Pillar — Winter 2015

Page 1

Pillar A newsletter for Severnside residents

Winter 2015

Armed Forces Covenant — page 3

Wear It Pink — page 4

Boccia Tournament — page 12


What’s Inside

3 Severnside signs Armed Forces Covenant 4 Financial tips to help you this Christmas 6

Christmas opening hours

8 Developing new homes 10

Stay safe this winter

12 Universal Credit update 15

Kids Competition

16 Adults Wordsearch Competition Contact Us Write to us: Severnside Housing Brassey Road, Old Potts Way Shrewsbury SY3 7FA

Ring Us: 0300 300 0059 or 01743 285000

Email us: enquiries@ severnsidehousing.co.uk

Visit our website: www.severnsidehousing.co.uk

Health & Safety Warning! We appreciate at times it can be difficult to keep your home warm, but we strongly recommend that you and your family do not use any form of mobile gas heater, due to potential health and safety risks.

However, if you use a mobile gas heater, please ensure you follow these safety guidelines. Heaters should NOT: • be located so as to restrict means of escape, • have clothes placed over them, • be positioned near to chairs or other furnishings, alongside a wall or near to curtains, • be moved whilst lit, • be used in garages as petrol vapour may be present, • be used in bathrooms or shower rooms, • be used in bedrooms where there are combustible materials such as bed coverings, clothes, curtains, etc, and • be used where children and the elderly are likely to be present. ALWAYS please ensure: • heaters are turned off before going to bed,

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• adequate ventilation is provided and maintained in rooms where heaters are used,

Severnside Housing

• permanent safety guards

Severnside Housing

2 Pillar | Winter 2015

are fitted for additional protection,

• heaters are serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and by a competent GAS SAFE registered person to ensure they are working correctly, and • you always have a carbon monoxide detector in the room where the heater is being used. And please REMEMBER: • Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which can be produced if the heater is not working correctly, • never stand or sit too close to a heater, and • portable heaters are a major cause of condensation so be sure to open windows to allow for adequate air movement and ventilation. This guidance list is not exhaustive. For further information and guidance, please refer to your portable heating appliance instruction manual and/or the manufacturer’s website.


Sue Groom signing the covenant

Severnside signs up to Armed Forces Corporate Covenant Severnside is proud to have signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, which demonstrates our support to the Armed Forces Community. The Corporate Covenant is a voluntary statement of support for the Armed Forces Community and, by signing up, Severnside has the opportunity to help the Armed Forces Community as a whole, including: • People leaving the Armed Forces • Employment of service spouses and partners • Reservists • Local Cadet Units • Veterans. Councillor Tim Barker, who is responsible for the Armed Forces Community Covenant,

told us that the key aims of the Covenant are to support Armed Forces personnel in their transition from military to civilian life, bridge the divide between the two communities and support the employment of Veterans and Reservist Forces.

In signing the Corporate Covenant, organisations are committing to supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families through this transition by offering employment opportunities and raising general awareness of the Forces and their role within our communities. Our Director of Neighbourhoods and Community Services, Sue Groom, explained to us that Severnside have been long time supporters of the Armed Forces Community so it was a natural step to commit to the

Armed Forces Covenant. The Corporate Covenant complements the Armed Forces Covenant, which sets out a moral obligation between the Nation, Armed Forces and Government. Armed Forces Survey The Shropshire Armed Forces Covenant have launched the county’s biggest survey of the Armed Forces Community. If you are a former or current serving member of HM Armed Forces (as a regular or a reservist), a spouse or dependent of someone in the Armed Forces, then the Shropshire Armed Forces Covenant would really like to hear from you. You can complete their online survey at http://new.shropshire. gov.uk/get-involved/

Pillar | Winter 2015 3


Join our study programme We are working with Landau to offer free training. Landau support employment and provide work-related training opportunities for people with learning disabilities or longterm health issues, the longterm unemployed and young people. If you:

• are aged 16–24, or aged 19+ and have a Statement of Educational Needs,

• need support with English and Maths, • want to get work ready, • want to get your Level 3 Certificate. Then this training opportunity could be just for you! Training will start in January 2016, and is workshop and work experience based.

