Homing in issue 35 April 2016

Homingin 35th Edition • April 2016

Homing In costs 25p a copy to print

Helping hand for

g n i n Ken Park

page 3

In this issue

Good Neighbour Winners page 3

New Look Neighbourhood Services page 8-9

Win ÂŁ1,000 in vouchers! page 20

Dear Reader

W

ell done to the winners of our 2015 Good Neighbour of the Year Awards!

We were delighted to present the prizes to our worthy winner Lorraine Jones, who received £150 in shopping vouchers. Our fantastic runners-up Steve Jones and Stuart Brown received £75 in vouchers.

Going the extra mile for a neighbour, or a local community, can make such a big difference and is definitely something worth celebrating. To find out more about our winners check out page 3.

Contents Good Neighbour winners!

3

Helping hand for Kenning Park

3

Putting customers first

4

Work and training

5

In this issue we’ve included information about important changes to the way we deliver our Neighbourhood Services. We have introduced a new team of Housing and Support Officers and Managers for each area – so you will notice a change in faces.

The Housing and Support staff will continue to deliver the normal estate and tenancy management services, but they will also be responsible for carrying out some of the independent living service duties.

To find out more about the changes and the staff for your area – turn to page 8/9.

Finally, why not take the

Estates Walkabout

opportunity to win £1,000 in shopping vouchers with our Direct Debit prize draw.

Anyone setting up a new Direct Debit, between now and the end of September will be automatically entered into a national prize draw for one of five top prizes. Direct Debit is the easiest and quickest way to pay your rent – and our staff will help you set one up.

To find out more about the competition turn to page 20.

You could be a winner!

No English? No problem?

This magazine is available in large Braille and audio CD on request.

print,

We Care We want all of our customers to be able to understand the

Regeneration and renewal

6-7

information we provide about our services. If you have any difficulty reading or understanding this information please contact us by telephone 01246 217670. You will not be charged for the TALKBACK service.

Changes to Neighbourhood Services

8-9

& 01430 457421 (CANTONESE) & 01430 457423 (MANDARIN)

& 01430 457426 (URDU)

Working with local communities 10-11 Estate Walkabouts

& 01430 457424 (POLISH)

12-13

Information updates

14

Are you insured?

15

Health and Wellbeing

16

Find a home

17

Making your money go further

18

Useful Contacts

19

Chance to win £1000 in shopping vouchers

20

2 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

& 01430 457422 (ITALIAN)

& 0800 731 7878 (OTHER LANGUAGES)

& 01430 457425 (PUNJABI)

TALK BACK

! rs e n in w r u o b h ig e N d o o G Congratulations to the winners of our 2015 Good Neighbour Awards!

We were inspired by the kindness and care shown by all you good neighbours out there – and it’s nice to know your efforts are very much appreciated.

The nominations just go to show the difference a good neighbour can make to someone’s life. It is the little, as well as the big things, that can be so important.

Definitely, something worth celebrating.

Steve Jones (left)

The winner was Lorraine Jones from Morton, who was nominated by her neighbour Wendy Johnson. Lorraine was awarded £150 in shopping vouchers.

Said Wendy: “Lorraine has been incredible, taking me to the doctors and hospital, and doing my shopping. She brings me healthy home cooked meals, does household chores, and organises coach day trips for me. My life would not be the same without her. I am surely blessed to have her as a loving and caring neighbour.”

The two runners-up each received £75 in shopping vouchers The kindness of Steve Jones (pictured left), from Dronfield earned the praise of his neighbour who said: “He is always friendly and welcoming and supportive. He even takes my bins for me each week and returns them. He also helps me to keep my garden clear of blown rubbish. But more than his assistance is his happy,

Good Neighbour finalist Stuart Brown

pleasant nature. A true, friendly neighbour.”

Our other runner-up is Stuart Brown from Dronfield Woodhouse.

The neighbour who nominated him, said: “I nominated Stuart because he is caring, considerate and always there for both myself and my partner. He also helps us with things around the house… helped us clear out our shed and helped with our gardening. He has also been there for us when we had a bereavement.”

Helping hand for Kenning Park Our young Community Improvers dug deep to help Clay Cross Parish Council install four new benches in Kenning Park.

The benches are close to the Meadow Farm Pond and will allow visitors lovely views of the lake.

On behalf of Clay Cross Parish

Council, Cllr Ted Mansbridge who made the benches, said: “I would like to thank the Community Improvers who took part, Dave Rossiter from the Kenning Park Community Group and Rykneld Homes for their work.

“We hope these benches will be used and provide a great asset to the park.”

Cllr Mansbridge with Rykneld's Community Improvers

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

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Putting customers first Thanks to everyone who supported our successful Volunteering event at the Proact Stadium in March.

