Insight Magazine Winter/Spring 2012

WINTER 2011/12

THE SOUTH ESSEX HOMES RESIDENT NEWSLETTER

Councillor Lesley Salter and resident Doris Gunn were pleased to open the recently refurbished communal hall at sheltered scheme Bradfordbury in October (see page 5).

For more information about living in sheltered housing please contact us on freephone 0800 833 160

> INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE 3

| Southend Stars - Interview with actress Kierston Wareing

PAGE 4

| Your Community Tie-in event round-up

PAGE 6

| Commitment to fire safety praised

PAGE 8

| Advice on responsible waste disposal and recycling

PAGE 15

| Kid’s Corner - competitions and fun stuff!

This issue of Insight contains ‘4 the Record’..

It includes information about our performance over the last year, success stories and where we intend to make improvements after valuable feedback from residents. It has been produced with the help of residents from the Southend Tenants and Residents Federation, the Tenants Voice Association and the Standards Leadership Group.

Also available at www.southessexhomes.co.uk

Find out when South Essex Homes is open over the festive period - page 11

2 | C H ATS W I T H T H E C H A I R

Chats with the Chair With stories of record-breaking resident events and significant achievements, this issue certainly reflects what a busy year 2011 has been.

Community involvement is a major theme, with our successful residents’ conference in November and a round-up of photos and news from August’s wellattended Community Tie-in, which will definitely be hard to beat! I must also say a special congratulations to one of our most elderly residents, Mrs Witton, who celebrated her 108th birthday in July. South Essex Homes was proud to sponsor two community categories at this year’s Echo Business Awards, which recognise businesses making a difference in the lives of local people.

Read our Chief Executive’s regular column on page 13 for a fuller update about our performance and achievements, including a recent fire safety visit by one of the Government’s top advisors, and South Essex Homes being elected to the Board of the National Federation of ALMOs, giving us even more of a say on behalf of social housing tenants.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Insight.

As always, it is full of news, entertainment features and information about your community and services. We also have an inspiring interview with a young energy apprentice, Adam Rush. Our Just for Fun pages contain plenty of activities and events for the whole family to get involved in. We’ve had some positive

feedback to Kids’ Corner so keep those suggestions coming!

Plus, don’t miss out on an opportunity to win a great hamper in our Facebook and Twitter competition.

Social media is a good way to stay upto-date with South Essex Homes and I would certainly encourage all residents to sign up.

Finally, I would like to wish you and your household a fulfilling festive season and a Happy New Year.

Best regards

Phil Lyons Chair of South Essex Homes

Your Community, Your News We have moved South Essex Homes has relocated to Cheviot House, following feedback from residents that one office would improve communication and allow our services to be delivered more efficiently.

All our staff are now based at Cheviot House, 70 Baxter Avenue, Southend, SS2 6HZ. The office has a fully-equipped reception area for the comfort of visitors.

If you would like to pay us a visit please see the map above.

The local train station is Southend Victoria and the nearest bus stops are located on Victoria Avenue.

You can still contact us as normal via our freephone on 0800 833 160 or visit our website www.southessexhomes.co.uk

We would like to reassure residents that part one sheltered schemes are not being decommissioned.

Rumours have circulated recently that part one sheltered schemes were being decommissioned. South Essex Homes would like to assure residents that this is NOT the case and the rumours were a result of a miscommunication.

At the beginning of the year, the alarm system supplier Tunstall informed us that the existing systems were redundant and the manufacturer could not maintain or support them beyond March 2011 and as such the systems would need to be replaced at a significant cost.

Rather than incur the high cost of replacing the alarm system which historically had only been used by a minority of residents, South Essex Homes worked in partnership with the Council and in full consultation with residents to install new individual systems free-of-charge only for residents who wanted it.

Working via the resident’s phone line, the ‘dispersed alarm’ device can be triggered in case of a health emergency and operates in a similar manner to the previous system.

Therefore only the original alarm equipment has been decommissioned and NOT the part one schemes themselves.

We hope this clarification resolves any concerns.

Mario Ambrose, Executive Director

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS ON PAGES 4 TO 7...

Get in touch To send in your story ideas for future issues of Insight Magazine, or to provide feedback on something you've read, contact the Editor via the following methods:

Insight Magazine, South Essex Homes Cheviot House, 70 Baxter Avenue Southend-on-Sea SS2 6HZ Phone: 01702 214 254 Email: insightmagazine@acceleris-mc.com

S O U T H E N D S TA R S |

Southend Stars

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Film and TV actress Kierston Wareing lives in Leigh-on-Sea, where she grew up. Since her first major casting in 2007 by director Ken Loach in It’s a Free World which earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress, Kierston’s acting career has gone from strength to strength. Highlights include memorable, gritty roles in series such as The Runaway, Martina Cole’s The Take and The Shadow Line.

It’s nearly the end of the year – how has 2011 been for you?

Very busy - it’s been a bit of a whirlwind really, going from one job straight to the next. While the work is very rewarding and I thrive on being busy, I’m currently taking a rare but much-needed break!

