Your Rykneld - customer newsletter - Spring 2020

Your Rykneld R Y K N E L D

H O M E S

C U S T O M E R S

M A G A Z I N E

SPRING 2020

Rykneld roadshows!

Pages 6 and 7

Community Alarm Service See page 4-5

Ask Rykneld!

See page 9

You said, We did See page 13

Welcome hanks to everyone who came along to our recent community roadshows in Holymoorside, Holmgate and Renishaw.

The events were timed to coincide with February half term so we could meet with as many people as possible. It was a great opportunity to chat with you about our services and your feedback will help us to improve and develop our services in future.

A big thank you also goes to members of our new Digital Improvement Group for their work on helping to improve our website. The group is made up of tenants who have agreed to take part in on-line surveys about Rykneld Homes and the services we provide.

The results of our first survey were very positive - it asked for your views on our website and our use of social media. The feedback can be found on page 13.

In this issue we have launched a new feature – Ask Rykneld. This is an opportunity for you to send in questions about our services and we will respond in Your Rykneld and on our website – sharing the questions and answers with everyone.

To find out more turn to page 9 This issue also contains useful information about debt management and where to find help and advice if you are struggling. We know that people facing financial problems can find it overwhelming, but support is out there. If you are worried about paying your rent, please contact us as soon as possible – turn to page 16 for more information and contact details.

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Dementia Friends training at Sharley Park Leisure Centre.

See page 11

Contents 4-5 Community Alarm Service Find out more about what we can offer

6-7 Rykneld Roadshows Rykneld roadshows were great success!

9 Ask Rykneld Your questions answered with Ask Rykneld

Change of details?

Have your contact details changed recently?

To help us keep our contact information up to date, it would be a great help if customers could let us know if they have changed their landline telephone, mobile telephone or email addresses.

This will help speed up how quickly we can contact you and ensure you receive the best service possible.

To let us know your latest details please contact our Contact Centre on 01246 217670.

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YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020

16-17 Tackling debt Information and advice to help tackle debt

Front Cover: Clowning around at the Rykneld Roadshow in Holymoorside!

Newsround

High Sheriff visits Rykneld Homes W

e were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, William Burlington, to our Rykneld Homes offices at the beginning of the year.

The High Sheriff, accompanied

by Council Leader Cllr Martin Thacker, met with staff to find out about the wide-range of services and activities provided

by Rykneld Homes.

Lorraine Shaw, Managing Director of Rykneld Homes, said: “We were very pleased to welcome the High Sheriff to Rykneld Homes. We are proud of our achievements and his visit

was a great opportunity to showcase some of our key projects and outline our future plans for tenant and resident services in North East Derbyshire.

We were able to show how strong partnership working between Rykneld Homes and North East Derbyshire District Council benefits our local communities” Our staff were proud to tell the High Sheriff about some of their successes including the Customer Services Team achieving the Customer Service Excellence accreditation and being named Customer Service

Provider of the Year. Our Community Involvement Team talked about projects across the district and work with our Community Improvers and young people within the district.

The HR team spoke passionately about their introduction of Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace and the support for schools and apprenticeships in the local area.

The High Sheriff later tweeted about his visit to Rykneld: “Thank you for taking the time to explain your company culture and hopes for the future.”

Record breakers! ast year we broke our record for charity fund-raising with a total of £3,321 for many good causes.

Every year our staff choose a charity to support and last year it was Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Our staff raised a fantastic £1,924 through cake bakes, dress down days, and raffles.

We also raised money for national and local charities, including Ashgate Hospicecare, Comic Relief, Jeans for Genes, the Royal British Legion, Helen’s Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

This year we will be choosing a new charity to support and look forward to another year of helping causes close to so many people’s hearts.

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YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020 3

COMMUNITY ALARM SERVICE

Community Alarm

e want to help people live independently in their homes and communities.

A personal alarm can give customers the freedom and reassurance they need knowing there is support available at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Rykneld Homes Community Alarm Service already has many customers who beneďŹ t from the peace of mind it can bring.

Over the past year the service has been re-modelled in line with current guidelines and we wanted to let more people know about its beneďŹ ts.

The service allows you to access help if you feel unwell, fall, feel unsafe or in need of help from the emergency services.

