At the Heart Winter 2016-17

Magazine for tenants and leaseholders Winter 2016/17

r o f ng b i k Loo ew jo a n 2017? for page 32 see

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At The Heart Autumn 2016

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Dear residents Welcome to the Winter 2016 edition of At the Heart magazine.

In the Autumn edition we reported on the extensive Housing Regeneration Programme being undertaken by Havering Council to build more than 2,500 new homes across the borough. In this edition we bring you up to date on what is happening with that programme, as well as updating you on the progress of the infill schemes taking place on under-utilised land on Council estates.

This edition also looks forward to an exciting programme of events for the end of this year and into 2017.

The annual Christmas party for tenants is always popular and this year we are launching three Christmas road shows, hosted at different sheltered housing schemes, where older residents can call in for free advice and help as they prepare for Christmas.

Next year promises to be a busy one. Plans are in place for three job fairs during the year, events which will build on the success of the jobs fair in Harold Hill earlier this year. These events work alongside the highly successful weekly jobs clubs in Collier Row, Harold Hill, Rainham and Romford.

Every month from March to October we will be working with volunteers on a different estate in Havering to brighten it up and make it a more pleasant place in which to live – our Community Clean-Ups page will let you know when we are in your area so you can come along and lend a hand.

We are also planning our Family Fun Days for the school summer holidays and again are looking for volunteers to help us at these events.

2016 has been a busy and exciting year for Housing Services and next year looks set to be even busier, so may I wish you a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you at one of our events next year.

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

For details of Councillor White's surgeries please see page 31

Published by Havering Council | Job no. D4803 Winter 2016/17

www.havering.gov.uk

Cabinet gives go ahead Housing Regeneration to regeneration plans Programme contacts There are specialist officers in place to help tenants, leaseholders and freeholders move off the estates scheduled for regeneration. »» Ian Nolan is the officer working with leaseholders and freeholders Within the Community Engagement Team there are officers who are the first point of contact for questions regarding the regeneration of each estate.

Waterloo Estate is the first priority for regeneration

At a meeting on Wednesday 12 October, Havering Council’s Cabinet agreed that the Housing Regeneration Programme should go ahead following three months of consultation with residents.

The Cabinet agreed that, in an early phase of the regeneration programme: »» The Waterloo estate in Romford, including the Queen Street sheltered housing scheme, should be redeveloped for general needs housing »» The Oldchurch Gardens estate in Romford should be redeveloped for general needs housing »» The Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane estate in Hornchurch, including the Park Lane sheltered housing scheme, should be redeveloped for general needs housing »» Napier House and New Plymouth House, in Rainham, should be demolished and should be redeveloped for general needs housing »» Serena, Solar and Sunrise sheltered housing scheme, in Hornchurch, should be redeveloped as an older persons’ village Later in the programme: »» Two additional storeys of flats be built on top of existing flats above shops in Chippenham Road, Farnham Road and Hilldene Avenue »» Royal Jubilee Court sheltered housing scheme should be redeveloped as an older persons’ village »» Dell Court sheltered housing scheme should be redeveloped as flats for older people »» Delderfield House sheltered housing scheme should be redeveloped for general needs housing »» Brunswick Court sheltered housing scheme should be redeveloped to include extra care and dementia care sheltered housing.

These proposals and timescales are subject to discussion with the Council’s development partner, following their appointment, which is expected to be in late 2017.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration

As they are often out of the office meeting residents, email is the best way to contact them.

The lead officers are: »» Chippenham Road, Farnham Road and Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill Julieann Brewster Julieann.Brewster@havering.gov.uk »» Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane, Hornchurch Kimberly Miller Kimberly.Miller@havering.gov.uk »» Napier House and New Plymouth House, Rainham John Bloss John.Bloss@havering.gov.uk »» Oldchurch Gardens, Romford Denise Kelly Denise.Kelly@havering.gov.uk »» Waterloo Estate, Romford Chelsea Potts Chelsea.Potts@havering.gov.uk Please remember that information can be found about each regeneration scheme on the special website for that estate.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration

Demolition Notices Havering Council has started serving Demolition Notices on properties that will be needed for the Housing Regeneration Programme.

These are legal documents which formally explain why the Council is planning a demolition.

Once a Demolition Notice is served it suspends any applications by tenants to buy their own home under the Right to Buy scheme.

If a Demolition Notice is served on your home it will be accompanied by a Frequently Asked Questions sheet.

A copy of those questions and answers, along with contact details for more information, is available on the Council’s website.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration

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At The Heart Winter 2016/17

What’s happening on each estate?

Oldchurch Gardens

Waterloo Estate The Cabinet has agreed that this estate should be one of the first to be regenerated, including Queen Street sheltered housing scheme.

Demolition Notices have been served on all residents, leaseholders and freeholders affected by the scheme.

Some leaseholders are already in discussion about selling their property to the Council and the first sale is expected to be completed before Christmas.

A residents’ gr being chaired Moore as Vice around 15 mem estate and wis Chelsea Potts

The next cons residents will 6pm at the Sa Romford.

More info www

The Cabinet has agreed that this estate should be one of the first to be regenerated.

Demolition Notices have been served on all residents, leaseholders and freeholders affected by the scheme.

Some leaseholders are already in discussion about selling their property to the Council and the first sale is expected to be completed early in 2017.

We still need volunteers to serve on the residents’ group and if you are interested please contact Denise Kelly via the website.

The next consultation meeting for all residents will be on Tuesday 29 November, 7.30pm at the Romford YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/OldchurchGardens

Interim Director of Housing, Neil Stubbings briefs residents on the proposals

Napier House and New Plymouth The Cabinet has agreed that this estate should be one of the first to be regenerated.

the first sale is early in 2017.

Demolition Notices have been served on all residents, leaseholders and freeholders affected by the scheme.

We still need v residents’ grou please contac More info www.havering

Some leaseholders are already in discussion about selling their property to the Council and

Community Engagement Officers Denise Kelly and Julieann Brewster ready for meetings with residents

Interim Director of Housing, Neil Stubbings briefs residents on the proposals

www.havering.gov.uk

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Property Services Manager Kevin Hazlewood briefs residents on the proposals

roup has been set up and is

by Shane Marshall with Brian e Chairman. The group has mbers and if you live on the sh to be involved please let know via the website.

sultation meeting for all be on Wednesday 23 November alvation Army Hall, High Street,

w.havering.gov.uk/WaterlooEstate

Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane Estate The Cabinet has agreed that this estate should be one of the first to be regenerated, including the sheltered housing scheme.

We still need volunteers to serve on the residents’ group and if you are interested please contact Kimberly Miller via the website.

Demolition Notices have been served on all residents, leaseholders and freeholders affected by the scheme.

The next consultation meeting for all residents will be on Thursday 23 February, 6pm at the Communal Lounge, Maygreen Crescent sheltered housing scheme, Maygreen Crescent, Hornchurch.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/MaygreenCrescent

Some leaseholders are already in discussion about selling their property to the Council and the first sale is expected to be completed early in 2017.

h House

s expected to be completed

volunteers to serve on the up and if you are interested ct John Bloss via the website.

g.gov.uk/NapierandNewPlymouth Interim Director of Housing, Neil Stubbings briefs residents on the proposals

Chippenham Road, Farnham Road and Hilldene Avenue The Cabinet has agreed that this estate should be regenerated.

