ISSUE 23 • October 2014
news & views
A GREAT Day Out! See pages 12-13
TENANTS’ ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14
See how we’re doing rt inside Tenants’ Annual Repo
Affordable warmth page 7
Blooming Gardens 2014 winners page 14
GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People
Guest editorial
Ray Ellis, Editor
There’s never a dull moment at Gedling Homes! From the excitement of the lovely Blooming Gardens competition (pg 14) to the first few months of operation for GH Response (pg 5), it’s been a busy few months. The Gedling Eye has won a well-deserved national award (pg 11) and we’re introducing a new way of recruiting tenant Board members (pg 6).
Do you know this landmark? Where is it? What was it once used for?
In this edition you can also read helpful advice from Money Wise (pg 8), and learn about our tenant fundraising events, featuring plenty of cake! (pg 18). I hope you enjoy reading this packed edition. Perhaps you may spot yourself in one of the photos! Don’t forget to let us know if you are planning an event - we want you to share your news. Happy reading
Ray Ellis
QR Codes
?
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 you know the answer in the next edition!
Last edition’s answer: The Fountain in Gedling Village The fountain, presented in 1874 by the Countess of Carnarvon, once provided water to the villagers. In the centre was a tap for people to use, a large basin at the bottom was for horses and a smaller basin for dogs. The fountain was a social space for locals and was the focal point for many public celebrations.
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In this edition you will notice small checkered boxes. These are QR codes. They are a type of barcode that you scan with your smart phone or tablet to visit a specific website. If you have a smart phone or tablet, simply download a free QR code scanner app. Using this app, the camera in your phone or tablet will read the QR code, just like a barcode scanner in a shop. Your phone or tablet will then take you straight to the specific website. Give this one a try, it will take you straight to our website.
Contact us
Tel: 0115 905 1515 Email: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk Website: www.gedlinghomes.co.uk Twitter:
@Gedling_Homes Facebook: www.facebook.com/ gedlinghomes
Contents Your Community
News Supporting Food Banks Do you love to sing? GH Response update An 'eye' on complaints Calling all gardeners Recruitment of Tenant Board Members
GREAT Day Out Blooming Gardens 2014 winners Newstead in Bloom Netherfield in Bloom!
4 4 5 5 5 6
Street Talk
Money Affordable warmth Watch out for loan sharks Credit Unions Universal Credit: are you ready? Money Wise Budget Planner A new way to get credit
7 8 8 9 9 9 9
Paul Smith, Stores Manager
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Community Chest
17
Independent Living The Big Chinwag All your Yesterdays Dementia awareness information
18 19 19
Events
Tenant Involvement Cook & Eat recipe GREATer Training TPAS national win!
12-13 14 15 15
Events list 10 11 11
Ode to the Old Soldiers
I was not there, I did not see, me, Just what the Tommies did for d, col In the trenches, so muddy and w old. gre er nev Some never came home, they bold, In their uniforms, proud and r, wa in es rad Joined their com y, ntr cou and g To fight for kin To keep us free forever more. why, So when you sit, and wonder ve, Look up to heaven abo ies did, And realise just what the Tomm e. lov h And remember them, wit who died for us in WW1 A poem in memory of the soldiers By Jane Hipkiss, Foxhill Court
20-21
Fun & Games
22
Our Performance
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We want to hear from you!
Send us your photos, news, ideas, or feedback on our services and we will print a selection of the responses in the next edition of News & Views. Email us at: customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk or write to Customer Experience, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Supporting Food Banks
The long summer holiday can be a particularly difficult time for families, with more mouths to feed. In light of this, staff had a collection to support local Food Banks. Tins and dried foodstuffs have been distributed across the borough to the Arnold, Carlton and Netherfield Food Banks.
Wendy Laurence from the Netherfield Food Bank, (pictured here with Martin Curtis, Community Regeneration Officer) comments; “We are very grateful to Gedling Homes’ staff. Just this morning we put out a call on our Facebook page for more donations. Thank you.”
To find out more about your local Food Bank and how you can help, visit www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/news/article/ ncvs-creates-google-map-showingwhere-all-city-foodbanks-are or call Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service on 0115 934 8400
Do you love to sing? Come and join The Gedling Homes Singers!
