gedling news and views - january 2015

ISSUE 24 • January 2015

news&views

GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People

Happy New Year!

Netherfield Safety Action Week page 15

UNIVERSALCREDIT Update on changes

Universal Credit page 10 Older Person’s Daypage 18

Contact usTel: 0115 905 1515Email: [email protected]: www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Twitter:@Gedling_HomesFacebook:www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes

2

Guest Editorial Alan WhiteA very Happy New Year from the GedlingHomes Tenant Editorial Panel! There’s a lotto take a look at in this Winter 2015 edition.

With plenty of financial advice and money-savingenergy tips, you can find out where to get the help you need to get the New Year off to the best start (pg. 11)

There’s an important update on Universal Credit(pg. 10) and more on the latest StrengtheningFamilies Project that provides invaluable help toteenagers and their parents (pg. 8).

Our communities have beeninvolved in all sorts ofevents, including: OlderPersons’ Day, Safety ActionWeek and commemoratingthe end of the Great War.

I have to give specialmention to the writing skillsof Jane Hipkiss, fromCarlton whose poemwelcomes in 2015 with a flourish! (pg. 3)

Keep in touch and let us know what you and yourcommunity are up to... and take care during thesewinter months.

Alan WhiteDo you knowthis landmark?

This is The Ernehale Wetherspoonspub in Arnold, built in 1904. But what was is originally?

In this edition you will notice small chequeredboxes. These are QR codes. They are a type ofbarcode that you scan with your smart phone ortablet to visit a specific website.If you have a smart phone or tablet, simplydownload a free QR code scanner app. Using this app, the camera in your phone ortablet will read the QR code, just like a barcodescanner in a shop. Your phone or tablet will thentake you straight to the specific website. Give this one a try, it will take youstraight to our website.

QR Codes

It was the old doctor’s surgery onGedling Road in Gedling, in use inthe 1930s.Congratulations to Chris Johnson, Cromwell Street,Carlton. You got it right! £25 vouchers coming your way!

Last edition’s answer: Did you recognise it?

Send your answers to Customer Experience,Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane,Gedling, NG4 4AD for your chance to win £25 in shopping vouchers.We’ll let youknow the answer in the next edition!

?

We want tohear from you!

Send us your photos, news, ideas, or feedback on our services and we will print a selection of theresponses in the next edition of

News & Views.Email us at:

[email protected] write to Customer Experience, Gedling Homes, Gedling House,

Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

3Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Contents

CelebrationsIt’s time to ring in with another New Year,

Lots of parties, GOSH WHAT DO I WEAR!!!,

Family and friends, celebrate together,

And make resolutions, that won’t last forever.

Set off some fireworks, and pull party poppers,

HAPPY NEW YEAR, lets pull out all the stoppers,

Join hands with your neighbour, and sing Auld Lang Syne,

Drink some champagne, as the bells start to chime.

Kick out the old year, bring in the new,

The first-footers, are bringing good luck to you,

New year, new beginnings, on Hogmanay eve,

Good luck to you all, and the old year we leave.

HAVE A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Jane Hipkiss (Foxhill Court, Carlton)

NewsExternal Wall Insulation 4St. Andrew’s House 4Case Resolved! 5No. 1 Top 50 Landlords 5 The GREAT Get Together 5 ‘Available Now’ homes 6The 2014 customer survey results are in! 7Strengthening families 8Activity day at Lockwell Hill 8GH Facilities 9Changes to ASB legislation 9

Money Universal Credit - update on changes 10After Christmas Money Planning 11

Tenant Involvement Annual Report reminder 12Training updates 12MyWorksearch 12Cook & Eat recipe 13

Your Community Mosaic project 14Illuminate Newstead 14Netherfield Safety Action Week 15Tenants join in The Last Post 15

Street Talk Brian Fisher, Tenant Board Member 16

Community Chest Projects update 17

Independent Living Older Persons’ Day 18Who’s who in Independent Living? 18

Events Events list 20-21

Fun & Games 22

Our Performance 23

4

External WallInsulationGedling Homes is investing £2m in anexternal wall insulation (EWI) program to improve the energy efficiency of over 500 homes.

Lynn Clayton, Managing Director, comments: “The EWI programme will transform theappearance of our solid walled properties in theNetherfield and Carlton areas of Nottingham. In addition, we will see significant improvements to the thermal performance of these homes, helping to reduce fuel bills and contributing to theorganisation’s goal of addressing fuel povertyamong our tenants.”

Working with approved contractor Wates LivingSpace, the project is expected to be completed inJune 2015.

Gedling Homes and Wates held an open event inCarlton in September, for customers to look atsamples and ask questions about the project. More than 90 tenants and local councillorsattended, with an overwhelming positive responseto the proposals.

To discuss this project in more detail, pleasecontact Asset Management on 0115 905 1515or email [email protected]

The project, to refurbish the1980s scheme into 32 one andtwo bedroomed self-containedapartments, will be the firstExtra Care facility in Gedlingborough. The project, providingindependent housing for olderand vulnerable people, has beensupported with £592,000 fromNottinghamshire CountyCouncil who will retainnomination rights for 15 units.

