Benefits are changing are you affected?

ISSUE ISSUE 4 JANUARY 8 MAY 2013 2012 News from around Genesis Benefits are changing – are you affected? Contents News employment 10 Creating op...
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ISSUE ISSUE 4 JANUARY 8 MAY 2013 2012

News from around Genesis

Benefits are changing – are you affected?

Contents

News

employment 10 Creating opportunities

the most of Genesis online 19 Making

4 News

Despite the unseasonably cold conditions this Spring we have reached a number of significant milestones at some of our developments.

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Benefits are changing – are you affected?

In February, I attended a ceremony to mark the start on site of one of our major developments located in Chelmsford. We will be building 507 homes at the site by 2015, providing a mix of affordable and private new homes.

30 Pizza Recipe

Contact Genesis: [email protected] | www.genesisha.org.uk/residents.aspx

033 3000 3000 View the magazine online at www.genesisha.org.uk/residents/get_involved/residents_magazine.aspx

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A message from Neil Hadden, Chief Executive

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Together with the Board, I also attended a topping out ceremony at our Zenith House development in Colindale. Zenith House consists of 308 new homes, 97 being used for social rent. Both these developments demonstrate our commitment to building affordable homes and creating places where people want to live. In all, we completed almost 700 new homes during 2012/13 and we have a committed development pipeline of over 2000.

In this magazine, we highlight a number of improvements we have made to our services as part of the Genesis Way programme. A new Repairs Hub has been introduced to ensure you are dealing with a dedicated team when you contact us with repair queries and in June we are implementing a new system at our contact centre to help improve the quality of service to you. We continue to consult with our residents to ensure we are changing to benefit you. Our new Responsive Repairs policy has been shaped by our residents and we have held a formal resident consultative forum for service charges. We are aware that our repairs service and service charges are the two areas that require most improvement and I can assure you that we are working hard to bring that about. Neil Hadden Chief Executive

News 350th kitchen milestone celebrated with charity donation Keepmoat added a finishing touch to their 350th kitchen built for Genesis by donating £350 towards the new resident’s charity of choice, Great Ormand Street Hospital.

The Greater Haven Gateway partnership awarded Genesis Care and Support a £222,000 homelessness prevention grant.

Keepmoat Regeneration Director, Mike Brogan, expressed his delight at the milestone, “I’d just like to say a big well done to the team on the great achievement of hitting the 350th property with minimal problems. Great achievements like this are down to pure hard work and great team efforts. We were more than happy to help celebrate by donating the money to such a worthwhile charity.”

Celebrating LGBT History Month

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Greater Haven Gateway awards Genesis grant for homeless prevention The grant will be used to reduce homelessness in the Suffolk and Essex region by delivering a two year private rented accommodation project.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) History Month takes place every year in February. Genesis marked the occasion and celebrated diversity through a Residents Forum Walk around Historic Gay Soho. The event started with a guided tour of one of our newest properties, Tabron Court in Bolsover Street. The group then spent the sunny afternoon on a walking tour of LGBT Soho, run by community organisation Centred. The group learnt about Lesbian social networks in the country house set and visited a range of sites including the cross-dressing underworld of the 19th Century, the Colony Club and the location where Elton John and David Bowie recorded their hits.

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Commencing in April 2013, the project aims to grow access to private sector accommodation for people harder to house in the area, whilst supporting landlords and tenants in sustaining tenancies. The customer group being supported is single non priority people with homeless background. The project will cover Uttlesford District Council and seven of the eight Suffolk and Essex local authorities which make up the Greater Haven Gateway Housing Group (Babergh, Braintree, Ipswich, Maldon, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal and Tendring).

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I am delighted that Genesis has secured this contract to develop homelessness prevention services across the Greater Haven Gateway. Working with local partners and private landlords we will develop a range of services which will help greater numbers of people maintain their tenancies and secure suitable accommodation.