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It provides peace of mind to yourself, family and friends that help is only a phone call away. You can alert chosen contacts if you require assistance or the emergency services need to be called.

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You can choose from a range of service levels depending on your individual needs and circumstances. The service allows for more than one individual within the home to receive a monitoring service.

You can choose how you would like to wear your alarm, either as a pendant or on a wristband The service is monitored 24/7, every day of the year by a dedicated team of trained people at Tunstall As part of the service you receive an annual review.

This is an opportunity to test your equipment, make sure our records are up to date and that you are happy with the service and that it meets your needs

How does it work?

Your alarm unit is connected to your phone line. When your pendant or other equipment is activated it will connect to the unit using a radio frequency. The unit is connected to a monitoring centre through the phone line and the speaker allows the centre staff to communicate with you.

They will then be able to contact your appointed emergency contacts such as family or friends, or the emergency services if they are needed.

COMMUNITY ALARM SERVICE

Service Available Services The service is a paid for service with a variety of payment options available.

The Community Alarm Service has two different service levels you can choose from. The table below shows the similarities and the differences. Please contact the Community Alarm team for prices on 01246 217670.

Alarm Service Equipment

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1 x MyAmie Pendant (activated by you) Lifeline Vi

24/7 monitoring 365 days a year Annual Review n In person repairs n

Service

We post out charges on a quarterly invoice, however, you can pay through any of the following ways: n n

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Alarm plus Service

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Equipment

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Vibby fall detector (self-activating) Lifeline Vi

Contact us If you would like to find out more about the benefits of using our Community Alarm and Telecare Service, please contact a member of our Community Alarm team on 01246 217670 or email us at CAT@rykneldhomes.org.uk

24/7 monitoring 365 days a year Annual Review n In person repairs n

Service

Direct Debit Standing Order Cheque Cash Over the phone using your bank card through a secure payment line In person at one of our Area Housing Offices in Eckington, Clay Cross, North Wingfield and Killamarsh

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Congratulations!

Congratulations to the winners of our Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey prize draw.

Everyone who filled in a survey was automatically entered into the draw for one of four fantastic £250 shopping voucher prizes.

We were very proud to receive a 96% customer satisfaction rating for our services! Pictured are our lucky winners: l to r: Michael and Kathryn Bycroft from Calow; Peter Kirk from Tupton and Simon Walker from North Wingfield. (Our fourth winner was Julie Lindsley from Mickley).

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ROADSHOW ROUNDUP

Roadshow

ykneld Homes was out on the road again over February taking its roadshow events to local communities.

We were in Holmgate, Holymoorside and Renishaw over half-term offering free, fun activities for families.

Funding for the events was made possible thanks to our membership of the Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) procurement network. Every year EEM distributes community donations to its members to benefit local people and we recently received more than £5,000 to spend in the district.

The roadshows were open to everyone in the community and it was a great opportunity to meet with customers and chat about any issues or concerns. We also invited external organisations to take part and signpost people to activities or support groups in the district.

The latest events follow those staged last summer in Dronfield, Holmewood, Eckington, Killamarsh and Stonebroom which were a great success.

The roadshows are just one of the ways that Rykneld Homes works with communities to help create places

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where people feel involved and included. Our awardwinning community involvement activity has supported more than 100 events over the past year – with everything from healthy eating projects to sporting tournaments.

This year we have developed ambitious plans that will continue to make people our priority and we have already planned more roadshows this month at Marsh Lane and Pilsley.

Holmgate Our Holmgate roadshow was held at the Holmgate Community Centre. We were delighted to receive support from local organisations including the Broadleys Group, Youth Club and 50+ Forum.

Holymoorside The Village Hall hosted our Holymoorside roadshow and we were pleased to welcome local groups including Holymoorside Brass Band, the History Society and Women’s Institute.

ROADSHOW ROUNDUP

roundup

Renishaw Renishaw and Spinkhill Community Hall was the setting for the roadshow which received fantastic support from the local community. Groups supporting the event included S21 music, Renishaw Youth Club, Street Scene Drama Group, Age Concern and Live Life Better Derbyshire.

Rykneld Homes enjoys working in partnership with many organisations in our area to help support people and local communities in North East Derbyshire.

