SPRING 2013

EAST MIDLANDS HOUSING ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE WIN

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VOU PPING CH E R

FEATURES… Fun and games at Agar Nook Community Centre Meet our Supported Housing Services Team Update on Governance Review Consultation Co-regulation – putting you at the heart of the Group Also includes all the latest news, notices, competitions and much more inside…

INFORMATION

CONTENTS

DATES… FOR YOUR DIARY

INSIDE…

EMHA CUSTOMER COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR 2013

NEWS

2 FRESH PAINT

Our Cyclical Decoration Programme helps us keep on top of the job.

TUE 9TH APRIL, TUE 11TH JUNE, TUE 13TH AUGUST & TUE 15TH OCTOBER

CLEAN START

Linney Road and Malham Close residents started the year with an early Spring clean.

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APPRENTICE UPDATE

We catch up with our two new EMHA apprentices to fi nd out how they’re getting on.

A WINNING START

SAVING WATER

eelhouse Dr & Congratulations to Mrs J Wheelhouse, Mrs Junaid and Miss K Clarke, our first winners this year. All they had to do was fill in a satisfaction survey after a repair – easy!

East Midlands Housing Association is backing PLUGIN, a project to provide free water saving devices for homes to help save water and energy.

If you report a repair, you will be sent a “reported fault” letter, along with a simple satisfaction questionnaire. Send the completed questionnaire back using the Freepost address, and you will be automatically entered into a monthly prize draw, with A CHANCE TO WIN A £25 ARGOS VOUCHER. GOOD LUCK!

Since being set up last year, it’s installed thousands of measuring devices, saving 39,000 litres of water a day. To find out more about our involvement with this award-winning project, call us on 0300 123 1877, and look out for Plugin’s water and energy saving events.

We are a member of Language Line. You can use this translation service to have information in this magazine or any conversations you need to have with us translated into your language over the telephone.

Large print, Braille and audio versions of EMHA Magazine are available on request. If you would like information in another language or format, please ask us.

3 WARTIME ROMANCE STILL BLOSSOMING

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Residents at Roman Gardens enjoy a Victorian style tea-party.

There’s news about our apprentices, as we find out how they’ve been getting on a couple of months since they started with us.

HOT CHOCOLATE MORNINGS

A new way for residents to get together at Westbourne House in Melton Mowbray.

4 PAYING YOUR R£NT

The importance and benefits of managing your rent payments.

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KIM’S CORNER

Spring is here and it’s time to start thinking about getting back into your garden.

5 HERE FOR YOU

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Meet the Supported Housing Services team.

FEATURES Update on Governance Review Consultation.

8 CO-REGULATION

Putting you at the heart of the Group.

I hope you enjoy the magazine. If you have any suggestions for future editions, please get in touch.

10 WELFARE REFORM

People receiving benefi ts face major changes from April.

11 WILL I LOSE BENEFIT IF I TAKE IN A LODGER?

Haddii aad rabtid in warar lagugu siyo hab luuqadeed o kale, fadlan na soo waydiiso.

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A £25 shopping voucher to be WON!

Informationen können auch in anderen Sprachen oder Formaten angefordert werden.

Je˙ zeli chcieliby Pa´ nstwo otrzyma´ c ten dokument w innym jezyku lub formacie, prosimy o kontact.

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REGULARS

12 THE FULL ROUND-UP ON EMHA’S NOTICE BOARD 13 COMPETITION TIME!!!

We introduce you to our Supported Housing Services Team based at Jubilee House, who offer housing related support so that people can stay independent and happy in their own homes. We also look at the recent governance review at East Midlands Housing Group and what this may mean for you.

6 FIT FOR THE FUTURE

Under the new rules, taking in a lodger will affect your entitlement to benefits.

Si vous souhaitez des informations dans une autre langue ou sous un autre format veuillez nous le demander.

In this issue, we will be looking at welfare reform and making sure you’re up-to-date with all the changes happening in 2013.

George and Lucy Hill have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

AFTERNOON TEA

Hello and welcome to the Spring edition of your EMHA magazine.

CHRIS ASHTON Managing Director

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EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

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NEWS

NEWS

Wartime romance still blossoming

FRESH PAINT We aim to decorate the outside of your home every six years, and our Cyclical Decoration Programme helps us keep on top of the job.

