At the Heart Summer 2016

Magazine for tenants and leaseholders

www.havering.gov.uk

Summer 2016

Help Havering win Britain in Bloom, see pages 16/17

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Dear residents Contact us

You can report, apply and pay for a variety of housing services online For all enquiries please visit www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing Send your comments about At the Heart or ideas for future issues attheheart@havering.gov.uk

Visit our office

Chippenham Road Harold Hill RM3 8YQ 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday You can follow us on Twitter @LBofHavering To like our Facebook page, log in and type Get Involved - Havering Council tenants and leaseholders into the search box.

Your Council @

Your Council updates

News and information about

O N L I N E Havering Council’s housing

Your sign up to Council email updates @

Sign up for the regular email updates from Havering Council www.havering.gov.uk/enews

Cover photograph Front cover shows the flower bed outside the Town Hall which has been planted to commemorate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Welcome to the summer edition of At The Heart, which is slightly later than usual because of restrictions on Councils publishing magazines during the run up to the European Referendum.

Havering Council’s Clean, Safe, Proud vision is reflected throughout this magazine with features on the Housing in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions, details of the work our Community Wardens are doing and the work we do to safeguard foster children and what we are doing to tackle loan sharks who prey on the vulnerable in our community.

In November we asked you to take part in our Annual Tenant Survey and 3,140 of you did. Thank you for sharing your views with us and you can see the result on pages six and seven.

We have a number of events coming up which we hope you will come along to.

The Recruitment Event at myplace in Harold Hill on Monday 25 July promises to be a great event for people looking for a new job or wanting help with their CV or application letters. Our four Job Clubs across the borough are also helping a lot of people each week who are looking for work.

Keep an eye out too for our five family fun days which are a great free event in partnership with Havering Adult College, Family Mosaic and the Early Help Service.

We’re also looking for more tenants to help us make sure that the services we provide are ones you want. You can see full details of what’s available on page 12 and the dates of two taster sessions where you can come and find out more about what’s involved.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Councillor Damian White Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing

Published by Havering Council | Job no. 004639 Summer 2016

www.havering.gov.uk

Will you be ready to step through the door?

Spring 2017 will see a big step forward in improving customer services for our tenants and leaseholders with the launch of a new webbased service – oneHousing.

Our aim is to make sure that it’s easy for you to access all you need through a user friendly portal, that is there to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But before you can use the new service you need an email address registered with us.

If you already have an email address please complete the online form using the link below and send it to us.

If you don’t have access to the internet we’re looking to help you use the World Wide Web. Our libraries offer free support and some training courses

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while Havering Adult College also offers courses to give you the computer skills you need.

By working together we aim to make sure every one of our tenants and leaseholders will be ready to take advantage of oneHousing when it launches next year.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

ICT support at libraries The 10 libraries in Havering all have computers available for your use, and offer support for people needing help to set up email

accounts or access the internet. This free support is only available at certain times at each library as shown in the table. These

sessions are often run by volunteers and can be very popular - please contact the library to confirm details and book your place.

Library

ICT Session date

Contact

Collier Row

Due to launch later in 2016

434936

Elm Park

Due to launch in July 2016

434919

Gidea Park

Wednesdays, 10am – 11am Beginners course over five weeks Thursdays, 5pm – 6pm, Intermediate course over eight weeks Saturdays, 10am – 11am. Techy Buddy session

434978

Harold Hill

Mondays, 10am – 11am and 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Tuesdays, 10am – 11am, Thursdays, 10am – 11am, Fridays, 10am – 11am

434973

Harold Wood

Wednesdays, 10.30am – 12.30pm pre-booking essential Thursdays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm pre-booking essential

434919

Hornchurch

First Tuesday of month, 2pm – 4pm. Techy Teas

434903

Rainham

Last Wednesday of month, 10.30am – 12.30pm Techy Teas

434970

Romford Central

Wednesdays, 10am – noon, ICT Support drop-in sessions,Fridays, 10am – noon, Beginners four –week course pre-booking essential.

432389

South Hornchurch

Saturdays, 1.30pm – 3.30pm

434921

Upminster

Thursdays, 10.30am – 12.30pm First Thursday of Month, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Techy Teas.

1-2-1 IT help on dates and times to suit individual needs booking essential.

434933

More information www.havering.gov.uk/libraries - all telephone numbers 01708-

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Using IT to keep in touch The Tenants’ Survey 2015 shows that just over half of tenants use the internet.

It is most likely to be accessed through a home computer, a smartphone or a tablet. Over half of tenants who use the internet have accessed the Council's website in the past 12 months, equivalent to 31% of all tenants.

The majority of those who had used the website had found it to be of use, particularly in terms of paying their rent or checking their rent account.

While it is good that so many people are already using the website we are looking to increase that number.

Web page review We are currently looking at the housing pages on Havering Council’s website to see how we can improve them and what other pages we need to provide the information you want.

We already have pages letting you know: »» when the Do It In A Day repair team will be in your area www.havering.gov.uk/repairdays »» how to contact the Community Wardens www.havering.gov.uk/communitywardens »» how to rent a garage www.havering.gov.uk/garages »» how to check your account and pay your rent www.havering.gov.uk/rent »» ask general questions www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Improved access We are also looking at ways to help people without their own computer to get online.

