Our house, Winter 2013

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In this issue...

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Accord Group resident newsletter December, 2013

Eco homes nearly complete

New youth groups to be launched

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Spotlight on Fairview Court

Customer engagement plan unveiled

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Customers move closer to careers in care thanks to ROLE The first customers to take part in a pioneering programme which will lead to real jobs have moved one step closer to a career in care.

Scores of people applied for internships as part of the Group’s ROLE (Recruitment, Opportunities, Learning and Employment) scheme, launched in April.

“ROLE provides genuine training and job opportunities and with ambitions to create 150 apprenticeships over the next three years, there is still time for you to get involved.”

Since then 19 customers have completed a six week pre-apprenticeship and placement programme to boost their skills and knowledge.

ROLE is open to all customers and their immediate family, aged 17 or over.

Preference will be given to people who are unemployed but those in part-time or temporary work will also be considered.

Many are now busy undertaking 12 month apprenticeships which will lead to a level two qualification in health and social care and paid on-going work.

Saima Yaqub, Learning and Development Advisor for the Accord Group, said: “We’re really proud of everyone who has successfully completed the first stages of the programme and who are now undertaking apprenticeships.

To register your interest in the ROLE programme, or for more information, email role@accordgroup.org.uk or call Saima Yaqub 0300 111 7000. You can also text your details to 07900730600.

ROLE Recruitment, opportunities, learning and employment

Margaret Cope accepting her Lifetime Achievement award from Bruce Gilbert OBE, chair of Caldmoreaccord and Moseley and District

The winners of this year’s Great Resident Awards, as nominated by you, can now be revealed. Chosen by a panel of judges from more than 70 entries, the winners were presented with their awards at a special ceremony on Thursday, 21 November. To find out who the winners are and to read more about the ceremony, turn to page 10.

The Customer First contact centre which deals with enquiries from customers of all organisations in the Accord Group (except for Fry Housing Trust) will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It will re-open on Friday, 27, Monday, 30 and Tuesday, 31 December from 9am to 3pm to handle emergency enquiries. An emergency out-of-hours service will be available at all other times by calling 0300 111 7000. Please remember the out-of-hours service is to assist with emergency repairs and/or serious incidents of anti-social behaviour. Customer First will fully re-open on Thursday, 2 January, 2014 at 8am and expects to be very busy. We strongly advise that all non-emergency enquiries are emailed to customerfirst@accordgroup.org.uk to avoid delays in getting through to the team. The majority of our local offices will be closed from Christmas Eve until Thursday, 2 January. For more details, visit our Facebook page or your association’s website.

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Get in touch...

I’d like to start by congratulating all the finalists and the winners of this year’s Great Resident Awards. There are so many of you out there that make a difference, be it to your community or your housing association, so I imagine it was a difficult job for the judges to pick the winners.

You can find out who won the prestigious awards by turning to page 10.

Another customer who is striving towards success is Fry Housing Trust client, Dave*. Dave is studying towards an NVQ Level 2 in Professional Catering with the hope of becoming a chef. He credits this opportunity partly to the help that he has received from Mike Rogers, Employment and Skills Coach for Fry Housing Trust. You can read Dave’s story on page 6.

n Our Neighbourhoods What’s happening locally n Our Involvement - How residents can get involved n Value for Money - A closer look at our finances n Our Other Services Additional services linked to jobs and skills, money advice and other support services n Our Future - A closing message from Sara Woodall about the future of the Accord Group.

Hello and welcome to the December edition of your quarterly newsletter, Our House.

0300 111 7000

What the DVD covers n Introduction - from Lakhbir Jaspal and some of our customers n Our Homes - A snap shot of our properties n Our Governance - how the Accord Group is governed n Our Customer Care - what happens when calls are made to Customer First n Our Repairs - A day in the life of a repairs operative

Hello!

clairemo@ accordgroup.org.uk

Residents’ Annual Report 2013

/accordgroup

To order another copy of this DVD, or the for more information, please contact team: Accord Group Resident Engagement Telephone: 0121 500 2014 Email: reteam@accordgroup.org.uk Accord Group 178 Birmingham Road West Bromwich West Midlands B70 6QG accordgroup.org.uk

@theaccordgroup

Residents’

Annual Report 2013

A DVD of our resident annual report is out now! Let us know what you think of it.

/theaccordgroup Accord Group, 178 Birmingham Rd, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG

Lastly, if you have views about any of the articles published in Our House you can email me at clairemo@accordgroup.org.uk or write to Our House, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QG.

Enjoy the issue,

Facebook snapshot what you’re talking about

accordgroup.org.uk

If you, like Dave, are looking for a new career, then our top tips on how to search for jobs and training opportunities will be right up your street. Compiled by Ashram Housing Association’s Employment Skills Coach Rachel Perks, you can find the tips on page 6. This edition also features articles on the Help to Buy scheme, home contents insurance and our regular competitions on page 16.

*Name changed

Who made the DVD? Why have a Residents’ Annual Report?

The Resident Engagement team would like to thank The Residents’ Annual everyone who took part in Report 2013 is produced by this year’s annual report. Our customers, for customers, residents have worked in and includes information hip with us and with about the Accord Group from partners Broadcast Media Services their point of view. This year Ltd to create an annual report the Annual Report is a fun with a difference. Residents and friendly short film that have been involved at every takes you on a whistle-stop filming some tour of our services. We hope stage, even of the footage seen in the that you enjoy this DVD as film. much as our customers have finished enjoyed making it.

