Shout it from the Rooftop 83 by Rooftop Housing Group

Shout it from the

Magazine

Edition 83 Spring 2015

For our eme

rgency out o f

service just call 0800

hours

0421 800

HOMES FOR S ALE page 12

Young People Services

page 10

Call us free on 0800 0421 800 or visit our website at www.rooftopgroup.org

Welcome

Shout it from the Rooftop

Welcome...

CONTENTS

…to the spring edition of your magazine. As ever, we aim to bring you a mix of news and information that covers the wide range of services we provide for our 6,200 households.

If you’re not online but would like to be, there are many places where you can access the internet for free and where help and advice is available. Your local library is usually the best place to start.

We can only ever fit a certain amount of information in each edition but if you think we’re missing out on something please let us know. You can contact us using any of the methods on the back page of the magazine.

Whatever your age and whatever your circumstances, getting online can help you make new friends, learn new skills and even save you money.

If you can’t wait three months for each edition, we regularly update our website www.rooftopgroup. org. If you visit the site you can also sign-up to access our online services and receive our monthly e-bulletin which will keep you right up-to-date with everything that’s going on at Rooftop. If you’re online you can also follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

At Rooftop, we’re a key member of the Go ON Worcestershire Partnership which aims to help people get online. We’ll be publishing more about this initiative later in the year. In the meantime, we’ll keep printing your magazine for a good while yet. We’re on edition 83 and I hope we make it till at least edition 100. Barry Cooke Communications Manager

3 Awards 4 Activities for All 6 Neighbourhood Inspections 7 HomeSwapper 8 Anti-social behaviour 10 Young People Services 12 Homes for sale 13 Out of hours service 14 Scrutiny update 15 Customer Panel 16 New gas services 17 Rental Exchange 18 Our Money Advice Service 20 Fire safety 21 Gardening with Andy 22 Puzzle Pages

Keen gardeners in Pershore looking for more volunteers.

Hear how our young residents transformed their garden.

Find out about our new shared ownership properties.

New allotment project

Prince’s Trust Programme

NEW! For sale in Evesham

Awards

Issue 83 Spring 2015

Rooftop celebrates being One Rooftop Housing Group has been named as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For in 2015, and was awarded ‘One to Watch’ status in the Best Companies listing.

to Watch

“We are delighted to be listed as ‘One to Watch,’ especially as this is the first time we have entered the awards. It is an important milestone for us and is testament to the The rankings and awards are commitment and dedication of based on an anonymous employee our staff. We aim to be making survey on areas including: the a difference in everything we management, the leadership, the do and so this really is a great company, personal growth, their reward. And while we’re thrilled team, giving something back, a fair deal and wellbeing. It also identifies to be among the top 100, how employees contribute to their The Best Companies survey company’s success and growth, helps us understand where setting a benchmark for other improvements can be made so employers. that we can continue to be a great place to work.” As well as providing affordable Best Companies has been producing the accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace where staff engagement is key to success.

housing across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, Rooftop has a strong sense of corporate social responsibility, actively supporting and funding resident-led projects, in order to help local communities to develop and become more sustainable. Some of our staff and board members attended the Best Companies ceremony in London to pick up the award.

Ian Hughes, Chief Executive

“We’re pleased that the investment we make in our staff is having a positive impact on Rooftop as a local employer committed to local communities. Happy staff work better and give a higher level of service to our residents which is vital given the wide range of services that we deliver.” Sheila Morris, HR Director

Activities for All

Shout it from the Rooftop

Day trips, activities and volun What’s on Ferry View Communal Lounge Bingo Every Monday at 1:30pm. Singing for the Brain Every other Tuesday at 10:30am. For people with Dementia and their carers. Can Do Group Every Tuesday at 2:00pm. Admission £1.00 Table Top Sale First Wednesday of the month. Coffee Morning Every Wednesday at 10:30am followed by light lunch. (no lunch in August) Tai Chi Every Wednesday at 2:00pm. Coffee Morning First Thursday of the month. Swimming Group Every Thursday at 9:00am, Evesham Leisure Centre.

Knitting Group Every Thursday at 1:30pm. Painting and Drawing Group Every Thursday at 1:30pm. Seated Excersise Every Friday at 10:30am. Volunteer Lunch Last Friday of the month. Whist Club Every other Friday at 7:00pm. Bingo Every Saturday at 3:00pm. Ferry View Hobbies Room Aromatherapy Massage Every other Monday by appointment only. Please contact Kim. All Day Computer Lessons Every Tuesday.

Bewdley Court Bingo Every Tuesday at 2:30pm.

Coffee Morning and Computer Club Every Thursday at 10:00am.

The Court

Evergreen Club First Thursday of the month.

Walking Group Every Tuesday at 10:00am. Coffee Morning Every Tuesday at 11:00am. Computer Club Every Wednesday all day. Aromatherapy Massage Available every Friday by appointment only. Please contact Kim. Long Walk First Sunday of the month at 10:30am. Cherry Orchard House Over 60’s Group 2nd and 4th Mondays (not Bank Hols) at 2:00pm.