Lawrence Santcross – Deputy Director Care & Support

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Half-term fun

News Grahame Park residents event On February 20, a resident event was held at the Grahame Park Community Centre hosted by local organisations. Over 100 people attended. There were free activities provided by Fair Play Barnet and Rolling Base for children and young people and information on local services and free training opportunities. The event was delivered as part of the Grahame Park Action plan, which aims to help local residents get involved in their community and help make it a better place for them to live in. It coordinates activities in Grahame Park and provides people with the best services and opportunities. Local groups, organisations and residents have created this new action plan, with the vision to create “A strong, thriving and prosperous

Save a Life First Aid Course

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community where different people come together, feel safe happy and proud to live.” There is a focus on the key areas that residents and local groups have identified as important. This includes creating more training opportunities and courses, and building a safer community.

The Grahame Park Small Grants Programme was also launched at the event. There is a pot of £30,000 available, funded by Genesis Housing Association and Barnet Homes, for groups to apply for grants of up to £3,000 for any project which contributes to the Grahame Park Action Plan.

In January the British Red Cross delivered a 'Save a Life' First Aid Course to the Grahame Park Youth Focus Group. 13 young people attended the 2 hour course to learn and practise some first aid basics that could save a life in an emergency. They were taught how to help someone who is choking, unconscious and breathing, and unconscious and not breathing.

Melisa, one of the students said, “Today I learnt how to save a life and I'm very happy that I have been taught. I have learnt about the air ways and how to put the chin up and tilt them on their side, I have learnt loads of things and want to say thank you.” This course is a great way to ensure that young people are prepared to deal with emergency situations and have the ability to act calmly and save a life. ISSUE 8 may 2013 / G magazine

There was no time to rest this half term for 36 young people who participated in a range of exciting activities organised by Genesis Community at Stratford Halo. The group went on a London-wide treasure hunt, introducing them to many famous landmarks. They visited Outdoors in the City activity centre where they participated in teamwork and problem solving activities. The voluntary organization, Conflict and Change, delivered a workshop about challenging negative attitudes towards people with disabilities and learning difficulties. The week ended with an outdoor games session. The young people braved the icy cold to enjoy games of rounders, football and sideline jumping on the spot to keep warm. G magazine / ISSUE 8 may 2013

The half term activities were well received by the young people involved and their parents. Soifur Rahman, Youth Worker with Genesis Community, who helped organise the activities said, “The young people (and their mums and dads) were very appreciative and want us to do more stuff with them during next holidays.”

neighbourhoods, teaching the group how to produce their own vegetables.

Joel Mbuyi, one of the participants agreed, "This programme really helps me and others because you really care about us and want us to have fun. This programme has made me a better person by teaching me to respect others."

Workshop organiser and Genesis Community Youth Worker, Jermaine Ricketts, said, “The young people had a great time. We visited other Groundwork projects and they learned a lot.” Local resident Natalie Blake told, “My son really enjoyed the Genesis Project. Jermaine and the team were very helpful.”

The learning continued over half term for ten young residents from Mitchellbrook estate in Brent who learned about growing vegetables. Genesis Community teamed up with Groundwork London to run workshops on sustainable

Groundwork, who is applying for funding to improve the green spaces on the estate, also worked with the young residents to develop a local improvement plan.

For information on activities for young residents contact Genesis Community on 033 3000 9000 or email infocommunity@ genesisha.org.uk. 7

News

Helping through the cold

Elderly residents assisted during cold snap During the winter cold snap, more than 100 residents aged 80 and over were contacted by Genesis to check their welfare and determine if their heating was working effectively. Property Managers were quick to refer any issues to our Tenant Support Team, Property Services and the Energy Efficiency Manager. Some residents even received personal visits to explain how the heating controls worked.

