Homing in issue 36 July 2016

Homingin 36th Edition • July 2016

Homing In costs 25p a copy to print

Your chance to win £250 in vouchers!

In this issue

page 3

New home plans page 4-5

You said, We did page 7

Win £1,000 in vouchers page 20

Dear Reader

T

his spring we unveiled exciting plans to build more new homes for rent in our district.

We are planning to create 50 new bungalows and houses on land in North Wingfield.

This is part of our long term ambition to regenerate nontraditionally built Council homes and where possible replace them with modern, energy efficient properties.

We are planning to replace houses on the Whiteleas Estate with new homes on nearby land and have consulted with tenants and residents about the proposals.

To find out more about the scheme – turn to page 4/5.

Rykneld Homes win top award

and maintenance service to how you can get more involved with the work we do.

We would like as many of you as possible to return the surveys. As well as helping us to shape our future service delivery – you could also be in with a chance of winning £250 in shopping vouchers!

We are also offering you the chance to win £1,000 in shopping vouchers by switching to pay your rent by Direct Debit. See our back page for details.

No English? No problem?

Contents Could you be our £250 voucher winner?

3

Lottery funding for Prefab project 3 Regeneration and Renewal

4-5

Facelift for homes in Holmewood

6

You said, We did

7

Supporting skills and training

9

Working with local communities

Our work to regenerate homes earned us a top award in June when we were named best 'Large Scale Project of the Year’ at the Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Regional Awards. Working in partnership with the council, who provided the majority of the funding, we have been able to install External Wall Insulation (EWI) to 334 non-traditional homes making them warmer and easier to heat – turn to page 5.

With this issue of Homing In you should have received your Annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey. This is your opportunity to have a say on the services we provide and let us know where we could strengthen or improve them.

The survey asks you questions about everything from our repairs

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

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

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

10-11

Changes to Housing Benefit

12

Handy hints for a safe BBQ this summer

13

A day in the life...

14-15

Estate Walkabouts

16-17

Supporting tenants & residents

18

Useful Contacts

19

Chance to win £1000 in shopping vouchers

20

2 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

print,

& 01430 457426 (URDU)

& 01430 457424 (POLISH)

& 01430 457422 (ITALIAN)

& 0800 731 7878 (OTHER LANGUAGES)

& 01430 457425 (PUNJABI)

TALK BACK

r? ne in w r he uc vo 50 £2 r ou be u yo d ul Co Fill in our Tenant Satisfaction Survey and you could be the winner of our fantastic prize draw.

Anyone filling in and returning the Survey sent with this edition of Homing In will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win up to £250 in shopping vouchers – that’s a lot better odds than winning anything on the National Lottery!

Each year Rykneld Homes asks tenants and residents what they think about the services we offer.

We do this to make sure that: • our current services meet your needs • we identify what changes need to be made to make them better

• we develop new services to meet changing demands.

It should only take you a few minutes to fill in and we have included a pre-paid envelope for you to return it.

You can also fill the survey in on-line by visiting our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and using the unique code on your survey form.

Return the survey by 5th August 2016 and you could be our lucky prize draw winner!!!

Lottery funding for Prefab project Former Council homes in Eckington and Killamarsh are to be included in a national history project which has received National Lottery Funding.

The Prefab Museum has received £73,600 to help tell the story of prefabricated homes built across the UK to replace housing stock destroyed during the Second World War. Prefabricated ‘Tarran’ bungalows were built in Eckington and

Killamarsh in the 1940s and their story has already been featured on the BBC and in a special exhibition held in London. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Temporary Housing Programme.

Rykneld Homes supported the campaign to set up a national archive to celebrate the important role these buildings played in the lives of so many people.

Niall Clark, Director of Property Services and Development at Rykneld Homes, said: “We are delighted at the award and wish the Prefab Museum well in developing an archive about a much loved national house building programme.”

In North East Derbyshire the 99 Tarran bungalows in

Tarran bungalows in Killamarsh and pictured below new homes in Eckington.

Eckington and Killamarsh have been replaced with 129 modern, energy efficient homes. Their story has been captured by the Prefab Museum which was delighted with the support received from Rykneld Homes and the Tarran tenants.

Elisabeth Blanchet, joint director of the Prefab Museum, said: “We would like to thank Rykneld Homes for their support letter and their general support for our project.” www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

3

d n a n o i t a r e n e Reg Award winners for warmer homes scheme We were delighted to win another prestigious award for our Regeneration work to non-traditional homes across the district.

Rykneld Homes was named winner in the Large Scale Project of the Year category at the Energy Efficiency and Retrofit regional Awards held in Sheffield.

This is for our project to fit External Wall Insulation (EWI) to 334 Reema homes in North Wingfield, Pilsley, Dronfield, Tupton, Holmesfield and Unstone.