Demolition Notices have been served on all residents, leaseholders and freeholders affected by the scheme.

Some leaseholders are already in discussion about selling their property to the Council and the first sale is expected to be completed in 2017.

We still need volunteers to serve on the residents’ group and if you are interested please contact Julieann Brewster via the website.

The next consultation meeting for all residents will be on Monday 28 November, 6pm at St Georges Church, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/Hilldene

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At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Progress report on new homes schemes Havering Council is looking to use former garage sites and other under-utilised land to build new homes for Havering residents.

Albyns Close, Rainham Liberty Housing, on behalf of Havering Council, has released for sale, nine two-bedroom bungalows under Shared Ownership for the over 55’s in Albyns Close, Rainham.

This “infill programme” will provide an extra 500 new properties as part of the Council’s overall programme, which will see around 2,500 new Council homes built in the borough. Current schemes in the pipeline are detailed below.

To qualify for the bungalows you are required to be over the age of 55, you are not allowed to own any other property, but you can sell any existing property alongside the purchase.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/AlbynsClose

One of the properties that will form part of the proposed redevelopment in Briar Road, Harold Hill

Briar Road, Harold Hill The new bungalows at Albyns Close

Bridge Close, Romford This scheme is part of the Romford Housing Zone, which is separate from the Housing Services programme. The project involves demolition of the existing commercial and residential properties and the building of around 840 new homes.

As part of the preparatory work for redevelopment of some void properties at 1 to 7 Briar Road, a garage area, The Betty Whiting Centre and the small parade of shops in Briar Road, experts have carried out a bat survey to see if any protected species are on the site. The results were negative.

The proposal for this site is to build 36 one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats for rent, 10 two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses for sale through Shared Ownership, and up to four shop units.

There are six Council houses on the site and meetings have been held with those tenants to discuss alternative housing for them so that they can be moved before work begins.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/BridgeClose

Dewsbury Road, Harold Hill The last remaining garages in Dewsbury Road, Harold Hill, have now been emptied so development of the site to provide five three-bedroom houses can move forward.

It is hoped that the scheme will be completed by winter 2017.

The garages at Dewsbury Road will be replaced by houses

www.havering.gov.uk

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Lexington Way, Cranham Two meetings with residents have been held this autumn regarding this scheme.

Some of the properties will be for rent and others for Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO)

At the first meeting, Havering Council’s Programme Delivery Manager, Mark Howard, brought residents up to date with the scheme’s progress and, at the second meeting a team of staff from Ark Build plc, the developer for the site, answered residents' questions.

To help resolve some parking issues in the area, it is anticipated that around 30 extra parking spaces will be created as part of this development.

The developers have appointed a Resident Liaison Officer, Bob Perry, who will be the point of contact for residents during the construction work.

The scheme also includes extensive landscaping.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/Lexington

Work started during September on building 12 new Council properties which includes two two-bedroom flats, three two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses.

The building site begins to take shape

Representatives from Ark Build plc speaking at the meeting with residents

Mark Howard and Kelly Myers speaking to residents

Roseberry Gardens, Cranham

White Hart Lane, Collier Row

A meeting was held in September when Havering Council’s Affordable Housing Development Officer, Francisca Egbunike and Luke Hayes, of architects' Ingleton Wood, explained the scheme to residents and answered questions.

Planning applications for the two sites in White Hart Lane, where the Council is proposing to build 24 new homes, have been submitted.

Havering Council is proposing to build three, two-bedroom bungalows on Council-owned land behind 111 to 117 Roseberry Gardens, Cranham.

• the land behind Cumberland House, Devon House, Durham House and Kent House

The scheme will be a mews style development providing much needed family homes for local people.

The new properties will be built to a high standard, be energy-efficient and have adequate on-site parking for the residents.

A planning application was made on Thursday 30 June and residents had the opportunity to formally comment as part of the planning process.

The two proposed sites are:

• the garage area behind the shops at 37 – 59 White Hart Lane Another meeting was held where Havering Council’s Programme Delivery Manager, Mark Howard, brought residents up to date on the plans before they were submitted. Businesses on the two sites have been offered individual meetings to discuss the plans.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/WhiteHartLane

If the planning application is approved, building should take a maximum of nine months.

Residents have also been invited to join a focus group which will meet with Council officers and the contractor to discuss issues regarding the site and the work taking place. If you are a local resident and wish to be part of that group please complete the form on the web page.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/Roseberry

Visual Scene C.

Francisca Egbunike and Luke Hayes at the residents’ meeting

Artist's impression of the finished development

Vision, form and function

B.

Figure p Scale 1:

www.havering.gov.uk

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Help make your area look great Are you fed up with the way your area looks?

Is there somewhere that needs tidying up, painting or where some bulbs or plants would make a big difference?

That’s what we’re aiming to do at some super seven community clean-ups across Havering’s housing estates next year.

Starting in March we’ll be running one event a month where you can come along and lend a hand to brighten up an area.

All the sessions start at 10am and we’re aiming to be finished by 1pm, but you don’t need to be there the whole time; every hour you can spare will be put to good use, so if you want to help out please let us know using the form on the website.

When you can help

COMMUNITY

GREEN&CLEAN-UP

The events are: »» Friday 17 March, from 10am in Oldchurch Gardens Romford »» Wednesday 31 May in Bevan Way and Hacton Lane Hornchurch »» Thursday 22 June from 10am in partnership with Delta TMO »» Friday 7 July from 10am in partnership with Highview Residents’ Group, Collier Row »» Thursday 3 August from 10am in partnership with Petra TMO »» Thursday 28 September from 10am in Rainham »» Friday 10 October from 10am, bulb planting at sheltered housing schemes.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

As a Council, we are continually striving to prevent litter and support communities to combat a variety of local environmental issues.

A fantastic way to help improve your local area is to organise a community clean-up.

A clean-up isn’t just about litter picking; it could also be painting and planting. It’s an easy way to help make a difference and to take pride in where you live.

All you have to do is: What we can provide: •choose what you want to do and where •help to find volunteers to join you •let us know what you’re going to do •litter picking equipment •plan your clean-up •removal of all waste collected If you would like further details, please contact our Community Development Team on 01708 433 508 or email events@havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/cleanup

Go green and get gifts You can sign up free of charge for the Havering Green Points scheme and earn rewards for reducing, reusing and recycling.

local charity registered to the scheme such as St Francis Hospice, Harold Hill Food Bank, Tapestry, and Havering Mind.

Green Points are allocated to each Havering Green Points member every three months and are based on the area that you live in and the amount of rubbish and recycling that you produce. Each of the nine communities in Havering have their rubbish and recycling collected separately, so we can track when each community is recycling more and wasting less. When rubbish is going down and recycling going up, everyone in your community earns Green Points!

Your Green Points can then be turned into rewards such as garden centre vouchers, Marks and Spencer vouchers, luxury food and drink items, iTunes vouchers and much more – check out the online shop for more details.

