Ardenglen News
WINTER 2014
OFFICE INFO
355 TORMUSK ROAD, CASTLEMILK, GLASGOW G45 0HF TEL: 0141 634 8016 FAX: 0141 634 9016 E-MAIL: info@ardenglen.org.uk A RECOGNISED CHARITY NO. SC032542 PROPERTY FACTOR REGISTRATION NO. PF000168
Launching The 3Bs - a Bite, Blether & Bingo! As our regular readers will know, Volunteering is at the heart of our personal capacity building programme “The Only Way Is Up.” Our latest venture at the Maureen Cope Community Hall builds on this strong volunteering tradition and we were delighted to recently launch the “3 Bs” – otherwise known as a “Bite, Blether & Bingo.” “The 3Bs” is an intergenerational programme, which means that it has been designed to bring together different age groups from across our community; the format has been developed in partnership with Castlemilk High School, our volunteers at the Maureen Cope Community Hall and a group of our Younger at Heart residents.
managing our Tenants’ Events programmes for a number of years now. As you will see from the photos, everyone involved enjoyed the afternoon and most even learned something new about our national patron, St. Andrew – which was the blether topic for the first session.
“The 3Bs” will see 1st year pupils develop their learning by working together to plan and deliver a monthly intergenerational event. There are several aims of the programme, including the building of positive relationships and the development of organisational and interpersonal skills. Researching the “Blether” topic will be another important activity and, above all, having fun and delivering a positive experience for all involved is a must!
We were also pleased to welcome BBC Reporting Scotland’s Laura Bicker and her team who filmed the event as part of an investigation into community based responses to Welfare Reform. Laura interviewed our volunteers and our Regeneration Officer, Fiona McGovern, about their experiences of The Only Way is Up (Skills for Your Future) to find out about our approach and personalised delivery model. The footage was aired on Wednesday 26th November as part of a report on the Smith Commission, and has been very warmly received by local residents and partners alike. Thanks to all who have left messages of support!
Our young volunteers are learning from the best – as they are being mentored by participants from the Only Way Is Up; this includes members of our Social Committee who, of course, have been
Going national
Just a final word of “thanks” to our fantastic volunteers and the wonderful team from Castlemilk High, led by Mr Munro. Although we can’t guarantee the “limelight” every time we meet, we can be sure that the partnership delivering “The 3Bs” will be working hard to organise another enjoyable get together in the New Year – see you then!
Ardenglen wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS
Food Bank Service at The Maureen Cope Community Hall Ardenglen’s response to the impact of Welfare Reform has been well documented in the pages of our newsletter for some time now. However, like society in general, Ardenglen has been watching the growth of food bank services with some alarm. All too often, our staff experience local people facing extreme difficulties and increasingly this has been presenting itself as food crisis. We are therefore delighted to have established a partnership with the Glasgow South East Foodbank based in Govanhill. Glasgow South East Foodbank is an already well established foodbank which is pleased to now provide easy access for Castlemilk residents requiring the use of their services. The service is available by referral only and can be made via Ardenglen’s office, other local housing associations, the Law Centre and the Social Work Department. Initially operating only on a Tuesday, demand has been such that the foodbank is now open for business at the Maureen Cope Community Hall on a
Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 12.30 – 2.30pm. We are grateful for the support of the Glasgow South East Foodbank and would also like to thank our two fantastic volunteers from our The Only Way Is Up programme who assist to deliver the service.
Maureen Cope Community Hall Gets a Make Over!
Since its reopening 4 years ago, the Maureen Cope Community Hall has become a hub in the local community for everything from the delivery of essential services to family celebrations! Inevitably, such high volume use can take its toll and so our Social Committee recently decided it was in need of a makeover. We would like to thank JS McColl Decorators for applying “community benefit” rates to the job – this was in recognition of the hard work and commitment of our volunteers. The Social Committee decided to use some of their fundraising towards the cost and Ardenglen has matched their contribution.