What are your highlights of the last year?

I enjoyed making The Holding, with an added bonus of winning a Scream Magazine award for Best Actress in October. Plus there’s been some great TV work, starting with The Shadow Line, Luther and Scott and Bailey at the beginning of the year, and more recently Inside Men (which is out in April 2012) and Top Boy. Tell us more about Top Boy… It’s a hard-hitting, four-part thriller set in London which provides an insight into the lives and personal viewpoints of gang members and the impact gangs and drugs can have on local communities. I played Heather, a pregnant mother with a cunning but dangerous plan to give her unborn child the best chances in life. It was great appearing alongside the talented rap artiststurned-actors Ashley Walters (of So Solid Crew fame) and Kane Robinson.

What does 2012 hold in store for you?

I can’t really say fully at the moment but I do plan to visit the States to see if there are any opportunities there. I will hopefully be flying out in February! Watch this space…

Looking back at your acting career, the characters you’ve played have predominately been strong but often vulnerable women. Has this happened by chance or do you actively seek out these roles?

A bit of both, really! Directors have

tended to cast me in these roles but it’s good because I enjoy them.

I enjoy bringing these characters to life on the screen, especially when they’re powerful in some way, or defy the odds to turn their situations around.

If you could star alongside any TV or movie actor who would it be?

Marilyn Monroe - she was amazing.

I am definitely what you’d call a die-hard fan!

What’s your favourite film?

It’s hard to pick just one, could I have two please? (Laughs) It would have to be The Shining and Girl, Interrupted. Oh – and anything starring Marilyn Monroe!

That’s more than two but we’ll let you off, Kierston! Did your interest in the performing arts begin in Southend?

Definitely - I began acting lessons in Leigh when I was seven years old. I had a fantastic teacher (she was called Elizabeth Slater) who was a huge support and role model for me. I also took part in the Leigh and Southend Festivals which nurtured my interest in drama – I’d love to go and take part again one day.

How important has the support of others been to you as your career has progressed?

Very - my family in particular has stuck by me from day one and always believed in me. They are still based in Leigh, so when I’m not working I spend a lot of time with them.

You also regularly volunteer at the local YMCA – tell us a bit more about your involvement.

I think I previously had a misconception that centres

In character – (left and right) Malcolm Kamulete as Ra’Nell and Kierston Wareing as Heather in Channel 4 drama Top Boy

like the YMCA were just soup kitchens, but they do so much more than provide food, shelter and other essential services. They help young people get back into education or employment and build their confidence and skills to get their lives on the right track. I’m inspired by the work done at the YMCA and the difference it makes, so I’m glad to be part of that effort.

Finally, where are your favourite places in Southend?

I love Hadleigh Castle and its grounds, and of course the Southend seafront. I explore these places even more now that I have a dog and go for long walks (he’s a 15-month year old golden retriever called Marley, so-named because of the film Marley & Me). Before I got him I don’t think I’d completely appreciated what beautiful places we have on our doorstep!

The individuals featured in our Southend Stars interviews donate their time and photography free of charge.

4 | YO U R CO M M U N I T Y, YO U R N E W S

Event attracts thousands Over 3,000 Southend residents attended the 2011 Southend Tenants and Residents Federation “Community Tie-In event” held in Southchurch Park on Wednesday 3rd August.

There were three times as many visitors than previous years as the fine sunny weather helped to draw in the crowds.

Organised by residents of South Essex Homes, the event featured a host of attractions across more than 80 different stalls. It was brought to a close by a flag ceremony and an exciting 800ft teddy bear parachute jump by the Ted Devils.

Visitors also enjoyed live music throughout the day from The Seasiders and cockney style entertainer Gordon Bennett. Other attractions included dance displays, George at ASDA fashion shows and a dog competition.

Phil Lyons, Chair of South Essex Homes, said: “What a fantastic day! Great weather, a great event and great people - Southend Borough Council and South Essex Homes can be really proud.”

The event was organised and run by residents, and sponsored by South Essex Homes, Mitie, PH Jones, Lovell Respond Ltd, TSG Building Services PLC, AC Radio Cabs Ltd along with pilot Nigel Willson and his Ted Devils.

“We are really pleased with how the event has gone. The fun activities and attractions were a great “Without the way to bring people together and help commitment and strengthen the local community dedication of the committee it and I would like to thank everyone would not have been possible to involved for making this a great make this day the outstanding day and hope to see you all success it was. Congratulations again next year.” and many thanks to everyone - Hayley Allen, from the involved, including staff at South Essex Homes Resident South Essex Homes.”

Involvement Team - Mike Chapman, Chair of the Tie-in committee

Flashmob – young residents in unannounced Thriller dance performance, inspired by T-Mobile advert at Liverpool street station. Participants had rehearsed the dance moves beforehand

“I would like to congratulate the Resident Involvement team and the Tie-in Committee for all they did to make this Tie-in the best I have ever been to.

There was plenty for young and old to keep them entertained all day, the information provided was great and the event went off without any problems. All that is left to say is, well done everyone.”