Cold weather scheme for homeless Due to the freezing cold weather in the last week of January, Genesis, in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, opened their doors at their Cavendish Lodge scheme for the second time this winter offering emergency beds to homeless people. The Severe Weather Emergency Programme, which has been running for several years, is offered to any rough sleepers in Ipswich when night time temperatures are predicted to be below freezing for three

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consecutive nights. The heavy snowfall in January week meant that it was a much needed provision for homeless people in the area. Keen to offer even more this year to those in need, Genesis contributed bunk beds to provide extra capacity and even built insulated dog kennels due to the demand of rough sleepers with dogs wanting to access this service. Frederick Dickerson, an exserviceman, was able to access

these services as his dog Shaggy, his companion of 15 years, could be accommodated in the kennels. Fred had been made homeless when he was asked to leave his living situation by a family member who had mental health problems. By his side, through all of this was Shaggy. Sally Tynan, Supported Housing Officer at Ipswich Borough Council, said “The partnership working between Genesis Housing Association and Ipswich Borough Council is excellent

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news for homelessness provisions. With accommodation and facilities at Cavendish Lodge going from strength to strength, and the provision of extra sleeping space to accommodate users, we'll be able to help those in need not just through the cold weather, but all year round.” The Severe Weather Emergency Programme has been activated several more times throughout this chilly year including over Easter, providing a roof and warmth to the street homeless of Ipswich.

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Support Team of the Year Award Genesis Care and Support have nominated the team from the Ipswich Severe Weather Emergency Provision for the Housing Heroes 2013 'Support Team of the Year' Award.

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Creating employment opportunities

Opportunities Plus Programme In the last year Genesis Community has helped 135 residents into employment with their highly successful Opportunities Plus Programme, offering preemployment workshops, IT training, life skills coaching, work clubs and business start-up advice. Grace Oppong, a Brent resident who took part in an IT workshop said, “The course has helped me to improve my IT skills so that I

can job search, write emails and search for things on the internet.” Opportunities Plus Team Leader Steve Nicola added, “We are ready to offer any help our residents need to get into employment, including assisting them with CV’s, coaching them in interview techniques and helping them fill out job applications.” Genesis Community has developed partnerships with

the National Careers Service, Working Men’s College, Remploy and a number of organisations who are providing training for residents. Workshops have been scheduled for various locations in and around London throughout the rest of the year. For information on the program or employment assistance please contact Genesis Community on 033 3000 9000 or email infocommunity@ genesisha.org.uk.

I am extremely happy and delighted that I have been employed by G4S. My friends and family are asking me how I got the job and I tell them thanks to my employment advisor Aku Caliph at Genesis Housing association and the Woodberry Works Club who supported me every step of the way to secure this job.

Genesis Housing Association delivered an excellent service including 1:1 advice, helping me write a good CV and improving my interview skills. You helped me build my confidence, thank you!

Zhe ‘Joe’ Wang. Joe registered on Employability Programme last November and has now secured a job as a Network Support Engineer.

Youth ility b a y o l p Em Event

The event is part of the localised employability programme run by Genesis Community, designed to support young people aged 16-24 who are not in education employment or training back into mainstream education and employment. Thanks must go to event participants CCP Training, Brent Sport Service's, Skills training UK, RBSS, Reed in Partnership, Catalyst & Gateway, and The Prince's Trust. Local youth now have the tools they need to create a better future with a focus on completing their education or building a bright career.

Margaret Obiri-Yeboah (pictured right with Aku Caliph)

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In January, 30 young people from Brent met with specialist youth service providers to learn about apprenticeships, accredited training and business start up opportunities.

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Creating employment opportunities

Business start-up graduation ceremony

Woodberry Down business success Twelve months after joining a Genesis business programme, three Woodberry Down residents are finding their business is flourishing. Michael Gosling, John Campbell and Yemi Akinfenwa launched their security business, Cre-namic, with the support of the ‘Four steps to starting your own business’ scheme. One year in, despite the difficult economic climate, Cre-namic is thriving, creating jobs and recruiting people from the local area. Cre-namic was awarded a contract by Berkeley Homes to deliver security warden services in an area of Woodberry Down. This contract is a great achievement for the business, showing how the regeneration is helping local people deliver local services for fellow residents.

Ruchell Peng, Regeneration manager at Woodberry Down, said “Congratulations Cre-namic. It’s great to see a real success story come out of the four steps scheme, as it shows other residents what can be achieved through a bit of hard work.” The Four steps scheme – a free step-by-step programme which offers professional advice and support to residents on how to develop business ideas into successful trading companies – is open to all Woodberry Down residents. Contact Paula Hines on 020 3222 7000 for more information about how you can join.