All proceeds from the venture will be put back into the REVIVE learning programme. Our resident photographer, Chris Nicoletti, has kindly offered to mentor the Group. Already, the REVIVE Club has provided photobooth services at our Kite Festival and the recent Winter Family Day event – and such is the popularity of the service that they were rushed off their feet on both occasions. So, if you fancy adding a photobooth to your proceedings and capturing some golden moments, please ask Jackie for further information when hiring the hall! Page 2
You might also have noticed that substantial works to the external entrance to the hall have also been carried out, with new steps and additional handrails being installed. This was funded by Ardenglen.
Having decided on a silver and grey colour Hopefully, all these things will make our theme, participants from our Sew Fabulous course (part of the Only Way Is Up programme) community’s experience of the hall a safe and are making window pelmets in a contrasting comfortable one! We hope to see you soon!
REVIVE’s Photobooth As everyone knows, photobooths are becoming increasingly popular at social gatherings. Our REVIVE Club is putting their learning into action and have invested in the necessary camera equipment and, most importantly, a whole array of hilarious props to offer a photobooth service for hire!
silver glitter fabric to complement the look. Although still a work in progress, our volunteers are already absolutely delighted with how the hall is looking and are now working on more ideas to make it a pleasant space for all to enjoy!
REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS
TEEN Zone Say Loud and Clear -
TEEN ZONE YOUTH COM MITTEE
“Get On Your Bike!!”
The last update from TEEN Zone, our Youth Committee, was in the Spring 14 edition of Ardenglen News when we told you all about the recent developments with TEEN Zone Media Productions and our Sports Diversionary programme. Since then, TEEN Zone has been busy looking into the potential for young people to get involved in mountain biking and, particularly, how their voice can be heard in the development of the Activity Centre at Cathkin Braes. All thanks to funding from the Linn Area Committee, a group from TEEN Zone set off to investigate how things work at Glentress, one of Scotland’s most popular mountain bike centres, and whether we can learn any lessons. TEEN Zone also spent some time thinking about its own future direction.
groups to consider our vision for the future of the mountain bike legacy project and the further development of activities suitable for young people. Not only did we have a great time, but we came away with loads of ideas and a revived commitment to help make the Centre happen!”
Lesley Macphee, Ardenglen’s Regeneration Manager adds, “As usual, our young people’s enthusiasm and behaviour was second to none - I’d like to thank them all for their contributions! I would also like to express our gratitude to Stuart Munro from Castlemilk Laurence Jackson, Chair of TEEN Zone, High for giving up some of his precious explains how the trip unfolded, “Our first day summer holiday to “guide” our hardy was spent getting there and having a tour. mountain bikers and also to the Linn Area We also met Andy Wardman, a Mountain Bike Ranger from the Forestry Commission, Committee for their generous funding. The trip was a fantastic starting point to ensure who filled us in on how they get people our young people are fully involved in the involved. A “development session” next morning split the Committee into two ongoing development of the Activity Centre.”
We Want To Hear From You!! Following on from the success of our “Round 1” application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in respect of the Cathkin Braes Activity Centre, a whole new phase of community consultation will be undertaken in the New Year and TEEN Zone will be helping to deliver this. So look out for news of our consultation events and please take part – your views are very important to the development of this fantastic Legacy project. Page 3
REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS
HALLOWEEN EVENTS A frightfully good time was had by everyone at our Children’s Party held on 24th October and at our Social Committee’s Halloween Fundraiser on 1st November.
WINTER EVENTS Winter fun was enjoyed by all who visited the Christmas Family Day on Saturday 29th November 2014.
17
17
Page 4
18
18
REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS
CHRISTMAS EVENTS ing ginn ike e b l It’s a bit our l e e to f mas at t st ar Chri g at He n Youn rations o ! r b cele ecembe D 3rd
Clo Tickl you wn es th k en nger eeps e Ch terta resi our ine de ild 5th ren’s d at nts De Par our cem ty be on r.
