Issue 05 Autumn 2017

Your Rykneld R Y K N E L D

H O M E S

Community Spirit Awards See page 4 and 5

C U S T O M E R S

M A G A Z I N E

Universal Credit are you ready?

See page 11

AUTUMN 2017

Christmas opening times See page 20

Welcome his year has been a very special one for us as we celebrated our 10th anniversary – so it was lovely to meet so many of you at our birthday event this summer!

Thanks to National Lottery funding we were able to stage the fantastic celebration party at the Proact Stadium which was free to everyone.

Judging by the lovely photos on pages 10 and 11 our guests seemed to have a great time and we were very proud of the kind comments made by visitors, who felt the party had been a perfect family trip out.

We also want to say a big thank you to everyone who filled in and returned the Customer Satisfaction Survey sent out in the last Your Rykneld. This was your opportunity to tell us what you think about our services and let us know where we could do things better or differently.

The survey returned a fantastic 94% satisfaction score for the overall quality of our services – which maintains our 94% rating from last year. We also received very high scores for many of our individual services – to see the full results turn to page 12.

Naturally, we are very pleased with the survey results which place us amongst the top performing housing providers but we are not complacent and will continue to work with our involved customers to make sure our services remain at a high standard.

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See page 17

Family fun at Pleasley Vale

Contents 06

04 Community Spirit Awards Nominate the people who care

09

10

Keep Warm, Keep Well Get ready for Winter

11 Universal Credit Are you ready for Universal Credit?

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.

2 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

14

20 Christmas Check out our Christmas opening times

Front Cover: All the fun of the fair at our 10th anniversary celebration event.

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Newsbrief Great Customer Satisfaction at 94% hanks to everyone who returned the annual Customer Satisfaction Survey posted out with the July Your Rykneld.

The results showed continued high customer satisfaction with 94% of you saying you were happy with the services we provide. For more results turn to page 12.

Anyone who returned the survey was entered into a prize draw for either £200 in shopping vouchers or a £200 credit on their rent account.

The lucky winner was Susan Parkin from Holmewood who was delighted with her prize!

“The Annual Satisfaction Survey was ever so easy to fill in and I was so surprised to win – I don’t normally win anything!”, said Susan. “ I’ve always had excellent service from Rykneld Homes, as did my mother who had the property before me. Around five years ago the property received a new kitchen, new radiators, a new combi boiler and a new fire so we don’t have to use coal anymore.”

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Members of the Eckington Kurling Club joined in our pop-up party in Eckington!

Pop up parties!

As part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations we have been holding special ‘pop-up’ parties in communities across the district.

Our Community Involvement Team has worked with local groups to organise the parties and invite guests to celebrate with us and enjoy tea, birthday cake and special activities.

Our pop-up parties have appeared in Apperknowle, Mickley, Killamarsh, Holmewood, Holmgate, Stonebroom, Renishaw, Eckington, Pilsley, North Wingfield and Clay Cross.

Thanks to everyone who took part and joined in our anniversary celebrations.

Disability confident We are keen to help everyone gain equal access to the services we provide.

As part of our commitment, Rykneld Homes has joined the government’s Disability Confident scheme.

By being Disability Confident, we are helping to positively change attitudes, behaviours and cultures - including creating a workforce that reflects the diverse range of the customers we serve.

The scheme helps employers: • draw from the widest possible pool of talent • secure high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working • improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that they treat all employees fairly It also helps customers and other businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace.

Godfrey Kerry (right) Chair of our Scrutiny Panel picks the lucky winner of our Customer Satisfaction Survey prize draw.

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 3

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS

Community Spirit Awards 2017

Community Spirit Awards 2016

The search is on!

Winners receive £150 in shopping vouchers! e’re proud to be launching our Community Spirit and Good Neighbour Awards for 2017.

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The Awards recognise and reward the neighbourly and community spirit that exists on our streets, estates and neighbourhoods.