In addition to fitting the insulation the majority of the homes also received new roofs and many underwent window replacement and had new heating systems fitted.

The work has made the houses

easier to heat and keep warm and helps address the issue of fuel poverty for some tenants.

The EWI work was carried out by our contractors Westdale Services who together with energy suppliers EDF Energy had secured Green Deal ECO funding for part of the project.

Niall Clark, Director of Property Services and Development at Rykneld Homes, said: “A big congratulations to our team who have worked so hard on this scheme. Many tenants have

Left to right; Regeneration Manager Graham Wingfield; Director of Property Services and Development, Niall Clark; Managing Director Lorraine Shaw and Regeneration Programme Leader, James Lindsay receive the Award.

reported a big difference to the warmth of their homes and have noticed a reduction in the amount of energy they use.

“Through our regeneration programmes to non-traditional housing, we have now completed improvement works to over 20% of the council’s non-traditional stock – which is a great achievement and a real benefit to tenants.”

Warmer homes in Renishaw As part of our warmer homes scheme we are currently carrying out External Wall Insulation works to 135 non-traditional homes in Renishaw.

This will make them easier to heat and keep warm. The work is being carried out by contractors Westdale Services and is scheduled for completion this summer.

4 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

The homes received new roofs earlier this year and we are hoping to secure more funding to carry out similar schemes in other parts of the district.

Niall Clark, Director of Property Services and Development, said: “We are pleased to be able to improve the thermal efficiency of these homes, which should help tenants reduce their energy use.

“Not only are the homes more

energy efficient but the work also improves their external appearance, uplifting the appearance of the street and neighbourhood.”

Renewal New housing estate planned in North Wingfield Plans for a £5million scheme to build new homes in North Wingfield have been unveiled by North East Derbyshire District Council.

The Council is working with its strategic housing partner Rykneld Homes on proposals to create 50 new homes in the village.

The scheme is part of the Council’s long term plans to improve housing across the District – which include new build and refurbishment projects.

Houses and bungalows The proposed North Wingfield development will see homes on the Whiteleas Estate replaced with a new development of houses and bungalows on adjoining land.

North East Derbyshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Betty Hill said, "This is a great opportunity for us to improve the quality of

the housing we are able to provide.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our tenants the chance to move into brand new, modern homes within the heart of North Wingfield.

“This scheme is the latest in a long line of housing regeneration schemes we have been implementing with Rykneld Homes across the District. Our primary aim is to provide better quality and more modern homes for our tenants – and this redevelopment will do just that.”

Tenants and local residents affected by the plans were invited to two public consultation events to hear about the proposed plans and the help and support that will be made available and to establish the needs of the existing community and the impact of the proposals on the different tenures within the estate.

Cllr Hill added, “We have undertaken similar projects elsewhere in the District and we recognise that developments such as this affect people’s lives.

We wanted to make sure our tenants and local residents in the area heard about the plans from us and had the opportunity to ask us any questions.”

Joint working Nigel Barker, Chair of Rykneld Homes, said: “Rykneld Homes in partnership with the District Council have built 161 new homes in the last three years.

“This new scheme at North Wingfield continues the pattern of joint working and we look forward to being able to deliver more new homes for families in the District.”

New homes in Dronfield We are working in partnership with the Council on ambitious plans to convert the former Dronfield Area Housing Office site into housing.

We have launched an architectural design competition for the scheme at Manor Farm. The key strategic approach to this project is to

create a high quality scheme of housing for open market sale, to provide a significant financial surplus to support the Council and Rykneld’s ongoing investment programme in new and refurbished publically owned homes. The project will directly support housing for rent in Dronfield.

Cllr Christine Smith; Lorraine Shaw, Managing Director Rykneld Homes; Niall Clark, Director of Property Services and Development at Rykneld Homes and Cllr Graham Baxter MBE, Leader NEDDC.

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

5

Facelift for homes in

d o o w e Holm Tenants in Holmewood were delighted with the results of a facelift to their homes which completely changed the look of their street.

W

e replaced the wooden porches and front doors to improve the appearance of the properties on The Crescent and make them warmer and more secure.

The wooden porches were originally installed in 1978 and had deteriorated and no longer economical to repair.

At first, there was reluctance from tenants to replace them as the majority wanted the porches to stay. Steve Williams, Contracts Manager for Rykneld Homes worked closely with tenants to provide them with full information and address their

concerns. Tenants were given a choice of door style and colour.

Cllr Kathy Rouse, local Councillor, said: “It’s a lot better now. It’s much nicer and more modern. It’s lifted the area!”

