,” said Bob.

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plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

InTouch

City College We’ve been highly commended by City College for our Outstanding Commitment to the Community.

This is thanks to our work on apprenticeships, the training we offer staff and tenants and our work experience placements.

The annual awards recognise local businesses from all sectors across the city who invest in their workforce and work closely with the college.

Many of our apprentices have come through the college, particularly those in trades such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters.

Whitleigh Words Festival The Whitleigh Words Festival draws to a close with a host of events at St Chad’s Church and Albemarle Inn, Whitleigh Green, on Saturday 3 October from 12pm to 8.30pm.

You can get In Touch delivered to your email inbox. To sign up, go to our website’s home page and enter your details under ‘Subscribe for email updates’.

If you’d rather contact us online: Visit our website at: plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk Tweet: @PlymCommHomes Or like our Facebook page: facebook.com/PlymouthCommunityHomes

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Would you like a free home visit?

Our housing officers are happy to come out and talk to you about whatever’s on your mind – whether it’s anti-social behaviour, how to put together a Money Tree Fund application or how to access benefits.

Contact us on 0800 694 3101 and ask to speak to your housing officer.

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to us, we’re happy If you can’t get to come to you. l housing team to Contact your loca the eir details are on arrange a time. Th back page.

plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

InTouch

#OurPCH

Lots of you have been telling us what you think....

Beckii Hamilton

rty due to major into my new PCH prope ve mo to it wa g lon a d concerned. Martin from Even though I’ve ha ssed with all the guys pre im n en be e I’v y sa job and were more tha works I wanted to GWR who did a great m fro ys & gu ely the lov , ms o’s oo wh Kitchen and Bathr n, my housing officer, requests, Laura Dento few a h wit lp Thank you all :-) he to y pp ha hich was like a jungle!). (w n rde ga the t ou d the guys who sorte

Soo Lala

@Lalaiam At The Big Sort in #Honicknowle #Plymouth with volunteers from @PlymCommHomes Well done all! @ClivePCH @laineclosure

patrick sion pre @cycling4 ekinahmis h s @ to rt Gr8 sta ted by liver with nt trng hos citing to de x employme E . s e m o mmH nership. @PlymCo sis_uk part ri c @ k u _ @crisis

Barbara Kindon After receiving a visit from Chris Moysey this lunchtime, I am well impress ed with the communication between PCH rep and myself. Now have all questions reg arding non installation of Solar Panels reso lved to my satisfaction. I do appreciate that the staff at PCH have a huge job on their hands keeping tenants informed and helped with any problems which might occur. Well done all involved.

Thanks very much.

Nick Hewlett

@Nick_Hewlett Another photo I took of the cracking wildflower bed at Crownhill, Plymouth

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Contact numbers

Plymouth City Council contacts

Repairs: 0808 230 6500 Out of hours repairs: 0800 917 9459 (5pm to 7am)

Enquiries (including waste and out of hours): 01752 668000

Head Office: 0800 694 3101

Housing options: 01752 305496

Estover Team: 0800 917 9496

Anti-social behaviour: 01752 307049

Report fly tipping: 01752 304147

Devonport Team: 0800 917 9497 Whitleigh Team: 0800 917 9498 North Prospect Team: 0800 917 9499 Anti-social behaviour out of hours hotline: 0800 075 6699 or text 80800 and start your message with ‘ASB’.

City Centre Shop: 01752 389778 Housing with Support Team: 0800 917 9452 Communities Team: 0800 917 9457 Leaseholders: 01752 388094 Environmental Services: 0800 917 9455 Debit/Credit Card Payment Line: 0844 557 8321 Gas Servicing (and Cyclical Planned Technical section): 01752 388028/388030

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0800 6943101

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info@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

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plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk twitter.com/PlymCommHomes facebook.com/PlymouthCommunityHomes youtube.com/user/plymouthch

Community Benefit Society registration No: 30637R

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