Wartime farming brought together a couple in what has turned out to be a remarkably long-lasting relationship.

Every painted surface on the outside of your home will be repainted and uPVC fittings will be cleaned. We’ll also tackle any simple repairs that can be done at the same time.

Now EMHA tenants George and Lucy Hill have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Spring is the time of year when our surveyors check out properties that are due for decorating in the summer. Our decorators are J R Allen & Sons, who we have worked with for many years. They have even taken on EMHA tenants as apprentices to learn the trade. After inspection, the decorators will inform you when they are due to start. When the work is complete, the contract administrator inspects the work. If you are in at the time, you can complete a satisfaction survey.

CLEAN START Linney Road and Malham Close residents started the year with an early Spring clean. More than 40 households were helped by EMHA staff to clear out their clutter and get rid of unwanted items such as old TVs and furniture.

As always, comments are recorded to help improve the process.

Last issue, we introduced our new East Midlands Housing Association apprentices. We caught up with two of them to find out how they are getting on.

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EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

The couple celebrated the platinum anniversary with a party at St Mary’s House for close friends and family, including daughter Mary and grandchildren Lucy and William. Mary says they still adore one another to this day, and the happy couple say they have been together so long they wouldn’t know what to do without each other.

, Mrs Hill was written le ic rt a is th at the Sadly, since ve asked th a h y il m fa r away. He . h a s p a sse d e published hould still b s ry to s d n pic ture a em . ts are with th Our though

HOT MORNINGS

APPRENTICE UPDATE

RACHEL TIDMARSH, PROJECT ASSISTANT APPRENTICE AT MYST LODGE: “I’ve settled in really well, I’m really busy and it’s great to have a little more responsibility now I know the role a bit better. I love working with the residents, and I feel like this apprenticeship has really pushed me to the limit confidence-wise. I’m much happier talking in front of a big group of people now, which would have scared me before.”

George, 91, and Lucy, 97, met when Lucy started work at Cotesbach at the farm next door to the one where George worked. After getting married, they spent many happy years farming together in Misterton before retiring to Lutterworth.

AARON LEAKE WORKS AT THE AGAR NOOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR APPRENTICE: “ My apprenticeship is going brilliantly, and I love getting more responsibility in the role. I work on lots of community engagement projects but my favourite part of the job is seeing the projects happen and the success it brings to communities. Company policy is the most important thing I’ve learnt about, and being able to communicate is vital too.”

AFTERNOON TEA

A cup of tea, a slice of cake and a dash of history made for an enjoyable afternoon for residents of Roman Gardens at their Victorian-style tea party.

Hot chocolate mornings are a new way for residents to get together at Westbourne House, our homeless scheme in Melton Mowbray. Organised by staff member Baska Read, each session has a discussion topic and a game. One resident says: “I enjoy coming to these meetings so I can have a nice hot chocolate, eat cookies and get my views across.”

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NEWS

PAYING YOUR R£NT With the introduction of Universal Credit, it is going to be even more important to think about how you will manage your rent payments.

Hello, Spring is finally here after a long and cold winter, and it’s time to start thinking to about getting back into your garden.

FEATURES

HERE FOR YOU Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Our Supported Housing Services Team offer a range of housing related support allowing tenants to be independent and happy in their home.

For most households, Universal Credit will be paid in arrears as a single monthly payment, and payments will be paid to you, not to your landlord. One option to help manage this could be to start paying an extra £2.50 each week, which in one year adds up to £130. This means, in most cases, rent accounts will not fall into arrears while waiting for any benefit entitlement. It’s really easy to pay your rent by calling the office 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and paying with a debit card or credit card over the phone. Or, if you have a smartphone or tablet, download the “allpay” app to make a payment over the internet.

GET PAID FOR

PAYING YOUR R£NT! Our rent incentive scheme rewards tenants like you who get their rent in on time. Each month we are offering two lucky tenants or leaseholders A CHANCE OF WINNING £50. All you have to do is make sure that your rent account is always up-to-date and you will be automatically entered into the draw each month. Call the Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 1877 if you would like to check your balance. The lucky winners will know if they’ve won by the 15th of each month and Janu we will then send you ar y were ’s winn a cheque. er s Mr & Mr El s L eic b y f ro m s este r an and M r s M d Mr f rom ahn N Con or tham ey g r at p u l at t o n . io n s !