- Keith Ducker, resident

Fancy tying the knot? - registration service stand at the Community Tie-in Event

Pampered pooches!

The Community Tie-in event included special events for pets, including dog competitions and sessions on being a responsible pet owner.

A one-year-old puggle (a cross between a pug and a beagle) called Marley (see pictured) won the main ‘Dog Raffle’. Proud owners Angela and Stephen Dando and their two children, Jayden and Ryan, received a useful hamper of great doggie treats and products. The prize was donated by the Tenancy Sustainment Team.

The Dando family also took the opportunity to have Marley micro-chipped at the event for free. Many residents used this valuable service for their pets throughout the day, which was carried out by Southend Borough Council’ s dog warden Val Howells.

Proud puggle – raffle prize winner Marley with owners Jayden (right) and Ryan (left) Dando

YO U R CO M M U N I T Y, YO U R N E W S |

Supporting communities South Essex Homes is proud to have been a sponsor of this year’s Echo Southend Business Awards, which took place at the Cliffs Pavilion in October.

More than 100 local companies and individuals were in the running for a total of 30 prizes. South Essex Homes, as a recognised brand name across Southend, sponsored the Community category, under which there were two sub-categories - Charity and Private.

Congratulations to staff from Southend Vineyard Storehouse for scooping the Charity award, and joint winners in the Private category, The Mushroom Theatre Company and Southend United Community Trust.

All entries were of a very high standard, so selecting the final winners in the two Community headings

posed a challenge for the judges, who had visited all the shortlisted companies to observe the excellent and varied work taking place on behalf of the local community.

The South Essex Homes judging panel consisted of Chair Phil Lyons, Board Member Councillor Nigel Folkard and two Group Managers Paul Longman and Simon Putt.

Award-winning community work – (from left to right) Phil Lyons, Chair of South Essex Homes; Paul Longman, Group Manager; Sarah Lamb, Support Services Officer; Beverley Gallacher, Support Services Manager; Councillor Nigel Folkard, Board Member; and The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor David Norman, also a Board Member

Revamp for sheltered Councillor Lesley Salter and resident Doris Gunn were pleased to open the recently refurbished communal hall at sheltered scheme Bradfordbury in October. The new opening was attended by over 40 residents.

Doris, who has lived at the scheme for 23 years, said: "The lounge really does look lovely - we are all very pleased. We can now hold coffee mornings here and card game nights.” The new facilities include a new kitchen with eye-level open and separate hob, fully

accessible toilet facilities, new heating system, replacement windows and doors and full decoration.

For more information about living in sheltered please contact us on freephone 0800 833 160.

It has come to our attention that a number of our residents have received mail-shots from CORGI advertising gas maintenance services.

Since passing its gas engineer registration service to GasSafe, Corgi is re-inventing itself, offering services directly to residents.

Please ignore these mail-shots as the services South Essex Homes provides through PH Jones are comprehensive and of the highest quality.

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6 | YO U R CO M M U N I T Y, YO U R N E W S

Reaching new heights The Government’s leading fire and rescue adviser, Sir Ken Knight, visited residents’ properties in August to mark the completion of the first stage of a £3m fire safety project to make Southend’s tower blocks some of the safest in the country.

The project sees the installation of new fire prevention features and also aims to educate tenants about the role they can play in preventing fires.

During the visit, Sir Ken inspected state-of-the-art fire prevention systems installed at the ten-storey Bewley Court building. This gave tenants a fantastic opportunity to speak to Sir Ken direct about how they are benefiting from the additional safety measures.

Speaking on the day, Sir Ken said: “I’ve seen a lot of good practice during the visit which I hope South Essex Homes will share with other housing providers and partners.

“In particular, this project has demonstrated some Read more about excellent examples of partnership working fire safety and waste with residents being removal tips on page 8! involved in the work carried out.”

Sharing good practice – Sir Ken Knight (centre left) with Pauline Tanrikulu (centre right) a Bewley Court resident and chair of the Bournes Green Park Area Residents Association, with representatives of the Essex Fire and Rescue Service

Excellence in adult education South Essex Homes and Southend Adult Community College are celebrating after receiving two certificates from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

The certificates represent our work in providing life skills and tenancy sustainment courses to residents. The four-week courses enable participants to learn valuable skills such as money management, healthy eating, cooking on a budget as well as developing maths and English skills.

Karen, a Southend Council resident, said: “The course has given me a lot of confidence. Before this I was very isolated and felt low.

“I’ve now learnt lots of new skills in different areas which has made a tremendous difference to my personal life.”

South Essex Homes Chief Executive, Mike Gatrell, said: “I am delighted to see the achievements of this partnership being recognised in this way.”

After the success of these courses, both organisations have developed the Plus Programme which aims to develop further life skills such as first aid, fire safety, ICT and food hygiene. More course details can be found on page 10.

YO U R CO M M U N I T Y, YO U R N E W S |

7

Major milestone Congratulations to Lisa Witton, a resident of South Essex Homes, who has this year celebrated her 108th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Mrs Witton was born on 18th July 1903. She was the youngest of three sisters and spent her early years being cared for by her grandparents in Ipswich, Suffolk.