Gedling Homes gave twelve 15-16 year old constructionstudents a tour of St Andrew’sHouse, so they could see whatis involved in a live project andask questions along the way.

Jason Cannon, Director ofAsset Management, introducedthe project and explained howthe refurbished Extra Carefacility has been designedspecifically with the residents inmind - from the size of theapartments to the layout of the bathrooms.

The St. Andrew’s Houseproject is the biggestundertaken by Gedling Homesso far. It has involved months ofplanning and Jason took thegroup through all the differentstages before taking them on atour of the apartments.Construction workers talked

through various techniques andthings that needed to beconsidered in the refurbishmentof such a large scheme.

For more information on theproject and to express aninterest in the Extra Careapartments, please callIndependent Living on 0115 905 1515.

Construction students take a tour of the St Andrew’s House Extra Care scheme which isexpected to be completed in March 2015.

St. Andrew’s House


News

The Gedling NeighbourhoodResolution Panel hassuccessfully completed its firstrestorative justice case.The case has involved two nextdoor neighbours in Arnold whohadn’t spoken to each other for ayear due to conflict over noise andloud music being played. An agreement was reached whereboth parties have agreed timeswhen music can be played andthey have also come to understandeach other better. Going forward,they have agreed to discuss anyproblems between themselves toreach a conclusion. Jacquie Beacroft, Head ofNeighbourhoods, said “We areextremely proud of the work the

Gedling NeighbourhoodResolution Panel have done andwill continue to do to bringneighbours and neighbourhoodstogether. This is an incrediblyimportant part of our drive tocreate GREAT neighbourhoods”.Neighbourhood resolution panelsbring victims and perpetratorstogether to resolve conflict andharm caused by anti-socialbehaviour and crime. There isconsiderable evidence that arestorative justice approach helpsto reduce re-offending.Want to know more? Contact Neighbourhoods on0115 905 1515 or [email protected]

The Secret Kitchen is a socialenterprise specialising insustainable, fair trade food. The meal was created using food which would normally go to waste.On the evening of Thursday 27thNovember, Gedling Homes, inconjunction with The SecretKitchen and the St George’sCentre, Netherfield laid on a

FREE meal forresidents topromote the 21courses offeredby the GREATertrainingAcademy,including thenext phase ofCook & Eat

courses. Over 40 tenantsattended on the night and 15signed up for the next Cook &Eat course.On the menu was steak pie withroast potatoes and vegetables aswell as a vegetarian option. This was followed by a healthydessert of yoghurt, fresh fruitsand a freshly prepared granola.Tenants thoroughly enjoyedsharing this meal with theirneighbours, showing appreciationwith thunderous applause at theend of the evening.Sarah Quinn, ResidentInvolvement Officer for GedlingHomes said “It was lovely to seeeveryone sat together getting toknow one another. In most cases

tenants cameby themselvesand it was so nice to see themgetting to know people theywouldn’t otherwise meet. The event had a real feeling ofcommunity spirit which was sogreat to experience, especiallysince attendees were from different areas.”For more information on any ofGedling Homes' GREATer Trainingcourses please see p.12 .

CASERESOLVED!

The votes arein and we’redelighted toannounce thatNew CharterGroup, of which we are apart, have reached number 1in 24 Housing’s Top 50Landlords survey!The national survey, inconjunction with the HousingQuality Network, celebratesthe excellent work of thesocial housing sector’s very best landlords.We’d like to say a massivethank you to everyone whovoted for us, as well as ourgreat staff whose hard workand dedication helped usreach the top spot!

No. 1 Top 50Landlords

The GREAT Get Together

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To register for a Homesearchaccount, please apply online atwww.home-search.org.uk. If you do not have access to the internet and you would likehelp to apply, please contactGedling Borough Council on 0115 901 3681 or visit their One Stop enquiry counter at theCivic Centre, Arnot Hill Park,Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU.

To be eligible for a Homesearchaccount you must be able todemonstrate a housing need.

How do I bid for aproperty?

• Available or soon-to-be-available properties areadvertised weekly on theHomeSearch website, in council offices and in somelocal libraries

• Applicants can bid for up tothree eligible properties each week

What happens when I bidfor a property?

Applying for a home

• The highest priority bidder foreach property, subject tochecks, is offered the property

• If you are the successful bidderwe will arrange to accompanyyou to view the property

• If you decide to accept ouroffer, an appointment is made for you to sign yourtenancy agreement

Where can I find moreinformation aboutHomesearch?

• If you, or someone you know,need support to take part inthe Homesearch scheme, or to bid for a property, please contact GedlingBorough Council’s HousingNeeds Team on 0115 901 3681

• There are a number ofpublications about Homesearchthat should help you. The Housing Allocations Policy,Homesearch Scheme Guideand How to Bid Guide are all available from theHomesearch websitewww.home-search.org.uk

• Alternatively, please contactRelets on 0115 905 1515 or [email protected]

‘Available Now’homes

All our homes are letthrough a Choice BasedLetting scheme calledHomesearch, for which youmust have an account. This site is operated jointly by Gedling,Broxtowe and RushcliffeBorough Councils.