The concert brought hundreds of people together to respectfully This friendly and lively group formed in April this year, to sing acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made at the recent Poppy Proms, by our Armed Forces, throughout the borough. past and present. The group performed at the The Singers enjoyed this event at Lambley Recreation experience so much that, with ground on Sunday 3rd August. the support of their tutor Jane Ashworth, they have decided to continue meeting and are looking for new members! The group meets fortnightly on a Wednesday morning, 9.30am-11.00am, at Carlton House in Carlton and will be
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offering performances at local coffee mornings and community events. They are a very friendly, welcoming group. If you enjoy singing, please give it a go! For more information and advice on transportation, please contact Martin Curtis on 0115 905 1515 or email enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk
News GH Response update The new in-house repairs service is fully operational and has achieved some fantastic results in its first two months of operation. It has been a GREAT start and performance is on the up!
98.6% repairs: 98.9% of jobs 98.9% Urgent completed, within target repairs: 99.9% of jobs 99.9% Routine completed, within target ‘Right first time’ repairs 98.9% came in at 98.9% satisfaction for the 94.2% Customer month of July was 94.2%
Emergency repairs: 98.6% of jobs completed, within target
what a greaT result!
An 'eye' on complaints The tenant scrutiny panel, ‘The Gedling Eye’ has recently been looking at our complaints procedure, and ways in which the process can be made better for you. Following the panel's recommendations, positive changes include: • All front facing staff have been trained on complaints handling • A new complaints management system has been implemented • Alterations have been made to the website and other documents, to make reporting a complaint easier • Managers and other senior staff take greater responsibility in ensuring complaints are dealt with appropriately • More follow up work from satisfaction feedback is now carried out with tenants If you would like more information on the work the Gedling Eye do, please contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Calling all gardeners
A gentle reminder on smoking: Please could tenants be mindful not to smoke when a Gedling Homes or GH Response member of staff is in the property. Thank you!
Have a Couple of Hours free eaCH week?
Interested in helping at the ‘Community Plot’, Killisick Allotments, Arnold? Please contact Martin Curtis for more information on 0115 905 1515 or enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk’
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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News Recruitment of Tenant Board Members Gedling Homes has dedicated positions on its Board for tenants. The process for recruiting to these positions has recently been reviewed to ensure that: • It is cost effective and demonstrates Value for Money • It is fair, transparent and supports our commitment to tenant involvement • The right person with the right skills is appointed to the Board • The appointments ensure we are effectively governed and compy with all requirements of the Homes and Communities Agency’s Regulatory Framework and National Housing Federation Code of Governance Having consulted with existing Tenant Board Members and a group of tenants, the Board has agreed to move to an application and interview process, in line with the process used when recruiting Independent Board Members. Moving away from the costly election format (which has historically had a low turnout) will ensure resources can be put to better use. Positions will be advertised as vacancies on the Board arise. The application process will be open to all tenants, subject to meeting basic criteria. Following interview, the successful applicant would be appointed for a three year term and subject to satisfactory performance and conduct would be eligible for re-appointment for a second three year term.
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nt Board The current Tena Members are:
Roger Palmer Appointed: 2008 Retires: 2016
Ray Ellis tires: 2016 Appointed: 2010 Re
Brian Fisher Retires: 2017 1 1 0 2 : d te in o App
We’ll be doin g over the com some work in promote the g months to role of Tenan Board Memb t e keep an eye rs so please out.
Zoe Taylo r Appointed: 2012 Reti res: 2018
Money
e l b a d r o f f A warmth With winter just around the corner it is important to ensure you are getting the best deal on your energy supply. Take a look at these top tips: Don't pay over the odds for your gas and electricity My Home Energy Switch lets you compare all energy suppliers to make sure you're getting the best price for your gas and electricity. The service is run by the National Housing Federation in partnership with billscutter.com Why use My Home Energy Switch? • They take care of all the paperwork for you • There is no charge to use the service • They have a dedicated phone line to answer all queries and help you switch • They compare ALL UK energy suppliers and are completely impartial
You qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme if on 12 July 2014 all of the following apply: • Your supplier is part of the scheme
• Your name (or your partner’s) The process is simple, fast and is on the bill effective. Visit their website www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk • You are getting the Guarantee or call freephone 0800 001 4706 to Credit element of Pension get started (have your most recent Credit (even if you get Savings energy bill to hand if possible.) Credit as well)
The Warm Home Discount Scheme: For winter 2014 to 2015 you could get a £140 discount on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money isn’t paid to you, it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill usually between October and March. You can also qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. The discount won’t affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment, but not everyone will qualify.
