Cover image: Castleisland Community Fun Day.
Dear Member,
Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Co-operative Housing News.
I hope this message finds you well and that you had a nice summer.
As the colder months roll in, this newsletter contains some information about damp and mould prevention as well as how to prevent drain and pipes blockages.
It has been a very busy few months with the signing of new tenancies, official launches and lots of activities in communities across the country. To those of you who are new to the CHI community, I would like to extend a warm welcome and wish you all the best in your new home.
We are always encouraging our members to get involved in CHI events and activities taking place across the country and as you read on, you will see plenty of opportunities to get involved.
It is always great to see and read about the exciting activities that our members take part in. If you have any news or stories of interest that you would like featured in the newsletter, please contact us at members@ cooperativehousing.ie. We are always eager to hear from you.
I look forward to engaging with you later in the year.
Kieron Brennan CEO
Co-operative Housing Ireland
How do I pay my rent?
z You can pay online on www. cooperativehousing.ie please ensure you know your rent account number. The account number can be found on the back of your rent card or a previous rent statement. If you do not have this, please phone 01 6403074 where our contact centre staff will be happy to help you. Failure to enter in a correct rent account number will lead to monies not being allocated to your rent account.
z You can pay by standing order. Please ensure to include your rent account number. The CHI Rent account details are as follows:
› Co-operative Ireland Sort Code: 90-00-84
› Co-operative Housing Ireland Acc. No: 28414299
› IBAN: IE17BOFI90008428414299
› BIC: BOFIIE2D
z If you receive a Social Welfare payment through An Post and collect your payment at the post office, you can pay your rent using household budget. Please advise the Income Team if you wish to avail of this method so they may assist you in setting this up.
z You can use your rent payment card in any post office.
What can I do if I am in arrears (owe rent)?
You must arrange to pay what you owe by paying more than your weekly rent each week. It is important that you make an agreement with the Income Team about how to pay rent owed in this way – and that you stick to this agreement. If you are in arrears (owe rent), the sooner you tackle the problem, the better. If you get into difficulty paying your rent or think you might get into difficulty, please contact us immediately. We are here to help you. Phone 01 –6403074 Income Team or email rentreview@cooperativehousing.ie
You can also contact The Money Advice Budgeting Service (MABS) for independent advice: 0818 07 2000 Monday – Friday 9am to 8pm.
How do I contact the Income team?
We hope this information has been helpful. We are here to help with any questions you may have about your rent. You can contact us by emailing rentreview@cooperativehousing.ie or by phoning 016403074. Meeting with a member of the team is by appointment only.
Damp & mould prevention this Winter
What is Condensation?
Condensation occurs when humid air comes in contact with a cold surface and water droplets form on the surface. Over a prolonged period, this may cause dampness and mould.
Condensation can be caused by not heating or ventilating your home. All CHI properties have appropriate ventilation and heating systems installed to prevent the development of condensation.
How to prevent condensation in your home.
There are many ways you can help prevent condensation from occurring in your home:
z Always use the Mechanical Ventilation system in the kitchen and bathroom.
z Avoid drying laundry on radiators & dry washing outdoors where possible.
z If drying clothes indoors, place in the bathroom with the door closed, window open and extractor fan turned on.
z Tumble driers should be condensing driers or vented to the outside.
z Keep trickle vents on windows and walls open and unblocked.
z Remove excess condensation off windows and surfaces each morning.
z During cold weather it is essential to heat your home.
z Kitchens and bathrooms require the most ventilation due to cooking, washing, bathing, and drying, creating the highest levels of moisture in your home
z Allow space in and around furniture and wardrobes.
z Do not overfill wardrobes as it restricts the circulation of air.
Where you suspect condensation or mould is developing in the property and you have tried to eliminate or control by using the above tips, please contact the CHI Contact Centre at 01–6403074 and select the Repairs Option, especially if mould growth is occurring.
Safer Neighbourhood
Our Safer Neighbourhood Team visit estates nationally to look at interventions around crime. We value advice given by professionals, when adopting a solution focused approach. The Safer Neighbourhood Specialists collaborate with all departments within Co-operative Housing Ireland, to share information with a view to supporting tenants
Members of our Safer Neighbourhood Team in Dublin 8 last month.
Launch of “An appreciative enquiry of family health support” report
Earlier this month, members of our Safer Neighbourhood team attended the launch of the “An appreciative enquiry of family health support” report. The report was based on data that was compiled by the Family Health Project. The launch was an opportunity for the team to meet other stakeholders and organisations in attendance, some of whom our team have worked with before.