After Mrs Witton finished her education, she went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant and worked for many big businesses in London. She soon married, but shortly afterward, her husband was called to the army and unfortunately was killed in the war.

Lisa carried on working as a Chartered Accountant until her retirement.

Sheltered housing has been Mrs Witton’s home of choice for a number of years; she moved to Trafford House four years ago.

Mrs Witton puts her long life down to having a good sense of humour. She also enjoys being independent and still prepares her own meals.

Councillor Nigel Folkard, SEH Board member, also paid a congratulatory visit to Mrs Witton on her birthday.

Happy birthday Mrs Witton – 108year-old is congratulated by Councillor Nige l Folkard

Focus on residents Gardens in bloom

The South Essex Homes Residents’Awards Conference was held on Thursday 24th November at the Cliffs Pavilion.

This annual event is an opportunity to thank all resident representatives for their hard work during the past year and for us to report back on the performance of South Essex Homes. Various awards were presented to nominated tenants for their commitment to resident participation and their general community.

This year’s conference merged with the Christmas ‘Meet and Greet’, which allowed residents time to network, meet new people and exchange good ideas. Attendees also participated in a fun quiz, with prizes for winners and runners-up.

Photos from the event and details of award winners will be available in the next issue of Insight.

Residents are celebrating after putting their horticultural know-how to the test at the third annual Gardens in Bloom competition, held at Southchurch Hall Park in August.

Their green-fingered skills were judged in seven categories. The competition was extended this year to include special categories for children under the age of 16, including ‘tallest sunflower’ and a colouring competition.

Winners were presented with their awards by Southend Mayor Councillor David Norman and South Essex Homes Chair, Phil Lyons.

Phil Lyons commented: “I am proud of all our residents who have made such a fantastic effort to cultivate their gardens large and small. Those who’ve participated have set a great example for other members of the community.”

Look out for details of next year’s competition in future issues of Insight magazine!

Blooming marvellous! Garden in Bloom winners with their certificates, joined by Southend Mayor Councillor David Norman (far right)

8 | INSIGHT INFO

What a waste!

Thousands of pounds have been wasted and serious health & safety risks posed by irresponsible and unnecessary dumping of rubbish on Southend Borough Council estates managed by South Essex Homes over the last year.

Most of our residents dispose of rubbish, recycling and unwanted items responsibly but not everyone follows their example. Last year, the South Essex Homes bulk refuse team collected and disposed of 300 tonnes of dumped rubbish, costing nearly £65,000.

This money could have been spent so much better elsewhere.

For example, it could be used to expand the Estate Services Team, fund extra routine refuse collections or buy cleaning equipment.

South Essex Homes takes dumped rubbish very seriously. The problem is not only costly, it also: • Causes a serious fire risk • Poses a danger to children, pets and wildlife • Attracts vermin - another health hazard • Looks unsightly Please don’t turn a blind eye - report illegal dumping confidentially to 0800 833 160 (freephone). After all, these irresponsible actions may be putting you or your family at risk, plus reducing services that you contribute towards.

Tackling dumped rubbish also takes a lot of staff time, which could be put to much better use. This includes: • Caretakers - picking up refuse sacks that are dumped on landings outside front doors and by bin areas • The Tenancy Services Team – sending letters to all residents on estates and investigating who might be responsible • Surveyors - inspecting sites where fires were set as a

result of dumped rubbish, and raising orders to repair the fire damage We will be taking action against tenancies, recharging residents and also working with the Council via the criminal courts to impose penalties. Illegal dumping of rubbish and fly tipping can result in arrest, imprisonment and even a fine up to £50,000.

So please dispose of your black sacks, recycling or old furniture responsibly, improve the environment in which you live, think of your safety and that of your neighbours and pets and protect local wildlife. To find out more about how to dispose of your waste responsibly, please call 0800 833 160 (freephone).

cle!

Recycle, recycle, recy n unwanted items, which in tur

There are many ways to recycle y be thing and household items ma reduces landfill. Furniture, clo ate per ny charities are in des of use to someone else – ma need of donations. r local household waste Alternatively, take them to you d, Southend-on-Sea, or recycling centre on Stock Roa . Cory Environmental also Leigh Marshes, Leigh-on-Sea 617766. tion service - contact 01702 provides a low cost bulk collec post a Facebook page – why not South Essex Homes also has they could be of use to your items on there to see if someone else?

Keeping you fire safe South Essex Homes has pledged to carry out door-knocking visits to all of its 14 tower blocks and meet with every tenant face to face to discuss fire safety in high-rise buildings.

This follows a successful initiative at Longbow Flats in July following an arson attack. During the visit, staff helped reassure residents about the safety of their homes and handed out fire safety leaflets.