If you don’t qualify in the above criteria, some suppliers will offer the discount to vulnerable people (eg. those on a low income). If you are on a low income, it will be up to your supplier to decide whether you can get the Warm Home Discount. You may be eligible if you're on a low income, in receipt of Income-Based benefits or, if you have a disability or longterm illness, or have children. The actual criteria used will vary depending on your supplier. Contact your energy supplier to find out more.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Watch out for loan sharks
The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is the agency that prosecutes loan sharks and supports people affected by this crime. Loan sharks will rarely offer paperwork, so borrowers are unsure about the terms of the agreement and how much is owed. The rates of interest can be extortionate, as high as 131,000% has been identified in the past! Often borrowers will struggle to repay the debt as the lender will add additional sums onto the outstanding amount. Some loan sharks will also resort
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The rates of interest can be extortionate, as high as 131,000% has been identified in the past
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Many of us will struggle with finances at some point in our lives and for some people, when times are tough, they feel they have no option but to borrow from loan sharks. It is estimated that 310,000 households in the UK are borrowing from these unauthorised lenders.
to taking items from the victim’s home as security, including items such as passports and bank cards. They may even turn to making threats and physical violence in an attempt to reclaim debts.
illegal debt and helped over 24,500 victims.
Nationally the IMLT has secured 310 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 200 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off almost £59 million worth of
If you want to report an unauthorised lender or would simply like some advice, you can call the IMLT in complete confidence.
CrediT unions
Credit Unions have a number of accounts to help people manage their money: • Rent Direct Account • Rent Payment Current Account • Budget Account Credit Unions can also offer loans at competitive prices. For more information, please call Nottingham Credit Union on 0115 828 3121, email rents@nottinghamcu.co.uk or visit nottinghamcu.co.uk
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Loan sharks will often appear very friendly in the first instance but should never be used under any circumstances.
To report a loan shark: • Call the IMLT confidential hotline 0300 555 2222, open 24 hours a day • Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003 • E-mail reportaloanshark@ stoploansharks.gov.uk • Private message to www.facebook.com/ stoploansharks
Money Universal Credit: are you ready? ✓ ✗
Tick l ist
the internet I have access to rnet I can use the inte nt redit Union accou C or nt ou c ac I have a bank thly I can budget mon ehold expenditure us ho y m l al at I have looked
If you have answered any of the above with a cross, Money Wise can help on 0115 905 1515 or moneywise@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Budget Planner This new on-line tool helps you calculate your outgoings and income and is the first vital step in taking control of your finances. www.budget.entitledto.co.uk/ newcharter
MONEY WISE Our Money Wise team provide FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and IMPARTIAL benefit and money advice to our tenants. You can call to see a Money Wise Advisor at Gedling Homes Customer Contact Centre, Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, every Wednesday between 09.30am and 12.30pm - you don’t need an appointment. You can also call Money Wise, confidentially on 0115 905 1515 or email moneywise@gedlinghomes.co.uk
a new waY To geT CrediT
Do yoU FIND It IMPossIBle to get A loAN yoU CAN AFFoRD to PAy BACK? ARe yoU hAvINg to MAKe Costl y RePAyMeNts to DooRsteP oR PAyDAy leNDeRs?
There is now anoTher choice open To you...