2

Claire

s Have you got a gas boiler in your home?

If so, it’s really important that you let us into your property for us to service it every 12 months. Please speak to a member of our Customer First team if you want more information or advice. You can call them on 0300 111 7000

THE MAILBAG I have read several of your newsletters with interest and made one or two observations which I trust you will allow me to put to you. On no occasion has there ever been anything printed regarding the residents and developments here. We never see anything being organised for people in this area. I noticed references to organised trips which I only heard about after they took place, so were clearly not meant for us. I do realise that involvement in activities is generally there for people who wish to be involved. However, no approach or information is ever directed in our direction. Thank you for your time and I await your response with interest.

Mike Torrington, Arboretum Court, Walsall Editor’s response: Thank you for your letter and we’re glad you enjoy reading Our House. Our Customer Engagement team want to improve opportunities to get involved and activities in your area. Please look out for these opportunities on your communal noticeboard and in future editions of Our House. All Caldmoreaccord customers are welcome along to attend the next day trip, which will be on Saturday, 9 August, 2014. We’re currently looking for suggestions as to where the trip should be. If you have any ideas, please contact Nazir Ahmed on 01922 728 235.

Your GROUP

I thought I would write and update you about work taking place to improve the Wash Brook. In February, I set up the Wash Brook Steering Group as a subsidiary of Bordesley Green Forum. It consists of local residents, members of the forum, members of Friends of Ward End Park and local councillors as well as representatives from Ashram Housing Association and Midland Heart. We have learnt how to do water quality testing and undertook training in Freshwater Invertebrate monitoring delivered by the Freshwater Invertebrate Network. We now have a greater understanding of the effects of pollution on our local water courses and are working to improve matters.

Margaret Bannon, Bordesley Green Leisure Gardens, Birmingham Editor’s response: It’s great to see community work like this. If you would like to get involved in the Wash Brook Steering Group, email margaretbannon@live.co.uk

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Wolverhampton eco homes move closer to completion

Cosier and warmer homes Did you know that a poorly insulated home loses around 35 per cent of its heat through the walls and 25 per cent through the roof?

In a bid to make the homes that you live in more energy efficient, we are initially selecting 250 properties in Walsall and Sandwell to make warmer, cosier and easier to heat. This may involve the insulation of roofs and walls - either on the inside or outside - and installing products which will help manage your energy usage.

Customers who will receive the improvements will be notified and you will be able to carry on living in your home whilst the work takes place. We will also be installing and monitoring ‘green’ technologies to six homes so we can find out what you think of them and whether they will benefit you.

For more information about the Retrofit Project, visit accordgroup.org.uk

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Paying your rent this Christmas No one wants to start the New Year in debt, so it’s really important that you continue to pay your rent over the festive period.

If you don’t pay your rent, you could lose your home which is why we make paying it as easy as possible.

There are a variety of different ways that you can pay your rent, from setting up a direct debit or using a payment card to telephone banking using a debit or credit card.

If you are having problems paying your rent, it’s important that you contact us straight away on 0300 111 7000. bchs customers should speak to their housing officer Ann Harrison.

For money management information and advice, turn to pages 8 and 9 of this newsletter.

Getting your home ready for winter Freezing weather conditions may have the potential to cause damage to your property. In many cases these incidents can be avoided by implementing the following simple measures.

For cold weather conditions, it is important that: A development of low carbon timber homes in Wolverhampton has moved one step closer to completion with the latest phase well underway.

Wolverhampton City Council’s Councillor Peter Bilson (pictured) watched as a 45 foot crane lifted some of the final timber panels into place to build 22 new homes in Bushbury.

The homes are being developed by the Accord Group, with the timber panels manufactured at its LoCaL Homes factory in Walsall.

X You check that your heating system is fully operational which will help to prevent the possibility of water pipes freezing X If you notice that water pipes in your loft have not been insulated, then please call in to have these pipes protected X You are aware of the location of your stopcock, so water can be quickly turned off in an emergency X You let us know if your gutters are blocked with fallen leaves and debris. This will reduce the risk of blockages and overflowing water entering your property.

For more information about protecting your home this winter, call the Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000 or visit our Facebook page.

New groups for young people Are you aged 16-25 and want to help to develop exciting opportunities for fellow young people in Birmingham and Walsall? Then the Customer Engagement team needs you!

The team want to develop two new groups to give young people the opportunity to have their say about issues that affect them, as well as creating events and activities for fellow young people.

Ashley Lovell, Customer Engagement Apprentice, said: “This is the perfect chance to help shape youth engagement as well as other services whilst gaining skills and knowledge that will have a variety of benefits, including boosting your CV. “Youth engagement should be led by young people and we would encourage you to share your ideas and get involved.”

Customer Engagement Apprentice Ashley (pictured left) is leading the youth groups

For more information or to get involved, simply text your name and “GetIn” to 07900730664 or email Ashley Lovell at ashley.lovell@accordgroup.org.uk

Your NEWS

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Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Health and Well-being Keeping warm this winter

Caldmoreaccord partners with Black Country Foodbank

Preparing for the cold weather now means that you’re more likely to keep warm and well later on. Here are some top tips to keep those winter chills at bay.

1

Recipe

Tomato soup

Dress in plenty of layers and make sure that you have some warm shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

It may be cold outside but this winter favourite is sure to give you a warm glow.

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Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if bad weather is forecast.