Mrs Bacon, a tenant on The Crescent for six years said: “I wanted the work doing from day one. I can’t say anything they could have done better – I wouldn’t be without it now. I can’t fault the workmen or Rykneld staff whatsoever.”

Mrs Stapleford, a tenant on The Crescent for six years said: “We

Mrs Bacon and Mrs Stapleford outside a new door and porch.

didn’t want to lose our porch to start with as it was extra space but we are really pleased now.

Everyone comments on how nice my door looks. The porch was damp and mouldy. We’re really pleased now it’s been done – I don’t know what we were worried about.”

Speeding up response times In response to the high number of requests for repairs and clearances to gutters, our Property Services Team came up with a solution.

Gutter clearances come with a health and safety risk to operatives as it involves working at height.

6 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

To eliminate this we purchased a Gutter-Vac which is a ladderless cleaning system. It also increases the speed at which clearances can be done.

The Vac comes with a special camera which allows us to survey the gutter to identify the areas that need clearing and any other problems which cannot always be seen without the use of a ladder

such as missing roof tiles.

Ian Barber, Property Services Manager said: “This kit is helping to make great headways into what is now an ever reducing back log of non urgent gutter cleans, with a new dedicated team the future is looking up and so are they!”

You said, We did Garage site clearance

O

ur Housing and Support Officers carry out Estate Inspections on a regular basis. During these inspections, issues were raised by tenants and residents regarding some garage sites. Litter such as empty beer cans had been

left or thrown over into people’s gardens and some of the garages had been vandalised and damaged.

The Killamarsh site had experienced some fire damage with one of the fires becoming quite large.

What we did

Mrs Hannah with Steve Williams from Rykneld Homes

During 2014/15, we demolished four garage sites, two in Killamarsh, one in North Wingfield and one in Dronfield.

Our Regeneration Team worked closely with tenants to ensure they were kept informed of our plans and the schedule of works. We visited all local tenants to answer their questions and address any concerns.

The garages were completely removed and the area was made safe.

Cleared garage site in Killamarsh

Behaviour like this can cause damage to other garages, people’s belongings or vehicles or even to nearby properties.

In some cases the garages themselves formed the boundary to the gardens of neighbouring properties. Once the garages were removed, high fences were erected to offer privacy and security to the adjoining properties,.

Mrs Hannah from Killamarsh who has been a tenant for 25 years, said: “The Anti Social Behaviour used to be terrible.

“It’s so private now - it’s lovely.

I think the work has been wonderful. There is still some noise but I like to hear the kids playing. There are less children hanging around on there now.

“The service I had from Rykneld Homes was great. They were so polite. I had other work done and the workmen were excellent.”

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

7

Safe Places Rykneld Homes has joined a voluntary scheme designed to help vulnerable people stay safe.

The Derbyshire Safe Place Scheme is about local businesses offering people with learning disabilities a temporary place of safety if they need help whilst out and about in the community.

All five of Rykneld Homes Area Housing Offices in Eckington, Killamarsh, Dronfield, Clay Cross and North Wingfield are now Safe Places and will carry the Safe Place logo and posters.

That means they will offer support to anyone carrying a Safe Place Card, by contacting people included on the card or the emergency services

whichever is appropriate. We will also offer the person a suitable place to wait until help arrives.

Lucy Gebbie, Head of Corporate Services at Rykneld Homes, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Safe Place scheme. Our Area Housing Offices are at the centre of local communities and are well placed to offer assistance to anyone carrying a Safe Place Card.”

The scheme is a joint initiative between Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Police and the national MacIntyre Charity

which supports people with learning disabilities.

If you are an adult with a learning disability, or know of someone who would benefit from carrying a Safe Place Card, then please visit the website at: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/safeplace Alternatively contact Ruth Dickinson at: ruth.dickinson@derbyshire.gov.uk

Looking for a fresh Solid fuel servicing The summer months are a good time to challenge? have any solid fuel appliances in your

Rykneld Homes is seeking a new Tenant Board Member with the experience to help us deliver quality housing in North East Derbyshire.

If you are interested and believe you have the necessary skills to strategically drive the organisation forward please visit our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and download the full application pack or contact our Company Secretary on 01246 217670 for further information.

We particularly welcome applications from women, members of ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented on the Board.

Closing date for applications: Friday 12 August 2016.

8 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

home checked and serviced. Rykneld Homes is currently carrying out its 2016/17 solid fuel services programme.

Not having your appliance serviced can pose a serious health and safety risk to your family from carbon monoxide poisoning so it is vital checks are carried out to identify any problems with the appliance. It is also important to have chimneys swept on a regular basis.

If we have not already carried out a solid fuel service in your home, please contact us as soon as possible to make an appointment.