Darts Every Friday at 6:00pm.

Bingo/Whist Club Last Tuesday of the month

Charles Close Coffee Morning Every Wednesday at 10:00am.

Organ Club Every Tuesday evening Excersise Class Every Wednesday starting 4 February.

Fish and Chips Every Friday at 12:00pm. Almonry Close Coffee Morning Every Wednesday at 10:30am. Seward Close Coffee Morning First Tuesday of the month at 10:00am. Bingo 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. Cooked Lunch Every Friday at 12:00pm. Broadway United Reform Church Seated Excersise/Tai Chi Alternate Thursdays starting 5 February. Pershore Working Man’s Club Line Dancing Every Thursday at 10:30am -11:00am.

Volunteering

Issue 83 Spring 2015

nteering! Calling all keen gardeners! In the last issue we told you about a new allotment project we were setting up, along with Age UK Hereford and Worcester and Tesco. We are looking for Volunteers to help at Nogains Road in Pershore. This project provides a great way to get out in the fresh air, meet new friends and pass on any experience you may have on growing fruit and veg. People who are new to the area are more than welcome too. We also plan to run workshops on ‘Cooking on a Budget’ and ‘Cooking for One.’ If you are interested in attending either of these, or would like to help run a workshop, please call us. We are also looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help maintain our residents gardens. If you think you could help, please call us.

Resident stor

Mentoring and Befriending Accreditation Rooftop Housing Group has been awarded Approved Provider Standard from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation (MBF) provides services which aim to increase the effectiveness and quality of mentoring and befriending as methods of enabling individuals to transform their lives and reach their full potential. The Approved Provider Standard is a nationally recognised quality standard and gives customers, service users, volunteers and referral agencies reassurance that our Mentoring and Befriending Service is managed in a sound and professional manner. If you can spare time to befriend or mentor someone, then please call us.

Can you help? If you’d like to help us with any of our current projects, or would like some further information, please call either:

My wife Ann and I, were given the opportunity to visit the Hop Pocket Shopping Village and Upper Sapey on a Rooftop day trip. I was able to look into my past inside the Hop Pocket. I found the history of hop picking in the Bromyard area, which is where I grew up as a child. Mum took me hop picking and used to place me in the crib (Hop Pocket) whilst she picked hops. While on the day trip, we visited Upper Sapey Village Hall. Across from the village hall is the High House where my Mother, Aunties and Uncles were all born. The photo above was taken in about 1912 and shows my Uncle Ray sat on my Grandma’s lap, my mother Irene and my Auntie Doris sat on the lawn and my Auntie Mildred stood behind them. Granddad is stood in the middle. My uncle Charlie, who was not born when this Photo was taken, ran the family buisness called C N Jones Coaches and Cattle Lorries. Jones was the family name. By John Mason (pictured below outside the High House in 2014)

Pete Stock: 07876 839257 Kim Skipsey: 07854 717430 We’d love to hear from you!

Neighbourhood Inspections Spring / Summer 2015

Neighbourhood inspections

Street Woodleigh and Sunnyside Bridgemans Close Crown Close and Crown Drive Meadow Walk Beavans Lane and St Peters Close Alder Grove Littleworth Walk Gloucester Close Tobyfield Road Henry Fowler Close St Wulstans Close and St Georges Close Churchfield St and Abberley Street Priory House The Chantry Tinkers Close Blakenhurst Whittingham House Battleton Road Newing Court Coronation Street (Jubillee Gardens/Burlingham Avenue) Britannia Gardens School Road, Cleeve Road and The Titheway High House Drive Hathaway Close Hawkeswell Drive May Tree Road Coombefield Road Fairfield Road Peewit Road Laxton Crescent Cornfield Way Charles Close Cladswell Close and Lower Cladswell Lane Spion Kop Western Hill Road Woodmans rise and Woodmans Green Churchill Road Claverton Estate Shawcross Walk and Craven Court School Road and Meadows End Green Leys Woodward Close and Woodward Walk Evesham Court and Pershore Court Two Hedges Road Laurels Road and Laurels Avenue The Hodges College Road St Andrews Road Hemmingway Hill View Rynal Place Hill Close Summerfield Gardens The Close Albion Street St James Drive Little Priest Lane and Lower Priest Lane Isbourne Crescent

Shout it from the Rooftop

Area Drakes Broughton Broadway Bishop’s Cleeve Pershore Hinton on the Green Evesham Evesham Redditch Bishop’s Cleeve Evesham Evesham Dudley Gloucester Fladbury Moreton in Marsh Harvington Droitwich Evesham Harvington Evesham Stourport Middle Littleton Inkberrow South Littleton Kingswinford Lower Moor Wickhamford Evesham Hampton Evesham Ashton under Hill Evesham Cookhill Pinvin Beckford Droitwich Sedgeberrow Stoulton Evesham Hampton Badsey Pershore Kidderminster Bishop’s Cleeve Offenham Evesham Upton Snodsbury Pershore Evesham Defford Evesham Westmancote Hampton Eckington Gloucester Evesham Pershore Evesham

