Home 22, December 2013

Home Fire safety You said we did Resident Scrutiny

News about your Council home

Young residents Love2Dance 4,000 homes made decent Resident projects funded across Lewisham Help managing your money

issue 22 | december 2013

DID YOU KNOW?

OUR MISSION To deliver great housing services for thriving neighbourhoods.

Home is where the is

I

n this edition of Home we welcome new resident board member, Ophelia Bobori; we have advice for those affected by the Bedroom Tax; as well as lots of free training to develop new skills (check out our calendar on pages 12 and 13); and don’t forget our opening hours will be different over Christmas (page 4).

If you have any suggestions for articles please contact us at home@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Lewisham Homes!

Visit our youtube channel /lewishamhomes

Did you know…you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or check out our YouTube videos www.facebook.com/lewishamhomes @lewishamhomes www.youtube/user/lewishamhomes

60 seconds with...

Board Member, Ophelia Bobori

What made you want to become a Board Member at Lewisham Homes?

I felt that it would be a great opportunity to be part of a body that oversees the activities of Lewisham Homes. Based on my experiences as a tenant, I felt that I could make informed contributions to the Board and make a difference as part of a body, rather than as an individual.

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What do you see as the priorities for Lewisham Homes?

The provision of homes that are of a decent standard, that are safe for tenants; the continued provision of services to tenants; to ensure that the organisation meets its targets; and service improvements, whilst ensuring good practice and value for money.

What do you see as the organisation’s biggest challenges?

I would say funding, and meeting deadlines and performance targets, whilst getting value for money; and meeting the most severe of housing needs, where there is clearly a shortage of housing.

How long have you been a Lewisham Homes resident for?

22 years.

What are your hopes for Lewisham Homes’ residents?

That the organisation can assist in making people happy where they live; that Lewisham Homes continues to provide quality homes and services; and supporting successful neighbourhoods. Finally, I would hope that resident views are at the forefront of the services that Lewisham Homes delivers, to help improve services and benefit Lewisham Homes as an organisation.

In the spotlight:

Grow, dance, play, eat!

The Community Fund supported 16 resident projects this year. Here’s a round-up of what’s been going on...

Community news

For more information about any of the projects below contact the Community Involvement team.

020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Summer School’s Out: A fortnight of exciting and educational activities for thirty 8-16 year olds from Forest Hill and Sydenham.

Love2Dance: Street dance workshops for young people including dance masterclasses with Britain’s Got Talent star Pulse. Culminating in dance performances at Millwall FC, Lewisham Shopping Centre and TNG youth club in Sydenham.

Evelyn Community Sports: Sporting activities for local 8-16 year olds in Deptford and New Cross.

Business Enterprise: A six-week course to give residents advice and help on setting up their own small business.

Heston Nature Garden: Funding for a garden that serves over 1,000 homes in Tanners Hill, Deptford.

Including new plots for young children and residents with mobility problems.

Gardening Again!: For residents in sheltered accommodation, to encourage healthy living and eating.

Hazel Grove Seniors: Activities for older people including dance, exercise, relaxation, day trips and a lunch club.

Active Summer Community Roadshow: Held on Honor Oak, Milton Court and more estates, hosted

by London Youth Events, working in partnership with local resident groups.

Clockwise from top left: Pulse with the Love2Dance crew; Kieran and Isabel discuss the winter crop at Evelyn Community Garden; Israel makes a tackle at Evelyn Community Sports and Comfort Dugbarty helps plant the sensory garden at Lawrie Park.

Home | December 2013

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Right-to-Buy discount has been increased from £75,000 to £100,000. Contact Leasehold Services for more information.

0800 028 2 028 press 5 leasehold@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Green fingered?

Good news! Lewisham Homes has set aside funding to encourage residents to ‘Get Gardening’ in 2014. Grants are available for projects that will provide a community benefit.

Successful projects will have the help of a professional gardener and the materials will be paid for.

How it works (it’s very easy) 1. Have a chat with one or more of your neighbours.