All of the Council’s sheltered housing schemes now have computers available for communal use in the lounges and training is available for any sheltered housing resident from their scheme manager.

Computers are available at the Housing Services offices in Chippenham Road, Harold Hill and at local libraries..

Get a helping hand Starting in September 2016, Havering Adult College is offering you great opportunities to develop your IT skills, both accredited and non-accredited.

You can build your confidence and increase your practical knowledge in the fully equipped IT suite, based at the Bower Park Centre.

Most courses are subject to a pre-course interview with the teacher, so that you can be sure you are placed at the correct level.

All abilities are catered for – from absolute beginner up to Level Three (A-Level equivalent). The topics covered include email, internet, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and how to stay safe online.

In addition to all this, there are also:

»» tailored learning opportunities if you are unemployed and seeking work on a 1-2-1 basis or classroom-based »» Silver Surfers courses for the over 60s »» very popular progressive courses, specifically aimed at developing your knowledge of Excel.

So, if you want to update your skills, support your children with their homework, or increase your employment opportunities, do get in touch on 01708 434955.

More info www.haveringadultcollege.co.uk

Contact your Council online when you’re not so ‘Beesy’...

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You can now contact Council services directly, when it’s convenient for you

Contacting us online » Ensures Council service requests are managed faster and easier » Ensures you’re able to contact us anytime (365 days a year)

Register for ‘My Havering’ Registering for ‘My Havering’ takes just a few minutes and all you need is an email address. Once registered you will be able to apply, pay and report without having to fill out your details each time

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At The Heart Summer 2016

You said, we did

In November last year 3,140 Council tenants completed and returned the Annual Tenant Survey and our thanks go to all of you for doing so.

Since then the external market research company, PCP, has been working with Housing Services staff to analyse the results and we are now able to give you a snapshot of what you said and what we have then done.

DIDN’T WE DO WELL? You said: Overall satisfaction with the service provided

by Housing Services was high, with 84% expressing themselves “very” or “fairly” satisfied.

There was less satisfaction that Housing Services listens to tenants’ views and acts upon them, with only 73% satisfied in this respect.

72% of tenants had called the Housing Contact Centre in the last 12 months. Most of those who had called the Centre felt that the staff were helpful, but there were somewhat less favourable ratings in respect of the knowledge of staff, the overall service received and the speed of making contact.

We did:

REPAIRS RESPONSES You said: 80% were satisfied with the repairs service and a strong majority felt that it offered good value for money.

Those who had a repair conducted in the last 12 months gave generally favourable ratings.

There was some dissatisfaction with two related aspects of the service. In particular, 16% were dissatisfied in terms of the work being completed within the specified timescale and 18% in terms of the repair being completed in one visit.

We did: We are working with our contractors to increase the number of repairs completed in one visit, including getting more detailed information from you about what needs to be done.

We are aiming to improve our communications.

We have introduced the Do It In A Day repair The At the Heart online email newsletter will scheme – see www.havering.gov.uk/repairdays be reviewed to make sure we’re giving you the for details of when it is in your area. latest information you want to receive.

We have developed a detailed action plan to We are looking at how we can let you know improve performance, customer care and what action we take on the things you raise engagement. with us and plan to explain why we can’t take action when that is the case.

BETTER BEHAVIOUR We are looking at how we can improve the knowledge of our Contact Centre staff and how You said: quickly we respond to your call so we can provide a better service.

4% of respondents had reported anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the last 12 months. Over a quarter of these tenants claimed that they had found it very or fairly difficult to contact a member of staff to report their complaint.

Satisfaction with the anti-social behaviour service was low, although a majority were satisfied with the advice provided by staff.

www.havering.gov.uk Overall, 39% expressed themselves satisfied with the service and 41% dissatisfied.

37% had not heard of the Community Warden Service. A majority of those who knew enough about the service to give a view were satisfied with it.

We did: There is now an online form at www.havering.gov.uk/communitywardens so ASB can be reported at any time of day or night.

We are aiming to make the Community Warden service even more visible with high-profile patrols and attendance at community events.

See when they are patrolling your area at www.havering.gov.uk/communitywardens We have a new neighbourhood team responsible for managing the more serious cases of ASB. Better monitoring processes have been put in place to ensure residents reporting ASB are kept informed.

COMPLAINTS You said: 17% of tenants had made a complaint to Housing Services in the last 12 months.

A majority of these tenants were satisfied with how easy it had been to make the complaint and with the information and advice provided.

However, many were dissatisfied with how well they had been kept informed, the support received and the speed with which the complaint had been handled.

We did: A review of the complaints procedure to speed up the process and ensure complainants are kept informed about progress on their complaint Put in place monitoring to ensure complaints are dealt with as speedily as possible.

We have identified what we have learned from complaints and are acting to reduce the same problems re-occuring.

All housing staff will receive customer care training and be assessed on their customer care skills.

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CLEANING AND CARETAKING You said: Just over half of tenants pay for caretaking and block cleaning services. Satisfaction with the overall appearance of their estate was reasonably high amongst those using the service, with 79% expressing themselves satisfied with its appearance.

However, 15% did indicate that they were dissatisfied. Satisfaction was marginally higher for internal areas as compared with the external communal areas.

We did: Performance requirements have been set out for all cleaning and caretaking work.