Alternatively, you can choose to donate your points to a

By joining the scheme you will also get a ‘Green Points – Havering’ card which will get you discounts and offers at more than 100 local businesses, including cafés, hairdressers and mini cab firms.

You not only earn Green Points for reducing the amount you throw away, but also for attending special waste minimisation events and activities. From ordering a compost bin or Real Nappy sample pack, to attending a Love Food Hate Waste cookery workshop or Composting workshop, you will be allocated individual extra bonus points.

More info

www.localgreenpoints.com/havering

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At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Can you lend a helping hand?

Have you an hour or two to spare each month? If so you could help other Havering residents by sharing your skills, get satisfaction from giving a helping hand and, if you are looking for work, boost your CV all at the same time.

Details of the help we need, and a form to register your interest, are available on the website.

Good with technology?

Increasingly services are now online, from ordering a repeat prescription to reporting a repair to your home, as well as the other benefits such as shopping online or using Skype and social media to keep in touch with family and friends.

Many people need a little confidence to help them make the most of what is available online, so if you know your way round a smartphone, a laptop or PC and have a couple of hours a month to spare, your expertise is needed.

Participation Panels As part of its drive to improve services, Havering Council has set up four Participation Panels, where tenants and leaseholders meet with senior officers from Housing Services three times a year.

The four panels are: »» Community Support Services »» Housing Demands Services »» Property and Land Services »» Tenancy Sustainment The panels will be looking at new policies planned so that they can give the tenant and leaseholders’ point of view.

They will also be suggesting ways to improve services and make them more accessible We already have a number of volunteers for each of the panels, who have been given training by TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) so that they can get maximum benefit from taking part.

If you are interested in joining one of the panels, please complete the form on the web page for more details.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ParticipationPanels

Got green fingers?

If you enjoy gardening you could help set up Gardening Clubs at each of the 17 sheltered housing schemes we have across the borough.

Through these clubs, residents of each scheme will be encouraged to grow fruit, flowers, vegetables and herbs in the communal gardens, depending on what each scheme wishes to do.

Gardening equipment will be provided, so all that is needed is your knowledge and inspiration to support residents so that they can enjoy making the most of their gardens.

Please complete the online form and we will be in touch.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

Mystery Shopping One of the ways Housing Services assesses the quality of service provided to tenants and leaseholders is through mystery shopping.

Mystery shopping is an ideal way for tenants to give an anonymous reflection of how good they find the service they receive.

Housing Services are looking for some mystery shoppers to find out what level of help they receive in different situations.

Mystery shoppers will be asked to complete just three shops per year, taking approximately 10 to 30 minutes per shop according to the service. A further additional 30 minutes will be required to complete a report template and checklist.

Full support is given throughout, which will include scenario setting, report writing, explanation and feedback meetings.

The mystery shopper will be given a £10 shopping voucher for every shop they complete as well as helping shape future services.

Book a place or get more details by completing the online form.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/MysteryShopper

www.havering.gov.uk

Keep fit, find a job or enjoy a hobby – all available at Havering Adult College Havering Adult College offers a range of courses at different venues, including Collier Row, Harold Wood and Rainham.

Details of courses are in the prospectus, available at local libraries or online.

More info www.haveringadultcollege.co.uk

History and Modern Culture Havering is packed with history and there is an extensive range of courses at Havering Adult College allowing you to explore the past and see how it has influenced today’s borough.

Come and discover some of the fascinating historical facts.

The history courses cover a wide range of subjects, including Public Houses of London, Body Art and Piercing, Elizabeth I’s England, Street Art and the impact of the World Wars, to name a few.

Book four History courses together and get the cheapest free.

More info http://bit.ly/HAC-history

Take control of your life and get back into the job market If you’re looking for work it’s important to get help with your applications and interviews, so being able to access free, high-quality support is a fantastic opportunity for any job seeker.

The Havering Adult College Employability Training (ACET) department offers a wide range of part-time and high quality FREE employability courses that help you to get ready for work.

ACET offers high levels of individual support with advice on job seeking, application forms and interview preparation to help you develop the skills and attitudes that employers are seeking.

Am I eligible?

If you are on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), in a Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) or Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) you can enroll for FREE.

Why choose our courses? »» They are FREE for unemployed jobseekers. »» There is a wide range of part-time, short programmes that get you ready for work. »» They help you develop the skills and attitudes that employers are looking for. »» They offer a high level of individual support with advice on job seeking, application forms and interview preparation.

More info: Call 01708 554016 or speak to your Jobcentre Plus Adviser.

Keep Fit for 60+ When you’re over 60 years old it’s tempting to think exercise classes are for the young gym bunnies but nothing is further from the truth.

Havering Adult College runs special exercise classes for people aged over 60. Learners who have previously attended said the course assisted them to restore flexibility, gain strength and improve their overall wellbeing.

The sessions are ideal for anyone who wishes to improve their mobility, postural imbalances and fitness. The sessions are a mix of exercise to music and resistance band workouts, all exercises can be adapted for those less confident on their feet and can be completed with the aid of a chair for support.

So why not bring along a few friends to enjoy a class together?

More info: Call 01708 434955

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At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Tenant Management Havering has three TMOs (Tenant Management Organisations) which are set up by tenants to run particular estates in the borough.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/TMOs

BETRA TMO

BETRA TMO was formed in 2004 and looks after 13 houses on the Barnstaple Road estate in Harold Hill: • Accrington House • Alcester House • Ampthill House • Angmering House • Cardigan House • Devizes House • Kirkham House

• Oundle House • Radstock House • Southsea House • Stroud House • Thornbury House • Upton House

More info www.betratmo.org

DELTA TMO DELTA TMO manages 276 flats, bungalows and maisonettes in Elvet Avenue and Durham Avenue and four properties in Squirrels Heath Lane in Gidea Park.

BETRA residents' survey 2016 Every year, BETRA asks residents to complete a survey. The results help us gain a better understanding of your views and wishes, and the more residents complete the survey, the clearer that picture is.

Key results from this year’s survey: »» 83% were very satisfied by the service delivered by BETRA »» 83% were very satisfied with grounds and flowerbeds »» 87% noticed improvements on the estate in the last year »» 100% were satisfied with BETRA office opening hours.

Encouraging statistics While 52% said they were very satisfied with the estate as a place to live, 9% said they were not. And while 52% were satisfied with the block cleaning (currently a Council responsibility), 17% were not. Other problems mentioned included dogs, fly-tipping, litter and noise nuisance.

Come and play darts…

PETRA TMO took over local housing management services for the three tower blocks on the Parkhill and Sunrise Estate on 1 April 2003. The low-rise blocks, which are warden assisted, remain under the management of Havering Council.

On the second Wednesday of each month, 5pm – 7pm, residents on the BETRA estate head to the boardroom at 8 Angmering House, Barnstaple Road, Harold Hill, RM3 7SX for a game of darts which is often followed by a take-away meal to finish the evening with friends and neighbours.

It looks after: 1 – 48 Overstrand House, 1 – 50 Parkview House, 1 – 48 Uphavering House

….play bingo….

More info www.deltatmo.com

PETRA TMO

More info http://petratmo.weebly.com

Give and Take Days

Two recent Give and Take days saw 131kg of unwanted clothes and other items diverted from waste landfill sites as residents took them away to be reused or donated to charity shops.

