fortheBoard
Independent East has appointed Louise Hillier as its first Head of Partnership to strengthen collaboration between five regional housing associations. Louise brings extensive housing sector experience and will help amplify the partnership’s collective voice across Norfolk and Suffolk
TPASScrutinyConference
InOctober,TheIndependentEast ResidentVoicePanelwereinvitedby TPAStoparticipateintheirannual ScrutinyConference.
Marc and Helen, Broadland’s representatives on the panel, alongside Alicia from Havebury Housing, led a workshop on the first scrutiny the Panel have carried out. This was on damp and mould in preparation for Awaab’s Law.
They talked through the process they followed and the plan they came up with for each of the five landlords. This was presented to the landlords for them to review and approve their suggested actions.
With Awaab’s law coming into effect at the end of October 2025, the timing of how the landlords carry out damp and mould inspections and repairs to homes couldn’t be more important.
Marccommentedonhisexperience attendingtheconference:
“It was great to network with other residents to find out what they are doing on their scrutiny panels. In the afternoon, I presented on behalf of the Resident Voice Panel on our recent scrutiny review on damp and mould I feel I have learnt things I can bring to the Tenant Assurance Panel and we can start to make a difference for all.”
Helenadded:
“It’s lovely to be a part of something that’s having a real impact! We couldn’t have asked for better support at the TPAS Conference, our presentation was met with such enthusiasm Overall, the opportunity to network with likeminded residents and learn from scrutiny experts was empowering. I’m looking forward to sharing much more as we progress with the Independent East Resident Voice Panel ”
Christmas Opening Hours & Phone Lines
Meet the Healthy Homes Team
Theyareheretomakesureyourhome stayssafe,dry,andhealthy.
With recent updates to housing health and safety laws, social landlords must investigate and resolve serious health risks around damp and mould.
What’sChanged?
Awaab’sLaw was introduced after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak who experienced prolonged exposure to mould, resulting in social landlords to act.
To ensure these problems are tackled quickly and effectively, we have created a dedicated Healthy Homes Team The team will prioritise the most urgent cases of damp and mould to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents.
Ifyouareexperiencingpersistentdampand mould,pleasecontactCustomerServiceson 03033030003.
Tofindoutmoreinformation,visitour webpagetoviewourHealthyHomes informationleaflet.
Scantofindoutmore
www.broadlandgroup.org/ manage-your-home/yourhome/damp-and-mould
Travelling More Sustainably
Doyouknowyourlocaltravelservices?
Beingmoresustainablewhentravellingis somethingweshouldtrytoconsider.There aremanypublictransportoptionsavailablein NorfolkandnorthSuffolk,aswellassharing liftswithfamily,friendsandneighbours!
Buses
A network of bus services, including Sanders, Konectbus and Lynx connects towns and villages. Timetables can be found on both NorfolkandSuffolks’CountyCouncil websites.
TheSanders’Coasthopperbus service runs along a large stretch of the coastline, with stops at many points along the Norfolk Coast Path.
OtherOptions
ParkandRide:
Norwich:Available at Harford, Postwick and Thickthorn
Ipswich:Available at Martlesham and London Road
BerylBikes&Scooters: Located in Norwich city centre
Forfurtherinformation:
www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/39 624/Public-transport
www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-andtransport/public-transport
ElectricalSafetyTips
Don’toverloadsockets: Especially when plugging in heaters, lights or multiple devices
Useextensionleadssafely: Fully unwind cable reels and avoid daisy-chaining (plugging one extension into another)
Checkcablesfordamage: Replace frayed wires or cracked plugs rather than using tape as a temporary fix.
Buylightsfromreputableretailers: Look for UK/EU safety marks, avoid cheap untested alternatives.
Switchoffatnight: Turn off Christmas lights and electrical decorations before bed or leaving the house.
FireSafetyTips
Keepheatersclear: Maintain at least 1 metre of space around portable heaters Never dry clothes directly on them
Don’tleavecandlesunattended: Place them away from curtains, decorations and children or pets.
Bemindfulwithopenflames: When cooking meals, don’t leave the hob unattended.
Testsmokealarms: Check alarms are working and battery levels are good.
