Our House Summer 2013 by The Accord Group

Our House Your Group, your news

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In this issue...

Be safe, not sorry Gas Safety Week

Birmingham boxing club opens

Our House

Placements up for grabs

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Accord Group resident newsletter July, 2013

It’s all happening at the hub

Advice on hand at support group

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Hub Launchpad will hatch enterprises of the future Promising entrepreneurs in Birmingham and the Black Country are to receive expert help in turning their ideas into enterprises through a new programme.

Double the fun at play sessions for twins Mums and dads of toddling twins and triplets in Sandwell are being invited to a fun-filled playgroup especially for multiple birth families. Held on the third Saturday of each month from 10am-11.30am, the sessions take place at Rowley Springfield Children’s Centre, in Rowley Regis. The centre is managed by Health for Living, a partnership between the Accord Group, Black Country Housing Group, Murray Hall Community Trust and the Kaleidoscope Plus Group.

Accord Group news

Hub Launchpad is being run by the Accord Group, the Long Run Venture and Hub Westminster – all experts in supporting business start-ups that change people’s lives. From this summer, programmes will be run to provide fledgling talent - in a range of sectors - with access to the resources they need to make their dreams a reality.

The scheme is being backed by the Government, which has awarded Hub Launchpad nearly £1.5 million from the Cabinet Office’s £10 million Social Incubator Fund, administered by the Big Lottery Fund. Chris Handy, Chief Executive of the Accord Group, said: “There is no shortage of young entrepreneurs

in Birmingham and the Black Country who have excellent business ideas that will change people’s lives. “Hub Launchpad will provide the platform from which to launch these ideas, guiding those just starting out on their journey into social entrepreneurship, offering them invaluable advice and assistance.”

For more information about Hub Launchpad, email hello@hublaunchpad.net or visit hublaunchpad.net

Our House

July, 2013

Talk it up

Got something to say? Get in touch..

Call us on: 0300 111 7000 Visit us online at: accordgroup.org.uk

Hello and welcome to the July edition of your quarterly newsletter, Our House. This issue is packed full of news from your housing association as well as stories about ‘hot topics’ like the changes to benefits. If you think you’ll be affected by welfare reform, turn to pages 8 and 9 for information and advice on everything from direct payments to the benefit cap. On page 7, you can meet the new seasonal gardeners at Greenscape, some of who applied and got their jobs after reading an article in this very newsletter! If you’re a culinary whizz or just a budding chef, you’ll also want to turn to page 5 for a tasty recipe for risotto from resident Bromwyn Shayler. We’re also excited to announce that we’ve had a number of young people express their interest in working with us on a new supplement that will feature in this very magazine. As such, we’ll now be launching it in the October edition of Our House. If you’re aged 12-18 years old, there’s still time to get involved in the project. All you have to do is email me at the address below. And finally don’t forget to send your views about any articles in the newsletter to me at clairemo@accordgroup.org.uk or write to Our House C/O Claire Morrall, Accord Group, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG.

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The mailbag “I would greatly appreciate your explanation as to when a walkabout will take place at the Parklands complex in Kings Hill, Wednesbury. There is apparently a walkabout scheduled on 19 June at somewhere called Woden Road, West Estate, Wednesbury, but this is unknown to myself and neighbours. I fear we may have once again been overlooked.”

Mrs A Brookes, Kings Hill, Wednesbury Editor’s response Thank you for your letter Mrs Brookes. We don’t have any Walk and Talks scheduled for Kings Hill currently but a housing officer will be in touch with you to arrange a visit to the scheme to chat about any issues you may have.

“We would like to share our sincerest condolences with the family of Brett Miller, who passed away in March aged just 31. A member of the Pioneer Co-operative in Redditch, Brett was the son of Ann Harborne, a former Board member of Redditch Co-operative Homes. The father-of-one believed in the co-operative movement, playing an active role in Pioneer, and was a lively and outgoing person who will be sadly missed by all.”

Carl Taylor, Director of Redditch Co-operative Homes.

Happy reading! Facebook snapshot - what you’re talking about Your Photos: Walsall Arboretum Spring

Live web chat Your Photos: Walsall Arboretum Autumn

Youth awards “Very happy that som e of

the Moseley and Dist rict residents received Dy namic Youth Awards tonight at the awards ceremo ny hosted by the Balsa ll Heath Forum! It was we ll worth working till 9 to see their hard work ackn owledged!”

Accord Group news

“My mom is in her 80 s and has a spare bedroom but she’s liv ed in her flat for years. She doesn’t wan t to move but she’ll have to won’t sh e because of this bedroom tax.” affects only “No, the bedroom tax age. Therefore claimants of working affected.” your mum will not be

Our House

July, 2013

Be safe not sorry this Gas Safety Week With national Gas Safety Week fast approaching, the Accord Group is reminding residents about the importance of gas safety. As well as making sure that you keep appointments for us to service your boilers, it’s important not to cut corners and use ‘cowboy’ gas fitters. According to the Gas Safe Register, which runs Gas Safety Week, at least a quarter of a million gas appliances installed in homes each year are done illegally. They also warn that at least 7,500 illegal gas fitters in the UK are doing the most common and often most dangerous types of gas works in people’s homes. Jim Williams, Senior Gas Engineer for the Accord Group, said: “Gas safety is an important issue. “We want residents to be aware that using

Former Deputy PM visits timber homes Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has praised the work of the Accord Group after visiting one its timber housing developments. The Rt. Hon Lord John Prescott toured homes and met residents of Pattern Gardens in Darlaston. He also toured

the factory in Beechdale where the homes were made. He said: “I was enthralled with the work they [the Accord Group] do and want more people to follow suit with this innovative work taking place in the heart of the Midlands.”

