Download - Issue 05-customer_news_jun2006
On 1 June 2006 a newnumber was launchedby Stockport Homesfor all customers toreport any incidents ofanti-social behaviour.You can now telephone08456 444 309 from8am - 10pm, 7 days aweek, to report anyform of anti-socialbehaviour such as:
Certain kinds of criminal behaviourViolence or threats of violenceGraffiti and vandalismDamaging or threatening to damage another person’s possessions or propertyDomestic violence/abuseNuisance from petsand animalsNoiseDumping rubbish and misuse of communal areas
Dangerous use of fireworks and fire settingAny breaches of tenancy conditionsDisputes between neighboursHarassment which includes:
intimidationabusive or insulting words or behaviourphysical abuseacts or words which interfere with the peace of another person
When you phone thenew hotline, theoperator will take thedetails from you andthen all the informationyou provide will begiven to your DistrictHousing Office. Theywill respond to youwithin two workingdays. However, if yourcall is of a seriousnature for example ifsomeone’s life is in
danger please dial 999.Anti-social behaviourManager MichelleMackey said “We are delighted toannounce that ourcustomers can nowuse one number toreport any incidents ofanti-social behaviour.As a responsiblelandlord, StockportHomes is committed to
taking positive action,in conjunction with ourpartners, to deal withall forms of anti-socialbehaviour.”
Please note the costof phoning the Anti-social behaviournumber is only thecost of a local phonecall – approximately4p per minute.
NEWS and viewsIssue 5: Summer 2006
Get gardening!Gardening competitionlaunched
Have your say onadditional non-paymentweeks for your rent
Win a hamperof goodies
Page 23Page 12 Page 18
Anti-social behaviourhotline launched
Find out more on page 21!
NEW ASB HOTLINE: 08456 444 309
Where’s themystery location?Where’s themystery location?
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 1
I haverecentlyattended thestaffconferenceand aStockportHomesBoard meeting. The lead inspector from theAudit Commission attendedboth of these events.Following these events, noone involved in the day to dayrunning of Stockport Homesneeds reminding that thecrucial formal inspectionprocess is upon us. I am conscious of thetremendous effort staff andthe Board have put into thelead up to this time, ensuringinspectors will find thatStockport Homes is totallyfocused on achieving at leasta two star status.I am aware that tenants andresidents may see thisprocess as very remote fromthe reality of seeing reallasting improvements to theirhomes. However, from the feedbackreceived to date I am awarethey have recognised thatthere have been, and continueto be, real improvements inservice delivery and a desireto put customers first in all wedo.I am confident that we willsoon be able to celebrateachieving the two star statusto enable us to deliver all ourpromises, and to move on tobecome a three star excellentorganisation in the nearfuture.With fingers crossed!
3NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
2NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
It is now even easier to find ahome through StockportHomes’ Homechoice scheme. On 10 May Homechoicelaunched a new choice-basedlettings website atwww.stockporthomes.org/homechoiceHome hunters can search forproperties by property type,area and number of bedrooms.Individual property sheets showphotos of properties (whereavailable) and further detailssuch as the type of heating, ifthe property has Carecallfacilities or a Sheltered SchemeManager (warden).When you find a property youare interested in, you simplyenter your application referencenumber, surname and date ofbirth. It is as easy at that!The Homechoice website alsoenables you to:
register with Homechoice by completing an interactive application formview the mutual exchanges advertview lettings statisticsdownload Homechoice literature and newsletters
If you’re not sure how to find aproperty through Homechoice,see the ‘How it works’ sectionwhich provides a five stepguide to finding a home. You can let us have your viewson the website by clicking on‘What do you think about us?’and completing the on-lineform. We welcome anycomments that will help us tofurther improve the website.You can [email protected] or click on‘Contact Us’ on the website.
A new house…with a click of a mouse
www.stockporthomes.org/homechoice
Stockport Homes is workingtowards an Audit CommissionHousing Inspection on 12June 2006. This is the firstinspection of Stockport Homesas an Arm’s LengthManagement Organisation anda successful outcome iscrucial to improving yourhomes. The Audit CommissionHousing Inspectorate is anindependent body whichinspects Housing Services tomake sure that they are ofgood quality, offer value formoney and show evidence ofimproving. The Inspectors arecoming to Stockport Homes on12 June 2006 and will be herefor a period of two weeks. Theareas that they will look at are:
Access and CustomerCare/DiversityCustomer InvolvementAllocations and LettingsAnti-social behaviourCaretaking & conciergeHousing Options and HomelessnessLeaseholders and Right To BuyRepairs and MaintenanceTenancy and Estate ManagementRentsResettlement ServicesValue For MoneyOlder Person’s Services
To find out how the servicesare delivered the inspectorsmay get the information in thefollowing ways:
Contact individualcustomersAsk to come to your TenantGroup Meeting, or they mayattend a Customer ActionGroup;
12 June Board MeetingTo see how well the Boardmanages Stockport Homes.
As part of the Inspectionprocess, Stockport Homes hasalready submitted thefollowing to the Inspectors:
Self Assessment – adocument that explains thewhole of the Housing Serviceincluding its strengths andareas for improvement;Key documents – a menu ofdocuments the Inspectorshave asked for. In order to verify theinformation that has beenprovided, the inspectors will:
Talk to tenantsInterview key managers and officers;Carry out ‘Mystery Shopping’ whereby the inspectors will pose as customers of Stockport Homes and experience the quality of service theyreceive.
The inspectors will consider alltheir information, especiallyfeedback from you ourcustomers, and this will helpto inform how they will judgeus. The result will be published foreveryone to see with a ‘star’rating from zero to three starsbased on existing services. Stockport Homes mustachieve the Decent HomesStandard by 2010. To ensurethis happens, we must score aminimum of a two star rating.This will unlock the £40millionthat the Government hasallocated to us forimprovements to your homesover the next two years andan additional £60m by 2010. Asummary report of theinspection will be availableafter it has been published.