Pan Dick to Fun w W on 9 hitting ith Dec th & 1 ton 0th em YES ber – o h it w as!
Page 5
REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS • REGENERATION NEWS
Why Not . . . t u o b A k n Thi
?
g n i t Get d e v l Invo Lydie’s Story In early January 2014, Lydie made her way up to the Maureen Cope Community Hall to join “The Only Way Is Up” programme following a referral from her housing officer. Lydie, originally from the Conga in Africa, was finding it difficult to find employment due to
barriers in her English; however, this barrier happened to open up a whole new way of life because had she not misunderstood what time she was meant to attend, she would not have arrived at our community hall only to discover a REVIVE Group meeting in full flow... The REVIVE Group welcomed Lydie, plied her with tea and Christmas cake and invited her to join in the session. Lydie was hooked and joined REVIVE as well as The Only Way Is Up; she has also since secured employment and joined our Social Committee.
Dylan’s Story
Dylan began working as a volunteer with Ardenglen 5 years ago, to assist our Social Committee to produce vid eos promoting our tenants’ events. As Dylan ’s confidence grew, he decided to join our Yo uth Committee and beca me the brains behind TEEN Zone Media Productions - which produces Ardenglen TV. As Dylan’s skills developed , his interest in film-making grew and with a CV groaning with practica l media experience for Arden glen, Dylan secured a place at Cardona ld College to study Media Stu dies. Dylan says of his time with TEEN Zone, “I have been volunteering as part of TEEN Zone since I was in 1st year at Castlem ilk High. With Ardenglen’s su pport, I have gained lots of valuable experience that helped me to secure my college pla ce. My confidence has also grow n and I now have a part-tim e job whilst studying in my 2nd year of College. I’m certa in tha t having TEEN Zone on my CV open ed up a whole new discu ssion for me at interviews!”
More Volunteers Succeed! Everyone at Ardenglen sends their “Congratulations” to the Relaxation Centre on winning the “Health & Wellbeing” Category at the Evening Times Community Champion Awards – Well Done!
Page 6
Ardenglen’s newsletter is deliberately designed to celebrate the successes and achievements of our local community. We hope you agree that there is a lot to celebrate! Feedback suggests that this is what you value and enjoy – keep your daily newspaper for the dull stuff! We also have an ulterior motive – and hope that the information we provide might inspire you to try something new! So, here are some stories that might encourage you to think about getting involved.
Lydie said “Going to the hall at the wrong time has totally changed my life! I have lived in Castlemilk for 13 years now and did not know anyone - as I lacked confidence and just kept myself to myself. My children kept telling me to get out more and meet new friends, as it would help with my English, but I was too unsure. Now I have made new friends and meet new people all the time. REVIVE has got to be the best mistake I have ever made!”
Toni’s Story
Toni has also been a volunteer with TEEN Zone since it began. She has thrown herself into the Committee’s fundraising efforts and, like Dylan, has gained valuable experience and skills de and along the way! Toni has developed a mature attitu ent became very focussed on obtaining paid employm before leaving school. paid off - not We are delighted that her determination to succeed has Training, as only is she undertaking an Apprenticeship, with Carousel time job an Early Years Practioner but she has also secured a part a second part with our Close Cleaning contractor “Sercon” as well as time job at the Burrell Collection! has really “Being involved with TEEN Zone Youth Committee that I skills new opened my eyes to the opportunities and the and it’s great have developed,” says Toni. “It is also a lot of fun being being able to share my point of view. I have enjoyed lved and look part of the team so much that I intend to stay invo forward to learning even more.”
So what are you waiting for? Call Fiona on 631-5041 or Jackie on 631-5057 for more information on how you can get involved.