Ingredients

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Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping.

Half a pint of stock

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5

Hot meals and drinks help to keep you warm, so eat at least one hot meal each day and have hot drinks during the day.

If you’re over 65, the Government recommends that you have a seasonal flu jab. Seasonal flu viruses are always changing, so you need to have a jab every year, using the latest vaccine.

Tips provided by Age UK. For more guidance, visit Age UK’s website ageuk.org.uk/ get-involved/spread-thewarmth/get-ready-forwinter/ and download a copy of the winter wrapped up guide.

Your GROUP

2 x tins of chopped tomatoes 1 x tin of carrots 1 x tin of baked beans

Foodbank provides short term help

Caldmoreaccord has now become a partner agency of the Black Country Foodbank.

This means that the organisation can collect food donations and refer customers who need short-term help to the charity.

Sarah Turner, Community Housing Officer at Caldmoreaccord, said: “Black Country Foodbank doesn’t just help with food.

“People in need can also be referred for non-food items that have been donated, such as toiletries, electrical items, like kettles and toasters, bedding and clothing.”

If you would like to talk to someone about a referral to Black Country Foodbank or are able to donate, please contact your housing officer or visit blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk

Support for amputees on offer West Midlands Amputee Support Group provides information and support to the limb-loss community in the West Midlands.

Based in Darlaston, the Group was founded by Paul Felton whose leg was amputated below the knee following an accident at work.

The Group is based at the Darlaston All Active Centre which is open daily between 9am-2pm. For more information, email info@ amputeesupport.co.uk or call 0121 568 6144.

1 x large onion or 1 x small Spanish onion, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Optional - add chilli/spices/ garlic/herbs for an extra kick Method Whizz all of the ingredients together in a blender or with a stick blender then heat through on a medium heat and serve with crusty bread or rolls.

It freezes beautifully, takes five minutes to put together and feeds three to four people depending on how big you like your bowls of soup. You can add cooked vegetables, pasta or chicken for a thicker soup.

Recipe provided by Jill Mallen from Caldmoreaccord. Do you plan on making this recipe? We’d love to see your versions on facebook.com/ accordgroup

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

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SIX QUESTIONS FOR…

Debbie O’Neill Senior Support Worker

Spotlight on...

Fairview Court

What is Fairview Court?

Fairview Court is a scheme for people aged over 60 in Walsall. It is made up of a mix of self-contained one and two-bedroom apartments, offering independence and privacy.

Where is it?

The scheme is on the corner of Broad Lane and Sneyd Lane which is approximately five minutes away from a host of local amenities including Bloxwich train station, a library, leisure centre, health centre, a number of pubs, Asda, King George’s Park and Bloxwich Park. There are also amenities on-site such as a laundry and function room.

What’s the best thing about Fairview Court?

According to the residents, the best thing about Fairview Court is its modern facilities and the roof garden which is partially maintained by residents, some of whom have their own planters.

Can I live there?

To live at Fairview Court you have to be aged over 60. If this is you, then why not call us to find out more about living at Fairview Court.

How can I find out more information?

You can contact the scheme directly by calling 01922 493 634 or email fairviewcourt@accordha.org.uk.

Is one of your New Year resolutions to get fit for 2014? Caldmoreaccord customer Kath Hodson (pictured) explains how she stays active at 77 years old.

How do you keep fit and active?

I go to a Zumba Gold class for people aged 50 plus twice a week.

It’s like ordinary Zumba (a dance fitness programme) but you don’t jump, you step side-to-side instead.

Have you always been a keep fit fan?

Yes. I used to be a line dancer for years and attend a keep fit class.

People of my age group are far more active now than they used to be. We have two or three people in the Zumba class that I attend who are 80 years old and could put anyone to shame.

What do you enjoy most about Zumba?

At first I thought ‘Am I going to be able to do this?’ but the Zumba instructor guided me through the steps until I got the hang of them.

What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Debbie O’Neill and I am a Senior Support Worker for Moseley and District. I work with vulnerable young people, helping them to develop skills that will enable them to achieve and maintain independent lives.

What does your job involve on a day-to-day basis?

Our service is available to people living in our schemes and in the community and each young person has a support plan based on their needs and aspirations. It’s difficult to explain what I do on a day-to-day basis as my role is so varied. However, I can say that I get a lot of job satisfaction.

How long have you worked in your current job and what did you do before?

I have been at Moseley and District for six years and before then I worked for Autism West Midlands as a support worker for five years. Before that I studied and have a BA Honours Degree in Criminal Justice and Policing and two NVQs in Health and Social Care and in Promoting Independence.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy seeing young people achieve so much despite coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. They inspire me every day and I love my job.

Why is what you do important to me?

I think my role is important as I work with young people who will play a key part in everyone’s future. They are the next generation and if we don’t invest in them what have we got.

How can I contact you?

You can contact me via our Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000. If you know a young person living in Birmingham who is in need of support, you can refer them to the Youthline by calling 0300 30 30 099.

Around 14 million people take part in weekly Zumba classes in more than 150 countries

It was created

by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez during the 1990s

Zumba Gold is believed to be beneficial for Parkinson’s Disease and dementia and excellent for arthritis

We dance to rap and salsa music and have a cup of tea or coffee afterwards which gives us the chance to socialise.

What would you say to other people thinking about getting fit?

I’d say come and try Zumba, you’ll enjoy it and there’s the chance to socialise too. You’ve got to be prepared to put the effort in, but the reward is that it helps to keep you healthy.