We want to say our thank you to all the people who make our district a better place to live – all the community and activity groups, the sports organisations and individuals who go the extra mile to help others.

Last year we were delighted to congratulate our worthy winners, who each received £150 in shopping vouchers. We are offering the same fantastic prizes for 2017.

Here’s your chance to nominate an individual, or a group, who you think deserves recognition whether it’s for their kindness or willingness to help others or just because they are always there if you need them.

We are asking you to nominate a good neighbour, or a group that makes you feel good about where you live.

Good Neighbour - For those who help others and do the little things that make such a difference to someone.

Community Group – for those who work to make things better for the local community.

4 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

How to enter: Nominating someone for an award couldn’t be easier! You can even fill in a form online.

Either: n n n

Complete the nomination form in this magazine Visit www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and visit the Get Involved section and fill in the online form Visit any of our Area Housing Offices and pick up a nomination form.

Don’t forget, every person who makes a nomination will be entered into a prize draw for £25 in shopping vouchers!

Closing date: Friday 15 December 2017 Here is what our 2016 Good Neighbour winner Sandra Thompson said last year: “In my opinion community spirit is about caring about your community by supporting people less fortunate than yourself. Life is so hectic and everyone is in a rush. Maybe sometimes we should try to stop and think about elderly people...or other people who may be struggling and think about how you can help them.”

Here is what the person who nominated our 2016 Community Group winners - Pilsley Community Football Club had to say: “All these individuals who work hard to improve the community have full time jobs and families and still turn up, week in, week out to give their commitment.”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS

Nominating someone Category – please tick which category Good Neighbour Community Group Your details Name Address

Telephone Last year's winner Sandra Thompson

Email

Person/group you are nominating Name Address

Telephone

Email

Reasons you are nominating this person or group Please go on to another sheet of paper if necessary.

Last year's winners Pilsley Community Football Club 2015 Good Neighbour Award finalist, Stuart Brown.

Send your nomination form to: Rykneld Homes, Community Involvement Team, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG or hand in at your local Area Housing Office.

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 5

AWARDS

Angela is our Housing Heroine! he dedication and determination of one of our customers has made her a Housing Hero!

Angela Parry has been Highly Commended in the national Housing Heroes Awards, for her inspirational work, not just with Rykneld Homes but the wider community in Holmewood and Heath.

Rykneld Homes was proud to nominate Angela for Inspirational Tenant of the Year.

Angela, who is a member of our Scrutiny Panel, says her work with Rykneld Homes and its Community Involvement Team, gave her the confidence to get involved with other groups and organisations in her area.

“Working with the Community Involvement Team has been a fantastic experience for me,” said Angela. “They have been inspirational and given me the confidence to take on new challenges.”

Since taking on her Scrutiny Panel role Angela has gone on to be Chair of the Holmewood and Heath Healthy Futures Group, run a fruit and vegetable cooperative and a youth club in Holmewood and Heath.

Angela has also become a member of Heath and Holmewood Parish Council and helped to secure £12,000 of funding from housebuilders Gleesons, to be used for new projects in the area over the next few years.

Added Angela, “I was blown away when Rykneld Homes told me I had been nominated for a Housing Heroes Award and made the final – I thought they were having a joke.

“At the awards event I couldn’t believe it when they announced my name and said I had been highly commended – it makes me feel very proud and humble at the same time.”

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Pingit App reated by Barclays but available to use by everyone even if you aren't a Barclays customer - Pingit links your mobile number with your bank account, and makes it quick and easy to send money or pay bills.

You don’t need to know account numbers or sort codes. If you're aged 16 or over, all you need is a current account and a mobile phone registered in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man. Then simply download the Pingit app, register and go. It's free, secure and fast.

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To find out more about paying with the Pingit app for Rykneld Homes please contact our Contact Centre on 01246 217670.

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YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

Angela Parry with her Housing Hero Award

Award winners!

Rykneld Homes was proud to be named Landlord of the Year in the regional Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Awards.

