Tel: 0300 303 1190
Email: enquiries@mmha.org.uk
Web: www.shropshirehousing.org.uk
Meres News For all the local news about your community | Issue 19 – Winter 2011
s i h t e r i h s Shrop
. . . r e t n wi
In this issue... Woore
Interview With... Philip Parker tells us why he loves MMHA Page 3
TARCA Garden Competition Winner Receives shield Page 9
Neighbourhoods Team Read about the latest changes Page 10 Ellesmere Urban
Ellesmere Rural
Whitchurch Urban
Whitchurch Rural Ightfield
Moreton Say Whixall
Market Drayton
Prees
Welshampton and Lyneal
Sutton upon Tern Cheswardine
Wem Rural Wem Urban
n
Hordley Cockshutt/Petto
Norton in Hales
Adderley
Loppington
on Clive
Myddle and Brought
Baschurch Grinshill
Hadnall
Weston-
underRedcastle Moreton Corbet and Lee Brockhurst
Hodnet
Stanton upon Hine Heath
Shawbury
Stoke upon Tern
Child’s Ercall
Hinstock
CONTENTS
Christmas Opening Times
2 Our Services to you 3 Improving Homes and Environments 4 Interview with Philip Parker 5 Group News 9 TARCA 10 Neighbourhoods Team Changes 12 Competitions
If you require this document in audio, braille, large print or if English is not your first language then please contact us.
Our offices will be closed from Friday 23rd December and will open again on Tuesday 3rd January. If you have an emergency repair during this time, you can ring our normal phone number: 0300 303 1190 at any time.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Si vous avez besoin de ce document en audio, braille, gros caractères, ou si l’anglais n’est pas votre langue première veuillez nous contacter. French Jeśli wymagasz tego dokumentu w audio, Braille’a, duże wydruku, lub jeśli angielski jest nie pierwszy język prosimy kontakt. Polish Если вам требуется этот документ в аудио, Брайля, крупных печатных, или если английский является не ваш первый язык напишите нам. Russian Os oes angen y dogfen hon mewn ffurf wahannol, er enghraifft Braille, llythrennau mawr, tâp audio neu iaith wahanol, gadewch i ni wybod os gwelwch yn dda. Welsh
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Se ha bisogno di questo documento in audio, Braille, grande stampa, o se inglese è la prima lingua contattaci. Italian
You can contact us in a number of ways: 1 PHONE 0300 303 1190 1 FREEPHONE
0800 4346289
1 EMAIL enquiries@mmha.org.uk
1 IN WRITING by sending your letter to us at Meres and Mosses Housing Association, Talbot House, High Street, Wem SY4 5AA 1 IN PERSON by coming along to the reception desk at Talbot House.
OFFICE OPENING HOURS Our normal office opening hours are:
9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Thursday 9.00am - 4.30pm Friday Cover photo: Natasha Bridges
Our regulator, The Tenants Services Authority has asked all social landlords to produce local offers through six standards that cover the services we provide. Our current offers and the progress we have made are set out in the Tenants Report 2011.
2 | Meres News Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190
All updates on the local offers will be marked with the appropriate sticker (see below) for the standard it applies to.
Tenant Involvement and Empowerment standard
Home standard
Tenancy standard
Neighbourhoods and Communities standard
Value for Money standard
Governance and Financial Viability standard
g n i c n e New F or Place n a M r fo
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with the alkabouts w te ta s e s noted visits and olice, it wa nces ff P l ta a s c g lo n d ri n a Du nk fe oods team en chain li neighbourh that the front gard were s es mber po ts several tim ondition, and the ti Tenants were also d. or c were in po down and vandalise d e ll being pu es. ncing, these issu ad new fe h te reporting ta s e on the ived very properties A has rece tenants. Around 30 ondition, and MMH e rc eys from th due to poo er satisfaction surv fences m ber picket m ti d good custo n a te posts tted concre fi e v a h e W t gardens. to the fron
Kitchen Compl s ete
MMHA r ec kitchen ently celebrate d the co and bat mp hro months earlier t om replacemen letion of its han plan t contra ned. ct eight Tenants were con sulted a with cho te ic flooring es of colours an very point alon g the wa d styles for their y, of fi kit reported very hig chens and bath ttings and h ro of fitting s and th satisfaction rat oms. Tenants es for th e qualit y of wor e standa Paul Sut k. rd ton, dire ct ‘The wor k never or of assets and stops, w develop the hom e wil me es program and deliver wh l continue to lo nt said, at ok m We cont e of improveme will now be a ro after inue to li lling nts whe re sten to o have the ur tenan they are neede quality d. ts of home s they d to ensure they eserve.’