Awaiting photo Graduates of Business StartUp celebrated the completion of their 14 week course with a 'Dragons' Den' style event. The 10 graduates from across London pitched their business ideas to the panel of ‘dragons’ from Genesis Community and Barclays Bank, competing for potential funding of up to £750.

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A variety of business plans were presented ranging from a cab service to a catering service to film production to support for young mothers. Congratulations to our graduates on their fantastic ideas. • Yvonne Gill – Film Production • Carlos Munoz – Cab Service • Atinuke Oduneye – Life Coach • Suzanne Watt – Spa Service

• Paula Pires – Catering • Margaret Swaniker – Support for teenage mothers (pre and post birth) • Alex Ayodele – Fashion retail • Elizabeth Paget – Fashion retail • Samira Mahmud – Fashion design • Rosemary Shabu – Property service for single mothers and families on benefits

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Wardens at Woodberry Down

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Welfare Reform

Benefits are changing – are you affected?

Benefit Cap The government has decided that households where people are out of work should not receive more money in benefit than the average salary. All out of work households of working age will see their total household benefit capped. If the cap affects you, your total household income may go down. What amount will benefits be capped at?

£350

A week for single people

£500

A week for families and couples

This amount includes housing benefit and is not impacted by the number of children in your household. When will the benefit cap start? This will depend on where you live. In April 2013 the benefit cap was implemented in four London boroughs (Haringey, Enfield, Croydon and Bromley). It will be rolled out to the rest of the country between July and September 2013. Will the cap affect my household? If you receive any of the following benefits, are of working age and out of work then the cap may affect you.

There are many changes occurring to the welfare benefit system. These changes may affect how much benefit, including housing benefit, you receive.

• Bereavement allowance • Child benefit • Employment and support allowance • Housing benefit • Income support • Maternity allowance • Widowed parent’s allowance • Widow’s pension

You may be impacted if you: • Are of working age and are out of work • Under occupy a property Over the next few pages we explain the changes and provide some advice on what you can do if you are impacted.

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• Carer’s allowance • Child tax credit • Guardian’s allowance • Incapacity benefit • Jobseeker’s allowance • Sever disablement allowance • Widowed mother’s allowance

Impacted households should have been contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions. Your local authority or Genesis staff may have also been in contact. ISSUE 8 may 2013 / G magazine

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Welfare Reform Bedrooms determine housing benefit

What you can do If you are affected by the welfare reform changes consider some of the following options to make sure you meet your financial commitments.

New rules have been introduced by the Government to calculate housing benefit. This is known as the ‘bedroom tax’ as housing benefits are calculated based on how many people live in your home and the number of bedrooms you have. If you have spare bedrooms according to the new rules your housing benefit will be reduced. How do I determine if I have a spare bedroom? The rules allow for one bedroom for each of the following: • Adult couple • Single parent • Two children of the same gender under the age of 16 • Two children under the age of 10, of any gender • A person needing a separate room because of disability • A carer (or carers) providing overnight care • Any other person aged 16 and over What happens to my housing benefit if my house is under occupied? If you receive housing benefit and have more bedrooms than required according to the new rules stated above, your housing benefit could be reduced.

One additional bedroom – eligible rent is reduced by 14%

Two additional bedrooms – eligible rent is reduced by 25%

Increase your income Additional or new employment can be a great way to offset any impact on your household income. There are exemptions from the benefit cap which you may qualify for if you find employment or increase your hours at your current job. • Get help finding employment from the Benefit Cap Team at your local JobCentre Plus • Find out about employment support and employment initiatives being run in your area. Contact Genesis Community on 033 3000 9000 or by email at [email protected]

Rent out a spare room to a lodger Taking a lodger may also help towards the cost of your household bills. If you want to consider renting a spare room, you will first need to contact your Property Manager, as you will need Genesis' permission first.