Mediation
The Safer Neighbourhood Team support tenants to resolve disputes that have escalated. Mediation is a favourable way of resolving disputes.
Mediation can be facilitated by a neutral third party. Services are available throughout Ireland. If you feel that you would benefit from mediation, please contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team to discuss any disputes that have escalated.
Dublin Community Mediation is one mediation service that offers a mediation service in Dublin and beyond. The service is free of charge, a donation can be made if a person is a position to do so.
How to contact
Call: 01 4515910 and 089 9633170
Email: info@dcmhelp.ie
Visit: dcmhelp.ie
Crime Victim Helpline
The Safer Neighbourhood Team are advertising services to support tenants who are victims of crime.
The Crime Victims Helpline offers emotional support and general information about the criminal justice system to victims of crime in Ireland. If you or one of your loved ones has been the victim of a crime, please feel free to reach out to the Crime Victims Helpline on 116 006 for support and information.
How to contact
Call: 116006
Text: 085–133771
Email: info@crimevictimshelpline.ie
Visit: crimevictimshelpline.ie
Neighbourhood Team
The first nine months of 2024 has been a very busy period for the Neighbourhood Team with 720 new tenancies signed. The Neighbourhood Team would like to welcome
the individuals and families to CHI and wish them all the best in their new home. The team continues to work on letting homes that are currently empty engaging with the relevant Local Authorities.
Estate Management is an important function of the Neighbourhood Team maintaining our internal and external common areas where CHI is responsible. Over the past number of months, we have commenced our grounds maintenance service, window cleaning and Arboriculture programme (Tree cutting). The Neighbourhood Team visit estates monthly to ensure we monitor the common area management resolving estate management concerns raised by member tenants. If you would like to discuss any concerns or compliment the team on positive estate management work, please do contact your relevant Neighbourhood Specialist or email info@cooperativehousing.ie.
Over the coming months Local Co-operative AGM's will take place, and CHI would encourage you to attend and participate. If you are interested in becoming a committee member, please do contact your neighbourhood specialist to discuss further or email info@cooperativehousing.ie
Al’s garden
After moving into her CHI home in Amharc Muillean, Co Limerick, Nuala put a lot of work into creating her beautiful garden. Below she shares her story about how she started her garden and what it means to her.
"It's been an utter joy watching my 56 roses flourish this year and the sparrows making a nursery out of them."
I remember the first day I visited this place, my eyes were drawn to the trees and in my mind began a flurry of fantastically fond memories of when I used to gallivant in these very fields in my youth. I noticed the dormancy of the trees and remembered, with fond delight, the Groody River. I was elated as I knew the birds would re-establish themselves with a little encouragement and the trees would, once again, flourish.
Their growth from last year has been phenomenal. I looked at the property and I saw a vision of wisteria trees everywhere! Though I love roses, the trees are my greatest love, especially being Irish.
It's been an utter joy watching my 56 roses flourish this year and the sparrows making a nursery out of them, eating all the aphids had me gobsmacked. The collared doves use my inside path area as a nursery, also, and watching their numbers swell has been truly my most satisfying achievement. The roses are also a great joy for the children who have helped plant and prune them, so inquisitive and so very respectful. They love pulling the petals off when ready to fall and always seek permission. They're a wonderful bunch of children, so full of intrigue, joy and some, that mischievous delight, it's wonderful watching their confidence grow.
I enjoyed telling them of the five foxes we have here, seeing them outside my door and being met by horses –
it's a Patch of Paradise down here. I love how the sun rises and circles round the property in the mornings slowly gleaming through the leaves as it lights up my roses and the red brick facades. I love painting and drawing the magnificent views here and with five windows in my sitting room, it's quite the panoramic view, which I relish.
I feel beyond blessed to literally be living the dream, which is a very simple one; to sit amongst my roses with my dogs, reading and soaking up the sun.
It's beautiful and is for the enjoyment of us all so, please, do stop and smell the roses. Should you require any cuttings, don't hesitate to ask.
Recent Launches
It was great to welcome 166 new individuals and families to the Co-operative Housing Irelands community.
Crofters Quarter, Deansgrange
In late September we officially launched Crofter’s Quarter in Deansgrange, this development provides 120 new homes to individuals and families. Minister for Housing, Darragh O’ Brien helped launch this event and we had a great morning in the heart of Deansgrange.