W

e invited tenants and residents to come along and find out about the volunteering and involvement opportunities available at Rykneld Homes.

Speaking at the event, our Managing Director Lorraine Shaw, said: “It’s great to see so many people interested in becoming involved in what we do.

Customer support plays an important part in helping us to provide the best customer services we can.

“Our Business Plan for the coming year puts customer care at the heart of what we do.

Although we receive very high customer service satisfaction ratings, we are conscious that we can do more. In future there will be a people first emphasis and increased working with our customers to find out what kind of services you want us to deliver.

“For tenants and residents who work with us, we offer a number 4 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

of benefits including access to training and development opportunities.”

The Volunteering event included contributions from our team of involved tenants who explained how tenants make a real difference to the services we provide.

Godfrey Kerry, Chair of the Rykneld Homes Tenant Scrutiny Panel, told the audience: “We have looked at everything from how Rykneld Homes grants funding to local community groups to the standard of homes when they are let to new tenants.

“Being involved with Rykneld Homes is a very rewarding experience and one which can make a real difference for tenants.”

Bob Steer, from the Danesmoor and Clay Cross Tenant and Pictured right: Our Community Improvers encouraged more volunteers to join us

Residents Group, said Rykneld Homes supported and funded local tenant groups and had worked with them to resolve problems and raise money for charity.

Denise Kniveton from the Tenant Inspectors group said she was proud of the work they had done. “Our work is about ensuring that future tenants get the best possible services. It has been an interesting and very worthwhile experience and I would encourage others to come and join in.”

If you are interested in joining one of our tenant involvement groups, please contact our Community Involvement Team on 01246 217670.

g n i n i a r T d n a k r Wo Young Enterprise Well done to all the schools who took part in the North Derbyshire finals of the national Young Enterprise competition.

Rykneld Homes was delighted to support the event, which aims to find and encourage the business leaders of tomorrow. Seven schools battled it out – with Brookfield Community School judged the overall winner.

We sponsored the Most Innovative Company category, which was won by pupils at Eckington Secondary School.

Rykneld’s Managing Director, Lorraine Shaw, presented them

Lorraine Shaw, Managing Director of Rykneld Homes (centre) presents an award to Eckington School.

with their award.

“Well done to all the pupils who took part in this year’s Young Enterprise. Your enthusiasm and commitment really shone through. The area finals were a real showcase for all your great ideas!,” said Lorraine.

As part of the competition we

Award finalists We were delighted to be finalists in the Efficiency East Midlands Awards in February, which celebrate the best in regional business.

Rykneld Homes was runner-up in the Apprentice of the Year Over 25s category. Melvyn Kitsull, in our Customer Services section, was shortlisted for the award. Melvyn, who is a tenant of Rykneld Homes, joined the organisation as a volunteer eventually securing a permanent

Melvyn Kitsull

post on our reception.

In June 2015 he successfully completed his CFA Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Customer Services in the Business Skills Sector. He is now studying for his NVQ Level 3 in Customer Services.

were delighted to work with pupils at Tupton Hall School.

They came up with the business idea of putting three socks in a pack – to help avoid the problem of lost and mis-matched socks!

Before the competition, the team visited Rykneld Homes to try out their sales pitch on staff.

Heather Summers, Head of Neighbourhoods at Rykneld Homes, said: “Our volunteer and apprenticeship programmes not only have an impact on the individuals but the benefits are also passed on to family members and the local community.

“We are proud of the programmes and the positive difference it has made to people’s lives and the reputation we have earned as an organisation which looks to put something back into the communities we serve.”

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

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d n a n o i t a r e n e g Re Feeling the difference Our £4.5million project to fit external wall insulation to hundreds of nontraditionally built homes in the district has made a massive difference to tenants.

As well as fitting insulation, the majority of the 334 Reema homes, received new roofs, and windows.

Within the programme we also completed:

Jessica Cutts

• 234 roofs (including the removal of 186 chimney stacks) • 154 full window replacements and 25 doors, Rykneld Homes has now successfully completed regeneration programmes to just over 22% of its non traditionally built stock.

Tenants whose properties underwent the work received special energy efficiency certificates – with many already noticing the difference the work has made.

Jessica Cutts, from North Wingfield, said: “There’s a huge difference – it stays warmer for longer. I can turn the heating off at night and the house will still

Tarrans This spring will see the completion of our Tarran replacement project in Eckington and Killamarsh.

We have now replaced 99 outdated Tarran bungalows with 6 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

129 modern properties – a mixtures of bungalows and family homes.

We are planning to commemorate the achievement with tenants and say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in the schemes.