Do you have any New Year resolutions? Why not share them with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/accordgroup

Your NEWS

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Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Jobs, Skills and Training Help from coach is the recipe for success for budding chef

Is the grind of searching for the right job or training course getting you down?

Don’t despair. Rachel Perks, Employment Skills Coach, has some top tips for revitalising your search.

Learn how to use the internet. Most companies now use websites to advertise jobs. It’s cheaper than newspapers and they can reach more people.

Ensure you have an email address. Many employers now send application forms and invites for interviews through email and you can also sign-up to receive email alerts when new jobs are advertised.

Be creative about where you look. Just because a company is known for a certain type of work they will also employ a whole host of other staff. For instance, all companies require people to work in administration.

Ask around. Talk to friends and family about possible opportunities at their workplaces, and do your leg-work. Don’t be afraid to pop into local businesses with your CV. Be organised. Make a list of websites that advertise the type of job you’re looking for. Make a note of vacancies you’ve seen and the closing dates so you give yourself enough time to apply. This also helps you keep track of when you should follow up on applications.

Your GROUP

Mike Rogers, Employment and Skills Coach for Fry Housing Trust

There was a time when Dave* wouldn’t have left the house due, in part, to the severe depression he was experiencing.

Fast forward six months and he is now studying towards an NVQ Level 2 in Professional Catering with the hope of becoming a chef.

Dave credits this change partly to the help that he has received from Mike Rogers, Employment and Skills Coach for Fry Housing Trust and his key worker Mary Riley.

“Mike came to visit me and asked me what I had an interest in. I explained that I’d volunteered in a kitchen and really enjoyed it,” said Dave.“He then suggested that I do some one day courses and got me a placement in a kitchen.”

After undertaking courses in Food Hygiene and Health and Safety, Dave volunteered in a kitchen before enrolling at a college. Was Dave nervous about undertaking the courses and embarking on a college course?

“I was very nervous,” he said. “The first course I did Mike came and sat with me before I went into the class to put me at ease. He’s done lots for me and is happy to listen and go the extra mile to help you.” With his college course well underway, Dave is optimistic about his future.

“People say that a kitchen is a stressful place to work but for me it’s a stress release. I love seeing the final result and people enjoying the food that I’ve made,” said Dave. “It makes me feel proud to do something that others can enjoy and I’d love to be a chef one day.” *name changed

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Develop skills for work at

WALSALL COLLEGE

HOW I BECAME A…

Factory team member

by Razaq Ayub

Razaq saws his way to success at the LoCaL Homes factory

“Before the recession hit, I had a few qualifications in computing but it didn’t go very well because there was a lot of competition in that line of work. I was basically just surviving on whatever jobs I could get.

In July 2011, my sister received a flyer in the post about job opportunities at the Accord Group’s LoCaL Homes factory and passed the details onto me.

I went along to a recruitment day and filled out an application form for a job working on the shop floor. But with more than 150 people attending on the day, I didn’t feel optimistic.

“I remember saying that if I don’t get the job could they let me know as I’ve had a bad history of that, where you don’t get

Recently rated outstanding by Ofsted, Walsall College has a number of free and discounted courses to help people on benefits gain the skills they need to get back in to work.

The college has a range of level one courses which offer an introduction into industries including childcare, retail, hospitality and IT for anyone looking to get their first job in these sectors.

If you are interested in working in the care sector, free level two care courses are available as distance learning programmes allowing students to study from home in their own time.

Unemployed people may also be eligible for entry on the college’s free employability courses, run in conjunction with employers and which lead to a guaranteed job interview.

You re hired

a job and on top of that they don’t even say ‘I’m sorry we can’t take you on’.

“When I got the call a few weeks later saying that they would be taking me on, I was really taken aback. I was ecstatic.

It was a bit surreal and I kept thinking is this really happening. I’m just very grateful to be part of the team.

“Over the last two and a half years of working at the factory, I’ve learnt to work efficiently and safely as part of a team and in the future I would like to be in a position where I have the skills and confidence to be a competent and successful tradesman in timber frame manufacturing.”

Just the job

Vacancies on offer

Looking for a job? Then check out the latest vacancies on offer at the Accord Group. To apply for any of the vacancies listed below, visit accordgroup.org.uk/vacancies and follow the link to the careers portal.

Please note that applications via any other method aren’t accepted.

For more information, call the Resourcing and Talent team on 0300 111 7000. n Zero hour care assistant(s) in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham n Homecare personal care assistant(s) in Solihull n Personal care assistant(s) in Foleshill, Coventry n Personal Care Assistant (zero hour) in Sparkbrook, Birmingham n Night Personal Care Assistant (zero hour) in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham.

For more information about free and discounted courses, call 01922 651129 or email thejobshop@walsallcollege.ac.uk

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7

Resident helps recruit staff

A Stoke-on-Trent customer turned ‘Alan Sugar’ recently when she helped to hire staff.

Diana Robinson, a resident of Rowan Village, was invited to get involved with the recruitment process of two new members of staff.

Amy Sidhu, from the Care and Support team at the Accord Group, said: “We wanted to be sure that members of staff had the right approach when speaking to customers about care and support services and decided to ask Diana if she would take part in the recruitment process.

“Diana happily agreed, interviewed the candidates in a meeting room and then invited them into her own home where she was able to ask them questions regarding the new role.”

