WELCOMETO
ISSUE20 WINTER2024
Clyde Valley Housing Association (CVHA) Winter office opening hours and emergency contact numbers:
CVHA offices will be closed over the Christmas break from 1pm Tuesday 24th December 2024 and reopen 9am Monday 6th January 2025.
If you need an emergency repair during this time you will be able to contact our office on 01698 268 855 and you will be transferred to our out-of-hours service.
A message from the Chief Executive
As we close out 2024 and reflect on the past year, I am delighted by all the positive work within the Clyde Valley Group and the communities we serve. Our most recent customer satisfaction survey and the survey from The Institute of Customer Service demonstrates we are doing a much better job but we know not consistently and that we can still do better. We have spent much of 2024 developing our strategy beyond 2025 and the key focus of this is about making things easier for our customers, providing higher standards of service and continuing to deliver high quality affordable homes in communities you want to live.
A key focus for us is ensuring your voice is heard. We have hosted several communities listening events, including events for Scottish Housing Day and your Rent Consultation. Scottish Housing Day allowed us to get a better insight into what you want to see in our new Strategy and helps us to understand more about how we can be meeting your needs. Of course, you don’t need to wait until we are running events you can get involved in our Customer Panel and be involved in shaping our services all year round. Read more on page 8.
We reprocured our day-to-day repairs service and many other maintenance services during 2024 and we do hope you are seeing the benefits of this. Please keep filling in your transactional surveys which you will receive following an interaction with us. This helps us to understand how we can continue to improve but also allows us, alongside our contractors, consider the areas we need to improve on and continue to ensure you are satisfied.
Please take time to read our newsletter where you will find lots of great advice and support alongside some good news stories.
I am proud of the generosity of our teams when it comes to fundraising for the chosen staff charity and I am sure you will agree that The Miracle Foundation is a great cause chosen by the teams. We are in the midst of selecting our charity to support for the coming year and we look forward to announcing this.
You will see below the changes to our Board during 2024. Our Board members volunteer their time diligently to ensure we are governed well, we remain financially robust and we deliver great service and value for money to our customers. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge Campbell Boyd who volunteered for 30 years giving up his time to initially create Clyde Valley as an organisation by volunteering for the steering group and successfully winning a stock transfer of over 1,000 homes through Scottish Homes and the incorporation of Clyde Valley. I think you will all agree that taking Clyde Valley from 1,634 in 1996 to 4,700 homes across such a wide geography is a fantastic legacy to leave behind as Campbell retires and takes a well deserved rest. We can’t thank Campbell enough.
As always, our team is here to support you throughout the winter months. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or guidance—we are just a phone call or email away.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season. Here’s to a hopeful and prosperous New Year for us all.
Carron
Board Update
We would like to welcome new members to the CVHA Board:
The 2024 AGM also marked the departure of Campbell Boyd, a dedicated board member since CVHA’s formation in 1996. Clyde Valley wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Campbell for his years of dedication and service.
Additionally, the Association would like to acknowledge the passing of Helen Layden on 24 August at St Andrew’s Hospice. Helen, a CVHA tenant since 1999, joined the CVHA Board in 2003, serving until 2012. Clyde Valley offered its deepest condolences to Helen’s family and honours her contributions to the Association.
Ranald Brown
Alison Glen
Clyde
Rory Hughes Deborah Boyle
Rent First This Christmas
CVHAknowsthatmoneyistightandattimes,itcanbedifficulttomakeendsmeet, especiallyoverthefestiveperiod.
It’s important you prioritise your rent commitments and ensure your rent is paid over Christmas and New Year to protect your tenancy. Paying your rent not only safeguards your tenancy but it helps us to keep improving our community and deliver important services including:
Essential repairs and maintenance to your home when you need it.
Improvement programmes such as new kitchens, bathrooms, and windows.
Regenerating our community and surroundings.
Expert welfare rights delivered by our Income Maximisation Officers.
Youcanpayyourrentinthefollowingways:
By telephone - call 01698 268855 and choose Option 1
Use your Payment Card to pay at any Post Office or Paypoint
Online by visiting https://cvha.org.uk/pay-your-rent/
TheCVHACustomerServicesandWellbeingTeamhavebeensuccessfulinapplyingforfundsto helpclearmanyofourcustomer’sarrearbalances!