Looking forward
STAR RATING
No stars:POOR
One star:FAIR
Two stars:GOOD
Three stars:EXCELLENT
Inspection 2006Roger Phillips: Chair ofStockport Homes Board
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 2
5NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
4NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
Customers gave a vote ofconfidence to Stockport Homesat their conference on 4 April.The programme was designedto be informal, interactive andfun. Bernard Bradbury, ViceChair of the Board and Chair ofStockport Tenants’ Federation,officially welcomed everyone,and Helen McHale, ChiefExecutive, said a few wordsabout the progress made byStockport Homes so far.Customers were then asked tomark an ‘X’ on a Road toExcellence diagram to illustratewhere they think theorganisation has reached its aimto achieve at least two Stars.Then the fun started!Directors and Senior Managerstook their places at the tablesfor some Speed Dating,otherwise called ‘Meet theManagers’. Spendingapproximately 5 minutes at eachtable to introduce themselvesand outline what they do. After the coffee break,customers became the ‘decisionmakers’ by playing the ‘PrioritiesBoard Game’. It was interestingto see how the people whodidn’t know each otherpreviously all worked togetheras a team to spend animaginary £100,000 on a rangeof ‘priority services’. Each ‘team’was also asked to choose aname. Assisted, but notinfluenced, by the managers,they moved the money aroundthe board for half an hour beforefinally deciding where it shouldgo. Ironically, only the Director ofFinance used a calculator tomake sure that his team’s board
added up to £100,000! With 12teams in the game, there was atotal of £1.2m in the collectivepot.The conference decided that‘Improvements to Homes’ wasthe top priority allocating thesum of £330,000.‘Environmental Improvements’came second on £150k and‘Security Cameras/Concierge’third on £140k, closely followedby ‘Estate Appearance’ on£135k and Nuisance & AntiSocial Behaviour on £130k. ‘Activities for Young People’,‘Community & Youth Facilities’and an ‘Increase in Front LineStaff’ got little support with £85k,£75k and £60k respectively.Other suggestions included‘Security’ (£15k), ‘Good QualityAerial Systems’ (£10k),‘Replacement Windows’ (£10k),‘New Lifts and CommunalServices in two different areas(£15k total), ‘CommunityInvolvement’ (£5k) and ‘Trainingfor Staff to Feedback More toCustomers’ £5k.The conference was the firstevent of Stockport Homes’promotional week and it wasfitting that the new website wentlive at 12.30 p.m. with a livedemonstration for theconference. For those who haveaccess to the internet and email,the web site offers a number ofnew opportunities for customersto be involved, report repairs,and keep in touch with what’shappening in the organisation.Visit www.stockporthomes.orgfor more information.Lunch was followed byconsultation about a new
Customer Awards scheme. TheCouncil, with the StockportExpress, has launched its GoodNeighbour scheme butStockport Homes wants to focuson the contribution made byindividuals and residents’ groupsin improving their estates. Thecategories that gained the mostsupport were as follows:
Individual customers nominated by officers for high levels of involvementIndividual customers nominated by officers for mentoring or support givento othersTenants & Residents’Groups nominated by officers for involvement inimproving their estate/ neighbourhood
The type of reward favouredwas a gift voucher to a value of£50 for each category.These ideas will be taken to theCustomer InvolvementCustomer Action Group (CAG)for discussion.
The managers then gave somefeedback about the key pointsand messages gained from theday.Throughout the day, customersalso completed Compliments,Comments and Complaintsforms. If you had a question ora complaint, and you gave yourcontact details, you shouldhave had a response. If youhaven’t, please contact your
District Housing Office.
The road to improvement – Customer Conference 2006
turning the corner
Everyone who attended was given a raffleticket and the the lucky winner took home aluxury hamper. Customers were then asked torepeat the morning exercise of marking an ‘X’on the Road to Excellence. The differenceshowed that, after four hours of interaction withthe managers, their opinion of the organisationwas improved. From a majority 1 Star rating inthe morning, the majority changed to 2 Stars,and a few even rated it as 3 Stars. David
Kirwan then closed the conference. Evaluationforms were completed and the majority ofpeople said that they would attend anotherconference, with most wanting it to be anannual event.Helen McHale had been asked to choose thebest team name (from the Priorities BoardGame) and the winner was ‘Action’ because “itbest describes the message to come out ofthis conference, i.e. it’s not just a talking shop”.
The road to improvement, part 2!
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 4
7NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
6NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
The Resettlement Serviceprovides support to help peopleset up home, and settle into theirlocal community. The staffprovide support to ensurecustomers successfully maintaintheir tenancies. They work with:care leavers, teenage parents,young people, refugees, peoplefleeing domestic violence, ex-offenders, single homeless,homeless families, new tenants,people with learning difficulties,mental health issues, and peoplewith alcohol and drug issues.Since the Resettlement Servicewas set up in October 2002, theTeam has expanded severaltimes over!The Resettlement Team wasinitially set up with just fourOfficers but following hugedemand for the service thisincreased to 10 Officers. TheService expanded again whenthe Asylum Seeker Teambecame part of the ResettlementService in January 2005. The
Service has developed furtherfollowing the transfer of theTenancy Support Team on 3April 2006. Anne-Marie Gogarty,Resettlement Service Managersaid: “I am delighted that theTenancy Support Team hasbecome part of the ResettlementService. The officers within theteam are all committed to the
common aim of providing highquality support services tovulnerable households within theBorough. The amalgamation ofthe different teams will enable usto further develop and improvethe services we offer and enableofficers to work closely togethersharing knowledge and goodpractice to the benefit of ourservice-users.”
70 referrals for the Resettlement Service were received
2151 hours of direct support were provided to 116 households
At the end of the March:
76 still receive the service
18 completed a package of support and are successfully resettled
19 remain in their properties but have decided not to continue using the service
1 was moved into hospital or care
1 was evicted
1 person had the service withdrawn
The Resettlement Service has recently hostedthree discussion groups. The first group was inNovember 2005 followed by groups inFebruary and April 2006.Customers past and present were invited tothe Groups which are facilitated by membersof the Resettlement team and the CustomerInvolvement Officer. A variety of topicssurrounding Resettlement and the Serviceexperienced by the customers werediscussed. The groups were informal gatherings of oldand new customers and focused specificallyon what we can do to improve the service weoffer to our customers. Refreshments flowedfreely and a number of prize draws as a ‘thank
you’ for attendance were held. The groupshave been enjoyable and successful for thoseattending. However we want to get morecustomers attending and sharing their viewswith us.The next group will take place in July. Pleasecontact the Resettlement Team on 474 3772 ifyou would like to attend the next group.
Did youknow?
Resettlement Teamstatistics
January - March 2006
Resettlement service expands (again)!
A picture of the Resettlement Team
Problems at homeFamily breakdown is one of themajor causes of homelessnessfor young people and is alsoone of the most painful. InStockport many young peoplehave a genuine problem infinding appropriateaccommodation. Suchpressures can lead tofrustration and disputes withintheir current home. Argumentswithin the family can result inthe young person eitherrunning away or being ejectedfrom their home. An unplannedand unsupported move is oftentraumatic and costly.