The Rectory, Blessington
Taoiseach Simon Harris joined us to help officially launched The Rectory in Blessington in early October and welcomed the member tenants to their new homes and community. The Rectory is located in the centre of Blessington with 46 new homes for member tenants. We wish all of our new member tenants the very best of luck in their new homes.
CHI championing the need for more homes
In August, of our Director of Corporate Services, Eoin Carroll, met with Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD along with peers from community and voluntary sector bodies.
The group outlined a number of concerns that the 2025 budget needed to address from cost of living for lower-income households, to increasing funding for housing delivery.
On the day, Eoin emphasised the need for more funding to deliver social and affordable rental homes, that additional funding was needed for approved housing bodies to manage older housing stock, to rapidly retrofit older homes, and to increase their ability to deliver more homes.
Lastly, he emphasised the need to provide specific funding to housing co-operatives and community land trusts to unlock their potential
Community Engagement
Member Association Application deadline: 15 Nov
Did you know you can get €12 per home each year to help fund community activities in your estate? To apply, you need a Member Association and a Community bank account or Credit Union account.
If you do not have a Member Association
yet but want to start one, or if you need help planning a community project, the Community Engagement Team is here for you. Email the team at members@ cooperativehousing.ie.
If you have not yet received a copy of the Community Funding form, give your Community Engagement team a call, we are happy to help.
Eoin Carroll meeting with Ministers Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe
Castleisland Community Fun Day
CHI and Focus Ireland, with tremendous support from the Riverside residents, came together to strengthen our community spirit by planning and celebrating a fantastic community fun day. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Adrian, Eva, Karolina, Jenny, and Amy for attending planning meetings and taking on various roles.
Eva and Karolina were amazing at the face painting station, gifting us with smiles as they transformed many children’s (and adults’) faces into colorful creations. Adrian brought the music and fun, providing equipment, organizing the setup, and much more. A huge thank you to the children who did a mini litter pick just before the event began – your help was greatly appreciated!
We were delighted to welcome over 50 people who spent time with us and got to know more of their neighbors. Everyone enjoyed the tea and chats, the games, and our wonderful entertainer, Magic Steve, the Magician.
Avondale Garden Party
In August, the Avondale community came together for a fantastic summer garden party that brought neighbours and friends together for a fun filled afternoon. The event featured a delicious mix of pizza and traditional Nigerian food, offering something for every taste.
The entertainment was top- notch! Kids and adults alike enjoyed the Magician that left everyone wondering how he did it. The face painter and the balloon artist went down a treat and the music were equally amazing, setting the perfect upbeat vibe throughout the day. Despite concerns about the weather, the skies stayed clear, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the outdoor fun.
The event was a true success and was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our diverse community and spend quality time with neighbours.
Thank you to everyone who made the day so special!
Fruithill Manor Family Sports Day
Fruithill Manor, Carlow was buzzing with friendly competition in August for a Family Sports Day. Children and families gathered to compete in the egg and spoon race and limbo competitions, along with a range of other games. And of course, the adults didn’t get away with just watching from the sidelines!
Despite the overcast skies everyone came together for a day of food, fun and music. Everyone gathered in the Graiguecullen Youth Centre for food, drinks and chats after the exhaustion of running races. It was a memorable day and everyone walked away with a medal (or several!) of their own.
Graigue Na hAbhainn Celebrate with their Neighbours
The Members Association in Graigue Na hAbhainn hosted a BBQ and family fun day for their estate which was enjoyed by all members young and old. This estate has also been short listed for The Best Kept Residential Estate as part of the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2024. Well done to the Members of Graigue Na hAbhainn and we wish you the best of luck with the awards!
Wexford Emergency First Aid Training Day
Member Tenants in Wexford participated in an Emergency First Aid training course in October. The training took place in Enniscorthy and was delivered by Sensible Safety. Four participants completed the oneday course and learned , practical skills and how to administer Emergency First Aid.
This includes CPR training, use of a defibrillator, how to treat wounds and injuries, and elements of pediatric first aid. These skills can be useful at home, at work, at community events, anytime and anywhere.
The participants are now certified in Emergency First Aid for 2 years.
Member Experience of CHI’s 2024 Book Club
Claire Coffey shared her story about joining the CHI book club.