Careful monitoring is taking place to ensure these standards are met.

AT THE HEART You said: 88% of respondents stated that they received the “At the Heart” magazine each quarter.

It appears that the magazine is serving a useful purpose to the great majority of tenants, as two thirds state that they usually read at least half of it.

Most were happy to continue to receive the magazine quarterly. 89% of respondents stated a preference to receive “At the Heart” as a printed magazine posted to them.

We did: A review is underway of At the Heart to ensure that it contains the latest possible information.

We have committed to continuing a printed magazine which will also be available from housing pages on the Council website.

We are looking at whether an A4-sized publication would be better.

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At The Heart  Summer 2016

Combatting Hate Crime

Havering Council operates a zero tolerance approach to Hate Crime and now the Council has new powers to tackle serious cases of Hate Crime or harassment.

Hate Crime is when someone is verbally or physically abused simply because they are disabled or because of their race, sexual orientation, religion, gender or appearance.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014 the Council and police have strong powers to tackle such crimes including closing of premises, repossessing houses and introducing Community Protection Notices, Public Spaces Protection Orders and Criminal Behaviour Orders.

If you witness a Hate Crime, or have been a victim of such a crime, please report it as soon as possible so investigations can take place.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HateCrime www.havering.gov.uk/ASB

Housing waiting list changes New rules have been introduced to make the housing waiting list fairer so help can be given to local people in genuine housing need.

The new policy, which is due to come into force from July 2016, will mean that people must have lived in Havering for a minimum of six continuous years and have a total household income below ÂŁ36,000 per year.

People found guilty of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), violence against neighbours or housing fraud will be removed from the housing waiting list.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Tackling domestic violence Housing Services has an important role in reducing the incidence of domestic abuse and in providing support to victims of domestic abuse. We recognise that domestic abuse is unacceptable.

We will not tolerate it; violence and abuse in relationships is an abuse of power and likely to be a criminal offence.

A revised policy has recently been adopted which sets out the way the Council will respond to reports of domestic violence.

We believe that none of our tenants and leaseholders should live in fear of violence and abuse from a spouse or partner, former spouse or partner, or other member of their household. Housing Services and Havering Council will not tolerate any act of domestic abuse against any of its tenants or leaseholders. There is a range of responses and enforcement actions available to us which we will use in appropriate circumstances.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/DomesticAbuse

www.havering.gov.uk

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It's easy to do it online Sign up to Havering Council’s ‘My Account’ service at www.havering.gov.uk/ myhavering and you can then access a wide range of services 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the website.

You can apply to move house, for energy efficiency advice, to rent a garage and much more at www.havering.gov.uk/applyhousing

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You can also pay your housing or garage rent and Council Tax by Direct Debit by completing and returning the online form, or you can pay online using credit or debit cards through www.havering.gov.uk/payforit You can report to let the council know about community and neighbourhood issues, housing issues and a lot more at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

SeeMyData

Tenant/Leaseholder Repairs

Council tenants and leaseholders can get secure access to all their housing information online through www.havering.gov.uk/SeeMyData

Housing on Facebook Facebook to see what’s happening. You can also find out when the Do It In A Day repair teams are in your Do keep checking the Havering Housing page on

area, when the Cabinet Member for Housing is holding a surgery as well as the latest housing news.

More info www.facebook.com/haveringhousing

Don’t miss out on the news

Every month we email out At the Heart Online to more than 7,580 Council tenants and leaseholders providing them with the latest news and information about housing issues.

There are more than 109,000 subscribers who receive one or more of the 43 email updates produced each month by Havering Council.

Make sure you are not missing out and sign up to receive your copy of the email updates that interest you.

Sign up now to make sure you keep up-to-date.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/enews

Looking for an article?

Past copies of At the Heart are available on the Council website so you can check an article from an earlier issue anytime.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/AtTheHeart

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Easter fun for all More than 40 young people attended the Easter event that took place in the Community Hall at Hillrise Road, Collier Row.

a popcorn machine, while Havering Council's sports development team ran games. The Easter egg hunt was a great success thanks There was an Easter egg hunt to donations from Tesco and with each child who found an We Are FSTVL. egg receiving a large Easter egg. A competition was also held for the Easter bonnet design and masks and every child that took part received a prize.

Easter bonnets were made by many

And Harold Hill too More than 150 people turned up for the Easter Family Fun Day in Chudleigh Road, Harold Hill.

There was a bouncy castle, face painting, youth bus, and

The crowds flocked in for Easter Fun

Dumping your rubbish can cost you £400 New powers for local councils mean that anyone fly-tipping can be given a £400 Fixed Penalty Charge as part of a Government crack-down on illegal disposal of rubbish.

Using the service not only keeps our streets and

country lanes looking tidy, it’s a lot cheaper too.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/bulkywaste

Fly-tipping can be anything from a mattress, old fridge or furniture through to putting a black rubbish bag out on a non-collection day.

If you have bulky items you need to get rid of Havering Council has introduced a new fee structure for collecting them. The cost is £30 for up to three items, any additional items at £10 each.

A Community Warden checks out fly-tipped items in Central Romford

Q 1

Which fly-tipping carries a ÂŁ400 fixed fine?

a mattress?

A All 3!

3

black bags?