Nigel Barker, Chair of Rykneld Homes, said: “We are very proud

be warm in the morning” “The workmen who did the cladding were really nice people, nice and polite and I got on well with them” “It’s a lot better – I’ve heard lots of other people say so as well.

The old paint used to flake off when it rained and would turn black and look dirty – that doesn’t happen now.”

of the Tarran replacement project which has created new Council homes that we can be proud of.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all the tenants who have worked with us on this – we could not have done it without your co-operation and patience.”

Renewal Renishaw Roofing More homes in the district have benefited from new roofing.

Rykneld Homes, in partnership with Avonside Roofing, has successfully completed the installation of new roofs to 99 ‘Reema’ style properties in Renishaw.

In conjunction with this scheme we also ran a heating replacement programme where outdated heating systems were replaced with modern, energy efficient combi boilers. We also took the opportunity to remove redundant chimney stacks which will reduce future maintenance costs.

Pictured right: Houses on Circular Drive at Renishaw had new roofs fitted

Caring for bats!

During our North Wingfield roofing work in 2015 we found some unusual visitors to one of the homes! We contacted Natural England who identified the species as ‘roosting bats’ and consequently works for this property were put on hold.

Our Contractor was instructed to adopt a strict ‘stop on site policy’ should they suspect any further ‘house bats’ in the area as bats are a protected species.

Our increased vigilance resulted in an additional property being put on hold due to suspicion of

roosting. An ecological consultant was immediately contacted to advise on how best to proceed.

Their report recommended two ‘bat activity surveys’ are carried out on the above properties when bats are active between May and August.

As a result, Rykneld Homes has booked in the further surveys and works have been put on hold until we have an outcome from the survey clarifying if we are able to proceed under a ‘Low Impact Licence for Bats’ later in the year. www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

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u o b h g i e N r u o o Changes t

O

are advertised in our Homing In ver the past magazine. See pages 12/13. months we have Our staff have been out and made some about on the March and April changes and improvements to the way we deliver our neighbourhood Areas Areas services.

• Dronfield • Eckington As part of these improvements we have integrated our estate and tenancy management functions with the Independent Living Service. This will provide a more consistent service for our customers with the ability to offer increased levels of tenancy support where this is required.

The job titles have therefore changed and our previous Neighbourhood Support Officers and Independent Living Wardens have now become Housing and Support Officers.

Each of our seven areas is looked after by a team of two Housing and Support Officers, managed by a Housing and Support Manager.

We will continue to conduct independent living visits in line with our contract with individual customers and Derbyshire County Council.

We will also continue to carry out our quarterly estate walkabouts which

walkabouts, meeting with tenants – the next walkabouts are scheduled for June/July.

We have included a chart which

Neighbourhood Service

• Dronfield Woodhouse • Coal Aston • Apperknowle • Hundall • Marsh Lane • Unstone • Ridgeway • Holmesfield HousingsupportP1@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

• Arkwright • Calow • Barlow • Cutthorpe • Duckmanton HousingsupportP2@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

Areas

Areas

• Killamarsh • Renishaw • Holymoorside • Wadshelf HousingsupportP3@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

• Ashover • Brackenfield • Clay Cross • Holmgate • Kelstedge • Littlemoor • Stonebroom • Wessington • Woolley Moor HousingsupportP4@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

Housing & Support Manager

Housing & Support Manager

Housing & Support Manager

Housing & Support Manager

Lea Owen Tel: 07770 678025

Sarah Allen Tel: 07964 124194

Wanda Hudson Tel: 07815 445066

Jake Hill Tel: 07837 822925

Housing & Support Officer

Housing & Support Manager

Housing & Support Officer

Housing & Support Officer

Danny Frankson Tel: 07770 646475

Danielle Gould Tel: 07854 680704

Joe Wykes Tel: 07770 678217

Tracey Patilla Tel: 07980 751547

Rebecca Charlesworth Tel: 07816 912105

Eve Hagon Tel: 07816 446173

Liz Marriott Tel: 07976 575314

Louise Rowley Tel: 07770 672637

8 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

urhood Services shows the managers and officers for each of the seven areas.

Additional information about your area can also be found on our

website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk by clicking on the local area map.

es Structure Chart Areas

Areas

Areas

• Grassmoor • Shirland • Temple Normanton • Tupton HousingsupportP5@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

• Danesmoor • Hepthorne Lane • North Wingfield HousingsupportP6@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

• Heath • Holmewood • Mickley • Morton • Pilsley • Wingerworth HousingsupportP7@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

Housing & Support Manager

Housing & Support Manager

Housing & Support Manager

Matthew Yeomans Tel: 07770 643742

George Wachlarz Tel: 07792 952689

Maria Stanojevic Tel: 07770 646593

Housing & Support Officer

Housing & Support Officer

Housing & Support Manager

Laura Richardson Tel: 07770 653124

Kellie Stevens Tel: 07792 494134

Nathan Redfern Tel: 07770 678030

Danuta Czubak Tel: 07813 521106

Jo Ball

Sheila Cooke (Pt) Tel: 07816 446092

Susan Astbury (Pt)

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

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l a c o l h t i w g n i Work

Kurling craze is big hit!