2. Contact the Community Involvement team to request a form.

3. Complete the form and return it by 17 February 2014.

4. A resident panel will decide which bids are successful.

5. You will be informed of their decision by 1 April 2014.

Gardening project ideas XXMaking hanging baskets for a row of houses.

XXChildren growing their own flowers or vegetables on windowsills or in their gardens.

XXResidents getting together to plant a communal garden.

XXOlder residents getting a raised bed so they don’t have to bend down to garden.

Don’t be shy! Get in touch and we’ll discuss your ideas and send you an application form.

020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Gardeners prepare a plot at the Evelyn Community Garden

In Brief Christmas opening hours Our offices will be closed from 2pm on Tuesday 24 December 2013, and will reopen at 9am on Thursday 2 January 2014. We will be operating a phone service during office hours (9am-5pm) – only emergency repairs will be made during this time.

0800 028 2 028 press 1 or 020 8613 4000

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Christmas tree recycling Take your real Christmas tree to one of the Lewisham Council collection points between 28 December 2013 and 27 January 2014 and it will be collected and composted. For a list of Christmas tree recycling points go to www.lewisham.gov.uk/recycling

Estates meeting inspection standard

88.9%

How we’re doing now

92%

2013/14 Target

Resident Scrutiny

Caretaking under the microscope Resident Scrutiny Committee (RSC) presents its recommendations to the Lewisham Homes Board.

The RSC is repsonsbile for scrutinising service areas that have been refered to them by the Area Panel. The first topic they examined in-depth was caretaking. They did this by: XXinterviewing managers and caretakers; XXanalysing procedures and policies; XXshadowing caretakers; XXmystery shopping; and XXinspecting the quality of cleaning on estates.

The committee’s recommendations were presented by RSC members, Helena Russell and Lloyd Hill, to the Lewisham Homes Board in August.

In response to the report David Tutt, Head of Estate Services, presented an improvement plan, advising how each recommendation will be implemented.

Estate Services leaflet

Following feedback from the Housing Management Improvement Group, we have updated the Estate Services leaflet. It now shows, in a clear and easy to understand way, who is responsible for cleaning and other environmental services, such as pest control, on estates.

020 8613 7653 www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

Above: Residents review the Estate Services leaflet.

Below: a caretaker at Hazel Grove.

Home | December 2013

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DID YOU KNOW?

We run free training courses and workshops for residents. See the calendar on pages 12 and13 for details.

ASB team wins top RSPCA Award!

The Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team has been awarded the highest RSPCA award for their work in promoting Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO). The Community Animal Welfare Footprint - Gold Award goes beyond the Silver they achieved last year.

Left to right: The ASB team with their Gold Paw Print Award: Peter Brewer, Christopher Richardson, Emma Brew-Riverson, Jack Knowles, Jackie Naine, Ronald Albert.

The ASB team has held eight Dog Day events in partnership with the Dogs Trust to promote Responsible Dog Ownership, a Resident Business Plan 2013/14 priority. More than 150 dogs have benefited, with 70 being micro-chipped and over 120 neutering vouchers given out. As well as implementing RDO agreements for owners with a history of nuisance dogs, the team is making greater use of the court system to take out injunctions against irresponsible owners who do not control their pets.

I’m very proud of our Gold award - Lewisham Homes is just one of only four housing providers in London to achieve the standard this year.

Christopher Richardson, ASB Officer

Hoarding, help is at hand

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Compulsive hoarding is a complex problem; it means excessively collecting items and not being able to throw them away. It can pose significant fire and safety risks, as well as attracting pests and being unhygienic. Without help, the hoarders themselves may become isolated and suffer from mental health problems.

London NHS Trust and the London Fire Brigade. Despite the sensitivities of dealing with hoarding cases, the Tenancy team has had great results through the protocol. Recently they’ve helped one resident to completely clear his home after many years hoarding, giving him back the control in his life.

Lewisham Homes is part of the Multi-Agency Hoarding Protocol that includes Lewisham Council, South

If you are worried about a neighbour please contact the Tenancy team. Your call will be in complete confidence.

0800 028 2 028 press 6

YOUR LEWISHAM HOME We want people to help us capture the spirit of Lewisham – send letters, photos, emails and tweets about your memories and hopes for Lewisham!