2 a fridge?

Please take your rubbish to the recycling centre for FREE or arrange a special collection for ÂŁ30 (up to three items).

www.havering.gov.uk /householdwaste

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At The Heart  Summer 2016

www.havering.gov.uk

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Job Clubs working well When you are out of work, it can be a depressing time and you can easily feel isolated. But the four Job Clubs running in Havering each week, thanks to a partnership between Havering Council and Citizens Advice Havering (CAH), can help.

All four are run by someone who knows what it is like to be out of work herself.

Rugova Rexha has lived in the UK for 17 years, having previously lived in Albania, and when she found herself without a job volunteered to help out at the CAH.

Build confidence

Rugova said: “I spent six months volunteering to help at the CAH, which included working with the Job Clubs and when the manager left I applied for the job and was delighted to get it.

“I’ve been running the Job Clubs now for about seven months, my role is helping job seekers improve their skills and confidence.

“We get between nine and 20 people at each Job Club and people wanting help can just drop in, there’s no charge for our service.

“It’s great to see someone you’ve worked with get a job as it changes their whole outlook on life.”

Citizens Advice Havering Training Manager, Alan Kendall, said: “Initially employed as a ‘Job Club Adviser’, Rugova moved into the role of manager very quickly.

“She has exceeded all expectations with her achievements, increasing Job Club attendance at all four venues, getting more people into work and overall has become a very popular team player. An asset to the project, it can only grow in strength with her as its leader.”

What can you get at a Job Club?

• One to one help with interview techniques • One to one help with ICT skills • Help writing a CV • Help writing an application letter • Help with job searches Job Club details Every Monday, 9am – noon Mardyke Community Centre South Street, Rainham RM13 8PJ To book a place, infomyca@yahoo.co.uk Every Wednesday, 10am – 1pm Betty Strathern Centre 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8XS www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Every Thursday, 9.30am – 12.30pm Highfield Towers Community Hall Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ Every Friday, 10am – 1pm Citizens Advice Havering 9 Victoria Road, Romford RM1 2JT www.haveringcab.org.uk

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Housing in Bloom competition launched

Last year the Housing in Bloom competition attracted lots of entries as tenants and leaseholders worked hard to make their little patch of Havering look blooming beautiful.

And this year it is even more important that everyone gets involved as Havering is representing London in the national Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom competition.

So every extra flower helping to make our borough look beautiful will impress the judges.

This year there are five categories you can enter, with something for everyone to do from planting a small hanging basket or growing a single sunflower to getting a team

Mrs R Miles of Romford won the Tallest sunflower category last year

together to beautify your communal areas.

The five categories are: • Best back garden • Best front garden • Best communal garden • Best hanging basket or planter • Tallest sunflower So have a chat with your friends and neighbours and get started today.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/housinginbloom

Mrs Brenda Driscoll of Collier Row won the best back garden category last year

Entry details You can enter in three ways: 1. Complete the online form at the Housing in Bloom webpage 2. Email to getinvovled@havering.gov.uk 3. Post to Housing in Bloom 2016, Lee Osborne, Housing Community Engagement Officer, Havering Council Housing Services, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8YQ

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Do not forget to include your name, address, contact details and which category you are entering. Closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 31 August 2016.

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Enjoy great shopping and regular family entertainment www.havering.gov.uk/romfordmarket Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Britain in Bloom The Britain in Bloom judges will be in Havering during August as the borough will be representing London in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition.

The borough’s bid will be a true community effort, with residents, schools, businesses and community groups coming together to transform Havering into a floral masterpiece.

The bid follows Havering’s triumph in last year’s London in Bloom competition, where we won an astonishing 47 awards out of the total of

193, more than any other London borough.

You can find ideas on how you can help us win a national gold award this year at www.havering.gov.uk/ britaininbloom or by visiting our Britain in Bloom Facebook page and Instagram. Ideas range from placing plant pots or containers on concrete areas or putting up hanging baskets, to planning a sensory garden by using plants that stimulate your smell, touch, sight and sound.

Gardens at Rainham Hall

Haskell’s Hints

Martin Haskell is Havering Council’s Grounds Maintenance Manager and has been looking after green spaces for more than 35 years. That’s quite a job as Havering is London’s greenest borough.

Martin said: “Whatever your relationship with your garden, we can all benefit from getting the best from our gardens all year round, providing us with fresh air and exercise while we keep our little bit of England looking presentable.

“Here are some tips on what to do each month.”

Martin Haskell, Grounds Maintenance Manager

www.havering.gov.uk

July If you have a compost heap (and you really should have!) spread any weeds out on a path to dry out before adding them to the pile once they’ve shrivelled up and died. Trim holly and yew hedges (check for nests first!) and save the holly trimmings to deter slugs. Dead head your summer bedding and pinch shoot tips. Water hanging baskets and pots every evening. Mow the lawn less frequently, put up some outdoor fairy lights and have a few barbeques!

August Feed plants in pots and hanging baskets with liquid fertiliser. Prune roses, perennials and annuals, and rambling roses if they have finished flowering. Make sure your compost heap is not too dry – maybe sprinkle some water on it. Give evergreen hedges their last trim, and if you have a pond you may need to top it up, ideally from your water butt.

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September If you do not have a compost bin, buy or make one. But not too close to anyone’s house.