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EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

Give it a good tidy, sweep up any debris from trees and tidy any late flowering plants. During these brighter days, don’t forget to keep feeding any birds you may have had visiting your garden during winter, as food is still scarce. If you are thinking of growing vegetables this season, why not create a vegetable patch? All you need to do is find a suitable spot in your garden with maximum light and remove any turf, slabs and weeds. Dig over and cultivate the area. If you have a courtyard or small patio area, you can create a box instead. You will need four pieces of 2x8-inch wooden boards. Use fixing brackets for corners and posts if you want it to be a little stronger. Line with thick polythene and punch a few holes in the bottom. Fill with a thin layer of pebbles for drainage, then top up to just below the full depth with two parts top soil and one part compost, level out and plant. This will help you save money on ever increasing grocery bills, and also help to provide your five healthy food options a day.

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Support and advice on budgeting

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Basic living skills

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Training

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Education

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Preparation for independence

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Emotional support and advice

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Promotion of social opportunities

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Practical help in setting up home when accommodation is secured OUR SUPPORTED HOUSING SCHEMES DURBAN HOUSE, Coalville, and MYST LODGE, Melton Mowbray, both offer temporary accommodation and support to single, homeless, 16-25 year olds. LIBERTY HOUSE, THE GAP PROJECT and ELMFIELD HOUSE, Leicester, are our three teenage parent services.

WESTBOURNE HOUSE, Melton Mowbray, provides support for homeless families nominated by Melton Borough Council. ST MARY’S HOUSE, Lutterworth, is our Extra Care scheme, offering additional support to older people with care needs.

LET’S MEET THE TEAM Headed by Sally Taylor, the team includes three Senior Housing Officers, Maria Ward, Eddie Bailey and Simon Biggs, who oversee the smooth running of our agency-managed properties and manage staff at our directly managed services. Tracy Quigley, the team’s Quality and Contracts Monitoring Officer, collates information for funders and stakeholders. Louise Marson is the Administrator, and Nicola Gough is Senior Coordinator for our Adaptations Service, providing aids and adaptations so that people can live independently in their own home.

NEED HELP AT HOME? Our Adaptations Service helps tenants with disabilities who have difficulties around the home. We provide aids and adaptations to help you live independently. These range from minor alterations such as lever taps and grab rails to help you get in and out of your house safely, to major projects such as a wet room so you no longer need to struggle to get in and out of the bath. To find out more, call 0300 123 1877 or write to us at East Midlands Housing Association, Jubilee House, Whitwick Business Park, Stenson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 4NA.

SPEND A LITTLE TIME Everyone can help someone else somehow. That’s the root of a revolution that is sweeping the country. Timebanking rewards people for helping others. For example, if you spend an hour helping someone, you’ll get an hour back as “time credit” that you can spend on services provided by other volunteers. One of the first projects in Leicestershire is being run at the Agar Nook Community Centre where we’re looking for volunteers to work on our allotment project. EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

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FEATURES

FEATURES • Comments welcoming a move towards improved communications and consistency.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

• Feedback stating that we would be a stronger organisation if working as one unit.

Update on Governance Review Consultation WHAT WAS THE CONSULTATION ABOUT? Last Autumn, we consulted you on a variety of proposals arising from a potential review of our Governance arrangements. These proposed changes included: • The amalgamation of East Midlands Housing Association (EMHA), Three Valleys Housing (TVH), Foundation Housing Association (FHA) and Three Oaks Homes (TOH) into a new association within the EMH Group, with a single Board and new name; • The strengthening of our arrangements for residents to get involved in how their landlord is run and to hold it to account – this is known as co-regulation; • The separation of governance arrangements from coregulation, which would mean that any tenants joining our Boards would be independent members appointed on the basis of the skills they bring to

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EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

the Board, rather than holding places specifically set aside for tenants;

WHAT DID YOU SAY IN SUPPORT OF OUR PROPOSALS?