My Home Finance (MHF) provide loans for most purposes and can also help you with bank accounts and budgeting. When you apply, your benefits will be taken into account as income and a poor credit history doesn’t have to stop you from getting a loan. • A community based lender, working on a not-for-profit basis • Representative APR of 69.5% • Repayments are made via a bank account, if the tenant doesn’t have one, MHF works with NatWest to set one up
• MHF work with local credit unions with a view to setting up a savings account
01905 25805
www.myhomefinance.org.uk
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Cook &Eat
Ingredients: Casserole • • • • •
Oil 6 sausages 1 onion 1 clove of garlic Tin of chopped tomatoes A spoon-full of sugar A spoon-full of vinegar Tin of borlotti beans Tomato puree Dried rosemary Salt / pepper
• • • • • •
Flat breads
• Fresh coriander • A cup of plain flour • 2 tbsp of water
Equipment:
• Frying pan • Pan with lid • Wooden spoon
• Lid/plate • Knife • Fish slice
Preparation: Casserole
• Add the oil to the frying pan and cook the sausages on a medium heat • Chop the onion and finely cut the garlic. Add the onion to the pan once the sausages are browning then add chopped garlic • When the sausages are thoroughly cooked, remove from the pan and chop into bite size pieces, return them to the pan • Add the chopped tomatoes to the sausages, onion and garlic and stir, add a
ole Sausage and bean casser with flat breads • • • •
spoonful of sugar and a • Knead using floured spoonful of vinegar hands and roll out onto a floured surface Add the borlotti beans until thin. Cut into Add a squeeze or two rustic shapes and then of tomato purée and fry in a hot pan the rosemary brushed with oil for Stir and season to taste 4-5 minutes on each with salt and pepper side or until golden Simmer the mixture on a gentle heat for about 20 minutes or finish in the oven for the same length of time at 180°C
Flat Bread
• Mix the salt, coriander, flour and water in a bowl until combined, adding extra water if necessary to create a soft dough
£1.09 per portion
(Based on 4 portions)
This dish is really useful as it can be served in different ways: 1) With rice 2) With flat bread 3) With jacket potato, pasta or potato wedges 4) Or add grated cheese and bake off in the oven and serve with green vegetables
You could make a big batch and cool and transfer either into portions and freeze, or in a container in the fridge.
Would you like to attend FREE Cook & Eat sessions to learn more recipes? Call Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515 or email greatertraining@gedlinghomes.co.uk 10
Tenant Involvement TPAS national win!
WHATEVER YOU FANCY DOING - WE HAVE A FREE COURSE FOR YOU! The following courses are available to book now, with limited places still available:
Zumba Gold
Wednesday 22nd October, 3:45-4:30pm at Ernehale for 5 Weeks
Cooking 4 Life
Monday 3rd November, 1-3pm at Carlton House for 4 Weeks
Arts & Crafts
Wednesday 5th November, 1-3pm at Westmoore Ct for 6 Weeks
Back to Work
Thursday 6th November, 1-3pm at St Georges Centre for 7 Weeks
Money Matters Workshop
Friday 7th November, 10.30am -11.30am at Gedling House, Gedling
We have over 20 different courses available to tenants. To book your place and find out more, contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or email greatertraining@gedlinghomes.co.uk
aham, Pat and Colin Gedling Eye members, Toni, Gr were presented with their award
The tenant scrutiny panel - the ‘Gedling Eye’ - is celebrating after scooping the national award for Excellence in Tenant-Led Scrutiny at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) awards last week. The national awards, recognise and reward the vital work that tenant volunteers play in supporting housing associations in the services they offer. Gedling Eye provide a vital insight into services by completing scrutiny investigations, and offering recommendations for improvements.
Toni Faulker, a member of Gedling Eye commented: “We are delighted with this achievement. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the team, one we have all enjoyed.”
Steve Ward, Customer Experience Manager comments; "It is a GREAT achievement for the panel to scoop the national award in their The group, formed in first year. They have April 2013, particularly made tremendous impressed the judges strides in a short space of with the number of time and have made a improvements they have number of improvements implemented in a short to services across time: including changes to Gedling Homes” the complaints process and introducing service standards for phone calls.
Find us us online online at at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk www.gedlinghomes.co.uk11 11 Find
T A E R G Day ut O
The rain didn’t stop play for our annual GREAT Day Out. Over 300 tenants and their families came together to enjoy fun and games for all ages.
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Your Community
Go-karts, a rodeo ‘sheep’, face painting and a photo-booth taxi were just some of the attractions on offer. Gedling Homes’ staff and partner agencies were also on hand - including Age UK, Seven Trent Water and New College Nottingham - to offer advice and support. Crowds were entertained by Netherfield Community Choir and the Gedling Homes Singers.