John Prescott at Pattern Gardens in Darlaston

New homes to be built in Wolverhampton unqualified gas fitters to carry out work in their home that is unsafe or causes damage is dangerous and can also breach their tenancy agreement. “We provide a free gas service to all residents who rent a home with us and we’ll be encouraging them to ensure they keep

appointments and let us into their homes to carry out these vitally important checks.” Gas Safety Week takes place from 16-22 September. For more information about gas safety, visit the ‘gas safety’ section of your housing association’s website or call us on 0300 111 7000.

Work has started on 22 new low carbon timber homes in Wolverhampton. The homes will be built in the Bushbury area of the city and will be available for affordable rent and shared

ownership. Once finished, the homes will be the first to be designed, manufactured and built entirely by the Accord Group – a first for a West Midlands housing association.

Computer courses just a click away Over 40 of you have attended one of our Get Online workshops to learn basic IT skills. Whilst the sessions have now come to an end, there are lots of organisations out there that can help you further. To find out about free or low cost computer and internet courses for people of all ages, along with help and support to learn digital skills, visit ukonlinecentres. com or call 0800 77 1234.

You can access free computer courses in your area

Work begins in Bushbury

Accord Group news

Our House

July, 2013

Health and well-being Game, set and match with new tennis gear Tennis fans in Birmingham will now be able to enjoy a game right on their doorstep. Moseley and District has been awarded portable tennis equipment to use at community events, as part of a Government scheme. As well as a full-size tennis net, there are also 20 rackets, balls, marking cones, marking strips, certificates and a book of fun games. Katie Gallon, Assistant Housing Officer at Moseley and District, said: “There are lots of games that can be played with the equipment, not

just your traditional tennis match, and it’s a great way to keep fit and healthy.” The equipment will be available to use at

the Calthorpe Park Carnival on Saturday, 21 September, Moseley and District’s garden party on Friday, 9 August and the Balsall Heath Carnival.

Health and well-being

Six questions with Person

from Caldmoreaccord’s domestic abuse service

Healthy recipe

Gluten-free bacon and tomato risotto

A brand new boxing club is proving a knockout with youngsters after opening in Birmingham.

Ingredients

Tennis gear has already been a hit Boxing club is proving a hit with youngsters

which will run until March next year. Nicole Beeching, Health and Well-being Manager at the Accord Group, said: “As one of just a handful of towns across

the country to roll out this initiative, we’re calling on all businesses, no matter how big or small, to support Walsall in becoming a dementia-friendly community.”

The club, based at St Peters College in Saltley, is run by the Bromford Amateur Boxing Club with support from Ashram Housing Association amongst others. Sessions take place in the College’s hall every Monday and Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more information, call Shaf from the Bromford Amateur Club on 07963 061 081. In other boxing news, Fry Housing Trust clients can also try out taster sessions in the sport at Chelmsley Wood Centre. To find out more, clients should speak to their support worker.

Walking group is the route to fitness

One of Accord’s Dementia Cafes

Fry Housing Trust’s customers are being encouraged to sign-up to a new monthly walking group in Bromsgrove. As well as local strolls, the group is also looking to walk further afield during the summer months. If you’re a Fry Housing Trust client and would like to join the group, speak to your support worker.

What is domestic abuse? Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviour in an intimate relationship between adults or family members. It can be physical, psychological, financial or sexual. Who is affected by it? Domestic abuse doesn’t just happen to women. It can affect anyone, regardless of how old they are, if they are male or female, their race, wealth or where they live.

(Serves two. Preparation time approximately five to 10 minutes. Cooking time approximately 50 to 55 minutes)

Walsall becomes dementia-friendly community Shops and businesses in Walsall are being invited to help transform the borough into a dementia-friendly community. The Accord Group’s Pathways 4 Life team and the Alzheimer’s Society are running the scheme, which is part of David Cameron’s ‘Challenge on Dementia’ pledge. Businesses will be equipped with the skills to make the lives of people with dementia easier, ensuring they get the support they need. Supermarkets, banks, post offices, libraries, cafés and hairdressers are all being encouraged to join the free scheme,

Gloves are off for new boxing club

Six questions with... Tina Bowen

Your health, your life

From outdoor activities to healthy recipes, find out more about health and well-being here.