0800 028 2 028 and press 7 #yourhomeyourview

Your Home, Your View *

Your Home, Your View

Thank you to the thousands of you who’ve taken the time to speak to us about the future of housing in Lewisham.

Lewisham Council has looked at the wider challenges facing housing in the borough including the demand for housing, the rise in house prices, the investment needed over the next 30 years for homes and communities, as well as better housing for older people.

In January 2013 Lewisham Council asked Lewisham Homes to find out more about residents’ priorities and aspirations as part of its Housing Matters programme.

Between February and June 2013 for the community Lewisham Homes’ staff visited, phoned ✔✔Improved environment including and sent text messages to thousands gardening, landscaping and rubbish of residents giving you the opportunity disposal to share your views.

The time we have spent listening More than 2000 of you agreed to take and getting views has helped us part in a survey. Since then Lewisham to build an understanding of the Homes and Lewisham Council have improvements you want to see. The looked at everything you told us, survey also told us that, broadly, there including how you’d like to see your is open-mindedness about the idea of home, your area and your housing Lewisham Homes becoming a landlord service improved. to raise extra funds to invest in homes and neighbourhoods. However, since What you told us this conversation began economic and The results of the survey were political change for housing and its consistent across the borough, and your comments gave us a good insight funding have been at the centre of a national debate. This means we need into where we should focus our plans more time to consider the best way to for the future. Your top priorities are: maximise opportunity for ✔✔Better safety and security Lewisham’s housing. ✔✔Improving communal areas (inside We want to ensure that the Council, and outside) with residents, is able to make the ✔✔Completing Decent Homes best choice for the future, so, for now, ✔✔New doors, windows and other we will not be consulting with you home fittings about evolving Lewisham Homes.

However, we will continue talking to ✔✔Provision of services and support

you about housing services and your aspirations for your neighbourhood – understanding local issues is important as we shape plans for the future.

There are opportunities for us to start addressing housing issues while we look at alternative ways to raise money for housing. Lewisham Homes will deliver the Decent Homes programme, the Council will invest in older people’s housing, and we’ve started to make good progress on delivering new homes. Lewisham Homes is the Council’s partner of choice and will build six new homes in Mercator Road – we hope to deliver a further 100 homes in the next two years and will continue to explore further opportunities.

We will provide more opportunities for you to have your say in 2014. www.yourhomeyourview. lewishamhomes.com

Home | December 2013

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DID YOU KNOW?

If you’re worried about being able to pay your rent, your Income Officer can help you.

0800 028 2 028 press 2

Managing your money If you’re affected by Bedroom Tax because you have one or more ‘spare’ rooms you have three options. The first thing to do is make sure we have the right information for you, such as how many people live in your home – let us know now if things have changed.

Bedroom Tax - know your options Option one: Stay where you are and pay the shortfall We can help you to maximise the income that you have through: XXBudgeting workshops with Lewisham Plus Credit Union (LPCU) XXWork clubs – our half-day work clubs or High Five employment scheme can help you with your CV, interview skills and finding a job - see pages 12 for dates.

Option two: Downsize to a smaller home through a re-housing scheme XXHomesearch – you’ll need to complete an ‘Under Occupation Registration form’ to make sure you are placed in Priority Band 1.

XXMutual Exchange – swap with another social housing tenant www.houseexchange.org.uk XXHousing Moves – move to a different London borough. www.housingmoves.org

Don’t feel pressured to rob Peter to pay Paul this Christmas.

The temptation is always there but the interest rates can be over 2,000%! Speak to Lewisham Plus Credit (LPCU) Union instead. They offer affordable loans, even if you don’t have a good credit rating. Contact LPCU for more information.

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Option three: Take in a lodger You could bring someone in to contribute towards the rent. Speak to your Tenancy Officer first.

0800 028 2 028 press 6 Our welfare benefits advisors can help you even if you have arrears. welfarebenefits@ lewishamhomes.org.uk 0800 028 2 028 2 for Welfare Benefits 6 for Tenancy

020 8778 4738 admin@pluscu.co.uk www.lewishampluscu.co.uk

Welfare news

You can pay your rent by text. www.lewisham.textdebit.com

Universal Credit: are you ready?