To find out more please contact us on 0300 300 0059 or email enquiries@ severnsidehousing.co.uk Venue: Castlefields Digital Den, New Park Street, Castlefields, Shrewsbury

You would be crackers not to pay your rent this Christmas Christmas is fast approaching and we know that there can be a great deal of pressure to spend a lot of money on presents and having friends and family over for Christmas and New Year.

manage your finances this Christmas:

However, it is important to remember that paying your rent needs to be your first priority as you could lose your home if you do not keep up with your rent payments.

êê Shop around for gifts.

We have put together some financial tips to help you

Wear It Pink

Staff at our offices raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness by taking part in the ‘Wear it Pink’ Day. Pink was the colour of the day with staff wearing as much pink as they could find in their wardrobes. There was also a sweepstake and cake sale — all contributing to raise over £200 for this great cause. 4 Pillar | Winter 2015

êê Work out your Christmas budget and start saving now. êê Think about and plan your Christmas meals. êê Check your bank statements and monitor your spend. êê If you are travelling, prebook tickets to save money.

The Money Advice Service also has a great Christmas Money Planner you can use. To find out more visit their website — www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/ en/tools/christmas-moneyplanner Please remember if you are struggling to pay your rent, or have concerns about debt please talk to us on 0300 300 0059 as there are many ways we can help you.


Estate Walkabouts 2015/16

Walkabouts are led by your local Neighbourhood Officer, along with representatives from the Council, the Police and other partner agencies. The 2015/16 Estate Walkabout programme can be viewed on our website along with action plans which are drawn up following each walkabout. Visit www.severnsidehousing.co.uk/estate-walkabouts Please come along and join us for a walk around the area you live in and point out any issues or concerns you may have. Month

Date and Time

Location

Meeting Place

Dec

2 at 10.30am

Bomere Heath

The Crescent

Feb

17th at 10.30am

Coton Hill

Roundhill Green

Mar

2nd at 10.30am

Belle Vue

Seabury Close Community Centre

Mar

16th at 2pm

Bayston Hill

Holland Close Community Centre

nd

Festive Fire Safety By following the fire safety tips below you will keep you and your family safe during the festive season:

ԪԪ Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the European standard. ԪԪ If you have an artificial Christmas tree, make sure it is certified as fire retardant. ԪԪ If you have an open fire, please make sure your chimney is swept at least once a year. ԪԪ Make an escape plan together as a family and ensure your visitors over the festive period are aware of it too. ԪԪ Do not attach your decorations to lights or heaters — they can burn easily. ԪԪ Always switch your Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

ԪԪ Check your Christmas lights don’t have any frayed or damaged wiring. ԪԪ Be aware that accidents are more likely to occur when under the influence of alcohol, especially in the kitchen. ԪԪ Make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished before bedtime, and never smoke near your Christmas tree. ԪԪ Test your smoke alarm every week and clean it to remove dust. ԪԪ Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children,

and never leave burning candles unattended. ԪԪ Take time to check on your elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas to make sure they’re safe too. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service work in partnership with us to offer free home fire safety visits across Shropshire; with the aim to keep you safe in your home. Jointly, we want to help you understand fire risks in the home, how to prevent fire related incidents and also how to identify and report defects within the home, which could contribute to a fire related incident. You can request a visit by Shropshire Fire & Rescue by calling us on 0300 300 0059 or emailing enquiries@ severnsidehousing.co.uk

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Christmas Opening Hours Over the Christmas period our offices and customer service centre will be open as follows:

Thursday 24th December 8.30am – 4.00pm Friday 25th December CLOSED Monday 28th December CLOSED Tuesday 29th December 8.30am – 5.00pm Wednesday 30th December 8.30am – 5.00pm Thursday 31st December 10.00am – 4.00pm Friday 1st January CLOSED If you have an emergency repair to report when we are closed please call our out of hours emergency repairs number on 01743 360945, which is staffed 24 hours a day.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year! 6 Pillar | Winter 2015

Gas Safety Checks

Severnside has a legal responsibility to carry out an annual gas inspection at every one of our homes with a gas supply. It’s really important that you let our contractor PH Jones in to do the gas service. So, if we call you to arrange a gas safety check, please make sure you are in for the appointment, and remember everyone who lets our gas contractors have first time access to their home will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win £50.