Our House

July, 2013

• Oil for frying • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 100g bacon, fat cut-off, finely chopped • 200g risotto rice • Chicken stock cube, made up to one litre • 12 cherry tomatoes • 1 tablespoon of dried basil • Couple of leaves of basil (optional) • 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Cooking 1: P repare ingredients, equipment, put an apron on, tie your hair up, wipe table and wash hands. 2: Heat a little oil in a wide saucepan and fry the onion gently until soft. Then in another frying pan put the tomatoes and the basil with a bit of the oil and cook until soft. 3: A dd garlic and the bacon to the onions and fry together. 4: A dd the rice to the bacon, garlic and onion mix and stir well. 5: M ix stock then add to the pan with the rice a couple of ladles at a time, stirring each lot in until it is completely absorbed and the risotto is creamy but still retains a little bite (you might not need to use all the stock). 6: A dd the tomatoes and basil and mix until evenly distributed through the risotto and it is thick and creamy. 7: S erve and finish with a couple of leaves of basil on top. Recipe provided by Bromwyn Shayler from Walsall.

What help is available from Caldmoreaccord? We have a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. It’s a secure home where they can regain control of their lives and get emotional and practical support. They can also get help with budgeting, benefits, accessing health services, finding nurseries and schools and getting legal advice. What else do you do? We also offer a 24-hour confidential helpline and

support services in the community. In addition, we run a six-week Feeling Safe Course, which helps people to identify the cycle of abuse and build up vital assertiveness and communication skills. Is help free and confidential? Yes. All our advice is strictly confidential and free. How can I find out more? For help, support or advice, call the Caldmoreaccord helpline on 01922 746574.

‘Everything to gain’ with Taste for Life To say that Gwyneth Carragher is happy with the service she’s received from Taste for Life Birmingham is an understatement. The 60-year-old from Moseley credits it as the ‘best support service she’s ever used.’ “I had a stroke last year and my support worker Mings came to visit me in hospital,” said Gwyneth. “It made a big difference to me and it’s these little things that they do that really mean a lot.” Gwyneth started using the services of Taste for Life, which is a free support service for people aged over 55 in south and west Birmingham,

in 2011. Since then, Gwyneth’s support worker Mings has helped her to sign-up to a computer course, encouraged her to attend events and even visited her doctor with her. “I have medical conditions and there are times when I don’t see anyone for days,” said Gwyneth. “But Taste for Life is there when I need them, going out of the way to help me and they’re very friendly but still

professional.” Would Gwyneth recommend the service to others? “You’ve got nothing to lose but everything to gain by getting in touch with Taste for Life,” she said.” We’ll take that as a resounding yes! To find out more about Taste for Life Birmingham, call 0121 764 3879 or email ashramtasteforlife@ accordgroup.org.uk

Taste for Life helped Gwyneth to sign up for a computer course

Health and well-being

Our House

July, 2013

Job joy for green-fingered residents

Jobs, skills and training Volunteer placements up for grabs Scores of volunteering opportunities, which offer a host of benefits including job opportunities, are now available. The Accord Group is offering the placements across the Midlands in a host of different roles, from gardeners to receptionists. Irene Casserley, Volunteer Services Manager, said: “Volunteering can deliver a wealth of benefits,

including self-worth, great fun, friendships and job opportunities. “It may be an outlet for your natural talents, a road test for a new career or just a handy way to meet new friends.”

Janet has volunteered at Cartlidge House in Telford.

Opportunities include; • Allotment gardener in Edgbaston, Birmingham • Befriender in learning disability service in Stechford, Birmingham • Activities volunteer in an older person’s service in Coventry • Dancing activity volunteer in Sandwell • Escort for football matches in learning disability service in Great Wyrley, Walsall • Administrator in business and lettings service in Caldmore, Walsall. For more information about volunteering at the Accord Group, call Irene Casserley, Group Volunteer Services Manager, on 01922 728 203 or email irene.casserley@ caldmorehousing.co.uk or visit do-it.org

Success for skills service An employment and skills service for customers of Fry Housing Trust has supported more than 130 people to attend training and education courses. The service, which is led by Employment and Skills Advisor Mike Rogers, has also secured 17 voluntary placements for customers and 22 jobs. Four customers have even set up their own businesses in car valeting, hairdressing, fitness and painting and decorating

Jobs, training and skills

after working with Mike. If you’re a Fry Housing Trust customer and want help finding work or

training, call Mike Rogers on 0121 559 6406 or email Michael.rogers@fryha.org.uk

Service has helped scores of Fry customers.

Our House

July, 2013

Two residents are celebrating after securing jobs with a gardening and grounds maintenance firm.

TOP TIPS Sail through job interviews with these top tips from Employment and Skills Coach, Jill Sargent.

Employment and skills coach, Jill.

1: Research the company. That way you’ll be able to talk confidently about them and think about questions you may be asked and how your skills match what they’re looking for. 2: Prepare answers to some common interview questions, such as your strengths and weaknesses. Just saying that you have a skill is not enough; come up with examples where you’ve used them. 3. Make sure your clothes are clean, neat and appropriate for the company you want to work for. Some common interview mistakes include turning up

John Watson and Reginald Barnaby are now employed as seasonal gardeners with Greenscape, after the jobs were advertised in the April edition of Our House. Phil Greaves, Business Development Manager for Greenscape, said: “We had lots of interest from residents and non-residents and were very pleased with the calibre of the candidates that came forward. “A large number of the schemes we visit are owned by the Accord Group and we wanted to help residents get back into the workplace in these

challenging times.” The gardeners’ roles will include a host of landscape and maintenance tasks, such as mowing and pruning, at various sites across the West Midlands.