Time to clear out your summer bedding and replace with wallflowers and forget-me-nots. You could plant your spring flowering bulbs too, and sew hardy annuals like marigolds and California poppies. It is a good time to seed any patches or repairs on the lawn. Raise your mower up a bit, and if you really love your lawn, give it a thorough combing with a spring rake.

You could also aerate it with a square tined fork, but mind your feet. They do not need aerating!

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Cabinet Member’s Surgery Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the borough so Council tenants can call in and discuss housing issues with him.

The surgeries will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and any tenants are welcome to come along. All discussions will be confidential.

The next surgery dates are: :

Date

Time

Venue

Friday 22 July

4pm - 6pm

Hacton Hall, Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA

Friday 19 August

4pm - 6pm

Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB

Is it up to me?

Tenants and leaseholders are responsible for many basic repairs to their properties so before logging a report please check if it is up to you to do the repair or whether the Council is responsible.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/TenantRepairs

Performance against Targets The performance figures for March 2016 were: Anti-social behaviour case satisfaction

Percentage of all repairs completed within target

Outcome 100%

Outcome 92.3%

Target 90%

Target 90%

Average time to re-let empty properties

Percentage of properties with valid gas certificate

Outcome 11.9 days

Outcome 99.89%

Target 22 days

(Council dwellings only)

Target 100%

www.havering.gov.uk

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Lending a friendly ear In summer 2014 a survey of 400 residents showed nearly half (45 per cent) felt isolated from time to time.

Reasons for isolation included single, widowed and retired pensioners with limited contact with friends and family. Some were struggling financially, had poor health, depression or mental health concerns, poor mobility and disabilities in general. Since 2015 Havering Council has been working with Tapestry to deliver a Befriending Scheme to reduce the feeling of isolation.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Successful project A recently published report shows the project is enjoying success.

For example, in November 2015 Tapestry engaged with 30 residents and within five months the number of people befriended has increased to 129, with a variety of opportunities including telephone befriending and group activities.

The project is now under review to see what improvements can be made in the future.

Outcomes of the Befriending project

Aims of the Befriending project »» To reduce isolation »» To promote peer support »» To promote confidence and independence »» To promote access to health and universal services »» People have the choice to control the support they receive »» People maintain or strengthen positive friendships and relationships »» People access positive activities and support in their local community »» People receive support to improve their emotional and mental wellbeing »» People use this service to feel less isolated, safe and secure

»» 152 people have accessed the service since November 2014 »» 129 people are accessing the service as of 4 April 2016 »» Currently 48 people receive telephone befriending »» Currently 17 people receive group befriending »» Currently 71 people receive one to one befriending »» Currently 32 people in Havering Sheltered Schemes receive befriending »» Currently 86 other Havering residents receive befriending »» Currently the number of active befriending volunteers is 80 »» The total number of volunteer hours each month, on average, is 128 hours and 50 minutes

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At The Heart Summer 2016

Gas checks essential

LEASEHOLD

Home Ownership Team changes

Following the recent Housing restructure there has been some changes within the Home Ownership Team and we welcome a new member of staff, Carole Wall.

The new structure of the team and contact details is shown below:

There are still a large number of leaseholders who, despite being sent reminder letters, have failed to provide a current copy of their Gas Safety Certificate.

Please ensure you have a valid certificate for all gas appliances serving your property.

By not servicing your gas appliances on an annual basis you could potentially be putting both your family and other residents within the block at risk.

Do not delay, get your checks done today.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/gassafety

Don’t miss out Are you getting our email newsletters? If not it means your contact details may need updating. Please let us know of any changes to your circumstances so you don’t miss out on information that can help you. You can let us know changes 24/7 using the online form. www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Name

Job title

Contact

Jane Shaw

Home Ownership Jane.shaw@ Manager havering.gov.uk

​​ renda B Broad

​ ome Ownership Brenda.broad@ H Officer havering.gov.uk

Denise Hall

​ ome Ownership Denise.hall@ H Officer havering.gov.uk

Claire Grover

Home Claire.grover@ Ownership havering.gov.uk Officer (Part-time Thursdays and Fridays only)

Janet Reid

Home Ownership Officer (Part-time, Monday and Tuesdays only)

Sharon Boyce

Home Ownership Sharon.boyce@ Officer havering.gov.uk

Jane Bhatti

Right to Buy Officer

Jane.bhatti@ havering.gov.uk

Carole Wall

Right to Buy Officer

Carole.wall@ havering.gov.uk

Janet.reid@ havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk

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DER FOCUS

Sprung a leak?

Election Results

Following the recent ballot to elect the Chairman and Vice Chairman for the Leaseholder Focus Group, Sandy Stevenson was re-elected as Chairman of the group with Fran Gerlach being re-elected as Vice Chairman.

The Group meets four times a year and aims to improve the services and information available to leaseholders.

Recently there has been an increase in the number of leaks being reported to the Council.

If we receive a report that there is a leak coming from your property which is affecting other properties, we will serve notice on you to remedy the problem within a certain time limit.

You will also be told that if the leak has not been remedied within the time stated, you will be required to arrange access for the

Council’s contractor to enter the premises to fix the leak.