Date 15/04/15 15/04/15 16/04/15 22/04/15 23/04/15 28/04/15 30/04/15 05/05/15 06/05/15 13/05/15 14/05/15 14/05/15 15/05/15 18/05/15 19/05/15 20/05/15 28/05/15 29/05/15 03/06/15 03/06/15 04/06/15 11/06/15 12/06/15 17/06/15 22/06/15 22/06/15 22/06/15 25/06/15 30/06/15 03/07/15 08/07/15 10/07/15 13/07/15 15/07/15 22/07/15 22/07/15 23/07/15 29/07/15 03/08/15 03/08/15 04/08/15 06/08/15 10/08/15 12/08/15 18/08/15 18/08/15 20/08/15 27/08/15 27/08/15 27/08/15 03/09/15 03/09/15 07/09/15 10/09/15 11/09/15 11/09/15 23/09/15 30/09/15

Time 2:00pm 3:00pm 11:00am 3:00pm 3:00pm 10:30am 11:00am 10:00am 2:00pm 2:00pm 10:30am 3:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 2:30pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 2:00pm 10:00am 11:00am 2:00pm 3:30pm 11:00am 3:30pm 11:30am 3:00pm 3:00pm 11:00am 11:00am 2:00pm 11:00am 11:00am 3:00pm 11:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 11:00am 3:30pm 11:00am 4:00pm 3:30pm 2:00pm 10:00am 2:00pm 10:30am 10:00am 11:00am 11:00am 10:00am 2:00pm 10:00am 11:00am 10:00am 11:00am 10:00am 11:00am

Homeswapper

Issue 83 Spring 2015

Neighbourhood Inspections We want to ensure that your neighbourhoods are clean and safe for you to live in. Your area Housing Officer will be carrying out a series of Neighbourhood Inspections during Spring and Summer this year to identify and resolve any issues there may be. They will also use it as an opportunity to spot positive aspects of the neighbourhood and to recognise and reward residents for this. Please feel free to come and have a chat with your Housing Officer when they are in your area. If you would like more information, please contact our Senior Housing Officer, Lisa Kelley on 01386 420800 ext 337.

Looking for a new home? Why not swap? HomeSwapper.co.uk is the UK’s largest service helping people like you swap homes. In the past year HomeSwapper has helped over 25,000 tenants move home. If you live in a rented council or housing association house you can swap your home. It’s simple, we just match tenants who want each other’s homes. When HomeSwapper finds you a match you will be alerted by SMS text or email. You can then log onto HomeSwapper, look at the home you have been matched with and if you like you can arrange to visit it.

HomeSwapper is easy. Simply... 1. Register online at www.HomeSwapper.co.uk 2. You are automatically matched to any potential swaps. 3. You will receive an email or SMS text with details of those matches. 4. You use that information and find your new home. What does it cost? Rooftop is a HomeSwapper partner so the service is totally free to all our residents. For more information, please visit www.homeswapper.co.uk or call Rooftop on 0800 0421 800.

Find out when your next scheduled Neighbourhood Inspection will be.

Tackling ASB

Shout it from the Rooftop

Anti social behaviour

How we take action to crack down on it Rooftop takes a strong stance against tenants who perpetrate anti-social behaviour (ASB). Read the following case studies for an insight into how Rooftop’s ASB service works.

Unruly residents cause nuisance to locals Last year we obtained an emergency housing injunction against a tenant and her partner, with power of arrest attached.

Our Tenancy Enforcement Officer (TEO) initially met with them in 2013 to deal with various issues including vehicle nuisance, property condition, foul language and loud arguments. The situation then improved and neither the local Police, nor our TEO, had any further involvement with the family and the case was closed later that year. However, in

2014, the situation deteriorated when we started receiving reports of severe domestic arguments and suspected drug misuse.

custody overnight before being automatically sent back to the Court the following morning for breach of an injunction.

A Children’s nursery is situated on the same street as our property and complaints became more frequent about what the residents and local children were witnessing. On one occasion a very heated and violent argument broke out. It was then decided that, despite all efforts, legal action was necessary.

The tenant’s partner was sentenced to serve seven days in prison (suspended), however, Rooftop successfully secured an exclusion order against him. He was forbidden from not only entering the street where the tenant lived, but a number of other streets in the locality.

The evidence presented at court, including the TEO’s witness statement, was sufficient for the District Judge to award an injunction with the power of arrest for any subsequent breach. The order forbade both the tenant and her partner from engaging in behaviour capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to residents and visitors to the locality, as well as Rooftop employees.

During this time, the tenant was falling further into rent arrears and eventually it became evident that the tenant had moved away and was living elsewhere.