More groups are signing up to learn the indoor game of Kurling!

I

t’s like outdoor curling but without the ice and can be played by everyone on most floor surfaces!

Last year Rykneld Homes, together with the Council’s Village Games team, took kurling to several groups at local community centres and is delighted the game appears to have really caught on.

Three new groups are playing kurling as one of their social activities: Apperknowle, Holmewood and Holmgate and more than 60 older people have

10 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

become involved on a regular basis. The latest areas to give it a try are Killamarsh and youth clubs in Holmgate and Holmewood, where participants enjoyed the challenge.

Indoor kurling can be played by all age groups and abilities and can be played from a standing position, or the comfort of your chair, meaning even those with limited mobility can join in the fun.

Rykneld Homes was keen to encourage more older people to become socially active and is encouraging kurling groups to be formed at local social and community centres. Tenants at our Marx Court sheltered flats complex in Clay Cross are now enjoying regular sessions. If you’re interested, please get in touch with the Community Involvement Team.

Funding Workshops We are keen to help local groups access any funding opportunities – whether through Rykneld Homes or external organisations.

To help raise awareness about what kind of help might be on offer we held a special funding workshop at the Holmgate Darby and Joan Club.

Eight local organisations attended the meeting and we were able to give information and advice about applying.

As a result of the workshop we have linked up with Cutthorpe Cricket Club and our team of young Community Improvers will be helping with a clean-up day in Cutthorpe this month.

s e i t i n u m m o c Cycle maintenance As part of our commitment to promote health and wellbeing for families, we are holding a series of cycle maintenance workshops in Mickley.

This is linked to the development of the Mickley BMX track which is a fantastic facility for the whole village and surrounding area.

We want to encourage more families to relax and spend leisure time together and cycling is a great way to get out and about.

After consulting with the local community, we discovered that many people wanted to start cycling but had broken bikes

they couldn’t repair. Together with Bolsover Extreme Wheels, we arranged the cycle maintenance workshops to show people how to maintain their bikes.

Any families attending all three sessions will receive a cycle toolkit.

Promote your group training Our Community Involvement Team recently teamed up with Age Concern and North Derbyshire Voluntary Action to deliver two training sessions to offer tips and advice to groups and organisations on how to promote themselves affectively.

The sessions took place in Dronfield and Holmgate and were incredibly well attended, with over 50

people attending over the two sessions. The groups learnt about how to take full advantage of different techniques for promoting themselves. It is hoped this will enable groups to sustain themselves into the future, through stronger membership and better access to volunteers and funding.

Tinnitus Support An estimated six million people in the UK (10% of the population) are believed to suffer to some degree from Tinnitus - often described as a ringing or humming noise in the ears. According to NHS figures, for about 600,000 (1%) of sufferers, it affects their quality of life.

Rykneld Homes was able to support the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus Support Group to hold a 30th anniversary conference this month, as well as events in Dronfield, Arkwright and Clay Cross. The group applied for funding through our Neighbourhood Improvement Budget – our grant scheme that helps local organisations improve their communities.

The Tinnitus group offers a range of support and advice services.

• Access to lay counselling and one to one support • Information on managing stress and relaxation techniques • Participation in meetings • Regular newsletters with advice, information and support.

For more information about the work of the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire group, contact 01246 380415 or email mail@tinnitussupport.org.uk www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 11

s t u o b a k l a W Estate Apperknowle Thursday 7 July at 3:00pm. Meeting at New Road/High Street junction

Arkwright Tuesday 14 June at 10am. Meeting at the Arkwright Centre.

Ashover Tuesday 21 June at 10am. Meeting on the corner of Malthouse Lane.

Central Area Tuesday 5 July at 11am.

Meeting at Park Row car park.

Coal Aston Friday 8 July at 10.30am. Meeting adjacent to 1 Rawlins Court.

Cutthorpe Friday 15th July at 3:30pm. Meeting to the front of 2 Riggotts Way.

Danesmoor

Calow

Penncroft Lane/Drive Area Wednesday 8 June at 1pm. Meeting outside Penncroft Lane flats.

Bevan Road Area Wednesday 15 June at 1pm. Meeting at Bevan/Cemetery Road junction.