At the event run in partnership with BRAG (Briar Road Action Group) 65kg was donated and at the one run in partnership with Highview Residents’ Group 66kg was donated.

While the last Wednesday of each month, 5pm – 7pm, it’s eyes down and look in for a friendly game of bingo, with an end of game buffet to complete the evening.

Clean-Ups Next year sees a programme of Community Clean-Ups taking place and two of those are going to be in partnership with TMOs.

If you would like a Give and Take Day at your TMO please let us know.

The clean-ups are about more than just about clearing rubbish.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/recycling

The aim is to improve areas by painting or creating murals or by planting bulbs, plants and shrubs.

www.havering.gov.uk

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Organisations News Become a member A lifetime’s membership of DELTA TMO costs just one pound so if you live in the DELTA TMO area and haven’t yet joined, do pick up a membership form from the office.

Fly Tipping There have been several fly tipping incidents on the estate recently. Estate CCTV footage has made it possible for us to provide the Enforcement Team with the necessary details and information, enabling the Council to make successful prosecutions. New powers are coming into force, allowing the Council to issue ‘on-the-spot’ fines of up to £400 for fly-tippers who make residents’ lives a misery and cost tax payers millions of pounds. From this month, on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued for the first time by Council Enforcement Officers, to help tackle small-scale fly-tipping i.e. dumping broken items of furniture, old TVs, carpets and mattresses.

NFTMO Kite mark PETRA is working towards being awarded the NFTMO (National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations) kite mark.

One of the areas where PETRA needs to make progress is in tenant involvement. They would love to see some new faces at their next committee meeting, and for parents to get involved in helping to organise social events for the estate’s children and young people. If you can help please do contact them.

Coffee morning Residents at PETRA TMO were busy baking for the Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 30 September.

Their event raised £162.45 for the cancer support charity thanks to the generosity of those who One of the delicious cakes donated cakes and then on offer came along to buy a slice to enjoy with their coffee.

The few cakes left over were taken to the Serena, Solar and Sunrise sheltered housing scheme and were enjoyed by residents at a consultation meeting which took place. If you fancy a cup of coffee and a chat, pop down to the concierge on the first Wednesday of each month, 11am – 1pm..

Borrow a book

Residents enjoy a coffee and cake for Macmillan

Housing Services Community Engagement team is co-ordinating these events which are on: »» Thursday 22 June from 10am in partnership with Delta TMO »» Thursday 3 August from 10am in partnership with Petra TMO. If you’re able to join us for an hour or two please let us know by completing the online form or if you have an idea for an

There is a small library at the PETRA office where members can borrow a book or two. There is also a children’s section at the library which is always looking for donation of books which are in good condition to add to their shelves.

improvement in your area please let your TMO manager have details of your suggestion.

We know that by working together we can achieve some great improvements.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

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At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Cracking down on tenancy fraud The Council is continuing its crack down on tenancy fraud and the illegal occupation of Council properties.

WhistleBlower Reward

If you provide information about someone who is illegally subletting their property and the Council gets control of the property back, you can receive up to £500 reward.

Tenancy Fraud hotline

www.havering.gov.uk

The Council wants to ensure that Council properties are let to those applicants and tenants who are in real housing need.

Subletting a Council tenancy – which is allowing another person to live solely in your property – is a criminal offence and on conviction could result in a £50,000 fine and/or up to two years’ imprisonment.

As part of this crack down, Council officers will be making unannounced visits on all Council properties.

The specialist officers can call anytime between 7am and 8pm, usually calling outside normal office hours as that is when people are most likely to be in.

All the officers carry ID badges with a telephone number which you can call to check that they are genuine Council officials.

In accordance with the tenancy agreement, the officers will ask to enter the property so they can see whether the

people living there match the people registered as Council tenants. They will also take photographs to confirm who is living there, something they are legally entitled to do under the tenancy agreement.

During the visit they will also check that the property is being properly maintained and isn’t being used for unlawful purposes.

If you are currently subletting and contact the Tenancy Fraud Team to let them know, you can avoid some of the large penalties you would otherwise face when found out.

Whistle Blower Reward If you are aware of someone committing tenancy fraud and provide information leading to the Council retaking control of the property you can receive a reward of up to £500.

Any personal details provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/TenancyFraud

STOP! If you rent a room from Havering Council in a house in multiple occupation*, are unemployed and looking for work, then you should claim job seekers allowance and housing benefit.

Don’t make a claim for universal credit because you are exempt.

*Your home is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) if both of the following apply: • at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household • you share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants Contact Housing Services on 01708 434 000 to confirm your tenancy type if you are unsure.

www.havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk

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Half-price TV

People who are blind or severely sight impaired, or live with someone who is, should make sure they aren’t missing out on a concessionary TV Licence which allows them a saving of 50 per cent.

The service on digital TV, which allows you to hear a verbal description of what is happening on screen in between the dialogue, makes programmes more accessible to people with sight loss.

Audio-described programmes are available across a range of genres.

Visually impaired people can get half-price TV licences

TV Licensing has been working with the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) to make sure anyone who is eligible to receive the concession is aware and takes advantage of the reduced TV Licence fee.

Increasing numbers of BBC shows are provided with Audio Description (AD), with more than 20 per cent of BBC output now audio-described.

Cracking down on ASB Two new full-time Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) officers have now joined the Housing Services team.

ASB is not a significant problem on the majority of the Council’s estates but where it does occur it can cause significant distress and inconvenience for other residents.

Jennifer Aneto and Tom Grainger will be working with Community Wardens and other staff to tackle those responsible for ASB. Remember that you can lose your tenancy if you are found to be responsible for such behaviour in the borough.

As well as those who are blind (severely sight impaired), live-in carers or family members could also benefit from the concession and enjoy AD programming themselves.

A blind concessionary TV Licence costs £72.75 for colour and £24.50 for a black and white TV Licence.

If you live with someone who is eligible and already have a full fee TV Licence in your name, you can transfer the licence to the name of the person who is registered as severely sight impaired and halve the cost.

More info www.tvlicensing.co.uk/blind

Estate improvements Throughout the year Havering Council has a programme of work to make housing estates more pleasant places to live.

Recent projects completed under the Environmental Improvement Programme include: »» Installing extra bird netting and bird proofing at Dryden Towers and Kipling Towers in Harold Hill »» Installing new play equipment at St Helen’s Court in Rainham »» Installing a secure bin store to encourage more recycling at Bader Way and Wood Lane in South Hornchurch.

Fast turn round

Havering Council has sped up the process for getting empty properties back available for people to rent.

The average time a property is empty between tenants is now down to 11.6 days, down from a one-time high of more than 40 days.

This means that people needing a home are being accommodated more quickly and also means that the Housing Revenue Account is getting rental income quicker.

That money is being used to improve services and to finance the Housing Regeneration Programme.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ASB

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration

16

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Housing in Bloom winners The Housing in Bloom 2016 competition attracted a record number of entries giving the judges, Beverly and Mark Alder of Highview Residents’ Group in Collier Row, a hard job.

However after hours of deliberation they reached their conclusion and at a special awards ceremony at Havering Town Hall the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Philippa Crowder, presented the winners with their certificates.