Disposalofwrappingpaper: Avoid placing wrapping paper or cardboard near fires, heaters or candles.
Christmastreesafety: If using a real tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it drying out (and becoming more flammable).
For more information visit Manageyour home>Yourhome>Safetyinyourhome at www.broadlandgroup.org
Out-of-hours Service
During out-of-hours, your call will automatically go through to our out-of-hoursservice.
This service is for emergencies only. If your call isn’t an emergency you will need to call us back during our usual opening hours
Our Customer Service phone lines are open:
8:30am-17:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30am-16:30pm Friday
HowWePrioritiseRepairs
EmergencyRepairs-within4hours
Fire or flood
Gas leaks
Overflowing sewage in home
Heating system failure in adverse weather
Socket or switch that is dangerously faulty
Exposed or loose electrical wires
Blocked toilet - If only one in home
Leaking soil stack pipe
Scan to view full list here
Water leak that cannot be contained inside a property
Loss of power and/or lighting to all of property
Checking electrics after flooding/water penetration
Forced entry and replacement of lock where person is locked out or inside the property - Will be recharged unless crime reference number is provided.
Re-securing doors where the property is not secure.
To view our full list of how we prioritise all repairs visit www.broadlandgroup.org/manage-your-home/yourhome/report-a-repair/how-we-prioritise-repairs
Repairs Spotlight Event
Norwich
OurlatestRepairsSpotlighteventin Norwichwasafantasticsuccess,withan impressive44repairscompletedacross theschemeinjustoneday!
These events provide a focused opportunity for our operatives to visit multiple homes and communal areas at once, tackling a wide range of repairs efficiently and with minimal disruption to residents.
During the visit, our team carried out a variety of jobs including installing a new outdoor tap, making adjustments to internal doors and loosening stiff taps, plus much more!
The aim is to always complete as many outstanding repairs as possible and ensure residents feel comfortable and supported in their homes.
A huge thank you to our hardworking operatives, who put in great effort throughout the day to make the event run smoothly. Their dedication and teamwork helped us deliver real improvements for residents!
A new bench has been installed in the gardens at one of our sheltered housing schemes. The bench was generously funded by Travis Perkins, and we’d like to thank them for their support Residents now have a new comfortable and sociable space to chat and catch-up with others
New Scheme Openings!
We’re thrilled to share the completion of our recent housing schemes across Norfolk, providing affordable, sustainable homes for local communities. Here’s a look at our latest developments.
CllrWendyFredericks,North NorfolkDistrictCouncil
AspenBuild,BroadlandHousingAssociation &NorthNorfolkDistrictCouncil
LittleSnoring
Construction is underway on 19 new homes in Little Snoring. This is a mixed-tenure scheme where nine homes will be for social rent, two on a “rent to buy” basis, and nine for open-market sales (with receipts used to subsidise the affordable units)
All homes will be built to high sustainability standards, including solar panels, air-source heat pumps and enhanced insulation.
WestBeckham
The keys have been handed over to the five newly built affordable homes in West Beckham, with five more due shortly The homes are designed to suit local families and built to high environmental standards including air source heat pumps, PV panels, EV charging and EPC B.
The scheme is a partnership between BroadlandHousingAssociation,North NorfolkDistrictCouncil and HomesEngland.
SmithofHoningham,NorwichCityCouncil& BroadlandHousingAssociation
New Developments at Shipfield
Work has begun on four new affordable twobed flats at Shipfield, transforming former garage blocks into much-needed homes. Two of the flats will be net-zero carbon and the others EPC A rated, supporting our drive towards greener and more sustainable housing.
Shipfield holds a special place in Broadland’s history being our first ever scheme. We celebrated its 60-year anniversary in 2023 We’re proud to continue investing in this community, ensuring it remains a great place to live for generations to come.
Completion is expected in Spring 2026.
TheDigitalPanelisagreatwaytobe involvedifyouareunabletoattend regularmeetings.Asamember,you willtakepartinonlinesurveyson yourinterestsandiscompletely flexibletoyou.
Scantofindoutmore www.broadlandgroup.org/get-involved/digital-panel
Whetheryoupreferin-personmeetings,onlinefeedbackorcommunity inspections,thereissomethingforeveryone.Eachoptionisdesignedtosuit differentlevelsofcommitment,soyoucanchoosehowmuchtimeyouwant todedicate.