The award recognises the work undertaken

by Rykneld to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and to improve the welfare and quality of life for customers.

The judges also looked at n the impact we have had within the local community. n what our customers and local community had to say about us.

KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL THIS WINTER

Keep warm, keep well this winter As we head towards the winter months it’s best to be prepared for whatever the weather might throw at us.

We’ve developed a special information guide on our website which gives useful advice about how to keep yourself and your home safe and well during severe cold spells.

Visit www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and look up our Keeping Well this Winter section. In the event of very heavy snow we may only be able to operate a limited emergency repairs service. We will update our website and Twitter@Rykneld_Homes on a daily basis with details of the service we can offer.

In very cold weather we may have to deal with a high number of emergency repairs, many due to frozen or burst pipes. Some of these could have been avoided with just a few, simple precautions such as lagging any pipework in cold areas like outside taps or outside toilets.

Winter Checks As winter approaches we would like our customers to test their heating systems to ensure they are in working order before the cold weather arrives.

This way we can ensure that any repairs that may be needed are carried out now while your home is warmer. If you experience any problems with your heating systems please contact us on 01246 217670.

Here are just a few other precautions you could take: n

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Try to keep the heating on – we appreciate this may not always be easy due to the cost of fuel – this can stop pipes from freezing up.

Know where your stop taps and valves are located – you may need to turn them off quickly if there is a burst. The main stop tap is often found under the kitchen sink. We are now installing SureStop valves to assist turning off the mains cold water. These are generally found above the work surface in your kitchen or under the sink.

Turn off stop taps in outside toilets and wash rooms and protect exposed pipework

Insurance Please be aware Rykneld Homes is not responsible for damage to your household goods – such as furniture and carpets - caused by a burst pipe.

Please make sure you have an insurance policy in place to cover such an incident. Rykneld Homes can help arrange contents insurance cover that can be paid weekly alongside your rent – please contact us for details.

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 7

NEWSBRIEF

Be Gas Safe t Rykneld Homes we operate an annual programme for Gas Servicing. It is important you allow us access to your home to maintain and service your heating appliances so that they are safe and working efficiently.

We want our customers and their families to live in a safe environment and by allowing us into your home to service your appliances you help to ensure the safety of you and your family.

The annual service is also a legal requirement and failure to allow us access to your home to carry out the service is a breach of your Tenancy Agreement.

We will inform you when we intend to visit your home by letter. If the appointment is not convenient, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting us on 01246 217670 or completing our online form at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

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Photo album

Estate walkabouts Don’t miss out on your chance to have a say on the way your estate is managed.

Our team of Housing Support staff, together with our partners such as the police and Councillors, hold regular estate walkabouts.

All our customers are invited to take part in the walkabouts – this is your opportunity to raise any issues or concerns.

Our walkabout dates are made available on our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk or you can contact your Housing Support Officer on 01246 217670.

The next walkabouts will be held in January and February – dates will be published shortly.

8 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

Over the coming year we will be out and about taking photographs of the outside of all of our homes.

This is to allow us to update the information we keep on our properties.

The photographer will be taking pictures of the front elevation only and will not need to come onto the property. Our staff will carry an identity badge at all times.

If you have any queries about the photography please contact our Communications Team on 01246 217670.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal Credit

Are you ready?

Universal Credit is being rolled out across the country area by area.

Some people are already claiming it in North East Derbyshire. Some Rykneld customers will be affected from November 2017. The full roll out in our area will start in April 2018, so if you are receiving benefits and have a change in circumstances after 1 April 2018 that affects your benefit entitlement you will transfer to Universal Credit.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit (UC) is the Government`s new benefit system available to those who are out of work or on a low income. It replaces the following welfare benefits; n n n n n n

Income based Job Seekers Allowance Income related Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Housing Benefit Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit is one single payment which is paid monthly in arrears into a bank account or credit union account. It includes housing costs where appropriate. You are then responsible for paying your rent directly to Rykneld Homes.