• The conversion of Three Valleys Housing from a Company to a Charitable Industrial & Provident society;

Some residents were supportive of our proposals. Expressions of support included:

• The creation of a new partnership with the Enable Group, which includes a specialist care and support organisation. We consulted residents in a number of ways including a written consultation document and Freepost reply slip (just under 100 of these were returned), presentations to active residents’ groups, a presentation at our residents’ conference in November, a focus group with residents who do not normally get involved, and presentations to community groups including Parish and District Councillors. Thank you to everyone who took part in this consultation and who gave us feedback on our proposals.

• Comments that the proposed new structure makes business sense as it represents better value for money through reduction in duplication and through economies of scale. • Feedback welcoming a greater focus on providing care and support to vulnerable people. • Support for greater opportunities to work together to improve services and promote new ideas. • Comments that an amalgamated landlord could provide a stronger voice for tenants. • Support for the separation of governance and co-regulation. • Support for adopting a charitable status for Three Valleys Housing.

• Support for diverting potential efficiency savings towards investment in the condition of homes and towards building new homes for people in need.

WHAT CONCERNS DID YOU RAISE? Some residents objected to the proposals or raised concerns. Here is a summary of some of the concerns and questions raised and our response to them: WHY CHANGE? We understand that change can be difficult and that people do not always see the need to change something that works well. However, we believe that the proposed changes are necessary if EMH Group is to remain fit for the future. If we do not make the changes that we are suggesting, it would potentially increase our cost of borrowing to develop new homes, and might mean that we can no longer afford to build homes for people in housing need.

WILL RENTS BE AFFECTED? No. The proposed amalgamation won’t affect your current rent nor the basis for future rent changes. WILL THERE BE ANY LOSS OF TENANCY RIGHTS? Should the proposed amalgamation go ahead, you will not need to sign a new tenancy agreement. All your rights as a tenant will be retained, including the preserved Right to Buy carried over from the Council for some tenants of Three Oaks Homes and Three Valleys Housing. WILL THERE BE ANY REDUCTION IN SERVICES? Our intention is to enhance customer services as a result of the amalgamation. By streamlining how we work, more resources will be available for developing new services and improving those we currently offer, such as those offered by our Customer Service Centre. Local offers will be developed with residents to meet specific needs for local service standards. WILL THE NAME OF MY LANDLORD CHANGE?

WILL A LARGER LANDLORD MEAN THERE IS A RISK OF REDUCED ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT? We are working with active residents across the Group, and with people in the wider community such as our shareholders, carers and local authority partners, to develop new models of involvement in order to ensure greater accountability in the new Group. WILL LOSS OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATION ON THE THREE OAKS HOMES BOARD MEAN REDUCED LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OFFER DOCUMENT PROMISES? We are working closely with Blaby District Council to develop new methods of accountability to safeguard the offer document promises and to ensure an ongoing strategic partnership with the Council. WILL THERE BE OFFICE CLOSURES? There are no plans in place to close offices as a result of the governance review.

Because we are proposing to amalgamate four landlords into one new registered provider, we think it is right that this new organisation should have a new name. We will be involving residents in the development of this new name and the values that we want it to stand for. EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

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FEATURES WILL THE NEW ORGANISATION BE MORE ANSWERABLE TO FUNDERS THAN TO CUSTOMERS? One of the drivers for these proposals is to reduce the influence that funders have over our business plans. By moving away from traditional bank loans towards longer term capital investment, we will have more freedom to develop our business plan to meet the housing, care and support needs of current and future customers.

FEATURES

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? EMH Group Board has considered the feedback from customers and wider stakeholder groups. We have concluded that nothing has emerged from the outcome of these consultations to suggest that the proposed governance structure review should not go ahead. We are therefore seeking approvals from the social housing regulator, our funders, Blaby District Council, and other key stakeholders, for the proposed amalgamation to go ahead. Approvals are also being sought for Three Valleys Housing to adopt the charitable rules necessary for the amalgamation to take place. We anticipate that all approvals will be in place between this Summer and the Autumn. We are also progressing the proposed new partnership between EMH Group and Enable, which remains on track to be concluded in the Spring. We will continue to keep you informed about the proposed changes. If you have any comments or questions please contact our Communications team on 01530 276000.