Mystery Shopper
As
Shopper
Community Inspector
As a Community Inspector you will look around your scheme at: Healthandsafety Potentialslips,tripsandfalls Gardeningservices Cleaningservices
MeetsomemembersofourCustomerServicesteam,Jade andMatthew.Weaskedthemafewquestionsabouttheir roleandwhattheygetupto!
QuickfireQs
Whatdoyouenjoydoinginyour sparetime?
During this time of year, you will find me on the side lines of a rugby pitch watching my eldest.
Howdoyouwinddownafterabusyday?
A good true crime documentary.
Favouritefilm,songandTVshow?
Back to the Future
two - bbno$
Friends or Stranger Things
Jade
Customer Service Advisor
Whatdoesatypicaldaylooklikeforyou?
A typical day for me includes answering phone calls, logging and booking repair appointments, anti-social behaviour and service complaints, and answering general housing and rent enquiries As well as replying to internal and external emails. It’s a very busy non-stop day!
Whodoyouinteractwiththemost?
Customer Services work closely with the Scheduling Team. We are in constant contact, reporting and logging emergencies, and updating information to support repairs
Matthew
Customer Service Supervisor
Canyouwalkusthroughachallengingissue youfacedandhowyouresolvedit?
During the covid lockdown, I took a call from a very distressed resident who had unfortunately lost her business and was understandably concerned about how she was going to pay her rent.
After discussing the available options, I requested our Tenancy Support Team to get in touch and see what support they could provide. They assisted the resident by setting up a
QuickfireQs
Whatdoyouenjoydoinginyoursparetime?
I go on long walks - I find them very calming and try to do at least 90 minutes a day!
Howdoyouwinddownafterabusyday?
I enjoy cooking, so head into the kitchen and stick a podcast on.
Favouritefilm,songandTVshow?
Die Hard
Bat Outta Hell - Meatloaf
Scrubs
Community Noticeboard
Norwich Open Christmas
Thursday 25 December th 11:00am - 17:00pm
The King’s Centre, King St, Norwich, NR1 1PH
The King’s Centre, Norwich will be the venue for Norwich Open Christmas, 2025.
This yearly event gives hundreds of people in Norwich and surrounding areas a place to have fun and enjoy themselves on Christmas Day, whatever the circumstances may be.
Lunch, clothes and entertainment will be freely available to anyone that joins!
For more information visit www norwichopenchristmas org uk Or scan for info
Wellbeing
Walks
Running in December each at 10:30am
Aylsham
King’s Lynn Cromer Wymondham
5 Dec th 5 Dec th 12 Dec th 19 Dec th
Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies are running wellbeing walks throughout December
For specific locations and further information visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ NandWTalkingTherapies
Cuppa Care Bus
Running in December at various locations across Norfolk
Come and have a cuppa and a chat! Open to anyone.
View full timetable at www.hearfornorfolk.org.uk/cuppacare/
Feathers Futures Weekly Drop-in
Friday Mornings 9:30am - 12:00pm
Feathers House, 25-26 Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1HP
Whether you’re looking for support, connection or just a friendly face, you’re welcome to pop in for a cuppa and a chat.
Open to all women aged 18+ who are new to Feathers Futures or interested in finding out more about our groups, courses and support.
For more information visit www.feathersfutures.org/ourgroups/weekly-drop-in/ Or scan for info
FREE Christmas Events
Chantry Place, Norwich
Chantry Place is fully decked out for Christmas and it’s the perfect place to kick start the festivities! With a brand new light display and decorations, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Cromer Christmas Fayre Cromer Parish Hall | 6 December th
UEA Christmas Lectures for Children
Lecture Theatre, UEA | 13 December th 10:00 - 11:15am or 12:00 - 13:15pm
Suffolk Tractor Light Parade
Campsea Ashe, Woodbridge 14 December | 16:30pm th
Yoga with Amber - Family Yoga Christmas Party
Hellesdon Community Centre 18 December | 13:15 - 14:45pm th
Norwich Carol Service
St Peter Mancroft Church, Opposite The Forum 19 December | 18:30pm th
Norwich Christmas Crown Trail
From 20 November 2025 - 5 January 2026 th th
Wellbeing in Focus
SharingacupofPositiviTeawithAvril
Timehasflownbyandit’shardtobelieve that2025isdrawingtoaclose.The clockshavegonebackandwe’renow wearingourcoatsandwoollyhats.