By following these simple fire safety guidelines, residents have an important part to play in preventing fires of any kind: • Remove rubbish from communal areas • Ensure that their smoke alarms are working • Keep fire exits unobstructed • Not removing internal doors to help prevent fire from spreading • To immediately report anyone suspected of or planning arson South Essex Homes has published specific fire safety advice for tenants living in tower blocks which can be viewed on the

South Essex Homes website: www.southessexhomes.co.uk Information on fire safety is also made available to every tenant when they move into their property as part of their tenant handbook. If you require more details about fire safety or our door-knocking exercises, please call 0800 833 160.

INSIGHT INFO |

9

Our performance How are we performing? Estate Services In each edition of Insight we like to give our residents some information about how we are performing against our targets.

In this edition we would like to report some performance information about Estate Services. This team has responsibility for the day to day cleaning and caretaking on the estates, as well as maintenance of the grounds.

The figures in the chart below are for the year to date from April 2011 (up to and including September 2011).

ARE WE MEETING OUR TARGET?

ESTATE SERVICES PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

PERFORMANCE (TARGET)

Satisfaction with Estate Services

69% (68%)

✓

Bulk refuse removed on time

99.5% (95%)

✓

Graffiti removed in target time

100% (95%)

✓

Satisfaction with Caretaking

70% (75%)

Where the symbol is green, this means that we have met, or are better than our target. Yellow means that we have not quite met our target.

The figures for resident satisfaction with Estate Services and Caretaking are taken from the surveys which are sent out to a random selection of residents each month.

Between April and September this year, our caretaking team removed 1,132 large or bulky items and dealt with 12 incidences of graffiti.

Look out for more performance information in the next edition of Insight!

Your local residents’associations South Essex Homes supports some fantastic residents' associations (RAs) to help bring local communities together, discuss and resolve neighbourhood issues, and provide additional support to residents who need it. We include details of local RAs in each issue of Insight. For more information, please call the Resident Involvement Team on 0800 833 160 or see previous issues of Insight.

Cluny Residents Association The Cluny Residents Association (CRA) was set up in 2006 by people living and working in the Cluny Square area.

The idea was that this would be the vehicle by which we could work together to improve the area, (which over recent years had received some notoriety as a troublesome hot-spot), and tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and how to improve the local environment.

The area surrounding Cluny Square covers 600 dwellings and 1,500 residents. Most are tenants and leaseholders of properties managed by South Essex Homes; the rest are private dwellings, mostly ex-Council houses.

While it has not always been easy, and sadly most residents

don’t attend our meetings, we have managed to get thingsdone. In order to do so we have worked closely with the Council, local businesses, churches and schools, as well as the Police and agencies working in the health and youth sectors.

Thanks to this partnership, we have helped to: • Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the local area • Carry out improvements across Cluny Park • Organise community events such as fun days • Support health and youth initiatives • Identify improvements needed in individual units managed

by South Essex Homes and the surrounding environments • Resolve resident issues.

We value our relationship with South Essex Homes, especially the support given to us by Sam Elliot of the Resident Involvement Team.

There is still much that can be done to improve our community and we invite local residents and others interested in making a difference to join our association.

Our next open meeting is on Monday 12th December at 7pm in the Cluny Community Café. Thereafter we have bi-monthly open meetings, alternating with bi-monthly committee meetings (dates TBA). For more information, please contact CRA Chair John Barber on 01702 616 302 or via email: jjandm.barber@blueyonder.co.uk

10 | INSIGHT INFO

Skills for Life Want to learn a new skill, get tips on applying for jobs online or cooking on a budget, or even find out how to administer basic first aid?

Here is a calendar of popular courses held at Southend's Business Enterprise Skills and Training (BEST) Centre between January and July 2012. For more information contact Tenancy Sustainment on freephone 0800 833 160.

COURSE TITLE

DATE & TIME

COURSE OUTLINE

QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE WITH PROGRESSION

ICT AND INTERNET SAFETY

Starts Thurs 26th Jan Four-week course.

10am-1pm

Learn how to carry out basic ICT skills and safely work your way around your PC. This course is designed for lowmedium ability clients.

Numeracy

WWW.JOBS 4 ME. COM

Six-week course.

10am-12.30pm Starts Tues 21st Feb

Ideal for those who are new to computers. Covers internet safety and searching for jobs online as well as help with completing online applications.

ICT literacy

SPEND AND SMILE

Starts Fri 9th March Four-week course 12-2pm

A course designed to promote healthy Numeracy spending. Learn about budgeting and how to control your spending. Gain tips on how to spend with confidence without sinking in to unmanageable debt.

CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM

Starts Fri 20th April Three-week course 10am-12pm

A valuable course to learn tips on how to build and boost confidence and improve self esteem.

FOOD HYGIENE

Starts Fri 4th May Five-week course 12-2.30pm

This course covers basic food hygiene and food preparation within the home and work environment.

Food Hygiene Certificate

BASIC FIRST AID

Starts Mon 11th June Five-week course.

12-2.30pm

This course offers basic first aid guidance and gives you the confidence to help in times of need.

First Aid Certificate

TENANCY SUSTAINMENT

Dates to be agreed.