Alternatively, if we have been unable to make contact with you, Havering Council has the right under the terms of the lease to force entry into your property. Any costs incurred as a result of this action will be recharged to you as the leaseholder.

Some of the changes implemented following concerns raised by the group include the requirement for leaseholders to provide an annual gas safety certificate as part of their lease and improved payment options available for leaseholders.

So, if anything is on your mind, please feel free to email Sandy on sandystevenson44@aol.com

22

At The Heart Summer 2016

Health and Wellbeing Wardens Champions Community Nadeem Mohiuddin and

The caravan at Waycross Road, Cranham

Crime prevention in Cranham Community Wardens completed an outside crime prevention event for tenants and leaseholders at Waycross Road Cranham.

Despite the freezing cold temperatures during the day, the Community Wardens gave some easy to follow common sense tips to beat burglars, and handed out crime prevention advice packs with a free light timer to local residents.

Various lone patrols were made on Macon Way, Waycross Road, Lexington Way, Roseberry Gardens, Brunswick Avenue, Griffin Avenue, and Gadsden Close.

We were also able to chat with groups of young people in the play site area.

Residents were also able to report repairs and tenancy issues to the wardens. All these reports have now been completed.

Nadeem Mohiuddin and Ben Clow take the Health Champion Challenge

DLA is ending

Ben Clow rose to the fitness challenge laid down at the recent Health and Wellbeing day arranged by Havering Council at St George’s Church, Harold Hill.

They both ‘cycled’ their way to the top of the fitness board, with Ben eventually winning £50 worth of shopping vouchers for the best performance.

Nurses at the event said Nadeem has the blood pressure of a marathon runner. He commented that it was all down to the patrolling throughout the borough that keeps him fit.

Housing Benefit backdating Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is ending for people who Since Friday 1 April 2016 Housing Benefit backdating were born after Thursday 8 will be reduced and new April 1948 and are aged 16 or claims from working age over, even if they have an claimants can only be indefinite or long term award. backdated for a maximum of A new benefit called Personal one month (no discretion will be made on this rule). This Independence Payment (PIP) rule will NOT affect Pension has been introduced to help Age claimants who will still with extra costs if a person receive the three month has a long-term health automatic backdating. condition or disability.

The Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) will write to everyone who was aged 16 to 64 on Monday 8 April 2013 (the day PIP was introduced) to tell them that their DLA is ending. Claimants need to look out for a letter from the DWP, but don’t need to do anything until they hear from the DWP. PIP is different to DLA and each claimant will need to decide if they want to claim PIP before their DLA ends. They can’t choose to stay on DLA, but they can’t get DLA and PIP at the same time and they won’t be automatically moved from DLA to PIP. If they decide not to make a claim to PIP, their DLA will stop.

www.havering.gov.uk

23

Loan Shark alert!

Havering Council is committed to helping families who have been lent money through unlicensed loan sharks.

An illegal money lender is someone who lends money without the correct permissions. They rarely, if ever, give any paperwork and if payments are missed they often use intimidation to get money from their 'clients'.

DON’T GET IN WITH A LOAN SHARK...IT WILL COST YOU AN ARM AND A LEG Have you or anyone you know: • Been offered a cash loan without paperwork?

• Been threatened when you couldn't pay?

• Had your benefit or bank card taken from you?

• Had a loan which keeps growing even though you are making payments?

If you can answer yes to the above you may have been bitten by a Loan Shark.

For confidential help and advice contact the Illegal Money Lending Team

0300 555 2222

(local call rate, including inclusive minutes from mobiles)

Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk Text: loan (space) shark (space) + your message to 60003.

Web: www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks

The Illegal Money Lending Team is here to help.

Some of the clues relating to illegal money lending are: »» Have you been offered a cash loan? »» Was the loan made without any paperwork? »» Have you been threatened when you couldn't pay? »» Has your bank card or passport been taken from you as a security? »» Does what you owe keep growing even though you are making payments?

Have you been bitten?

A loan shark maybe old or young and from any background.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing any problems or has any knowledge of loan shark activities then contact our team IN CONFIDENCE. There is no obligation to go to court as often the national organisation gathers evidence as it is usual that more than one person is borrowing money.

Once action is taken it is usual that all outstanding monies will not have to be paid.

You can find out more about our work by visiting www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject

Report it now The illegal Money Lending Team can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on: Tel 0300 555 2222 • email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

24

At The Heart Summer 2016

Help us monitor our performance The information you gave us about what we do well and what needs improving in the Tenants’ Survey has been invaluable and we want your help to continue.

We’re setting up four panels and are looking for five or six people to join each group.

The groups are: »» Community Engagement »» Housing Needs »» Property Services »» Tenancy Sustainment.

Highfield Family Fun Day Strong winds and heavy rain meant the barbeque and bouncy castle were cancelled but that didn’t stop Collier Row residents enjoying the Highfield Family Fun Day inside the local community centre.

Children were able to take part in a range of arts and craft activities, face painting and hula-hoop games.

Watch out for more Family Fun Days around the borough this summer and come along to enjoy these free events.

Elli Watson demonstrates her hula-hoop skills

Anyone registering an interest will be invited to join us for an information event in August.

Those invited to join the panels will then be given training during September, with the first panel meetings scheduled for October.

If you are interested in taking part, or want more information, please email Liz.Marshall@havering.gov.uk The deadline to apply is 12 noon on Monday 11 July.