Each first place also won a £50 shopping gift card, second places won £25 gift cards and third places £10 gift cards.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor said: “Earlier this week I was at the London in Bloom awards ceremony where

Havering won an incredible 55 awards – eight more than last year’s record.

“The judges told us how wonderful Havering looked this year and just looking at the photographs of these Housing in Bloom entries I can see you all played your part in impressing those judges.

“What you have achieved is fantastic and I congratulate you all on the results of your hard work and green fingers.”

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingInBloom

Mayor of Havering speaking at the awards ceremony

2016 winners

Gemma Towe won the Best Front Garden category

Tallest Sunflower 1. Sian Rudd 2. Eve Ndiweni 3. Chris Cooper Best Pot or Planter 1. Andrew Roberts 2. Brenda Driscoll 3. A Walton Best Communal Garden 1. Cole Court 2. Queen Street 3. Artesian Close Best Front Garden 1. Gemma Towe 2. Leslie Field 3. Brenda Driscoll

Andrew Roberts won the Best Pot or Planter category

Best Back garden 1. Maria Vannuffel 2. Kimberly Jacobs 3. Sue Cotterill and Bernard Murphy

www.havering.gov.uk

17

Sian Rudd won the Tallest Sunflower category

Get ready now for 2017 The long winter months are an ideal time to plan your entries for Housing in Bloom 2017.

Key dates for the competition are: Monday 1 May Entries open Thursday 31 Aug Entries close Thursday 7 Sept Judging takes place Friday 29 Sept Awards ceremony

Cole Court won the Best Communal Garden category

Maria Vannuffel won the Best Back Garden category

18

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Home Ownership News

Repairs responsibilities You and your lease When you buy your Council flat, you do not buy the for leaseholders property itself, you buy a Lease which gives you the right to live in the property for a set period of time. You will become the Lessee and the Havering Council will be the Lessor, also known as the ‘Landlord’.

The Council (the ‘Landlord’) owns the freehold and is responsible for completing repairs to communal areas, providing caretaking and cleaning services to communal areas, maintaining grounds and so on.

Under the terms of your Lease, as shown in The Fourth Schedule, we are allowed to recover the cost of this service (see below): ‘Costs, expenses, outgoings and matters – the service charge – in respect of which the Lessee is to contribute’ 1. The expenses of maintaining, repairing, renewing, improving and redecorating Havering Council is responsible for carrying out repairs/ maintenance to communal parts of your block/estate, which includes roofs, gutters, rainwater pipes, drains, tenant controlled access doors, stairwells, hallways, soil stacks, lifts, door frames, window frames and loft space.

If officers of the Council need access to the loft space, and the loft hatch is inside your individual property, you will be required to agree a mutually convenient time for access to be provided, as you do not own the loft space.

Havering Council has the right to enter your home to make inspections or carry out repairs that we are responsible for. We will give you at least 48 hours notice in writing, unless there is an emergency.

Emergencies

(a) The main structure and exterior of the demised

premises and the Building including the roof

chimney stacks, gutters and rainwater pipes of the

Building and all boundary walls and fences now or

hereafter forming a part of the Estate (b) The gas, water pipes, drains, electric cables

and wires in under or upon the Building and

enjoyed or used by the Lessee in common with

the owners and Lessees of the other flats.

As a leaseholder you will not be required to pay a weekly rent. However, you will be required to pay an annual ‘ground rent’. The demand for ground rent is issued each year with the estimated service charges, which is normally sent out in February and is payable from 1 April.

In an emergency, Havering Council has the right under the terms of the Lease to force entry into your property, for example, when there is a leak coming from your property at a rapid rate and we are unable to make contact with you. Any costs incurred as a result of this action will be recharged to you as the Leaseholder.

In case of less severe leaks, if we receive a report that there is a leak coming from your property, which is penetrating other properties, we will serve notice on you to remedy the problem within a certain time limit.

We will also inform you that, if the leak has not been remedied within the time stated, you will be required to arrange access for our contractor to enter the premises to fix the leak, and you will be recharged the cost of the works on your service charges.

You are responsible for carrying out repairs/maintenance to the internal parts of your demised premises, which includes the window casement (including fittings and doors), as well as shed doors if one is included in your Lease.

Reporting repairs to Havering Council If you wish to report a repair that you think Housing Services is responsible for, you should complete the online form at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

www.havering.gov.uk

19

Christmas Road Shows There are three opportunities for you to find out more about staying safe and making new friends this Christmas at some special roadshows being held in different parts of the borough.

All the events run from 12 noon until 2pm and are on: »» Tuesday 23 November at Royal Jubilee Court, Main Road, Gidea Park »» Wednesday 24 November at Thomas Sims Court, Wood Lane, Elm Park »» Thursday 25 November at Charlbury Court, Charlbury Crescent, Harold Hill Each event will see Housing Services Community Wardens and Havering Police Safer Transport Team giving advice on crime prevention including how to reduce the risk of: »» your purse or wallet getting stolen while you’re shopping »» your home being burgled when you are out or away There will also be representatives from Careline showing how their

PCSO Angela Gilham fits a purse chain for Louisa Dixon of Hornchurch

pendants and pull cords can help in an emergency. Age UK, Tapestry and Dementia Friends will be sharing details of their services, including befriending during the holiday season

and Vizbus will be demonstrating its telephone and other equipment.

These events are open to anyone over the age of 50 – just call in at your nearest one.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ChristmasRoadshows

Theatre show to beat scams A special theatre show is being put on at three of Havering’s sheltered housing schemes this winter and the doors are open to anyone in the local area over the age of 50.

Each performance will start at 2.30pm and lasts one hour, but spaces are

limited so please make sure you book using our special online form.

The shows will be on: »» Thursday 8 December at Thomas Sims Court, Wood Lane, Elm Park »»

»» Tuesday 10 January at Garrick House, Adelphi Crescent, Hornchurch »» Thursday 12 January at Holsworthy House, Neave Crescent, Harold Hill

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ScamSchoolShows

Smile, you’re on camera The Community Wardens are part of the mobile CCTV programme which has been developed to cover Havering Council properties.

Their vehicles carry CCTV and the wardens also wear body cameras which produce high quality recordings.

These cameras allow the Wardens to provide evidence from areas where the normal static CCTV cameras cannot reach.

As a result, anti-social behaviour and environmental crime (graffiti and vandalism) have been cut across the

borough ensuring that our residents are living in a safer and cleaner community.

Lost keys

If you are a Havering resident and have lost your ASSA key you should now order a replacement online.

If you don’t have a computer you can access one at your local library.

Replacing a key costs £10 and payment should be made online using a debit or credit card.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ASSAkeys

20

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Hire a Hall Havering Council Housing Services has two premises available for hire.

Full details, including hire charges and how to make payments, can be found on the website for each hall. Both halls are wheelchair accessible and have toilet facilities for people with disabilities. Regular hirers are welcome as both provide ideal venues for local groups or organisations to hold meetings or events.

Hacton Lane Hall, Hornchurch

The kitchen facilities

Inside the hall

This hall already has a number of regular bookings including a pre-school group, martial arts club and a bridge club.