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News

The 2014 customer surveyresults are in!

Everyone who answered our

questions was entered into aprize draw and we’re

delighted to tell you that Mr & Mrs Tetley from Gedlingwere our lucky winners of£150 shopping vouchers! Well done Mr & Mrs Tetley.

OVERALL CUSTOMERSATISFACTION

84%

We are really pleased that themajority of you are happy with ourservices and your views really docount. However, we do recognisethat in some areas there is stillroom for improvement so this yearwe will be doing things differently. We will give you regular updatesabout the action plans we have put in place to address theconcerns some of you haveexpressed in the survey.

Some of the key results highlightedthrough the STAR survey were:

SATISFIED WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURHOODAS A PLACE TO LIVE WHILE 61% SAID ITIS A PRIORITY FOR THEM87%

The Neighbourhoods team will feed the STAR survey results into the work on ‘Your GREATNeighbourhood’ plans to work withtenants in those areas and addressthe issues raised.

OF YOU SAY THAT REPAIRS& MAINTENANCE IS APRIORITY72%

The delivery of the repairs serviceis a key area for us. GH Responsewill work with the involvementteam to develop customerengagement in this area which willfeed into the delivery of the service.

THE STAR SURVEY REVEALED THAT OUR YOUNGERCUSTOMERS ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING MOREINVOLVED WITH US

Gedling Homes will be expandingits offer to involve youngertenants by improving consultationthrough social media and otherdigital platforms.

RESULTS REVEALED THAT THE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE& CARETAKING SERVICE ARE AN IMPORTANT ISSUE

GH Facilities has recently beenlaunched, find out more on pg 9.

8

StrengtheningfamiliesWorking in partnership with NottinghamshireCounty Council’s Supporting Families Team,Women’s Aid, HomeStart and SureStart wehave delivered the latest StrengtheningFamilies Programme (SFP).

Emma Greenall, the Supporting Families KeyWorker for Gedling Homes, facilitated anddelivered the latest SFP. The programme is for allfamilies with young people aged between 10 and14 years of age to help prepare them for theirteenage years.

The seven-week course aims to reduce alcoholand drug use, behavioural problems in adolescenceand strengthen the parent/carer child relationship.This is achieved through discussions, fun games andactivities where families solve problems together,learn about rules and consequences and exploreways to show love, support and strengtheningfamily communication.

Five families took part, and two of the familieswere Gedling Homes tenants. The feedback fromparents and young people was very positive. One parent said: “The course really helped me tounderstand the different challenges children face in2014 compared to when I was a child.” One young person said: “Me and my mum get onmuch better now. I know that she gives me rulesbecause she loves me.”

Jacquie Beacroft, Head of Neighbourhoods,comments, “The programme demonstratesGedling Homes’ commitment to supporting ourmost vulnerable tenants to change their behaviourin order to sustain their tenancies and becomevalued members of their communities.”

Three young people, who access our SupportingFamilies services, took part inquad biking and team buildingactivities at Lockwell ActivityCentre in October. This wasorganised by the TargetedSupport & Youth JusticeOutreach Team in partnership

with the Supporting Familiesteam at NottinghamshireCounty Council.

Staff from the day fed back thatthe young people were polite,well-mannered and a pleasureto work with. One youngperson said: “The day was

brilliant, I loved going faston the quads and I gotreally muddy!”

Mark Vasey, TenancyServices Manager, said:“This demonstrates howGedling Homes is morethan just housing.

Opportunities like these canhelp to make a real positiveimpact on lives and lead topositive and long lastingchange.”

Activity day at Lockwell Hill

News


GH Facilities have launched! You may have seen the newvans and caretakers’ uniformsout and about already.

The GH Facilities team iscomprised of the caretakers,cleaners and facilities management.

The team will be responsible forthe cleaning and security of our

communal schemes as well asmaking weekly inspections at allour sheltered schemes, looking at required minor repairs andgeneral upkeep.

The new approach will see thescheme maintained in better order and will reduce long term costs.

Changes to ASB legislationThe government has recently made changes to anti-socialbehaviour (ASB) legislation. The previous disciplinaryorders have been combined and limited to just 6. All of the 15 old orders, such as an Anti-Social BehaviourOrder (ASBO) or the Individual Support Order (ISO), have now been replaced.

This is intended to introduce simpler, more effectivepowers to tackle anti-social behaviour that provide betterprotection for victims and communities.

Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager, said “This new wayof working will help to create a more streamlinedapproached to tackling ASB and provide improvedpartnership working between Gedling Borough Council,the police and us. This will also provide a quicker andmore joined up approach for the victims of ASB”.