You can apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to help you pay any shortfall between your rent charge and the housing benefit and universal credit you are currently receiving. In addition, DHP can be awarded to help you reduce or clear your arrear balance. Please don’t wait for a call from us. Contact your Revenue Officer now to make an appointment to apply to this fund. We can complete this form for you over the telephone.
The Customer Services team can also make referrals to our Wellbeing Team who can provide you with advice and support to apply for benefits. From 1st April this year, our Wellbeing Team have secured over £1.45m for CVHA customers. This works out at approximately £4.9k per customer. This is something we are really proud of.
Please act now by calling our team on 01698 268855 or by emailing us at cvha@cvha.org.uk
Available Support
AtCVHA,ourWellbeingTeamarededicatedtodevelopingapproachestotacklearangeofsocial, healthandfinancialinequalitiesforourcustomers.Theyareheretosupportyou.Pleaseseebelowthe currentwaystheteamareabletohelp.PleasealsofollowourFacebookpageandwebsiteforongoing updatesofsupportavailable.
CVHASupport
TheFuelBankFoundation
Fuel Vouchers to help with people living in fuel crisis.
Criteria:
Customers who have a prepayment meter.
Limited to customers who are about to be cut off or have been cut off from their energy supply.
TrussellTrust
CVHA are a referral partner for Trussell Trust foodbank network.
Criteria:
Struggling to pay for food.
GoodThings
CVHA are a referral partner for Good Things Foundation.
Criteria:
Classed as: low income/ digitally excluded/ vulnerable/ refugee or asylum seeker.
CVHAIncomeMaximisation andRevenueTeam
CVHA can talk you through payment plan options and review your current and future benefit entitlement.
Toaccessanyofthesupportabove,contactus: 01698 268 855
ExternalSupport
CostofLivingSupport
Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living
MoneySavingExpert
A free website dedicated to cutting your costs, finding deals, beating the system & fighting your corner.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com
StepChange
Help thousands of people become debt free every year. Their team of experts offer free, flexible debt advice to anyone who needs it.
https://www.stepchange.org
0800 138 1111
CitizenAdviceScotland
Free advice line on benefits, debt and money, consumer issues, work and much more.
https://www.cas.org.uk/
0800 028 1456
EXTRA SUPPORT
Withthehighcostofliving,peopleacrossScotlandarestrugglingfinancially.
Inadditiontothesupportonourpreviouspage,peoplecanalsoaccessTheScottishWelfareFund. TheScottishWelfareFundhelpspeopleandfamiliesonlowincomeswhoareincrisisorneedhelpto setuporremaininthecommunity.
YoucanaccesstheScottishWelfareFund’sgrantsbycontactingyourlocalauthority:
NorthLanarkshireCouncil
0300 555 0405
swf@northlan.gov.uk
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/benefits-and-money/scottish-welfare-fund
SouthLanarkshireCouncil
0800 952 0448
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200260/scottish_welfare_fund
EastDunbartonshireCouncil
0300 1234510
scottish.welfare@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/services/a-z-of-services/benefits/scottish-welfare-fund/
Youcanalsoaccessfurthersupport:
WiseGroupHEATTeamAn independent Energy Advice Team available to help households who require support to resolve any energy related issues and are struggling to pay bills.
https://www.heat-thewisegroup.co.uk/ 0800 092 9002
heat@thewisegroup.co.uk
HomeEnergyScotland
Home Energy Scotland offers free advice and support to help you make your home warmer, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/
0808 808 2282 (Monday - Friday from 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm).
FUNDRAISING AND VOLUNTEERING
Weareexcitedtoannouncethatwehavesecured£10,000 fromtheLintelTrusttoestablishtheNorthMotherwell CommunityOpportunityFund.
The Fund is aimed at supporting residents, schools, and community groups in North Motherwell. This new initiative offers a unique opportunity for local organisations and individuals to apply for funding to support projects that enhance the local area and create better opportunities for North Motherwell residents.
The fund is open to all residents and groups within the North Motherwell postcode area and applicants do not need to be tenants of CVHA to apply.
You can find out more about the fund here: https://cvha.org.uk/north-motherwell-funding-opportunity-/
CVHAareproudtohavefundraisedover£7000forthe MiracleFoundation.
Each year, our staff vote on a local chosen charity to raise funds for over the year. This year, staff voted to raise funds for The Miracle Foundation.