The injunction was breached in August when the tenant and her partner were caught fighting in the street, causing damage to property and swearing and intimidating neighbours as well as staff at the nearby nursery. The Police were called and both parties were arrested and held in

The quickest route for us to regain possession of the property was to continue with the rent arrears possession process. The tenant finally admitted in court that she had left the property and was not able to repay the rent arrears. As such we were able to secure an outright possession order on the property. Rooftop staff attended the hearing to ensure that the judge was aware of the full facts surrounding this tenancy. The eviction then took place, unopposed, and the property was returned to us.

Tackling ASB

Issue 83 Spring 2015

Arsonist causes damage Last year we received an urgent phone call stating that there had been attempted arson at one of our schemes for young people. Our TEO started investigating the matter immediately, which included liaising with partner agencies such as the fire services, social services and mental health services. The previous evening, neighbours from the adjoining property called the Fire Service because they could smell smoke coming from the property. When fire officers arrived they found a suitcase and numerous other flammable items immediately outside the back door of the property. The defendant claimed to the fire officers that he had accidentally dropped a cigarette in the suitcase. However, when the fire officers then discovered a second seat of a fire in the utility room they decided to report the matter to the police as a deliberate arson. A wash basket with clothing in had to be extinguished by the fire officers and smoke damage had been caused to the utility area. Due to the severe nature of the anti-social behaviour and the substantial risk of harm and injury to others, we decided to apply for Emergency Housing Injunction to

prevent the resident from engaging in this dangerous and criminal activity. Once the application was heard at court, an injunction with immediate exclusion order and power of arrest was granted.

Are you experiencing anti-social behaviour?

The TEO explained to the resident that we would likely be pursuing possession proceedings in addition to the injunction and the tenant therefore sensibly agreed to terminate his tenancy that very same day.

When you report any anti-social behaviour, it’s helpful if you have the following information available:

Without the swift action by our TEO in obtaining an injunction, the safety of other vulnerable residents could have been put at risk.

Fortunately these instances are very rare. We will not consider taking legal action against a tenancy without substantial evidence and where all other interventions have failed.

We do not have the power to take someone’s tenancy away, only the courts can do that. They will only award possession where there is strong evidence and they feel that we have acted reasonably to the behaviour being committed.

If you think you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, you can report it to Rooftop or the police.

• • • • •

what happened? where it happened? how often is it happening? who was involved? how were you and others affected?

You can report ASB at www.rooftopgroup.org by completing our reporting antisocial behaviour form. This will instantly be submitted to the relevant member of staff. You can also report ASB to us at any time on 0800 0421 800. We will take what you say very seriously and treat you with respect. We fully understand that it might be difficult or frustrating for you to talk about what’s happening, this is why we have dedicated members of staff to help deal with these situations.

young serv

Young People

Shout it from the Rooftop

We support 16 to 25 year olds, across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, providing specialist housing, support and advice.

We can get you into employment with

The Rob Kettley Training Fund 12 week Are you wanting to get further education or training?

Princes Trust programme

Do you need help getting that job but aren’t able to fund all the costs yourself?

We are Amy, Melissa, Chris and Ashley, residents at Acorn House in Cinderford. This is part of Rooftop Housing Group’s Young People Services in Gloucestershire.

The Rob Kettley Training Fund can help you with funding towards:

• • • •

exam fees transport costs books/materials even clothing for your new job!

Contact our Young People Services:

Steph: 07772260710 Hollie: 07854717374

Last year we took part in a 12 week Princes Trust programme run by Young Gloucestershire. Our task was to complete a community project so we worked as a team, along with other participants, and completely madeover the garden at Acorn House. The garden was really overgrown and was a wasted area. It was a shame because the land itself is fairly large and could be a nice place for people to hang out, especially in the summer months. The aim was to complete the garden in two weeks. The first week involved getting rid of the bracken and brambles and getting the garden back to basics. This took longer than expected as there was a lot to do.

The second week was putting our finalised plans in place. We put in a new seating area, fixed the lining in the pond (it had a hole in it!), built two rockeries, planted a herb garden, flower beds and vegetable patches too. The end result was amazing, and knowing that we’d made it happen as a team was great. We have now achieved our Certificate in Employability, Team Work and Community Skills, but we have also created a space that residents can use now and in the future. We have given something back to our local community.

“I can’t wait to be able to spend more time in the garden now it has been redone. We all look forward to spending more time in this area, individually, with friends and also with staff.” Amy

people vices Issue 83 Spring 2015

Young People

We also offer opportunities for development and learning, with the aim of enabling young people to lead an independent life.

“The garden is now an area I would like to spend more time. It’s so much more attractive and inviting.” Melissa “I can have quiet time in a space amongst nature. I love gardening so I look forward to maintaining it and it’ll help me with my future ambition of becoming a landscaper.” Chris “I am looking forward to the summer months as I will be able to use the garden to socialise more.” Ashley

Fire Safety Workshop It was while visiting one of our schemes that it occurred to me, “Would the residents know what to do if there was a fire? Would they know how to stay safe within their room until the fire service arrived?”