➤ Criminal BehaviourOrder (CBO)

➤ Injunction to preventNuisance andAnnoyance (IPNA)

➤ Community ProtectionNotice (CPN)

➤ Public SpacesProtection Order (PSPO)

➤ Closure Power (CP)➤ Police Dispersal Powers

THE NEW PENALTYORDERS WILL BE:

The Government hasannounced that UniversalCredit will be rolled out acrossthe County from February2015. This is sooner thanexpected so now is the time toprepare for the changesUniversal Credit will bring. Universal Credit will be replacingcertain working-age benefitsacross the country and couldaffect you if you are on a lowincome or not in work.

Universal Credit will be replacing:• Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Housing Benefit

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Employment and SupportAllowance

• Income SupportUniversal Credit will result inchanges to the way you apply forand receive benefits. It is appliedfor online and is paid directly intoyour bank or building societyaccount monthly. If you are livingwith a partner you will receive ajoint payment. Universal Credit will include theHousing Benefit element currentlypaid by Gedling Borough Councilto help pay some or all of yourrent. This will mean the way youpay your rent will change too. If you think you may be affectedby the Universal Credit, have anyconcerns, or would like someadvice on how to prepare for thechanges, please call Money Wiseon 0115 905 1515.

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A NEW WAY TOGET CREDITDO YOU FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A LOAN YOUCAN AFFORD TO PAY BACK? ARE YOU HAVING TO MAKE COSTLY REPAYMENTSTO DOORSTEP OR PAYDAY LENDERS?

THERE IS NOW ANOTHERCHOICE OPEN TO YOU...

• A community based lender, working on a not-for-profit basis

• Representative APR of 69.5%

• Repayments are made via a bankaccount. If the tenant doesn’t haveone, MHF works with NatWest to set one up

• MHF work with local credit unionswith a view to setting up a savingsaccount

My Home Finance (MHF) provide loans for most purposes and can also helpyou with bank accounts and budgeting. When you apply, your benefits will betaken into account as income and a poor credit history doesn’t have to stopyou from getting a loan.

01905 25805www.myhomefinance.org.uk

That our Revenues teamhold a weekly surgery atthe Customer ContactCentre, providing one-to-one support to anyoneconcerned about their rentaccount or the impact ofuniversal credit. The surgery is 9am-12pmevery Thursday, if youwould like to attend pleasecontact a member of theteam on 0115 905 1515.

Did you know?

UNIVERSALCREDIT Update on changes

Money

11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

• Watch all essential spending, such as food and travel, and seewhether you can make any savings

• Draw up a budget of what youneed to spend, both weekly andmonthly, and include an amountthat will allow you to enjoyyourself, even if it’s quite small

• Give the highest priority to debtsor payments, such as rent wherenon-payment could result in theloss of your home

• Regularly report meter readings toyour supplier - that way you willpay a more accurate bill and avoidlarge one-off bills to correct errors

• Ensure you are getting the bestdeal on your gas and electricity.You may be able to save hundredsof pounds each year by changingsupplier. My Home Energy letsyou compare all energy supplierssimply and quickly. Visitwww.myhomeenergyswitch.org.ukor call 0800 001 4706 for free

• If you are regularly in youroverdraft you should find out what

interest rate is attached. You couldsave money by switching to a newcurrent account with a loweroverdraft rate

• Take a look at how much you'll be making in debt repaymentsevery month. If this figure is morethan 20% of your monthly incomethen you are entering a level ofserious debt

• Be realistic with your repaymentsand do not borrow any moremoney until you've repaid yourexisting debts

• Use our budget calculatorwww.newcharter.entitledto.co.ukto work out how much you canspend each week or month

• Many people rely on credit cardsto get through the Christmasperiod. Take a look at the rate ofinterest you're paying and see ifyou can find better rates from adifferent provider

• If you have any payday loans, clearthem as soon as you can as theyare very expensive ways to borrow

January is often a month when weall wish we hadn’t spent so muchmoney over Christmas! Here aresome handy hints to help you startthe New Year on the right foot.

Speak to someoneimmediately. If you feelthat you can't repayyour loan or keep upwith your credit cardpayments then contactyour provider.

Money Wise canprovide free,independent andimpartial debt adviceon 0115 905 1515.We can negotiate withlenders on your behalfand work out amanageable budgetbased on how muchyou can realisticallyafford to repay. You canalso get help from theCitizen’s AdviceBureau, NationalDebtline, StepChangeDebt Charity or theMoney Advice Trust.

What ifthings gettoo much?

After ChristmasMoney Planning

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Annual Report reminderThere is still time to view the Tenants’ Annual Report video for 2013/14.

The annual report is also available in a leaflet which was given out in the autumn Newsand Views, and is available on request. Or take a look online atwww.gedlinghomes.co.uk/publications/our-annual-report.

You can also scan the QR code.

We’d love to know what you think of the annual report, email us [email protected] or call Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515.

Whatever you fancy doing - we have a FREE coursefor you!

