Chevin Life
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Quids in! The UK’s
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| ISSUE 24 Autumn www.quid sinmagazi 2014 ne.com
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INSIDE!
Advice on : ✔ Spen g ✔ Savindin g ✔ Borrowi ✔ Earning ng
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Free Advice! 14/08/2014
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Why wouldn't you?
A member of the Together Housing Group
A member of the Together Housing Group
Your Customer AUTUMN Service Centre 0300 555 5561 www.chevinha.co.uk
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NEW Christmas Office Opening Times Following a review of our service provision for residents last year, we are trialling new office opening times for Christmas.
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
9am-2pm
Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day)
CLOSED
Friday 26th December (Boxing Day)
CLOSED
Please note the following office opening and closing times during the Christmas period:
Monday 29th December (Phone calls only - no counter service) Tuesday 30th December
CLOSED
When the offices are closed, all calls will be transferred to our Contact 24 Call Centre who also deal with after-hours and emergency enquiries.
Wednesday 31st December
CLOSED
Thursday 1st January 2015
CLOSED
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Friday 2nd January 2015
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If you would like information in another language or format, please ask us. Urdu Punjabi Polish
9am-5pm
We'd love to hear about what's been happening in your area so don't forget to email your stories and pictures to:
[email protected] Or post to: Chevin Life, Chevin Housing Association, Royd House, Low Mills, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9LU. We offer a £10 retail voucher for every story we print! Enjoy your magazine.
Chevin Editorial Team T
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K AN YOU H
Chevin Housing Association Ltd Registered office address: Bull Green House, Bull Green, Halifax, HX1 2EB.
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A company with charitable status registered in England and Wales with the FCA as a Community Benefit Society on register no. 28687R. Homes and Communities Agency no. L4160.
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Hello and welcome... We are committed to making sure that everyone has a decent and affordable home, and the Together Housing Group has a development programme which will produce around 400 new homes a year across the north of England. In addition we’re investing £10m a year in our existing properties to make sure they are warm, safe and secure. We don’t just concentrate on bricks and mortar, we’re also investing in our communities. Working alongside tenants and local groups we aim to make our communities healthy, vibrant and a great place to live. Many of the Group's projects are delivered through our charity, Newground Together, and include working to create jobs and training opportunities as well as delivering health and social care projects to benefit the people who live in our communities.
With thanks to everyone who has contributed to this edition. Our editorial team is made up of Chevin staff members and the following residents: • Don Smith (Selby) • Liz Smith (Doncaster) • Bob Snashall (Thorne) • Jill Davies (Sheffield) • Danneke Neale (Scarborough)
Steve Close, Group Chief Executive
The benefit system continues to change. We’ve seen the introduction of the 'Bedroom Tax' and now Universal Credit is starting to be rolled out. On page 4, we explain how the new system replaces most current benefits including Job Seeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. We have welfare benefit officers who are specially trained to help you. Just call 0300 555 5561 if you have any questions and they will be happy to help. I hope you enjoy your magazine.
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Universal Credit will eventually replace all of the following... Income-based Jobseekers' Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Housing Benefit (RENT)
Income Support
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
From 6 October, if you live in the North West you will be invited to claim universal credit if you are:SINGLE or COUPLES
WORKING AGE AND LOOKING FOR WORK
NOT RECEIVING CHILD BENEFIT FOR ANY DEPENDENT CHILDREN
MAKING A NEW CLAIM FOR BENEFITS
For most people, Universal Credit... Is paid monthly in arrears
Direct to you into your bank or credit union account
Will include an amount for housing costs (rent)
Needs to be claimed online
What do you need to do? 1. Get a bank account or credit union account if you haven't already got one. 2. Make sure you have money in your account to cover your outgoings. 3. Know where and how to get online in your area. 4. Once you are receiving Universal Credit, you will be responsible for paying your rent to us each month. The good news is, we have specialist welfare benefit officers who can help you with your claim and advise you about the changes. Please contact us urgently if you are invited to claim Universal Credit.
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Working it out, together
Free early education
Basic bank accounts
Did you know some 2 year olds in England can get free early education and childcare?
You can use a basic bank account to receive money and pay bills. A basic bank account may be a good option if you’ve been turned down for a current account and can act as a first step towards opening a different type of account later on.