Don’t let it catch you out when it arrives next year; take control of your finances now.

Universal Credit (UC) is a new single monthly payment for people in or out of work, which merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that you might be getting now. It is being phased in from June 2014 for claimants in Lewisham. It means your housing benefit will no longer be paid direct to Lewisham Homes.

You will have to budget your rent, bills and spending to avoid falling into arrears and risk losing your home. It’s time to think ahead and prepare now. ✔✔Open a current account. You’ll need one of these to recieve UC - Lewisham Plus Credit Union (LPCU) can help you do this. Their current account supports direct debits and has a Visa Debit card. ✔✔Pay your rent by direct debit so you don’t spend it by accident and fall into arrears - It’s simple and convenient. Speak to your Income Officer.

0800 028 2 028 press 2 ✔✔Improve your budgeting - The LPCU Budgeting Workshop will help you take control of your finances.

See pages 12 for dates.

Rent collected (excluding arrears)

98.5%

How we’re doing now

99%

2013/14 Target

Jam Jar account offer The LPCU ‘jam jar’ budgeting account is a handy way to help you divide your income into different ‘pots’ for spending and for bills. They can be useful, particularly for households on a weekly income, or if you’re trying to pay monthly bills on a weekly income.

As part of a special pilot project, Lewisham Homes will cover the costs of the first 100 residents who open a Jam Jar Budgeting account with LPCU. Call us on the number below, quoting ‘Lewisham Homes jam jar offer’.

Our Welfare Benefits team are here if you need any help or advice.

0800 028 2 028 press 2 welfarebenefits@lewishamhomes.org.uk Home | December 2013

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DID YOU KNOW?

Download our leaflet about how to deal with condensation and mould. Go to www.lewishamhomes.org.uk or check out our video on YouTube www.youtube/ lewishamhomes

Your home Find out about improved security in communal areas, keeping your gas safety check appointment and the importance of removing your belongings if you decide to leave.

New key fob system improves safety

We are rolling out a new centralised door fob computer system that will be completed within the next 12 months.

The new software and antennas detect a key fob’s unique code.

The benefits will be: ✔✔Faster replacement of lost or stolen fob keys ✔✔Lost or stolen fob keys can be cancelled ✔✔Overall improvement to safety and security of all our blocks.

To replace a lost fob or to request an additional fob (chargable) contact 0800 028 2 028 hold for Customer Services

Leaving your property?

There are certain things you must do to make sure your home is returned in the correct condition. If not, you will be re-charged by Lewisham Homes for any costs that we incur in clearing your home.

Why do I have to do this?

Your tenancy agreement says that you must “remove all of your belongings, and anything that belongs to another person and leave your home clear of refuse.”

Download our handy leaflet www.lewishamhomes.org.uk For more information contact 0800 028 2 028 hold for Customer Services 10

Gas Access prize draw winner!

Congratulations to Mrs Donohue of Brockley who won £100 in shopping vouchers in the Gas Prize Draw. All tenants who meet their first gas servicing appointment are eligible to win.

It is a tenancy condition that we are allowed access to homes to carry out a yearly gas safety check. If tenants fail to give us access we will take legal action.

Improving communal areas Lewisham Homes wants your suggestions to tackle rubbish, vandalism and antisocial behaviour in communal areas. Please contact the Tenancy team.

0800 028 2 028 press 6

Average time to re-let properties (days)

TO LET

16 How we’re doing now

23

TO LET

2013/14 Target

Keep Warm Keep Well

Information

for…

Over 60s e families Low-incom ility with a disab

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER Download a copy of our Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet for over 60s www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

Be safe this Christmas Your safety is our top priority, so here are some handy hints to help you stay fire safe this winter…

Here are our top tips…

XXFit a smoke alarm and check the batteries regularly to make sure it is working.

XXTurn off Christmas tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed.

XXNever leave lit candles unattended.

XXDon’t overload your electrical sockets – always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

XXBeware of cheap phone chargers and Christmas tree lights. Check for a ‘Kite’ safety mark to make sure it complies with safety standards.