I strongly advised that neither of these options were the right action to take and explained to them why. However, I realised there was a need for some further fire safety education. After discussions with colleagues and managers, I contacted the local fire service and set my ideas in motion. The local Risk Manager came to our Gloucester Gateway scheme to discuss how the fire service could help. It transpired that my call coincided with their new initiative, to try and educate this particular age group (16-24 years) about fire safety. Therefore they were more than happy to help with the workshops. We arranged that a whole watch, with fire engine, would attend and give a short talk about fire issues and answer any questions the young residents might have.

We held two workshops in total, one at Old School House and the other at Gloucester Gateway. I put these questions to the Although the residents didn’t get residents and was shocked at some to go on the fire engine because of of their replies. “I would jump out the bad weather, they all enjoyed of the window!” or worse, “I would the workshops and learnt some attempt to come down the stairwell.” new and important things.

They showed the fire service that they had a good understanding of fire safety by describing how they had dealt with a small pan fire through using the fire blanket correctly.

Since the fire service were keen to promote their new initiative further, I have put them in contact with our other Young People schemes in Lydney and Tewkesbury. By Chris Ryan, Nightworker at Gloucester Young People Services

xxx Shared ownership

Shout it from the Rooftop

GET ON THE PROPERTY LADDER WITH

ROOFTOP SHARED OWNERSHIP Find out more at www.rooftopgroup.org

3 bed 2 and rom just es f hom

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NEW! The Orchards, Evesham

This is a charming new community featuring a selection of two and three bedroom homes, all comprising: • Good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/dining area • Allocated parking • Gardens to front and rear

For more information, call Reeds Rains on 01386 442671 or visit www.reedsrains.co.uk

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• Three good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/dining room • Family bathroom • Gardens to front and rear Visit www.reedsrains.co.uk for details

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• Three good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/dining area • Allocated parking • Gardens to front and rear Visit www.reedsrains.co.uk for details PRIORITY GIVEN TO THOSE WITH A LOCAL CONNECTION

Repairs services

Issue 83 Spring 2015

For our out of hours service just call 0800 0421 800 Rooftop provide an out of hours emergency repairs service for the benefit of our residents. If you need to contact us about an emergency repair, or to report anti-social behaviour, outside of office opening hours, you can call us free on 0800 0421 800. Call Solutions is the dedicated out of hours service which provides key services to Rooftop and our residents. They work with approved Rooftop contactors to ensure our properties and clients are safe and secure at all times. Call Solutions have been providing this service for 30 years to social landlords, trusts, co operatives, charities, the YMCA and private individuals across the country. They provide a 24 hour service which includes repairs, anti-social behaviour reporting and a back up call centre which can be activated immediately if required.

What you can do to help us improve the service: • Before calling us, make sure that you have as much information as possible about the nature of the repair. This could include the manufacturer’s name, what has happened, any ongoing repairs etc. Please be aware the night team do not have your full repairs history. • Please give us your contact details (landline or mobile) when leaving a voicemail message.

Please remember to only ring the out of hours service with a genuine emergency. We will not send an operative out in the middle of the night for something that can wait until a normal working day. A emergency repair may only ‘make safe.’ If follow up repairs are needed, we will be in touch to arrange these during working hours.

• Know where the mains supplies are (water, gas and electricity) and how to isolate them. • Please be patient. Sometimes all our engineers are busy, however, one will be with you as soon as possible. Help us to help you. Only 70% of the calls to our out of hours service can be classed as emergencies.

It’s an emergency!

Resident involvement

Shout it from the Rooftop

Scrutiny update Resident Excellence Panel (REP)

The review will recommended possible improvements including:

The REP are very proud to • Increasing customer satisfaction have been shortlisted for with how enquiries are dealt with and how residents are the TPAS Awards 2015, for kept informed on the progress Excellence in Tenant Led of their enquiry. Scrutiny. Sadly, we were • Reducing the need to request pipped at the post by Boston a service more than once. Mayflower housing association. • A better understanding of the Even so, it was great costs of dealing with customer recognition for all the work enquiries and how an efficient, achieved so far by the REP. We are pleased that a new resident has joined the REP. If you would be interested in joining, or would like to know more, see below for contact details.

We are carrying out an additional customer survey to get your feedback. If you would like to contact the REP about Rooftop’s customer services and tell us about your experiences, please email repanel@rooftopgroup.org

but good quality, service can be provided.

The REP are currently looking at how we deal with customer enquiries and whether we provide a service that ‘get’s it right first time.’

Would you like to help us improve Rooftop services? • Would you like to scrutinise our services? • Listen to the views of other residents? • Give an independent view? • Work alongside other residents? • Be trained to carry out the role?

YOU C AN

GET INVO

LVED !

If yes, then please contact Kate Gallant, Community Investment Manager, on 01386 420800 to find out more about what’s involved.

