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SCOTTISH CHARITY NO. SC 036265

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS...HO...HO...HO! WINTER 2018

IN THIS ISSUE NURSERY WORKSHOPS • CREATIVE PATHWAYS PROGRAMME • BEST START GRANTS • BHA CELEBRATES LIVING WAGE COMMITMENT

Festive Opening HoursOpen Monday 24th December 2018

9.00am to 2.30pm

Closed Tuesday 25th – Thursday

27th

December 2018

Open Friday 28th December 2018

9.00am to 4.00pm

Open Monday 31st December 2018

9.00am to 2.30pm

Closed Tuesday 1st – Thursday 3rd

January 2019

Open Friday 4th January 2019

9.00am to 4.00pm

Normal working hours will resume

from Monday 7th January 2019

Emergency telephonenumbers during thefestive periodIn case of emergency, as outlinedbelow, you should contact the CallCentre on: 0800 652 0633

An emergency is one of the

following:

• Total loss of power in property.

• A burst pipe or tank which iscausing flooding.

• A flat entrance door which hasbeen broken into.

• A broken window that requires tobe boarded up.

• A choked toilet which in un-useable(with no other toilets in the house).

In case of a gas heating emergency,you should contact the Call Centreon: 01294 468113

Proposal to BuildNew Homes

Barrhead HA is pleased to announce thatplans are continuing for more new homes inthe Barrhead and Neilston areas over thecoming three years. This is part of EastRenfrewshire Council’s overall proposal tobuild 600 new homes and this is nowsubject to approval by the ScottishGovernment. It is therefore hoped that wewill provide the following:2019 – 12 new affordable rented homes,2 and 3 bedroomed houses, at NeilstonRoad in partnership with Taylor Wimpey.The developer has already started on thisnew site and the affordable homes will becompleted next year.2019 – 10 new affordable rented homes,2 and 3 bedroomed houses, at GrahamstonRoad, Barrhead in partnership with BellwayHomes. This is part of the second phase atthis site and hopefully the affordable homeswill be on-site next year.2019 – 8 new affordable rented homes atDealston Road, Barrhead. This is at a veryearly planning stage but Barrhead HA has

been appointed the partnership housingassociation to deliver the new homes.2019 – 30-40 new homes at Walton

Street, Barrhead. Again this is at earlystages and would be a partnership with alocal developer. Part of the site in privatelyowned and part is owned by the Counciland plans are also to include the re-alignment of the Levern Waterway at thissite to smooth out the ‘bend’ as part offlood prevention measures beingundertaken by the Council. However, this isa great central site for new homes witheasy access to the amenities withinBarrhead so could lead to some provision ofmuch needed accommodation for olderpeople and some wheelchair flats as well assmall family homes.

For later, we are still waiting on themasterplan for Barrhead South to be takenforward at the top of Auchenback and inpartnership with Taylor Wimpey and AvantHomes, we could be providing a further 37new homes for rent.

Connor Road awardssuccess!Connor Road Young Persons SupportService was shortlisted for the TenantParticipation Advisory Service Best Practicein Youth Involvement Award. The awardsceremony was held in Aviemore on 16thNovember and they were delighted to winthe runners up award. Susan O’Neill,support worker, commented “We have putin a lot of hard work around engaging withthe young people here, and we have seenreal benefits in reducing isolation andincreasing their participation in how we run

the service”. Connor Road is owned byBarrhead Housing Association.

WINTER 2018

A fairytale took place in Barrhead this month,as young people working on a project inpartnership between Impact Arts andBarrhead Housing Association donatedfantasy-themed artwork and handmade toys.

The young people, who have beenworking at the ARC Centre in Auchenbacksince August, visited children at the nurseryto present a handmade fairy garden and plantpots created from recycled wood.

They also taught the children how tomake their own fairies from glitter, string,

wool and clothes pegs, while showing themhow to plant flowers for their new garden.