To receive this, you must be getting one of the following: •
Income Support
Basic bank accounts are very simple, so they don’t provide a cheque book or overdraft.
•
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
With most accounts, you can:
•
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
•
•
Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
•
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Pay cheques in for free (as long as they’re not in foreign currency) – you’ll be able to spend the money after four working days.
•
Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income not over £16,190
•
The Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
•
Working Tax Credits and earn £16,190 a year or less
If your child is entitled to this support, you can start claiming after they turn 2 years old, depending on when their birthday falls.
Have wages, salary, benefits, pensions and tax credits paid straight into your account.
• Get money out over the counter or from a cash-point machine. • Pay your bills by Direct Debit or standing order. • Pay money in over the counter. • Check your account balance over the counter or at a cash-point machine. •
Some accounts will also give you a debit card.
Find out more by calling 0300 500 5000 or visiting www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Have a look at the website: www.gov.uk/free-early-education for details or contact your local council for more information about free early education and childcare in your area.
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Your Credit Unions A local Credit Union can sometimes offer loans at lower rates of interest as well as help you to save for the future. They sometimes also have ‘white goods schemes’ where you can get reasonably priced appliances such as fridges, washing machines, freezers etc. for your home. Many offer a jam jar account where you divide your account into different ‘pots’ or ‘jars’. Typically, there are different pots for bills and spending and there may be a pot for saving too. You decide how much money goes into each pot by working out how much you need for your bills and how much is left over for spending or saving. We have listed some of the main Credit Unions for you here. Visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk to find one in your local area.
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Place
Credit Union
Phone number/Website
Barnsley & Rotherham
South Yorkshire
03030 300010 www.sycu.co.uk
Huddersfield Castle & Minster
01484 226666 www.castleandminster.co.uk
Hull and East Hull and East 01482 778753 Yorkshire Yorkshire www.hullandeycu.co.uk Leeds
Leeds City
0113 2423343 www.leedscitycreditunion.co.uk
North Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
03030 300010 www.sycu.co.uk
Rotherham
Laser Credit Union
01709 836500 www.lasercreditunion.org.uk
Scarborough South Yorkshire
01723 377140 www.sycu.co.uk
Sheffield
Sheffield
0114 276 0787 www.sheffieldcreditunion.com
Wakefield & Hemsworth
White Rose
01977 723777 www.whiterosecreditunion.co.uk
York
South Yorkshire
01904 552236 www.sycu.co.uk
You are not alone!
Many people have money worries so we’ve teamed up with the debt charity, StepChange, to promote their new campaign ‘Need to Sleep’, which could offer you help with debt problems so you can sleep better at night.
How can it help you?
It could be that you’re struggling with payday loans, getting final demands from creditors, borrowing money to pay off debts or cutting back on food or heating. Whatever your situation, if your money worries are building up, now is the time to do something about it.
Who are StepChange?
StepChange offer free, practical solutions to help thousands of people deal with their money worries. Whatever your circumstances, they will take an independent look at your financial situation and suggest a plan of action that is best for you.
Wake up to a brighter future
Visit the StepChange website www.needtosleep.org to find free helpful advice on dealing with money worries. See the steps that other people have taken to help them sleep easier at night! No matter how dark your situation might feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. For many people, the first time they can sleep without worry is when they have talked to StepChange Debt Charity. So why not give it a try too?
Find out more:
www.needtosleep.org or Tel: 0800 138 1111 (Monday-Friday 8am–8pm or Saturday 8am– 4pm).
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How are we doing? Within target
Close to target
Below target
Welcome to the update on how we performed over the last quarter. We measure how well we are doing in key areas of our business and against agreed targets. Our targets are influenced by the performance of other landlords and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) standards. By monitoring and learning from performance we hope to continually improve our services to you.