Top Tips for getting ready for Universal Credit 1. Get On Line: You need to ensure you have access to the internet in order to make a claim and to manage your claim on line.

2. Email Address: You will need an email address to complete a claim.

3. Bank Account/Credit Union Account: Universal Credit is paid into a bank account /credit union account; you need to ensure you have an account that can receive automated payments.

4. Budgeting: Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears. This can be a big change if you have been used to receiving weekly or fortnightly wages or benefit payments.

5. Savings: Waiting times for Universal Credit average six weeks from making a claim to getting a first payment.

We will be updating our website with more information as we move closer to the roll out of Universal Credit across our district.

Please contact our Financial Inclusion Team if you have any queries regarding Universal Credit. Our officers can be contacted on 01246 217670.

For further information and advice please have a look at the following websites www.gov.uk search for Universal Credit and You leaflet www.citizensadvice.org.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 9

WORKING TOGETHER

Happy Birthday hanks to everyone who joined us for our fantastic 10th birthday party this summer!

It was great to see so many people at our special anniversary event hosted at the Proact Stadium in July.

The party was funded by a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Celebrate Fund, which was set up to help communities come together to mark a special occasion. All of the activities were free and there was definitely something for everyone – from fairground rides to learning how to dance!

A drink and birthday cake were also on offer – so we hope everyone went home happy.

We are very proud of the fantastic response from guests to the event and have included a couple of comments from very satisfied visitors!

A resident in Kelstedge, wrote to say: “Well done Rykneld Homes...as a guest I was amazed at the thought and detail that went into the event. You gave everyone a day to remember. Thank you all for

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Mr and Mrs Bryan from Holmewood who were winners of our 10th Anniversary party invitation prize draw.

10 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

such an amazing and free event – something which is rarely seen nowadays. All your tenants and guests I am sure, were grateful for you sharing the event with them. Your kindness and generosity was much appreciated.”

Another wrote to say: “What a fun day we all had.

You should all be proud of yourselves – staff, organisers and helpers. If you run your organisation the same as the activity day, then you deserve to prosper. Well done and thank you!”

We’ve also selected a few of our favourite photos which capture the fun of a very special day for Rykneld Homes.

Raising money for charity Our 10th anniversary charity raffle raised a fantastic £365 which will be shared between The Alzheimer’s Society and Ashgate Hospice. Thanks to everyone who bought a raffle ticket at the Proact event.

WORKING TOGETHER

Rykneld!

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR! Thanks to everyone who joined us for our special 10th anniversary event at the Proact Stadium!

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 11

Thanks to everyone who ďŹ lled in our Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey. We were very proud to have equalled last year's fantastic overall customer satisfaction rating of 94%.

We've included here some of the other results from the survey.

What you think about us Results of our Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey 2017

Overall satisfaction with services

94% Value for Money

94% Quality of homes

88%

12 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

Gas and Solid Fuel servicing

99%

Contact Centre

97% Neighbourhood as a place to live

92% Listen to your views

85%

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Putting our customers first Excellent customer care is a key priority for Rykneld Homes and in October we took part in the national Customer Service Week.

The event was about celebrating the positive impact of good customer care and the extra value customer care staff bring to an organisation.

Some of our staff were on hand to answer customer questions at a special event held at the Council offices at Wingerworth.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on the services we provide. We have included here some of your comments from the past few months.

Gold Star A new tenant in Danesmoor wrote to say how delighted he was with his new home. “I love living here, it is beautiful, I couldn’t wish for a better place.

10 out of 10 to Rykneld, a gold star and a Blue Peter badge. It feels like home.”