Tel 01246 217670.

g in in a r t d n a ls il k s g in t r Suppo Working with schools As part of our programme of work with local schools our staff have been involved in supporting training and enrichment opportunities.

We recently took part in an Industry Day at Bolsover Academy Trust where 128 students were put through their paces with a mock job interview.

Rykneld Homes joined organisations such as Barclays Bank, Derby University and Sheffield Council to support the event and act as the interviewers.

Feedback from the students has been very positive and they welcomed the opportunity to try out and improve their interview technique.

Hazel James, Recruitment and Training Officer at Rykneld Homes, said: “As one of the largest employers in our area we are keen to put something back into local communities and helping local schools with career and development opportunities for students is one of them.”

Industry Day at Bolsover Academy Trust

Help for local student We were able to open up career opportunities for a local student who was not engaging with his school.

Through our strong links with local schools we were able to offer support to a secondary school where a student was struggling with mainstream education.

Nationally, 14.8% of people aged 16 – 24 are unemployed; this is nearly three times higher than the unemployment rate for all people aged over 16.

The 16-year-old was offered a placement for two days a week working in our Property Services Team, which is responsible for services such as repairs and maintenance.

We worked with the student setting out Hazel James from Rykneld Homes interviews one of the Bolsover students.

what we would provide but also what would be expected of him with regard to punctuality, attendance, work attire, professionalism and safety.

Ian Barber – Property Services Manager, said: “It is great to be able to offer an opportunity to a young person from the local area. He has gained skills that he will hopefully be able to use in his future career.”

The student was able to gain skills such as: Good time keeping, Communication and Team work.

He was also able to assist in practical jobs including: • Roof tiling • Fitting kitchens • Hanging doors • Laying floorboards • Painting and decorating As a result of the placement and the experience gained, the student has enrolled on a Joinery course at college and we wish him every success in his career.

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in

9

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

Seed to Fork

O

ur Community Involvement Team have continued to support the Big Local’s holiday provision in Grassmoor by organising sessions for children in the Easter holidays.

Participants enjoyed craft activities, making healthy snacks, physical games and painting and planting wild flower seeds in a plant pot. The Community Involvement team also organised an indoor Kurling tournament for young people and adults who were rewarded with a fabulous chocolate fountain!

For more information about holiday activities in Grassmoor contact our Community Involvement Team on 01246 217670 or visit our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Seed to fork activities in North Wingfield

Down Memory Lane Residents at our Marx Court sheltered scheme have been enjoying fortnightly social sessions organised by the Community Involvement team. Recent activities have included a party to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, kurling, quizzes and a beetle drive. In May we organised an art session which was by led Junction Arts group.

The tenants had the opportunity to choose and draw an historical building such as a local church, in order to stimulate memories of the past.

The Marx Court residents were also invited by the

10 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Dronfield 2gether community project to get involved with making Twiddle Mitts. Twiddle Mitts help people with dementia to concentrate the mind and overcome frustration. They’re also nice and warm and look lovely!

Volunteers are needed to knit the mitts and donate wool, knitting needles and twiddley bits (such as buttons or ribbons) for stitching onto them. There is a design on our website, if you’d like to know how to knit one. You can drop off your mitts or materials at any of our area housing offices. Contact a member of the Community Involvement Team if you’d like more information.

Pictured above: Arts activities at Marx Court

communities Over the past nine weeks the Community Involvement Team have been working on an exciting new project in North Wingfield.

The team has recruited families to discover the joys of not only growing fresh produce, but using it to cook exciting and healthy dishes too.

The families involved have planted a range of vegetables, herbs, and even some fruit trees.

They have also cooked fresh healthy pizza, rhubarb crumble, miniature toad in the hole, vegetable soup, and a Chinese inspired dish of egg fried rice with a pork and vegetable broth.

All of the sessions are completely free, open to all, and we hope that more families will get involved.

If you would like to get involved or if you would like more information please contact a member of the Community Involvement Team on 01246 217670.

Clean-Up at Cutthorpe Cricket Club We recently held a clean-up day with our Community Improvers as part of ‘Cricket Force Day’, which is sponsored

by Natwest.

Working with members of the Cutthorpe club, we did an extensive litter pick, cleaned benches, dug out weeds and did a thorough tidy of the car park.

The young people involved worked very hard and were rewarded with Dreamscheme points.

A rubbish session for kids!

Children who attend St Albans Superkids club were shocked when they arrived at a recent session – the room was an absolute mess! Litter everywhere!

It was all part of a session led

by Rykneld Homes Community Involvement team to educate the children about litter, recycling and looking after the community. The children were brilliant and made pacts about not dropping litter and helping us to keep Holmewood and Heath clean.

