Welcome to the winter 2024/25 edition of your ‘Here at Horton’ newsletter.
In this edition you will find our latest news and activities, a Together with Tenants update, our latest volunteering opportunities and tips to keep yourself warm, safe and well in the cold winter months. We hope you enjoy reading this edition of your newsletter.
Our Bradford-based Group Living Service (GLS) young people and staff went to Blackpool in September. Upon arrival, the young people enjoyed a game of football on the beach and splashed in the sea. Many of the young people were unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and one of their dreams was to visit the seaside.
In the afternoon, the young people explored the area on their own until everyone regrouped to head back to Bradford. It was a wonderful day for both the tenants and staff, providing a great opportunity for friendships to blossom and a chance to unwind from daily pressures.
Horton Wellbeing Café visited Scarborough in October. The weather was on their side and they had glorious sunshine. They had a walk on the beach while enjoying some chips and ice cream. The group then took a stroll around the indoor markets and headed for some fun at the arcades. A great day was had by all.
A group from our Young Persons’ Prevention and Support Service (YPASS) in Halifax visited the Royal Armouries Museum in September. Despite the light drizzle, they really enjoyed the trip out. They met at the train station and boarded the train together. One person said that they had never been to a museum and another person managed to conquer their fear of trains.
It was a brilliant day out. The museum is free entry and is a wonderful place to visit.
A group of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class participants went to see the art on display at Cartwright Hall in Bradford in September. The group enjoyed seeing paintings by L.S. Lowry and David Hockney that they had been discussing in the classroom the previous week. They were very interested in the paintings of and by immigrants and refugees, as well as the collection of Islamic art and calligraphy.
The group then headed to Lister Park to make the most of the sunshine. They also enjoyed some multi-cultural chit-chat and tucked into the delicious lunch prepared by one of the students.
Many of you took part in spook-tacular scheme activities for Halloween with pumpkin carving, decorating and arts and crafts. Some of our schemes hosted their own parties with scary costumes, frighteningly fun games, and delicious buffet food, chocolate and Halloween themed bakes.
During September, the Skipton and Ripon MP the Rt Hon
Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE visited our Craven Rough Sleeper Pathway service in Skipton.
Sir Julian Smith spoke to tenants who had each experienced homelessness for a variety of reasons.
He said: “I am grateful to Horton Housing Association for inviting me to visit the Craven Homeless Hub. I was pleased to learn about the dedication of the staff and the experiences of the people they support. Horton Housing’s approach is clearly making a difference, supporting people facing homelessness.
“This service provides more than just a roof over people’s heads, it helps them build the skills and confidence needed to move towards independent living. It is important that we continue to support and invest in such vital services, which not only reduces homelessness but also eases the pressure on public sector services.”
Lucas, one of the tenants, said: “It was a unique experience. I loved it!’
Lucas made such an impression on the MP that he was invited to visit him in Parliament.
If our maintenance team come to your home to carry out a repair, you will receive a repair satisfaction survey postcard from us. Are you satisfied or unsatisfied about the repair? Let us know by completing the survey.
Please send it back to us by using one of our pre-paid envelopes or give it to your support worker or key worker.
If you prefer, you can also complete the survey online:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MyRepair
All completed surveys we receive will be entered into a prize draw which takes place every three months.
Cost of Living information, guides and support can be found on the Help for Household website https://helpforhouseholds. campaign.gov.uk and on www.gov.uk
For local support, contact your council or visit their website. Bradford: https://costoflivingbradford.co.uk
Calderdale: https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/benefits/money
Kirklees: https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/cost-of-living/index.aspx North Yorkshire: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/cost-living-support
The Priority Services Register is a free support service that your energy supplier provides to give you extra help with your energy bills. The register also supports you to keep you safe if there was a power cut or interruption to your gas, electricity or water supply.
You can sign up to the register if your household includes someone who:
• Is under the age of five
• Receives a pension
• Has a mental health condition
• Is either chronically ill, disabled or has a physical impairment
• Uses medical equipment that relies on electricity or water
• Needs documents translated into another format or language.
Please note that if you use different energy suppliers for your gas and electricity, you will need to contact both companies.