To find out about other vacancies at the Accord Group, go to accordgroup. org.uk/vacancies and follow the link to the careers portal.

5. At the end of an interview almost every employer will ask if you have any questions. Prepare a minimum of three questions about the job, the culture and goals of the company. Avoid questions about salary and benefits at this stage.

Job success for John and Reginald

Volunteers can bank on Time for Real

The time is right to volunteer with Time for Real

The first ever time bank to open in Walsall, Time for Real, is on the hunt for volunteers. Time for Real, which opened last year and is based at the Village Hub on Caldmore Green, offers a unique way of volunteering. For every one hour of time donated to helping someone, volunteers ‘earn’ a time credit of one hour. Time credits are then ‘stored’ until volunteers

How I became... A Customer First Executive

Customer First Executive, Christine Kirkham

late, keeping mobile phones on and criticising previous employers – avoid these pitfalls! 4: Good preparation before an interview and on the day is key to staying in control. Plan your route so you arrive on time and get everything you need ready the day before.

redeem them to ‘buy’ services from other Time for Real members. Volunteering can range from mowing a lawn or pruning a hedge to baking a cake or sewing. Tina Dalton, from Time for Real, said: “Time banks are fun, an excellent way of gaining valuable skills or employment and an

opportunity to form new friendships. “Importantly, it’s also a fantastic way to help people in the community and to be rewarded for it.” To find out more, or for an application pack, call Tina Dalton on 01922 630 364 or email enquiries@ timeforreal.org.uk

“In 2008 I read an article in the then Accord Housing Association newsletter asking for residents to get involved in the work of the association. It prompted me to pick up the phone and arrange to meet with the resident engagement team to find out how I could help. From there, I trained to become a resident panel member, attending various training sessions to hone my skills. I also joined a newly set up design panel. Both led to fantastic opportunities in shaping and improving Accord Group services. In 2009, the Accord Group’s Customer First contact centre opened. I had a real interest in it as I’d worked in customer services for seven years. After speaking with

the head of Customer First, and helping with the interview selection process for staff, I completed a three month voluntary placement which then led to a job as a Customer First Executive at the centre. I was overjoyed! Now, I still get the chance to attend resident engagement events and community days, but I’m representing Customer First and the resident panel. In the future I’d love to keep working in the housing sector. If I was going to give any advice to a resident who wants to get back into employment, learn new skills or build their confidence, I’d say just give it a go. There are so many ways to get involved and like me it could even lead to a job.”

Help for job hunters at advice service Jobseekers wanting to get back into work will now be able to benefit from a new advice service. Fry Housing Trust has teamed up with the National Careers Service to support and advise clients about jobs and careers. Clients in Coventry, Leamington and Nuneaton have been

amongst the first to benefit from the new initiative, which offers group and one-to-one support. The service runs in conjunction with Fry’s current employment and skills service. To find out more, speak to your support worker.

Jobs, training and skills

Our House

July, 2013

Money management

Direct benefit payments – act now, save later If you receive benefits, the Government’s changes will soon mean that you’ll get them paid to you in a different way.

Tips, advice and ideas about managing your finances.

How do I...

Bob banks success after PPI pay-out

protect myself from fraud

A Wolverhampton resident is celebrating after taking on a bank to secure compensation for two wrongly sold PPI (payment protection insurance) policies.

1: Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

card details on and post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don’t need much information in order to be able to clone your identity.

2: Remember banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine.

5: If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things you haven’t bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with contact you about outstanding debts, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.

3: Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. 4: Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your

Currently, many residents have Housing Benefit paid directly to their landlord and get other benefits weekly or fortnightly. Under the changes, residents will get one monthly payment, known as Universal Credit, directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This will mean all benefits are lumped into one including money for rent. When will all this happen? Between October this year and October 2017. We don’t know for certain who will be affected and when, but the DWP will contact you by letter if you are. If you’re asked to claim Universal Credit and need help, contact your housing officer.

Who will it affect? Pensioners and residents of ‘exempt’ supported housing won’t be affected but everyone else who claims Housing Benefit will be. Is there anything I can do now? Yes! You can get your Housing Benefit paid to you now before the changes happen – giving you more time to prepare and set up direct debits for the essentials like rent. If you need help with this, call your housing officer on 0300 111 7000.

Jargon buster

Help is now at hand with a new benefit calculator. The tool allows you to enter all your details to get a good idea of how the changes will affect you. You can find the calculator on your housing association’s website and it can be used on a mobile phone too. If you have any concerns about the result, please contact your housing officer for further advice.

Household benefit cap what you need to know What is the Household Benefit Cap? It’s a limit on the amount of benefits that one household can claim.

When is it happening? The cap will be introduced this summer.

How will it be calculated? The cap is set at: • £500 per week (£26,000 per year) for single parents and couples with or without children • £350 per week (£18,200 per year) for single people without children.

What benefits are included in the cap? • Jobseekers Allowance • Employment Support Allowance • Child Benefit • Child Tax Credit • Carers Allowance

Balance – the amount of money that you have in an account or what you owe on a credit card. CCJ – this stands for a county court judgement and is an order made which decides a claim brought in the county court.