Resident involvement

Issue 83 Spring 2015

Your Customer Progress with the new shared repairs and maintenance service with Fortis Property Care Customer Panel members have received updates on: • Changes in the delivery and administration of the service, especially around appointment booking for responsive repairs. The booking of repairs has been moved to Fortis Property Care whilst a new computer system is prepared.

Panel page

Neighbourhood Workshop reviewing walkabouts • 50 walkabouts were carried out in over 29 areas in 2014 • Overall attendance was 70 residents (38 less than in 2013) • Less than half of walkabouts were attended by residents • There were 13 walkabouts that had no attendees at all • At 11 of the walkabouts only one resident attended

• A temporary back log of jobs have been resolved.

• The highest attendance at an evening walkabout was seven

• New staff have been appointed to the service.

• For three out of six evening walkabouts there were no residents at all

• The successful transfer of planned maintenance works (kitchens and bathrooms) to the new service. Customer satisfaction for the year to date (2014-15) is 98.6%. • The grounds maintenance service (grass cutting and shrub maintenance) has now switched to the new service.

The Customer Panel agreed with the Neighbourhood Team that walkabouts would be replaced with ‘Neighbourhood Inspections’ (see page 6). We are also planning to carry out more intensive neighbourhood work in some locations. This will involve housing officers and the local community working together to improve an area. Community Fund A grant has been awarded to the Garage Art Group in Evesham for £1,000 (see page 16).

MAK EA

Do you want to apply for funding for a community project?

CHAN TO YO GE UR AREA !

Maybe you’d like to make improvements to a local park, playground or green space. Perhaps you know of a local playgroup needing to purchase new toys and equipment, or your local village hall needs a new kitchen. These are all examples of how the Community Fund could help. Grants are available from £100 to £10,000. For more information, please contact us on 01386 420800 or visit www.rooftopgroup.org/residents/neighbourhood-and-community

Planned maintenance

Shout it from the Rooftop

Garage Art Group Unit 4/4a Crown Court Yard, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4RY garageartgroup@live.co.uk www.garageartgroup.com We use the benefits of Art to Health to support adults recovering from mental health problems and clients with special needs. We are also open to the general public. Our classes run Monday to Friday with morning and afternoon sessions. Contact Pam White on 01386 423245 or 07933 512210

NEW gas services for residents We have recently started a scheme to replace electric heating and install new fuel efficient gas heating to eleven homes in Meadows End, Evesham.

We are now able to access funding to install new gas services and mains supplies if residents are elderly or in receipt of a number of benefits. By accessing external funding we are now able to stretch Our programmed maintenance our planned maintenance budgets team are working with Fortis further. We also fund our own Property Care to install the heating gas connections if a gas supply is systems once a new gas main has available in the area and where been installed by Wales and West funding is not available. Utilities who are the local gas distribution network. Wales and West aim to extend their gas network to communities This fuel switch programme has and individuals who are suffering been supported financially by from fuel poverty within Wales Wales and west Utilitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Warm and the South West of England. Home Assistance scheme, in Since the grant scheme began in partnership with Integrated Energy 2009, they have funded 10,000 gas Services, a Community Interest connections in conjunction with Company. housing associations and individual households.

Due to the rural nature of much of our housing stock, we will not be able to install gas heating at all our properties. When heating systems reach the end of their programmed life, we will replace them with other efficient heating systems to help residents reduce their household expenditure.

Financial inclusion

Issue 83 Spring 2015

Improve your credit score

with help from Experian’s Rental Exchange

Social housing tenants sometimes struggle to get affordable loans, hire purchase, a mortgage, credit cards or to open bank accounts. If you want to buy something on credit, such as furniture, a car or kitchen appliances, it helps if you have a good credit history. Some tenants may not have taken out loans, had a credit card or have a pay as you go mobile phone. In these cases you will not have a credit history. If you need to take a loan you will be left with limited options and likely to pay a higher level of interest. This is because organisations which offer loans at competitive interest rates do not have enough information about social housing tenants to enable them to accept or quickly process loan applications. For homeowners their mortgage payment history will count towards their credit history and we believe that your rent payment history should be used in the same way to help you get affordable credit.

What is Rooftop doing?

What do I need to do?

Rooftop has teamed up with Experian, the UK’s biggest credit reference agency and Big Issue Invest to help tenants demonstrate credit record. Both organisations are well established and have robust procedures to manage any personal data.

You will be receiving a detailed leaflet in the post soon with further information. In most cases you don’t need to do anything unless you want to opt out. Already social landlords like Rooftop are sharing information with Experian so tenants can benefit from improved credit checks. Rooftop now wants to do the same and automatically share your tenancy information with Experian, including your track record for paying your rent and service charges to us.

Rooftop has consulted with our involved residents about this partnership and they understand the advantages for tenants and support the initiative.

What is the benefit to me? This initiative will help tenants build up a credit history. This will make it easier for you to get credit. Independent research among social housing tenants shows that there is wide support for this initiative, the key benefits are proof of financial reliability, access to cheaper credit and automated evidence of identity and proof of address.