We want to thanks to all the organisations who supported our roadshows:

North East Derbyshire District Council, Broadleys Group, Holmgate Youth Club, Holmgate Mental Health Carers Support Group, Timeswap, 50+ Forum, Community Health Champions, Clay Cross Foodbank, Healthwatch Derbyshire, Tinnitus Support, Live Well, Tesco, Holymoorside Film and Arts Group, Holymoorside History Society, Holymoorside Women’s Institute, Derbyshire Law Centre, Holymoorside Brass Band, S21, Renishaw Youth Club, Street Scene Drama Group, Renishaw Methodist Church, St Matthew’s Renishaw, Derbyshire Scamwatch, Age Concern, Deaf and Hearing Support Live Life Better Derbyshire.

YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020 7

WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT US

What you said about us It’s nice to receive praise for a job well done and we’ve included here some of the recent compliments sent by our tenants. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time and trouble to let us know what they think.

Customer service always amazing Customer service always amazing with everyone I spoke to, the whole team! Having been in customer service for many years I know how hard it can be and I also know how nice it is to receive good feedback so here it is. My housing application is now live thanks to everyone there and in the Choice Move team for making it so quick.

Massive thank you We have just received the keys to our new home and my husband, and I would like to thank all the team at Rykneld Homes and Choice Move. The property is to superb standard, which we really appreciate. We are all very excited for the future so a massive thank you to your team.

10/10 Service was excellent 10/10. Workmanship and repairs excellent 10/10. The workman was polite and explained everything to me and the speed from reporting the repair to the completion was outstanding 10/10.

Absolutely delighted Absolutely delighted with every aspect. Every time we have an interaction with Rykneld, it has been excellent.

A big 'thank you' to all of you for being so kind, considerate and helpful. Absolutely delighted. We made to feel that we were the only people that mattered! Everyone we have spoken to or dealt with at Rykneld Homes are so kind and helpful. Thank you!

Happy to listen I have only been with Rykneld since April and they have always provided such a good service including the contact centre who are always happy to listen and connect me through to any relevant department for help and advice.

Great job I would just like to say that the service I have received from Rykneld has been superb, the plumber arrived this morning and fitted a new shower unit, he was so pleasant, did a great job and left the bathroom spotless afterwards, many thanks for such a good service.

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First rate experience As usual, a first-rate experience. Everyone at Rykneld Homes is so kind, thoughtful and helpful and always make us feel like we are the only customers that matter! A genuine 'thank you' to all of you.

Brilliant workmanship Absolutely brilliant workmanship, very clean, efficient, polite, courteous and respectful to my dad's needs.

The receptionist on the switchboard thank you so much for your care as my dad is going on 97 years old.

Excellent service Excellent service from start to finish. I would like to thank all the staff for the speed of my boiler getting fixed. The communication within that team was amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better response. I would also like to thank the engineer for treating me like a human being and not a job number.

This man came across as someone who actually does like his job - friendly and professional.

ASK RYKNELD

Ask Rykneld! e are launching a new feature in Your Rykneld which aims to deal with the questions you want answered!

We are inviting customers to send in their queries about our services – and we hope the answers will be useful to everyone.

To get the ball rolling we have included in this issue some of the main questions our staff get asked. If you have anything you would like to ask in future, we would love to hear from you. Contact us by:

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emailing contactus@rykneldhomes.org.uk, writing to Communications at Rykneld Homes, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG handing in your question at one of our Area Housing Offices. filling in an on-line form from our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Q. How do I report a repair?

A. There are several ways you can report a repair. n For out of hours emergency repairs call our freephone number 08000 121 621 between 5pm and 8am. n For all repairs you can call 01246 217670 or fill in an on-line form on our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and we will contact you to arrange an appointment n Call in at one of our Area Housing Offices where you can: use a freephone to report a repair, ask one of our customer service assistants to report the repair Q Can I apply to go on the housing register online?

A. No, however, a housing application form can be printed from the website, collected from one of the Area Housing Offices or the Choice Move Team can post one out to applicants. They can be contacted on 01246 217670

Q Where can I find a Council Tax/ Housing Benefit form?

