Tel: 0300 303 1190
Email: info@ss-ha.org.uk
For all the local news about your community
Web: www.shropshirehousing.org.uk
Issue 73 – Winter 2011
s i h t e r i h s Shrop
. . . r e t n i w
In this issue...
Shrewsbury Non Parished Area
Minsterley
Foyer Business Foyer mean business Page 3
Tass Update Hooked on fishing Page 9
Neighbourhoods Team Read about the latest changes Page 10
Worthen with Shelve Leebotwood Chirbury with Brompton
Ratlinghope All Stretton
Hope Bowdler Acton Scott
More
Church Stretton
Norbury Bishop’s Castle
Lydham
Rushbury EatonUnderHeywood
Wentnor/ Myndtow
Munslow
Colebatch/Mainstone
Abdon/Heath Lydbury North/Edgton
Clee St. Margaret
Wistanstow
Stoke St. Milborough/ Hopton Cangeford
Diddlebury
Newcastle on Clun
Hopesay/ Sibdon Carwood Clun
Clunbury
Culmington
Craven Arms
Wheathill
Stanton Lacy Clungunford
Onibury Hopton Wafers
Bitterley
Bromfield Bucknell
Ludlow Hopton Castle/Bedstone
Richard’s Castle (Shropshire)/Ashford Bowdler
Ludford
Cleobury Mortimer
Coreley Caynham Greete/ Whitton
Nash/ Hope Bagot
Burford
Neen Sollars/ Milson Boraston
CONTENTS 2 Our services to you 3 Foyer News 4 Stay Safe and Secure 5 Group News 9 Tass Update 10 Neighbourhoods Team Changes 12 Competitions
2 1 1 1 2 11 223 32 1 323 43 454 4 5 5 4 3 5 5 6 66 6 5 6
If you require this document in audio, braille, large print or if English is not your first language then please contact us.
HOW TO CONTACT US
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 are set out in the Tenants Report 2011.
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
All updates on the local offers will be marked with the appropriate sticker (see below) for the standard it applies to.
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 Se ha bisogno di questo documento in audio, Braille, grande stampa, o se inglese è la prima lingua contattaci. Italian
Christmas
Opening Times 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.
Tenant Involvement and Empowerment standard
Home standard
Tenancy standard
Neighbourhoods and Communities standard
Value for Money standard
Governance and Financial Viability standard
Ashbrook Park C H U R C H
S T R E T T O N
AVAILABLE NOW A development of purpose built retirement homes in the beautiful surroundings of Church Stretton
**ONLY 4 BUNGALOWS LEFT** Local connection to Shropshire needed A support assessment will be required Shares from 25-75% available Further details from Michael Burton Estate Agents
Tel: 2 | The Key Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190
01694 722458
Mob: 07802 566405 Email: michael.burton@btconnect.com Web: www.zoopla.co.uk
Ludlow Food Festival
Foyer business day event on 27th October
Grow Cook Share, supported by residents and staff of Ludlow Foyer ran a stall at the Ludlow Food Festival in September. With a helping hand from the Foyer residents and staff, Grow Cook Share baked 300 scones and served up cream teas and savoury snacks, all made from local ingredients, throughout the festival weekend. Grow Cook Share Coordinator, Valerie Meehan said; ‘this is the first time we’ve prepared food on this scale for such a high profile event. People were very keen to know what Grow Cook Share is all about. We could not have done it without help from The Foyer, especially residents Antony, Becky and Tobias. They made the chutneys, baked the scones and served on the stall. They were great.’
es
Fo
con yer S
To promote what the Foyer does and to develop links with the local business community, the Foyer held an open day in October showcasing what the young people of Ludlow Foyer are achieving. Janet Morris, a local cookery tutor worked with Foyer residents in the weeks leading up to the event. Lunch and refreshments were prepared and served by the trained Foyer catering team. Ludlow Foyer and County Training worked together so that the catering training provided was assessed for a City & Guilds in Employability and Personal Development, part of the National Qualification Framework (NQF). Foyer Manager Kim Skinner said; ‘The Ludlow Foyer does so much more than find young people somewhere to live. We provide training and skills development that can help young people to become valued employees. This is why the local business community is so important to us. We want to know what they are looking for in a prospective employee.’
Foyer O p
en Day
Representatives from more than 40 local businesses and agencies attended the event. John Aitkin The Mayor of Ludlow told the reception why he considered it so important that the Foyer’s work with young people is understood and supported by the Ludlow community.
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The Key Winter 2011 | 3
Stay
Safe and Secure
The Community Safety Group for South Shropshire, chaired by the local Police Inspector have given the following advice about staying safe this winter.
this winter!
West Mercia Police’s Lighten Up campaign aims to provide local residents with some simple advice on how they can significantly reduce the chance of their home being burgled over the autumn and winter months: • A well-lit home gives the impression that someone is at home. • Use timer switches to turn lights on while you are out.
• Save energy and money with low-energy or dusk to dawn sensor bulbs. A low-energy light bulb costs less than 2p per day to run (if left on for four hours). • Invest in external lighting. • Lock windows and doors and keep gates well secured. Most house break-ins are opportunistic. Don’t give thieves a chance!
For more practical home security tips, visit www.westmercia.police.uk To contact the police, call 101. Remember, in an emergency, call 999.