How can I opt out? If you would like to opt out, please write to us at: Rooftop Housing Association 70 High Street Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4YD Alternatively, you can email us at hda@rooftopgroup.org or call 01386 420800 ext 286

Money advice service

Shout it from the Rooftop

Our Money Advice Service

Read some examples of how we’ve helped Lucy, from Honeybourne

Fiona, from Evesham

I found out about Rooftop’s Work and Money Advice service at a Job Fair at Evesham Library. I met with Philippa for a chat and to look through my CV. We made a few changes so it gave me the best chance of getting an interview.

Philippa was a helping hand when I needed advice and a great motivator. She made me really think of the benefits a job would bring. She helped me improve my CV and come up with a covering letter too.

When I met Beverley I told her I was having problems getting Disability Living Allowance and she supported me with my claim. Eventually my disability benefits were awarded and as a result, Rooftop were able to move us to a two bedroom bungalow.

I was confident job searching myself and keen to get back into work. My determination paid off and I very quickly secured a part time cleaning position. Continuing my job searching I managed to get an interview at a local health centre and was thrilled when I was offered the position.

One day we drove around trading estates in Worcester, Droitwich and even as far as Pershore, dropping off my CV and letters to businesses. One of which offered me an interview, but it was on the same day as another interview I had for a large local supermarket.

I began losing my sight three years ago. Life was becoming difficult for myself, my husband and our son. Beverley Hiden contacted me from Rooftop and offered her assistance. We were living in a three bedroom house and were due to be affected by the ‘bedroom tax.’

This was a lot easier and safer for me to move around. We even had a secure garden so I could have a guide dog. Life is easier for me now in this smaller, more suitable property and its proving cheaper to live in too. I’ve recently met Philippa and we are talking about the future and if I can find a part time job. She’s even talked to my son about work and training opportunities.

I wasn’t sure about benefits and the financial side so I contacted Philippa again. She was able to show me how much I would earn in each job so I was able to make an informed choice which position to take. This has proved very useful and made sure that the money coming into our house is as much as it can be - important when you have a family. I know that Philippa and Beverley are only a call away if I need any more advice. Thank you again for all your help.

Archie, from Worcester

I actually got the job at the supermarket as a personal shopper over the Christmas period. I’ve worked hard, been on time, shown more than willing and they’ve kept me on. Going to bed early and having to get up at the crack of dawn to get to work is tough, I really do struggle at times. But then I stop and remember what being unemployed was like and actually I’d settle for the early nights and the early starts any day.

Money advice service

Issue 83 Spring 2015

David, from Pershore

One of the first things we did was take a look at my CV and improve it. We also met at the local library and I got used to using the computer to job search.

Ronnie, from Drakes Broughton

I would like to say a massive thank you to Philippa, who has taken the time to support me this last year. I have come a long way from the person I once was because she The rules about Job Seekers never gave up on me even when Allowance have changed and can I was at my lowest. She has truly be quite confusing, but Philippa was been an amazing advisor. Helping able to explain the changes to me. me to write my CV, pointing me I was burying my head in the in the right direction and helping sand until Philippa showed me I me fill out the forms to claim ESA would be better off in paid work. after my mental health started She gave me the incentive to get deteriorating again. To me she focused and this has increased my has become more than just a confidence. Work and Money Advisor, she has become a friend. 2015 is going to be my year. I’m on top of my finances, I’m budgeting Mr & Mrs Johnson, well and I’m far more focused on finding work. from Evesham Though both in poor health, my Dan, from Badsey husband and I were still working. Philippa has really helped me look It was a real struggle for us to for employment. She has advised maintain our part time positions me on my CV, job searching and and neither of us could have interview techniques and even managed full time. We had to arranged mock interviews for me dip into our savings to cover our to practice. living costs and these savings were quickly decreasing. She has also helped me sort out my benefits while I am looking We’d read about the Money for employment. Philippa and I Advice Service Rooftop offers regularly meet and speak on the residents, so we called into the phone regarding my job searching office for a chat with Beverley. and has been a great help to me. We never realised that we could claim housing benefit. Beverley helped us with the claim and we were successful in receiving three months backdated housing benefit.

She talked to us about claiming for Personal Independence Payment, a benefit for people with disabilities. Not only were we both awarded this benefit, but we were able to claim for Carers Allowance and Pension Credit too. Yes, we miss working and seeing our colleagues, but we don’t miss having to get up at 5:00am with aches and pains. We had no idea we were entitled to claim anything at all and we are very grateful to Beverley for helping us.

Can we help you too? Our Money Advice, Work and Support Service is open to all Rooftop residents. If you are interested in speaking to one of our advisers, please call either: Beverley Hiden on 0777 2579906 Philippa Sandt on 07854 717459 They can help you with: • CV writing • Interview skills • Job seeking skills • MyWorkSearch • Confidence building • Budgeting advice • Benefit checks • Charity applications • Food parcel requests • Voluntary work

Fire safety

MAKE A BEDTIME CHECK You are more at risk from a fire when asleep. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to check your home before you go to bed.