Unfortunately, if we cannot get access to your property to carry out these important gas safety checks, we will take legal action to gain entry. Please contact PH Jones on Freephone 0800 316 2104 or from a mobile 01743 719051 if you think you need a gas safety check.


It’s good to get online

12 – 18 October 2015 was National Get Online week and we offered a range of events for residents to do just that! Our two Digital Dens at Castlefields and Meole Brace offered free daily sessions, providing help and advice on how to get online and tips on how to look for work and complete online job applications. Residents were also given the chance to gain computer skills through free online Learn my Way training courses. We know that over 50% of our residents do not have access to the internet at home. Also, nearly half of

the 7.1 million adults, who report to have never been online, live in affordable housing, which is why we are so passionate and committed to providing our residents with as many opportunities as possible to get online and offer free computer literacy training. With more and more services only available online perhaps you are thinking it’s time to get to grips with computers and the internet once and for all? If so, we offer regular

Rent Reductions In this year’s budget, the Government announced that all Housing Associations must reduce their rents by 1% a year, for four years, from April 2016. Rental income funds the delivery of all the services provided by Severnside repairs, improvements, grounds maintenance and housing services, such as allocations and support services; so it is inevitable that a big reduction in the

rents charged will have an impact on the services we can deliver. We are currently working closely with staff and involved residents, to conduct a money saving review across the whole organisation. However, even after we have made large scale efficiencies to our operating costs we know that the reduced income will have an impact on the services we are able to offer.

weekly job clubs and drop-ins across Shrewsbury which are open to everyone and free to attend. You can seek help and learn new skills in a relaxed and friendly community environment. Please take a look at page 6 for further details about our Job Clubs/ Drop-ins.

Whilst we recognise that lower rents will be of benefit to some of our customers, we also understand the frustration that will be felt by those on Housing Benefit, who will not be directly helped by the rent reduction, but may experience changes to services. More details about your new rent will be available in February 2016, when the rent notification letters are sent to you.

Homepoint Help We are running a new Homepoint drop-in at our Customer Resource Centre. So if you need help with: • Homepoint applications

• Getting online and using a computer Pop along to our Homepoint Drop-in between 2pm – 4pm on a Wednesday.

Venue: Severnside’s Resource Centre, Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 7FA Pillar | Winter 2015 7


Developing New Homes

Stretton Court

To celebrate the completion of new homes, we have recently held official opening events at Stretton Court, Wellington and Round Meadow, Wem

Stretton Court, Wellington

At a plaque unveiling ceremony, in October 2015, the Mayor of Wellington, Councillor Phil Morris-Jones officially opened 14 new, one, two and three bedroom homes at Stretton Court, Wellington.

welcome this outstanding development by Severn Homes, on what locals know as the old Wrekin Road School. They have preserved and renovated the old school and in the process built a small number of high quality homes near to the centre of Wellington and close to the natural beauty of the Wrekin.

Severnside Housing has clearly lived up to its vision of providing Excellent Homes in Thriving Communities.� Graham Burrows and Jan Millard, residents from Stretton Court, can be seen above, cutting the official cake to celebrate the completion of the new homes.