I love this time of year as the leaves turn into beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red
As the nights draw in and there’s longer hours of darkness, it can feel challenging for many, and some may feel low – it is a known fact that sunshine brightens our mood.
But this doesn’t need to be so I’ve been contemplating what we can do to help lighten our mood and lift our spirits.
MoodLifters
WearingBrightColours
As summer transitions into autumn, the bright happy colours appear before the leaves fall and the trees become bare And so, we can wear bright happy colours too! This is certainly something that can help brighten our mood.
HomeChanges
Try changing something in your home. Put a bright cover on one of your favourite cushions, place a pretty vase on your dining table or hang up a happy picture or photo on your wall where you can enjoy it Making small changes to our indoor environment can cost little and make a difference to how we feel whilst spending more time inside
IndoorActivities
Some outdoor activities may be put on hold for the next few months; however, this is a great time to be creative and inventive No matter what our age or interests are, there are plenty of positive, fun, creative and meaningful things we can do.
Spend time indoors with your family playing board games, reading stories, painting or colouring If you are alone, now is a great time to learn something new! There are lots of things to do including knitting, crochet, jigsaw puzzles, wordsearches, listening to music, cooking an extra special meal or rewatching your favourite television series. Most importantly, try to maintain a positive attitude in what it is you are doing
LibraryMembership
An invaluable resource for all of us is a library membership It is free to join, and everything is available online, so trips out aren’t always necessary unless you want to.
Besides physical books, eBooks and audiobooks, you can get access to Kanopy which provides different films, documentaries and learning materials It is marvellous and there is something for everyone!
Through a membership, you also get free access to PressReader, where you can read any and every newspaper and magazine you may desire!
Try it out and have fun exploring old and new opportunities!
Untilnexttime,takecareandremember, YOUmatter!
AVRIL (BHAResident)
of Winter Wellbeing
StepOutside WinterHydration GentleMovement Unplug
Take 5 minutes of fresh air.
Stay hydrated with a relaxing herbal tea.
NourishingFood Seasonal Gratitude
Have a meal that feels comforting and nourishing.
ClearaSmall Space
Sort one area - desk, hallway or a drawer.
Write 3 things that feel positive right now
Stretch, walk or do a quick mobility routine.
Take a short tech break and enjoy something calming.
Rest&Reset Thoughtful Connection
Prioritise sleep or an early wind-down routine.
Check in with a friend, neighbour or colleague
MindfulPause Creativity Makeaplan
Take a moment to breathe or sit quietly. Do something creative or expressive.
Plan one thing to look forward to.
Autumn Crossword
Across:
What you wear to keep your feet warm indoors
A traditional song sung at Christmas time.
Something you wrap your hands around for a hot drink
What some animals do to sleep through the colder months.
Soft sweet often dropped in hot chocolate
Delicate piece of ice crystal that falls from the sky.
Prickly bush that grows blackberries
Round ornament that hangs from a festive tree. Down:
To Enter:
Please send a photo of your completed crossword entry to tenantengagement@broadland group.org, along with your full name and first line of your address. Online
You can complete the crossword and enter online by visiting https://crosswordlabs.com/view/ autumn-crossword-door-todoor-2025
Entriesclose 23 December rd
Small sticks used to start a fire
These are often roasted on an open fire.
A thin layer of ice that forms on colder mornings
Something you wrap around your neck to keep warm.
A tart red berry often made into a sauce for Christmas dinner.
The nut of an oak tree, often seen during autumn time
A sweet, spiced treat shaped like housing or people.
Please take a screenshot of your completed crossword and email to tenantengagement@ broadlandgroup.org
Post
Tear off the completed crossword page and post to Tenant Engagement, Broadland Housing, NCFC, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1HU Congratulations
Well done to our resident, Milda, who won our Summer Door to Door competition! We hope you enjoyed your voucher.
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