On the Same Page
Joining a virtual book club was a refreshing experience that broadened my reading horizons. It reignited my passion for reading. The convenience of the online format made participation easy and flexible, fitting seamlessly into my schedule. It also gave the opportunity to connect with diverse readers from different backgrounds. The first meeting was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, but the atmosphere was welcoming, and as we introduced ourselves, I felt my anxiety begin to fade.
When I joined my first ever book club with CHI, I was excited to explore new genres and authors. The selection of books was varied, exposing me to genres I may not have chosen on my own. Each meeting felt like a lively exchange, where everyone contributed
their perspectives and personal connections to the books. Sometimes the diverse interpretation offered by fellow members challenged my view and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking.
Facilitating a session was a new challenge. I felt both excited and nervous. As I prepared, I focused on creating questions to encourage engagement and thought-provoking conversations among the group. I aimed to foster a balanced conversation where every voice was heard. Encouraging everyone to share their thoughts.
The session that I facilitated was on a book that resonated with everybody in different ways, for different reasons. This made the discussion questions flow naturally. The book in question was Suleika Jaouad Between Two Kingdoms. It was rewarding to see each member of the group sharing their thoughts and bringing in their own personal experiences to the discussion.
Overall, the experience enhanced and encouraged my appreciation and love for books but also fostered a sense of community and connection through the world of books. It also helped me develop my communication and listening skills. It also introduced me to new friends and new ideas, making it a truly rewarding experience.
Get Ready for CHI Online Quiz Night – 14th November!
Join us for a fun-filled online Quiz Night on Thursday 14th November at 7.30pm. With eight exciting rounds of trivia, this is your chance to test your knowledge and compete for fantastic prizes! Individuals, couples and families are welcome to register. Every household that attends will be entered into a raffle to win a €50 One for All Voucher.
Register by emailing members@ cooperativehousing.ie or scan the QR code.
Mark your calendars for the 14th of November and get ready for a fantastic night of quizzing!
Quiz Prizes
1st Prize: €100 One for All voucher
2nd Prize: €75 One for All voucher
3rd Prize: €50 One for All voucher
Winter Photo Contest
As the winter season sets in, we invite you to showcase the magic of your locality by entering our Winter Photography Contest! Whether it’s the raw beauty of nature or the warmth of a cosy scene, we have two exciting categories to express your perspective on the season.
Categories:
z Wild Winter
Capture the untamed beauty of the season
z Cosy Winter
Show us the warmth of the season
Prizes
Prizes are the same for both categories.
1st Prize: €75 One for All voucher
2nd Prize: €50 One for All voucher
3rd Prize: €25 One for All voucher
How to Enter:
Submit a photograph that reflects the winter season in either (or both!) of the categories to members@cooperativehousing.ie with your name, the title of your photo and which category you are entering,or scan the QR Code and submit your photo to our Facebook Page. A winner will be selected for both categories.
The contest opens on Thursday 21st November 2024. The submission deadline is Sunday 5th January 2025.
Results will be announced on Friday 10th January 2025.
Think before you flush
Everyday thousands of items such as baby wipes and cotton buds are flushed down the toilet instead of simply being put in the bin. Domestic wastewater networks are not designed to carry this type of waste and easily become blocked. This creates problems for the plumbing in our homes, our neighbours’ homes and the local wastewater network. When flushed, items like these can clump together and cause blockages in pipes and pumping stations, causing waste to flow back and flood homes and gardens. In addition, many of these items can end up on our beaches, creating a significant environmental threat.
Remember – Only Flush the 3 Ps!
When the 3 Ps – pee, poo, and toilet paper, are flushed down the toilet they easily travel through your pipes, along the sewer network and into your local wastewater treatment plant.
Here the waste is removed, and the water treated so that it can be safely returned to the watercourses. Everything else goes in the bin, even wipes that claim to be flushable.
z Wipes do not disintegrate when flushed and are often found on our beaches entangled in seaweed.
z Cotton bud sticks are made of plastic and can last a long time on our beaches.
z Cotton wool gathers in U-bends and can cause blockages and flooding.
z Unused medication can destroy bacteria, contaminate groundwater, and impact wildlife – always bring out-of date/unused medicine to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
z Hair flushed down the toilet can form giant balls which trap odours and can cause blockages in pipes.
z Plasters are made from nonbiodegradable plastic and can cause blockages when clumped with other items.
z Dental floss is not biodegradable and if flushed can wrap itself around other objects in the pipes causing blockages.
z Disposable nappies are made from plastic which expands when wet and causes major blockages in U-bends.