Performance Measures
% of emergency repairs completed on target Average length of time taken to complete a repair % of dwellings with a valid gas certificate Average time to re-let a property Number of empty homes
Chevin Target for 2014/15
Latest Performance Performance at end of at end of June March 2014 2014 (Quarter 4) (Quarter 1)
Applicable Homes and How we are Communities doing against (HCA) standard our targets and local offer area
100%
91.4%
93.2%
Home
Less than days
days
18
9.15
Home
100%
99.8%
99.8%
28
days
32
days
20.6
40
48
78
9
days
days
Home
Tenancy
Tenancy
Total current rent arrears as % of rent due from residents by management office: • Leeds
4%
4.15%
5.77%
• Sheffield
4%
5.1%
5.4%
• Wakefield
4%
6.36%
7.56%
• Selby
4%
4.45%
4.34%
4% • East (Split from Selby) 4.34% Number of reported ASB cases by management office/team during April - June 2014 Guiseley 11 Selby 15 Sheffield 5 Leeds 1 ASB North Team 6 ASB South Team 0
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We want to be the best
Tenancy
Neighbourhood and community
Repairs
The percentage of emergency repairs completed on time has improved on last quarter but is still below target. This is a trend throughout the Group and is being investigated. The average time taken to complete scheduled repairs (9.15 days) is slightly higher than the target but an improvement on the previous quarter. Following the handover of additional homes to Northern Shared Services in April, it took on average 11.88 days to complete a scheduled repair, this fell to 6.42 days in May. A similar trend was experienced with the percentage of routine repairs that were completed within 28 days (as low as 86.12% in April but increasing to 98.07% in May). Overall, the rate of residents satisfied with the repairs service remains high.
Gas servicing
At the end of June there were 13 out of 5816 homes which didn’t have a valid gas safety certificate. This is the same as last quarter, however overall the trend is improving. Our target is to make sure all our homes have a valid gas safety certificate.
Average time to re-let properties
There has been an improvement in the average time it takes to let an empty home.
Rent arrears
There has been an increase in the level of current tenant arrears which is normal over the first quarter of the year. We saw a similar trend last year and still experienced a fall overall in arrears over the full year. This is a trend across all our Area Offices.
Anti-social behaviour (ASB)
There has been a fall in the number of nuisance complaints received. We continue to monitor how we capture this information to make sure we record it accurately.
Monitoring Standards Their latest travels have taken Chevin’s Environmental Services Group to some of the Hull schemes to monitor the standards of cleaning and gardening. Resident Group Members, Charles Fagg and Michael Worthington, said: “We really enjoy visiting different areas and inspecting the standards. It’s a worthwhile exercise and gives us a good idea of the services that residents are getting.” If you are interested in joining the Group please contact your Customer Service Centre on 0300 555 5561 and ask for Helen Wood, Resident Involvement Officer or email:
[email protected]
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Apprentice News Leading Apprenticeship Employer The Together Housing Group is delighted to have once again been chosen as one of the UK’s best apprenticeship employers. After being Highly Commended in the regional finals in the large company category, we will now head to the national finals in Birmingham among the top 100 in the country, to confirm our place as a leading light in the housing sector. Glen Finch, Director of Sustainable Communities, said: “To be recognised as one of the leaders in developing apprenticeships is very gratifying and we’ll continue to provide work opportunities for our communities.”
Picture: Alison Clews (Skills and Enterprise Coordinator), Jean Thompson (Community Regeneration Manager West), Sharn Wightman (Skills and Enterprise Officer) and Martin Reed (Community Regeneration Co-ordinator) celebrate at the awards ceremony.
Aiming high
Christine Eccles, Skills and Enterprise Officer at Chevin said:
Chevin apprentice joiner, Brett Barlow of Osset, is heading for the House of Commons after being shortlisted as one of the UK’s top 20 trade apprentices.
“We nominated Brett as he is willing to learn new skills and also has the maturity to deal with people on all levels.
He has been invited to London as part of the YouthBuild UK Awards, alongside two colleagues from the Together Housing Group. The 18 year old was not sure what he wanted to do when he left school but after attending the Skillsbuild Construction training centre in Fitzwilliam, he picked up carpentry and has been offered an apprenticeship with Chevin. Now in his third year, he is hoping to take one of the top prizes at the House of Commons later in October.
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Residents have commented on Brett's good standard of work and his respectful and caring nature toward people. We all wish him good luck at the Awards Ceremony.”
Learning new skills
A foot on the ladder As well as housing, Chevin offer excellent opportunities for employment, training and skills development with the help of our Community Employment Team who offer guidance and support. Here are a few of our recent success stories of finding training and work experience for Chevin residents...