XXIf you smoke, don’t smoke in bed, and always make sure your cigarette is out properly.

XXBe prepared...make an escape plan so you and everyone in your home knows exactly what to do if there is a fire.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE’S A FIRE If there is a fire outside your home, it is usually safer to stay inside.

If there is a fire inside your home, stay calm and get everyone out.

Download a copy of our ‘Fire safety in your home’ leaflet. www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

WIN A FREE SMOKE DETECTOR! Courtesy of the LFB Borough Commander for Lewisham we have free smoke detectors for the first ten residents to claim one! Contact home@lewishamhomes.org.uk or write to FREEPOST Lewisham Homes

Tenancy * Fire safety

People living

Are you covered?

There’s nothing worse worse than having your precious items damaged or destroyed in an accident – and discovering you don’t have contents insurance.

Tenants and leaseholders are responsible for arranging their own contents cover. Lewisham Council has a very affordable insurance scheme for as little as £1.38 a week so you can protect your valuables against fire, theft and accidental damage.

0800 028 2 028 hold for Customer Services Home | December 2013

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4,000 homes decent

Since 2011 over 4,000 homes have received Major Works improvements, including new kitchens, bathrooms and electrical re-wires.

This year, residents living in the Winslade Estate, Catford and in Blackheath will benefit as these areas are brought in to the programme.

We are now pushing ahead with improvements to the outside of people’s homes. This includes new windows, re-painting of walls, masonry and roof works. Pepys, Sayes Court and Evelyn estates, in the north, and estates across Sydenham, in the South, Information for leaseholders Leaseholders are required to have benefitted this year. contribute to the costs of any You can now view when the Major refurbishment to the external Works programme will be coming to decorations and communal areas of your area online. their building. www.lewishamhomes.org.uk/ We understand that paying large major_works bills is worrying. That is why we are supporting resident leaseholders by providing:

calendar

All courses are free. For more information, or to register your interest in any of these courses, please contact the Community Involvement team.

Breyer: Basic DIY tasks Thursday 12 December Sydenham

020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes. org.uk

Budgeting Workshop Friday 13 December Catford

DECEMBER

MITIE: Basic electrical tips Tuesday 17 December Honor Oak

Introduction to Chairing Friday 6 December Catford 12

LPCU Budgeting Workshop Friday 6 December Catford

XXinterest free repayment options for up to 36 months; XXsupport and advice on other payment options; and XXsignposting to support available from other agencies.

Contact Leasehold Services for more information.

0800 028 2 028 press 5 leasehold@lewishamhomes. org.uk

JANUARY 2014 Food Safety in the Workplace Friday 10 January Deptford Health and Safety in the Workplace Friday 17 January Deptford High-5: Meet the trainer Monday 20 January Lee MITIE: Successful tiling Tuesday 21 January New Cross

Our community investment programme is part of the commitment that the Major Works contractors made to invest in the wider community.

School pupils explore World of Work Year 10 students at Deptford Green School took part in careers mentoring sessions and interactive ‘World of Work’ days in October and November. Run by MITIE the events took students through the stages of applying for jobs. One

student said: “I enjoyed the part about how to become a doctor and what I need to do. I learnt more about what a CV is and what qualifications I need for a job.”

Community Investment * Major Works

Investing in our community

Left to right: Maureen Champion and her grandson David

Ray Champion Room opens

The refurbished Ray Champion community meeting room on the Hazel Grove estate was opened in July. It honours a much-loved caretaker who lived and worked there. It is just one of many community rooms that have been upgraded by the Community Investment programme.

Young people at Deptford Green School take part in World of Work

First Aid in the Workplace Friday 24 January Deptford LPCU Budgeting Workshop Friday 24 January New Cross Lewisham Homes Board meeting Tuesday 28 January Catford High-5 Employability Course Tuesday 28 January to Thursday 6 March Lee

FEBRUARY MITIE: Basic plumbing Tuesday 18 February Deptford Fashion design and sewing Thursday 20 to Friday 21 February Sydenham. Call Inspirational You directly to book.