Stockport MediationSchemeThe Stockport MediationScheme is designed to helpresolve problems by workingwith young people and theirfamily members involved in adispute or breakdown inrelationship.Successful interventions mayjust mean a phone call or letterto a parent where harsh wordshave been exchanged resultingin a misunderstanding. Or it may involve longer-termwork providing time and spacefor the young person or parentto explore family relationshipissues.
Returning HomeThe Stockport MediationScheme started in June 2004.Since then 344 people havebeen referred for mediationwith a total of 215 returninghome. From April 2005 to April2006 the Mediation Workerworked with 216 young people,returning 130 of them to theirfamily home, working withthose who were unable toreturn home and their familiesto find suitable alternatives.Stockport Mediation Schemehas a success rate of 63% ofall referrals being successfullyreturned to their family home.
Getting helpIf you are experiencingproblems at home then theStockport Mediation Schememay be able to help.Drop in at the HousingInformation Centre to speak toa Mediation Worker, Tuesday2pm-4.30pm; Wednesday 2pm-4.30pm; Friday 10am-12noon.We can also arrange for aMediation Worker to meet youat your accommodation, at anoutside agency, such asConnexions or any othervenue.
For more information pleasecontact the Resettlement Teamon 0161 474 3772 or [email protected]
Have you been askedto leave home?
rreesseettttlleemmeenntt insight
New members wanted...
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 6
9NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
8NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
The Resettlement Serviceprovide housing relatedsupport to a wide variety ofvulnerable households to helpthem set up home, settle intotheir property and sustain theirtenancy on a long-term basis.Below is a Case Study of aservice-user that the Teamhave recently worked with.Mike* was referred to theResettlement Service by theHousing Options Team at thetime of his homeless interview.He had complex issuesincluding mental healthproblems and had lived anunsettled way of life for manyyears.He was placed in temporaryaccommodation for single menpending an offer of property inStockport. The ResettlementService became involved withMike via regular surgeries,Mike found these valuable inassuring him he would not beleft without support when anoffer of property was made.On taking up a new tenancy inStockport, Mike was signed upfor 3 hours Resettlementsupport per week. ACommunity Care Grant wasobtained to enable him tofurnish his home. Gas, electricand water accounts were setup and payment schemesagreed. With support from hisResettlement Officer, otheragencies were approachedtogether with Mike to help himtowards independence. Acommunity psychiatric nurse
(CPN) was put in place tooffer consistent help withmental health issues, debtissues were tackled viaarrangements made withcreditors and Working Linkswas approached to helpenable reintegration into work.Voluntary bodies were alsocontacted with the aim ofsecuring voluntary work andMike joined a CommunityGroup. He also found he wasable to confront his drugproblem and accessed supportwith this by mixing withdifferent groups of people andstaying away from groups whoused illegal substances. Although Mike had a spell inhospital due to a decline in his
mental health at the start ofhis tenancy, with the help ofall other agencies involved, hehas since remained out ofhospital. He remains incontact with his CPN and wasalso referred to a professionalcounselling service by hisResettlement Officer. Mike’s flat is clean, tidy andhomely and he is enjoyingliving there. He now feelssettled and is coping with hisfinances for the first time in hislife. He has also attended andcontributed to a number ofStockport Homes Consultationactivities.
*not real name
Resettlement case study
rreesseettttlleemmeenntt insight
The Resettlement Teamhas recently beenreviewed by its funders,Supporting People.During the ServiceReview, officers from theSupporting People teamassessed the serviceprovided in terms of thequality of the servicebeing provided. Theyalso considered whetherthe service is relevantand is Value for Money.The quality of the serviceis assessed in 6 keyareas, namely
Needs and Risk AssessmentsSupport PlanningSecurity, Health & SafetyProtection from AbuseFair Access, Diversity and InclusionComplaints
The assessment iscompleted in a variety ofways includingassessing policies andprocedures, examiningdocuments and casefiles, speaking to staffabout their roles andmost importantly talkingto people who use theservice. Robin Flynn, the ServiceReview Officer from theSupporting People teamcommented that, “…..theService has beenvalidated at a level B,and as such the serviceoperates at a very high
standard indeed. Policies and proceduresare clear and welldesigned, and all staffconsulted possessed athorough workingknowledge.We found the staff to behighly trained and veryknowledgeable abouttheir work as well asbeing very clear abouttheir role and theboundaries within whichthey operate. Most importantlycustomer satisfactionwas found to be veryhigh, with all ServiceUsers interviewed veryhappy with the supportthat they receive.”Anne-Marie Gogarty,Resettlement ServiceManager commented “Iam extremely pleasedthat the team hasachieved a grade Bunder the QualityAssessment Frameworkwhich demonstrates thecommitment andenthusiasm of staff andtheir continued efforts todevelop and improve theservice we offer. Theopinions of service-userson the service weprovide is of utmostimportance to us and thewhole team are delightedto receive confirmationthat service-users thinkwe are doing a good joband that they are happywith the service that isprovided.”
The ResettlementTeam Service Review Anti-social behaviour forum
Stockport Homes’ first ASB Forum was heldon Wednesday 26 April. The Forum is anon-case specific forum concentrating onthe general issue of Anti-Social Behaviourand ensuring all resources available arebeing used effectively. The Forum includescustomers, Stockport Homes’ staff and ourpartner agencies. It is essential that Stockport Homes’ policyand procedures on ASB remain relevant notonly to our customers, but to the widercommunity. Therefore, a key objective of theForum is to regularly review, monitor andchallenge our policies and procedures toensure that this is achieved. If you are interested in issues of ASB andwould like to be part of the Forum, pleasecontact the ASB Team on 0161 476 2467 oremail [email protected]
Best Value ReviewStockport Homes would like to thank all ofour customers who contributed to the BestValue Review of the Anti Social Behaviourservice through the completion of the ASBquestionnaires, and attendance at hot topicand Customer Action Group (CAG)meetings. Your comments and suggestionshave been greatly appreciated and thefollowing actions have been implemented asa direct result of the feedback we receivedfrom you:
One phone number for reporting ASB across the Borough from 8am - 10pm, 7 days a weekNamed contacts and direct telephone numbers whilst working with you on your caseRegular contact with witnesses and victimsDevelopment of a witness support packageAn increase in publicity of the work theASB team is doing
If you have any further concerns or queriesabout the Review, or would like additionalfeedback, please contact the ASB Assistant,Natalie McNulty, on 0161 476 2467 [email protected]
AASSBBnews
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 8
11NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
10NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
During May you will havereceived a new customerhandbook from StockportHomes. This is a folder whichhas a range of informationabout the services we provide.This includes contact details forother organisations, advice onhow we can help with anti-social behaviour, supporting youin your home, rent, how to getinvolved and many more things.The folders have been handdelivered by Stockport Homesstaff and left outside your frontdoor. If you have a residentcaretaker, you will havereceived a letter asking you tocollect your copy from your
caretaker. If you live in asheltered housing scheme, yourSheltered Scheme Manager(warden) will have brought youa copy.Even if you do not need theinformation now, it is a goodidea to keep it in a safe place incase you need a phone numberor some information in future. The handbook has been writtenin plain language to make iteasy to understand. If you need the information inanother format, for example inlarge print, on an audiotape orin another language, thenplease let us know bycontacting us:
In person: visit your DistrictHousing Office or the HousingInformation Centre in Stockporttown centre.By telephone: telephone yourDistrict Housing Office or theService Improvement Team on0161 474 2860By letter: write to: ServiceImprovement Team, 1st Floor,St Peters Square, StockportSK1 1NZBy email to:[email protected] text message to:07891 949 399Through the StockportInterpreter Unit on 0161 4779000
Introducing the new Stockport Homes Customer Handbook...