The hall is an ideal venue for birthday parties, wedding receptions and meetings with good facilities, which are detailed on the website.

The hall holds 120 people standing and 80 people seated and there is space for 20 cars in the car park.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HactonHall

The car park

Hitchin Close Hall, Harold Hill

This hall is more suited to group meetings, committee meetings or training courses. It is not really suitable for parties.

The Ingrebourne Community Housing Group holds a weekly coffee morning at the venue.

The room can take around 24 people seated conference style and around 36 theatre style.

The kitchen has good facilities for light refreshments but there is no on-site parking. Parking is in nearby residential roads.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HitchinClose

www.havering.gov.uk

Condensation Top Tips 1. During the winter months and cold snaps, keep a constant temperature of above 18 degrees in your home

21

Take flu seriously.

Get your jab

2. Treat existing areas of mould growth with fungicidal washes Mould does not grow on dry surfaces so it is really important that you wipe off any condensation from your windows or surfaces every morning to stop mould growing 3. Keep doors closed while cooking or taking a bath/shower After taking a bath or shower there will be excess moisture in the air. To stop condensation forming, keep the bathroom windows open and extractor fans turned on.

4. Reduce moisture in your home by avoiding drying clothes inside Dry clothes outside if you can. If you can’t, put them in a closed room and keep the window open.

If you use a tumble dryer make sure that the ventilation pipe runs to the outside your home.

5. Air your home by using extractor fans and trickle vents if your home has them Keep your home well ventilated by opening windows every day to ensure regular air changes. You should also make sure that trickle vents in your windows are open to allow additional airflow. If you have condensation on your window it is likely that it will be elsewhere in your property.

Flu vaccination is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.

Flu can be unpleasant, but if you are otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week.

People who should have a flu jab The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk. This is to ensure they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.

You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you:

Tenant's responsibility Keep your home at constant a temperature above 18 degrees Do not dry wet clothes on radiators Vent tumble dryers Keep large items away from external walls Dry washing outdoors on a line Use extractor fan/trickle vents if your home has them Wash down black spot mould Wipe down condensation from windows or surfaces every morning to prevent mould growing Cleaning and treat mould growth if occurring Council responsibility Bridging of damp proof course High ground levels Water leaks from windows, roof, overflow pipes, gutters and drainpipes Loft insulation if the property does not have it

More info www.havering.gov.uk/damp

• are aged 65 and over on 31 March 2017 • are pregnant • are a child or adult with an underlying health condition (particularly long-term heart or respiratory disease) • are a child or adult with weakened immune systems • are very overweight • are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility • receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill The flu vaccine is given on the NHS as an annual nasal spray to: • children aged two, three and four years old plus children in school years one, two and three.

• children aged two to 17 years are at a particular risk of flu You can have your NHS flu jab at: • your GP surgery • a local pharmacy offering the service

More info www.havering.gov.uk/flujabs

22

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

No room for hate in Havering

If you are a council tenant you can also report it to Housing Services.

Housing Services takes a very strong stance against perpetrators of hate crime who threaten the health and well-being of our tenants or leaseholders. We take every incident that is reported seriously.

Housing Services will do everything possible to identify the offender and take appropriate action. This can include: »» Collecting evidence so that an injunction or a criminal behaviour order can be obtained, banning the offender from behaving in a certain way or from certain parts of the borough

A hate incident is where a victim or anyone else thinks it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the following things: »» Disability (physical, hearing, visual impairments, mental health problems and learning disabilities) »» Race (skin colour, nationality, ethnicity or heritage) »» Religion faith or belief (this also includes people without a religious belief) »» Transgender identity (People who are transgender, transsexual or transvestite) »» Sexual orientation. (People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual) Anyone can be the victim of a hate incident. For example, you may have been targeted because someone thought you were gay even though you aren't, or because you have a disabled child.

What can you do about a hate incident or crime?

If you’ve experienced a hate incident or crime you should report it to the police. You can also report a hate incident or crime even if it wasn’t directed at you. For example, you

could be a friend, neighbour, family member, support worker or simply a passer-by.

In an emergency – always call the police on 999 if you are at risk from something that is happening now.

The police take hate crime very seriously, so you can also report to them at a later time any incidents that have happened. You can do this online or by calling the police non-emergency number number 101, or by visiting any police station.

Hate crime will not be tolerated in Havering When reporting the incident or crime you should state whether you think it was because of disability, race, religion, transgender identity, sexual orientation or a combination of these things. This is important because it makes sure the police record it as a hate incident or crime.

»» Using Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions or other methods to ensure offenders change their behaviour »» If a tenant commits hate crime, we can take action against their tenancy.

How to report hate crime to Housing Services »» Online at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing »» After hours and at weekends 01708 756699 »» Text relay phone 18001 01708 434343 »» We contact victims within 24 (working) hours of receiving their report, working with the victim to complete an incident report form and an action plan. While our investigations are on-going, we make every effort to keep in contact with the victim, and will speak to them at least once a week while the incident is open and being investigated. »» We will notify the victim of our conclusion by personally contacting them and repeating this in writing.

www.havering.gov.uk

23

Community Warden News

Beating burglars together When Estate Officer, Dan Sexton, saw two men carrying a crow bar and acting suspiciously in Straight Road, Harold Hill he called for help from the Community Wardens and first to join him was Gael Gateson.

Gael said: “As soon as I arrived on site I switched on my body camera which recorded the men leaving a housing block from the bin room area. Both men were walking away and tried to hide their faces.

tenant’s damaged door with our contractors.

“I spoke to the resident, gave him the new keys for his repaired door and gave some crime prevention advice.”

More info www.havering.gov.uk/CommunityWardens

Please follow these 12 tips so you have a safe and secure time this Christmas

“Dan and I went into the block and found the front door to a flat had been vandalised by a crow bar and the handle of the door was hanging off.

“I then called the police and went out of the block to try and find the two men.

The men had disappeared from sight when I got outside, but then I saw them come back out of the block again into an adjoining block of flats in Straight Road.

“The police were quickly on site, and after we had explained what we had witnessed, they spoke to the occupants of the flat.

“I was able to identify the men who were then arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and were taken to Romford Police Station.

Gael added: “I made a statement to the police to assist with their arrest and was also able to arrange for an emergency repair to the

www.havering.gov.uk

24

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Do It In A Day Getting repairs done quickly and effectively is important, which is why a new system has been 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 Repairs 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, because we will be in one location if a tenant needs something done.”