COMPETITION WINNERS Brook: Drawing competition (pictured) Craig, Arnold: Video Diary Room Kirsty, Carlton: Facebook activity Charlotte, Carlton: Lifeline Quiz
Gedling Homes' Tenant Involvement Officer, Sarah Quinn comments: "Our GREAT Day Out is an opportunity for us to communicate and consult with a large number of our tenants about the key issues affecting them and Gedling Homes. Alongside the family atmosphere we aim to find out what is important to our tenants and how they would like to see their services delivered to them. It was GREAT to see it so well attended again this year" Despite a few heavy downpours, the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Shirley from Netherfield, and a member of the Gedling Homes Singers, commented: “I’ve had a lovely day! Everyone was so kind and people made the best of it despite the weather.”
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 13
Blgardens ming
2014 Gardening Competition
We have been busy judging the local school and tenant applications for this year’s Blooming Gardens Competition. It’s been great to see both old and new faces to the competition!
The 2014 winners are: Schools: 1st: Pinewood Infants School
A big thank you to Bullock Construction for donating the prize gift vouchers for the School Competition and to Amanda Whitehead, Tenant Liaison Officer, for assisting with judging the school applications and in awarding the prizes.
Tenants:
A huge thank you to Chris Johnson, Tenant of Carlton who volunteered her own time to assist with the judging of the gardens (pictured).
Best Communal/ Sheltered Housing Scheme Garden 1st: Moreland Court, Carlton
Best Garden (Front/ back or both) 1st: Joanne Brennan, Arnold
Best Individual Planter/Hanging Basket/Window Box 1st: John Cadman, Carlton
For a full list and pictures of all the runners up, please visit http://on.fb.me/1v4W8vo
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Your Community
Netherfield in Bloom! In July residents from Netherfield were invited to the Civic Centre in Arnold by the Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, to a presentation evening for the Netherfield and Conway Garden Competition and Good Neighbour Award.
Prizes were presented to reward the best gardens, and residents who have proven themselves to be great neighbours. The Good Neighbour Award was sponsored by Gedling Homes.
Our tenants scooped many of the gardening prizes, including:
Newstead in Bloom Gedling Homes’ tenants also took part in the first annual Garden Competition in Newstead this summer, organised by Gedling Borough Council. The winners were announced at a Fun Day on Sunday 13th July and tenant Sharon Chadwick won 1st prize in the Best Courtyard competition!
1st Prize
1st Prize
Best Community Garden: Britannia Court
Best World War One Commemorative Garden: Jill White, Britannia Court
1st Prize
Best Courtyard / Small Space Garden: John Logelain, Bailey Court
3rd Prize
Best Community Garden: Bourne Mews Allotments
1st Prize
Best Front Garden: Britannia Court
Cathy Robertson from Britannia Court commented: "This is really great for Netherfield, it puts us on the map. Everyone gets the benefit of our frontage at Britannia Court. Gedling Homes has helped set us up growing beans, potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes, carrots and beetroot. The Nottinghamshire Probation Service did a great job building our raised beds and our hanging baskets, with electric watering system, were paid for by Gedling Homes' Community Chest."
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 15
Burley Saxton speaks to Paul Smith, GH Response Stores Manager How long have you worked for Gedling Homes and what were you doing before? I have been at Gedling Homes since the launch of GH Response on 1st July. My job is the new Stores Manager. I transferred to GH Response from Mears PLC, where I was Office Manager, so this is quite a big change. What will your job entail? As the Stores Manager I will control what is brought in to the stores, and what goes out. The stores will provide Repairs Technicians with the correct parts to complete jobs quicker and ‘right first time.’ When we transferred from Mears, I looked at the new business model, and the Store Manager role appealed. It is giving me a chance to broaden my knowledge and gain new skills across the business. What has been the most interesting aspect of your job so far? It is a new role for me, so I have found it very interesting. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to add to my professional knowledge. I take most pride in making sure everything is done correctly and to the best standard! What positive impact do you think the new stores will have on the repairs service? The new stores will have a great impact on the new repairs service. We will have all required 16
materials in stock and give technicians the items they need to complete their repairs. The process should now be more streamlined. Each morning the technicians are provided with a list of the day’s jobs and we will provide them with the stock-parts they will need for each job. We will also be able to plan more in advance for booked in jobs. We will endeavour to keep the stores fully stocked, but where there is a gap, we will have a delay of no more than 48 hours. For the time being we will keep agreements in place with external stores to get vital parts within 2-3 hours. This is a buffer that we should need less and less as our stores fill up. When you are not at work, what can you mostly be seen doing? My main passion is music. I have played in a few bands; guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals! I am now in the process of starting my own band. I am also setting up my own recording studio - so that keeps me busy! What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? To treat others how you would like to be treated yourself.