Over 40 guests from the local community attended the ceremony to celebrate the completion of the new market rent homes, built on the former Wrekin Road School site. Wellington’s Mayor, Phil Morris-Jones MBE said “I 8 Pillar | Winter 2015

Round Meadow


Round Meadow, Wem At a ribbon cutting ceremony, in November 2015, Wem Councillor Chris Mellings officially opened 23 new two and three bed homes for affordable rent and shared ownership at Round Meadow, Wem. The new development, costing over £2.5m was delivered in partnership with Wem Rural Parish Council and was part funded by Shropshire Council, through community-led housing grant, and Social Housing Grant from the Homes and Communities Agency. Councillor Chris Mellings said “The scheme has provided a valuable boost to the availability of affordable housing for local people. The Parish Council and Severnside have worked closely in partnership to develop this excellent quality scheme for the benefit of local people.” During the event Wem Cricket Club was also presented with a special commemorative bench as a thank you for all their support and help during the construction works, as they provided car parking when necessary and a venue for local residents to meet. Councillor Chris Mellings is pictured to the left cutting the ribbon, along with our Chair, Paul Smith, ViceChair of Wem Rural Parish, Len Staines and Richard Bowler from Shropshire Homes.

Development Update

Severnside has an extensive new build programme, providing homes in a range of tenures. We build affordable rent, discounted rent, market rent, shared ownership and market sale homes. The revenue received from the market rent and market sale homes helps fund more affordable homes. As well as building new homes, we also partner with a number of quality house builders to buy homes directly from them. These homes tend to be on larger development sites and are referred to as ‘off the shelf’ property purchases. These purchases, along with our newly built homes, help us to meet local priority housing need. Below are a number of sites where we have either already purchased, or are in the process of purchasing a number of off the shelf properties:

Lawton Farm Way, Leegomery, Telford In November 2015, we purchased 11 new two and three bed houses from Lioncourt Homes for market rent.

Okehampton Road, Leegomery, Telford Between September 2015 and January 2016 we will purchase 15 new two and three bed houses from Redrow Homes for affordable rent.

Riverside Meadow, Shrewsbury In December 2015 we will purchase 15 new two bedroom flats from Barratt David Wilson Homes for Shared Ownership.

Pillar | Winter 2015 9


Stay Safe this Winter With winter here it’s a good time to think about how we can all minimise risks during extremely cold weather. Below are some useful hints and tips: Pipes and Heating ❅❅ Inside the home, it may be that extreme cold weather is more than standard lagging pipes can protect against. It is important that you know where your stop tap is and how to turn the water off in the event of a burst pipe. Turning the water off as quickly as possible can help to limit the damage caused by escaping water. Try turning your stop tap to ensure it moves freely before you may need to use it in an emergency. ❅❅ Outside taps and pipes always need to be properly lagged, especially those on outhouses and pipes to outside toilets. For

outhouses please use pipe lagging foam, which is available from DIY stores.

❅❅ During long spells of freezing weather, you should turn your inside water taps on and off daily, at least for a short time. Doing this lets the water circulate in the pipes and prevents them freezing. ❅❅ To prevent burst pipes your heating system radiators should be on a low setting and your room thermostat set to 18 degrees to keep background heating. ❅❅ Never cover or block your heating system ventilation openings as you could put your own and your family’s safety at risk. General Advice ❅❅ If you have to go out in icy weather, please wrap up warmly and wear sensible shoes or boots which have

Community Chest Fund Community Chest Funding applications are invited from any voluntary, community and recreational group working in the Shropshire area whose work will directly benefit our residents and communities. The Community Chest recently granted funding to Shropshire Disability Network, a registered charity wholly run and supported by volunteers, to assist them in purchasing promotional items to 10 Pillar | Winter 2015

publicise their vision of giving disabled people and carers in Shropshire a voice. Anyone with a disability, who cares for someone who is disabled, or is a family member of a disabled person, is welcome to join the Shropshire Disability Network. You can find out more and join online at www.shropshire-disability. net or call 07780 852229.

a good grip. Don’t try and carry too much as this may prevent you keeping your balance. ❅❅ Please remember that it’s not a legal requirement for Severnside to grit drives and paths. Even on shared areas, there is only so much that can be done in exceptional weather, particularly first thing in the morning. ❅❅ We would recommend that you have home contents insurance. Further advice is available in our Winter Weather Advice leaflet which can be found on our website — www.severnsidehousing. co.uk


Getting the most from cheap electricity A number of our properties have storage heaters as their main form of heating. Storage heaters run on ‘offpeak’ electricity, so are the cheapest form of electrical heating, but only if they are used correctly.