Are there any exemptions? The new bedroom rules do not apply if: • You live in supported or sheltered accommodation where Genesis provides or commissions care • You are a shared ownership resident and rent a share of your home from Genesis • You live in temporary homeless accommodation • You are a sole tenant or a joint tenant aged 61 or over on 8 April 2013 • Foster carers even if they do not have a child placed with them as long as they have been approved as a carer within the last 12 months or between placements, as long as the gap has not been more than 12 months • Adult offspring in the armed forces who are away on operations will be counted as continuing to live at home, as long as they intend to return home. 16

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Keep informed To support you through these changes we will regularly update our website with the latest information. You can also speak to a member of staff about your situation by calling our Contact Centre. Call 033 3000 3000 Email [email protected] Visit www.genesisha.org.uk G magazine / ISSUE 8 may 2013

Learn some extra budgeting skills Managing your finances may help to lessen the impact of the changes. There are a number of organisations who provide free, confidential advice. • The Money Advice Service can help you develop a personal spending plan and give you advice on bank accounts and other financial products. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 030 0500 5000 • The Citizens Advice Bureau is a good one-stop-shop for general debt and housing related advice or services. www.citizensadvice.org.uk • StepChange Debt Charity (formerly Consumer Credit Council Service) offers free and confidential telephone based debt advice. 0800 107 2207

Move to a smaller property Downsizing to a smaller property can help you avoid the housing benefit reduction. There are often financial benefits of downsizing, such as cheaper council tax and energy bills. If you are interested in downsizing, contact Genesis using the details below.

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Keeping you connected Possible longer wait times at the Contact Centre in June

Make the most of Genesis online At www.genesisha.org.uk you can find all the latest news and information for residents, including information on the services we provide and how you can get involved.

Report anti-social behaviour Anti-social behaviour as conduct that is "capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person". It can take many forms such as graffiti, people making too much noise in your estate or more serious forms such as racial harassment to threats of violence.

Many common resident requests can also be done online. In June we will be conducting training for the contact centre teams in a new customer relationship management system. During this period, you may experience slightly longer call waiting times than usual, but we will try our best to keep this to a minimum. Please bear with us. This training will help us to provide better service to you in the future.

Request a repair Use the online repair finder tool to request a repair to your home. The online tool will ask you to explain the problem and identify where in your home it is located. You will then receive tips about any actions you should take prior to the maintenance work being done to limit damage.

If you experience ant-social behaviour you can report it using the online form on our website. A representative from Genesis will then get in contact.

Access tenancy information

You can also speak to us directly via our Twitter feed: @genesishousing Ask us any question and we'll do our best to help.

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If you are a member of SeeMyData you can view your rent account online. If you aren’t a member you can register by following the links on the Genesis website. Go to Residents> My rent and service charge> See my rent account online. G magazine / ISSUE 8 may 2013

Provide feedback We like to know how we are performing so if you have any complaints, comments or compliments log them online. Use the online form to give us feedback.

Can't find what you are looking for or don’t have access to our website? Our Contact Centre is available to help from 8am to 6pm for resident calls and 24 hours a day for emergency repairs. Call 033 3000 3000.

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Performance update We will provide services you can rely on It will be easy to get through when you contact us

Target 75% of residents are satisfied it is easy to get through Target Maximum 7% calls to contact centre abandoned When we've made an appointment to visit you, we will arrive on time

Target 90% of residents satisfied their appointment is kept We will aim to ensure you’re satisfied with the quality of repairs

Target 80% of residents satisfied with the quality of their repair

How we did in 2011/12

We will provide services right first time How we did in 2012/13

72.9% 78.1% 10.0% 5.0% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

86.5% 86.0% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

74.9% 77.4%

Target 90% of back office messages receive a response within 3 working days We will let you know in advance if we’re running late or early

Target 90% of residents satisfied they’re updated when we’re running late When it’s a complicated matter we will keep you regularly updated

Target 70% of residents satisfied they’re updated for the duration of the problem 20

70% Contact Centre calls resolved at first point of contact We will provide our service in a way that recognises that your time is valuable

Target 80% of residents satisfied repair service is convenient We will complete repairs right first time

Target 70% of residents satisfied repairs completed right first time

How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

88.8% 93.1% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

17.8% 20.9% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

63.9% 63.3% ISSUE 8 may 2013 / G magazine

How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

50.4% 77.2% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

78.9% 83.9% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

64.6% 70.9%

We will be open, helpful, polite and respectful Our staff will be consistently polite, helpful and respectful Target