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 repair days are listed opposite.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/repairdays

www.havering.gov.uk

25

Date

Area

​30 November 2016

Leyburn 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

7 December 2016

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

​14 December 2016

Morecambe House, Minefield House, Macclesfield House, Lynmouth 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

​​21 December 2016

​St Helen's Court

4 January 2017

​ apier House, New Plymouth House, Dunedin Road, Gisborne Gardens, Queenstown Gardens, N New Zealand Way, Christchurch Avenue, Auckland Avenue

​11 January 2017

​ ueen Street, Waterloo Gardens, St. Andrew's Road, William Pike House, Thomas England Q House, Queen Street Villas (sheltered)

18 January 2017

Highfield Road, Hillrise Road, Highfield Towers, Highfield Link, Hendon Gardens, Harlow Gardens

​25 January 2017

​Prospect Place

​1 February 2017

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

8 February 2017

Brunswick Avenue, Macon Way, Lexington Way, Roseberry Gardens, Waycross Avenue, Moultrie Way, Griffin Avenue, Brunswick Court (Sheltered)

​15 February 2017

Maygreen Crescent, Park Lane (Sheltered)

​22 February 2017

Rush Green Gardens

1 March 2017

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

​8 March 2017

​The Rotunda, Fambridge Court, Cottons Court (sheltered)

​15 March 2017

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

22 March 2017

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

29 March 2017

Leyburn 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

05 April 2017

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

12 April 2017

Morecambe House, Minefield House, Macclesfield House, Lynmouth 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

19 April 2017

St Helen's Court

26 April 2017

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

26

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Converting bedsits into flats As part of Havering Council’s programme of building new homes for rent, work is underway to convert suitable bedsit accommodation at sheltered housing schemes into flats.

Bedsits are very difficult to let as hardly anyone wishes to live in a bedsit. This means there are a lot of empty places in the sheltered housing schemes; places which still need maintaining but are not bringing in rent.

Not every bedsit is suitable for conversion. Generally the aim is to convert two adjacent bedsits

Individual bathrooms are being created for each flat

The finished flat at Beehive Court

into one flat or three adjacent bedsit into two flats.

A pilot project is underway at Beehive Court, Harold Wood, to see how viable the conversions are.

This is due for completion in late October, as At the Heart goes to press, and the estimated cost of such a conversion is around ÂŁ50,000.

If the pilot project is judged to be a success, suitable bedsits elsewhere in Beehive Court and in other appropriate sheltered housing schemes, will be identified and work done to make more flats available for rent.

The exteriors are also being improved as part of the work

Work underway on the new kitchen and lounge

www.havering.gov.uk

27

Family Fun Days This summer saw Housing Services Community Engagement Team run five Family Fun Days which attracted 222 people between them.

The events included face painting, craft workshops and fun games such as obstacle racing and jewellery making.

The team also supported the Fun Days held at the Children’s Centres across the borough.

Next year’s dates The Family Fun Days for 2017 will be Wednesdays between 10am and 3pm on: »» 26 July at Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road, Collier Row »» 2 August in Central Park, Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill »» 9 August in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch »» 16 August at New Zealand Way, Rainham

Can you help?

If you are 16-years-old or over and want to help at next year’s Family Fun Days please complete the form on the website.

We are looking for people who can: »» Do face painting »» Organise races and games

»» 30 August Malan Square, Elm Park

»» Lead handicraft sessions such as making jewellery or kites

If you want to book your place at one or more of these events please use the booking form on the special web page.

»» Generally help out on the day

»» 23 August at Macon Way, Cranham

More info www.havering.gov.uk/FamilyFunDays

»» Run simple cookery and fun food preparation groups You can come along for one or more days; the choice is yours. If you are interested in helping please let us know using the form on the listed web page.

Looking for a job or training?

If you’re thinking about getting a new job in 2017, or want some training to boost your skills and make you more employable, make a note of three dates that could be key to your success.

In 2016 the Job Fair we ran at myplace in Harold Hill attracted more than 200 people and around 30 exhibitors ranging from training providers to employers.

The 2017 events are going to build on that success, so do come along and see what’s on offer.

Don’t forget we also run four weekly Job Clubs across the borough which are free to attend and offer help with job searches, writing CVs and application letters, as well as interview techniques.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/JobFairs www.havering.gov.uk/JobClubs

The 2017 Job Fairs Tuesday 14 March YMCA Thames Gateway, Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0PH Monday 24 July myplace, 343 Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill RM3 9EN Tuesday 24 October The Harris Academy Rainham. Lambs Lane South Rainham RM13 9XD

28

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Listings Jobs Clubs

Mondays, 10am – 1pm Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham, RM13 8PJ. To book a place: E infomyca@yahoo.co.uk

Ingrebourne Community Housing Group Coffee Morning Every Tuesday, 10am – noon Hitchin Close Hall, Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, RM3 7EG.

Wednesdays, 10am– 1pm Betty Strathern Centre, 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8XS www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing Wednesdays, 10am– 1pm St Georges Church Centre, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8AX

Housing Regeneration Thursdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm Programme Highfield Towers Community Hall, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing

The following schemes and proposed areas for redevelopment receive regular newsletters and meetings are being held.

The meetings listed below are for the tenants and leaseholders of that estate or sheltered housing scheme only.

Family Mosaic runs monthly drop-in sessions at: Collier Row Early Children’s Centre. Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row​, RM5 3Q​J Chippenham Road Children's Centre​, 85-89 Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8HP

Residents’ Groups

The Highview Residents’ Association meets on the third Thursday of each month, 6pm – 7.30pm.

New members welcome More info www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing

Each scheme also has its own web page which is regularly updated and the best way to keep in touch with the latest news. There is also a general web page www.havering.gov.uk/ HousingRegeneration and a separate web page for sheltered housing schemes www.havering. gov.uk/ShelteredHousingDevelopment Please note that dates are subject to change, please check relevant website for latest information.

Tuesday 3 January 2017 1.30 – 2.30pm Dell Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/Dell

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

3 – 4pm Serena, Solar and Sunrise Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/SSS Thursday 5 January 2017 10 – 11am Royal Jubilee Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/RJC 11.30am – 12.30pm Delderfield House Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Delderfield 1 – 2pm Queen Street Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ QueenStreet 3 – 4pm Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Maygreen Friday 6 January 2017 10 – 11am Brunswick Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Brunswick Thursday 2 February 2017 10 – 11am Bards Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/Bards 11.30am – 12.30pm Holsworthy House Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Holsworthy 1 – 2pm Cole Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/Cole 2.30 – 3.30pm Charlbury Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Charlbury

Friday 3 February 2017 10 – 11am Beehive Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Beehive 11.30am – 12.30pm Cockabourne Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Cockabourne 2.30 – 3.30pm Ravenscourt Grove Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Ravenscourt Monday 6 February 2017 11.30am – 12.30pm Garrick House Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/Garrick 10 – 11am Thomas Sims Court www.havering.gov.uk/ ThomasSims 1 – 2pm Cottons Court and Fambridge Court Sheltered Housing Scheme www.havering.gov.uk/ Cottons

Fairkytes Live music event Fairkytes Live presents: Friday 2 December 2016 7.30pm Friday night guitar presents: Tomas Jimenez Flamenco Trio Friday 9 December 2016 8pm Music for a winter’s night presents: Graffiti Classics String Quartet Friday 27 January 2017 7.30pm Friday night guitar presents: Maciek Pysz & Amp; Gianluca Corona Tickets can be booked online at www.havering.gov.uk/ fairkyteslive

www.havering.gov.uk

Moving up or down

Reminiscence events

Christmas Lights switch on

Thursday 24 November 4 – 6pm Upminster Christmas Event Friday 25 November 4 – 6pm Elm Park Christmas Event Friday 2 December 4.30 – 7.30pm Collier Row Mistletoe Madness Saturday 3 December 10.30am – 3.30pm Rainham Village Christmas Event

These will be held as follows, all start at 1.30pm.