Diana, who has lived at Rowan Village since 2008 after moving from a residential setting to gain and maintain independence, said: “I really enjoyed meeting all the candidates and I had the chance to put questions to them and listen to their answers. I was able to give feedback from my point of view and I was chuffed that I actually took part in the decision making and felt I gained something from it. I would like to do more in the future.”

Diana Robinson helped hire staff

Your NEWS

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Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Money Management

Help at hand for first-time customers

Meet your money advisors Are you struggling to pay your rent, council tax or any other household bills? Our money advisors (pictured) are here to help. You can contact them for free and confidential assistance and advice on the details below. left to right: Lynn Marks Tel: 0121 568 3916 Email: Lynn.Marks@ caldmoreaccordha.org.uk Cassandra Lewington Tel: 0121 442 5017 Email: cassandral@ moseleyha.org.uk Teresa Powell Tel: 01922 705 767 Email: teresa.powell@ caldmoreaccordha.org.uk

The results are in...

Emma Wright (pictured far right) helps launch ‘Pay Ahead, Stay Ahead’

A first-time tenancy can feel daunting and managing your rent and bills can be a tough juggling act, but help is now at hand.

If you’re aged 16 to 24, live in Birmingham and have had your tenancy for less than six months, you can get help managing your finances from ‘Pay Ahead, Stay Ahead’.

Emma Wright, ‘Pay Ahead, Stay Ahead’ Programme Manager, said: “As an Accord Group customer, you’ll be able to get support via workshops and online resources.

“We can also support you to sign-up to the right gas, electric and water deals for you and talk about any money issues that you may have.

“If we can’t help, then chances are we’ll know someone who can. It’s all free, fun and you’ll be able to meet other people of the same age.”

For more information on ‘Pay Ahead, Stay Ahead’, visit payaheadstayahead.com/are-you-eligible/, call 0800 160 1990 (free from landlines) or email info@payaheadstayahead.com If you’re outside this age bracket, or don’t live in Birmingham, then you can still visit the website where you’ll find handy tips, resources and details of useful events.

Your GROUP

In the April edition of Our House, we asked customers aged 18-61 who were claiming housing benefit to help us with an important pilot project.

The project saw customers from across the Accord Group have their housing benefit paid directly to them rather than us, their landlord. We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the project which is helping us to prepare for Government plans to pay housing benefit directly to customers. Some of the initial findings from the pilot project include: n Many people struggled to cope with managing an already limited income and some were tempted to use the housing benefit for things other than rent n A high percentage of new customers preferred to have their housing benefit paid directly to us n Helping customers who receive payments directly took up around three times as much staff time compared to the time spent working with those whose housing benefit is paid directly to us.

If you have questions about the changes to benefits, or would like more information, call your housing officer on 0300 111 7000 or visit the ‘benefit changes’ section of your housing association’s website.

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

9

The lowdown on...

Gross pay

Net Pay

Your wages before national insurance and tax have been deducted.

Your wages after you pay national insurance and tax.

How do I...

make my money go further?

Joanne Antcliff (pictured) is the Procurement Manager at the Accord Group. Her role is to make sure that the Group gets the most from the money that it spends on services and products.

Here are Joanne’s tips for how you can make your money go further, even on the tightest of budgets.

1 Make a list and stick to it. Before you buy, think

about what you may already have around the house that you can use. Then make a ‘wants and needs’ list and stick to it.

2 Sell what you don’t need. Kids especially grow out of clothes or move on to the next big craze. Don’t throw these items away or store them in your loft.

Sell them at a car boot, or to friends and family or even via eBay or Gumtree.

3 Stock up throughout the year. Look out for sales and bargains all year round and store them for when you need to replace items, or for special events such as Christmas and birthdays.

4 Discount off big purchases. Always look on the

internet for store discount vouchers. Don’t have access to a PC? Visit your local library or housing office.

What is a payday loan?

A payday loan is a short-term loan for a small amount of money, usually £50 to £1,000, which is easily available from high-street shops and internet sites.

They’re intended to be taken out for a few weeks, usually until your next pay day, hence the name, and interest rates are usually very high.

Lenders refer to interest rates as APR (annual percentage rate) which is not easy to understand, so we will call APR interest rate to make things easier.

What do I need to know about paying one back? n Usually you’ll be given a month to pay back the money, plus interest, which can be very high. Some rates are as much as 4,214 per cent and higher! n Interest is calculated over a year, which is why rates are high. As a rough guide, most payday loans cost £1 per day for every £100 you borrow n When you get a loan, you agree to let the lender take repayments from your account. If there isn’t enough money to repay the loan, the lender may keep asking your bank for all or part of the money n Some payday lenders allow you to ‘rollover’ the total debt to the following month, sometimes by paying back the original interest.

However, the debt will grow, as it’ll attract more interest until you clear it n Charges or fees will be added for late payment, making an unpaid debt even higher.

Sounds a bit risky! Got any top tips? n A loan from a credit union is more affordable – check if there’s a credit union in your area. You can search for yours on the Association of British Credit Union’s website abcul.org or call 0800 015 3060 n If you have a bank account, you might be able to agree an overdraft – be careful of going overdrawn without permission though as you may be charged for this n Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) lend money to people who find it difficult to borrow money from banks and building societies, with lower interest rates than doorstep lenders or loan sharks.

To find a CDFI in your area visit findingfinance.org.uk

5 Know your statutory rights. Most people aren’t

How can you help me?