Pine View/The Square Area Wednesday 15 June at 2pm. Meeting at end of Beech Way.

Thursday 23 June at 10am. Meeting at Central Drive car park.

Dronfield

Barlow Friday 15 July 1.30pm. Meeting at Springfield/Valley Road junction.

Brackenfield Tuesday 7 June at 10.40am. Meeting at School/Carr Lane junction.

Clay Cross Angel Estate Thursday 21 July at 11am.

Meeting outside 1 Queen Street.

Clay Lane Friday 15 July at 2pm.

Meeting at entrance to Appian Way. Florence Rd Area Tuesday 19 July at 10am. Meeting at High Hazel Court car park.

12 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Snapehill Thursday 9 June at 10.30am.

Meeting at the bottom garage site on Marsh Ave. Fletcher Ave/Central Area Friday 10 June at 10.30am. Meeting on the corner of Gledhill Close/School Lane.

Hartington/Stonelow Area Thursday 9 June at 11.30am. Meeting on the corner of Hartington Rd/Green Lane.

Dronfield Woodhouse Thursday 2 June at 11am. Meeting at the Communal Room, Moray Place.

Duckmanton Tuesday 14 June at 11.30am. Meeting at top of Robertson Ave.

Eckington Central Thursday 2 June at 10.30am.

Meeting at Eckington Area Housing Office.

Woodview/Pitt St Thursday 9 June at 10.30am. Meeting outside Eckington Friendship Hall, Berry Ave Castle Hill Thursday 7 July at 10.30am.

Meeting at Castle Hill/Castle Hill Close junction.

Birkhill/Fanshaw Estates Wednesday 20 July at 10.30am. Meeting on road outside Birkhill School, Chestnut Ave.

Gosforth Valley Thursday 7 July at 11.30am. Meeting at the parking area adjacent to 1 Sheards Drive.

Grassmoor Broom Drive/Southend Area Wednesday 8 June at 1.30pm. Meeting on Mill Lane (Working Men’s Club).

Chapman Lane/New St Area/Shakespeare/Tennyson Way Area Tuesday 7 June at 10am. Meeting outside Community Centre, New Street.

Heath Thursday 9 June at 11am. Meeting at Heath Rd/Heather Ave junction.

Hepthorne Lane Friday 24 June at 9.30am. Meeting at Hambleton Ave/Bright St junction.

Holmesfield Friday 10 June at 3.30pm. Meeting at Woodside Ave/Woodside View junction.

Holmewood Thursday 23 June at 10am. Meeting at Heath Road/Searston Avenue junction.

Holmgate Friday 15 July at 2pm. Meeting at Holmgate Community Centre Car Park.

Holymoorside Tuesday 14 June at 10.30am. Meeting at Heather Way car park.

Hundall Thursday 7 July at 3.30pm. Meeting next to the Miners Arms Public House.

Kelstedge Tuesday 21 June at 10.45am. Meeting at Causeway House.

Killamarsh Central Wednesday 1 June at 10.30am.

Meeting at Killamarsh Area Housing Office.

Sheepcote Estate Thursday 2 June at 10:30am. Meeting at 14 Sheepcote Road.

Norwood & Rotherwood Wednesday 6 July at 10:30am. Meeting on Cross Street.

Westthorpe & Manor Thursday 7 July at 10:30am. Meeting at 4 Manor Road

Littlemoor Tuesday 21 June at 11.15am. Meeting at Alton Lane.

Marsh Lane Wednesday 6 July at 2pm. Meeting at Bramley Road/Ridge Road junction.

Mickley Wednesday 20 July at 10am. Meeting on Mickley Lane garage site car park.

Morton

Wadshelf

Maltby Ave Area Thursday 14 July at 10.30am. Meeting on Maltby Ave. Evershill Lane Area Thursday 14 July at 11am. Meeting on Evershill Lane.

Wednesday 13 July at 10.30am.

Meeting in the parking area on School Lane.

North Wingfield

Tuesday 7 June at 10am. Meeting at Hill Crest Ave/Back Lane junction.

Williamthorpe Rd/Dark Ln Tuesday 21 June at 9.30am. Meeting at parking area near Scout hut on Holbrook Ave. Whiteleas Ave/Ashford Ave Tuesday 14 June at 9.30am. Meeting at North Wingfield Resource Centre car park Alma Rd/Lings Cres Thursday 9 June at 9.30am. Meeting at North Wingfield Resource Centre car park.

Pilsley Wednesday 6 July at 10am. Meeting at the Hallgate Ln/Broom Ave junction.

Renishaw Wednesday 1 June at 2pm. Meeting at Hague Ln/Carrwood Rd junction.