Courses for all

Havering Adult College has just launched its new prospectus giving details of a wide range of courses at a number of different locations across the borough including Collier Row, Harold Wood and Rainham.

Some of the courses are free of charge (if you receive certain benefits) and for others there are discounts if you book during the summer or book courses in bulk.

Courses range from basic ICT and employability skills through to football referee qualifications; beauty therapy to flower arranging and digital photography to gardening.

So why not learn a new skill this autumn? Full details of the courses are online or from prospectuses available in local libraries.

More info www.haveringadultcollege.co.uk

www.havering.gov.uk

25

What is Private Fostering?

Private Fostering is when a young person aged 16 or under (18 if they are disabled) is cared for by an adult who is not a close relative for more than 28 days in a row.

A Private Foster Carer may be: • A friend of the family • The parent of a friend of the child • Someone previously unknown to the child’s family who is willing to and makes arrangements to privately foster a child • Cousins • Great Aunts and Great Uncles If someone else is looking after your child, or you are looking after someone else’s child, you could be privately fostering and you must tell the Council so this can be registered. Havering Council will ensure that the carer is suitable to care for your child and they will make regular visits to see your child and provide support and advice where needed.

What should I do if I think I might be privately fostering a child?

Parents, Private Foster Carers and the Council all have a legal duty to make sure that the private fostering arrangement is safe for the child. Please contact Havering Council as soon as possible to inform them of this situation.

If you are entering into a private fostering arrangement you must tell the Council by contacting the Fostering Team.

The team will take details from you and arrange for a social worker to visit to discuss the private fostering arrangement, they will be able to offer support and advice.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/privatefostering

26

At The Heart  Summer 2016

www.havering.gov.uk

We’re cracking down on rent arrears Most tenants pay their rent on time, but there are some who, for whatever reason, choose not to pay.

It’s no secret that Council funding is being cut, and we need to bring in every penny we can to pay for vital front line services. It’s also a matter of basic fairness to all those who pay their rent on time that everyone else should do so as well.

Being in debt can be desperately worrying, so if you’re having difficulties, you must let us know as soon as possible. There are organisations that can help, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and others.

From Wednesday 6 April this year every dog must be microchipped by law.

The Dogs Trust is offering free microchipping on:

FAMILY FUN DAY

From 11am to 2pm on the following dates/venues: Wednesday 27 July, Kings Lynn Drive, Harold Hill RM3 8AY Wednesday 3 August, Malan Square, Elm Park RM13 7JA Wednesday 10 August, Kingsbridge Circus, Harold Hill RM3 8NL Wednesday 17 August, Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill RM3 9PB Wednesday 24 August, Chudleigh Road, Harold Hill RM3 9DD

More info www.havering.gov.uk/dogchipping

Face painting Youth bus Smoothie bike Arts and crafts

Bouncy castle Sports games Craft workshop Hoola-hoop competition

Wednesday 6 July, 11am – 4pm Rush Green Gardens Romford Wednesday 17 August, 11am – 4pm Camforth House Petersfield Avenue Harold Hill

The lucky winners in our We Are FSTVL competition in the last edition of At the Heart were Paula Deag of Hornchurch who won the VIP tickets for Saturday and Bianca Murray of Romford who won the pair of VIP tickets for Sunday.

Congratulations to them both and we hope they enjoyed the show.

FR

Get your dog chipped

Competition Winners

EE

More info www.havering.gov.uk/rent-arrears

Bring your own picnic For more info contact the Housing Community Engagement Team 01708 434668 getinvolved@havering.gov.uk Housing Services working in partnership with Havering Adult College, Family Mosaic Youth Services & Sports Development

www.havering.gov.uk

27

www.havering.gov.uk/SeeMyData

SeeMyData

Tenant/Leaseholder Repairs

28

At The Heart Summer 2016

Do It In A Day Getting repairs done quickly and effectively is important, which is why a new system is being introduced so that all day to day repairs in a specific street will be tackled on one day by the Council’s contractor, the Breyer Group.

Housing Services Responsive Repair Manager, Elina Rice, said: “The aim is to improve the repairs service to Havering’s tenants and leaseholders. By having a known day, residents can plan ahead and the Council will do more repairs on time and at the first visit and because we will be in one location if a tenant needs something done we will be available to assist.”

More info www.havering.gov.uk/repairdays

Tenants should report repairs in the normal way and the Council will programme non-urgent repairs to be carried out during these special days. Also if there is a repair that hasn’t been reported, we may be able to complete it for you on the day.

The dates for the events are listed opposite.

www.havering.gov.uk

29

27 July 16 November

Farnham Road, Hilldene Avenue, Chippenham Road, Kings Lynn Drive, Dartfields, Rothbury House, Crediton House, Wantage House, Ingleton House, Stratford House, Ripon House, Keswick House, Ringwood House, Morpeth House, Matlock House, Lincoln House.

3​​ August 23 November

​Malan Square, Bader Way, Wood Lane, Thomas Sims Court

10 August 30 November

L​ eyburn Crescent, Leyburn Road, Southall House, Ulverston House, Runcorn House, Talgarth House, Wallingford House, Coleford House, Denbigh House, Chesham House, Havant House, Atherton House, Middlesborough House, Lampeter House, Enfield House, Helmsley House, Langport House, Orton House, Pulborough House.