Check list Close internal doors at night to stop a fire from spreading Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on like your freezer Check your cooker is turned off Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave the washing machine on Turn heaters off and put up fireguards Put candles and cigarettes out properly Make sure exits are kept clear Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them

Shout it from the Rooftop

Andy’s column

Issue 83 Spring 2015

Spring gardening with Andy Meet Andy, our NEW resident columnist. He’s going to be giving us gardening information and tips throughout the year. Read his Spring advice.... Looking out of my window this morning, a typical late winter scene, tiny diamonds of frost creating a silver veil across the lawns and hedges. But on closer inspection there is the stirring of life, the tips of the hedgerows and trees are starting to swell. Look out for snowdrops, always such a joy to see they bravely make a show when most other plants are still sound asleep. Over the next few weeks crocuses, daffodils and eventually drifts of bluebells will grace our woodlands, shouting out ‘this is spring! It has arrived!’ So now is the time to start our work in the garden...

Climbing plants When conditions permit, plant climbers in prepared ground or containers. Feed and mulch established plants after a long winter. They will need it!

Start planting aquatic and marginal plants. Clear any blanket weed and thin out oxygenating plants.

Roses Spray against pests and diseases. Prune large bush roses, miniature roses and standard roses. Now is also the time to topdress container grown varieties.

Start planting in the ground or in containers.

Cut out dead, diseased and damaged wood. Carry out pruning and pollarding from early to mid spring. Renovate evergreen hedges up to about mid spring and don’t forget, this is the time to take softwood cuttings to plant up.

Remember to prune your buddleias and hydrangeas. Cut out all dead and dying wood.

Ponds and water gardens

Annuals and biennials Ornamental trees

Ornamental shrubs

Bulbs In early to mid spring plant snowdrops whilst in green. Plant summer flowering bulbs too in prepared ground or in containers. Be sure to divide dahlia tubers.

Lawns Lay turf or sow lawn seed mid to late spring. Lightly roll, scarify and fertilize. Use lawn sand if moss is a problem. Well this is all I can fit in for this spring, so I wish you all well and happy Spring gardening!

Andy 21

Competitions

Puzzle If you get a moment, make yourself a cuppa, sit down and try your hand at our puzzles. You can use the form on the back of your magazine to enter your answers and you may even win a £10 Tesco voucher!

Spot the difference! Look at the two images on the right. There are 10 differences between the two. Can you spot them all?

Just for

fun!

Send us your photos Have you taken a professional looking shot that you’d like to show off? Found a really old photo of the local area? Send them into us! We’ll print the best one in the magazine – perhaps even on the cover! And all entries will appear on our Resident Online Gallery at www.rooftopgroup.org Please send your photos to: communications@rooftopgroup.org

Blast from the past! Check out this photo we found of Bridge Street, Evesham, taken in the 1920’s. Amazing!

Pages

Enter for a chance t o win a

£10

Tesco voucher!

Can you discover the secret word?

Find all the clues in our word search to discover a secret word. They can be up, down, diagonal or even backwards. The letters that are not used spell out the answer. Clue: A layer of gases surrounding a planet. EARTH PLUTO URANUS COMET ASTRONAUTS SATURN MERCURY SUN

ROCKET ORBIT JUPITER NEPTUNE VENUS SATELLITE GRAVITY

Try to name the mystery objects! Study the two photos on the left and see if you can work out what they are?

Enter for a chance t o win a

£10

Tesco voucher!

Well done to last issue’s winners!

Competition terms:

Winter wordsearch The answer was: BAROMETER The winner was: Joanne Newman from Evesham.

Please note that winners will be picked at random from the correct entries, by the Communications Panel, and their decision is final.

Winter mystery objects The answers were: SELLOTAPE and CHRISTMAS LIGHTS The winners were: H. Perkins from Bretforton and William Pattinson from Gloucester.

Closing date for entries is Friday 12 June 2015

Responses Use our back page to send in your entries for our competitions and to ask Ian, our Group Chief Executive, a question. Just fill in the sections you want to, including the ‘Your details’ section. Cut this back page out and send it to our address on the right of this page. You can also email your competition entries or questions for the Group Chief Executive, to communications@rooftopgroup.org

www.rooftopgroup.org Name Address

Telephone Email The closing date for all competitions is Friday 12 June 2015

enquiries@rooftopgroup.org 0800 0421 800 Rooftop Housing Group 70 High Street Evesham WR11 4YD @Rooftop_Housing

Rooftop Housing Group

Spring word search answer:

‘What are our mystery objects?’ answers:

A B

Dear Ian...

Our Head Office is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (except on Wednesday when we open at 9.30am). If you would like the information in this magazine translated into another language, audio, or larger print please contact one of our customer advisors. If you would like to make a complaint, please phone your housing officer and ask for our complaints form.