HOUSING SERVICES NEWS • HOUSING SERVICES NEWS • HOUSING SERVICES NEWS
Rent Increase Consultation 2015/16 Under the terms of the 2001Housing (Scotland) Act we are required to consult with you in respect of the level of the annual rent increase. Under the terms of your Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement, the Association reviews its rent levels each year from 1st April. The rental income we collect covers almost all of our expenditure including reactive repairs, our programme of major replacements such as kitchens, bathrooms and windows, our staffing costs including our welfare rights service and our estate services such as close cleaning and landscape maintenance.
In our tenant satisfaction survey only 76% of you felt that the services provided are value for money. It has been suggested that one of the reasons for this is that you have no information on other landlords rent levels to enable you to make a comparison. We understand that a comparison of actual rent levels, rather than a comparison of % increases, is more important to you so here are the Average Weekly Rents for the 4 main Castlemilk Housing Associations.
AVERAGE CASTLEMILK WEEKLY RENTS BY HOUSE SIZE 2014 Name
1 Apt
2 Apt
3 Apt
4 Apt
5+ Apt
£39.14
£60.98
£66.54
£74.91
£85.50
Craigdale
N/A
£61.17
£65.23
£74.07
£76.77
Cassiltoun
N/A
£61.11
£63.44
£72.72
£82.70
North View
N/A
£57.86
£72.27
£80.61
£89.55
£39.14
£59.58
£66.41
£75.67
£84.25
0
£1.40
£0.13
£0.76
£1.25
Ardenglen
Average Ardenglen Difference Average
This information was taken directly from the Scottish Housing Regulators website. Follow this link to compare our rents and our performance with other landlords all over Scotland. http://www.scottishhousingregulator. gov.uk/find-and-compare-landlords/ardenglenhousing-association-ltd The financial viability of Ardenglen is based on making sure our rents meet our future costs. This year we are consulting on a rent increase of inflation plus 0.8%. The level
of October inflation was 2.3%. This would result in an increase of 3.1%. This would be the maximum increase we would charge, if however there is a reduction in November inflation we would use this figure plus 0.8%. If you would like to make comment on this, please contact any member of our Housing Services Team. Similarly, if there are other reasons as to why you think your rent is not providing value for money, we would love to hear from you.
ARE YOU DISTURBED BY £100 NOISY NEIGHBOURS? PAYMENT PLEASE DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE! FOR AFFORDABLE WARMTH DIVIDENT Will you be 80 years of age or over by 31st March 2015 and reside within the Glasgow area? If you can answer “yes” to both questions, then you are eligible to receive a £100 payment from Glasgow City Council towards the expense of keeping warm over the winter months. To apply, please contact Glasgow City Council by calling 0141 287 7961 or log onto their website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/ affordablewarmth Alternatively you can contact our office and a member of the Housing Services Team or our Welfare Rights Officer, Paul Pearson, will be happy to assist you. Applications must be completed by 31st March 2015.
We would love all of our tenants to live beside their neighbours “happily ever after” but unfortunately this is not always the case. There can often be issues with a barking dog, very loud music/TV or other loud, persistent noise that disturbs you on a regular basis. Some tenants suffer noise disturbance for a long time but don’t do anything about it for one reason or another. Please let us know if you are having problems so that we can support you through it and help to get it resolved. Unfortunately we’re not around at night or in the wee small hours when many noise incidents happen. For these times Ardenglen would encourage you to use the services of Glasgow City Council’s Noise Team to be witnesses to noise and to take action like serving a warning
where the noise recorded is above the permitted level. The Noise Team can also contact Police or another appropriate agency should this be necessary. Please don’t suffer in silence! Contact Lauren Docherty (Housing Services Officer) at Ardenglen’s Office on 631 5047 to let us know if you are being disturbed by noisy neighbours. And don’t forget to use the Noise Team for incidents that happen out of office hours:
GLASGOW COMMUNITY & SAFETY SERVICES
FOR NOISE COMPLAINTS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 5PM – 2.30AM 7 DAYS A WEEK, PLEASE CALL
287 6688
UPDATE ON THE RIGHT TO BUY The Scottish Government have announced that the right to buy will end for all tenants of social housing in Scotland on 1st August 2016. Any application made after 31 July 2016 therefore will not be considered but any application submitted up to that date will be processed as normal.