Ridgeway Friday 3 June at 10am. Meeting in Ridgeway Craft Centre Car Park.

Shirland Byron St Area Friday 15 July at 10am.

Meeting at Byron St/Hallfieldgate Lane junction.

School Close Area Friday 15 July at 10.30am. Meeting on School Close.

St Leonards Place Area Friday 15 July at 11am. Meeting outside 49 St Leonards Place.

Wessington Wingerworth Adlington Estate Monday 13 June at 2pm. Meeting on Halcyon Approach.

Allendale Estate Monday 13 June at 2.45pm. Meeting outside the Allendale Flats.

Woolley Moor Thursday 16 June at 10am. Meeting at Hawthorne Close.

Springing to life in North Wingfield Back in our last edition of Homing In, we told you about a bulb planting session on Hucklow Avenue in North Wingfield. Now spring has sprung and the result is a transformed patch of open space (see below).

Stonebroom Tuesday 26 July at 10.30am.

Meeting at Birkinstyle Lane/Birkinstyle Ave junction.

Temple Normanton Thursday 9 June at 10am.

Meeting on Elm Street.

Tupton Queen Victoria Road Estate Wednesday 13 July at 10am.

Meeting outside 119 Derby Road.

Davenport/Wingfield Road Thursday 14 July at 1.30pm.

Unstone Thursday 7 July at 2pm.

Meeting at Hardhurst Road/Whittington Lane junction. www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 13

Information update Help us to help you Fencing around your home In this issue of Homing In we are reminding you about the repair and maintenance responsibilities for any fencing or hedges around your home.

You are responsible for the maintenance and repair of fencing and hedges, which must be kept in a satisfactory condition.

If you wish to remove, replace or install new fencing or hedging, you must obtain written permission from Rykneld Homes first. You should not remove any fencing or install or replace a gate without first seeking permission.

Our Fencing and Boundary Policy sets out regulations for the height of any fencing or boundary you might install.

If at the end of a tenancy Rykneld Homes has to remove damaged or unsafe fencing, the work will be charged to the departing tenant.

The Council operates a garden assistance scheme for tenants who are unable to carry out such work.

For more information visit www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk 14 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

When we carry out repairs or maintenance work at your home we want the working environment to be as safe as possible for you and our operatives.

To help avoid any accidents, please could we request that dogs are kept away from the work area, to allow our staff safe access and to prevent any injury to your pet.

It would also be very helpful if any items kept in storage areas – such as airing cupboards, where repair and maintenance work is scheduled to take place, could be removed before our operatives arrive.

This will help speed up the time our staff take to carry out the repair and avoid any damage to the items.

Protecting your privacy At Rykneld Homes we are sometimes contacted by a relative or friend of a tenant who wishes to speak with us on their behalf.

Before we can discuss any personal or sensitive issues with a third party, we have to be certain that the tenant is in agreement with us disclosing information about them.

There are strict Data Protection rules in place which govern what kind of information can be disclosed about our tenants and residents.

Each case is assessed against these rules and a decision made whether we are able to speak with the third party. For instance, we would be willing to discuss information about organising a repair but not

about issues such as rent arrears or benefit claims.

Because the law is very strict about disclosure of information, we have to have a tenant’s written permission to give information to somebody acting for them. We have a Data Protection, Third Party Consent Form. This form gives permission for Rykneld Homes to speak to the person named on the form This form is a tenant’s consent to disclose information that is protected under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

On request we will send a copy of the form for the tenant to fill in and sign and indicate the name and address of the person they are willing for us to speak to about them.

Are you insured?

Get yourself home insurance is the advice of our Tenant Scrutiny Panel.

A

s a tenant you are responsible for taking out your own household insurance as Rykneld Homes does not insure your furniture, electrical goods, belongings or decorations against theft, fire, vandalism and burst pipes.

Members of our Scrutiny Panel have spent the last few weeks looking at insurance policies available to tenants and comparing them with the one currently available through North East Derbyshire District Council and Rykneld Homes.

They are satisfied it offers competitive rates with the following benefits: • The premiums are fixed for five years – allowing you to budget more accurately • You can pay weekly with your rent • There is no excess charge – unlike many insurance schemes • There is a new for old policy This scheme is open to all Rykneld Homes tenants. If you would like to know more about this please call the Customer Service Team on 01246 217670 Godfrey Kerry, Chair of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel, said: “We want to remind everyone that they are responsible for insuring their households goods – they are not covered by Rykneld Homes.

“We think it is very important that tenants do take out home insurance as the cost of replacing damaged or stolen items can be high.

“Even if you have insurance you should check from time to time that you have the right amount of cover and that you are not under insured.”