6 Fancy a family day out. Many of the UK’s top

You can speak to your housing officer or money advisor for free and confidential advice on money matters, by calling us on 0300 111 7000.

If you’d rather speak to an independent organisation for advice, visit the Money Advice Service at moneyadviceservice.org.uk or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in your area or use their website adviceguide.org.uk/pay_day_loans

aware of their rights as a consumer. Always keep your receipts. If you think an item is faulty or has a defect, you are within your rights to receive a refund or exchange. attractions now offer ‘two-for-one’ or discount vouchers. Call the provider to identify what discounts are available on your preferred dates and visit online voucher websites.

Your NEWS

10

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

And the winners are…

Great Resident Awards 2013 Excitement filled the air at this year’s Great Resident Awards as shortlisted customers gathered to enjoy an evening of celebration.

The winners of the awards were:

Hosted at Wolverhampton Racecourse and Conference Centre, the Great Resident Awards 2013 were attended by around 30 customers, all shortlisted for one of eight awards.

Otmar Meyer

Louise Creswick, Customer Engagement Manager, said: “We had so many deserving nominations this year that it was a real challenge for our independent judging panel to choose the winners.

Making a Difference award

“Everyone who has been nominated for an award has worked incredibly hard and their passion for making a difference in their communities and estates is inspiring.”

Your GROUP

Putting People First award Committed to Communities award

Linda Lowe

Joseph O’Brien

Personal Achievement award

Jenny Hancock

Best in Scrutiny award

Ian Cook

We would also like to thank the judging panel:

Resident Group of the Year award

Cheryl Paterson, Regional Customer Care Manager for Lovell

Lifetime Achievement award

Old Rectory Gardens Committee

Melissa Pate, Accord Group Customer Engagement Volunteer

Margaret Cope

Chris Pinson-Bradley, Chair of the Midlands Network for Resident Involvement (MNRI)

John Paget

Best Newcomer award

December, 2013

Our HOUSE

11

New customer engagement Gardeners strike gold in competition plan unveiled

Plan says customers will be involved in every part of the business

(L-R) Residents of Old Rectory Gardens Carol Blower and Sheila Fullelove, Les Goodman (Heart of England in Bloom President), Megan Butlin and Pamela Woodhouse.

Avid gardeners in Aldridge are celebrating after helping the town to win gold in the Heart of England in Bloom campaign.

Over the past few months customers and staff have been reviewing the Resident Engagement Strategy.

Residents of Caldmoreaccord’s Old Rectory Gardens created mini vegetable patches in support of the Aldridge in Bloom campaign earlier this year.

A workshop took place at Sandwell Valley in September and around 40 customers took part in shaping our priorities for the next two years. They have decided that:

The sheltered housing scheme was also crowned ‘outstanding’ in the Heart of England Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ campaign.

n Due to the changing nature of the range of people that we serve, residents should be referred to as ‘customers’ n Customers will be involved in every part of the business, through board membership and scrutiny activities, panels and informal activities

Megan Butlin, Pamela Woodhouse, Sheila Fullelove and Carol Blower from Old Rectory Gardens were presented with a certificate and free bulbs to plant next year to mark the success.

Angela Jewkes, Sheltered Scheme Manager, said: “I would like to thank everyone at Old Rectory Gardens for contributing and making it such a lovely place to live. Special thanks to our gardeners Paul and Mark too for all the hard work they do.”

n The formal structure of engagement should change from organisation-based panels to service groups.

If you would like a copy of the new Customer Engagement Strategy, or have any feedback on the plans, please contact the Customer Engagement team by emailing reteam@accordgroup.org.uk or calling 0300 111 7000 extension 2014.

Super sleuths spot check welfare advice Customers have been busy spot checking the work of the Accord Group to communicate the Government’s changes to benefits to you.

Improvement and Scrutiny Advisors have worked in partnership with the Scrutiny Panel to complete a report which is now available to all customers.

The report highlights what your housing association has done to inform you about the changes to benefits and what customers know about them.

If you’re interested in joining the Scrutiny Panel or would like to become an Improvement and Scrutiny Advisor, call the Customer Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2014 or email reteam@accordgroup.org.uk.

Carols and quizzes for Coventry customers Quizzes, carols and festive fun will all be on the menu this Christmas for customers in Coventry. Ribbon Court in Foleshill is hosting activities and events throughout December to mark the festive period.

On Monday, 16 December there will be a Christmas sing-along and quiz, with prizes up for grabs. On Tuesday, 17 December, Shepherd Catholic Primary School will be performing Christmas carols and on Wednesday, 18 December there will be a sing-along and karaoke. On Friday, 20 December residents of the scheme will enjoy a Christmas meal and games.

For more information about the activities at Ribbon Court, call Kim Gill, Resident Engagement and Wellbeing Worker, on 0121 358 9051.

Your NEWS

12

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

Homes and Communities SIX QUESTIONS FOR…

Whilst it’s important to recycle, reusing, reducing and preventing the creation of waste is even better.

Jane Darby Estates and Facilities Support Services Officer

What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Jane Darby and I’m an Estates and Facilities Support Services Officer for Caldmoreaccord.

What does your job involve on a day-to-day basis?

Moving home?

Leave it clean and pocket £50 Are you moving home, want to avoid the cost of repairs and be awarded £50?

Now you can.

I co-ordinate and organise work to be carried out by the Estates team which includes gardeners from Greenscape and neighbourhood technicians. Additionally, I manage car parking at schemes, fob systems, communal keys and complete financial reports.