During the winter months, it’s particularly important to avoid expensive electricity bills, so here’s how you can make the most of your storage heaters: Storage heaters switch on at night and store up heat inside a core of firebricks so that when you need the heat the next day you can let it out. There are two controls on

most models:

aa Input tells the heater how much heat to store up at night. aa Output (often called Boost or Room Temperature) tells it how much heat to let out into the room. Set the Input to its highest setting in cold weather (usually 6 to 9). In milder weather, you may not need to set it so high. The higher the Input the more heat the heater will store and the more electricity it will use. If it’s too high, you’ll be wasting money.

When the room is warm enough and before you go to bed, make sure the Output is turned down. If you don’t, you’ll use more electricity, heat an empty room and leave yourself with less heat for the next day. A well-controlled storage heater should give you 10 hours or more of useful heat each day. If your room is cold by the evening, check that the Output is turned down overnight and the Input is set high enough.

Residents’ Recipes For Success

CHRISTMAS MINCE PIES Ingredients

225g cold butter, diced 350g plain flour 100g golden caster sugar 280g mincemeat 1 small egg Icing sugar, to dust Oven Cook – Electric 200°/Fan 180°/Gas 6 Method ҾҾ To make the pastry, rub the cold, diced butter into the plain flour, then mix in the caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Combine the pastry into a ball — don’t add liquid — and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. If you have a quick, simple and inexpensive recipe you would like to share please send it to us. If your recipe is selected to appear in the next edition of Pillar you will receive a £25 shopping gift voucher. Please send your recipe to:

ҾҾ Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnutsized balls of pastry into each hole. Share the mincemeat evenly between the 18 pie bases.

WIN £25

ҾҾ Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies. Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal. Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pies. ҾҾ Bake for 20 minutes until golden. To serve, lightly dust with icing sugar.

Post : Pillar, Severnside Housing, Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 7FA. Email: pillar@severnsidehousing.co.uk Please remember to include your name and contact details. Pillar | Winter 2015 11


Boccia Tournament

Two teams from our Sheltered Housing Scheme in Longleat Close, Minsterley recently entered the annual Boccia Tournament organised by Shropshire’s Rural Community Council. The teams, who called themselves the Pride of Longleat and Recycled Teenagers, really enjoyed taking part, with The Recycled Teenagers just being pipped to the post in the play offs for the County Final. Boccia is a precision ball sport, similar to bowls, which is played at local, national and international levels. It was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but is now played by people of all abilities and ages. The aim of the game is to throw leather coloured balls as close as you can to a white target ball, or jack. Below you can see the teams pictured at the competition with the Mayor and Mayoress of Shrewsbury.

12 Pillar | Winter 2015

Universal Credit Universal Credit has started in Shropshire and to date a small number of Severnside tenants have been moved onto this new single benefit.

The movement of people onto Universal Credit is a learning experience for everyone involved — for the tenant entitled to receive this benefit and for us as a landlord. Severnside is working with other social landlords, Shropshire Council and The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to try to ensure the smoothest transition possible. However, as with most new things, there will be learning along the way whilst we all navigate through this for the first time. If you are being moved onto Universal Credit and need support to complete the forms, demonstrate your rent required for the housing element, or to set up payments and budgeting we are here to help, so please contact us on 0300 300 0059. Within Universal Credit and in ensuring you are compliant

with the claimant commitment you may be entitled to access funded training. Your Universal Credit work coach can help you to assess your skills and get any training that will improve your chances of finding or getting back into work. If you need to develop new skills to find work, your work coach can refer you to government funded training. We also offer a wide range of free training in our Learning Programme, which can help you gain new skills or improve on existing ones. You can take a look through our Learning Programme brochure on our website – www. severnsidehousing.co.uk or by calling our Customer Services Team for a copy on 0300 300 0059. You can also improve your computer skills at one of our Job Clubs/Drop-ins, please see page 6 for further details.