It marked the end of a 12-week block ofImpact Arts’ Creative Pathways, whereunemployed young people have worked withartists on creative writing and craft projects,while getting help to find work.

Funded by Barrhead Housing Associationand the Big Lottery Fund’s Our Bright Futureinitiative, the young people also learnedmore about their community, theirenvironment and how to reduce waste.

CU SLAPioneer Mutual Credit Union are working inpartnership with East Renfrewshire Counciland Barrhead Housing Association to providea free Money Management Account wherethe official launch of this joint venture tookplace on 29th November.

Any tenant of East Renfrewshire Councilor Barrhead Housing Association who is inreceipt of Universal Credit will get theirmembership fees covered by their respectivelandlord. This includes the costs to open theAccount and also become a member of thecredit union and there are no ongoing fees.

Tenants will benefit from getting theirhousing costs paid directly to their landlord byusing this account and will also benefit from arange of Account features, which include:

• Free Life Savings and Loan Protection*• Saving for a rainy day• Access to Pioneer Mutual low cost

loans* • Christmas Savings Club• Personal Service• All savings protected under FSCS

*subject to conditions

David McCready, Chairperson of BarrheadHousing Association stated ”We aredelighted to be working in partnership withlocal agencies to ensure we can provide localservices to all of our residents. SinceUniversal Credit went onto full service inSeptember we have seen a surge in thenumber of our tenants who are moving ontoUniversal Credit. It is therefore crucial thatwe can offer as many options as possible tohelp tenants have their rent paid directly tothe landlord”

Beth Welsh, business DevelopmentManager added “The Money ManagementAccount is about supporting all residents onUniversal Credit, and not just those withoutbank accounts by giving claimants peace ofmind that their rent is paid while alsoproviding a budgeting tool for their otherexpenses.”

Councillor Danny Devlin, Convenor forHousing and Maintenance at EastRenfrewshire Council said “This account,offered by our partners at Pioneer MutualCredit Union, not only provides tenants withthe peace of mind that their housing costswill be paid automatically, but also a host ofother benefits that will make managing theirmoney a little easier.”

John Wilson (left) Beth Welsh (centre) David

McCready (right).

Fairytale ending to arts project asyoung people deliver nurseryworkshops

Cash 4 kids 2018 In September we sent out letters to askhouseholds with children to make anapplication for Cash 4 Kids 2018. Manyhouseholds got in touch and we aredelighted to announce that all 109applications we made on behalf ofresidents have been successful! Did youknow that over the last five years we havesecured £9325.00 and helped 373children?

We are all too aware of the cost ofChristmas and we hope that through ourhelp this may have eased the financialburden for many families over the festiveperiod. Each child will receive a £25voucher to spend at Silverburn ShoppingCentre.

Vouchers will be available to collectfrom the office on Friday 14th December

between 10:00 am and 16.00pm. If youare unable to come please contact theoffice and we can arrange another suitabledate with you. We will issue an email ortext to you and would ask that you bringthis confirmation along with you, asidentification, when collecting voucher.

Paying your rent overChristmas and the New YearChristmas is fast approaching and we know that there can

be a great deal of pressure to spend a lot on presents and

the cost of food and drink over Christmas and New Year.

However, you should prioritise your rent payments – having

a home is more important than any gift.

Missing payments during December and January meansthat you will start the New Year with arrears and we will takeaction against you that may result in losing your home.

We want to make sure that you are able to enjoyChristmas without having to worry about money problemsso here are some sensible steps you can take to ensure thatthis Christmas you stay out of debt: • Make sure all your priority bills are being paid – including

rent, gas, electricity, water and council tax. • It is a condition of your tenancy that your rent is paid in

advance and in full at all times.• Make sure that you inform the relevant authorities such as

Department of Work and Pensions and Housing Benefitdepartment of any change in circumstances that mayaffect your benefit entitlement and do so promptly toavoid any overpayments which youwill then need to repay.

• Decide how much you can affordto spend at Christmas in advanceand stick to it – you will still thenbe able to make payments onessential bills such as rent.