Tips provided by Action Fraud.

Talking about the coming benefit changes is one thing, but seeing how they will affect you in terms of pounds and pence is another.

• Housing Benefit

For more information about fraud, or to report fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk

Calculator adds up to the right advice

Money management

Our House

July, 2013

Bob Jenkins, who lives at Showell Court, spent six months trying to resolve a claim with his bank before finally receiving a pay-out for £5,200. The 64-year-old, who previously ran a print firm, is now encouraging other residents who think they have a PPI claim to take action. “Making a PPI claim can make you feel like you’re a

hamster on a wheel, never really getting anywhere fast,” he said. “But don’t be put off or discouraged by this. It’s a known fact that PPI was mis-sold.” Bob made sure that he recorded every conversation that he had with his bank and advises others trying to make a PPI claim to do the same. “Log every call you make

and the name of who you’ve spoken to,” he said. “Where possible try to speak to the most senior person that you can too. “Once the bank has acknowledged a claim is due, ask for payment to cover costs incurred too. “Don’t be put off by the fact that banks are large corporate entities. They wouldn’t exist without customers like us!”

What is PPI? Payment protection insurance (PPI) is intended to cover loan or credit card repayments in the event of an illness, accident or unemployment. According to many commentators, PPI has been broadly mis-sold and some people may have it without even knowing. You can find out more about PPI by visiting financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Six questions with Person

Six questions with...

What does your job involve on a day-to-day basis? I help residents manage their finances and make sure that they’re receiving any benefits they may be entitled to. I also provide budgeting advice and assist with managing debt. Importantly, I also help residents to explore other options that may be available to them such as our jobs and skills service, volunteering opportunities and credit unions.

Why did you want to become a home finance advisor? I’ve worked in benefits and money advice for 20 years and this role has given me an opportunity to continue with work that I enjoy and to help residents of Caldmoreaccord. What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy getting a positive outcome for a resident and knowing that I have been able to help someone that has been struggling, whether with a debt or a benefit issue. Why is your work important to me?

• Widowed Parents Allowance

I need more help! To find out more about benefits or to get help and support, contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688 or the Government’s information line on 0845 605 7064.

Please note that this information was accurate at the time of going to print.

Lynn Marks, Home FinanceAdvisor What’s your name and what do you do? My name is Lynn Marks and I am a Home Finance Advisor for Caldmoreaccord.

• Council Tax Benefit

Any Caldmoreaccord resident can contact me or ask their housing officer for a referral and you don’t have to be in rent arrears. You may be having trouble opening a bank account, paying bills or not sure what benefits you’re entitled too – I can help with all of this. With the changes to benefits, many people are finding themselves in difficult financial situations and I can offer help and guidance. How can I contact you? You can call me on 0121 568 3916 or via the Customer First centre on 0300 111 7000 or email me at lynn.marks@ caldmoreaccordha.org.uk

Money management

Our House

July, 2013

Our House

July, 2013

Walkabout dates for your diary Every month housing officers from Ashram Housing Association, Caldmoreaccord and Moseley and District take part in estate walkabouts.

Cake competition in the mix for garden party

They are a great opportunity for you to meet staff face-to-face and raise any concerns you have about where you live, so why not come along.

Walsall residents can now sign-up to a host of surgeries and advice sessions taking place at a community hub. Activities at Caldmoreaccord’s Village Hub range from jobs and skills drop-in surgeries to an art group and Polish women’s meeting. Nazir Ahmed, Resident Engagement Officer for Caldmoreaccord, said: “There’s plenty happening at the Hub, so why not come along to find out more.” You can find details of

activities taking place at the Village Hub in the ‘what’s on and where?’

section of this newsletter. Plenty happening at the Hub

Families ‘shore’ have fun thanks to cut-price seaside trip Families in Birmingham had a bucket load of fun at the seaside and they only had to shell out £5. Birmingham Co-operative Housing Services (bchs) organised a trip to Weston-Super-Mare on 30 June for its nine housing cooperatives to mark national Co-operative Fortnight.

Work of your landlord in the spotlight Eagled-eyed residents have been busy scrutinising the work of their housing associations in explaining the changes to benefits.

The residents sit on the Scrutiny Panel, which was formed to make sure that all the organisations in the Group are working in the best interests of residents. They do this by scrutinising the Group’s services, from examining performance statistics to analysing reports, and working closely with Improvement and Scrutiny Advisors. Once the panel has finished carrying out their research they will present their findings to the Accord Group’s Board. For more information about the Scrutiny Panel, call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2087 or 9031 or email reteam@accordgroup.org.uk

Film highlights how to get involved A fun film exploring what it means to get involved in the work of the Accord Group is now available to watch on YouTube. The movie was produced by the Resident Engagement team in partnership with Pool Hayes School in Willenhall. Featuring interviews with residents, the 11-minute feature gives a great insight into what you can get involved in and why. To watch the film, go to youtube.com/ watch?v=GB86oyEST-0