Some litter facts the children learnt were that people aged 18 -34 years old were most likely to deliberately drop litter and the most frequently littered items are cigarette ends, chewing gum and food packaging.

The Community Involvement Team are looking forward to visiting Dynamite Youth Club in July to spread the message.

Tidy up at Cutthorpe Cricket Club

Free First Aid Training Rykneld Homes has teamed up with Chris Maloney, from North South Training, to offer free basic First Aid training to vulnerable tenants or those with young children across North East Derbyshire.

We would like to train as many people as possible, particularly those who have had little or no

experience of first aid training in the past.

Nobody wants to have to give first aid, but if you come across somebody in need of help, having a little bit of practical knowledge can make a big difference, and possibly even save a life.

We will be choosing venues and dates very soon, so if you’re interested in taking part, please contact the Community Involvement Team at Rykneld Homes on 01246 217670 to register your interest.

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 11

o t s e g n a h C

Housing Benefit The way Housing Benefit, or the housing element of Universal Credit, is calculated will be changing in 2018 which could affect how much support you receive.

W

e want to give you the information now, to help you think about what it could mean to you.

What does it mean for me?

If you have signed a new or renewed tenancy from 1 April 2016 onwards, the amount of benefit you may receive from 1 April 2018 could be restricted.

This is because if you rent from a local authority and claim Housing Benefit [or the housing element of Universal Credit] the amount you will receive will be capped to the Local Housing Allowance rate that currently applies to private sector tenants.

The Local Housing Allowance rates for your area can be found at http://lhadirect.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx If you are under 35 years old and do not have any dependent 12 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

children living with you, and you claim Housing Benefit [or the housing element of Universal Credit] your eligible rent will be capped to a shared accommodation rate. This means you may see a reduction in the amount you receive from 1 April 2018.

The rate for your area can be found at http://lhadirect.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx

Will I also have to pay for any spare rooms?

If you are of working age and have one or more extra

bedrooms, your rent and any service charges used in the assessment of your Housing Benefit [or the housing element of Universal Credit] is already capped.

In all cases, from 1 April 2018 only one reduction (either the under occupation charge or Local Housing Allowance Cap) will apply. Whichever results in the biggest reduction to the amount you receive will apply.

If you are of pension age, you will not receive a reduction in the rent used to assess your Housing Benefit for any under-occupied bedrooms. However, your rent will be capped to the relevant Local Housing Allowance rate for your household.

If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact us here at Rykneld Homes

What do I need to do now?

If you sign a new tenancy or renew a tenancy after 1 April 2016 you will need to think about whether the rent you pay is affordable for you in the longer term.

In particular, if you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit on or after 1 April 2018, you will need to consider how you will afford any shortfall in your rent.

s t n i h y d Han fo r a

Q B B safe mer m u s s i h t

Thousands of us enjoy cooking outside during the summer, but every year thousands of people end up visiting hospital as a result of a BBQ accident.

O

ur Health and Safety Team has passed on a few simple tips to reduce the risk to your family and friends.

Rykneld’s Health and Safety Manager, Reg Smith, said: “Statistics show that the most common types of barbecuerelated accidents are burns, scalds and cuts with the vast majority of accidents happening in a home setting.

“Some of the accidents lead to very serious burns, usually as a result of using an accelerant

such as petrol to light the fuel.

Just a few simple precautions can make a big difference.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advises that barbecue lovers should take the following precautions: • When choosing a barbecue, ensure it is strong and sturdy • Consider the location - level ground, away from fences, not close to property, sheds and overhanging trees, which have been known to catch fire • Never light a barbecue in an enclosed space • Particular care should be taken in hot, dry weather to reduce the risk of starting a forest or grass fire • Never pour petrol, meths or other accelerants on to a barbecue. Some of the most serious barbecue-related accidents happen when people do this and the barbecue ‘explodes’ in their face • Use long-handled tools

• Remember that the metal parts of a barbecue can become hot - don’t try to move it until it has cooled down • Don’t leave children unsupervised near a barbecue • Make sure the barbecue is fully extinguished before you leave it • Take care when getting rid of a disposable barbecue, or barbecue coals - ensure they have cooled down before placing them in a metal bin.

Disposable Barbecues If you do use a disposable barbecue: • It is vital they are placed on an even surface on either bricks or paving slabs .

• Place disposable BBQs well away from the house, shed or fences.

• Do not use disposable barbecues near or on public benches. www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 13

… f o e f i l e h t n i y a Ad

We recently reviewed our Neighbourhood Services division and made some changes to the way we deliver our services. This was to make them more streamlined and offer more continuity of service for customers.

14 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

I

n this issue of Homing In we take a look at the new role of our Housing and Support Officers – previously called Neighbourhood Support Officers.