Credit to your organisation A customer wrote to praise a member of our Housing Support staff. "My parents are both unwell and need to be closer to where I live. Your member of staff has been extremely helpful, approachable, professional, efficient and most very effective... she is a credit to your organisation. Nothing has been too much trouble for her. It has helped tremendously, through what is a very difficult time for both my parents and I." Quick and efficient Our gas service engineers earned the praise of a customer following a Saturday appointment. “He came within the agreed time slot, did the job quickly and efficiently, and was very polite and friendly. In general I feel it is a good service and really appreciate the fact that the operatives give up their Saturday mornings. I work full time so it meant I did not have to lose any leave or flexi” Best workmen ever A customer in Grassmoor praised the work of one of our gas plumbers and a gas apprentice. "The

gentleman was absolutely the best workman I have ever had from Rykneld Homes. He was pleasant, kind, and courteous in every aspect and nothing was too much trouble. This also applies to the apprentice that was with him. They are a credit to Rykneld Homes."

Professional and effective A customer wrote to thank our Choice Move staff.

"They have been an immense help during my parent's application for housing. They have consistently provided a professional, efficient and most definitely effective service, accompanied with empathy and understanding.”

Hard work and help A customer in North Wingfield wrote to thank a Customer Service Assistant and her colleagues for their support. "Once again I must commend your employee for the tremendous work with myself and the community. A special woman with a working commitment for us all. Nothing is too much for her and her colleagues to do. She is an asset to Rykneld Homes.”

Pride in their work A customer's daughter from Eckington wrote to thank one of our bricklayers for his work. "I would like to extend my praise for the technician who recently carried out an adaptation at my mum’s property. In this case he was exceptional, sympathetically working around the needs of the tenant. Your technician ensured his work area was clean and tidy at all times, leaving areas free from trip hazards. It was great to see someone taking such pride in their work."

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 13

WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Working with communities Funding for your Projects Do you have an idea about how to make a positive impact on your community or are you involved with a community group who is in need of funding?

If so, we may be able to help!

Over the past 10 years we have helped many community clubs and organisations fund projects that matter to local people.

Through our Neighbourhood Improvement Budget (NIB) we have invested more than £250,000 in towns and villages across the district – helping with everything from improvements to village halls to new playground facilities.

We are able to offer grants of: n n

Up to £500 towards organising a one day community event Up to £1,000 to help with a project that benefits the local community

For more information about our NIB funding you can visit our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk and visit the Get Involved section. The site contains details about the application process so you know what you need to do and the steps we need to take before any funding is awarded.

You can also email our Community Involvement Team at get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk or telephone the team on 01246 217670.

New handrail at Eckington Friendship Hall agencies and members of the local community, new projects are providing fantastic new opportunities.

We have included here just a few examples of the fantastic projects currently taking place. There is a voluntary led youth club, fruit and vegetable cooperative, weekly kurling group, walk for life group and community clean ups. For more information, please get in touch with our Community Involvement Team or check out the Group's Facebook page.

Get Cooking Workshops We are currently holding free cookery workshops at Holmewood Cricket Pavilion.

This is part of our Get Cooking programme which encourages participants to get cooking cheap, nutritious meals, meet new people and generally have lots of fun!

Similar sessions are also being held in Eckington and Renishaw, for more information please contact the Community Involvement Team.

Eckington Friendship Hall This year we were able to approve a Neighbourhood Improvement Budget application from Eckington Friendship Hall. They were awarded £500 to allow them to buy and install a hand rail to enable users of the hall to access the building safely. The users of the building are delighted with the new rail.

Partnership working in Holmewood and Heath Through the work undertaken by Holmewood and Heath Healthy Partnership Group, a group made up of New homes in Killamarsh Fun activities in Holmewood 14 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Family Activities Eighteen families took advantage of four free family fun sessions which were held during the summer holidays in Holmewood. The sessions included a wide range of activities including bird box making, healthy cooking workshops and circus skills.

The grand finale was a day trip to Pleasley Vale outdoor activity centre where the group cut their own wood to create a campfire, made healthy vegetable skewers to toast over the fire, as well as toasted marshmallows and chocolate bananas for dessert! The group also enjoyed an adventurous long boat experience in the river, a walk in the dark and teambuilding games.