Community Chest
Following the second Community Chest panel of the year, the group of staff and tenants have reviewed 38 applications for funding, from community groups and initiatives. Working within a limited budget, the panel have agreed to support 25 projects, totalling over £16,800. Successful applications include:
Netherfield Forum: £5870.40 to install a play space and playhouse outside the St George’s Centre. Residents' trip to Southport: £1000 - To assist with travel expenses for a 4 day trip to Southport, available to sheltered residents. We R Here: £2000 - The group are working with Nottingham Central Women’s Aid to support women and children entering
refuge, at a time when they are often at their most vulnerable. These women and children, in addition to being at greater risk of suffering direct violence and abuse are also disadvantaged in leaving everything that is familiar. Through self-esteem workshops, relationship building and therapeutic art classes We R Here helps offer a safe place people can gather with others who have experienced direct violence or abuse.
Young Person’s Positive Moves: £1000 Delivering sport activities for children with disabilities, the funds will support the charity to deliver sport camps in school holidays. Core centre, Calverton: £500 The funds will support this community centre in providing a much needed resource for local residents, including advice and training courses. Little Treasures, Stanhope Children’s Centre: £250 The group came about following lack of funding for the existing Sure Start team and their services. Two volunteer mums have independently taken on the service and carried it on.
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 customerexperience@gedlinghomes.co.uk or visit our website www.gedlinghomes.com to download an application form and fact sheet.
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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A series of social events have taken place over the summer months, across our sheltered schemes. These events are a GREAT opportunity for tenants to get together, to forge new friendships and help reduce social isolation. Many events were part of AGE UK’s ‘The Big ChinWag’ initiative, to help tackle loneliness among older people. You can find out more at www.ageuk.org.uk/getinvolved/loneliness/the-big-chin-wag/
ir own Chinwag e th ld e h rt u o C r Moreland , to help raise ove Q B B a ith w e n in Ju roes. and Help for He £140 for Age UK s got together st e u g ir e th d n a ed Residents d cake stall stock n a e ffl ra a y jo n to e full of goodies. as afternoon; it w e th d ye jo n e y “I reall ng a g outside havi in tt si n fu t le” a re g ting new peop e e m d n a e cu barbe e vely and set th lo d e k o lo g n ti “The bun fternoon” scene for the a
In August, tenants a Court were treate t Moreland d to a Strawberries and Cre Tea Party. Those w am h took part had a la o ug shared a few joke h, s and enjoyed having a ch A raffle added to at. the fun, as did music from the 50s and 60s.
Carlton House held a ChinWag for tenants of Rushcliffe and Carlton House. The event was adve rtised through the schemes’ newsletters. Th e ev en t rai se d ov er £270 raffles, cake and jumble sta lls. Our Managing Director, Lyn from n Clayton; Karen Sands, Head of Indep endent Living; and Mayor of Ge Councillor Jenny Hollingswo dling, rth attended the event. Alan White, who helped org anise the ChinWag commen ted: “The event has been a grea t success to both help raise mo ne Age UK, and for giving peop le the opportunity to come tog y for ether and socialise.” 18
Keith celebrated his birthday with a cake and singsong!
Independent living
All your Yesterdays Events were held at Bailey Court and Bramble Court. Historical artifacts, music, games and food were available, and helped tenants open up in conversation about their childhood. Many of the tenants discovered they had common experiences, such as having had a catapult as a child, fishing for tadpoles in jam jars, and making their own soap bubbles to blow through a piece of looped wire. There were laughs (newspaper as toilet paper!), reminiscences, and tales of idyllic childhood experiences.
Dementia awareness information In May we launched our Dementia Awareness action plan in partnership with Gedling Borough Council and the Nottingham North and East Clinical Commissioning Group.