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Meres News Winter 2011 | 3
r e k r a P p i l Phi 1 2 Resident Involvement Interview Philip and his wife Denise moved to their MMHA property in Wem in December last year. They had previously lived in the Tower of London as Philip had been a Yeoman Warder, better known as a Beefeater, at the Tower. Having spent 20 years in the Light Infantry, Philip says “we feel very spoilt to be able to have an input, as we are new to the process of being involved, and for years we have had no say with regards to our home.” “Moving to a MMHA property has been a really good experience, I’m not saying there have not been problems, but they have been promptly dealt with and resolved. We have found all the staff, helpful, polite, and both listened to our issues and kept us informed all the way along the line.” Philip and Denise have attended the voids inspection training and now visit empty homes before the new tenant moves in to check it is up to the right standard.
3 4 5 6
“
We now have a much better understanding and can influence the way that MMHA provides its services. I would encourage all tenants to take up the opportunity of getting involved, as you really can make a difference. Philip Parker
”
Carers One-off Payment Shropshire Council offers a Carers One-off Payment. This is a grant paid towards services identified by a carer as part of their Carers Assessment.
What can the payment be used for? It is a payment which is intended to improve health and well being and support carers in their role. It can be used towards: • The cost of a holiday or break, either alone or with the cared for person • A hobby or leisure pursuit • To access a training course, or to assist you to remain in, or return to work. For more information contact Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9005 or email carers@shropshire.gov.uk
Complaints Questionnaires In order to help us monitor and improve the complaints service we provide to you, once your complaint has been closed you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire on how you felt your complaint was handled.
4 | Meres News Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190
Please help us to learn from complaints and improve our service and to prevent mistakes from happening in the future by completing and returning the questionnaire.
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At this year’s Tenants Fun Day we wanted your views on both The Key and Meres News. It’s important to us to know you find the information relevant and interesting,
and most of all find it an enjoyable read! So the communications stand asked 29
households what they think of the newsletters, the results were surprising and we
had some interesting suggestions for further development which we will certainly look
into for future editions. Thanks for your time and for giving us your View point!
3
Households said we like the competitions
6
Households said WE LIKE IT!
Suggestions for future editions
9
Households said we like it because it’s very informative
• Maybe a bit more local news • More people stories • More financial information • Make the deadline for competitions clearer • More competitions for children • Articles on environmental issues
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Winter 2011
Possible Changes to Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) What is it? People receive contribution-based ESA if they have limited capability for work and have paid enough National Insurance contributions. It is different to incomerelated ESA which is paid to people depending on their income and savings.
What are the proposed changes? The Welfare Reform Bill currently going through Parliament is proposing: â—† To limit the amount of time that people in the Work Related Activity Group can receive contribution-based ESA to 12 months; and â—† To remove the special contribution criteria for ESA "youth" so, anyone from this age group claiming ESA will have to meet the same National Insurance contribution conditions as other claimants. If passed by Parliament these changes will be introduced in Spring 2012. If eligible, claimants will be able to get income-related ESA. The time-limit proposal does not affect claimants in the Support Group or anyone receiving income-related ESA. Time spent in the Support Group will not count towards the 12 months.
Group News Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1109
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What is the Work Related Activity Group? If someone is in the Work Related Activity Group, it has been decided that work may not be appropriate for them now, but with support they can prepare for work in the future.
What will happen if a claimant’s contributionbased ESA is stopped? If this change takes place, claimants who receive income-related ESA and contribution-based ESA will lose the contributory element. The incomerelated element of their ESA will be adjusted to take this into account and will continue.
What should claimants do? The Department for Work and Pensions will write to you if the proposals will affect your benefit and tell you what to do and how to be considered for income-related ESA.