Customer Handbook: Gardens
Customer Handbook: Jargon buster
Customer Handbook: Housing Options
Customer Handbook: Older persons
Customer Handbook: Repairs
Customer Handbook: Your tenancy
Customer Handbook: Anti-Social Behaviour
It’s here!customer handbook
...you were not always ableto remember all the advicegiven to you at homelessinterviews...
…contractors do not alwayskeep appointments…
…repairs need to be donequickly where a tenant is inhospital waiting to returnhome…
…caretaking services donot always reach thestandards you expect…
…work done to your heatingdoes not always meet yourneeds…
Now, written advice is nowgiven after homelessinterviews.
All repairs contractors nowhave electronic diaries ormobiles and contactcustomers the day beforegoing to their property.
In cases where a customer isin hospital or care, urgentrepairs are classed as'emergency' to ensure thecustomer can return home assoon as possible.
Monthly estate inspectionsnow take place to ensureservice quality is measured.
Dodds (the heating contractor)now have a liaison officer towork with customers.
We also promised to let you know what we have done toimprove our services as a result of your comments.
You said We did
As you can see, we do take your feedback seriously!
We have already had some feedback from customers about the new handbook. Here are twocomments we recently received:
“The customer handbook is the most completepublication ever received.”
“The handbook is a great idea as you now haveall the important numbers if there’s a problem.”
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13NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
Stockport Homes areorganising a gardencompetition this year.If you are a tenant, leaseholderor household member ofStockport Homes then you areeligible to take part.There are a number of differentcategories to ensure everyone
can get involved. Thecategories include:
best gardenbest communal garden (a shared garden between a number of tenants/ leaseholders)best container (so if you only have a balcony or small garden you can still take part)most improved garden (to encourage new gardenersto have a go)a children’s award (open to children aged twelve
and under). This could be a sunflower or unusual container and it must be the child’s own work.
You can enter on your ownbehalf or nominate someonewho you think deserves somerecognition for their work. Prizes for all categories will beawarded in garden centrevouchers. There will be first, second andthird prizes for all categories ineach of the three Districts andthe overall winners will beautomatically entered for thebest overall winner. The closing date for entries is30 June. So if you areinterested in taking part pleasecomplete the enclosed form
and return it to yourDistrict Housing Office.District judging willtake place in July andwe are also looking forcustomers to help withthis so if you’d like tobe part of the judging
team pleasemake a note ofthis on theenclosed entry
form and returnto your District
Team. We are also asking
customers to nominate acontractor if they feel they
have put some specialeffort into an estate or area.
We won’t be giving prizevouchers to the contractor butwill be showing our customers’appreciation by awardingcertificates.
Get gardening!Stockport Homes gardening competition 2006
www.stockporthomes.orgNEWS and views: Summer 200612
Building materials containingasbestos were widely usedfrom 1930 to around 1980. Any flats or houses built orrefurbished during this timemay contain asbestos material.
Where is asbestos found?Some common locations arelisted below but there may beothers in your home—if youare in doubt, leave well aloneand seek advice fromStockport Homes.
Asbestos cement on garage or shed roofsShed and garage wall panelsArtex ceilingsFloor tilesBath panelsInsulating boards
What should I do if Isuspect there is asbestosin my home?Leave asbestos alone; it’susually safe unless it’sdamaged or disturbed.
Do not attempt to removeasbestos from your homeDo not sand, drill or saw asbestos materialsSeek advice from Stockport Homes
Asbestos surveyIn certain cases, an asbestossurvey will need to be done inyour home to check if asbestosis present—particularly wheresome form of destructive workis due to be carried out.We may also undertake a
survey if we are carrying out aday-to-day repair which mayinvolve disturbing someasbestos based material.
If asbestos is foundthe options available to usare:
Leave alone (where asbestos material is in good condition and not disturbed)Remove itEnclose itSeal it
We will advise contractors onthe possible locations ofasbestos (where known)before starting work in yourhome.
Do’s and don’tsDON’T panic if you think you have asbestos in your home - it is usually only a problem if it’s disturbed.DO treat asbestos with respectDON’T disturb materials that you think may contain asbestosDO contact us if you thinkyou have a problem with asbestos in your home
If you have any queries aboutasbestos, please contact theRepairs’ Contact Centre, Tel:0845 6444 304. Furtherinformation is also availablefrom the Health and SafetyExecutive on the followingwebsite: www.hse.gov.uk
rreeppaaiirrss news
GAS SERVICINGPlease make sure you
provide access
Over the past year, out ofa total of over 8,872properties with gasappliances we havemanaged to service all but89 properties. To conformto legal requirements wenow need to access theseremaining properties.Letters have now beensent from our LegalDepartment to the 89properties.If you receive one ofthese letters pleasecomply with theinstructions and make anappointment for a service.The first rounds ofservicing for 2006/07 havenow started. All propertieswith gas appliances willbe receiving letters fromthe Dodd Group askingtenants to makeappointments. Pleasemake an appointment assoon as you can toensure your gasappliances are servicedon time.
Asbestos: Questions and answers NOTICE
Did you know? Calling the
repairs hotline is a low-cost call!