For more information, please contact Sue Goliah, Sheltered Housing Team leader on 0115 905 1515.
This initiative is promoted by the Dementia Action Alliance, a national movement which encourages organisations to take action, transforming the lives of people with dementia and their carers. We have already started raising dementia awareness amongst our staff with Dementia Awareness Session’s arranged by Sue Goliah and Helen Hicks. The 10 sessions have proved very successful and we now have designated Dementia Friends within our teams. More sessions are planned and will also be offered to tenants within our sheltered schemes (see pages 20-21).
As part of the plan the Money Wise team have put together an information leaflet to help raise awareness of the financial strains of living with dementia and caring for someone with dementia. The pack includes information on dealing with debt and guidance on claiming the correct benefits.
To request your copy contact Money Wise on 0115 905 1515 or email moneywise@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 19
October
15 October 2014, 10am Walk and Talk Bailey Court, Netherfield 15 October 2014, 10.30am Walk and Talk Ernehale Court, Arnold 15 October 2014, 10am Walk and Talk Foxhill Court, Carlton 15 October 2014, 1.30pm-6.30pm Community Safety Event St George's Centre, Netherfield
22 October 2014, 10am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Netherfield
15 October 2014, 11.30am-1pm The Ark Drop-in Housing Surgery The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling
29 October 2014, 2.45pm Walk and Talk Moreland Court, Dale Road, Carlton
17 October 2014, 10am-12noon Newstead Village Walk and Talk Meet at Newstead Community Centre, Newstead Village 22 October, each Wednesday for 5 weeks, 3.45pm-4.30pm Zumba Gold Ernehale Court, Arnold
29 October 2014, 2pm Walk and Talk Orchard Court, Carlton 29 October 2014, 11am-12noon Southdale Road/Drive Estate Walkabout Meet on the corner of Southdale Road/Drive
November
3 November, each for 4 weeks, 1pm Monday -3pm Cooking 4 Life Carlton House, Carlt on 4 November, 10am Walk and Talk Bramble Court, Ged ling 4 November, 10.3 0am-12noon St Albans Rd/Furlo ng Estate Inspection Starting at the botto near the old job centm of St Albans Rd re 4 November, 10am -12noon Community Ches Westmoore Court, t Panel Meeting Mapperley
5 November, each for 6 weeks, 1pm Wednesday -3pm Arts & Crafts Westmoore Court, Mapperley 5 November, 10am -11am Dementia Awaren es Rushcliffe Avenue, Ca s Session rlton 6 November, each for 7 weeks, 1pm-3 Thursday pm Back to work St George’s Centre
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6 November, 11am -12noon Netherfield Dropin Surgery: with Money Wise te am St Georges Centre, Netherfield 6 November, 11am -12noon Leaseholder Walka Princess Close & bout Princess Close, GedQueens Avenue Princess Close Garagling. Meet at es 6 November, 9.30 am-11.30am Newstead Village Surgery: with Mon Drop-in Newstead Centre, ey Wise team Newstead Village 6 November, 10am -11am Dementia Awaren es Moyra House, Arno s Session ld 7 November, 10.3 0am-11.30am Money Matters W Gedling House, Gedorkshop ling 11 November, 10am Walk and Talk Carlton House, Carlt on 11 November, 10.3 0am Walk and Talk Moyra House, Arno ld
17 November, 10am Walk and Talk Bailey Court, Nethe rfield 19 November, 10am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Net herfield 19 November, 2.30 pm-3.30pm Dementia Awaren Moreland Court, Ca ess Session rlton 19 November, 11.3 0am-1pm The Ark Drop-in H The Ark, Wollaton Avousing Surgery enue, Gedling 20 November, 10 .30am-11.30am Dementia Awaren Moreland Court, Ca ess Session rlton 26 November, 6p m-8pm General Leasehol Gedling Homes, Gedder Forum Wood Lane, Gedlin ling House, g 28 November, 10am Walk and Talk Coronation Walk, G edling
28 November, 10am Walk and Talk Westmoore Court, Mapperley
Events December 2 December 2014, 2pm Walk and Talk 2-30 Seagrave Court, Arnold 3 December 2014, 10am Walk and Talk Bramble Court, Gedling 4 December 2014, 11am-12noon Netherfield Drop-in Housing Surgery: with Money Wise team St George's Centre, Netherfield 4 December 2014, 9.30am-11.30am Newstead Village Drop-in Surgery: with Money Wise team Newstead Centre, Newstead Village
January 2015
10 December 2014, 11.30am-1pm The Ark Drop-in Housing Surgery The Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling 13 December 2014, 12noon-2pm Older People’s Christmas Dinner St George's Centre, Netherfield