The Miracle Foundation’s mission is to provide early intervention bereavement and trauma support through Counselling, Art Therapy and Mental Health services for all Children, Young People and Families in need living throughout Lanarkshire.
CVHAarethrilledtobetakingpartinCareerReady Scotland’sMentorshipProgramme.
Five CVHA staff have signed up to mentor five young people through Career Ready Scotland’s Mentorship Programme. The aim of the programme is to empower young people by providing them with skills, self-esteem, and social capital to kickstart their futures.
The mentees have already met with their mentors in November at the successful Programme launch event at Celtic Park.
CVHA’sMacMillanCoffeeMorningSuccess.
Every September, our Finance Manager, Susan McGleish organises a MacMillan Coffee Morning in CVHA’s offices. This year the morning successfully raised over £200!
Staff from CVHA with Lynn McFarlane, (North Fest Organiser) at this year’s North Fest family fun day.
CVHA staff at the Career Ready launch event.
Pictured: CVHA Customer Panel Members
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
This year, we commissioned Research Resource to carry out a tenant satisfaction survey to assess satisfaction with the Association and the services it provides. 521 interviews were carried out face-to-face.
OVERVIEWOFSATISFACTION
95% of our customers were satisfiedoverallwith the service provided by CVHA as a landlord. (Increase of 10% from 2023)
99% of our customers felt they were kept informedabout services and decisions by CVHA.
(Increase of 10% from 2023)
99% were satisfied with the opportunities given to them to participatein CVHA's decision making processes (Increase of 11% from 2023)
84% of customers were satisfied with the repairsservice received in the last 12 months.
(Increase of 6% from 2023)
94% of customers were satisfied with CVHA’s contribution to neighbourhoodmanagement (Increase of 21% from 2021)
91% of our customers were satisfied with the qualityoftheirhome (Increase of 11% from 2023)
92% of customers said the rent for their home represented very or fairly good valuefor money (Increase of 15% from 2023)
OUR LATEST DEVELOPMENT!
We have recently completed a new development on the site of the Royal Oak Hotel in Lanark with contractor, Burgess Homes. This development has created 15 safe and comfortable apartments for Social Rent.
HereiswhataCVHAcustomersaidabouther newhome:
“The house is brilliant, cosy, warm and we love it. We used to be restricted due to medical issues and now we are out and about all the time. Our mental health has improved dramatically and we are enjoying living here.”
Development Royal Oak, Lanark
Your Customer Panel
At CVHA, the Customer Voice matters, that’s why your panel acts as a voice for customers and focuses on improving services, quality and performance for CVHA Customers. The panel meets regularly to discuss their findings and make recommendations. Check out some of the highlights that they’ve been working on over the last year:
Attend CVHA Board Meeting and AGM.
Voted on the CVHA Gazebo Design.
Took part in Serving our communities Project.
Hosted coffee mornings in local communities.
Took part in Scottish Housing Day.
Supported Douglas Residents and Tenant’s group.
Developed customer commitments. Became a member of TPAS.
Provided feedback to the Institute of Customer Service and Customer Service Excellence.
Took part in Annual Satisfaction Survey.
CVHAwouldliketoextendthankstheCustomerPanelfortheirhardworkthroughout2024.
Margaret Parton
Valerie Shield
William Quinn
Suzanne McQuade
Janette Moran
Areyouinterestedinjoining?
Daniel Scott
Morag Davies
Your views are vital to us and help us continue to improve on the services we deliver to our customers.
Visit our website, or call our office to register your interest. www.cvha.org.uk/join-our-customer-panel/
Keeping Well, keeping safe
Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older or if you have a long-term healthcondition.We'velistedourtoptipstokeepyouhealthythiswinter:
Get your flu vaccination.
Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. Get financial support, ensure you have claimed all the benefits you're entitled to. Prepare for adverse weather, keep up to date with weather forecasts. Make sure you have prescription medicines before the holiday period starts. Keep active and hydrated.
Look online for some nutritious recipes, soup or stews are great when you're on a budget, they're packed full of immune boosting ingredients as well as being easy to prepare. If you need help over the holiday period when the GP surgery or pharmacy is closed or if you are not sure what to do, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Remembertobeagoodneighbour,lookinonanyvulnerableneighboursandrelatives!