For more information or to sign up to the register, visit: https://www.thepsr.co.uk/
Lager, lager pink champagne
By their little lonely soul
It’s the way of the dragon you’re chasing the dragon
Then their dying by the dragon
You’re now spinning, you’re spinning
You flip when your head goes
Then you feel like a lonely clown with no soul
Drip, drop, your tears falling, you should have listened to what was working
Now you can’t, you’re in the spider’s web, with the fear of death
Hold on, be strong, I know this world is wrong
Up and down, turn around, keep your feet on solid ground
Hypocrite, hypocrite, we are all a set of hypocrites
Lager, lager pink champagne
By Karl, Fairmount tenant
Do you enjoy doing something creative, such as producing art, making crafts or writing poetry?
“This is one of the many poems written by Karl”. Said our Fairmount manager. “He has so many pieces of paper with notes and ideas jotted around with beautifully written poems. Craig, his support worker, read some and asked if we could write one up and laminate it for him so he could keep it safe. Karl was over the moon that Craig had taken interest in his writing.
“Karl has struggled for many years and lived on the streets entrenched in substance misuse and experiencing homelessness. He had lived at Fairmount previously but unfortunately abandoned the flat, finding life off the streets too much to cope with.
We never say never at Fairmount and following a period of ill health and terrible loss, he reached out to Bradford Homeless Outreach Partnership (HOP), fearing it would be too late. It’s never too late!
“Since moving back to Fairmount, Karl has stayed every night! This is massive. Previously he was too anxious to stay and would often go out late at night just to sleep on the streets.
“Karl also assisted John Tempest in writing the stage play ‘Homeless’ that aired at the Hockney in 2007. John always speaks highly of Karl and his writing abilities. John came to visit him after we searched to get copies of the play for Karl.
We would love to see them and share them here! Please email them to communications@hortonhousing.co.uk or talk to your support worker.
“Karl has also found comfort, peace and enjoyment in using our donated guitar, writing his own personal music.”
Volunteers and staff got together at an event held at Fountains Church in Bradford in September to celebrate the achievements of our volunteers over the past year.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Gudrun Haskins Carlisle gave a speech highlighting the importance of volunteering to the organisation.
In the past year, there has been an average of 40 volunteers at any one time, contributing
6,006 hours, which has had an economic benefit of more than £60,000. We received 241 donations and supported 447 families with donated goods.
Gudrun praised the volunteers who give their skills, time and expertise for free and thanked the volunteer team for their hard work in coordinating all their activities.
“We couldn’t support as many people as we do, or as well as we do without volunteers,” she said.
After the speech everyone took part in a ‘Wonderwall’ activity, painting paper bricks that would make up a wall at the Owt for Nowt shop in Edmund Street, Bradford.
Volunteers were also presented with certificates of appreciation before everyone enjoyed a tasty lunch.
If you are interested in volunteering at Horton, see pages 22 and 23 of this newsletter.
Horton’s annual donations campaign, ‘Warm this Winter’ has launched again this year. We are asking the public for donations of warm clothing including coats, jumpers, fleeces, hats, scarves, gloves and socks. We are also asking for donations of unused toiletries. Financial donations are welcome and will be used to buy winter clothing and toiletries for the appeal.
All donations will be collected, sorted and handed out to our services by our amazing team of volunteers.
Gudrun Haskins Carlisle, Horton Housing’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We were very grateful for the generous amount of donations received for last year’s campaign, so we are once again asking the public to kindly donate their unwanted winter clothing.
These donations will help keep people in our services warm over the cold winter months and will make a difference to many people, amid the ongoing Cost of Living crisis.”
Between August and October we received 51 donations from the general public. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their kind donations. We sent out 102 donations, which included items of furniture, everyday essentials and clothing to people in our services.
103 people visited Horton’s Owt for Nowt shop during this time.
Please note this article has content that some people may find distressing.
One of our managers shares her experience of living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of a serious incident, and the coping strategies she practices to help her in this article below.
In 2007 I was stabbed, completely caught up in an argument caused by an ex-partner who was ultimately left in intensive care with hypoxic brain damage and unable to speak the way he used to.