Four-week course.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm

This course is available for candidates who need information on how to keep a tenancy, rent arrears, ASBOs, finance and cooking on a budget, as well as planning for your future goals.

Literacy Numeracy NOCN (National Open College Network) qualifications

Need a garage?

We have garages available to rent in the following areas:

• Fraser Close • Carmania Close • Purley Way • Cunningham Close • Appletree Close If you are interested in renting a garage or would like more info, please call us on 0800 833 160.

INSIGHT INFO |

Our continued commitment to equality and diversity South Essex Homes is pleased to introduce our new equality objectives for 2011-15, which set out how we will continue to ensure the people we serve are treated fairly and equally.

Our objectives are to: • Ensure South Essex Homes policies are equal and accessible • Use our "excellence" accreditation to assist in developing good practice within the wider community • Provide support for vulnerable residents to help sustain their tenancies • Extend the resident profile information beyond 90% • Ensure our contractors are meeting our equality obligations and theirs • Engage with the harder to reach communities within Southend to ensure all residents have access to fair services • Do our best to ensure our workforce profile is reflective of the community we serve • Hate crime reporting - to raise awareness of action that can be taken and support available to increase confidence in the system.

Working together for dementia Trevett House and Great Mead have recently teamed up to raise money for local charity The Peaceful Place, which offers specialised help and support for people in South East Essex living with young onset dementia.

Residents of South Essex Homes got together in August for refreshments and fun, including a raffle, and raised a total £138 for this highly worthwhile cause.

The Peaceful Place offers a day-care service, and soon a supported living service, to support dementia sufferers under the age of 65 and their carers.

Thank you to those who donated and supported the event. More information can be found online at: www.peaceful place.co.uk

Christmas is coming!

Please see below details of South Essex Homes’Christmas opening hours: • Friday 23 December 2011 - tba - please check our website, Facebook and Twitter for up to date information • Saturday 24 December 2011 - closed • Sunday 25 December 2011 - closed • Monday 26 December 2011 - closed • Tuesday 27 December 2011 - closed

• Wednesday 28 December 2011 - 8.30am - 5pm • Thursday 29 December 2011 - 8.30am - 5pm • Friday 30 December 2011 - 8.30am - 4.45pm • Saturday 31 December 2011 - closed • Sunday 1 January 2012 - closed • Monday 2 January 2012 - closed • Tuesday 3 January 2012 – 8.30am - 5pm

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12 | UNIQUE INSIGHT

A Unique Insight into… …a day in the life of Trainee Energy Officer Adam Rush In every edition of Insight, we speak to a key South Essex Homes employee about their day-to-day role and how their hard work benefits the residents of South Essex Homes and the community as a whole.

This issue the Insight editorial team chatted with Trainee Energy Officer Adam, 19, to find out more about his job: How long have you been with South Essex Homes?

Who was the last famous person you spotted and where were they?

Only four months, of a year-long apprenticeship. I spotted the role online on the national Apprenticeships website (see below) and it sounded brilliant.

Jodie Marsh enjoying a spot of retail therapy in the Lakeside Shopping Centre!

What is your favourite part of the job you do ?

I work mainly on South Essex Homes’ Energy Strategy. This will help to make properties as energy efficient as possible.

Part of this is assisting with completing energy surveys.

Tell us more about the Energy Strategy.

Following the fantastic improvements South Essex Homes has made through the Decent Homes programme, this work will help us take it even further. It covers the period 2011-2020 and, depending on the Government funding we receive, will enable us to install a wide range of technologies, for example loft and cavity wall insulation, solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems – all of which will help get homes ‘energy fit’. Plus, we will work with residents to help them to use the technology properly and get the most out of it. We hope to start the work next year.

What do you do to unwind outside of work?

I like socialising with friends. I’m also a bit of an Xbox addict!

(Laughs)

As an apprentice, I enjoy the combination of learning and working. For example, I recently shadowed Bradley Staff who leads the voids team, helping to issue energy performance certificates (EPCs) for properties. An EPC shows just how energy efficient a property is, which is really interesting. I do feel that renewable energy is the future, so I am glad to be part of that.

Thank you for talking to us, Adam and we wish you all the best for the rest of your apprenticeship!

For more information on apprenticeships with South Essex Homes, please call 0800 833 160, or for opportunities nationwide, visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

“

“

What does your job involve?

I do feel that renewable energy is the future, so I’m glad to be part of that.

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE |

13

From the desk of the Chief Executive A personal message to Insight readers from Mike Gatrell, Chief Executive of South Essex Homes.

Dear Readers As we enter a new year, I’d like to take the opportunity to reflect on some of the achievements and challenges of 2011 and look forward to 2012.

Household budgets have taken a significant hit across the country as the economic crisis continues. This means sadly that we have seen more residents finding it difficult to pay their rent on time. It is important if you find yourself in this position that, rather than struggling on or missing payments, to get in touch via freephone 0800 023 4057 and speak to the revenue services team. They will chat to you about your circumstances and how we can help.

“If you are struggling to pay rent, please get in touch. We are here to help.”