Tel: 0845 644 4304
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 12
15NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
14NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
We would like to improve theCaretaking Service we provideto customers.We have recently completed aBest Value Review of theCaretaking Service. This is aprocess where we havecompared ourselves with otherorganisations to see if we canlearn from best practiceelsewhere. We also consultedwith customers to get theirviews on the service, andchallenged how the servicecould be delivered differently.Finally, we considered whatservices could be delivered in amore cost effective manner bysubjecting them to competition.Stockport Homes currentlyoffers two types of Caretaking
Service. Firstly a clearlydefined Caretaking Service toblocks of flats and secondly anarea based mobile serviceproviding general caretakingduties across estates.Caretakers duties include:-
CleaningFloor MoppingLitter PickingRubbish and Graffiti removal
In October and November2005, questionnaires were sentout to all customers who benefitfrom the Caretaking Service.The results from the surveywere as follows:-
Caretaking Service to individualblocks of flats:
52% of respondents were aware of the standards fortheir block 63% of respondents felt the caretaker achieves good or very good standards. A further 11% felt standards were acceptableOnly 35% of respondents wanted the caretaker to perform any additional duties.
The majority of respondentsfelt the existing service chargefor the service to be aboutright.
Consultation results wereanalysed on a block by blockbasis. Individual requests forimprovements to existingservices in and around blocks,for example, improved lightingin lifts or to the exterior ofblocks, have been passed tothe District Housing Teams forindividual action.
Area Based Mobile CaretakingServiceRespondents were unclear onthe role of the area caretaker.Many felt that the cleaner orgrounds maintenanceoperative was in fact thecaretaker.
Extending the ExistingCaretaking Service In the March newsletter weasked customers who did notreceive this service but wouldlike to in the future to let usknow. As only three customersresponded this suggests thatcustomers are happy with theextent of the existing service.
How will we improve the serviceas a result of the review?A dedicated Manager for theCaretaking Service will beappointed with theresponsibility of ensuring thatexisting staff are well trainedand have the right equipmentand cleaning materials to do
the job. The cleaning part ofthe service which is currentlyundertaken by Stockport DirectServices will be subject tocompetition with a newcontract in place from April2007.The mobile area caretakingservice will be broughttogether to provide a moreeffective service to operateacross housing estatesfocussing on improving ourresponse to fly tipping andgraffiti removal.
Caretaking Service Standardswill be more widely advertised– please see below for moreinformation.
Entrance Foyerand Ground FloorCorridor
Lifts
Corridors
Swept and MoppedVacuumedGlass DoorsInspected andCleaned if NecessaryDoor Entry ButtonsInspected andCleaned if Necessary
Swept and MoppedWalls CleanedLift Buttons Inspectedand Cleaned ifNecessary
Walked Twice Dailyand Inspected as perCleaning Schedule
Do you benefit from the Caretaking Service?
Multi-storey Blocks Service Standards Multi-storey Blocks Service Standards
DAILY
LOCATION TASK
Stairs AndLandings
Bin Rooms
DesignatedExternalCommunal Areas,for example theFront & Rear ofthe block andgarage sites
Walked Twice Dailyand Inspected as perCleaning Schedule
Paladins exchangedwhen fullRoom Swept andMopped
Remove all litter andany Bulky Rubbish
DAILY
LOCATION TASK
Corridors
Chute Rooms
Corridors
Stairs andlandings
Swept and Buffed
Swept twice
MoppedInternal glazingcleaned
Swept and Mopped
TWICE WEEKLY
LOCATION TASK
WEEKLY
LOCATION TASK
Windows/doorhandles in lightuse areas
Emergency exitdoors
Whole block
Cleaned
Checked for ProperOperation
Security/safetyinspection conductedwith a line manageras per monitoringSheet
MONTHLY
LOCATION TASK
contd.
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17NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
16NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
Handrails andlights
Corridor Walls
All floors
Internal andexternalcommunal areas
Internalcommunal areas
Cleaned
Washed Down
Stripped and re-covered
Removal of bulkyrubbish and litter.Identify repairs andreport to contactcentre as required
Dry areas to beSwept and mopped(including stairs andcorridors)Carpeted areas to bevacuumedFull inspection tointernal walls andwash as required
EVERY TWO MONTHS
LOCATION TASK
EVERY SIX MONTHS
LOCATION TASK
EVERY SIX MONTHS
LOCATION TASK
EVERY TWO WEEKS
LOCATION TASK
Low rise blocks cleanedby Area Caretakers
Binstores/cupboards
External areas
Graffiti
Vomit/excrement/urine etc
Inspection of binstores/cupboards andclean as required
External areas
Offensive and/orRacist Graffiti will beremoved within 24hours all other Graffitiwill be removed assoon as possible.
Cleared immediatelyfollowing report beingreceived
EVERY TWO WEEKS
LOCATION TASK
LOCATION TASK
Multi-storey Blocks Service Standards
Tell us what youthink about ourConcierge Service!
One of Stockport Homes’ keyobjectives is to achieve moreextensive customerinvolvement.. By consultationwe mean involving customersin looking at ideas so that theycan share their opinions withus.We have produced a plan thatdetails the consultationexercises we will be carryingout with customers over thenext year. We carry outconsultation on a number ofdifferent issues and in variousways. By looking at the plan you willbe able to see if there isanything that may interest you.The plan can be accessed onthe Stockport Homes websiteat www.stockporthomes.org(then click on customerinvolvement) or you canrequest a copy by contactingSamantha Lloyd, CustomerContact Manager, on 0161 4742861
Customer Training EventsDo you want to learn a newskill? Maybe you would justlike a little more information. Ifso, come along to one of ourFREE informal trainingsessions running throughoutthe year. We are holding sessions on awide range of topics to suit alltastes.
Some of the training sessionswe offer are:
Secretary Duties/Minute TakingProducing Community NewslettersOrganising Activities for Young PeoplePresentation SkillsEqual Opportunities, Disability & Cultural Awareness
In addition to these we arealso running InformationSessions once a month on avariety of issues. InformationSessions planned are:
Estate Improvement BudgetAnti-Social BehaviourAge Restricted PropertiesAllocations & Homeless PolicySupporting People Investment Programme &Procurement
All of these sessions are freeand are open to all StockportHomes customers. If you wish to find out moreinformation about any of thecourses we are holding, or tobook your place pleasecontact Julie Nelson on 0161474 2862 or [email protected]
Your views are important!
Getting it right...This is just a small sample of some recentcompliments that we have received, pleasekeep telling us what you think about ourservices.
A Concierge Team member was praisedabout the way they handled a sensitivesituation passed on.
A customer was very pleased with the workdone to a property. The work was donecourteously and the flat was left very clean.
One tenant has been re-housed, he wasextremely grateful and pleased with the servicethat he received.
Thank you for your feedback!