Preventing Mould And Condensation Condensation Condensation is caused when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cool surface. This is what happens when the bathroom mirror steams up. Warm moist air is produced by normal household activities like cooking, washing and bathing. How to avoid condensation • Dry clothing outdoors or in a well-ventilated room (open windows). • If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it has a ventilation pipe leading outside. • Open a window, or use an extractor fan if you can when cooking, so steam can escape. • Keep a lid on saucepans as you cook and don’t let the kettle boil for too long. • Open a window and use an extractor fan after you’ve taken a bath or shower, to release the moisture in the air. • Don’t use portable gas or paraffin heaters as these

produce a pint of moisture for every pint of fuel burnt.

• If you have trickle vents above your windows, keep them open at all times. Many of the new double glazed windows that we fit include built-in vents which increase air flow, without compromising security. • Cross ventilate your home by opening a small window to the first notch downstairs and a small one upstairs. At the same time open the interior doors to allow drier air to circulate. Please remember to close windows before you go out. • Do not block any air vents, as this can make problems worse. If you notice condensation forming, dry your windows and window sills every morning, as well as surfaces in the kitchen or bathroom that have become wet. Wring out the cloth rather than drying it on a radiator.

Mould Dampness caused by excessive condensation can lead to mould growth on walls and furniture and mildew on clothes and other fabrics which can all contribute to health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. Removing mould • Where it occurs on walls, windows or furniture, you can normally wipe it off with a cloth using mould and mildew remover. There is no need to use strong chemicals. Wipe over the area again every few days using diluted cleaner to stop the mould growing back.

• When decorating, use a good quality anti-fungal paint to help stop mould appearing. You can get this from most DIY stores. • Dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo affected carpets. Do not try to remove the mould with a brush or vacuum cleaner as this can release spores and increase the risk of breathing problems.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Severnside residents and staff hosted and took part in a number of Macmillan Coffee Mornings, raising a fantastic £800.72.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.

Three of our sheltered housing schemes took part and also our office in Brassey Road. Residents at Forest Way raised £90, Armdale raised £240, West View raised £345 and staff at Severnside raised £125.72.

Pillar | Winter 2015 13


Justice Corner Severnside works with an array of partners to ensure you are able to enjoy your home and live in a peaceful environment. We continue to carry out joint visits with Officers from the Police and Shropshire Council, and meet regularly to discuss any concerns and steps we can take to reduce crime and disorder. There have been some interesting recent cases. Severnside received complaints about a resident living in one of our sheltered housing schemes, who was causing nuisance to others in the community. Attempts were made with all relevant

agencies, and the resident in question, to tackle their behaviour. Unfortunately the person’s behaviour did not change and, as a result, they lost their home. In such circumstances we will help and support the individual advising them to seek advice from a number of partner agencies such as Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Homes for All. We also offer further help and support to all victims. Working closely with the Police, Severnside attended a raid on a property, where drugs, weapons and

proceeds of crime were found. Working with the resident they decided to terminate their tenancy rather than go to court. If you experience antisocial behaviour, or know someone who has, please call any of the appropriate agencies listed below: Severnside Housing on 0300 300 0059 Shropshire Council’s ASB reporting line on 0345 678 9020 Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 West Mercia Police on 101 or 0300 333 3000

Caring about Crime in Shropshire Severnside work in partnership with the Police and Victim Support to help victims of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Victim Support is currently looking for local people to volunteer for its service in all areas across Shropshire. Volunteers visit crime victims at home to listen to their concerns, arrange practical support and give information and advice. Victim Support also needs volunteers to spread the word by visiting schools, colleges and giving talks. Volunteers will need to go on training, be able to get around their area and to do a minimum of three hours per week. In return volunteers will get: 14 Pillar | Winter 2015

• Training accredited with City & Guilds and opportunities for further, specialist training.