HerearesomemoretipsfromIndependentAgeforstayingwarmandwellthiswinter: 1 2 3 4 5
SignuptoPensionCreditUp to 880,000 older people entitled to Pension Credit are missing out on extra cash that is available for them. Pension Credit is extra money from the government to top up your pension income. It also acts as a passport to other entitlements, such as a Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments (Winter Heating Payment in Scotland), Council Tax reductions and help with health costs. To claim Pension Credit, you must be over State Pension age and on a low income. You can check if you qualify at gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility, or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
GrantsandTrustsIf you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, your energy supplier may have a pot of money set aside to help you pay. Get in touch with them and ask if they have a grant or trust. If your supplier doesn’t have one, you can apply for a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust (0121 348 7797, britishgasenergytrust.org.uk). You do not have to be a British Gas customer to get this grant. You’ll need proof that you’ve been given money advice in the past six months. This might be a letter confirming the advice given, a standard financial statement or a Personal Action Plan. You can find a list of advice services at https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/moneytroubles/dealing-with-debt/debt-advice-locator. You can apply for grants through Charis: https://charisgrants.com/
Cut down on energy use Check appliances are not kept on standby mode when not in use. Some appliances such as ovens and electric hobs use a lot of energy, but rather than not using them at all, use them wisely. For example, avoid over filling your kettle or use the oven fully to batch cook food and freeze what’s left. Slow cookers and microwaves use the least energy to cook a warm meal, so consider using them more than the hob. Turning appliances off at the plug when not in use can also save energy.
Reduceheatloss
Close the curtains as soon as it gets dark, to prevent heat loss. Close doors to stop draughts and get draught excluders fitted. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking radiators to allow the hot air to circulate around the room.
Wrap up well Wearing plenty of layers is the best way to keep warm in winter. If you're heading out, make sure you take some extra layers – even if you don’t need them immediately. It's a good idea to be prepared because the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes down. Wearing several thin layers will keep you warmer than wearing one thick layer, as layers trap warm air between them.
YoucanfindmorehelpfultipsliketheseinIndependentAge’sWinterwiseguide,which youcanviewonlineathttps://www.independentage.org/get-advice/winterwise.
FeelingLonely? You’renotalone.
For many, Christmas is a joyous time to relax and enjoy the festive season with our loved ones, but Christmas can also be a time where people can feel overwhelmingly lonely. When you add in the isolation many of us have experienced over the past few years, it's not surprising that people are feeling increasingly lonely. Everyone can feel lonely, and there are things you can do to feel less isolated and alone.
Attend local community events
Reach out to an old friend
Tell people how you're feeling Take up exercise, join a walking group or join a gym
Read a good book
Join a club or social group
Volunteer Take up a new hobby Check out resources and programmes running in your local community.
Call Samaritans on 116 123
Find a Warm Welcome
Did you know that there are many community drop-in points across Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire that you can use as a base to meet up with others for a catch up and have a free cup of tea or coffee?
Warm Welcome Spaces are opening their doors to local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. Your local Warm Welcome Space, is a great place to connect with your community and to make new friends. Warm Welcome wants everyone to access a warm and welcoming space in their local community, to connect with others, make new friends, and feel part of their community. It’s your open invitation to come in, keep warm, connect with others, and make new friends.
To search for Warm Welcome Spaces near you go to their website https://www.warmwelcome.uk/ and enter your postcode. It's never been easier to join a local community!
Repairs and Maintenance
Whenyoucontactuswitharepair,wewillagreeanappointmentwithyouthereand then.Itisveryimportantthatyouletusknowassoonaspossibleifyouareunableto keeptheappointmentoryourcircumstanceschange.
EmergencyRepairsThese are repairs which are needed to avoid serious health and safety problems; or prevent serious structural damage to your home. This service is to make your home safe, and a full repair may not be completed at this stage.
ExamplesofEmergencyRepairs:
Gas Leaks. Total Electrical Failure. Burst Pipes. Total Communal Lighting Failure.
72 WorkingDay s
10
UrgentRepairsAn urgent repair is when the problem seriously affects your comfort or can cause potential damage to your property. ExamplesofUrgent Repairs:
Leaking Pipes. Gas Repairs. No Hot Water. Heating Failure.
RoutineRepairsA routine repair is when the problem does not seriously interfere with your comfort and convenience. Most minor repairs will fall into this category. ExamplesofMinorRepairs: Small Areas of Paving. Minor Plastering. Door and Window Repairs. Guttering / Down Pipes.