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EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

“I hear from lots of tenants about their concerns, and at events like this we can consider views from all sides.” TONY MANN / TOH

CO-REGULATION… Putting YOU At The Heart Of The Group Some of our most active residents joined together with tenants from other associations in the East Midlands Housing Group to get to grips with the changes ahead at our Co-regulation Day. As plans take shape to merge the four landlord associations in the Group into one, we wanted to make sure that residents stay at the centre of shaping our services through co-regulation. Residents at our co-regulation day looked at how the amalgamation of the four landlord organisations will involve the restructuring of resident-led groups such as the Scrutiny Panels. At the workshop, over 40 tenants talked over what was most important to them, and came up with ideas about how the Group should be organised to make those things possible. There was general agreement that tenant scrutiny should be at the heart of the new co-regulation structure, which is set to launch by September.

NOW WE WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU THINK. SHOULD WE BE FOCUSING ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, ENCOURAGING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT, RECRUITING NEW RESIDENTS TO GET INVOLVED, OR ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE? LET US KNOW. Email John Warnock, Community Development Officer, at: [email protected] There is also a discussion paper on our website setting out the outcomes from the co-regulation day and inviting your feedback. “ The more I hear, the more reassured I feel.” BEV WRIGHT / TVH “Today has been really interesting. It’s a good chance to find out more and ask questions.” AKIN JAMES / EMHA “I really enjoyed the day, it was really interesting. As a member of the FHA Scrutiny Panel, co-regulation is something that will affect all of us.” BRIAN BISHOP / FHA “ We want to make sure Scrutiny continues to be a big part of the East Midlands Housing Group structure.” STEVE BATEMAN / EMHA

EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

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FEATURES

FEATURES

WELFARE REFORM

Will I lose benefit if I take in a lodger?

People receiving benefits face major changes from April BEDROOM TAX Working age people renting from social landlords face a cut of 14 per cent in Housing Benefit if they have one bedroom more than the Government says they need, and a cut of 25 per cent if they have two or more bedrooms more. You are allowed one bedroom per single adult or couple. Children under 16 of the same gender are expected to share. Children under ten are expected to share regardless of gender. A disabled tenant or partner who needs a nonresident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room.

BENEFITS CAP The total amount of benefit that working age people can receive will be capped at £500 a week for couples and lone parents, and £350 a week for single people. This means households claiming out of work benefits will no longer receive more than the average wage paid to those who are working. Some claimants will be exempt if they are receiving certain other benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance or Working Tax Credits. COUNCIL TAX Council tax benefit is being replaced by a rebate scheme to be run by local authorities.

All currently eligible pensioners and vulnerable groups will have their benefit entitlement protected under the proposed reform. SOCIAL SECURITY APPEALS Claimants for most social security benefits will now have to request a review of their application before going for an appeal. (This does not apply to housing or council tax benefits.) SOCIAL FUND Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans have been abolished, and unitary authorities (e.g. County Councils) will now decide on what emergency provision is offered to vulnerable people.

The Autumn 2012 edition of the magazine raised a few queries and we would like to apologise for any misunderstanding in the question and answers feature concerning letting out your spare room. Under the new rules, taking in a lodger will affect your entitlement to benefits. The first £20 a week of ‘lodger income’ is disregarded by all the means tested benefits, but any ‘lodger income’ above this will be taken into account.

If you are receiving Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, or Employment Support Allowance, then your weekly entitlement will drop by £1 for every £1 of ‘lodger income’ you receive above £20. If you are receiving Housing Benefit, for every £1 of ‘lodger income’ you receive above £20, your weekly entitlement will be reduced by 65p. Once you move onto Universal Credit, which could be anytime between April 2013 and 2017, all ‘lodger income’ will be disregarded when calculating your entitlement.

NON DEPENDANT DEDUCTIONS This is a set amount deducted from your Housing Benefit entitlement if you have someone aged 18 or over living with you who is not a dependant or a lodger or a boarder. Non-dependants include adult children, parents and other relatives. OLD

NEW

Aged under 25 and on Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based) or Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) which does not include an amount for the support component or work related activity component

NIL

NIL

Aged 25 or over and on Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), or aged 18 or over and not in paid work

£11.45

£13.60

In receipt of main phase Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)

£11.45

£13.60

NIL

NIL

Less than £126

£11.45

£13.60

£126 – but less than £186

£26.25

£31.25

£186 – but less than £242

£36.10

£42.90

£242 – but less than £322

£59.05

£70.20

£322 – but less than £401

£67.25

£79.95

More than £401

£73.85

£87.75

In receipt of Pension Credit Aged 18 or over and in paid work with gross weekly income:

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EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

EMHA NEWS | SPRING 2013

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NOTICE BOARD EVENTS AT BARLEY CROFT COMMUNITY CENTRE Beaumont Leys, Leicester Community Lunch Club Tuesdays 12 – 2pm Enjoy a fresh cooked roast dinner and dessert for only £2. Community Café Every Thursday from 9 – 10am Come join us for a cuppa and a chat. ALSO STARTING 19TH FEBRUARY… Funky Youth Club (8 – 14yrs) Every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 5pm Street dance and sports. 50p per child.