As a result of the horrific incident, I was diagnosed with PTSD and I completely disagreed at the time. I was unaware of the dangers and went to the perpetrator’s address, simply because I wanted to know what made him want to do something so bad to someone. I wasn’t scared, I didn’t feel the gravity of what had happened or the effect it had on my family and friends. I was in what could only be described as shock I guess, walking around like a zombie not slowing down, not relaxing and definitely not dealing with what happened. But that was what I thought was safe to do because I was ok.
I returned to work about three months after. Everyone was worried about how soon I was
completely fine and still didn’t really understand the PTSD diagnosis.
Fast forward about 12 months, I was a housing officer and out and about on visits. All of a sudden, for no reason whatsoever, I was overcome by fear. The tenant was talking to me, I couldn’t hear a single word. My mind was saying someone was going to come in and attack us. My heart was beating and I was trying to hide the fact that I was shaking. I made an excuse to leave. I got to my car, completely convinced I had got so worked up I was going to have a heart attack. Called 999 and sat there until the ambulance arrived.
They looked at my records and talked to me and advised I was having a panic attack and I was furious. Furious that they weren’t taking my health seriously and that I was about to die and they would do nothing about it.
I didn’t believe it was a panic attack. How can your subconscious cause you physical pain? I would think I was having a stroke, my arm would go numb, and I would collapse. If I thought I had a tumour I would demand scans and would not accept any kind of help for the anxiety that came with the PTSD.
I began turning my gas off at night, in case my fire or oven accidently turned on and set
bonfire night convinced someone would put a firework through my letterbox.
It was only until I read a story in the paper about a celebrity who disclosed his fight with PTSD and anxiety, and the things he described were exactly what I was going through. I showed my parents and you could see the relief in their faces that I might finally be accepting what it was.
I went to the GP in 2013 after the birth of my first child and asked for help.
I had CBT, determined that I was going to get a handle on it so it didn’t affect my daughter and she didn’t learn to be fearful of everything. I am so pleased to say it worked it for me. She did
exercises with me, talked me through ways to beat my own mind.
I felt bad for all the effort people had made around me to help and I couldn’t see it - but they understood that everyone accepts and deals with things in their own time, and without that understanding I don’t think I could have conquered it.
Is it still there? Yes. But I have coping strategies and know how to fight it and I hope even one person reads this and can relate and know they aren’t alone.
Horton Housing Group signed up to be official adopters of the National Housing Federation’s Together with Tenants Charter in December 2020.
As part of our commitment to tenants, we want to make sure that:
• you are safe and listened to
• you can help shape our services if you want to
• the homes we provide are good quality
• when things go wrong, it is easy for you to tell us or make a complaint and we will sort it out quickly.
Our commitment applies to everyone using our services, regardless of whether you live in our accommodation or are using any other Horton service.
My name is Claire and I work for my own company, Tentacles, to make sure people in supported and social housing are involved and engaged in the services they receive. Horton have asked me to come and work with them for a while so that I can look at new, fun and interesting ways of doing this.
In the last edition of Here at Horton, I told you a bit about involvement and engagement and I told you I would be visiting services to talk to some of you in person. Dale, who works as the involvement lead at Horton ran the sessions with me.
We managed to visit 15 services and spoke to almost 100 people. We found that many of you are interested in involvement, especially when you find out about the benefits to you. These are:
• It’s social. It gets you out, reduces boredom and loneliness and gives you the chance to meet new people.
• It’s a great experience. You’ll learn new skills and involvement can be a great addition to your CV.
• You’ll feel good. Involved people report having improved confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing.
• It’s a chance to make a change. You can be part of the change.
At the end of October, we held our first Involvement Gang meeting, where we discussed ways we can look at Horton from your perspective.
We will also be starting some smaller groups looking at areas that people were interested in, including Health and Safety, Homes, and New ideas.
We will be helping services to do more involvement and engagement too.
You told us that community events, such as cook and eat, trips out, crafts and bingo, were really important to you. They help relieve boredom and distract you from some of the challenging things that are happening in your lives. It’s easy for you to get involved in making events happen.