16 December 2014, 11am Walk and Talk Roe Hill, Woodborough 17 December 2014, 11am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Netherfield 18 December 2014, 11am-12noon Estate Inspection Walton Court/Walton Crescent
15 December 2014, 10am Walk and Talk Bailey Court, Netherfield 15 December 2014, 10.30am Walk and Talk Nabarro Court, Calverton
8 January 2015, 9.30am Walk and Talk Walton Court, Carlton
9 January 2015, 10am Walk and Talk Bramble Court, Gedling
14 January 2015, 10am Walk and Talk Foxhill Court, Carlton
8 January 2015, 11am-12noon Netherfield Drop-in Housing Surgery: with Money Wise team St George's Centre, Netherfield
14 January 2015, 10am Walk and Talk Britannia Court, Netherfield
28 January 2015, 2pm Walk and Talk Orchard Court, Carlton
14 January 2015, 10.30am Walk and Talk Ernehale Court, Arnold
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 21
Fun & Games WORDSEARCH
You can win £25 in vouchers in our “Autumn” wordsearch. Words go left, right, up, down, not diagonally, and can bend at a right angle. We have already found one for you! Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will be picked from the correct entries on 14th November 2014. Return to: Wordsearch Competition,Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD BACK TO SCHOOL CORN MAZE FALLING LEAVES HALLOWEEN
Name:
HARVEST NOVEMBER OCTOBER PUDDLE
RAIN RUBBER BOOTS SEASON SEPTEMBER
....................................................................
Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colour Me in! Your child / grandchild could win a £25 book token in our “Autumn” colouring competition.
Please send your completed colouring to us. A winner will be picked on 14th November 2014. Return to: Colouring Competition, Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD
Name: ...........................................................................................................................Age:................................. Telephone: .............................................................................................................................................................. Address: ...................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................
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And the winners are... Congratulations to Mrs Weatherall from Woodborough. She receives £25 in shopping vouchers in our wordsearch quiz. And very well done to Katie, age 8 from Carlton. Winner in the summer colouring competition, she wins £25 in vouchers.
Our performance Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (including low demand)
37.75 days
2014-15
Year End Target: 27 days
On target, going well
Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs
OK, work in progress Below target, looking to improve
97.29%
Responsive repairs works undertaken ‘right first time’*
RIGHT 1ST TIME
Year End Target: 96% Customers satisfied with investment works
98.9%
81.82%
Year End Target: 99%
Year End Target: 96% All responsive repairs completed on time*
99.4%
98.59%
Year End Target: 99%
Year End Target: 97%
Rent collection rate rolling 12 month period
Customer reporting anti-social behaviour who were satisfied with how we dealt with it
100.42%
93%
Year End Target: 99%
Year End Target: 80%
Re-let time - general needs and sheltered properties (excluding low demand)
21.47 days Year End Target: 27 days * from commencement of GH Response 1st July 2014
Customers satisfied with gas servicing
Customers satisfied with the condition of property when the property was let
97.66% Year End Target: 96%
Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 23
Contact us By sending us an e-mail: General enquiries: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk Tenant Involvement: tenantinvolvement@ gedlinghomes.co.uk By writing to us at: Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham. NG4 4AD
In person: Please visit our Customer Contact Centre on the ground floor at: The Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU. The opening times are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday
@Gedling_Homes www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes
By phone: 24/7 Repairs line 0115 905 1515 Anti Social Behaviour (24 hours) 0808 145 6555 Rent Payments 0161 331 2224 (24 hour automated payment line) For all other enquiries please ring 0115 905 1515 and ask for the team you want to speak to.
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 will arrange for an interpreter. Or you can ask a friend or relative to phone us 0115 905 1515.
Chinese
Gujurati
Kurdish
Urdu
Polish
Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111