See our website for all the ways you

can pay your rent.

At the heart of our community – investing in your future

Impact Arts young peopledonate Barrhead collage tosheltered housing residentsA vibrant Barrhead-themed collage artwork created by young peopleat Impact Arts was donated to residents at Barrhead ShelteredHousing Complex.

The handover of the mosaic-style artwork – created using pens,paint and digital projection – took place Wednesday 7th November atthe Complex on Barrhead Main Street.

As well as running young people’s programmes, Impact Arts runfree Craft Café sessions for over 60s at the Complex, 113 MainStreet, Barrhead G78 1SB, every Wednesday between 1pm and 4pm.

Call Daniella Rossi on 01294 273 051 or emailDaniella.rossi@impactarts.co.uk for more information.

Aged 16-25? Not in work or education? Join our Creative Pathwaysprogramme!Barrhead Housing and Impact Arts are looking for applicants aged 16-25 to join a new block of their Creative Pathways programme, whichwill run between January and March 2019.

Over the course of 12 weeks, 15 participants will work with artistsand environmental designers to develop a green space in partnershipwith the local community in Dunterlie.

Those taking part will earn £55 a week as a training allowance,plus necessary travel expenses.

You will have the opportunity to learn skills in digital art and design,meet new people, explore environmental issues and help out yourcommunity.

Those taking part will also get support from Impact Arts’ dedicatedemployability staff who will support you to complete SQAaccreditation, develop your confidence and interview skills, anddiscuss your next steps in employment or education.

The programme will run from January 8th 2019 until March 29th2018, with workshops taking place Tuesday until Friday each weekbetween 10am and 4pm.

The workshops are based at Dunterlie Community Centre (StewartStreet, Barrhead G78 1AL).

For more information, please contact Heather Gault, Project Co-ordinator, on 0141 575 3001 or 07530916360 or emailheather.gault@impactarts.co.uk.

The project is funded by Barrhead Housing Association, the BigLottery Fund’s Our Bright Future initiative, Inspiring Scotland, and theScottish Government’s People and Communities Fund.

At Barrhead HousingAssociation wewant to improve thequality of the repairsservice. When youreport a repair to us,we automaticallysend out a Surveywhich allows you totell us your viewsabout the repairs wecarried out.

We use theresults tounderstand whatwe’re doing welland to identify theareas that needimproving.

Did you knowthat all returnedsurveys are enteredinto a monthly prizedraw and you couldbe in with a chanceof winning £25 highstreet vouchers?

We have beenrunning the prizedraw for twomonths now, andpictured left, is Ms

Michalska – thelucky winner fromthe October draw -picking up her £25Asda Voucher

Please tell ushow we are doingand get the chanceto win £25. All youneed to do is returnthe survey in thepre-paid envelopeprovided, or hand itin at the office.

Repairs Satisfaction Surveys

At the heart of our community – investing in your futureWINTER 2018

If you have any comments orcomplaints to make about any of ourservices, please contact the office:Barrhead Housing Association Ltd58-70 Main Street, Barrhead G78 1SBT: 0141 881 0638E: enquiries@barrheadha.orgW: www.barrheadha.org

New Staff Update

In October 2018, the Association appointedtwo new members of staff.

Iain MacLean joined us as our newCorporate Services Manager (part time). Iainis a fellow of the Chartered Institute ofHousing and has many years of experienceworking in housing. He will be supportingour Governing Board, and assisting with theongoing development of our policies andstrategies. In addition, Iain will be helpingsenior management to further develop ourapproach in areas such as Equalities,Freedom of Information and DataProtection.

We also welcomed Martin Devenny asour Corporate Services Officer. Martin is apart-qualified accountant, and joined us froma Glasgow based firm of CharteredAccountants. His duties will includemonitoring and reporting on theAssociation’s financial results, and assistingwith the preparation of our budgets andmanagement accounts.