Ashram • Wednesday, 24 July Basant Close, Warwick • Thursday, 8 August Tivey Court Road, Coventry • Thursday, 12 September Hillfields, Coventry Caldmoreaccord • Tuesday, 23 July (10am-3pm) High Arcal, Sedgley • Tuesday, 13 August (10am-12pm) Edge View Close, Kinver • Tuesday, 10 September (10am-1pm) Provence Close, Wolverhampton • Tuesday, 15 October (10am-3pm) Toll End Road, Spring Street and Ocker Hill Road, Tipton. Moseley and District • Friday, 26 July (Starting from 10am) Outside Harrison’s Pleck, Moseley • Friday, 16 August (Starting from 10am) Outside block two, Clent Way, Bartley Green • Monday, 19 August (Starting from 10am) Outside Faraday Court, Faraday Avenue, Handsworth • Tuesday, 20 August (Starting from 10am) Outside block 114/118 Gough Road, Edgbaston • Tuesday, 27 August (Starting from 10am) Outside Edward Road Police Station, Balsall Heath • Thursday, 5 September (Starting from 10am) Outside Balsall Heath Forum, Balsall Heath • Tuesday, 10 September (Starting from 10am) Outside Annand House, Sparkhill • Thursday, 12 September (Starting from 10am) Outside 68/76 St Albans Road • Friday 20 September (Starting from 10am) Outside Harrison’s Pleck, Moseley • Tuesday, 24 September (Starting from 10am) Outside Chesterton Court, Cambridge Road, Kings Heath.

Getting involved

Taking place in Calthorpe Park from 11.30am to 3.30pm, the festival will feature fun games and activities like tug-of-war, a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon artists, information stalls, and refreshments. Moseley and District will also be taking along mobile office the Buzz and

A prize will be up for grabs for the most deliciously baked delicacy in the organisation’s first-ever bakeoff style competition. The annual garden party will take place on Friday, 9 August from 2pm-7pm and will be held in the gardens of Moseley and District’s office in Alcester Road. As well as the cake competition, there will also be fun games and activities, information stalls, light refreshments and dancers. Moseley’s contractors Lovells and Status Heating will also be at the event to field your questions as will the local police and staff from AddVentures, who will be offering information on starting social enterprises.

All aboard! Buzz hits the road Ashram Housing Association has hit the road to meet residents and answer questions about the changes to benefits. Staff have visited the Cobra Estate in Coventry, Hans Close in Coventry, Whitehouse Drive in Sandwell, Lower Ground Close in Aston, Ashley Gardens in Saltley and Bordesley Leisure Gardens in Bordesley Green. As well as talking about the changes to benefits, staff also promoted the Association’s jobs and skills service.

Fun for all the family at festival An action-packed community fun day for all the family is to be held in Birmingham this year. The Future Festival, organised by housing providers like Moseley and District, local churches and the city council, will take place in Balsall Heath on Saturday, 21 September.

Budding bakers are being encouraged to get whisking for this year’s Moseley and District garden party.

its new tennis equipment, which you can read more about on page 4. Peter Helly, Housing Officer at Moseley and District, said: “The Future Festival is a great opportunity for members of the local community to get to know one another and celebrate together.”

The Buzz hits the road

Getting involved

Our House

July, 2013

The team responsible for everything from repairs and maintenance to gas servicing has a brand new uniform.

Rubbish gets the red card

Featuring the Accord Group logo, the uniform will create a single identifiable look that is easy for residents to identify. Howard Campbell, Head of Estate and

More than 10 tonnes of rubbish has been removed from estates managed by Moseley and District. Members of the Estate and Facilities team visited 100 communal areas to carry out inspections and identify fly-tipping hotspots. Letters were then sent to residents asking them to remove any items blocking communal areas.

“We’ve now put signs up advising residents that future items found in communal areas will be removed and charged to residents.” To contact the Neighbourhood Technicians, call 0300 111 7000.

Co-op boss backs Redditch development The General Secretary of the Co-operative Party has given her backing to a development that will create 79 new homes for people in Redditch. Karin Christiansen visited Chariot Springs (also known as Marlfield), which is being built by Redditch Co-operative Homes.

Once completed, it will feature two, three and four-bedroom timber-frame homes for affordable rent and shared ownership and will be run as a co-operative. “It’s fantastic to see new co-operative housing being built in Redditch,” said Miss Christiansen.

“Co-operative housing is not only democratic but it also fosters greater community cohesion, creating happier and more sustainable neighbourhoods which people have a stake in.” For more information about the homes for sale at Chariot Springs, visit rch.coop/homes

Martin Ensor, Neighbourhood Technician, with tipper truck used to clear rubbish.

• If you live in a house or bungalow, your housing association is not responsible for controlling pests • You can treat them yourself though using over the counter products sold in most garden centres or supermarkets • You can also contact your council’s pest control team, although they may charge you for removing pests

Karin Christiansen (left) visits Chariot Springs

Homes and communities

Facilities, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to create a single identifiable uniform for our officers who operator across the Group - demonstrating to residents that we are one team.”

The Estate and Facilities team is made up of gas engineers, caretakers, neighbourhood technicians and Greenscape who work for Ashram, Caldmoreaccord and Moseley and District.

Advice on hand at support group

Keep pesky pests at bay this summer While the summer brings us ice cream and sunshine it also signals an increase in pesky pests like wasps, ants and flies. To stop them ruining your summer, here’s what you need to know.