Here are some tips:
• Do your research. Find out about the event you want to have; where can you do it? Who else is interested? How much will it cost? How will you get there?
• Think about the benefits. What will people get from the event? It could be anything from improved wellbeing to new skills to a health kick. If you can explain the benefits, more people will be interested.
• Be bold. If the event will cost money, ask for discounts. Often, if you write to a company and explain about the service you’re in, they’ll help out. Support staff can help you do this.
• Be a leader. Always start by talking things through with support staff so they can assess the risks of any activity, but if they’re happy, don’t be afraid to lead the project. You can make it happen!
• Tell people. Take photos, write about it and tell everyone. You’ll inspire others with your ideas.
If you’re interested in getting involved, ask your support worker to let me and Dale know.
At At Horton Housing we aim to provide excellent services and always look for ways to improve them.
Every three months we look at our performance to see how we’re doing. We measure ourselves against targets based on the performance of a group of other good housing providers, where available. Other measures are set by Horton Housing’s Management Board and Senior Management Team.
Here are the latest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) figures for quarter one from 1 April to 30 June 2024. This is a part of the reporting period for 2024-25. A KPI is a measure of how well we are doing.
This is not a good result - being ‘in arrears’ means owing rent.
The percentage for arrears was higher than normal in quarter one as we had not received all of the increases in rent during the previous reporting period. The percentage has lowered since the previous quarter (quarter four 202324: 16%) as most rents have now been agreed and paid. We hope the percentage continues to decrease so that we are able to meet our target percentage.
Our Property Services administration team contacted some of you who had repairs to ask for your feedback. During quarter one: 80 calls for feedback on repairs were made. Of the 56 that answered the phone – 48 were very satisfied, 4 were satisfied, and 4 were neither satisfied or dissatisfied with the repair. You can tell us about how satisfied you are with your repairs by completing the repair satisfaction postcard or completing feedback online. Please see page 5 for more details.
Our target 95% Tenants satisfied with Horton’s service as landlord overall.
93%
We have a target to attend to any reports of damp and mould within three working days. This is done in order to assess the issues and where possible any issues that can be addressed immediately will be resolved the same day. More complex works, for example a leaking roof, we will set a reasonable timescale for the work to be completed. This is called remedial works.
We received 11 reports of damp or mould in quarter one. All reports were attended to within the three working day timescale. (100%)
One of the issues required additional remedial works and this was completed.
Please help us by reporting any issues with damp and mould as early as possible.
You can find out more about managing damp and mould on our website: https://hortonhousing.co.uk/preventing-damp-and-mould-in-your-home
There were seven new reports of ASB during quarter one. All complaints were responded to within the timescale.
Two of the new cases were closed during this quarter.
Eight cases remained open and under action with monitoring through quarter two.
We received nine formal complaints in quarter one.
All formal complaints were answered within the target time.
Winter brings a higher risk of household fires due to increased indoor heating, electrical use, and festive decorations. Here are some essential fire safety tips to keep in mind as the temperatures drop:
Keep portable heaters at least one meter away from anything flammable, like curtains, bedding, and furniture. Always turn off heaters before going to bed or leaving the room.
Avoid placing anything on or close to radiators, as (at times) these can cause clothing or paper to ignite if they become overheated.
Avoid overloading sockets. Don’t plug too many appliances into a single socket or extension lead, as this increases the risk of overheating and sparks.
Electric blankets: Check for any frayed wires or damaged insulation, and never use an electric blanket that shows signs of wear. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use and don’t leave it on all night unless it’s designed for this.
Make sure Christmas lights have no damaged wires or broken bulbs, and only use lights that conform to UK safety standards. Turn off lights when unattended or before you go to bed.
Any electrical items provided by Horton should be EET tested.
Never leave cooking unattended. Kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of home fires. Set a timer or stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying.
In case of a grease fire, don’t use water to put it out. Cover the pan with a fire blanket, metal lid or damp cloth, and turn off the heat. Deep Fryers should not be used in Horton properties.
Please test your smoke alarms monthly. Replace the batteries if required.