We have recently re-located most of our staff to Cheviot House (read more on page 2), bringing teams even closer together and resulting in speedier responses to tenant enquiries. This has also helped us reduce our overheads, in turn enabling us to protect essential front-line services.

In the autumn, Southend Borough Council launched a review of how its housing management services are run. They made it clear that tenants will be involved in the consultation about this, which is expected to finish in spring 2012 - keep an eye out for more information and opportunities to have your say!

During the year we have continued to work to ensure customer

satisfaction levels with South Essex Homes remain high and that we try to improve even further. It’s your views which tell us how well we are doing.

We have also worked hard to further improve across all performance areas, such as the time it takes to re-let empty homes, in order to provide the best service we can for you. We have been rated top of a local housing performance league for repairs and maintenance in South Essex (more figures can be found in our annual report). Plus, as a result of successful bids for ongoing Decent Homes improvement works, the Homes and Communities Agency has given permission to bring forward £500,000 of work originally planned for 2012/13.

This is great news for those tenants who have had work done earlier than scheduled!

We were very proud to have our fire safety practices praised by the Government’s chief fire and rescue advisor, Sir Ken Knight, in August. He inspected one of our tower blocks and was very impressed with what he saw, in particular how we involved tenants in the planning and delivery of fire safety works. He was very keen for our sites to act as a model of best practice to assist other housing organisations with fire safety.

Nationally, there are a number of major changes happening in social housing, which we will continue to update you about in the coming months. Firstly, self-financing is expected to come into effect in April 2012 – this is a different way of managing council housing finance and is designed to give councils more control of budgets and how they are

spent locally. While the transition to self-financing might initially lead to tighter budgets, there will be real opportunities for the Council to anticipate significant investment in housing over the next few years. The Government has also announced it will launch a new Housing Strategy, which promises to bring changes such as a development of the Right to Buy scheme. Meanwhile, South Essex Homes was elected to the Board of the National Federation of ALMOs. This role will enable us to represent the views of ALMOs and tenants in the southern region, on a national platform. This has given us more of a national voice with the ‘movers and shakers’ of housing policy and we hope will enable us to contribute and make a difference as housing policies develop over the next few years.

Finally, it has been a great year for resident events at South Essex Homes, including the busiest Community Tie-in event ever, and our residents’ conference! South Essex Homes has just celebrated its six-year anniversary, so it is clear that one of our main mission statements – to work together to involve residents in their community and housing services - has stayed strong from Day One and resident involvement is well and truly at the heart of our culture!

Wishing each of you a really good festive season and a positive start to the New Year!

Mike Gatrell

14 | JUST FOR FUN

What’s on in Southend?

With Christmas and the New Year on our doorstep, there’s a wide range of varied and entertaining events going on in and around Southend. Here’s some of our favourites. More information on most of the events above can be found at: www.visitsouthend.co.uk WHAT IS IT?

WHEN CAN I GO? WHERE IS IT?

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

York Road Market Every Fri, 9th Dec 2011 - 27th Up to 50 stalls selling a variety of quality fresh local pro- April 2012 9am-4pm duce at great prices.

York Road Market

Free entry

Santa on the Pier Children can visit Santa in his grotto on the Pier and every child will receive a gift

Tickets are £5 per child and include a ride on the Pier train. Booking is essential, call 01702 618747 to book a place now

Every Sun, 27th Nov - 18th Dec 2011 Southend Pier Sat 10th Dec 2011 6-7pm Leigh-on-Sea Town Centre

Bring an extra jumper, it promises to be chilly!

Sun 11th Dec Starts at 7pm Palace Theatre

Tickets can be purchased by calling 01702 351135

The Southend Northern Soul Night A ‘night designed to fill a dance floor’with a selection of 60s and 70s original vinyl records

10th Dec Starts at 8pm Kursaal Functions Suite

Tickets are £7.50 each.

The event is for over 18s only and goes on until late (finishes at 2am)

Christmas Farmers & Crafts Market Festive market with stalls selling delicious seasonal foods and unique crafted gifts. Great for that last bit of Christmas shopping!

Crown to Crown 5km An exhilarating race to get the blood pumping after a day of Christmas decadence!

Monday 19th Dec 9am – 5.30pm Southend High Street

Free entry. More information available at www.essexfarmersmarkets.com

Monday 26th Dec 11am Westley Heights Country Park High Road

Chinese New Year Join in the celebrations for Chinese New Year – 2012 is the Year of the Dragon!

Saturday 28th Jan 2012 Southend Town Centre

Tickets are £1 and can only be bought on the day.The event is perfect for everyone, from sprinters to snails, but children must be accompanied by an adult Free entry

Jazz at St James A benefit night of contemporary jazz to help the Fairhavens Hospice

Friday 17th Feb 2012 8pm St James the Less High Street, Hadleigh

Tickets are £10 on the door and go towards helping the Fairhavens Hospice

Peppa Pig's Treasure Hunt Join Peppa, George and Danny Dog for a fun-filled show with the promise of hidden treasure

22nd – 23rd Feb 2012 Cliff Pavillion, Southend Centre

Family tickets are £54, more information is available at www.peppapiglive.com

Carols on Strand Wharf Carol singing by the community, accompanied by Belfairs School. A wonderful evening for all ages Southend Girls' Choir Christmas comes to town in style as the Girls' Choir treats the community to a night of song

Five top tips to stay healthy this winter The dark nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, but that’s no reason not to stay healthy and happy during the winter months. Here are five top tips on making sure your winter remains sniffle free!