We will keep you informed We will get back to you when we say we will

We will resolve call enquiries when you first contact us Target

90% of residents satisfied staff are polite and helpful We will deal with complaints fairly and helpfully

Target 55% of residents satisfied with way complaints are handled Most service standards will be measured by an independent organisation so you can rely on the accuracy of our reports

Target Most service standards will be measured by an independent organisation

G magazine / ISSUE 8 may 2013

How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

86.8% 98.7% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

45.1% 47.2% How we did in 2011/12

How we did in 2012/13

75.0% 75.0% 21

Transforming our The Property Services project is transforming our repairs and maintenance service. From now until early 2014 the project will focus on improving dayto-day repairs including communal repairs.

rep air s

Repairs

and maintenance service So far we have held focus groups with our residents so we can design a new service that is fit for purpose, we have appointed a new senior management team including the new Property Services Director and merged our internal contractor and the maintenance team to create a single unified Property Services. In response to the feedback from the resident focus group we created a Repairs Hub and we are launching a Genesis Responsive Repairs Policy. Repairs Hub The new Repairs Hub which went live on April 8 is an interim service improvement measure. What does this mean for you? For the first time, there is a dedicated team dealing with all your repair queries. Our aim is to provide:

What this means for you

• A resolution for you at the first point of contact • One point of contact to manage demand on answering calls which means less queuing time and less call transfers • Multi skilled Customer Service Officers trained and equipped to assist you with a range of repair related matters • Improve the response time to the e-mails from three days to one working day

Improved resolution of repair problems by our Contact Centre staff when you call Delivering a reliable and consistent service where we deliver on what we promise

The contact details for the Repairs Hub are:

 Operatives and Surveyors attending appointments when they say they will More repair jobs completed ‘right first time’ with accurate timescales given when this is not possible

T: 033 3000 3000

This is a new policy to Genesis and has been shaped by our residents. This states our commitment to making progress, what you can expect from us in delivering the service and what we expect from you. The policy includes clear guidelines on how we are committed to delivering an effective service, such as: • Completing routine repairs within 15 working days from the date you report them (for emergencies, we will respond and make safe within 24 hours) • Operating an out of hours emergency service every day of the year accessible via the Contact Centre • Giving you high levels of customer service at all times with clear service standards • Offering you a clear appointment time and informing you if we are running late The policy includes residents’ responsibilities too, such as: • Reporting repairs to us as soon as you become aware of the problem • Providing us with access to carry out the repair and letting us know if you cannot make the appointment • Keeping the inside of your home clean and in good condition • Clearing the area around the repair to allow our skilled operatives to resolve the issue Full details of the policy and more information about the Repairs Hub are available on our website or by contacting us on 033 3000 3000.

E: [email protected]

Clear and transparent service standards so you know what to expect

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Genesis Responsive Repairs Policy

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News

Protecting our homes against tenancy fraud

Get involved with service charges improvements

Tenancy fraud is a significant problem, disadvantaging those who are in genuine need of social housing. We have recovered 28 properties since September 2012 and have a number of ongoing investigations. The successful recovery of these properties has saved a substantial amount of public money that can now be invested in those individuals who are in genuine need.

Improving Service Charges You have told us that a key area for improvement is Service Charges. This is a priority for Genesis, and a project has been established to achieve these objectives over the next 18 months:

If you’d like to get involved but can’t attend meetings, we would still appreciate your contribution. You can provide feedback through email, surveys, focus groups, letters, over the telephone or attending other meetings.

• Developing a transparent customer service that inspires confidence in Genesis • Delivering a better value for money service • Improving the customer experience • Setting accurate, timely, understandable and complete Service Charges

Register your interest To join the group, please email servicecharges@ genesisha.org.uk, stating how you would like to be involved, if you are interested in a specific aspect of service charges and the best way to contact you.