Barrhead Housing Association CommunityFund 2019/2020

BHA CelebratesLiving WageCommitment

Here at Barrhead we arepleased to announce thatwe recently becameaccredited as a Living Wageemployer by Living Wage

Scotland.Our Living Wage commitment will see

everyone working at the Association,regardless of whether they are directemployees or third-party contracted staff,receive a minimum hourly wage of £8.75.This rate is significantly higher than thestatutory minimum for over 25s of £7.83 perhour introduced in April 2018.

The real Living Wage is an hourly rate setindependently and updated annually and iscalculated according to the real costs ofliving.

David McCready, Chair of BarrheadHousing Association said “We are delightedto have been accredited as a Living WageEmployer. We have paid all our staff abovethe living wage for a number of years, sowe were keen to join the growing numberof Scottish employers who have beenrecognised for making this importantcommitment. Beyond our own staff, wealso have a plan in place to maximise thecommitment to the Living Wage across theContractors we use”.

Best Start Grants Pregnant or recently had a child? You could be due £600!

Barrhead Housing Association is delightedto announce the Barrhead HousingAssociation Community Fund is now open!There is an award of £48,000 to distributeamongst Community Projects!

This year the Community Fund is splitinto two separate strands. The first and newstrand will support Scotland’s Year of YoungPeople 2018, by encouraging project ideasfrom young individuals, groups andorganisations (a young person is 8 to 26)and a second fund for General CommunityProjects similar to the previous year’sformat.

We are calling for project ideas fromindividuals, groups and organisations eitherdelivering or proposing to deliver, operate orbenefit people within the postcode area ofG78.

The key criteria is that your project mustbenefit the BHA tenants, the localcommunity and support at least one ofBarrhead Housing Association’s CommunityRegeneration Objectives:

• Support people into employment.• Improve local environments.

• Recognise and reduce socialisolation in our communities.

• Reduce food and energy poverty inour communities.

• Increase digital inclusion.• Support people with welfare advice.• Improve Health and Wellbeing.

How much can be applied for?You can apply for a minimum award of£1000 or up to a maximum of £4,000.

Decision Event The project ideas will be then presented tolocal residents at the Decision event atBarrhead High School on the Saturday 2ndMarch 2019 where local residents can votefor the projects that they think deservefunding.

How to ApplyGet an Application Form from:enquiries@barrheadha.org or BarrheadHousing Association, 60-70 Main Street,Barrhead G78 1SB

Please submit your application by 5pm

on Monday 4th February 2019.

Best Start Grant Pregnancy and BabyPayment is one of the first benefits that willbe delivered by Social Security Scotland.The Scottish Government has increased thepayments available to lower income familiesfor each child they have. The Best StartGrant Pregnancy and Baby Payment willhelp children across Scotland have a fairerstart by providing cash sums to families atcrucial times in a young child’s life.

This grant covers a one-off payment of£600 for your first child then £300 for eachsubsequent child. You do not need to paythis back and its provided to help you withpregnancy or baby related expenses,including clothes and nursery items.

Both the Grant and Payment will launchon 10 December 2018 and you can applyfrom the 24th week of your pregnancy, upuntil your child is six months old.

To be eligible for the Pregnancy and BabyPayment, you must live in Scotland and bein receipt of a qualifying benefit from the listbelow:

• Universal Credit • Income Support

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance • Income-related Employment and

Support Allowance • Pension Credit• Housing Benefit • Child Tax Credit • Working Tax Credit If you are under

18 or 18/19 and still dependant onyour parents and in full timeeducation or training – you do notneed to be in receipt of a qualifyingbenefit

The Pregnancy and Baby Payment will notaffect your other benefits or tax credits.

You can apply online, by phone or post.Visit mygov.scot/pregnancy-and-

babypayment or call 0800 182 2222

to find out more. Alternatively you can

contact our WelfareRights Officer Vivien Betteridge

on 0141 881 0638 ifyou wish advice onhow to apply.

Iain Martin