We follow a Day in the Life of Danny Frankson to show the different duties – including Independent Living visits and showing prospective tenants round our vacant homes.

9.00am

I come into the office at 9am and check my emails and voicemail to deal with any urgent issues. I also check with the Housing and Support Assistants to see if any messages have been left about issues. I will also request any house files that I may require information from for today.

10.00am I visit a customer to

carry out an Independent Living Service visit which involves testing the properties’ smoke alarms, emergency call unit and pendant. I chat with the customer and ask about their general wellbeing and if there is anything we can do to help.

11.00am I carry out an

accompanied viewing at a property in Apperknowle, where I show someone around the property they have placed a bid on. Once I have finished the viewing the person was happy with the property so I accompanied them to Dronfield Area Housing Office where they paid their first weeks rent.

12noon I have my lunch break

for half an hour.

Housing and Support We have updated the telephone numbers for some of our Housing and Support Officers. Please find the latest numbers and team members for your area.

Area: Dronfield, Dronfield Woodhouse, Coal Aston, Apperknowle, Hundall, Marsh Lane, Unstone, Ridgeway and Holmesfield.

Housing and Support Manager • Lea Owen 07770 678025 Housing and Support Officers • Danny Frankson 07970 460418 • Rebecca Charlesworth 07989 166536 Main picture: Danny Frankson (centre) on an estate walkabout in Dronfield

12.30pm I visit a property where I carry out an Independent Living Service installation, this involves installing and registering a Tunstall unit and giving the customer a pendant and showing them how to use it.

2.00pm I carry out an Estate

Walkabout in Marsh Lane where I look to identify any issues with the estate such as overgrown or untidy gardens, potholes in the road or trip hazards on the pavements, broken/leaking guttering, fly tipping, vandalism, and depending on the time of day I would also look whether the street lights are working or not.

Residents, councillors or the police sometimes accompany me on these walkabouts to raise and identify issues.

Area: Eckington, Arkwright, Calow, Barlow, Cutthorpe, Duckmanton Housing and Support Manager • Sarah Allen 07964 124194 Housing and Support Officers • Danielle Gould 07989 166543 • Eve Hagon 07816 446173

Area: Killamarsh, Renishaw, Holymoorside and Wadshelf Housing and Support Manger • Wanda Hudson 07815 445066 Housing and Support Officers • Joe Wykes 07970 460532 • Liz Marriott 07976 575314

3.00pm I return to the office to

ensure that my paperwork for the day is correct and filed away. I check my emails and voicemail again to see if any urgent enquiries have arisen whilst I have been out (for example, if a customer’s pendant is not working

Area: Ashover, Brackenfield, Clay Cross, Holmgate, Kelstedge, Littlemoor, Stonebroom, Wessington and Woolley Moor Housing and Support Manager • Jake Hill 07837 822925 Housing and Support Officers • Tracey Patilla 07980 751547 • Louise Rowley 07770 672637 Area: Grassmoor, Shirland, Temple Normanton and Tupton Housing and Support Manager • Matthew Yeomans 07770 643742 Housing and Support Officers • Laura Richardson 07770 653124 • Danuta Czubak 07913 521106 Area: Danesmoor, Hepthorne Lane, North Wingfield Housing and Support Manager • George Wachlarz 07792 952689 Housing and Support Officer • Kellie Stevens 07989 166403 • Jo Ball 07989 166436 Area: Heath, Holmewood, Mickley, Morton, Pilsley, Wingerworth Housing and Support Manager • Maria Stanojevic 07970 460495 Housing and Support Officer • Nathan Redfern 07970 460535 • Sheila Cooke and Susan Astbury 07989 166538

I will go straight away as it can be a potentially life threatening issue should the customer have a fall and their pendant not work).

6.00pm at 6pm I have finished

all my paperwork for the day and I log off the computer to make my way home. www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 15

s t u o b a k l a Estate W Apperknowle Thursday 6 October at 3pm. Meeting at New Road / High Street junction.

Arkwright Thursday 13 October at 10am.

Meeting at the Arkwright Centre.

Ashover

Clay Lane Thursday 27 October at 3.30pm. Meeting at entrance to Appian Way. Florence Road Area Tuesday 25 October at 10am. Meeting at High Hazel Court car park.

Central Area Tuesday 4 October at 11am. Meeting at Park Row car park.

Coal Aston

Tuesday 20 September at 10am.

Meeting on the corner of Malthouse Lane.

Friday 14 October at 10.30am.

Meeting adjacent to 1 Rawlins Court.

Barlow

Cutthorpe

Friday 21 October 1.30pm. Meeting at Springfield / Valley Road junction.

Friday 21 October at 3.30pm. Meeting to the front of 2 Riggotts Way.

Brackenfield

Danesmoor

Tuesday 6 September at 10.40am.