Alterations to your Home If you wish to make an alteration or improvement to your property, you must first gain the permission of CVHA. Permission will be given where this is reasonable. Please visit: https://cvha.org.uk/alterations/ and complete the alterations request form, or scan the QR Code to the left.
FrozenPipes
As the temperatures drop, the water pipes in your home may be at greater risk of freezing and bursting. Frozen pipes can cause problems with your heating and boilers and this ranks among the primary reasons for callouts when temperatures take a plunge.
An unmistakable indicator of a frozen pipe is minimal to no water flow when you open a tap in freezing conditions. Wondering how to prevent and address this prevalent issue?
Exploreourcomprehensivestep-by-stepguidehere:
Firstly identify any taps that continually drip. Even a small trickle can lead to a frozen pipe when temperatures drop below zero. Don’t wait, report those issues to us now.
You should also find out where your stop tap (stopcock) is, (most are fitted under the kitchen sink), and understand how to turn it off so you can complete step two.
Ifyouhaveanissuewithafrozenpipe:
Turn off the water supply at the stop tap (stopcock).
Check any pipes that run outside of your property. If the pipe has burst, you will need to contact us, move to step three.
If it hasn’t burst, slowly thaw the pipe by holding a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in hot water around the pipe. You can also use a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Donotuseboilingwater!
When it has thawed, reset your boiler by holding in the reset button for 10 seconds and waiting for the boiler to re-fire.
Ifyouhaveanissuewithaburstpipe:
Turn off the water supply at the stop tap.
Turn on all your taps to reduce any flooding and soak up any escaping water with towels.
Report it to our repairs team immediately.
FireSafety
Your safety is our number one priority. As a landlord we’re responsible for making sure our buildings are safe. We carry out regular fire risk inspections in our flats, developments and other multi-occupancy buildings; fit smoke alarms in homes and give practical advice on howtoavoidafire.
Whatyoucandotostaysafe?
Regularly check your interlinked smoke alarm(s).
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home.
Book a visit/call from your local fire service for advice on fire safety in your home.
If you live in a flat, call us if you spot any fire hazards in your building including fire door damage.
Don’t cause an obstruction by leaving furniture, bikes, prams and mobility scooters in communal areas.
Don’t use the lift when evacuating a building as fire can cause a power failure.
Plan a safe escape from your home and make sure you know the evacuation plan if you live in a flat.
GasSafety
IfyousmellgasImmediatelycalltheGasEmergencyLineon0800111999andthen:
Turn off all gas appliances
Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area
If possible, turn off the gas emergency control valve (also called gas emergency shut off valve) at your meter
Put out all naked flames (including candles and cigarettes)
Do not operate any electrical switches, including turning lights on or off, because this can ignite escaping gas
Do not open the fridge or freezer
We are legally responsible for carrying out an annual Safety Check of all gas appliances belonging to CVHA. It is important that you allow access to your home for our engineer to carry out these safety checks.
If you refuse to allow us access, or you do not keep your appointment, we will have no other option but to force access. You will also be charged for any related costs. This is of course a last resort, and we will always make reasonable efforts to gain access at a time suitable to you.
EVCharging
Weunderstandthattenantswillwanttochargetheirelectriccarsfromhome.Below wehaveprovidedtheanswerstosomefrequentlyaskedquestionsregarding installingchargingpointsatyourhome.
DoIneedpermissiontohaveanelectricvehiclecharger?
Yes, you will need permission from Clyde Valley Housing Association as the property owner. Please see our alterations info on page 11.
DoIhavetohavedesignatedoffstreetparking?
Yes, permission will only be granted if you already have a dropped kerb and hard standing. Note, it is illegal to run cables across public highways under the Highways Act 1980. This poses a safety hazard for pedestrians.
WhatifIliveinaflat?
No, permission cannot be granted for flat residents because you would need legal entitlement to a parking space. Charging cables cannot be laid across public land, such as pavements, even temporarily.
WhereshouldIlocatethecharger?
Your car charger needs to be as close to where you normally park your car as possible. The charger cannot face the highway or be within two metres of it. You'll need an electricity supply to whichever location you choose, with a dedicated connection to your home's consumer unit to provide enough power.
Whocaninstallacharger?
The installation must be done by a skilled and registered professional under a competent person’s scheme. The charge point must include an RCD (Residual Current Device) and be connected to a supply that can handle its full capacity. The installer must also notify the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about the installation to avoid any power quality issues.