If you have a gas boiler, you should have a carbon monoxide detector to alert you of dangerous fumes. Please let us know immediately if this activates.
Make sure everyone in the household knows the escape route and where to meet outside in case of fire. Practice your plan, especially with young children or elderly family members.
Keep exits clear. Make sure that all windows and doors can be opened quickly in an emergency and that escape routes are free of obstructions.
Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations. Don’t place them near open flames, heaters, or lights. Don’t use candles.
Staying prepared and being cautious with heating and decorations can make a significant difference in fire prevention and safety during the winter months.
Ventilate
Even in winter, it’s crucial to ventilate. Opening windows briefly each day helps reduce humidity and allows moisture to escape.
In kitchens and bathrooms, use extractor fans when cooking or showering. These areas create high humidity levels and are most prone to condensation.
Keep heating steady
Instead of blasting heating occasionally, try maintaining a steady, lower temperature. This helps avoid sudden temperature shifts, which can cause condensation.
Heating keeps walls and windows warmer, which reduces condensation on cold surfaces where mould loves to grow.
Manage indoor moisture
Dry clothes outside instead of indoors, if possible. If you must dry clothes indoors, try using a dryer vented outdoors or place wet clothes near an open window.
A dehumidifier can be good to reduce indoor humidity, especially in rooms that feel damp or prone to condensation.
Control condensation on windows and walls
If you see condensation on window or walls in the morning, wipe it down to prevent the water from lingering and seeping into window frames and turning into mould.
Check for leaks regularly
Winter storms can cause leaks. Make sure gutters are clear, and check the roof for any signs of damage that could lead to water entering the home.
Keep an eye out for early signs of mould
If you notice small patches of mould, clean it immediately. Acting fast prevents it from spreading.
Move furniture slightly away from walls
Allowing air to circulate can prevent mould growth behind larger pieces of furniture.
Minimise humidity indoors
Cover pans when cooking. This simple step can reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
After a hot shower, keeping the bathroom door closed and using an extractor fan (or opening a window) helps the moisture to evaporate more effectively.
Regular property checks
Allow staff to carry out regular checks of your home. Basements, attics, or places with poor ventilation should be checked regularly for signs of damp.
If you notice persistent damp patches or leaks, get in touch with a staff member before the issue worsens.
By following these steps, you can reduce the chances of damp and mould and keep your home healthier and more comfortable throughout the winter.
• Set your thermostat between the recommended temperatures of 18ºC and 21ºC.
• Insulate your home to stop heat loss. Fill gaps around windows and doors with strip insulation or use draught excluders.
• Open windows only when needed to reduce heat loss.
• Close curtains before it gets dark to keep the heat in.
• To allow heat to flow around the room, keep furniture away from radiators and try not to cover them.
• Wear layers of clothing, including thermal socks or slippers and use extra blankets at night.
• Mainly eat hot meals and drink warm drinks.
• Keep active to heat up your body temperature by exercising, going for a walk, doing housework, or move about whilst sitting by wiggling your fingers and toes.
Warm spaces are places you can go to in your local area if you are struggling to heat your home in the colder months. These spaces are warm, free and safe to use. They often offer a hot drink, facilities and activities.
You can search for ‘warm spaces’ on your local council’s website to see where the nearest ones are to you.
You can also find a national directory of warm spaces on this website: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/
Here are some health and wellbeing tips to follow to stay well in winter.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
• Stock up on medicine and tins of food to avoid having to go out when you are ill, or if it is too cold, icy, or it has snowed.
• Practise self-care with good hygiene and try to get good quality sleep.
• Nature and natural light are important for your mental health in winter. Wrap up warm and go outside during daylight if you can. Alternatively, spend time near a window. Greenery such as houseplants can help.
• Keep in touch with family and friends or join a local community group.
• Do something you enjoy – for example: watch television or a film, listen to music, do a puzzle, read, do something creative, or take up a new hobby or interest.
• Be kind to yourself, take time to relax and try to switch off negative thoughts.
• Speak to someone or seek help if you are struggling with your mental health. There are many different mental health support options available, including: mental health helplines, speaking to a family member, friend, your support worker, or your GP.