Payment of the premium The cost of insurance is payable weekly along with your rent. To work out your weekly insurance payment, refer to the table 'Standard Cover', which is found on this page.

Insurance for your home contents When you take out this insurance your household goods and contents will be insured in your home. Just think how much it would cost to replace items such as televisions, computers, carpets, furniture, cookers, washes and fridges if you did not have insurance cover.

For as little as 50p a week - over a 48 week rent period - you can insure for £6,000 of goods.

Tenant Scrutiny Panel

Standard Cover SUM INSURED

Weekly Premium (48 Weeks)

£ 6,000 £ 7,000 £ 8,000 £ 9,000 £ 10,000 £ 15,000 £ 20,000 £ 25,000 £ 30,000 £ 35,000 £ 40,000

£ 0.50 £ 0.58 £ 0.66 £ 0.75 £ 0.83 £ 1.25 £ 1.66 £ 2.08 £ 2.49 £ 2.91 £ 3.32

Keeping up the payments To make sure that you are always covered, you must keep up to date with your payments. www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 15

Health and wellbeing Our Community Involvement Team has been working with local Foodbank groups to look at healthy ways to cook some of the ingredients they receive.

W

hy not try this tasty and easy to make recipe from Rykneld Homes' own mini cookbook!

It's been put together by the Community Involvement Team.

The book contains some of the recipes they use including this one for spaghetti bolognese.

Recipes from the cookbook can be found on our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Spaghetti Bolognese Serves: 4 People

Instructions

Ingredients

1. Add the oil to a big based pan and gently fry the onion, garlic and carrots.

• 500g Minced Beef • 1 Onion (Chopped) • 1 Clove of Garlic (Crushed) • 2 Carrots (Chopped) • 100g Mushrooms (Sliced) • 1 Tin of Chopped Tomatoes • 1 Tablespoon Tomato Puree • 1 Beef Stock Cube (Dissolved in 250ml Hot Water) • 1 Teaspoon Mixed Herbs • 1 Teaspoon Sugar • Salt and Pepper to Season • 1 Tablespoon Oil • 300g Spaghetti

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2. Once the onions have softened, add the beef and brown.

3. Add all the other ingredients; stir and leave to simmer for 30 minutes (add a little more water while cooking if needed).

4. Cook the spaghetti for 12 minutes, drain, then add to the Bolognese sauce with a little of the spaghetti water.

5. Mix it all in well then serve.

Participants on the Mickley cooking sessions received a set of kitchen knives for completing the course.

Healthy eating in Mickley The Community Involvement Team worked with users and volunteers at the Mickley Foodbank to hold four healthy cooking and eating sessions.

Participants were given advice and information about how to use foodbank ingredients to make nutritous, easy to make, tasty meals.

Everyone who attended all four of the sessions received a special gift – a set of kitchen knives.

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At your service!

This year we are planning some exciting changes to the way you can access the services we provide.

Our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk already offers online access to some of our services – but we want to put you in touch with a whole lot more!

We want to give you more control over when and where you access our services – with everything from checking your rent account to logging a repair available at the touch of a button.

We are excited about the improvements and will be getting in touch soon to give you more information about our plans and the difference they could make to you!

So watch this space…..

Twitter

To help keep everyone up to date with what’s happening at Rykneld Homes we have set up a Twitter account. twitter@rykneld_homes.

We use Twitter to publish information about services such as dates for our estate walkabouts or any events we are holding. So check us out and follow us on Twitter.

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 17

Making your r e h t r u f o g y e n o m If you are experiencing problems paying your rent or household bills, we may be able to offer support and advice.

Our Financial Inclusion Officers work with tenants throughout North East Derbyshire to make sure they are claiming all their benefit entitlements.

The Officers also help tenants to look at what support is available to them to help them to keep their tenancies

Get Advice If you would like to receive advice from our Financial Inclusion Team please contact us on 01246 217670.

Dealing with Debt It is never too late to start dealing with debt but it is crucial that you seek debt help as soon as you realise you’re struggling. Simple steps can help to put you on the right track: n

Work out how much money you have coming in and going out using a budget sheet. You can arrange your payments

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into priority and show how much you have left to pay towards your debts n

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Speak to all the companies you owe money to - they may be able to provide advice and offer a repayment plan if you explain to them the difficulties you are having Pay off your priority debts first - these are debts like rent and Council Tax, which could lead to you losing your home or going to prison

Money Saving Tips Most people have had to cut back due to the current economic climate. Here are some tips to help save you money: n

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Plan how you are going to pay your less urgent debts such as an overdraft or credit card, over a longer period of time Maximise your income - use the Council's Benefits Calculator to ensure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to Do not borrow more money to pay off your debts Minimise spending - visit our Money Saving Tips page at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk for practical ideas of how you can save money

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Consider changing your energy supplier - use a free and impartial service to help you find out if you can save money on your utility bills Use price comparison websites to make sure you get the best deal on any large purchases, insurance, loans and gas and electricity suppliers You can compare the price of your weekly shop - you'll be able to see when a product is on offer at any of the supermarkets and compare the price of your entire shop to make sure you always get the best deal Write a list before you go to the supermarket or do your shopping online this will help to keep you focussed and stop you buying things you don't need

Useful contacts Rykneld Homes Rykneld Homes, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG.