One parent said "It helps to keep the kids active and gives us something to do as a family through the holidays. The sessions were really fun and it was great that they were local to us and didn’t cost us anything."

Emily Turner, front row left, with other members of the Community Improvers team at our special 10th anniversary event.

Community Improvers - Special award for Emily The hard work of Community Improver Emily Turner earned her a special award from Rykneld Homes this summer. Emily is the longest serving young person, having joined the group back in 2010. Over the seven years she has shown fantastic commitment and a strong work ethic, completing 350 voluntary hours.

Some of the work Emily has done includes litter picking, gardening, helping at fun days, arts and nature projects. Through the group Emily completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, Community Sports Leader Award, First Aid training and various other courses which have helped her to achieve full time employment.

The 19-year-old was presented with flowers and a certificate at Rykneld’s 10th Anniversary event as a big thank you for all her hard work.

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 15

COMPETITIONS

Competitions Tell us what you think In this issue of Your Rykneld we are offering the chance to win £30 in shopping vouchers if you fill in and return our short survey about our magazine – you can also have a go at finding our three little Rykis.

Your Rykneld Last year we launched our new look magazine Your Rykneld and would now like to know if you find it useful and what improvements or changes you would like to see in future. Our short survey will only take a few moments to complete and anyone returning the questionnaire will be entered into our prize draw. n

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Do you find the information in Your Rykneld useful?

Yes No Any comments

What kind of information would you like to see more of?

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Is the magazine easy to read and understand?

Yes No Any comments

If you have any ideas or suggestions for future articles, please get in touch with our Communications Team

What kind of information would you like to see less of?

Can you find our three little Rykis?

Well done to Mrs Barker from Dronfield who won £30 in shopping vouchers after winning our competition in the July issue of Your Rykneld.

Can you find our three little Rykis?......................................................

1.

Page number

Title of article

2

Page number

Title of article

3.

Page number

Title of article

Ryki Symbol

Please send your completed survey or competition entries 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 15 December 2017.

Name

Address

Tel

Email

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NEWSBRIEF

Help us to help you! n n n

Would you like to join an award-winning team that puts you first?

Would you like the chance to make your voice heard?

Would you like to make a positive difference for customers?

We are looking to recruit new members to our Scrutiny Panel and would like to hear from anyone interested in joining.

Our Panel is made up of involved customers who meet to discuss our service delivery and work with us to make changes or suggest new ways of working.

We provide full training - all you need to bring along is enthusiasm and a commitment to help us improve our services for customers.

Join us on Twitter on’t forget you can keep up to date with the latest developments at Rykneld by joining us on Twitter.

The site is regularly updated with the latest information – including dates for our estate walkabouts, latest job vacancies and community events.

Our Twitter address is Twitter@Rykneld_Homes We’ve also included our Twitter information on our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

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If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with our Community Involvement Team on 01246 217670 or email get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk.

Further information can be found on our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk in our Get Involved section.

Eckington Drop-In Sessions Rykneld staff were on hand to offer help and advice at our recent Eckington drop-in sessions.

During October and November we invited customers to call in at Eckington Business Centre to meet with our Housing and Support and Customer Services teams.

At the drop-in sessions we were able to: n n n n

Give advice on payment methods Offer help filling out a Housing Application Form Help set up a Direct Debit Answer Housing & Support questions

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 17

NEWSBRIEF

Allocations – have your say ykneld Homes, together with the Council, are consulting on changes to the current Allocations Policy.

The main changes under consideration would affect:

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The priority given to homeless applicants to comply with new legislation from April 2018.

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A person’s ability to afford a property – linked to the number of bedrooms that applicants will be eligible for.

Customers seeking to transfer from one Rykneld property to another.

For more information, or to give your feedback on the proposals, please go to our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk

Direct Debit - the easy way to pay etting up a Direct Debit is an easy and convenient way to pay your rent.

You can now set up a Direct Debit over the phone by calling us on 01246 217670.