The following courses are available to book now, with limited places still available:13th January 10am-12pmReflexologySt Georges Centre for 5 weeks14th January 10am-12pmEmployabilitySt Georges Centre for 7 weeks17th February 2-3pmMoney MattersGedling House 26th February 11.15am-12pmZumba GoldBramble Court, Gedling for 5 weeks4th March 1-3pmDress to ImpressSt Georges Centre for 4 weeks

We have over 20 different courses available to tenants.To book your place and to find out more, contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515or email [email protected]

Training updatesLooking for a jobcan be stressfuland timeconsuming butyou can take control of your job search withMyWorkSearch, an online jobseeker’s toolkit.We are pleased to announce new support forour tenants in their job search. We have signed up to MyWorksearch as a way ofoffering support to our tenants in search of a job.So whether you are currently out of work andlooking for a way back into employment, or youare looking for a career change, this is thewebsite for you.The toolkit gives you job-search training and aneffective job-search that offers you advice on allaspects of looking for and securing your new job.This service is totally FREE to tenants and theirhousehold members.It scans thousands of jobs boards for you and will help you spot job opportunities that are rightfor you.If you are claiming unemployment benefits, you can even set up MyWorkSearch to keepyour Jobcentre Plus advisor informed of yourjob-search activities.For more information on how you can sign up tothis GREAT online tool, please contact CustomerExperience on 0115 905 1515 or [email protected]

MyWorkSearch;help for you

Cook&EatIngredients:• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 200g lean lamb/beef mince

• 1tbsp olive oil• 400g chopped tomatoes

• 2tbsp tomato puree• 2tsp dried mixed herbs

• 200g closed cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 pepper, any colour, chopped

• 200g dried pasta shapes

Method:1. Mix some of thechopped onion andgarlic with the mince.Shape the mince intosmall balls about halfthe size of a golf ball.

2. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan andbrown the meatballson all sides. Removeand put onto a plate.

3. Add the remainingonion to the fryingpan and cook for 2-3minutes until soft.Add the remaininggarlic and cook foranother minute.

4. Add the tomatoes,tomato puree, herbs,mushrooms andpeppers to the panwith 150ml water.

Bring to the boil andthen add themeatballs. Reduce theheat, cover with a lidand simmer for 30minutes.

5. About 10 minutesbefore serving, putthe pasta on to cookin plenty of boilingwater. Serve with themeatballs and tomatosauce.

Would you like to attend FREE cookery courses to learn this and other recipes?Call Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515 or email [email protected]

£1.25per portion

(Based on 4 portions)

Serves: 4 adultsPreparation time:15 minsCooking time:35 minsEach servingcontains:Calories: 320kcal/1339kj, Salt: 0.2g

Tenant Involvement


Meatballs ‘n’ Sauce

Recipe courtesy of

14

Mosaic project:Tenants proud of newfound arts skills

Sheltered Housingschemes recentlytook part in an 11week arts course.

Local artists Jess Kempand Sarah Breen ran thecourse with the support ofGedling Homes IndependentLiving Coordinators. The tenants from BaileyCourt in Netherfield,Moreland Court in Carlton,Moyra House in Arnold and Nabarro Court inCalverton created ‘ArtsBoards’ of their local areas,featuring local landmarks,using different art forms suchas collage, mosaics and silkscreen printing.

A ‘5th NottinghamshireBoard’ was also created for tenants to add otherpictures of some of theirfavourite locations.

Burley Saxton, from NabarroCourt, said: ‘I’m so proud ofour coat of arms and didn’tthink I could create anythinglike this.’

Future Newstead and friends,working in collaboration withGedling Borough Council’sCommunity Leisure team, held an‘Illuminate Newstead’ event as partof the seasonal celebrations forBonfire Night. The event wassponsored by Gedling Homes andGedling Borough Council.Mark Vasey, Tenancy ServicesManager comments: “Now in itssecond year, this project broughtpeople together to share acommunity experience and fosteredvolunteering opportunities byrecruiting local people to build thebonfire, help to set up and managethe event and act as volunteerstewards. Supporting events such asthis helps to demonstrate ourcommitment towards creatingGREAT Neighbourhoods.”Local children were involved increating costumes for the paradeand families came together toappreciate their work on display.Local resident Phil Burnhamcommented: “It wasanother GREATBonfire night in thevillage whicheveryone seemed toenjoy. Thanks foryour support.”

IlluminateNewstead

Your Community


Netherfield SafetyAction WeekOrganisations across Gedling joined forcesto promote community safety inNetherfield’s second annual CommunitySafety Week.

The week of action, in October, was funded byGedling Borough Council and Netherfield’sLocal Delivery and Tasking Group.

The week included:

• Walkabouts by police, wardens and parkingenforcement officers

• A money saving drop-in event with theCitizen’s Advice Bureau, Gedling Homes,Nottingham Energy Partnership, The IllegalMoney Lending Team and Gedling Borough Council

• School meetings to discuss the importance ofcyber safety for children

In addition, Jackie Gill, Tenancy EnforcementOfficer and Richard Quinn, NeighbourhoodManagement Officer for Netherfield, issuedwarnings to tenants who had breached theirtenancy conditions and also undertook a litterpick at Bourne Mews to help improve theappearance of the area.

Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager said“Working with partners on events like this helpsto demonstrate a joined up approach toimproving neighbourhoods. Feedback fromlocal residents was extremely supportive of thisevent and all partners were welcomed by thelocal community.”

Tenantsjoin in tohum TheLast Post

AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS ATYOUR COMMUNITY EVENT

Call Martin Curtis on 0115 905 1515 or email [email protected] to book

GEDLINGSINGERS

The Gedling Homes Singers entertained tenantsand a party from Nottingham City Homes atMoreland Court as part of a Great Warremembrance project.

Tenants joined forces to take part in ‘The Last Post’,a national project aimed at getting as many peopleas possible to play and sing the famous bugle call.The music group based at NCH’s independentliving scheme Foxton Gardens in Beechdale teamedup with the Gedling Homes Singers to perform TheLast Post by humming it at two events, as well assinging and playing songs and music associated withthe first and second World Wars.

Jacquie Beacroft, Head of Neighbourhoods atGedling Homes, said: “We are delighted that oursingers are a part of this national initiative. It’s beenfantastic to see these two tenant groups comingtogether for such a meaningful project.”

The Gedling Homes Singers are a friendly informal group who rehearse onalternate Wednesdays at Carlton House.New members are always welcome so formore information please contact MartinCurtis on 0115 9051515 and / or [email protected]

16

How long have you been aboard member?

I’ve been a Board member for 3years now and I’m just starting my2nd term. I’ve thoroughlyenjoyed every aspect so far.

I retired in June 2003 after havingserved for 35 years as a salesrepresentative where I had beenpromoted to Sales Manager for aninternational textiles companybased in Germany. This entailedme having to travel all over theUK & Europe. On my travels Imet buyers, mechanics and manyoperatives on the sewingmachines. This gave menegotiating skills at all levels.

What skills & experience doyou bring to the role?

After I retired, I felt I had more togive, so I became an involvedtenant with Gedling Homes. Istarted out as a Tenant Inspectorand then got involved in theprocurement working party forthe selection of contractors forthe repairs and improvementprogramme. This then led toother opportunities.

Over time, people got to knowme and the work that I had beendoing. Realising that I would leaveno stone unturned, the people ofGedling voted me in as a Boardmember following my application.

Thanks everyone for voting for me!

What is the best thing aboutsitting on the Board?

My role is to represent the viewsof tenants at board level. I get a lot of satisfaction from thework I do for the board. Being a Board member meansthat I have to liaise with otherboard members, Directors andHeads of Services, whose ongoinghelp and support has beeninvaluable. You do not have to bevoted on to the board anymore.It’s simply a case of completing asimple application form and havingan informal interview.

What positive changes haveyou seen brought about fromthe board?

Gedling Homes have learned a lotfrom New Charter so far and thishas brought about very positivechange. I also think that theScrutiny Panel is a fantastic idea as tenants can scrutinise services in detail and makerecommendations to the board in relation to serviceimprovements. This is one of the most positive changes I’ve seen.

What advice would you give toa tenant considering becominga Board member?

It’s a great experience and it’svery rewarding. There is lots tolearn but you get loads of supportand training. I would encouragethose tenants who are interestedin making a difference to the wayin which Gedling Homes is run tocontact the Tenant InvolvementTeam on 0115 9051515.

What do you most enjoy doingin your spare time?

My family and I are keen icehockey supporters. Two of mygrandchildren play for thePanthers so we spend a lot of timewatching them play and going togames. It means a great deal tome to support their aspirations. I also support Notts County(somebody has to!).

What is the best piece ofadvice you have ever beengiven?

My father told me to work hardand be honest when dealing withpeople.

How would you describeyourself?

Honest, good natured and apeople person.

Brian Fisher, Tenant Board membertalks to Shirley Palmer

Following the finalCommunity Chest panelof 2014, the panel of

staff and tenants havesupported a number ofprojects improving local

communities over the year. Some of themost recent projects

supported are highlighted below.

If you would like to submit a Community Chest application for a community initiative, tenants’ group or physical/environmental works please contact Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515,email [email protected] or visit our website www.gedlinghomes.co.uk todownload an application form and factsheet.Please note that we can only receive one application per applicant per year.

Successful applications include:


Community Chest

Bingo machine for residents of Orchard CourtTo provide residents with abingo machine to host theirown events in the communallounge. This will helpencourage social interaction atOrchard Court.

Installation of bin areaat St Austin’s CourtTo create a communal bin area to encourage recyclingand improve the bin storage at the flats. The project willimprove the overall appearanceof the flats.

St Mary’s Scout GroupThe group have recentlydoubled in size and are in needof more equipment to continueto deliver a wide range ofactivities. By offering theopportunities of scouting to the

young people, the group aim tohelp build lifelong skills andattitudes to help shape thefuture of the community.

Netherfield Parent andToddler GroupDelivering sport activities forchildren with disabilities, thefunds will support the charity to deliver sport camps in school holidays.

Installation of car parkat Washington CourtTo create designated parking forthe flats, enabling those withmobility needs ease of accessto their homes.