WhatdocumentationdoIneedtoprovidetoCVHApriortowork?
Evidence of Grade Cards
Evidence of the contractor approved/qualified installer
Demonstrate compliance with our adaptations approach on Page 11.
WhatdocumentationdoIneedtoprovideoncompletionofwork?
Upon completion, you must submit a copy of the Electrical Installation Certificate, details of the charger’s make and model, and a clear photo of the installed charger. This certificate confirms that the charger has been installed to the appropriate safety standards. If you fail to provide us with an EIC within 30 days of completion of the install we will arrange for an approved Electrical Company to attend your property and remove the EV charger, all costs involved with this will be recharged to you. Proof of notification to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must also be provided.
After the installation, the electrical setup will be inspected every five years as part of the Fixed Electrical Testing Programme.
WhatifInolongerwantthecharger?
If you decide to remove the charger, government regulations require you to remove the charging point and restore the area (wall or ground) to its original condition as soon as possible.
HowcanIchargemycarifIcan’tinstallachargerathome?
You have several alternatives:
Use public charging networks
Charge at your workplace (if available)
Condensation
This time of year we can start to see a build-up of condensation within our homes, which can cause unwanted dampness in buildings.
In just one day the average family makes about 15 pints of water vapor. This vapour stays in the air in warm rooms but turns back into water when it touches cold surfaces such as a wall, window or ceiling.
Therearefourmaincausesofcondensation:
Howtopreventcondensation:
If you find water on the inside of your windows, on cold walls and surfaces, in cold rooms or near windows it is likely to be condensation.
You may also find black mould on the walls or blue/green mould on leather or wood. Mould is usually found in cold corners, cupboards or on external walls inside the property.
In most cases condensation can be prevented by opening a window and making sure that all rooms within the home are heated adequately.
Keep all your rooms warm by using your heating system effectively and efficiently as much as you can afford. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. Keep your central heating thermostat set between 18° and 21°C it's better to have heating on a low setting for longer to maintain a minimum temperature rather than heating to high temperatures at short bursts.
condensationinyourhome-whatexactlycausesmoisturetobuildup?
Some examples of household activities that can contribute to condensation and dampness are:
from cooking can produce 2.3-2.6 litres of moisture.
clothes inside can produce 4-5 litres of moisture.
of moisture.
If this moisture isn’t removed from your property, it will condense on cold surfaces and create the ideal environment for mould to grow. Mould spores can be dangerous to you and your household’s health, so it is very important that their growth is prevented.
Forhelpfultipstoprotectyourhomeagainstcondensationthiswinter,checkoutourDampandMould SectioninourHealthandSafetyHandbook,whichcanbefoundhere: https://cvha.org.uk/upload/download_document/b2dce1b1-8585-11ef-a695-005056a3/file.pdf
KeepYourselfSafe
With the festive season days away, it’s important to keep in mind the “grinches” out there looking to take advantage. The festive season is a prime time for digital and doorstep scammers to exploit festiveshoppers.Checkoutsometipstostayawayfromfraudsters.
Likely if something seems “too good to be true” it often is, only the big guy in the sleigh delivers a brand new iPhone out of nowhere!
Before trusting an email or message have a think, “was I expecting this?” Scams/phishing attempts often come out of the blue so if you think something is out of place trust your instincts!
Don’t assume because it’s personalised that it’s trustworthy, some information on you is available publicly online (your Facebook, X, Instagram) and these can be used to send what appears to be something from someone you know, following our previous points it’s wise to take some time and be sure the message is genuine.
Double check the URL of the website you are shopping from, it should start with “HTTPS://” if it’s just HTTP:// then the site isn’t secure and may not be the website you were actually trying to reach or could be fake entirely.
Keep your devices up to date. This may seem simple but often software updates include important security and bug fixes that left unchecked can be used by online criminals to get control of your device.
Avoid public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is seen as a fantastic resource to use when out and about as you don’t have to use up your phones data plan however, most public Wi-Fi’s are open ended meaning anyone on the same network can see your traffic and possibly steal your data. As much as possible avoid public Wi-Fi and stick with your 4/5G plan and home Wi-Fi.
The real secret is thought, it’s very simple to be safe online just as it’s easy to get scammed. Before clicking/opening/downloading/buying anything take an extra minute and check that it’s really safe before committing. 10secondsofthinkingisallittakes.