Tuesday 24 January Beehive Court, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood RM3 0RS Wednesday 1 February Holsworthy House, Neave Crescent, Harold Hill RM3 8PP Tuesday 7 February Thomas Sims Court, Wood Lane, Elm Park RM12 5NN Tuesday 14 February Brunswick Court, Brunswick Avenue, Cranham RM14 1ND Thursday 23 February William Tansley Smith House, Hacton Lane, Hornchurch RM12 6PE Friday 3 March Garrick House, Adelphi Crescent, Hornchurch RM12 4LB More info www.havering.gov.uk/ RememberWhen

Residents were able to find out how to move home if they are currently in a property that is either too big or too small for them at a special event held at the Salvation Army Hall on Wednesday 19 October.

Nearly 100 people came along to get advice, including details of the £250 paid per bedroom when someone downsizes.

The event was a big success and will be repeated in 2017 but you don’t need to wait until then.

Complete our online form for more information.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Residents get advice on moving home

Details of other events www.havering.gov.uk/event

Peformance against Targets The performance figures for April - September 2016 were: Average time to re-let empty properties

Percentage of all repairs completed within target

Outcome 12 days

Outcome 90%

Target 14 days

Target 96%

Percentage of Estate which have been inspected and is achieving an excellent & good standar

Percentage of properties with valid gas certificate (Council dwellings only)

Outcome 97%

Outcome 99.83%

Target 95%

29

Target 100%

30

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

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

0000 000

6543 2109 8765 4321

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

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

Tenant/Leaseholder Repairs

Don’t miss out on the news

Every month we email out At the Heart Online to more than 8,450 Council tenants and leaseholders providing them with the latest news and information about housing issues.

There are more than 118,000 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/news

ICT support at libraries The 10 libraries in Havering all have computers available 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. As these sessions are often run by volunteers. Please contact the library to confirm details and book your place.

Library Collier Row

ICT Session date Due to launch later in 2016

Elm Park

Due to launch later in 2016

Gidea Park

Wed, 10 – 11am Beginners' course over five weeks Thurs, 5 – 6pm Intermediate course over eight weeks Sat, 10 – 11am Techy Buddy session Mon, 10 – 11am and 5.30 – 6.30pm Tues, 10 – 11am Thurs, 10 – 11am, Fri, 10 – 11am

Harold Hill Harold Wood

Wed, 10.30am – 12.30pm pre-booking essential Thurs, 2.30 – 4.30pm pre-booking essential

Hornchurch

First Tues of month, 2 – 4pm, Techy Teas

Rainham

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

Romford Central

Wed, 10am – noon, ICT Support drop-in sessions, Fri, 10am – 12 noon, Beginners' four-week course pre-booking essential.

Sat, 1.30 – 3.30pm

South Hornchurch Upminster

Thur, 10.30am – 12.30pm First Thurs of Month, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Techy Teas.

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

Contact CollierRow.library@havering.gov.uk T 434936 ElmPark.library@havering.gov.uk T 434919 GideaPark.library@havering.gov.uk T 434978 HaroldHill.library@havering.gov.uk T 434973 HaroldWood.library@havering.gov.uk T 434975 Hornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk T 434903 Rainham.library@havering.gov.uk T 434970 Central.library@havering.gov.uk T 432389 SouthHornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk T 434921 Upminster.library@havering.gov.uk T 434933

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

www.havering.gov.uk

31

Tell Damian what you think...

YOUR DETAILS Name Address

email phone Councillor Damian White said: “I firmly believe that the Council needs to focus on the needs of tenants and listen even more to their views. 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.

Your comment

“That is why any tenant or leaseholder can contact me directly to raise any housing-related 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.

Cabinet Member’s Surgery Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so that 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 Friday 16 December 2016

Venue Town Hall Room CR4

Address Main Road, Romford RM1 3BB

Time 4pm – 6pm

Friday 20 January 2017

Hacton Hall

Haydock Close Hornchurch RM12 6EA

4pm – 6pm

Friday 24 February 2017

Macon Way Council Office

98C Macon Way, Cranham RM14 1NY

4pm – 6pm

Friday 24 March 2017

Highfield Towers

Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

4pm – 6pm

Friday 28 April 2017

Hacton Hall

Haydock Close, Hornchurch RM12 6EA

4pm – 6pm

Councillor White will also be holding surgeries at our Hostels - these are for the residents of the hostels only. Again this will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. All discussions will be confidential Date

Hostel

Time

Friday 9 December 2016

Abercrombie House, Harold Hill

4pm – 6pm

32

At The Heart Winter 2016/17

Job Clubs working well The four Job Clubs – in Collier Row, Harold Hill, Rainham and Romford – are working well with more than 1,848 people having called in to receive help in the last year.

Richard said: “The help I got at the Romford Job Club gave my confidence a boost and has helped me gain new skills as I look for work.

“I’ve now started volunteering at both the Collier Row and Romford Job Clubs to share my new skills with new people coming to the Job Clubs to help them search for work.

“By volunteering I'm also boosting my own CV and showing potential employers that I am able to use my new skills in a positive way.”

Mary Gillies Job Club Manager, Rugova Rexha, said: “When Mary first came into the job club she needed assistance in applying for jobs and she also needed assistance in learning how to use a computer so that’s the help we gave her. “ Mary added: “My confidence and computer skills have improved dramatically. I now know how to use jobsites such as Universal Jobmatch, access my email, and attach files such as my CV to application forms so the help from the Job Club has been really useful.”

Richard Alexander

Ricard Lovelock

While the number of people who have been helped is impressive, it’s the benefits which each individual gains that matter most, so we talked to some Job Club users to find out their views.

Richard Alexander Richard called in to the Romford Job Club when he was looking for work and has found the help he was given very useful.

What employers want When you’re looking for a job it’s often difficult to know what employers want which is why we are running a free seminar on Monday 12 December from 10am to 1pm in the Training Room at Hitchin Close, Harold Hill.

Ricard attended the Rainham Job Club where he received help applying for jobs and developing his skills in writing a CV and completing application forms.

Ricard said: “I am now working as a school cleaner. I am really enjoying this job and am very thankful for the help I received in getting into employment.”

More info www.havering.gov.uk/JobClubs

Learning a trade If you’re looking for a new job in 2017 this is your chance to learn a trade.

Working with Breyer Group and STC, Havering Council Housing Services is offering an seven week programme to help you develop skills in interior decorating.

The programme include a four-week course with STC where you will learn painting and decorating, tiling and plastering leading to a Level One qualification.

Paula Arkell-Waller, from Breyer Group, will be running the interactive event which will include interview techniques and advice on how to organise your job search so you give employers the information they need to decide whether to interview you.

Everyone who gains the qualification will then spend three weeks on work experience with the Breyer Group, working alongside a B-line trade person and there is a guaranteed interview with Breyer Group at the end of the programme.

Everyone who completes the course will receive a certificate to use with their CV.

To go on the course you must live in Havering and be over the age of 19 years – complete the application form on the website if you wish to be considered for the course.

Places are limited to 15 on a first come, first served basis so please book online as soon as possible.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/JobClubs

Breyer will be recruiting a Level Two multi-trade apprentice as part of the programme.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/JobClubs