• If you live in a flat the same rule applies except if a pest infestation is in a communal area and then we will be responsible for clearing it

New look for Estate and Facilities team

Homes and communities

Martin Ensor, Neighbourhood Technician, said: “Keeping communal areas clear is really important, as items left lying around could block your exist in an emergency.

Our House

July, 2013

• If you’re going to treat a wasp’s nest yourself, do it early or late in the day when wasp activity is at its lowest • Always remember to read labels of insecticides or other products carefully and follow the instructions. To contact your council’s pest control team, call: Birmingham (0121 303 6007), Cannock (01543 462621), Coventry (0500 834333), Dudley (0300 555 2345), Nuneaton and Bedworth (02476 376376), Redditch (01527 64252), Sandwell (0121 569 6600), South Stafford (01902 696108) and Wolverhampton (01902 551155).

(Right to left) Thomas Raybould (Estate Officer), Howard Campbell (Head of Estate and Facilities) and Lesley Stanley (Cleaner)

New initiative could slash energy bills Thousands of residents in Walsall could save hundreds of pounds on their gas and electricity bills thanks to a new initiative. Walsall Council has launched the Big Community Energy Switch which aims to help householders reduce the cost of heating their homes. It works by

householders coming together to form a single powerful buying unit, enabling energy companies to offer cheaper deals. Residents can sign up for free and with no obligation to tell energy companies they are interested in switching. To find out more, visit walsall.gov.uk/bigswitch or call 01922 652500.

Homes for sale Support group offers advice and information

Moseley and District residents worried about anti-social behaviour are being invited to join a support group. The group will next meet on 22 August to talk about Police Priority Neighbourhoods and

then on 21 November to discuss going to court, including a trip to one. Launched last year, the group is open to any Moseley and District resident experiencing anti-social behaviour in their community.

For more information about the group, or to attend the next meeting, call Peter Helly on 0121 442 5030 or email peter. helly@moseleyha.org.uk To report anti-social behaviour, call 0300 111 7000.

New apartments set for Coventry Work to build 18 new two-bedroom apartments for affordable rent has started in Coventry. The new homes, which will be managed

by Ashram Housing Association, are set to be completed by May next year. Once built, the finished homes will be advertised on the Council’s

New homes have gone on sale at two fantastic developments in West Bromwich. Prices for a two-bedroom home at the Accord Group’s Beacon View development, on Beaconview Road, start from around £60,000 for a 50 per cent share. Whilst prices for a three-bedroom home at the Accord Group’s Urban 180 development, between Bull Street, High Street and Overend

Street in the town centre, start from around £150,000. Prospective purchasers of homes at Urban 180 can also benefit from a mortgage from Sandwell Council. Homes are also available for sale in Darlaston at the Accord Group’s stylish Pattern Gardens development. To find out more about any of the properties mentioned, visit accordgroup.org.uk

Choice-Based Letting System and allocated to people living in the city with a housing need.

Stylish and comfortable homes for sale

Homes and communities

Our House

July, 2013

Around your way

Cake was on the menu at a care scheme and community hub recently as residents celebrated completing a computer course.

cake for residents. John Gorman, a Moseley and District resident who took part in the course, said: “I’ve obtained a great

To toast their success, teachers Rudo Muchoko, Bridget Dudley and Timothy Pereira laid on food and

Residents celebrate course completion

with learning disabilities and other complex needs. The money will be spent on sensory equipment, such as colour-changing fibre optics and bubble tubes, which encourage relaxation, reduce stress and tackle boredom.

Palace visit for residents in Walsall Residents of a Walsall sheltered housing complex hopped on board a coach to enjoy a day trip at Blenheim Palace.

Around our way

Tenants from Tantarra Court and Kings Hill visited Blenheim Palace, which is the only nonroyal country house in England to hold the title of palace, in June.

Residents go green for garden makeover

July Tuesday, 16 July (every Tuesday). Time for Real drop-in session. The Village Hub, Caldmore Green, Walsall, WS1 3RW. 2pm-5pm. Thursday, 18 July. Working Lives - local history coffee morning with David Hall. Tipton Library, Sandwell. 10.30am-12pm. Free but tickets must be booked in advance. For details call, 0121 557 1796.

Wildlife loving residents and staff in Birmingham have been transforming their scheme’s garden into a haven for birds. As well as making feeders, residents from Hightrees in Harborne have also been cultivating seeds to grow in their garden. Importantly, they’ve also been trying to do

People with disabilities benefit from police fund A pot of cash seized from criminals by West Midlands Police has been donated to help improve the lives of people with learning disabilities in Birmingham. Around £250 has been given to the Accord Group’s Trittiford Road scheme in Yardley Wood which cares for people

Events and activities from across the Group

deal of confidence through the course and had the opportunity to communicate with friends through social media.”

Seven residents from across the Accord Group took part in the free course at Ghulab Ashram, where they learnt the basics of using a computer and the internet.

it as environmentallyfriendly as possible by using recycled items. Nicola Payne, Team Leader at Hightrees, said: “We have really enjoyed looking at ways to make our garden more attractive and ecofriendly. On wet days, we can watch from the window as birds come and visit.”