A. The forms are no longer available from our Area Housing Offices. There are a number of options for completing these forms. The process is now done: n on-line by visiting www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk n over the telephone by calling 01246 231111 n by one of the Council’s revenues staff – they can help you fill a form in online if you do not have access to the internet. Contact 01246 231111 Q I have children who are moving with me, at what age do they need their own bedroom?

A. In accordance with the Allocations and Lettings Policy no more than 2 children should share a room. A child up to the age of 10 years can share a bedroom with one other child of either sex. Children of the same sex can share a bedroom up to the age of 15 years.

Q I fear I could become homeless, where and what can I do?

A. If you are urgently in need of accommodation, are threatened with becoming homeless in the next 28 days or need advice about your housing options in general, contact the North East Derbyshire District Council’s Housing Options Team on 01246 231111.

The team can also provide advice on staying in your home, for example, if you are having financial or relationship problems, are 16/17 years of age and trying to find accommodation or are suffering from harassment, illegal eviction or domestic violence.

Council Properties If you are experiencing difficulties in paying your rent, please contact one of our Customer Finance Officers who will be able to help.

The out of hours service for homeless households in Derbyshire is called ‘Call Derbyshire’. You can contact the team out of hours (after 5pm Monday to Friday or any time at the weekend or on Bank Holidays) by calling: 08456 058 058 or 01629 532600 YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020 9

WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Working with

Kurling e were happy to support a recent Kurling competition held in Killamarsh.

Rykneld has encouraged kurling groups to set up across the district as a great way to bring people together and reduce social isolation.

Kurling is an indoor sport that can be played by any age group and we are delighted that it has really taken off in our area.

More than 50 competitors took part in the event - congratulations to the Killamarsh group who were the eventual winners!

If you would like advice about setting up a kurling group for your area or want to find out if there is an existing group our Community Involvement Team may be able to help.

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2gether in North East Derbyshire O

ver the past few months our staff have been busy supporting the 2gether community events held across the district.

We were on hand to chat with residents about the services we provide and encourage people to get involved with our work out in local communities.

The 2gether events are organised by local community groups and are a great way for people to meet up and find out about the services and support available in their area from different organisations.

Rykneld attended 2gether events in Dronfield, North Wingfield and Killamarsh.

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WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Communities Success story etting a first foot on the jobs ladder can be a challenging time for many young people who may feel frustrated by the lack of opportunities available.

Former student Adam Wilbourne had been looking for work but without success when he heard about the Rykneld Homes volunteering scheme from his local Job Centre.

We offer volunteer placements for a period of up to eight weeks for up to 30 hours per week.

The 21-year-old enquired about becoming a volunteer and was offered a place working with our Customer Services and Communications Teams.

Halfway through his placement a vacancy for an administration officer became available with Rykneld and Adam was successful in being employed.

“The Rykneld volunteering programme was a fantastic opportunity for me to become part of a working environment and learn new knowledge and skills, said Adam.

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About our volunteering programme n

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Are you unemployed and registered with Jobcentre Plus?

Are you over 18?

Are you a resident of North East Derbyshire?

If you are claiming Job Seekers Allowance, the Job Centre will cover any expenses associated with doing a placement, such as travel and childcare costs.

Dementia Friends ur Community Involvement Team are qualified teachers of Dementia Friends training and they recently worked with staff at Sharley Park Leisure Centre.

By providing the training we have enabled the leisure centre staff to become Dementia Friends. This means that the staff can now recognise and understand the symptoms of dementia and have the knowledge of how to support a person living with the condition.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts, and talks about the condition.

Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

If you would like more information about the Dementia Friends training, please contact Community Involvement on 01246 217670.

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Volunteering means you will not receive payment for the work, but you will gain important work skills that will look great on your CV. Rykneld Homes are a respected employer and will support you to gain the skills, experience and confidence you need to help you find work.

We will also give you training in interview skills and help you to submit high quality application forms for employment.

Note that you don't necessarily have to have experience in the area you would like to volunteer in, you just need to be enthusiastic about improving your skills and making the most of the opportunity.

How to apply Contact a member of our Community Involvement Team by calling 01246 217670 or email get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk.

Speak with your local Job Centre about volunteering opportunities.

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AT YOUR SERVICE

At your service Every year we receive thousands of visitors to our Area Housing Offices in Clay Cross, Dronfield, North Wingfield and Killamarsh. They have become a valued part of the services offered by Rykneld Homes.