Fence perimeterof frontage to Cromwell StreetDog fouling has been apersistent problem on the grassarea at the front of the

properties on Cromwell Street. A fence will provide security andprivacy to tenants and eliminatethe dog fouling issue.

Evergreen ClubThe funds will allow the olderpeople’s group to hire the spacefor a Christmas party and toenjoy a meal out.

18

Older Persons’ Day wascelebrated nationally on 1stOctober 2014 with ourtenants marking the occasionin a variety of ways.

Foxhill Court Held a ‘Down Memory Lane TeaParty’ and residents wereencouraged to bringmemorabilia, photos, books andany other items that wouldstimulate conversation andmemories about their childhood.

Residents were joined by JennyHollingsworth, Mayor of Gedling,together with Karen Sands, Head of Independent Living.

There were lots of stories aboutthe war and the effect that it hadon their families. One residenthad worked on the railways, and brought a book about the

railway in Netherfield whichgenerated a lot of discussion.

Another lady brought a bookwhich had pictures of householditems, children’s annuals and lotsof other things from times past -everyone could relate tosomething in the book, bringingback many memories and storiesfrom childhood.

Many thanks to NottinghamshireFire Service for donating thefunds for the event.

Nabarro Court Residents took a trip downmemory lane with their creamtea. The Gedling Homes singersentertained them with popularsongs from the 40s and 50s and the tenants enjoyed singing along.

Tenants brought along photos of themselves as children, and great fun was had trying toguess each person.

Conversation included childhoodmemories. One tenant told howher earliest memory was beinggiven a banana, and having noidea what to do with it. She triedto eat it with the skin on!

Older Persons’ Day

Independent Living iscontinually changing andadapting.

In April we welcomed KarenSands with a wealth ofexperience to head the team.Karen is responsible for alldesignated older person’saccommodation and ourcommunity alarm service as wellas planning future services forolder people and exploring howwe might work with othergroups of people who needsupport and specialist housing.

Leading the team of ShelteredHousing Co-ordinators is SueGoliah. Sue is responsible forthe day-to-day management of allthe sheltered housing propertiesthrough the Sheltered HousingCo-ordinators, ensuring healthand safety requirements are metand fulfil tenants’ housing needs.

The Independent Living Teamalso includes our GH Lifelineservice promoting independencefor older people in their homeswith community alarms andother assistive technology. Sarah Wilson leads a team ofthree Independent LivingAdvisors who conduct visits,assess and fit the lifelineequipment and follow up anyqueries or additional assistivetechnology needs our customershave. There are approximately850 Lifeline customers. Sarah also leads a team of fivesupport workers who visit ourolder and vulnerable tenants intheir properties to enableindependent living, and a cateringteam, providing hot meals forour tenants at Moreland Court.

A recent addition to the team isNicole Grant, IndependentLiving Housing Officer. Nicole has transferred from theNeighbourhoods team and willbe working with our shelteredhousing tenants promoting saferand happier communities.

Other members of theIndependent Living team include 10 Sheltered HousingCo-ordinators located at ourschemes across the borough,providing a housing managementservice. They are:

• Bev Mee• Linda Hele• Lily Lomas• Shirley Leddy• Linda Handley• Sue Gamble• Linda Watson • Katie Sharpe• Helen Bouraoui• Michael Connelly

Diane Pearson provides office administration to support the team.

Independent living


Who’s who inIndependent Living?

Karen Sands

Sarah Wilson

Nicole Grant

Sue Goliah

20

3 February, 10amArnold Estate WalkaboutMeet at corner where KiddierAvenue meets Rolleston Drive 5 February, 11am-12pmNetherfield SurgerySt George's Centre, Netherfield5 February, 9.15am-11.30amNewstead Village SurgeryNewstead Centre, NewsteadVillage

5 February, 11am-12pmLeaseholder Walkabout -Princess Close Princess Close, Gedling. Meetingon corner of Princess Close neargarage site

9 February, 10amWalk and TalkBramble Court, Gedling

10 February, 10.30amWalk and TalkMoyra House, Arnold11 February, 11amCarlton Estate Walkabout Meeting on the corner of FoxhillRoad and Forrester Grove,Carlton

11 February, 10am-12pmSounding Board - EditorialMeetingMorris Court, Colwick16 February, 10amWalk and TalkBailey Court, Netherfield17 February, 10am-12pmCommunity ChestWestmoore Court, Mapperley17 February, 2pm-3pmMoney Matters WorkshopGedling House, Gedling

18 February, 11.30am-1pmThe Ark Drop-inHousing SurgeryThe Ark, Wollaton Avenue,Gedling

18 February, 10amWalk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield25 February, 6pm-8pmLeaseholder ForumGedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling26 February, 11.15am-12pmZumba Gold (for 5 weeks)Bramble Court, Gedling27 February, 10amWalk and TalkWestmoore Court, Mapperley