East DistrictWhen: Thursday 20 July 2006, 3.30pm and 6.30pmWhere: Hazel GroveCivic HallContact:BrianBillingham, telephone:0161 474 4212
West DistrictWhen: Tuesday 18 July 6pm – 8pmWhere: Pavilion Suite 1,Stockport CountyContact:Jane Clayton,telephone:0161 474 4224
CentralDistrictWhen: Thursday 27July at 3.30pm and6.30pmWhere: The HatworksContact: Peter Egerton,telephone:0161 474 2968
FORUMMEETING
DATES
Our customers oftentell us that feeling safeand secure in theirhome is somethingthey feel is veryimportant. The ConciergeService currentlycontributes tomaintaining safety andsecurity for over 1500Stockport Homes’customers. If youhave any ideas how
we can improve anddevelop the servicewe would welcomeyour suggestions. If you have received aquestionnaire pleasefill it in and send itback to us - You couldwin £50!You can also contactus by telephone0161 474 2852 or bytext message on07891 949399.
All blocks cleaned byCaretakers
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19NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
18NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
Your annual rent is paid over50 weeks meaning youcurrently get two non-paymentweeks which are over theChristmas or the New Yearperiod. Stockport Homes isconsidering introducing furthernon-payment weeks and wewould appreciate your views.As rents for the currentfinancial year have alreadybeen fixed, any changes, ifsupported by customers, willnot be effective until the2007/2008 financial year.Non-payment weeks are notfree-weeks. Any increase inthe numbers of non-paymentweeks would have to befinanced by increasing theremaining payable weeks inthat financial year.Using a gross rent of £50, the
following calculations give youan idea what this would meanto you:
Introducing one additional non-payment week:Old weekly rent £50 X 50 =£2,500 divided by 49 = Newweekly rent £51.02
Introducing two additional non-payment weeks:Old weekly rent £50 X 50 =£2,500 divided by 48 = Newweekly rent £52.08Non-payment weeks allowcustomers who have rentarrears an opportunity toreduce their debt withouthaving to find extra money onthe weeks that they occur. Itwould allow you, (providingyou are not in arrears) to have
additional payment breaks. Bylocating additional non-payment weeks at the end ofthe financial year (March) thiswould allow Stockport Homesto deal with year-end issuese.g. amend Direct Debits/Standing Orders moreefficiently.Customers who currently paytheir rent calendar monthly,would not experience anydifference in the way that they pay – they would still pay their annual rent in 12monthly installments.Customers who receiveHousing Benefit would havethat benefit adjustedaccordingly to reflect thereduction in payable weeks.Let us know what you think inthe form below.
enter our free
Stockport Homes holds a quarterly prize draw for allcustomers who ensure that their rent account is clear.
There are three prizes for each district - £250,£100 and £50. All tenants who have a clear rentaccount on the due date are eligible.
Congratulations to the April 2006 winners who are:
CentralMrs S. McDonald Offerton £250Mr S. Cole Offerton £100Mr G. Seaton Heaton Norris £50
EastMrs E. Adie Brinnington £250Mr R. Tebay Hazel Grove £100Mr A. Barber Brinnington £50
WestMr M. Kelly Cheadle £250Mrs G. Wardle Cheadle Hulme £100 Mr G. Stanley Brinksway £50
The next prize draws will take place on the following dates:
Wednesday 5 July 2006Wednesday 4 October 2006Wednesday 3 January 2007
Make sure that your rent account is up-to-date and you couldbe one of our next lucky winners!
ffiinnaannccee news
Following consultation withcustomers and a recent BestValue Service Review of theIncome Management Service(Rents), a demand exists forthe Service to be available onSaturday mornings. This would be especiallywelcomed by our customerswho work full-time and find itdifficult to contact the teamduring the week. Because we want to provideservices in accordance withyour needs we are pleased toannounce that the CustomerFinance Team can now becontacted by telephone from9am to 12pm every Saturdaymorning on the followingtelephone numbers:
East area: Telephone (0161) 474 2677Brinnington, Marple, High Lane,Romiley, Hazel Grove,Compstall, Woodley andBredburyWest area: Telephone (0161) 474 2668Adswood, Cheadle Hulme,Shaw Heath, Davenport,Bramhall, Cheadle Heath,Cheadle, Gatley and HealdGreen.Central area: Telephone(0161) 474 2676Reddish, Heatons, LancashireHill, Offerton, Town Hall Flats,Hillgate and Spring Gardens.You can ring us to:
discuss your rent/arrears, payment methods including Direct Debit make debit or credit card payments.
Open onSaturdaysAdditional non-payment weeks
- have your say!
Please complete the following coupon andpost it back to us using the reply paidenvelope enclosed with this newsletter.
Name:Address:
Postcode:
I/we support the introduction of additionalnon-payment weeks. YES/NO* *(Delete as applicable and proceed to nextquestions ONLY if you answer ‘Yes’ to thisquestion)
I/we support the introduction of ONE/TWO*additional non payment weeks *(Delete asapplicable)
I would prefer for the additional non-payment week to be: AT THE END OF THEFINANCIAL YEAR/ OTHER**(Delete as applicable and state when if youanswer ‘other’)
Let us know what you think...
#
#
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 18
21NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
20NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
Emergency Housing
Emergency Repairs
Social Services - Out of Hours Service
Out of Hours Contact Numbers
Serviço de Emergência para Moradia
Reparos de Emergência
Serviço Social – Serviços Fora dos Horários Normais
0161 477 2626
0845 644 4304
0161 718 2118
Open all hoursWhere’s the mystery location?
We can now reveal wherethe location of last Newsand View’s mystery locationwas... It is the illuminatedsigns above the entrance toour very own Sunwindepartment store in theMersey way!
Congratulations to DianeBillington for spotting it andfor being our lucky winnerthis time! Not won this time? Well,why not have a go with thisissue’s puzzler?Good luck!
Here is this issue’s mystery locationcompetition. For you chance to win £100 inhigh street vouchers tell us where the mysterylocation is. All we ask is that you are asspecific as possible. We want to know buildingnames, street names or the exact location! Allcorrect entries received will be entered into aprize draw to win the vouchers. Deadline for
receiving entries is 31 August 2006. Thewinner will be announced in the nextnewsletter.Please email your entry [email protected] or post to:Photo Competition, Stockport Homes, 1 StPeter’s Square, Stockport, SK1 1NZ. Good luck!