To receive your £50, your home must be:

How long have you worked in your current job and what did you do before?

n Repaired from any damage you may have caused.

I have been in the Estates and Facilities team for a year and a half. Before that I was a Customer Services Officer at Caldmoreaccord’s Caldmore Green office for six years and a Repairs Officer for 12 years.

You must also give four weeks’ notice, have a clear rent account at the end of your tenancy and provide a forwarding address. If you do move and leave your home neglected or have caused damage, you will be recharged. Some of the main rechargeable items and costs include:

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Two days are never the same and I really enjoy working with my team.

n Clear of all personal possessions and items of rubbish, both inside and out n Thoroughly clear and clean

Skip to remove personal possessions or rubbish - £163

Why is what you do important to me?

Clear and clean a dirty property - £183

The Estates and Facilities team’s priority is to improve communal areas for customers so they will have a safe, clean and secure place to live.

New internal door - £114

How can I contact you?

You can call me on 0300 111 7000 extension 7225, or email me at jane.darby@caldmoreaccordha.org.uk

During the last three months, empty property repairs have cost the Accord Group in excess of £100,000. This could have been spent on more than 40 new kitchens or 62 new bathrooms.

Importantly, if you want to move to another Accord Group home and have neglected your existing property, you will not be given permission unless you sign an agreement to pay any recharges before you move out.

For more information, call 0300 111 7000.

Your GROUP

Jeneen Hamilton (pictured) is the Senior Assistant for EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) at the Accord Group and part of her role is to make the organisation as ‘green’ as possible.

Here are Jeneen’s top tips for reducing your household waste.

Don’t bin magazines, instead donate them to doctors or dentists to place in their waiting rooms or give to friends or work colleagues.

Don’t throw out empty containers.

Reuse margarine and ice cream tubs for food storage or as lunchboxes.

Need to jot down a quick shopping list? Why not turn used envelops into handy note pads?

Plastic bags can take years to decompose, so reuse them when you go shopping.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Boiler offers This winter, you may have been approached by companies offering to give you a free energy efficient boiler. This offer does not apply to properties owned by housing associations.

If you are concerned about the cost of energy used in your home, you can have a free assessment from Energy Extra, which offer helpful advice and recommendations.

To have your home surveyed by Energy Extra, please contact your local office by calling 0300 111 7000 and we will refer you to them.

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

13

Protecting your home from crime this winter Winter can be a wonderful time of year. Sadly, it’s also a time when households can find themselves the victims of crime.

According to West Midlands Police, the dark evenings can provide perfect cover for a sneak-in burglar who spots an open window in an unoccupied room.

Housing Officer Peter Helly (left) attends the Help Point Café

Birmingham Café serves up the right advice Coffee isn’t the only thing that’s on the menu at a café in Balsall Heath, as advice on everything from housing to health is served up for free too.

The Help Point Café, which is spearheaded by Moseley and District, now takes place every Thursday from 11am-1pm.

West Midlands Police have five simple steps to help reduce the chances of your home becoming the target for a burglar n Always lock your doors and all accessible windows n Use a timer switch to turn lights and radios on when you are out or away to give the impression that your house is occupied n Close curtains and blinds after dark so that your valuables can’t be seen from outside n Install a visible burglar alarm – and turn it on. If it has ‘zones’, turn on the alarm for downstairs while you are upstairs asleep n Register your valuables for free on the national property registration site immobilise.com so that if your property is lost or stolen and recovered by police, you’re more likely to get it back.

Peter Helly, Housing Officer at Moseley and District, said: “The Help Point Café is a single place where local people can get free and confidential advice on a range of issues that affect them.”

As an Accord Group customer, it’s your responsibility to insure your home’s contents. Home contents insurance is easy to arrange through the Accord Group and very affordable. The cost of insurance varies from £1.36 per week for £9,000 insured or up to £3.78 for £25,000.

The Help Point Café is open to all customers living in Balsall Heath and surrounding areas. To find out more about the café, call Peter Helly from Moseley and District on 0300 111 7000.

For more information about the home contents insurance offered through the Accord Group, speak to your housing officer by calling 0300 111 7000.

As well as dishing out tea and coffee, the café, at the Balsall Heath Church Centre in Mary Street, also offers advice on debt, benefits, food banks, community safety and anti-social behaviour.

Mortgage scheme to help budding home buyers There’s good news for future home buyers as we’re now working with the Government to offer them a helping hand onto the property ladder.

The Accord Group is offering prospective purchasers assistance in buying a new home through the Help to Buy scheme.

The equity home loan scheme aims to make buying a home more accessible by allowing people to buy a new home with as little as a five per cent deposit.

The Government’s Homes and Communities Agency will also provide a 20 per cent deposit which will be paid back when the property is sold or by monthly interest payments six years later.

Homes available to buy through the Help to Buy scheme include 13 high-quality properties at the Accord Group’s Pattern Gardens

development in Darlaston.

The modern homes, which have been manufactured at the Accord Group’s timber home factory in Beechdale, boast stylish and contemporary features and start from just £122,500.

Alan Yates, Executive Director of Regeneration at the Accord Group, said: “Making home ownership affordable is really important to us, which is why we’ve signed up for the Help to Buy scheme.

“We hope that it will offer another option to prospective buyers and allow those dreaming of owning their own home to make it a reality.”