Our team of Customer Services assistants are on hand to deal with everything from rent payments to answering questions about our repairs service. We visited the team in North Wingfield to take a look behind the scenes at a day in the life of a Customer Service Assistant.

8:30am - “We start the day at 8:30am by preparing the office ready for opening at 9am” says Customer Service Assistant, Colette.

9am - “There is usually a queue of customers waiting for us to open.” said her colleague Charlotte, who has been with the team for four months now. “Customers begin making their enquiries and payments and hand over any forms to be checked and processed.

“I have received a housing application form, which I will check, photocopy, stamp and verify. A receipt of proof is given to the customer before forwarding this on to the Choice Move Team at our head office Pioneer House.”

10am - The team takes payments for Rent and Council Tax and any other relevant Rykneld Homes invoices or bills. A customer visits to end their tenancy by handing in their four weeks’ notice.

10:30am - A customer has enquired about how they can report a repair to their property.

“We advise them there is a free repairs phoneline in the office which they can use or use our iPad tablet to report a repair online or we can forward the repair ourselves via an internal email,” said Charlotte.

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11am - A customer needs help signing up to the Rykneld Homes online ‘My Account’ service, which allows our customers to view information about their tenancy online, including their rent account balance. For more information about My Account you can visit the Rykneld Homes website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk.

1pm - A customer arrives at the office wanting to know more about the Home Swapper service and mutual exchanges. Home Swapper is a service that can automatically find property matches with other social housing customers wanting to swap their homes both locally and nationally.

2pm - We can help someone needing information about the homelessness services in the area. We provide them with a housing application form for Rykneld Homes as well as giving them a support pack for Housing Options at North East Derbyshire District Council who can arrange an interview with the individual to assess their needs and help where required.

3:30pm - Charlotte closes the payments desk at the office at the usual time of 3:30pm but the enquiry desk and Scancoin machine remain open until 4pm.

4pm - The enquiry desk is now closed, and the team begin completing any paperwork before the office closes for the day.

4:30pm - The North Wingfield office closes at 4:30pm and the team make their way home.

YOU SAID, WE DID

You said, We did Thanks to everyone who took part in a recent survey about our website and use of social media.

We invited customers and members of our new Digital Improvement Group to let us know what they liked about the website, what they wanted us to do more of, what they didn’t like and how we could improve your visit.

We’ve included here the main findings of the survey and where we have made changes in response to your comments.

95%

96%

said the website met their needs

said they found it easy to find what they were looking for

95% said they found the information on our website easy to understand

Suggestions for improvements: More information on Facebook and Twitter about Rykneld Homes services and other local services that are available

More information about My Account and its benefits for customers

More information on Facebook and Twitter about community events

MY ACCOUNT

Make it easier to find Area Office information on the website.

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We are constantly looking for ways to serve you better and this survey has been useful in helping us to identify where improvements need to be made. Our Communications Team has already responded to your comments by improving the Area Office information and we are also planning to look at our promotion of My Account and the activities of partner organisations.

Please look out for future surveys we will be carrying out about the services we provide – your feedback is very important to us.

If you are interested in joining our Digital Improvement Group please contact our Community Involvement Team on 01246 217670, fill in one of our on-line forms at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk in our Get Involved section or email them at get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020 13

HOUSING MATTERS

Regeneration and renewal

Homes at Pine View

Improving Homes in Clay Cross A major refurbishment programme to homes in Clay Cross has been successfully completed by Rykneld Homes in partnership with North East Derbyshire District Council.

The bungalows on the Pine View estate have benefitted from new roofs and windows as well as replacement kitchens and bathrooms.

Footpath areas on the estate that have attracted antisocial behaviour in the past have been re-designed to make it more secure for residents. Open Communal spaces have also been reconfigured to provide private garden areas for each bungalow.

Plans are now underway to build additional new homes on the estate with the work scheduled to start later this year.

Investing in sprinklers Rykneld Homes together with the Council are carrying out a major refurbishment programme to some of the flats at Hallowes Court in Dronfield.