During March a pilot mysteryshopping exercise was carriedout by Stockport Homes’customers. They either visitedor telephoned the HousingOffices at Adswood,Brinnington, Cheadle Heathand Reddish. They were givena range of 13 scenarios. Theexercise was designed mainlyto test customer care standardsand, in the main, they scoredExcellent or Good ratings.Our mystery shoppers agreedthey couldn’t fault the attitudeof staff and their helpfulness,both face to face and over thetelephone. Customer ServiceOfficers were able to deal withthe enquiries without having to
refer to a Housing Officer. The speed in which they dealtwith personal visits to the officewas sometimes too quick asour mystery shopperssometimes had difficulty inlooking around the receptionareas for information on theirchecklists. Telephone enquiries weresometimes more difficult toundertake without revealingtheir identities as they wereasked to give their names andaddresses more often than theyexpected. When you’re trying to act out ascenario, even on the phone,and you need to remainanonymous, the protocols for
logging information may seemover zealous, however thisinformation is needed byStockport Homes to ensure thecorrect advice can be given. Personal visits to the officestested the advertised openingtimes of the offices but sometelephone calls were made outof office hours to test themessages on the answeringmachines. This part of the exercisehighlighted someinconsistencies in thestandards of the messages.This has been rectified as aresult of this exercise.Both our mystery shoppersenjoyed taking part in thisexercise but wish to remainanonymous so that they cantake part in a future exercises!
Mystery shopping
REVEALED!
Out of office hours contact information for a range of services are listed below.
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 20
23NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
22www.stockporthomes.org
Stockport Homes isnot just committed toproviding decenthomes but also toimprove theneighbourhoods whereour customers live. Notall neighbourhoods arethe same, but manyneighbourhoods havecommon needs andissues, such asfeatures to enhancesafety and security(improved lighting orblocking rat runs). Thecreation of more offroad parking, dealingwith derelict garagesites and un-usedopen spaces. To help us improveyour localneighbourhoods eachyear £400,000 is madeavailable between thethree District Teams todeliver projects. Theseprojects can help toimprove theappearance of anestate or communalbuilding, where theremay be issues relatingto safety or security, orto address a localproblem or issue thatimproves the quality ofcustomer’s life in theneighbourhood. Allcustomers areencouraged to putforward projects, bycompleting a form withthe help of their districthousing team and
tenant involvementofficers. All the projectsare then taken to eachof the district forumsfor customers to agreewhich projects shouldhappen in their area. During last yearcustomers identified avariety of projectsacross each of thedistricts. These includedimprovements to:communal gardens,patios, front gardens,lighting, gates, carparking and internalcommunal works. As part of ourapplication to theOffice of the DeputyPrime Minister forfunding, we haveasked for additionalmoney to carry outmore projects to helpimprove your area. Upto £5.4 million will bemade available forprojects up to 2010, ifour inspection by theAudit Commission inJune is successful. You have alreadyhelped us identifywhich projects shouldtake place at theCustomer Conferencein April, through theDistrict Forums andour Estate Walkabouts.However we want allcustomers to have theopportunity tocomment.
Sustainable estates –have your say!
BEFORE
IMPROVED COMMUNAL AREAS
IMPROVED SEATING AND FENCING
AFTER
NEWS and views: Summer 2006
Win a hamper of sustainable goodies!To help us can you please put a tick against the projects you would like to see takepriority. If there are any other projects you want to be included please add to the list.
GatesFencingFacilities for children and young peopleCommunity FacilitiesPlay areas and open spacesEstate appearanceCar parkingGardensGaragesYour choice of project
The area you live in
If would like to be entered into the free prize draw to win a hamper of goodies please completethe personal information below:
Name: Telephone Number:Address:
Postcode:
Please complete this form and post it back to us using the freepost envelope included in thisnewsletter. If you require any further information please contact Jo Cole on 0161 474 2918 oremail [email protected]
The winner of the prize draw will be announced in the next newsletter.All entries must be received by 31 August 2006. #
#
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 22
25NEWS and views: Summer 2006
24NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org www.stockporthomes.org
Customer Action GroupsDiversityWednesday June 14th
2-4pm, Stockport Town Hall, Meeting Room 6
Wednesday July 26th
2-4pm, Stockport Town Hall, Committee Room 2
Wednesday August 30th
2-4pm, Stockport Town Hall, Meeting Room 5
Wednesday September 27th
2-4pm, Stockport Town Hall, Meeting Room 6
Sheltered HousingWednesday July 12th
2-4pm, Pavilion Suite 1, Stockport County
Tuesday September 26th
2-4pm, Pavilion Suite 2, Stockport County
Stock Investment and RepairsTuesday June 20th
6-8pm, Pavilion Suite 1, Stockport County
Tuesday July 25th
6-8pm, Committee room 2, Town HallTuesday August 22nd 6-8pm, Meeting room 5, Town Hall
Tuesday September 26th
6-8pm, Meeting room 6, Town Hall
Income ManagementWednesday July 26th
6 – 8pm Conference room, Hatworks
Customer InvolvementWednesday June 21st
6-8pm, Committee room 2, Town Hall
Wednesday August 2nd
6-8pm, Committee room 2, Town Hall
Wednesday September 6th
6-8pm, Committee room 2, Town Hall
Tenancy & Estate ManagementThursday August 3rd
2-4pm, Conference room, Hatworks
Thursday September 28th
6-8pm, Community Room, Hatworks
Allocations & HomelessnessWednesday July 19th
2-4pm, Conference room, Hatworks
Leaseholders
Thursday August 10th
6.30-8.30pm, Meeting room 5, Town Hall
Thursday September 21st
6.30-8.30pm, Community room, Hatworks
eessttaattee walkabouts
Tamworth Green,Stockport
Rectory Green Churchgate
Victoria Park,Offerton
Offerton Estate – my roads only
Heaton Chapel
Reddish
Mottram Street
Shawcross Street
Covent Garden
Poets Corner
Harrogate Roadarea
Somers Road area
Poets Corner
Harrogate Roadarea
Somers Roadarea
Corporation Street
Lancashire Hill
LancashireHill
Tamworth Green, front of block 1
Outside 20 Rectory Green
Outside Beaver House entrance
Parish Council Office, OffertonEstate
Marbury Road Shops
Abingdon Primary School
Mottram Street
Shawcross Street
Covent Garden
Junction of Farley Way & LongfordRoad West
Priory Court
Junction of Somers Road &Lindfield Road
Junction of Farley Way & LongfordRoad West
Priory Court
Junction of Somers Road &Lindfield Road
1 Calbot Place
Lancashire Hill Housing office atStonemill Terrace
LancashireHill Housing officeStonemill Terrace
10.30am, 11 July
10.30am, 8 August
10.30am, 5 September
10.30am, 19 September
10.00am, 4 July
10.00am, 11 July
10.00am, 18 July
10.00am, 15 August
10.00am, 12 September
10.00am, 5 July
10.00am, 12 July
10.00am, 19 July
10.00am, 6 September
10.00am, 13 September
10.00am, 20 September
2.00pm, 15 August
10.00am, 11 August
10.00am, 8 September
Jackie Heapy
Jackie Heapy
Jackie Heapy
Jackie Heapy
Ian Creveul
Ian Creveul
Val Percy
Val Percy
Val Percy
Eileen Lloyd
Eileen Lloyd
Eileen Lloyd
Eileen Lloyd
Eileen Lloyd
Eileen Lloyd
Marion Rigby
Ken Higgins
Ken Higgins
July - September 2006. Central District Housing: 0161 474 4373
Estate Meeting Place Time and Date Snr HousingOfficer
CCeennttrraall
If you have difficulty getting toour offices or to meetings, wecan visit you at home. Thisservice is called "Access atHome". If you require a homevisit please contact your DistrictHousing Office or the HousingInformation Centre and we willarrange a convenient time anddate. Please see opposite forthe contact numbers. There isno charge for this service.