Remember, scammers don’t just lurk online, Trading Standards Scotland highlights this: “buying goods or services from a cold caller can be risky as you may not be able to contact them if something goes wrong. Doorstep scammers remain a serious problem across the whole of Scotland. Many are affiliated to serious organised crime groups and usually overcharge for work that is either unnecessary and/or substandard.
They tend to target vulnerable and elderly consumers.” Check out their website for more advice here: https://www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/doorstep-scammers/
More Ways to Stay Safe at Christmas
Christmasisatimewhenyourhomeislikelytobefullofpeople,andit'sintheexcitementofthe seasonthataccidentscaneasilyhappen.Checkoutourtipsbelowtostaysafe:
Cooking
Don’t leave food cooking in the oven whilst you are out shopping or when you are sleeping. ChristmasTrees
Artificial is best! If you must have a real tree, purchase trees in soil and ensure they are kept watered to reduce the risk of fire.
Candles
Never leave a candle lit if you are not in the room. Keep candles away from trees, cards and never under a wall mounted TV.
WrappingPaper
It gets everywhere on Christmas morning and can easily get knocked into the fire place, or lit by a cigarette – so please bag it up.
ChristmasPudding
Have a jug of water close to hand if you are lighting your Christmas pudding, and clear away any paper hats/crackers before lighting.
FairyLights
If you have been using your fairly lights for a few years, it might be time to replace them. Newer models such as LED lights will meet might higher safety standards and are more energy efficient. Remember always switch these off when you are not at home or are in bed.
Don’toverloadplugsockets
Make sure to avoid overloading your plug sockets with extensions and instead just use one plug per socket.
Don’t forget Contents Insurance
During the festive season, we strongly encourage those without contents insurance to seriously consider purchasing it. We understand that it may be an overlooked expense at the start of a tenancy, but it's crucial to ensure you're safeguarded in case of any damage to your home's interior.
In the past, due to frost, there have been incidents of pipes bursting, leading to ruined carpets and interiors. As your landlord, we're unable to replace flooring in such situations and unfortunately, if you received carpets through the Social Work Fund, they won't cover replacements either. Without insurance, you'll unfortunately have to bear the cost yourself, which can be a significant financial burden.
The Thistle Tenant Risks Home Contents Insurance Scheme specialises in insurance for social housing tenants. Their affordable policies cover the contents and personal belongings in your home. For more information about Thistle, visit their website: https://www.thistleinsurance.co.uk/
You can also compare Contents Insurance Schemes to find the best deals on the MSE website here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/homeinsurance/renters-contents-insurance/
Performanceand Communication
ValueforMoney& PerformanceReport2023/24
In October we published our Annual VFM Report all customers should have received a copy. You can find this by searching our website or scanning the QR code.
MonthlyBulletins
Our monthly bulletins provide lots of useful information. We are keen to keep you informed as to what is going on within CVHA. You can also find his by searching our website or scanning the QR code.
CustomerHealth&Safety Handbook
This handbook has been designed to give you information about the actions CVHA will take to ensure your home is a safe place to live and how you can help in that process. We have included lots of hints and advice on general home safety which we hope you find both informative and useful. You can find this by scanning the QR Code.
InfoPoint
Needassistance?
There are several ways you can get in touch for support: Forrepairs:
Emergency Repairs: 01698 268 855
Scottish Gas (smell gas): 0800111999
Scottish Power (no electricity): 08000929290
Scottish Water (no water/burst pipes): 08000778778
Gas heating repairs (City Technical) 03332020708
CONTACTUS:
01698 268 855
cvha@cvha.org.uk
CVHA
50 Scott Street
Motherwell
ML1 1PN
Accessibility:
FINDUSONLINE:
Fortenancyrelated: Anti social behaviour/dog fouling/vermin/roads:
North Lanarkshire: 03001231382
South Lanarkshire: 08003891105
East Dunbartonshire: 03001234510
Anti social behaviour complaints should in the first instance be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101
https://cvha.org.uk/
https://bit.ly/CVHAFB
https://x.com/CVHA_
https://cvha.org.uk/
To read this document in the language of your choice please use the ‘change language’ icon on the CVHA website.
You can also access the document by using the text to speech icon on our website.
Aby wyświetlić ten dokument w preferowanym języku, użyj ikony zmiany języka w witrynie internetowej CVHA.
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