Are Your Contents Insured? What would happen if you lost the contents of your home? Would you be able to afford to replace them?
es p i P t s r Bu g n i d i o v A r e t n i W This n cause
It is your responsibility to insure the contents of your home. The My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is designed for tenants in housing association homes. They have affordable premiums and a pay as you go option.
ipes ca p r e t are a so here rozen w f , e d m n o a h ur . Burst ge to yo ing the winter a m a d serious to avoid it dur s some tip let
Benefits Include: • Instant cover available over the telephone • Affordable premiums • Cash payments available in addition to traditional payment methods
p door he loft tra
Open t heat in.
• No minimum security requirements to the property • No excess (you don’t have to pay the first part of the claim) • Excellent claims service
tact My Home n co ion at rm fo in e or m For on 0845 337 2463. Contents Insurance
ays to
on cold d
taps. dripping o n e v a pipe. re you h Make su block the l ’l y e h t eeze p is If they fr r stop ta u o y e r e ow wh it off re you kn can turn u o y t a Make su h ly t to label k regular s handy t I . y and chec c n . e g in a panic an emer is in it y e il r s e a h e er w rememb a friend it so you then ask , e il h w a and away for ur home o y If you’re n o k n. e to chec t or froze s r u b ’t n or relativ have r re pipes sure you make su er make h t a e n w o a old to come t e In very c s r o , is on low heating ay. times a d f o le p u co
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Winter 2011
Fixed driveway makes life easier Mr Johnson has had vario us hip and knee operations, and is regist ered disabled. His driveway was very un even and it was not safe for him to acce ss. Shropshire Council’s Oc cupational therapist recommended the works to be done on Mr Johnson’s drive to ma ke it easier for him to access the front and back door safely. Mr Johnson reported th at he is very satisfied with all work done.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Driv e Af
ter
Drive
e Befor
e f li s e k a m il a r b Gra easier for Peggy
1 2 3 4 5 6
nt of her ab rail fitted to the fro gr a d ha ly nt ce re d oy Mrs Peggy Ll home. ility when leaving her ob m r he th wi r he t sis property to as
to wait help and there’s no need Peggy said ‘It’s a great es were d help me. The Operativ an me co to e on me so for .’ really nice and polite too to assist th mobility we are able If you have difficulty wi rty aptations to your prope by carrying out minor ad ir rails, can install grab and sta to make life easier. We orways. l half steps and widen do tal ins s, tap er lev e vid pro ficulties, we can install For those with hearing dif as well rms with flashing lights doorbells and smoke ala . tton door entry systems as install remote push bu
eted tion that can be compl This is a minor adapta tion from a health without a recommenda cupational therapist. professional eg. an oc
Group News Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1109
re so
by
Me
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Mobile: 07530 002771
email: tarcashropshire@yahoo.com
so cia tio
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Towns And Rural Communities Association
Tel: 01630 652953
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www.tarca.org.uk
As
TARCA
TARCA would like to wish all MMHA tenants a very happy Christmas and prosperous new year. We hope you like the calendar that we have produced this year for all tenants, as you will see we have a TARCA meeting in each of the four market towns in rotation throughout the year. Dates of the meetings are marked in the calendar, the venues are: Whitchurch Civic Centre, The Beacon Community Centre, Market Drayton, Ellesmere Town Hall and The Board Room, Talbot House, (MMHA Offices) Wem, All MMHA tenants are welcome to attend our meetings, we are a friendly group, trying to make life easier for tenants. You can be as involved as little or as much as you like, with travel expenses paid.
Water Saving for Everyone TARCA have set up a rolling programme for the provision of water butts to all MMHA tenants. To register, please contact Graham on 07530 002771 or email tarcashropshire@ yahoo.com by 31st January to be entered into the draw for the first delivery.
Attention Housing Te all Sheltered nants.
Smartwate r coming so on!
Garden Competition Winner Receives Shield Pictured is C Gaughan from Ash collecting the overall winners shield from Gordon Hodgkiss, Chair of MMHA Board and Jean Kinsella, TARCA member.
All MMHA tenants re cently rec them abo eived a le ut Smartw tter tellin ater and T provide th g ARCA’s in is crime p tention to revention We are no p roduct for wp all tenants Smartwate leased to inform yo . u that we r out to all are rolling sheltered The aim is tenants. to make S martwate tenants a ra cross the d istrict. If y vailable to all with us pr ou have b eviously, y een in tou ou we feel th ch at it is imp have not been forg otten, ortant to lo tenants fi ok after v rst. ulnerable Private ho meowners will be offe purchase red the ch a kit from ance to u s at the grea of £14.99 (n tly reduce ormally £6 dp 5.00 per ye complete price, and ar). Our de rice it doesn’t need to be al is a renewed y early.