To lower your chances of getting ill with a cold or flu:
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap
• Eat healthily and exercise regularly
• Try to avoid sharing towels or household items with someone who has a cold
• Avoid touching your eyes or nose as the virus can get into your body this way
• If you are eligible, get your winter vaccinations against flu and COVID.
How to treat cold and flu symptoms:
• Rest and sleep
• Keep warm
• Drink water or other soft drinks (such as fruit juice) to avoid dehydration
• Gargle salt water if you have a sore throat (this is not suitable for children)
• Stock up on cold and flu medicine so you don’t need to go out to get some if you feel unwell
• If you are unwell, stay home to prevent spreading infection.
The advice on seasonal cold and flu above has been taken from the NHS website. Visit here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
We recently completed another property which we purchased under the Bradford Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP) contract.
The photos show a two bedroom terrace house in Bradford. The property will be offered with support in place, to people who have experience of homelessness and rough sleeping.
We carried various works and improvements to the property, including installation of a new boiler, electrical upgrade, roof repairs, installation of new living room window, full decoration internally and externally and a front garden upgrade.
As part of health and safety compliance, we install hard-wired smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors at all of our new properties. We also carry out asbestos surveys, gas and electrical checks and fire and legionella risk assessments.
As
Would you like to volunteer at Horton Housing? Check out our latest volunteer opportunities below.
We will give you:
Induction, support, supervision and training
Out of pocket expenses, such as payment towards travel
A reference if you volunteer for more than three months.
You can keep up to date and apply for our volunteer roles by visiting the volunteering section of our website: www.hortonhousing.co.uk
If you are interested in volunteering and would like to find out more, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager on 07525 667874 or email volunteer.applications@hortonhousing.co.uk
All the roles require an enhanced DBS check of which we will cover the cost.
Calderdale
Admin assistant volunteer
You will carry out admin tasks such as filing, writing emails and organise and schedule appointments. This role will suite someone who is looking for work experience in an office environment.
Arts and crafts facilitator volunteer
You will run our arts and crafts group for our participants. We are looking for someone who has a passion for creating and making things with a group. You will plan art and craft sessions and encourage the group to unleash their creativity and work together.
Please note that all the Calderdale volunteer roles listed above and on our website are based at our Young Persons’ Prevention and Support Service (YPASS) in Halifax. For more information or to apply, please contact YPASS Volunteer Coordinator Tanya on 07809 203876.
Bradford
Van driver volunteer
Our van driver will help us to collect and distribute all of our donations to our services across West and North Yorkshire. You will need to aged 25 or over and be physically fit to lift donations, which often includes items of furniture. For this role, you must have a full valid UK manual driving license and be able to commit to one day a week.
Gardener volunteers
Our gardeners encourage and support our tenants to spend time outside in an allotment, helping to create a space for relaxation, exercise, gardening and activities. This role is in Shipley. We hope to welcome individuals with a holistic perspective and ideally some community experience, who enjoys working with groups.
Kirklees
Work coach volunteers
Work coaches give advice and support with finding jobs. The role involves working one-to-one with people to find suitable job opportunities based on the person’s skills, interests, experience and qualifications.
Tick when found:
Beading
Collage
Cross stitch
Knitting
Origami
Pottery
Painting
Printmaking Photography
Stone carving Woodwork
Horton Housing is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our aim is for our organisation to be truly representative of all sections of society, for each individual to be treated fairly, to feel respected and be able to be their best. We are committed to ensuring that our services are appropriate and accessible to the people who need them. We are opposed to all forms of harassment and unlawful discrimination.
We have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy which sets out how we will meet the needs of the people we work with and our equality duties. Every year we publish an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan which sets out our targets and how we will put our commitment to equality and diversity into practice.
We have been awarded the Housing Diversity Network Accreditation (DNA)
recognising our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are a member of the Housing Diversity Network.
If you have ideas on what you would like to see in the newsletter or to give any feedback, please get in touch.
You can contact us through your support worker or by emailing: communications@hortonhousing.co.uk
Or you can write to us at: Communications
Horton Housing 54 Little Horton Lane Bradford BD5 0BS
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