• Expenses refunded. • Regular support and team meetings. • Great experience of dealing with people that’s relevant for many jobs and courses. • Recognition of their achievements. Hayley volunteered for Victim Support, which led to her getting a job with the charity. She volunteered in the

community for several years, completed specialist training and gained experienced. She is now the Children & Young People’s Caseworker for Telford. Hayley told us that being a volunteer really helped her gain employment skills. Many volunteers are retired or have part-time commitments. If you would like to become a volunteer, please call: 01743 791459 or visit www.victimsupport.org. uk


Senate News from member Dawn Where has this year gone? It’s just flown by and the Senate have been working hard shaping the services that we all receive.

from our rents. We will keep you informed on what’s happening.

New Logo — Over the last couple of months we have worked with the Marketing Team to create a new logo (see above) for the Resident Senate and update our leaflets and postcards. We have already started using the new logo, so please keep a look out for it and let us know what you think? Get involved Coffee Morning — was held at the Two Fat Rascals Café in Shrewsbury and went really well. It was great to meet other tenants and talk about them getting involved in Severnside tenant groups, so thank you to everyone who attended. Rent Reductions — with the Government’s decision to reduce our rents by 1% next year, the Resident Senate is keeping a close eye on how Severnside are going to deliver services due to less money being received

Scrutiny Project — Senate are working on a scrutiny project to look at how new tenants are supported during the first six months of their tenancy. We are looking at making recommendations, so if you have any comments about your experiences please let us know. 12 month plan — Over the last couple of months Resident Senate have been working hard on planning for the next year, looking into how we can get involved and shape the services that Severnside provide to all of us. We are working closely with the Board, and Executive team to create our 12 month plan. If you would like to join the Resident Senate or contact us to share your views please call 01743 285035 or email senate@ severnsidehousing.co.uk

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If you are aged 15 and under you can enter our Kids Competition for a chance to win a £25 shopping voucher. All you need to do is answer a question about this edition of Pillar and fill in your details below. You can also enter online at www.severnsidehousing. co.uk/Pillar Closing date for entries is Friday 1st January 2016. Congratulations to Maisy Miller who won the Kids Competition in the last edition of Pillar.

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Send postal entries to: Pillar Competitions, Severnside Housing, Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 7FA Pillar | Autumn 2015 15


Wordsearch

Find the ten words to be in with a chance to win a £25 shopping voucher.

WIN £25

Please send us your entry by 1st January 2016. The first correct entry drawn will win the prize. Please send to: Pillar Competitions, Severnside Housing, Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 7FA

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Find these 10 words:

Arthur Christmas Home Alone

Santa Clause

Postcode

Christmas Carol

The Snowman

Elf

Telephone

The Grinch

Useful Contact Numbers Customer Services: 0300 300 0059/01743 285000 Out of Hours Repairs: 01743 360945 WELbeing: 01323 644422 ASB reporting line: 0345 6789020 PH Jones (Gas Servicing): 0800 316 2104 or 01743 719051 (from Mobile) AW Electrical: 01743 247850 or Out of Hours: 07870 238006

Severnside Housing provides a telephone interpreting service for more than 150 languages and can provide this document in a range of formats 16 Pillar | Winter 2015

Jingle All The Way Polar Express

White Christmas

Congratulations to Edna Jones who won the wordsearch competition in the last edition of Pillar.

Are you looking for a garage to safely store your car or vehicle in? We have some great garages available for rent in Bomere Heath, Nesscliffe, Harlescott and locations across Shrewsbury starting from only £8.09 per week. To find out more call our Customer Services Centre on 0300 300 0059 or email enquiries@ severnsidehousing.co.uk

Jesli potrzebna jest jakakolwiek pomoc w zrozumieniu niniejszego dokumentu, lub potrzebne jest tumaczenie na inny jezyk, prosze o telefon na numer 0300 300 0059.

The document is available in

Printed on paper from sustainable forests with FSC mixed source credit.


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