February

8 January, 9.15am-11.30am

Newstead Village SurgeryNewstead Centre, NewsteadVillage

8 January, 11am-12pm

Netherfield SurgerySt George's Centre, Netherfield


Reflexology (for 5 weeks)St George's Centre, Netherfield


Employability (for 7 weeks)St George's Centre, Netherfield

14 January, 10amWalk and TalkFoxhill Court, Carlton

21 January, 11.30am-1pm

The Ark Drop-inHousing SurgeryThe Ark, Wollaton Avenue,Gedling

26 January, 10.30am-12pm

Rent Increase Consultation Morris Court, Colwick

28 January 2015, 2pm

Walk and TalkOrchard Court, Carlton

January

Events


March3 March, 2pmWalk and TalkSeagrave Court, Arnold

4 March, 1pm-3pmDress to Impress (for 4weeks)St George's Centre,Netherfield

5 March, 9.15am-11.30amNewstead Village SurgeryNewstead Centre, Newstead Village

5 March, 11am-12pmNetherfield SurgerySt George's Centre,Netherfield

11 March, 10amWalk and TalkBramble Court, Gedling

11 March, 10am-12pmSounding Board - EditorialMeetingMorris Court, Colwick

11 March, 2.30pmDaybrook Estate WalkaboutDaybrook

18 March, 10amWalk and TalkBailey Court, Netherfield

18 March, 11.30am-1pmThe Ark Drop-inHousing SurgeryThe Ark, Wollaton Avenue,Gedling

18 March, 10amWalk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

19 March, 4.30pm-5.30pmSt Austin's Court EstateWalkaboutSt Austin’s Court

27 March, 10amWalk and TalkCoronation Walk, Gedling

April2 April, 9.15am-11.30amNewstead Village SurgeryNewstead Centre, NewsteadVillage

2 April, 11am-12pmNetherfield SurgerySt George's Centre, Netherfield

9 April, 9.30amWalk and TalkWalton Court, Carlton

10 April, 10amWalk and TalkBramble Court, Gedling

15 April, 10amWalk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

15 April, 10.30amWalk and TalkErnehale Court, Arnold

15 April 2015, 10amWalk and TalkTavill Field, Arnold

20 April, 10amWalk and TalkBailey Court, Netherfield

21 April, 2pm-3pmSheltered Housing ForumMoreland Court, Carlton

Fun & Games

22

WORDSEARCHYou can win £25 in vouchers in our “Animals” wordsearch.Words go left, right, up, down, not diagonally, and can bend at aright angle. We have already found one for you!Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will bepicked from the correct entries on Friday 27th February 2015.Return to: Wordsearch Competition,Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHEETAHCHIMPANZEECROCODILEELEPHANTFLAMINGO

GIRAFFEHIPPO

KOOKABURRALION

OSTRICH

PORCUPINEPYTHONRHINOZEBRA

And thewinners are...Congratulations to Mrs C. A. Johnson. She receives£25 in shopping vouchers in ourwordsearch quiz.

And very welldone to Katie,age 8 fromCarlton.Winner in theAutumncolouringcompetition,she wins £25 invouchers.

Please send yourcompleted colouringto us. A winner will be picked on Friday 27th February2015.Return to: ColouringCompetition, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham,NG4 4AD

COLOURME IN!

Name: ...........................................................................................................................Age:.................................Telephone: ..............................................................................................................................................................Address: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your child / grandchild could win a £25 book token inour colouring competition.

Responsive repairsworks undertaken‘right first time’*

Year End Target: 99%

99.39%

Below target, looking to improve

OK, work in progress

On target, going well

Customer satisfactionwith responsive repairs


93.55%

All responsive repairscompleted on time*


100%

Customers satisfiedwith investment works


94.1%

Rent collection rate -rolling 12 monthperiod


100%

Customers satisfiedwith gas servicing


100%

Re-let time - generalneeds and shelteredproperties (excludinglow demand)

Year End Target: 27 days

23.6 days

Customers reportinganti-social behaviourwho were satisfied withhow we dealt with it


100%

Customers satisfiedwith the condition ofproperty when theproperty was let


100%

RIGHT1ST

TIME

Our performance

23Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk* from commencement of GH Response 1st July 2014

2014-15

By sending us an e-mail:General enquiries:[email protected] Involvement:[email protected] writing to us at:Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham. NG4 4AD

In person:Please visit our CustomerContact Centre on the groundfloor at:The Civic Centre, Arnot HillPark, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU.The opening times are 9.00am to5.00pm Monday to Thursday and9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday

This information is available in large print, audio and Braille.This information is from Gedling Homes. If you can tell us which language you speak, we willarrange for an interpreter. Or you can ask a friend or relative to phone us 0115 905 1515.

Chinese

Gujurati

Kurdish

Urdu

Polish

F

Contact usBy phone:24/7 Repairs line 0115 905 1515 Anti Social Behaviour (24 hours) 0808 145 6555Rent Payments 0161 331 2224(24 hour automatedpayment line) For all other enquiriesplease ring 0115 905 1515and ask for the team youwant to speak to.

@Gedling_Homes

Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111

www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes

gedling news and views - january 2015

Documents

old year

gedling homes

gedling house

new beginnings

smart phone ortablet

qr codesit

specific website

edition of news views