Kyle Clarke Kyle was looking for a change of career with a move into construction, and was inspired to contact us after seeing a flyer for Chevin’s Skillsbuild Training Centre. He decided to apply for the City and Guilds Level 1 Qualification in Basic Construction. As part of his training, he was delighted to be offered a work placement on a Chevin and Wates Living Space home refurbishment site, close to where he lives. Kyle's dream is to become an electrician, so spending time on installing electrical parts and wiring in our new bathrooms and kitchens will hopefully help him achieve this.
Kyle said: "The training was great, it gave me the opportunity to see what it's like to work on a live site."
Matthew Nelmes Matthew is a Trainee at Chevin’s Skillsbuild Centre, working towards a City and Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Basic Construction Skills, Level 1 in Functional skills and an NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills. As part of his work experience, he too has a placement at Gordon Place, working with Riddale Ltd Groundwork Contractors. Riddale has been so impressed with his work they’ve offered him an apprenticeship placement where he will work to gain his General Construction Officer qualification at Doncaster College.
If you want to be part of these success stories, contact Koren Knapp, Community Employment Advisor. Email:
[email protected] Tel: 07974 721363.
Matthew said: "I’m willing to volunteer for longer as I know this will help me to prove myself."
Creating opportunities
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Making the cut Our Regeneration Team has been successful in their bid to Newground Together to support 'CUTS' (Chevin Unemployed Tenants Scheme).
newground
together
The project offers funding to help residents into training programmes to enable them to find work. So far, there has been a great deal of interest in this scheme and we currently have 3 young residents who are in their second month of a six month contract of full-time work within different teams across the organisation. This is an amazing opportunity for them as they had all been unemployed for quite a while before starting with Chevin, and have struggled to find suitable employment in the past. They have now got stuck into learning new skills and their potential is shining through.
If you are interested in finding out how CUTS could help you, call the Customer Service Centre on 0300 555 5561 and ask for Christine Eccles.
Christine Eccles, Skills and Enterprise Officer said:
“We have been so impressed by the work ethic of our new recruits. This is a new initiative which we were keen to trial as we really want to help unemployed residents find work. As well as on the job learning and in-house training, we give advice on interview techniques, preparing CVs, budgeting and financial support, all of which help when applying for work."
WE NEED YOU! Our themed groups have been around for over 18 months and continue to get involved with all aspects of the services we provide to our residents. Both our Customer Care Group and our Repairs Group are both looking for new members, so if you are keen to help suggest ways to improve our services, find out how Chevin works, meet new people and share your ideas – please get in touch!
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We will help to arrange transport to and from meetings, pay towards carers costs, help you with any training requirements and give you lunch and refreshments! For more information on these or any of our other themed groups please contact the Customer Service Centre and ask to speak to Helen Wood or Melissa Tan in the Resident Involvement Team.
Scrutiny Panel News We reported in the last issue of Chevin Life that we’d been investigating the issues surrounding how residents were informed about the recent changes to the repairs services, in particular the move to Northern Shared Services who now carry out repairs. As part of this, we suggested a number of recommendations for improvement.
So what’s next for the Panel? After reviewing performance information, we’ve agreed to look at the empty homes standard and the role of the resident in inspecting ready to let properties. If you would like to share your views, please call your Customer Services Centre on 0300 555 5561 (ask for Beverley Tommis, Scrutiny Advisor) or email:
[email protected] We look forward to hearing from you - Chevin Scrutiny Panel.
We listen, we act! We are committed to providing great customer care and as a result we try to make sure that real service improvements are delivered as a direct result of information gained through your complaints and compliments.
The recommendations were: • To agree an easily recognisable brand identity and logo for Northern Shared services. • To keep staff in the Customer Service Centre up to date so they can remind customers, when they call, about any changes to the repairs service. • To involve customers in the design and content of future communications about changes to the service. • To keep websites up to date. • To use local staff and resident representatives to arrange local consultation events. We are delighted to report our recommendations have been accepted in full, an action plan has been agreed and passed to the Repairs Themed Group to monitor progress.
So, problems like not being kept up to date with what’s happening, taking too long and not explaining the outcome of your complaint are going to be looked at over the next few months. We are committed to creating a better experience for you and better use of resources for us!
Feedback during the complaints process, and also from the independent satisfaction survey results, has shown that the process might not be working as efficiently as we’d like at the moment. We have therefore started a comprehensive review of how we can get better at recording, responding and learning from your valuable feedback – even if it is negative! Issues like how we define a complaint through to getting things sorted out as quickly as possible are all part of this review. We have engaged with tenant representatives to help us shape the improvements needed.