No.1 Eliminate your sleep debt. On average we sleep 6.5 hours a night, instead of the recommended seven to nine. Use the longer winter nights as an excuse to catch up on some snooze-time!

No.2 Drink more milk and eat more dairy products – they are great sources of protein, vitamins A and B12 and calcium. You are also 80 per cent more likely to get a cold in winter so make sure your immune system is in tip-top condition by eating well.

No.3 Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. When it’s cold and dark outside it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food,

but it’s important to keep your diet healthy. If you find yourself craving a sugary treat, have a juicy Clementine instead! Winter vegetables such as carrots and swede can be roasted, mashed, or made into soup for a wholesome family meal.

No.4 Regular exercise helps control your weight and boost your immune system. As tempting as it can be to stay in on cold winter days/nights, try a new activity with the whole family such as ice skating!

No.5 Have a hearty breakfast. Winter is the perfect season for porridge, which is not only a delicious way to start your day, but provides

energy, vitamins and fibre. Plus it helps you to feel fuller for longer!

For more information on how to stay fit, active and healthy, visit www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/ change-for-life.aspx

K I D S’ CO R N E R |

South Essex Homes is organising a free swim and inflatable fun event next February half-term for children aged 8-16 years!

The whole pool will be privately hired for a period of nearly two hours.

This event will take place on Sunday 12th February 2012 from 6.15pm to 8pm at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Garons Park.

To book your place please contact Resident Involvement Officer, Sam Elliott on 01702 236135. Places are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis so book now to avoid disappointment!

Spot the difference!

Can you find and circle the five differences between these two pictures of four-legged friend Marley and his family? You will then be entered into a prize draw to win a ÂŁ10 gift voucher!

Send your answers by 31st January 2012 to South Essex Homes with your name, age and address (our address is on page 2). This competition is for children under the age of 10.

Quick brain teaser!

Did you know the puggle is a cross between a pug and a beagle? What other strange canine combinations can you think of?

15

This dedicated section of Insight gives residents the opportunity to have their letters and feedback published. This issue’s Star Letter was sent in by Ms P from Canterbury Avenue who wins a £10 gift voucher.

H

H r e t t H e L r a t S H

H “I look forward to receiving Insight Magazine. Having been previously shown a copy by a neighbour, it is of interest and appears to also have useful information for us as occupants of a Leaseholder Flat.”

Mr and Mrs S, Eastwood Road North

H

H

“I think you r recent Dis ability Conference was a grea t success. We ll done.”

Mr A, West wood

sure to speak to “It is always a plea t Customer Contac anyone from the ry ve d ways polite an Team. They are al helpful.”

“This year’s Community Tie-in event was very well organised and even better attended. I will definitely go again next year!”

Mr F, Southend Hospital

Avenue Ms P, Canterbury

n or pliment, suggestio the If you have a com in e ur at fe ld like to comment you wou Magazine, please ht sig In of e next issue us using one of th send it through to ethods on page 2.

‘Get in touch’ m

account “I rang to check if a rent Lauren to ke spo d was in order an y ver s wa ren Anderson. Lau lain exp to e tim k patient and too ts. en tem sta t ren the system for her. h wit g alin de It was a pleasure ent rtm pa de r he She is a credit to ” s. me Ho ex Ess and to South ry ste My s ou Anonym Shopper

There’s a fantastic £10 gift voucher up for grabs for our favourite letter.

Online Insight - Competition

0800 833 160 If you would like a copy of this newsletter in large print, on audio tape or CD, in braille or on a CD-rom, please phone the number above

Want to get up-to-the-minute updates from South Essex Homes straight to your PC or smartphone? Why not connect with us via Facebook and Twitter, and even be entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic hamper brimming with goodies?

Chances are you already have a Facebook account, and may even be on Twitter, so it will take seconds to ‘like’or ‘follow’us, and be kept constantly in the loop about what’s going on at South Essex Homes and our services. You can even send messages to us and receive a very quick response.

What’s more, if you sign up before 31st January 2012, you have the chance of winning a great prize. One lucky household will receive a hamper, kindly donated

by ASDA, full of family essentials, including cleaning products, toiletries and much more!

Go on – what are you waiting for? Search for South Essex Homes on Facebook and Twitter, then ‘like’or/and ‘follow’us. We look forward to keeping you updated.

We will be in touch with the winner of the hamper after the closing date.

Good luck!

There are now 234 followers on Twitter and 76 members who 'like' our Facebook page (figures correct as of 1 Nov 2011) Why not join them?