Good Neighbours Lunch Club at Ley Gardens The Good Neighbours Lunch Club received a 5 star award when inspected by Shropshire Council this autumn, at the new kitchen facilities at Ley Gardens, where volunteers provide a hot lunch once a week. The 5 star award is based on a grading system for compliance with food safety management, structure and hygiene and results in premises receiving an award from zero (urgent improvement required) to 5 stars (very good). The Lunch Club was also run for residents at Windsor Place but the facilities, although clean, left much to be desired. Volunteers and residents are delighted with the 5 star rating.
Ley Gardens She ep SSHA have found an ing enious way of keeping the grass down at Ley Ga rdens in Church Stretton, a herd of sheep are now grazing on the field next to the site.
4 | The Key Winter 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190
Onny view, free range me at producers, have a farm business tenancy on the field and can keep Balwin, Hillradnor and Llanwenog sheep on the field for ‘conservati on grazing.’ This will save the cost of grass cu tting and provide the residents with an even nic er view!
1 2 3 4 5 6
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
1 2 3 4 5
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
Tel: 0158 8 67628 5 email: Tass now Tass@ss has a we -ha.org.u bsite: ww k w.tassco mmittee .org
rs e t s g n u o y s t e g S TAS ng i h s fi n o hooked
Each competition had between 15 and 18 entrants and all took place at Froggatts Pools, between Woofferton and Ashford Bowdler. One of TASS’s members, Tom Lewis, helped to organise the events and supported the entrants in developing their fishing skills.
TASS recently sponsored a series of summer fishing competitions to encourage young people into the hobby.
*Coming Soon*
The TASS garden competition. Look out for more information in the next edition of The Key
Tenants Enhancement Charter SSHA carried out a review recently on the Tenants Enhancement Charter scheme, certain inequalities were uncovered during the review. The review highlighted a need for better control, therefore the scheme has been suspended until the end of the new Asset Management Strategy in 2013. We do, however, welcome your comments.
Owner of the pools, Tim Froggatt, also gave his time and experience to the project and presented prizes to the winning fishermen in the under-18s category, while TASS provided prizes of vouchers, medals and donated fishing equipment to the winning under-15s.
TASS AGM Thursday 8th March. 6.30pm at The Gateway building, Craven Arms. All SSHA tenants welcome.
1 3 4 5 6
Compl aints Questio nnaire s
In ord er compl to help us m ai your c nts service onitor and i m ompla w int ha e provide t prove the asked s been o to com closed you, once how y p l e t e ou fel t your a short ques you will be compl t aint w ionnaire on Please as han h dled. impro elp us to le ve our arn fro se m from h appen rvice and to complaint s i and re n turnin g in the fut prevent mis and ta g the q u uestio re by compl kes nnaire eting .
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The Key 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, 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.
Harriet Whittall Community Housing Officer
Jennifer Edwards Income Recovery Officer (Bishops Castle Area)
Katherine Harrison Income Recovery Officer (Church Stretton Area)
10 | The Key Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190
Stacey Bowen Tenancy Management Officer
Mark Timerick Income Recovery Officer (Craven Arms Area)
Neighbourhoods Areas Shrewsbury Non Parished Area
Minsterley
Worthen with Shelve Leebotwood Chirbury with Brompton
SOUTH
Ratlinghope All Stretton
Hope Bowdler Acton Scott
More
Church Stretton
Norbury Bishop’s Castle
Lydham
Rushbury EatonUnderHeywood
Wentnor/ Myndtow
Munslow
Colebatch/Mainstone
Abdon/Heath Clee St. Margaret
Wistanstow
Lydbury North/Edgton
Stoke St. Milborough/ Hopton Cangeford
Diddlebury
Newcastle on Clun
Hopesay/ Sibdon Carwood Clun
Clunbury
Craven Arms
Culmington
Wheathill
Stanton Lacy Onibury
Clungunford Hopton Castle/ Bedstone
Hopton Wafers
Bitterley
Bromfield Ludlow
Bucknell
Ludford
HEREFORDSHIRE Hereford City Kington Town
Cleobury Mortimer
Coreley
Caynham Greete/ Ashford Whitton Carbonel
Nash/ Hope Bagot
Burford
Neen Sollars/ Milson Boraston
Richard’s Castle (Shropshire)/ Ashford Bowdler
Sue Perry Community Housing Officer
Adam Burge Community Housing Officer
Becky Mills Tenancy Management Officer
Tracey Jackson Tenancy Management Officer
Jayne Rawlings Income Recovery Officer
Katherine Harrison Income Recovery Officer
www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The Key Winter 2011 | 11
Adult’s Competition: Winter Wordsearch
Children’s Competition: Find the robins
Find all the words listed for your chance to win £30 in Love To Shop vouchers ready for the January Sales! (winter wordsearch)
How many robins can you find (including this one) hidden throughout this edition of The Key? Write your answer here for a chance to win a £30 toy voucher.
Name:_______________________________________
Name:______________________________________
Address:_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:________________________
____________________________________________
Address:____________________________________
Postcode:____________________________________
___________________________________________
Telephone No:_________________________________
Postcode:___________________________________ Telephone No:________________________________
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.
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 FROST CHRISTMAS ICE COAT PENGUIN SLED SNOWMAN TOBOGGAN SHOVEL FIREPLACE SKI DECEMBER ICICLE BOOTS