For more information about purchasing a home at Pattern Gardens through the Help to Buy scheme, please call Paul Dubberley Estate Agents on 0121 525 5520.

Homes at Pattern Gardens are available to buy through Help to Buy

Your NEWS

VOUCHERS

Your opinions matter to us, which is why we want to know your thoughts on this newsletter, Our House. To be in with the chance of winning £20 Love 2 Shop vouchers, please fill in the questionnaire below and send it to The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QG by Monday, 27 January, 2014. Remember to include your name, address and a phone or email contact and the name of your housing association. One person will be chosen at random from all completed questionnaires.

1

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being ‘not interested at all’ and 5 being ‘very interested’, how interested are you in reading about the following? Please circle your answer: Job vacancies, volunteering and training opportunities?

1 2 3 4 5

Changes to benefits and welfare reform?

1 2 3 4 5

Repairs and maintenance to your home or scheme?

1 2 3 4 5

Events and activities taking place in your area and how you can get involved?

1 2 3 4 5

New homes for rent, sale or shared ownership?

1 2 3 4 5

Recipes and stories written by customers?

1 2 3 4 5

2 What do you most enjoy reading about in the newsletter?

5

q 0-5 minutes q 15-30 minutes q 30-60 minutes q 1-2 hours 6

What do you least like reading about in the newsletter?

4

Would you like to see articles about a topic that is currently not covered? If yes, please state what.

Would you be interested in receiving the newsletter in a digital format via email?

q Yes q No 7

How often do you receive the newsletter?

q Once a year q Twice a year q Three times a year q Four times a year 8

3

How long do you spend reading the newsletter on average?

Do you have any other comments or feedback about the newsletter?

Name: Address:

Tel: Email: Housing Association:

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

The

WATCH Like all housing associations, we have various performance targets we aim to meet. This table shows how we did during October this year.

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Well done! We are performing well against our targets

How we’re doing

7

Must try better!

We need to improve

Our target

Level of customer satisfaction with the overall repairs service

96 per cent

85 per cent

3

Average time to complete the repairs on an empty home

8 days

10 days

3

Average time to re-let an empty property

32 days

15 days

7

15

Sun shines on Darlaston family fun day Children were jumping for joy in Darlaston at a family fun day featuring a bouncy castle, entertainment bus and face painting.

The event, held in August, was organised by the Pattern Gardens TMO (Tenant Management Organisation) with support from housing organisation Caldmoreaccord.

As well as entertainment for the children, the fire service, police and Caldmoreaccord, were also on hand to give out advice on a range of topics, including the changes to benefits.

Families say ‘Yee-Har’ at Country and Western event

Getting in Touch

Residents of a Wolverhampton sheltered housing scheme and their families enjoyed a taste of America at a Country and Western-themed fun day.

In the last edition of Our House, Colin Muir’s (Income Officer at Moseley and District) telephone number was printed incorrectly. To contact Colin, please call 0121 442 5041. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The event, held at Showell Court in Low Hill, saw residents dance to Country music, play games with prizes and tuck into a buffet of tasty dishes.

Get crafty at Cherry Tree Court A craft workshop has been launched for residents of a sheltered housing scheme in Birmingham.

The weekly workshop takes place every Wednesday at Moseley and District’s Cherry Tree Court scheme in Cotteridge. Attendees can try a range of crafts from knitting, jewellery making and crochet to calligraphy, beading, heraldry (designing your own coat of arms) and making cards and decorations for the festive season. For more information on how to get involved in the craft workshop, speak to your scheme manager or call 0300 111 7000.

Your NEWS

16

Our HOUSE

December, 2013

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND WIN £50 OF SHOPPING VOUCHERS!

Competitions Quiz Simply answer the following 10 questions correctly to be in with the chance of winning £20 Love2Shop vouchers, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores.

1: What is the capital city of Scotland?

2: Which explorer sailed in a ship called the Santa Maria?

Send your completed questions to, The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG or email them to clairemo@ accordgroup.org.uk by Friday, 31 January, 2014.

3: In which county would you find the monument Stonehenge?

Remember to include the name of the competition that you are entering, your name, address and a phone or email contact. One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

The winner of last issue’s competition was Miss J Hughes from West Bromwich.

7: What year was BBC soap EastEnders first broadcast?

4: Who won ‘Best Director’ for the film Life of Pi at the 2013 Oscars?

5: Which country is the food sushi commonly associated with?

6: How many times has golfer Tiger Woods been awarded the PGA Player of the Year award?

8: Which Olympic gymnast was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2012?

9: Which two countries does the River Ganges flow through?

10: You’ll find the next answer in this newsletter… what is the name of the dance fitness activity that customer Kath Hodson takes part in?

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Wordsearch

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Simply find the word that is NOT in the wordsearch to be in with the chance of winning £20 Love2Shop vouchers, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores.

TURKEY

Send your answer to The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG or email clairemo@accordgroup.org. uk by Friday, 31 January, 2014.

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Remember to include the name of the competition that you are entering, your name, address and a phone or email contact. One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

SPROUTS PUDDING STUFFING

BRANDY

Accord Group, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QG. Tel: 0300 111 7000 Email: customerfirst@accordgroup.org.uk On request, we will do what is practical to translate information into different formats including large print, Braille and other languages.

If you need a document translated into a different language or format, call Customer First on 0300 111 7000.

The winner of last issue’s wordsearch was Mrs M Barlow from Stourbridge