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Meres News Winter 2011 | 9
1 2 Your 4 3 Neighbourhoods Team 5 6 The neighbourhoods team has recently changed some of the roles. There are now Community Housing Officers, Tenancy Management Officers and Income Recovery Officers. Each role is responsible for different areas of tenancy management:
Community Housing Officers (CHO) are community based and carry out accompanied visits for new lettings, visit tenants in their homes to respond to tenancy issues. They also run surgeries and estate walkabouts and work with other agencies and tenants to develop and improve your community. Tenancy Management Officers (TMO) are the first point of contact for anti social behaviour reports and tenancy and estate management queries. They are also responsible for allocating empty homes. Income Recovery Officers (IRO) are dedicated to the recovery of rent arrears, former tenant’s arrears and court costs. They are also responsible for everything related to rent accounts including Direct Debits, Standing Orders and adjustments to rent accounts.
10 | Meres News Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190
Marie Stokes Community Housing Officer
Jennifer Edwards Income Recovery Officer
Becky Mills Tenancy Management Officer
Neighbourhoods Areas
NORTH
Whitchurch Urban
Woore
Whitchurch Rural Ightfield Ellesmere Urban Ellesmere Rural
Norton in Hales
Moreton Say
Whixall
Welshampton and Lyneal
Adderley
Market Drayton
Prees Wem Rural Wem Urban
Hordley Cockshutt/Petton Loppington
Sutton upon Tern WestonunderRedcastle
Cheswardine Hodnet
Stoke upon Tern Hinstock
Myddle and Broughton Clive Baschurch
Grinshill
Annie Ireland Community Housing Officer
Dianne Williams Community Housing Officer
Hadnall
Moreton Corbet and Lee Brockhurst
Stanton upon Hine Heath
Child’s Ercall
Shawbury
Stacey Bowen Tenancy Management Officer
Tracey Jackson Tenancy Management Officer
Linda Price Senior Income Recovery Officer
Mark Timerick Income Recovery Officer
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Meres News Winter 2011 | 11
Competitions The winner of last time’s Find The Phrase competition was Caroline Kenin from Whitchurch, and the winner of the Children’s Find the Autumn Leaves Competition was Hannah Griffiths from Quina Brook.
C aroli
ne K e nin
Adult’s
Children’s How many robins can you find (incl. this one) hidden throughout this edition of Meres News? Write your answer for a chance to win a £30 toy voucher.
Find all the words listed for your chance to win £30 in Love To Shop vouchers ready for the January Sales! (winter wordsearch)
Name
Name
Parent/Guardians name
Address
Address
Postcode Postcode
Telephone number
Telephone number
59873: 24/11/2011
R E I C P D A S Q E U C F W N R T A S G O J L W B I G R O F T Z G Q W M G X V J A F I R N C J D P S T S E Y N P I I A O C J U P E Y K B V Y X R K C R W
I B P K T U M X T K E Y B S Q W D A L
C L T O E B E N G R K J I N O N U R L Y P L I X U R N W H M Y I M L P A Q Z
E N D B M L P Q W Y K V L B Q A P U R P A C Z C P D F H K P B R T Y V P N Q
C T L E N H B C T C R U O W A I Y A D W S E T S H T H O U G M S N O W A G A C E S F T K J P W Y O Z E H B G I A H O S B S N O Q T H T T P O O G S Y K V X O P H E F K S K L L P K D O Q M P O
F R O S T Z I V B R F D T V H K I J E
D C X Q D D E C E M B E R G M N Z M U
S L E D F Y A S J X A F B N P V S I Q
SNOW
TOBOGGAN
FROST
SHOVEL
CHRISTMAS
FIREPLACE
ICE
SKI
COAT
DECEMBER
PENGUIN
ICICLE
SLED
BOOTS
SNOWMAN
Closing date for all competitions: Monday 9th January Send all entries to: Vicki Coleman, Communications Officer, The Gateway, The Auction Yard, Craven Arms SY7 9BW.