The Scottish Government has published a guide for tenants on what this means for them. It gives general information about their options during the notice period before right to buy ends. The guide is available online and can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/BuiltEnvironment/Housing/reform/housing-bill Page 7
D R A O B E C I T O N Housing Benefit/Council Tax Cash Offices - Festive Opening Hours For Kids Housing Benefit / Council Tax Local Offices will be closed from 4.30pm on Wednesday 24 December 2014 and will reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2015. The Service Desk at 45 John Street will remain open during normal hours on Monday 29 December until Wednesday 31 December at 12.30pm. There will be a Housing Benefit/Council Tax Telephone Service (0141 287 5050) provided from Monday 29 December 2014 until Wednesday 31 December 2014 at 12.30pm. Normal opening hours will resume from Monday 5 January 2014.
Christmas Hampers For the second year running, Ardenglen staff members have contributed items for a Christmas Hamper raffle. This year, staff supported this endeavour to the tune of 4 hampers, with all the proceeds going to the homeless charity - Glasgow City Mission.
We are delighted to announce that The Cash For Kids team has processed payments for the benefit of local families amounting to £4,575. This will make a huge difference to many families struggling at this time of additional expense. As ever, we would like to extend our “Thanks” to Cash For Kids for their generosity.
Jackie King, our Office Administrator, is the brains behind the venture and, as you can see from the photo, Jackie has once again done herself proud on the presentation front! A big “Well Done” to all involved.
Useful Winter Advice Winter’s here and we don’t want you to get caught out - so read on for some useful tips to protect you and your home.
• In the event that the temperature should start to drop, we would recommend that you try to keep your heating on constantly, including through the night (when the temperature is at its lowest). You can leave your radiators on the frost setting and this will keep the water flowing round the system, which will stop your pipes from freezing. • In the event that the temperature should drop significantly, there is a risk that the external water supplies may freeze, so it
may be advisable to have a few bottles of water in the house just in case. • If your toilet or sink is not draining during particularly cold weather, this may not be a blockage that can be rectified by a plumber. Before reporting this as a repair, try pouring some hot water down as this may defrost the frozen water in the pipes. • If you have a main door you may want to have extra salt for putting down on your path. • Should you require emergency assistance during the holiday period, please use the emergency numbers listed in the box across.
ARDENGLEN HOUSING ASSOCIATION
EMERGENCY
PHONE NUMBERS FOR ALL CENTRAL HEATING & HOT WATER EMERGENCIES YOU SHOULD CALL CITY TECHNICAL ON:
08445 796 493 TO REPORT GAS EMERGENCIES
FOR ALL OTHER REPAIRS YOU SHOULD CALL CITY BUILDING ON:
0800 595 595 (PRESS OPTION 2 FOR CITY BUILDING) TO REPORT ALL OTHER EMERGENCIES
ON: • OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
BER AND 25TH,26TH, 29TH DECEM 1ST, 2ND & 5TH JANUARY : • OUR OFFICE WILL BE OPEN ON
31ST AY D ES N ED W D N A TH 30 AY D ES TU M DECEMBER, BETWEEN 10AM – 2P , • OUR OFFICE WILL REOPENON : USUAL BUSINESS HOURS,
TUESDAY 6TH JANUARY
WHEN REPORTING A REPAIR PLEASE ADVISE THE CONTRACTOR THAT YOU ARE AN ARDENGLEN HOUSING ASSOCIATION TENANT
‘REPORT-A-REPAIR’ FREE PHONELINE
0300 303 8000 PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE CLOSED ON THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH FROM 12 NOON
Ardenglen wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year