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We have a legal duty to make sure that all gas fittings, flues and appliances which are fitted to your home are maintained to a safe standard and to prevent risk of injury to you and others by carrying out an annual gas safety check. If we can’t get into your home, we will have no option but to take legal action, which may result in your eviction. We want to do everything we can to keep you gas safe.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak:
TURN OFF
the gas at your meter.
Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning • • • • •
headaches dizziness breathlessness nausea loss of consciousness
Get a carbon monoxide alarm which will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
FIGHTING FOR A GAS SAFE NATION
OPEN
all windows and doors.
PUT OUT
all naked flames.
DO NOT USE
electrical appliances or switches.
LEAVE
the property if necessary. Please call National Grid on 0800 111 999 before contacting your Customer Service Centre.
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Only a Gas Safe registered
engineer has the superpower Make sure you're in for your annual to fit, fix or service your gas appliances safely and legally. gas safety appointment!
www.staygassafe.co.uk
Please help us to keep your home safe by allowing us access at the earliest opportunity – any resident who does not let us in is placing themselves, their families AND their neighbours at risk!
27872_Gas_Safe_Week_Postcard_A5_AW_v2.indd 1
07/07/2014 10:31
And our survey said...
Carrying out your gas service
Following a visit from one of our technicians, you may have received a telephone call from The Leadership Factor who specialise in collecting customer satisfaction survey information.
A hot 93.5% of you were happy with your gas service. You said it would be better if... •
We are working closely with them to gather the views of as many of our customers as possible so that we can appreciate, understand and improve your service experience.
The technician told you more about what they are going to do during their visit.
•
The technician had their ID card visible.
•
We let you know when to expect your new gas servicing certificate.
What’s next? In September, we supported Gas Safety Week, raising awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of any gas appliances. All our Repairs and Maintenance staff who work on or contribute towards the Gas Servicing and Maintenance programme recently attended a workshop day. This day provided us with excellent feedback and we will be implementing some of the suggestions made. Whilst we are pleased with your responses, suggesting that on the whole we are doing a good job at providing repairs and gas servicing services to you, we will continue to work with you, our staff, the Boards and The Leadership Factor to look at the suggested areas where we can do better.
Carrying out your repairs 88% of residents were satisfied with the way we carry out repairs. You said the service would be better if we could improve on the following: •
Make it even easier for you to report your repair to us.
•
Provide more convenient repairs appointments.
•
The quality of repair work.
We will also be carrying out further telephone surveys with you to check how we are doing in other areas of our work.
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News style annual report Here are a few interesting facts selected from the news style annual report: •
The repairs service has had another good year. Chevin, took 96,000 calls and carried out 28,000 repairs, 98% of which were on time.
•
We collected over £30 million in rent. We also helped recoup over half a million (£548,862) in unclaimed benefits for eligible tenants.
•
Last year we started over 800 new tenancies.
•
We spent £10million on our improvement programme.
•
Chevin currently have 7745 homes to rent. Last year they built 63 new homes with plans for an amazing 424 new builds in 2014/15.
•
Turnover last year of £44.6 million - all the money is reinvested to continue to maintain and improve homes and services.
•
Operating costs last year were £38.9 million.
•
We currently employ 187 full time staff.
This year, our annual report really stands out from the crowd! With the backing and help of involved tenants from across the group, we have filmed a news bulletin style summary of the year's performance. Visit the homepage of your website and take a look, it's only a few minutes long. We are also pleased to announce that it has been shortlisted for an award as it's a new way of presenting this information. You can see our full annual report online or call 0300 555 5561 to request a printed copy.
With thanks to our involved residents: John Gott Pauline Pennell Jacqueline McGrew Ruth Rider Christina Lates Peter McDonagh Stan Wharton Susan Skinner Margaret Young Pat Cocker Steven Balderstone Mick Watkinson Bob Snashall Marjorie Adams
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1000 homes improved! Wates Living Space has celebrated the completion of improvement works to 1000 Chevin properties as part of a 3-year contract to deliver refurbishment works to 1,108 properties. To mark the milestone reached, Chevin and Wates presented flowers to the resident of the 1000th property completed Hetty Bentley, aged 85, who has lived in her home for 17 years and is delighted with her new kitchen. Hetty’s home also benefited from a heating upgrade and new external doors.