17 August 7 December

Carnforth House, Marsden House, Bracknell House, Brackley House, Bedford House, Arnside House, Heathfield House, Hungerford House, Lodden House, Marsden House.

24 August 14 December

​ orecambe House, Minefield House, Macclesfield House, Lynmouth, M House, Luton House, Thrapston House, Haslingdon House, Halifax House, Glossop House, Epsom House, Gillingham House, Camelford House, Wilmslow House, Wolverton House, Newmarket House, Portmadoc House, Northampton House, Nelson House.

7 September 21 December

St Helens Court

7 September 4 January

Napier House, New Plymouth House, Dunedin Road, Gisborne Gardens, Queenstown Gardens, New Zealand Way, Christchurch Avenue, Auckland Avenue

14 September

Queen Street, Waterloo Gardens, St. Andrews Road, William Pike House, Thomas England House, Queen Street Villas (sheltered)

21 September

​ ighfield Road, Hillrise Road, Highfield Towers, Highfield Link, H Hendon Gardens, Harlow Gardens

28 September

​Prospect Place

5 October

Suffolk House, Norfolk House, Sussex House, Surrey House, Kent House, Durham House, Devon House, Cumberland House, Rutland House, Mawney Close, Rodney Way, Valiant Close, Victory Way.

12 October

​ runswick Avenue, Macon Way, Lexington Way, Roseberry Gardens, B Waycross Avenue, Moultrie Way, Griffin Avenue

29 June 19 October

Maygreen Crescent, Park Lane

06 July 26 October

Rush Green Gardens

13 July 2 November

Ongar Way, Theydon Gardens, Danbury Road, Fyfield Road, Canfield Road, Harlow Road, Writtle Walk,

2​ 0 July 16 November

​The Rotunda, Fambridge Court, Cottons Court

30

At The Heart Summer 2016

Listings FAMILY FUN DAYS

Wednesday 27 July Kings Lynn Drive, Harold Hill Wednesday 3 August Malan Square, Elm Park Wednesday 10 August Kingsbridge Circus, Harold Hill Wednesday 17 August Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill Wednesday 24 August Chudleigh Road, Harold Hill

VOLUNTEER TASTER DAYS

Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, EM1 3BB Tuesday 28 June, 10am Tuesday 27 September, 6pm To book a place www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing

Citizens Advice Havering holds drop-in advice services at local libraries as well as at Citizens Advice Havering 9 Victoria Road, Romford RM1 2JT www.haveringcab.org.uk

OTHER FORMATS

More info www.facebook.com/haveringhousing www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

JOBS CLUBS

Mondays, 10am – 1pm Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham RM13 8PJ To book a place E infomyca@yahoo.co.uk Family Mosaic runs monthly Wednesdays, 10am – 1pm drop-in sessions at Betty Strathern Centre Collier Row Early Children’s 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill Centre, Clockhouse Lane RM3 8XS Collier Row, RM5 3QJ To book a place Chippenham Road Children's www.havering.gov.uk/ Centre, 85-89 Chippenham askhousing Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8HP Wednesdays, 10am – 2pm St Georges Church Centre Chippenham Road Harold Hill RM3 8AX Thursdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm Highfield Towers Community Hall, Hillrise Road Dogs Trust microchipping Collier Row RM5 3DQ and health checks www.havering.gov.uk/ Wednesday 6 July, 11am – 4pm askhousing Rush Green Gardens, Fridays, 10am – 1pm Romford, RM7 0NR Citizens Advice Havering Wednesday 17 August, 11am – 4pm 9 Victoria Road, Romford RM1 Carnforth House, Harold Hill 2JT What’s RM3 9QL www.haveringcab.org.uk happening in

Details of other events can be seen online at www.havering.gov.uk/events

Havering Council will consider requests for documents to be translated or converted into other formats.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Havering?

What’s happening in Havering?

Sign up for E-news and find out!

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For the latest news and information from Havering Council sign up for our email updates go to www.havering.gov.uk/ enews and then choose the email updates you want to receive

www.havering.gov.uk

31

Tell Damian what you think...

YOUR DETAILS Name Address

email phone Your comment

Councillor Damian White said: “I firmly believe that the Council needs to focus on the needs of tenants, listen even more to their views and, most importantly, act on them so they are reflected not just in housing policies but also in our day to day work that has such a big impact on where people live.

“That is why any tenant or leaseholder can contact me directly to raise any housingrelated issue they wish.

“Whether you contact me by email or post when you send the form back to me I guarantee that it will be seen directly by myself and you will receive a reply from me.

“I look forward to hearing from you.

“If you want to get in touch please email” Damian.White@havering.gov.uk or complete the form on this page and then post it to: Councillor Damian White Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BD.

Havering Council Presents

The Havering Show 28 & 29 August, 11am - 6pm Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch

JOCELYN BROWN THE FAITHETTES

TYBER & PETE AKA THE DUALERS JAMES SMITH NEW KINGS ORDER / 2SHOES TIME 107.5FM THE MERCURY MALL SUMMER OF SOUND WINNER

Supported by

THE REAL THING

A SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS NOASIS RYAN AND THE RUMOURS PYT / TIME 107.5FM