Tuesday, 23 July. Spooky scary skeletons craft activity. Hamstead Library, Great Barr, Birmingham. 3pm-4pm. Free. For details call, 0121 569 2548 Wednesday, 24 July (every Wednesday). Jobs and skills dropin surgery. The Village Hub, Caldmore Green, Walsall, WS1 3RW. 10am-12pm.

Tuesday, 30 July. Meals on Wheels - Foraging Bike Ride. Pelsall North Common, Pelsall, Walsall. 10am-3pm. £4 for adults, £2 for children – booking essential. For details and to book call, 0845 111 2900

August Friday, 2 August (until 7 August). Summer Holiday Adventurous Activity Club, Bartley Green Reservoir, Genners Lane, Northfield, Birmingham. All day. For details call, 0121 445 3177. Sunday, 4 August (first Sunday of the month until 6 October). Dudley Tunnel Trips Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines, off Birmingham New Road, Dudley. £11.80 for adults, £10.80 for seniors and children. For details call, 0121 557 6265

Friday, 9 August. Moseley and District’s annual garden party. Moseley and District head office, Alcester Road, Moseley. 2pm7pm Saturday, 10 August (until 27 October). Damien Hurst exhibition. New Art Gallery, Walsall. 10am-5pm (TuesdaySaturday) Tuesday, 13 August (every Tuesday and Thursday). Homework Help Hub, Arena Park Library, Coventry Arena Shopping Park, Rowleys Green, Coventry. 4pm6pm. Free. Saturday, 24 - Sunday, 25 August. Coventry Festival of Motoring. Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry. For details call, 024 7623 4270.

Boost for veterans in Coventry Veterans in Coventry and Warwickshire who need help finding a home or work after leaving the armed forces are to benefit from a brand new partnership. Fry Housing Trust has teamed up with the Veterans Contact Point (VCP) in Nuneaton to offer tailored help and support to ex-servicemen and

women across the county. Support includes help to search and apply for housing, advice on accessing benefits that they may be entitled to and jobs and skills coaching to help find work. It’s hoped that the partnership will tackle some of the isolation and barriers that ex-

servicemen and women face when they leave the armed forces.

will include stalls selling various goodies, a photography competition and arts and crafts, on Saturday, 17 August.

September Friday, 13 September (until 15 September). Ludlow Food Festival. Ludlow Castle, Shropshire. For details call, 01584 873355 Saturday, 14 September. Farmers Market, Stafford. 9.30am-4pm. For details call, 01785 245935. Monday, 16 September (until 21 September). Dreamboats and Petticoats. The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. For details, or to book, call 01902 42 92 12.

Sunday, 22 September. Guided walk – The origins of Middle-Earth. Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham. 1pm2.30pm. £6 - booking essential. For details call, 0121 777 6612. Sunday, 22 September. Summer Farm Fun Day, Forge Mill & Bordesley Abbey, Redditch, Worcestershire. 11am4pm. £2 for adults, £1 for children. For details call, 01527 62509.

Thursday, 19 September. Chinese Moon Festival - featuring live Chinese music, delicious moon cakes and themed gallery tours. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston. 7pm-9pm. £5 per person - booking essential. For details, or to book, call 0121 414 2261.

Summer fun puzzle

New partnership will be boost for veterans

All set for summer fayre in Telford A Telford care scheme has announced the date of its annual summer fayre. Bennett House will host the event, which

What’s on and where?

Bitesize chunks of news from across the Group

Course completion celebrated with cake

Our House

July, 2013

For further information, call Pam Rollings, Activity Co-ordinator at Bennett House, on 01952 582588.

Colour in the picture and send it to: Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG. We’ll feature all completed entries on our Facebook page.

What’s on and where?

Our House

July, 2013

Competitions Quiz Simply answer the following 10 questions correctly to be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love2Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores. 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 Monday, 29 July 2013. 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 April’s quiz was N Shayler from Walsall.

1: In which country is Mount Etna? 2: Name the Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in the Second World War? 3: What type of pastry is used to make profiteroles? 4: Name the act that won this year’s Britain’s Got Talent competition? 5: Whose hits include ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, ‘Lay Down Sally’ and ‘Tears In Heaven’ 6: Name the author of book The Da Vinci Code? 7: Who retired as the manager of football club Manchester United this year after 27 years in post? 8: In what year did the Battle of Hastings occur? 9: What is the name given to a baby kangaroo? 10: You’ll find the next answer in this newsletter…Name the former Deputy Prime Minister who recently visited Accord’s Pattern Gardens development in Darlaston?

Wordsearch Simply find the word that is NOT in the wordsearch to be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love2Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores. 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 Monday, 29 July 2013. 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.

1: Rose 2: Daisy 3: Lavender 4: Buttercup 5: Tulip 6: Orchid 7: Lily 8: Sunflower 9: Hydrangea 10. Lilac 11: Poppy 12: Daffodil

The winner of April’s wordsearch was N Bibi from Walsall.

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The Accord Group, Tel: 0300 111 7000 Email: customerfirst@accordgroup.org.uk Write to: Customer First, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QG 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. Competitions