One year on The Pendleton Together Giant Party took place in Salford in September to celebrate one year of Pendleton Together and to mark our successes and achievements. The event was organised and led by our customers. Steve Close, Together Housing Group Chief Executive, updated customers and staff about the achievements that have been made during the first year.
Fun activities included street dancing, a free raffle and various stalls promoting our services. Over 500 people came to the party and everyone had a great time.
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Community Grant Doncaster Racecourse was the venue for an extra special event, hosted by Chevin, to celebrate the Community Grant Awards 2014.
Caroline Grosvenor, Head of Chevin, said: “This has been a truly thought provoking event. It’s fantastic to hear first-hand how the Community Grants really make a difference to residents and their communities.
Over the past year grant funding of up to £1,000 each has been allocated by the charity, Newground Together, to 16 of Chevin’s local community groups and associations who came along to showcase their excellent work.
I would seriously encourage other community groups or residents to apply for this money, especially if it helps a project to get off the ground or if it will enable a long-term venture to continue.”
Funding has been used on all different projects including
Jonathan Tweedle, of Gateway Church, one of the groups to benefit from a grant, said:
• social outings for disabled residents using specially adapted transport • activities for sick children • work experience and training schemes for disadvantaged young people • debt counselling advice • health and wellbeing classes • fund-raising activities
"Through our partnership with Christians Against Poverty we are able to give free support to those in our community who are weighed down by debt. We are a lifeline to so many people and teach them how to manage their money better, giving hope and a real solution to becoming debt free. The grant has meant we can support as many people as possible through our home visits. If you need our help, call free on 0800 328 0006 or visit www.capdebthelp.org."
Showcasing...
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Awards 2014 There was also a session from Newground Together Director, Peter Jordan, who gave details about the charity and provided helpful tips on how to make a successful application for a grant. He said: “It has been really inspiring and I am pleased that Newground Together can support such worthwhile causes.” Everyone agreed the event was a huge success and it was clear that those who had received grants were truly grateful for both the financial help and staff time given to support the work of their groups. For more information on how to apply for a community grant for your residents’ association or community group, please call 0300 555 5561 to speak to Helen Wood or Melissa Tan (Resident Involvement Officers).
Here’s a round-up of the groups who were successful in receiving Community Grant funding: • St Edmunds Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Castleford • Freddie’s Friends, Hull • Sandybed Residents’ Association, Hull • Royal Flush Neighbourhood Watch, Barnsley • Older People’s Forum, Rotherham • Gateway Church, Barnsley • Mencap, Castleford • Potteries Court Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Mexborough • Hour Share, Huddersfield • Soundjata, Huddersfield • Bakersfield Court Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Rotherham • Alpha Arts, Huddersfield • Stroke Club, Rotherham • Lavender Court Action Group, Barnsley • Needlers Way Residents’ Association, Hull • St Stephen’s Neighbourhood Centre, Hull
you and all the wonderful things you do.
19
Staff and residents at Bakersfield Court, Rotherham, got more than they bargained for when they agreed to be covered in icy cold water as part of the Motor Neurone Disease ice bucket challenge. They all warmed up after finding out they had raised £142.20 for the charity. Well done everyone!
The children got stuck into a litter pick and general tidy up of the scheme, and then planted new shrubs with the gardening contractors. As a thank you for their hard work, they were rewarded with goody bags and certificates.
Helen Wood, Resident Involvement Officer, said: “It was great to see so many children wanting to help tidy up the scheme and get rid of rubbish. They all agreed it was a great improvement and would do their best to keep it that way! Working in partnership with staff from Doncaster Council helps us maintain important links between front line staff too.”
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K AN YOU H
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fo
A bouncy castle and face painter provided entertainment, as well as Council staff being on hand to provide advice on recycling and waste management.
Children were invited to design their own posters to raise awareness of ‘stranger danger’, prevent vandalism and encourage respect between neighbours. The winning poster will be displayed around the scheme. Fun activities such as face painting and balloon modelling added another enjoyable element to the day.
e
Chevin teamed up with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council to organise a scheme tidy up and fun day at Conisbrough.