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COMPETITION TIME

Looking for a NEW HOME ?

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YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE Whatever your housing or maintenance query, our Customer Service Advisors are on hand from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday to answer your questions. Your call will be answered promptly. In busy periods, your call will be placed in a queue and will be answered as soon as an advisor becomes available.

CAN YOU CALL ME BACK? ACK Don’t put the phone down! The Customer Service Centre has a call-back facility, which will guarantee you a call-back, without losing your place in the queue. To request a call-back, simply press the star key on your phone at any time. Make sure your number is not withheld, so we can contact you. If it is withheld, don’t worry. Just follow the voice instructions, and enter your full phone number when prompted, followed by the hash key.

e. ntents insuranc n household co ow ur yo t ou t king b ta re covered by e or belongings Make sure you’ re your furnitur su in t no do on iati nce through Housing Assoc usehold insura ho t ge n ca East Midlands u t yo pson. ine Lloyd Thom or vandalism bu rd re Ja fi t, ny ef pa th m t co ns agai al insurance me with nation our special sche ngements. e your own arra ak m , ly ve ti na Alter

GET COVERED!

Have a go at our SPRING wordsearch for the chance to win a £25 shopping voucher!

WI

£2N A 5

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VO OPPI U C NG HE R

Simply find the 20 ‘SPRING’ themed words listed below in the grid and circle them. Don’t forget they can appear across, up, down or diagonally.

O U A V B Y L F R E T T U B A

L A L A V M R O E N U L L C R

V L V D A F F O D I L A S W W

A W I P T N D M S H I M M I F

N U C R N E E T Q S P B S S R

A M U A P G P S R N O S A E S

T T H C L A Y S T U I U P K R

X G P P R I M R O S E V A E L

O T T F E L L E E Z T E D R C

F W Y H T O J W S N S O J T I

I R B L S F G O S R E W O L F

A T P W A H T H M E Y E Y H E

A R N I E G G S D R I B R P S

G J H P U S O C T I S J G G I

I E Y T P S A E F U I O W S S

The words you’re searching for are:

APRIL BIRDS BUTTERFLY DAFFODIL EASTER EGGS FLOWERS FOLIAGE GREENERY LAMBS LEAVES LILAC NESTS PRIMROSE SEASON SHOOTS SHOWERS SUNSHINE THAW TULIP

The winner of the £50 shopping voucher from the last issue was Mr Wakeman of Northampton. Congratulations! NAME:

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE:

TEL:

Send your entry to: Spring Competition, EMHA Magazine, Jubilee House, Whitwick Business Park, Stenson Road, Coalville, LE67 4NA. Closing date: Friday 26th April 2013.

ND U A F N S E GAM Apprentices Matt Calvert, Livvy Birks, Robyn Jarvis, Warren Mason and Aaron Leake took the helm of an exciting event for tenants at Agar Nook.

It included information about loan sharks, money advice, a fashion workshop and training on pet grooming to mark “Love Your Pet Week”.

LO YO V E PE UR WE T EK

The event also gave our hardworking apprentices the chance to show off their charity project Money for Life, raising money for the local community.

For more information about EMHA Magazine, or suggestions for improving it, please contact your Neighbourhood Liaison Officer.

WRITE to POLLY COX, Neighbourhood Liaison Officer, East Midlands Housing Association, Jubilee House, Stenson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4NA TELEPHONE 0300 123 1877 EMAIL [email protected]

ONLINE www.emha.org.uk

Published on behalf of EMHA by East Midlands Housing Group, Memorial House, Stenson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4JP. Written and edited by Hopwood / Designed by www.work-design.co.uk / Printed by Prontaprint Leicester.