North East Derbyshire District Council District Council Offices, 2013 Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG. Tel: 01246 231111 Or visit our website at: www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

Council Tax and Housing Benefits Tel: 01246 217600

Elections and Electoral Registration Tel: 01246 217069, 217068

Environmental Services Tel: 01246 217610 for abandoned vehicles, Burgundy Bin collection, Bulk Collections, Cleansing, Dog Wardens, Fly Tipping, Pest Control, Pollution Control (air, noise, odour), Recycling initiatives, refuse collection and street cleansing.

Food Safety and Hygiene Tel: 01246 217238, 217239

For all services please call us on 01246 217670

Home Ownership (Right to Buy and Leaseholders)

Or visit our website at: www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Or Text us at 07800 002 425

Tel: 01246 217670 Email righttobuy@ rykneldhomes.org.uk Leaseholdmanagement@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

Housing Offices For all Area Housing Offices at Eckington, Killamarsh, Clay Cross, Dronfield and North Wingfield telephone 01246 217670.

Housing Accounts/Rents Tel: 01246 217670

Repairs

Tenancy Support

For repairs contact 01246 217670.

Emergency housing repairs (including drainage). Only serious emergencies accepted out of hours.

Freephone 08000 121 621.

Text repairs4u to 07800 002 425

Tel: 01246 217670 Text: 07971 793 892 by writing to Community Sustainment, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG or via an Area Housing Office.

Adaptations Tel: 01246 217670 E-mail: adaptations.team@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

Choice Move Tel: 01246 217670 Email: choicemove@ rykneldhomes.org.uk

Community Involvement Team Tel: 01246 217295 Email: get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk

Warden Services Tel: 01246 217670

Homelessness Tel: 01246 231111. For emergency out of hours call Derbyshire out of hours duty team 01629 532600.

During normal office hours if anyone is in need of emergency housing they should contact 01246 231111.

After 5pm the emergency out of hours service kicks in and this is run

by Call Derbyshire (managed by Derbyshire County Council).

The emergency out of hours number is 01629 532600.

Other services Derbyshire Constabulary For non-emergencies phone 101 www.derbyshire.police.uk Chesterfield Jobcentre Plus Tel: 01246 343100 North East Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau Tel: 0300 456 8437

Derbyshire County Council Tel: 08456 058 058 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am - 4pm Saturdays.

Email: contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk Text: 86555 Fax: 01629 585995 Minicom: 01629 585400 By writing to: Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG.

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 19

0 0 ,0 1 £ in w to e c n a h c r u o Y !! s r e h c u o v g in p p o h in s

Why not switch to paying your rent by Direct Debit?

signed s a h s e m o H ld e n Ryk mpaign a c l a n o ti a n a to up Debit supporting Direct king a m e n o y n A . p -u e tak n now e e tw e b e g n a h c the 2016 r e b m te p e S 0 3 d an to a will be entered in to win w ra d e z ri p l a n o ti na f £1,000 o s e z ri p e v fi f o e on ers.* in shopping vouch

Why make the change? n

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Enjoy the peace of mind that your rent will be paid on time, every time with no missed payments

It’s simple to do – you have a choice of four dates when your payment can be taken

It’s convenient – your rent is spread over 12 monthly payments and automatically deducted from your bank account

Safe and guaranteed. Around 2,000 of our tenants already pay by Direct Debit.

You are protected against any incorrect payments and get your money back if there has been a mistake

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Organised – you only need to set up one Direct Debit for the payment of your rent and water charges.

How to apply?

Contact us on 01246 217670 and we will give you the information you need.

Pick up a Direct Debit leaflet from one of our Area Housing Offices.

Go to our website to download a form. www.rykneldhomes.org.uk *Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit the website www.directdebit.co.uk/DirectDebit Promotions/NationalSocialHousingRents The prizes are funded by Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd.

Rykneld Homes Limited is a company limited by guarantee, controlled by North East Derbyshire District Council and registered in England and Wales.

Registered number is 05864912. Registered Office is: Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S42 6NG. Registered Provider number 4608.

Designed by North East Derbyshire District Council 7332