In February, Genesis recovered a property from an individual who planned on subletting one of Genesis’ two bedroom flats for to fund their extravagant lifestyle. A Genesis property manger first became suspicious during the application process when the applicant’s story was inconsistent with his application. Little supporting evidence

was supplied despite being repeatedly asked for. The case was referred to the Tenancy Fraud Advisor, Javier Garcia, who worked with Property Manager, Sonia Dodia, carried out an investigation where it was revealed that the individual in question had deceived Genesis by lying on their application. Our investigations found that the applicant owned several properties across London and the South East. A notice to quit was served on the individual and they were informed that they had to surrender the tenancy immediately to avoid further action from Genesis, and that supporting evidence would be passed on to the relevant local authority, and potentially to the police for further action.

If you suspect someone of housing fraud contact us anonymously: fraud.team@ genesisha.org.uk T: 020 8451 8222 24

The perpetrator withdrew their application and surrendered the tenancy within a week. Genesis will now be able to let this property to an individual in genuine need of social housing. Remember that with your help Genesis can continue to combat tenancy fraud. Our dedicated approach to tenancy fraud has resulted in the recovery of 28 properties since September 2012 and has generated a number of ongoing investigations. The successful recovery of these properties has saved a substantial amount of public money that can now be invested in those individuals who are in genuine need. The savings involved by Genesis effectively tackling tenancy fraud exceed thousands of pounds.

BLOW THE

WHISTLE ON

HOUSING

CHEATS

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We hope that you have noticed some improvements so far but we are aware that there is a long way to go to provide a service that our residents want and expect. Working with residents We have been working with a group of residents on the design and approach of Service Charges. We’re very grateful for their contribution and wouldn’t have been able to achieve the results we have so far without them.

You can also write to us to register your interest at: Service Charge Improvement Group Genesis Housing Association Capital House 25 Chapel Street London NW1 5DT

An invitation to join the group We’d like this group to be representative of all our customers so are extending an open invitation to all residents to join this group and help improve service charges at Genesis. What’s involved? The group meets every two months at our London office to discuss different aspects of service charges.

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Resident information

Changes to external appeals for complaints From 1 April 2013, if you want to escalate a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman you must first approach a local designated person. This change comes as part of the Localism Act 2011, designed to engage communities in decision making.

Each year more than half a million accidents occur outdoors at the home. Follow these useful tips to work safely whilst enjoying your garden during the warmer weather. Tools and equipment • Protect yourself with a residual current device (RCD). When using electric tools make sure they are protected by a RCD. This will cause the supply to trip out, avoiding electric shock if a tool is defective or has a damaged power cable. • Supervise children. Children like to try what those around them do so if they wish to help in the garden be sure to teach them how to use the tools safely and always supervise them. • Lock tools away. Do not leave any tools unattended where children could attempt to use them. Keep the tools locked away when not in use.

A local designated person could be: • Any MP in England; • A local councillor for the local authority of your property (not a parish or district council); or • A tenant panel recognised as a designated panel by Genesis. These designated people will use their local knowledge and relationships to work with Genesis and our residents to reach a good outcome for both parties. They can also refer the complaint to the Ombudsman if appropriate. We are currently reviewing our complaints process to make sure it is fit for purpose and further information will be shared in June. As part of this process we are also considering what the recognised tenant panel may look like. Our residents will be consulted before we make any decisions.

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Tips for safe gardening this summer

Chemicals • Avoid or minimise chemical use. Many people use chemicals such as weed and moss killers, slug pellets and fertiliser in the garden. These can be potentially hazardous to people and wildlife so consider avoiding or minimising the use of chemicals where possible.

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• Follow the instructions. If there is a need to use chemicals always read and follow the instructions regarding its use. • Lock chemicals away. Chemicals should always be locked away in their original containers where they are out of reach of children. Waste • Beware when digging. Be aware of hidden dangers such as glass and metal. Remove waste promptly and recycle where possible. • Rinse empty containers. When disposing of a container make sure you rinse it out thoroughly with water. Hygiene and hand washing • Wash your hands. Soil contains an array of micro-organisms that can be potentially harmful. Cat, dog and fox faeces can also contaminate soil and hard surfaces. Wear gloves and always wash your hands after gardening. Avoid touching your mouth with a dirty hand (including smoking). • Cover cuts. Apply plasters to any cuts you may have before handling soil.