The new Neighbourhood Watch programme at Riverside Close, Driffield, was launched in style at a special event held over the summer.
y o u r a r ti
cl
Clean up
Stranger danger
T
Your Community News
Cold relief
Learning together Chevin joined forces with the local Police Community Support Officers and Employer Engagement Team at a special event at Hull’s Carol Dickson Court. Residents were invited to find out about resident involvement, work and training opportunities and advice on how to protect their homes and families from crime. Thank you to everyone who came along and made the day a huge success.
Forget me not Residents at St Edmunds Close in Castleford held a party in aid of the Alzheimers Society recently and raised a whopping £253! Members of the St Edmunds Tenants' and Residents’ Association along with Mary Dixon, scheme warden, worked extremely hard to organise a buffet lunch, name the doll competition and grand raffle. Chevin organised a singer to serenade guests and Helen Wood, Resident Involvement Officer, hosted the quiz. (Pictured – Joan Campy, eldest resident on the scheme handing over the collection to Helen Wood, with TARA member Sylvia Asquith)
Summer Fun The recent Summer Fayre at Harrogate Court near Doncaster
was a great success.
There was a variety of stalls and activities for the whole community to enjoy - thanks to everyone for their efforts. It's also great to see that face painting is not just for kids!
Going Great Local residents in the Greatfield area of Hull have been working hard to inspire residents and improve their local area. Chevin have helped fund a number of events which are held at St Stephen's Neighbourhood Centre (SSNC). There is also a new community building called the Greatfield Hub, funded by the Big Local Lottery. Local resident volunteer, Debbie Peacock, said: "Lots more great things are planned to benefit the community including a credit union who will encourage saving, provide low cost loans and give advice about not borrowing from door step lenders. The Friends of Greatfield are setting up a gardening and cooking project, there’s also a coffee morning each week in the hub, a new kids club, lots of fun days and so much more." For more information visit www.ssnc.org.uk
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Your Community News
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Cutting Crew!
105 Not Out! Our best wishes go to Chevin resident, Marjorie Emile, who was 105 years old on 4th July 2014. Marjorie, born in 1909, was one of the first residents to move into Kilburn Court in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, back in 1986. Following a lunch with her family, the residents at the scheme held a party in Marjorie’s honour in the newly refurbished Community Room, with special guest ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winner, Paul Potts.
Coffee Time Residents from our schemes in Otley and Yeadon got together with Chevin staff over the summer to have a good natter over a cuppa. As well as meeting new friends, it was a great chance to chat about resident involvement opportunities we have on offer.
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Needlers Way Residents’ Association has received much needed funding from Chevin and Hull City Council to buy equipment for their ‘Gardening Crew’ project. The Crew bought a lawnmower and petrol strimmer and set about improving a communal area and installing a shed at Needlers Way in Hull. They also provide a valuable gardening service to elderly residents. The equipment can also be borrowed on request in exchange for a small donation which will be used to buy more equipment to help the project.
Summer Fun Residents at Needlers Way have been busy bringing the community together this summer by hosting a garden party and a summer fayre. There were stalls selling cakes, sweets and plants while Bobby Bubbles the clown, and singer, Tina Ellis, entertained the crowds both young and old. There was even a surprise celebrity appearance by Look North presenter, Peter Levy.
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Residents from schemes in Scarborough (pictured above) enjoyed a very tasty (and very big) lunch at a country pub in Flixton recently, followed by a coach-trip along the coast to enjoy the scenery. This new special outing, supported by Chevin, was organised by Sandybed Residents’ Association and was aimed at the elderly or disabled who cannot usually get out and about themselves. It was such a great success with everyone enjoying the outing (including the coach driver) that there are already similar events planned for the future.
Lovely cuppa
An honour Congratulations to Selby resident, Gavin Harding, who has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to people with learning difficulties. As a founder member of Voices for People, an advocacy group for people with learning difficulties, Gavin has worked to help some of the most vulnerable groups of people in the country. He is also Deputy Mayor of Selby. Gavin will travel to London later in the year to receive his award.
There was a return to the 1940s for staff and residents at Cherry Tree Court when they hosted a vintage tea party.
Garden Party
Residents enjoyed afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and scones. Paula-Marie provided sing-a-long songs from days gone by with some residents getting up for a dance too.
Castlewood Close residents celebrated with a garden party after all their hard work improving their communal gardens.