07545 156 111

MARCH MITIE: Wallpapering Tuesday 18 March New Cross

Lewisham Homes Board meeting Tuesday 25 March Catford Breyer: Basic DIY tasks Thursday 27 March Sydenham Lewisham Homes Board meetings All Board meetings start at 6.30pm and are open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Governance team.

020 8613 7542 nicola.clarke@lewishamhomes. org.uk Home | December 2013

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DID YOU KNOW?

Watch our Dog Day event film. www.youtube.com/lewishamhomes

You said, We did...

You said

We did

Gardening support for elderly and vulnerable residents by offering training to volunteers.

✔✔We’ve helped 23 elderly and vulnerable residents with their gardens.

Improvement to customer care and communications for decent homes.

✔✔We’ve introduced regular meetings between caretaking staff and contractors to ensure shared areas are left clean and tidy after works finish.

Reduce complaints of noise nuisance.

✔✔ We now have two additional noise recorders to help us address noise complaints more quickly.

Support to carry out basic repairs and improvements.

✔✔A programme of DIY workshops has been carried out with our Major Works contractors; so far 90 residents have taken part.

Better involvement opportunities for leaseholders.

✔✔We’ve recruited five new members to the Leaseholder Improvement Group.

More opportunities to access funding to deliver community projects.

✔✔We’ve appointed a funding co-ordinator who’ll help improve opportunities to access funding.

Reduce environmental nuisance in communal and shared areas.

✔✔‘Love where you live’ events have taken place at both Eliot Bank in Forest Hill and the Evelyn Estate area.

Young residents take part in the Love2Dance finale held at TNG, Sydenham on 9 November.

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Working day diary with Rozanna McGusty The Customer Services team is the face of Lewisham Homes. We talk to one of the officers, Rozanna McGusty, about her day.

9.00am Today I am on the front desk at Pepys, but we work between all the housing offices during the week. The other officers and I work on a rota, normally doing two days on the front desk, two days answering phone calls and one day responding to emails. Enquiries might include processing re-housing applications, supplying door entry fobs, issuing parking permits, logging repairs or advising on changes to benefits.

10.30am An elderly gentleman came into the office who was hearing impaired.

His wife had recently passed away so I made contact with the Council’s Housing Benefit team and the Department for Works and Pensions so his benefit entitlements can be re-assessed.

2.30pm A resident arrived whose first language was not English, he was having trouble understanding a letter from the Major Works contractors,

You said, We did * diary

Home Park Housing Office, 129 Winchfield Road, is now closed apart from a weekly surgery on Wednesday’s between 10am-1pm.

Rozanna checks her emails

so I arranged for it to be translated.

We were then able to make an appointment for the contractors to carry out a survey on his home.

5.00pm It has been a busy but enjoyable day.

My job is to ensure that residents receive excellent customer service, and I feel that I have been able to do that and make a positive impact too.

4.00pm I arranged for a vulnerable resident to 0800 028 2 028 hold for recieve their gas safety check tomorrow.

Customer Services.

Our team does not usually do home visits but in this case I am going to attend as the resident will only allow the engineers in if I am there too.

Who’s who? Customer Services team From left to right Jenny Hagon Customer Services Officer Lorraine Forsythe-McKenzie Customer Services Officer Chris Simpson Customer Services Manager Maureen Grey Customer Services Officer

Home | December 2013

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One call does it all...

0800 028 2 028 or 020 8613 4000 www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

Repairs | Gas | Rent | Antisocial behaviour Caretaking | Leasehold Services | Tenancy

Housing Offices Holbeach Housing Office 9 Holbeach Road, Catford, SE6 4TW 9am-5pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10am-5pm Wednesdays Honor Oak Housing Office Spalding House, Turnham Road, SE4 2HT 9am-4.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10am-1pm Wednesdays Pepys Housing Office 1a Eddystone Tower, Oxestalls Road, Deptford, SE8 3QU 9am-5pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10am-5pm Wednesdays

HOME 22

Home Park Housing Office 129 Winchfield Road, Sydenham, SE26 5TH 10am-1pm Wednesdays only