As part of the project we have successfully secured

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Homes in Pilsley

funding towards the cost of a sprinkler system from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Rykneld Homes have a strong partnership with the Fire Service and are pleased to be working with them to improve the safety of residents.

Improving Energy Efficiency We are carrying out a long-term project to improve non-traditionally built homes in the district which has already seen more than 1,000 properties thermally upgraded.

Work on the latest phase of the project in Pilsley and Heath is now nearing completion. The homes have been fitted with External Wall Insultation along with other improvement works, including roofs and windows to make them warmer and more energy efficient.

This work supports the Council’s strategic approach to Climate Change and we will be working together to continue to improve the thermal efficiency of our residents homes.

New homes in Killamarsh Fun activities in Holmewood

Newsround Rent Advice Drop In Sessions New from April 2020 We will be collecting rent over a 52 week period rather than 48 weeks Are You Ready?

As more people are transferring on to Universal Credit we can offer assistance in making sure you get the correct advice. Come and talk to us, we can help you make sense of it all.

We are holding drop-in sessions across the district so you can talk to us about any questions you may have.

Clay Cross Social Centre

Killamarsh Leisure Centre

18th of March 2020

Date

Date 20th of March 2020

Time 13:00 to 17:00

Time 12:00 to 16:00

Location Clay Cross Area Housing Office and Clay Cross Social Centre Market Street Clay Cross S45 9JE

Location Killamarsh Leisure Centre Stanley Street Killamarsh S21 1EL

Estate walkabouts e will be holding our Spring estate walkabouts next month when our Housing and Support staff will be out and about meeting with tenants to talk about any estate issues.

This is your chance to meet up with your Housing and Support Officer to raise any concerns.

Dates for the walkabouts are placed on our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and we also include them on our Social Media feed.

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Updated phone system s part of our commitment to improving our customer services we have moved to a new telephone system.

The change was essential to ensure we continue to deliver high levels of service at the ďŹ rst point of contact. The new system provides us with enhanced call and reporting functions which will beneďŹ t our customers and staff.

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DEBT INFORMATION

It’s never too late In this issue of Your Rykneld we’ve put together some useful information to help tackle debt problems – whether large or small.

We realise that if someone is struggling to pay their rent, they may also have other financial issues and we’ve included here some helpful contact numbers and website details where you can find advice and guidance about dealing with debt.

If you're struggling, don't suffer alone. It is never too late to start dealing with debt, but it is crucial that you seek help as soon as you realise you’re struggling.

Simple steps can help to put you on the right track: n

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Work out how much money you have coming in and going out. You can arrange your payments into priority and show how much you have left to pay towards your debts 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 Plan how you are going to pay your less urgent debts such as an overdraft or credit card, over a longer period Maximise your income - use a 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 for practical ideas of how you can save money.www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Derbyshire Credit Union. For more information about them, visit their website at www.cnedcu.co.uk or telephone them on 01246 278833 or call into their offices at 4-6 Soresby Street, Chesterfield S40 1JN Signposting to support Managing your Money The Money Advice Service was set up by the government and offers free and impartial advice. It can offer a huge amount of information about dealing with debt and getting the most from your money. Good money management can mean many things - from living within your means to saving for short or long-term goals, to having a realistic plan to pay off your debts.

Visit the Money Advice Service website to learn how to set up a budget, make the most of your money, pay off debts or start saving. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk n

Rykneld can help Rykneld Homes has a dedicated team of staff who can offer advice and support. You can contact our Financial Inclusion Team on 01246 217670 You can seek free, independent and confidential advice from the North Derbyshire Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) who can be contacted on 0300 456 8437. Visit the CAB Money website for advice on debt and financial problems For a safe place to save and borrow money, Rykneld Homes recommends Chesterfield and North East

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DEBT INFORMATION

to tackle debt n Derbyshire County Council Derbyshire County Council Welfare Rights team- tel 01629 531535 Monday- Tuesday- Thursday- Friday 11-4 pm or email: welfarebenefits@derbyshire.gov.uk.

n National Debtline www.nationaldebtline.org/ Tel 0808 808 4000 National Debtline provides free, confidential and independent advice for people with debt problems.

They give expert advice over the telephone and by email and will send you a free self-help information pack.

They provide free debt management plans and other debt solutions.