Sue Hill, Scheme Manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many residents enjoying themselves and spending time with their neighbours. Afternoon tea is a definite favourite for everybody here!”
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So long, farewell! Long-standing staff member, Lindsay Bettley, Neighbourhood Coordinator, has bid the organisation a fond farewell after working for Chevin for over 25 years. He started life as Senior Housing Officer based at Fitzwilliam in Pontefract, and was a well known face and character around the area for many years. Lindsay has managed housing teams throughout Yorkshire, including Guiseley, Hull, Bridlington, Selby and Sheffield, and has enjoyed a close working relationship with staff and residents alike - he will be missed by everyone. Lindsay said: “I look forward to not doing anything for 12 months, although I suspect my wife has other ideas – she has an endless list of chores for me to get on with during my retirement!”
Beat condensation One of the major causes of damp is condensation as everyday moisture has to go somewhere - here are some useful tips to help you beat the condensation monster. You will be surprised how making small changes can really help.
Put a lid on it
Always cover pans and close the kitchen door when cooking.
Let steam out
Open windows and close the bathroom door when bathing or showering.
Keep your home warm By keeping the heating on low all day and windows slightly open.
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Use a clothes airer
If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is ventilated directly to the outside air.
Vent tumble dryers
Close the door to that room and make sure the vent pipe is fully outside.
Furniture
Leave a gap between your furniture and the walls so that air can circulate behind it.
Wipe windows
Many homes start the day steamed up! Wipe windows down first thing to remove moisture.
Garden Competition Results Chevin residents have taken advantage of this year’s good weather by showcasing their gardens in the 2014 Garden Competition. Congratulations to all our winners who picked up their prizes at a special awards ceremony held at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. Showcased here are the winning gardens for each of the categories with the star prize going to Susan Coventry of Cattall Street, Sheffield, who scooped Senior Citizen Category winner and our much coveted title, 'Gardener of the Year'. For all budding gardeners, the competition will return in 2015, so start planning your garden now!
Gardener of the Year 2014
Susan Coventry, Cattall Street, Sheffield
Community Corner
Residents of Overdale Court, Skipton
Containers and Patio
Sheila Charlton, Overdale Court, Skipton
Floral Garden/Borders
Dennis Shaw, Arthur Lucan Close, Hull
Fruit and Vegetables
Residents of The Green, Castleford
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Together, we can help end the housing crisis The Together Housing Group is supporting a Homes For Britain campaign by saying ‘Yes to Homes’. The General Election is coming up in May and Homes for Britain aims to get a commitment from all the political parties to end the housing crisis within a generation.
What is the housing crisis?
There is a huge shortage of homes in the UK which is getting worse. 245,000 homes a year are needed but only half that number are being built.
What can we do?
We need your help to raise awareness of the housing crisis to make sure it's high on the priority list in next year’s election. Let's support the campaign together by asking our Council, Councillors and MPs to commit to delivering more of the right homes, in the right places, at the right price.
Everyone now needs to register to be able to vote. Voting gives you a say on important issues that affect you such as roads and recycling in your area, to education, housing and climate change. You may think you don’t want to vote now, but if an issue comes up in the future that you want to have your say on, you will need to be on the register to vote. If you don’t have access to the internet, or need some help registering please contact your local electoral registration staff on 020 7271 0500.
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The best way to do this is by visiting www.yestohomes.co.uk to sign a petition or to send an email to your local councillor to let them know your concerns. If you are not registered to vote, make sure you follow the steps in the article below so that you can have your say in next year’s election.
The colouring in prize from our summer magazine went to Liam O’Brien (age 9) of Harrogate.
Name Age Address Telephone Email
The lucky winner will be selected at random on 1st December 2014 and awarded a £20 retail voucher. Post your entries to: Claire Godolphin, Chevin Housing Association, Royd House, Low Mills, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 9LU
Good luck!
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The lucky winner of our summer Wordsearch Competition was Jill Fletcher of Wakefield. Thanks to everyone for entering our competitions and good luck this time!
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haunted house broomSTICK black cat bones SPIDERS spooky monster coffin BAT ghost graveyard party pumpkin witch Mummy
Three lucky winners will be selected at random on 1st December 2014 and awarded a £20 retail voucher. Please send your completed wordsearch to: Claire Godolphin, Chevin Housing Association, Royd House, Low Mills, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 9LU