Housing Information Centre1 St Peter’s Square, StockportT: 0161 474 2860 E: [email protected]
Central District OfficeThe Houldsworth Centre2 Gorton Road, ReddishStockport, SK5 6AET: 0161 474 4373F: 0161 443 2394E: reddish.housing@
stockporthomes.org
East District Office1 Taunton Avenue, Brinnington,Stockport, SK5 8LPT: 0161 474 4372F: 0161 406 8377E: east.area.housing@
stockporthomes.org
West District Office12/14 Barnfield Road WestAdswoodStockportSK3 8PPT: 0161 474 4371F: 0161 483 9357E: adswood.housing@
stockporthomes.org
Meeting dates June - September 2006
Access at home
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 24
27NEWS and views: Summer 2006www.stockporthomes.org
26NEWS and views: Summer 2006 www.stockporthomes.org
eessttaattee walkaboutsJuly - September 2006. West District Housing: 0161 474 4371
Estate Meeting Place Time and Date
Didsbury Road
HollywoodTowers &MontagueHouse
York Street
Walnut Tree
School StreetEstate
Gatley
Oak RoadEstate
Bradshall HallLane Estate
Grange Ave.Estate
Larkhill Estate
Councillor Lane
Adswood
Cale Green &HeavileyEstates
Russell Gardens
Hollywood Towers
Radnor House
Former Housing Office car park
Northgate Road
Junction of Foxland Road andAppleby Road
Oak Tree Court
Hall Meadow car park
Warwick Road flats
Wimbourne Close
York Close
Adswood Housing Office
Outside pub on Adswood Road
10.00am, 21st July
10.00am, 22nd August
10.00am, 21 September
10.00am, 12 July
10.00am, 19 July
10.00am, 19 July
10.00am, 26 July
10.00am, 27 July
10.00am, 9 August
10.00am, 12 July
10.00am, 20 July
10.00am, 5 September
10.00am, 13 September
Richard Smith
Richard Smith
Richard Smith
Anita Bacon
Anita Bacon
Kevin Lewis
Anita Bacon
PhillipO’Connor
Anita Bacon
PhillipO’Connor
MikeFitzsimmons
Adele Keating
Adele Keating
July - September 2006. East District Housing: 0161 474 4372
Estate Meeting Place Time and Date
Cherry TreeEstate, Romiley
Middlesex Rd,Brinnington
Bosden HallRoad
Dartford Avenue,
George Lane,Bredbury
WestmorlandDrive, Brinnington
Matley Green,Brinnington
Cherry Tree Shops
The Link Roundabout, Brinnington
Junction of Bosden Fold Road &Bosden Hall Road
Junction of Dartford Avenue &Keston Cres.
Junction with Ruskin Grove,Bredbury
Outside Westmorland School
Outside 1 Matley Green
6.00pm, 22 August
10.00am, 14 July
6.00pm, 4 July
2.00pm, 10 August
2.00pm, 29 August
2.00pm, 20 July
6.00pm7 August 2006
Dee Ellis
Nicola Payne
Cassie Ward
Rob Mitchell
April Irwin
Pam Pollitt
Melanie Selby
Announcements and notices
WWeesstt EEaasstt
Board MeetingsBoard meetings this year willtake place on these dates:
12 June24 July25 Sep6 Nov18 Dec
All board meetings start at5pm. The agendas can beviewed prior to the meeting atDistrict Housing Offices,Stockport Central Library andthe Housing InformationCentre. Minutes of previousmeetings are available on theStockport Homes website:www.stockporthomes.orgFor further information, or if youwish to attend, please contactJenni Viitanen, GovernanceManager on 0161 474 2850.
CorrectionIn the last issue of News andViews we mistakenly recordedthat the opinions stated byleaseholder Trish were in factstated by Jane Jullien. As we are proud of deliveringhigh-quality newsletters to eachof our customers every quarter,we like to make sure that wemaintain the highest standardsof quality and accuracy. We are therefore more thanhappy to address this mix-upand to have the opportunity toclarify the issue.
New arrival!On 25 April, at 8.30amProject Worker MaxineLoughlan and Senior Project
Worker Ann-Marie Iredaledelivered a baby at BrindaleHouse (the homelessfamilies scheme). This wasthe second time Maxine hasdelivered a baby. This babywas four and a half weeksearly. The baby boy weighedin at just under 5 lbs, hismother is called Christine,and the baby is a newbrother to 4 siblings. It hasbeen suggested that thebaby should be called BrynDale (a play on the wordBrindale!).Ambulance services latertook mother and baby tohospital and all are reportedto be doing well.
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 26
www.stockporthomes.org
If you would like acopy of this
newsletter in largeprint, Braille, or onaudio tape or CD,
please contactPhil Rhodes
(Diversity PolicyOfficer) on
0161 474 4566 or email
STOCKPORT HOMESDIVERSITY STATEMENT
Diversity and accessibility
At Stockport Homes, we believe that everyone has the right to be treated equally, with respect and to feel safe and secure in their own home and neighbourhood.Everyone has a right to make use of the opportunities offered by our organisation and to use all parts of our service. We will promote equality and diversity in the provision of our services and employment and we will not tolerate discrimination.We will make sure that no person or group applying for housing services or employment will be treated less favourably than any other person or group because of their individual characteristics. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, disability, ethnicity, colour, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and age. We will work together with all of our service providers and customers to ensure that this commitment is met across our entire organisation.
The creation of this statement is one of thecommitments made by Stockport Homes. It sets out our commitment to providing excellentservices to all our customers, regardless of theirindividual circumstances or background. It waswritten by the Diversity Customer Action Group,
then approved by Stockport Tenants’ Federationand Stockport Homes Board. If you want to any more information aboutdiversity and Stockport Homes please contactPhil Rhodes on 0161 474 4566 or e-mail him [email protected]
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6/15/06 4:14 PM Page 28