Meeting at School / Carr Lane junction.

Penncroft Lane / Drive Area Thursday 8 September at 1pm. Meeting outside Penncroft Lane flats.

Bevan Road Area Thursday 15 September at 1pm. Meeting at Bevan/Cemetery Road junction.

Pine View / The Square Area Thursday 15 September at 2pm.

Meeting at end of Beech Way.

Calow Tuesday 6 September at 10am.

Meeting at Central Drive car park.

Clay Cross Angel Estate Thursday 27 October at 2pm. Meeting outside 1 Queen Street.

16 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Dronfield Snapehill Thursday 8 September at 10.30am. Meeting at the bottom garage site on Marsh Ave. Fletcher Avenue / Central Area Friday 9 September at 10.30am.

Meeting on the corner of Gledhill Close / School Lane.

Hartington/Stonelow Area Thursday 8 September at 11.30am. Meeting on the corner of Hartington Rd/Green Lane.

Dronfield Woodhouse Thursday 1 September at 11am.

Meeting at the Communal Room, Moray Place.

Duckmanton Tuesday 13 October at 11.30am.

Meeting at top of Robertson Ave.

Eckington Central Thursday 1 September at 10.30am. Meeting at Eckington Area Housing Office.

Woodview / Pitt Street Thursday 15 September at 10.30am. Meeting outside Eckington Friendship Hall, Berry Ave.

Castle Hill Thursday 6 October at 10.30am. Meeting at Castle Hill / Castle Hill Close junction.

Birkhill/Fanshaw Estates Wednesday 19 October at 10.30am. Meeting on road outside Birkhill School, Chestnut Ave.

Gosforth Valley Thursday 6 October at 11.30am.

Meeting at the parking area adjacent to 1 Sheards Drive.

Grassmoor

Killamarsh

Ridgeway

Central Wednesday 7 September at 10.30am. Meeting at Killamarsh Area Housing Office.

Sheepcote Estate Thursday 8 September at 10.30am. Meeting at 14 Sheepcote Road.

Norwood & Rotherwood Wednesday 5 October at 10.30am. Meeting on Cross Street.

Westthorpe & Manor Thursday 6 October at 10.30am. Meeting at 4 Manor Road.

Friday 2 September at 10am. Meeting in Ridgeway Craft Centre Car Park.

Broom Drive/Southend Area Thursday 15 September at 1.30pm. Meeting on Mill Lane (Working Men’s Club).

Chapman Lane / New St Area / Shakespeare / Tennyson Way Area Wednesday 14 September at 10am.

Meeting outside Community Centre, New Street.

Wednesday 5 October at 2pm. Meeting at Bramley Road / Ridge Road junction.

Heath

Mickley

Thursday 8 September at 11am.

Meeting at Heath Rd / Heather Ave junction.

Wednesday 19 October at 10.00am.

Meeting on Priestley Avenue/Mickley Lane Junction.

Hepthorne Lane

Morton

Friday 23 September at 9.30am.

Meeting at Hambleton Ave/Bright St junction.

Maltby Avenue Area Thursday 13 October at 10.30am. Meeting on Maltby Ave. Evershill Lane Area Thursday 13 October at 11am. Meeting on Evershill Lane.

Holmesfield Friday 9 September at 3.30pm Meeting at Woodside Ave/Woodside View junction.

Holmewood Thursday 22 September at 10am.

Meeting at Heath Road / Searston Avenue junction.

Holmgate Friday 14 October at 2pm. Meeting at Holmgate Community Centre Car Park.

Holymoorside Tuesday 14 September at 10.30am.

Meeting at Heather Way car park.

Hundall Thursday 6 October at 3.30pm.

Meeting next to the Miners Arms Public House.

Kelstedge Tuesday 20 September at 10.45am Meeting at Causeway House.

Littlemoor Tuesday 20 September at 11.15am.

Meeting at Alton Lane.

Marsh Lane

North Wingfield Williamthorpe Road / Dark Lane Wednesday 21 September at 9.30am.

Meeting at parking area near Scout hut on Holbrook Ave. Whiteleas Avenue / Ashford Ave Wednesday 14 September at 9.30am.

Meeting at North Wingfield Resource Centre car park.

Alma Road / Lings Crescent Friday 9 September at 9.30am. Meeting at North Wingfield Resource Centre car park.

Pilsley Wednesday 5 October at 10am.

Meeting at the Hallgate Lane / Broom Avenue junction.

Renishaw Wednesday 7 September at 2pm.

Meeting at Hague Lane / Carrwood Rd junction.

Shirland Byron St Area Thursday 13 October at 10am. Meeting at Byron Street / Hallfieldgate Lane junction.