North East Derbyshire District Council If you are worried about Council Tax payments, a bill, reminder or summons please contact the Council.

They will be able to offer advice about Council Tax support and Housing Benefit entitlements.

If you are in danger of being made homeless the Council can signpost you to the help and support available.

Council services can be contacted on 01246 231111. n

StepChange Debt Charity www.stepchange.org/ Tel: 0800 138 1111 StepChange is a registered charity providing free advice on problem debt based on what is best for you. n

DIRECT DEBIT Setting up a Direct Debit is an easy and convenient way to pay your rent.

You can set up a Direct Debit by: n n n

Logging onto the My Account service at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Calling us on 01246 217670 Completing a Direct Debit mandate form - available to download from our website or you can pick one up from your local Area Housing Office or One Stop Shop.

Please be aware that after you have set up the Direct Debit you will need to leave 21 days for it to be cleared and ready to use. You will not be able to pay by Direct Debit until after that time.

In order to set up a Direct Debit over the telephone you will need to have your: n n n

Rent account number (6-digit reference number starting with a 4) Bank account number Sort code

There are many benefits to paying by Direct Debit including: n

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Payments are made on a set date each month - you can choose either 7th, 15th, 21st or 28th No more queuing at the Area Office, bank or the Post Office Peace of mind knowing this payment is taken care of

YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020 17

COMPETITIONS

Competitions If you can solve our wordsearch or find three Ryki characters hidden somewhere on the pages of this magazine you could win £25 in shopping vouchers.

You can either enter one, or both, of our puzzles – the choice is yours.

Well done to Ann Williamson from Stretton who won the competition in our November edition of Your Rykneld.

Ann Williamson Ryki Symbol

Can you find our three little Rykis?

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Word Search Word Search – can you find our Spring words?

Blossom

Tulip

Daffodil

Chocolate

Easter

Lambs

Showers

April

Sunshine

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Please send your completed entry to: Competitions, Communications, Rykneld Homes, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG or hand in your entry form into one of our Area Housing Offices.

Closing date for entries is Friday 3 April 2020.

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Address

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Email

YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020

USEFUL CONTACTS

Choice Move

Rykneld Homes, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG. For all services please call us on 01246 217670

North East Derbyshire District Council

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

Contact Centre opening times: 8am-5pm

District Council Offices, 2013 Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG. Tel: 01246 231111 Or visit our website at: www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk ConnectNE@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk Payment line: 01246 217750

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

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

Council Tax and Housing Benefits Tel: 01246 231111

Repairs

Environmental Services

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 231111 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.

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

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 Derbyshire Law Centre Freephone 0800 7076990 01246 550674 Chesterfield Jobcentre Plus Tel: 01246 343100

Home Ownership (Right to Buy and Leaseholders) Tel: 01246 217670 Email homeownership@rykneldhomes.org.uk

Housing Accounts/Rents Tel: 01246 217670

Tenancy Support 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 217670 Email:get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk

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.

Community News Do you have any community events you would like to promote? We can help you spread the word through the pages of Your Rykneld, on our website or through our Twitter site.

All you need to do is get in touch with our Communications Team by sending them an email marked for their attention to contactus@rykneldhomes.org.uk

You will need to include: n

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the date and time of your community event the location brief details of the event a contact person contact details of phone number or email address where we can contact you

Get in touch The Danesmoor, Clay Cross and North Wingfield Tenants and Residents Association is keen to hear from anyone who would like to join their group. If you are interested in getting involved you can fill in a form on our website in the Get Involved section and it goes straight to the group. You can find the form by visiting www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020 19

MY ACCOUNT

Why not find out what so many customers have now discovered?

My Account is a great way to keep up to date with details about your home.

It’s a free, online tool for customers to log in and access rent account details – including payments made and rent due.

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Your account details

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Details of rent paid and rent due

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Ability to print out your rent statement

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Set up a Direct Debit on-line

It’s simple to sign up and easy to use.

My Account puts information at your fingertips with 24-hour access, at a time and a place to suit you.

To use My Account you will need to register – using your Tenancy Reference number and an email address.

To find out more visit our website

www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

MY ACCOUNT MY ACCOUNT

MY ACCOUNT

MY ACCOUNT 20

YOUR RYKNELD SPRING 2020