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

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

Alternatively, you can pick up a mandate form from your local Area Housing Office or One Stop Shop or download a form from our website www.rykneldhomes.org.uk 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 Once a Direct Debit is set up it is continuous and does not need renewing You have the right to cancel at any time

18 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

Grassland Hasmoor Big Local he £1million Big Local scheme in Grassmoor and Hasland is asking residents what they think about the project so far.

It’s three years since the Big Local was launched and organisers think it is time to look at what has been achieved and what they want to do in future.

“Many successful relationships have been built up across the two communities and regular activities and events have been established already, and we want to build on these to make Grassmoor and Hasland even better places to live,” said organisers.

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You can complete their survey by visiting: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2DFZZ2J Look out for our future events that are planned including... n

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Grassmoor Community Cinema, 18th November at Grassmoor Community Centre - arrive 11:15 to join in craft activities 12 noon film showing - film to be announced Hot Pot 2017-25th November, 11-3pm at Grassmoor Community Centre Pit Stop Diner- Social Eating Event, first Saturday of the Month 12-2pm

*(Community groups and organisations operating in Grassmoor & Hasland can apply for up to £2000. Application forms available from dallas.asher@grasslandhasmoor.co.uk - deadline 9am, 29th Jan 2018) GHBL is always happy to welcome new volunteers, so if you live or work in Grassmoor or Hasland and you would like to find out more or get involved, please ring Dallas Asher on 07825 183569 or email dallas.asher@grasslandhasmoor.co.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS

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

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

Contact Centre opening times: 8am-5pm Or visit our website at: www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Or Text us at 07800 002 425

Council Tax and Housing Benefits

Housing Offices

Tel: 01246 217600

Elections and Electoral Registration Tel: 01246 217069, 217068

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.

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

Housing Accounts/Rents

Repairs

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

Food Safety and Hygiene

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

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

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

Environmental Services

Choice Move

Tel: 01246 217670

Tenancy Support

Community Involvement Team Tel: 01246 217670 Email:get.involved@rykneldhomes.org.uk

Tel: 01246 217238, 217239

Other Services

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.

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

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:

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The date and time of your community event n The location n Brief details of the event n A contact person n Contact details – phone number or email address where we can contact you.

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.

Clay Cross Breathe Easy Hardwick North. Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1.30pm – 3.30pm at Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, S45 9BU. For information contact Godfrey Kerry 01246 8653890 or email: godfrey.kerry@talktalk.net

YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017 19

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

Christmas opening times lease be aware our Contact Centre, Head Office and Area Housing Offices will all be closed over the Christmas and New Year period. Normal services will resume on Tuesday, 2 January.

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25 December 26 December 27 December 28 December 29 December 1 January 2 January

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Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Normal service resumes

Emergency Repairs Over the Christmas period we will be operating an emergency repairs service only. The emergency repairs number is 08000 121 621. This should only be used where there is a potential risk to health and safety – such as, burst pipes, loss of power or heating.

If an operative attends and finds the work is not an emergency, this may be recharged to the customer.

Any non-emergency repairs will be dealt with after we re-open in January.

Raising money for charity ur staff have been busy fund raising over the past few months, taking part in everything from sponsored walks to cake bakes.

We were delighted to be able to present a cheque for £720 to the Alzheimer’s Society – our chosen good cause for 2017.

“A huge thanks to all the amazing people at Rykneld Homes,” said Sharon Scarry from the charity. “You have shown that when we work together we can achieve such amazing things. Thank you for partnering with us and investing in our cause.”

Thanks to everyone who supported our fund-raising

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20 YOUR RYKNELD NOVEMBER 2017

at this summer’s 10th anniversary event – our raffle raised £365 – which was shared between The Alzheimer’s Society and Ashgate Hospice.

Our staff also took part in this year’s Ashgate Sparkle Walk and raised a fantastic £441 for Ashgate Hospicecare.

We also supported the Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in September, with staff baking and bringing in cakes and raising £170 and our 10th anniversary event in Apperknowle raising a further £120 for the charity.