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News

Resident gets funding for MensShed scheme Brian Chambers, resident of Orford Road writes about his passion to set up a local MensShed group in Felixstowe. I attended a residents working group meeting in September 2012 where a presentation by an organiser from MensShed was informing the group on how the scheme works and how it could benefit the area we live in. Living in Felixstowe, there are lots of semiretired men and I felt that I could promote the men shed programme further. I took the idea to an ambitions meeting that was held at the local collage and did a presentation, and I was given lots of positive feedback. My next step is to attend another meeting to find a venue for the project and gather local interest. I am sure with the help from the local organisations and the general public I can progress with this fantastic opportunity for Felixstowe and residents within Genesis Housing Association.

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This movement began in Australia where, as here, there are large numbers of disengaged men not joining in community activities and frequently living alone (c.500,000 men over 50 live alone in the UK). There are many different reasons for this including that men have an expectation of being selfreliant and of meeting their own needs. It is also recognised that becoming workless can present particular challenges for men including loss of role, status, workmates and income which many find it hard to adapt to. Finding a way of working, alongside others and with a purpose, but without imposed demands can be exactly what some men need. There are now more than 800 sheds in Australia with increasing numbers in New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and USA where they are called ‘mens dens’. Members worldwide point in particular to the health and well-being benefits of men coming together.

ISSUE 8 may 2013 / G magazine

Become a

Resident Estate Watcher

If you are keen to ensure that your communal areas are always in great condition, and that the services are of top quality, why not become an Estate Watcher? As a trained Estate Watcher you can: • Monitor cleaning and grounds maintenance • Report back to a dedicated Genesis officer if services do not meet the required standards • Attend an update meeting with Genesis twice a year

Interested? For more information about becoming an Estate Watcher please email [email protected].

G magazine / ISSUE 8 may 2013

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Recipe

Survey

Homemade pizza by Dan Ingredients Pizza Dough – 600g strong plain flour – 1 tbsp salt – 1 tbsp sugar – 1 ptk dried yeast – 1 tbsp honey – 3 tbsp veg oil – 1 egg – 335g warm wate r

£100 of high street gift vouchers

G magazine Genesis Housing Association, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street, London, NW1 5DT

– Cheese (grated) – Topping of choice

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Method 1. Mix all dry ingredients together 5. For the toma to sauce place all Daniel is the house rep at his and form ring on worktop ingredients in saucepan and schem e, where he runs weekly (ensure thick outer walls to simmer for about 20 mins until cookery sessions passing on stop leaks) reduced and thickened his know ledge and passion for 2. Add all other ingredients to 6. After proving re-knead for 1 cook ing. Danie l came to Genesis centre of ring and work in flour min, divide into 4 equal balls after his relati onsh ip broke down with a folk insuring that outer and roll out to form circle with when Danie l was not work ing wall don’t break (or you will get a thickness of about 5mm due to health problems. He is wet feet) 7. Top pizza base with sauce, an excellent qualified chef and 3. Once all ingredients come cheese and topping of our has worked in some very well together knead for 10 mins choice estab lished kitchens, even add a little flour if needed to 8. Bake for 10 to 15 mins at cook ing for her majesty the form smooth dough 180 – 200°C Quee n. Danie l is working with the 4. Prove for 1 hour somewhere Princ es Trust and their Business warm, covered with a damp Enter prise Progr amm e, aiming to cloth open his own cafe style bistro. ISSUE 8 may 2013 / G magazine

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Tomato Sauce – 2 tins chopped to matoes – 1 tbsp oregano – 2 cloves garlic (ch opped) – Seasoning to tast e

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Congratulations to Kevin McGlinchey – the winner from the last edition. Kevin won £100 of high street gift vouchers.

I found G magazine to be interesting and informative I enjoyed reading about activities in my local area I found the information in G magazine relevant I took action (eg contacted Genesis/thought about my finances) after reading G magazine

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Genesis Housing Association, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street, London NW1 5DT www.genesisha.org.uk