School Close Area Thursday 13 October at 10.30am. Meeting on School Close.

St Leonards Place Area Thursday 13 October at 11am. Meeting outside 49 St Leonards Place.

Stonebroom Tuesday 18 October at 10.30am.

Meeting at Birkinstyle Lane / Birkinstyle Avenue junction.

Temple Normanton Friday 16 September at 10.30am.

Meeting on Elm Street.

Tupton Queen Victoria Road Estate Tuesday 11 October at 10am. Meeting Outside 119 Derby Road.

Davenport / Wingfield Road Wednesday 12 October at 1.30pm.

Unstone Thursday 6 October at 2pm. Meeting at Hardhurst Road / Whittington Lane junction.

Wadshelf Wednesday 12 October at 10.30am.

Meeting in the parking area on School Lane.

Wessington Tuesday 6 September at 10am.

Meeting at Hill Crest Avenue / Back Lane junction.

Wingerworth Adlington Estate Monday 12 September at 2pm.

Meeting on Halcyon Approach.

Allendale Estate Monday 12 September at 2.45pm.

Meeting outside the Allendale Flats.

Woolley Moor Thursday 15 September at 10am.

Meeting at Hawthorne Close.

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 17

s t n a n e t g n i t r o Supp

and residents In every issue of Homing In we invite our local tenants, residents and community groups to give us news about the events happening in their area.

Fun day in Renishaw Pot painting and seed planting were on offer from Rykneld Home’s Community Involvement team at a recent Renishaw family fun day.

We supported the community event which is designed to bring people and families together.

As well as offering fun activities Rykneld Homes Regeneration Team was also on hand to give advice and information about the improvement works we are carrying out in the village.

Together with our contractors Westdale Services we have already replaced roofs on 99 properties and are currently fitting external wall insulation to make them warmer and easier to heat.

18 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

In this edition we have included a recent fun day in Renishaw and developments involving the Danesmoor, Clay Cross and North Wingfield associations.

Joining forces Danesmoor and Clay Cross Tenants and Residents Association is extending its scope to include North Wingfield.

They are inviting all tenants and residents in North Wingfield and Clay Cross to come along and have their say.

The Danesmoor and Clay Cross association holds monthly meetings at The Community of Christ Church on Thanet Street on the first Wednesday of every month from 7 – 9pm.

The Group is run by a group of volunteers who get together to work to improve their area and bring communities together.

In the past the group has been involved in a stream clean up in Danesmoor, running a cake stall at Clay Cross Gala and organising a charity concert to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease.

The group also discusses housing matters such as estate problems and anti-social behaviour. The meetings are usually attended by a Housing Support Manager from Rykneld Homes, Parish Councillors and District Councillors.

The group is non-political and is there to pass on views, ideas and the priorities of tenants and residents in Danesmoor and Clay Cross to the Parish, District and County Councils.

So why not come along, give your views and ask questions. The group, which is looking for new members is FREE and is open to all tenants and residents. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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

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.

For all services please call us on 01246 217670

Contact Centre opening times: 8am to 5pm

Home Ownership

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

(Right to Buy and Leaseholders)

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

Tenancy Support

Repairs 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

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

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

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

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.

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

Warden Services Tel: 01246 217670 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

Your chance to win £1,000

!! s r e h c u o v g in p p o in sh Why not switch to paying your rent by Direct Debit?

ned up to a g si s a h s e m o H Rykneld n supporting national campaig -up. Anyone Direct Debit take e between now g n a h c e th g in k ma er 2016 will be and 30 Septemb nal prize draw o ti a n a to in d re ente of £1,000 s ze ri p ve fi f o e n to win o hers.* in shopping vouc

Credit Unions - a safe place to save and borrow At Rykneld Homes we work with the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Credit Union to help tenants and residents save money and secure safe loans.

You can avoid the danger of borrowing money from loan sharks, by joining a Credit Union and agreeing a formal weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment plan at competitive, fixed interest rates.

To be a member of the local Credit Union you must live or work in the Chesterfield or North East Derbyshire areas.

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.

CHESTERFIELD & NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE CREDIT UNION

Your Local Community Bank The benefits of joining a Credit Union are: • You can save as little or much as you wish • After eight weeks regular saving you can apply for a low cost loan (2% per month) • Loans are flexible and can be repaid to suit your budget.

• For every pound you save you can borrow back £3.

• You can access an instant low interest loan by having your child benefit paid into a Credit Union account.

To become a member of a Credit Union you will need three forms of identification and a one-off £5 membership fee.

For more information about the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Credit Union you can visit their website at www.cnedcu.co.uk; telephone them on 01246 278833 or call in at their offices in 4-6 Soresby Street, Chesterfield S40 1JN 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