As the days grow brighter and flowers begin to bloom, this edition of Home magazine is packed with updates, advice and opportunities.
Hear how your feedback is helping us make improvements to our services (pages 8 and 9).
To help you make the most of spring, this edition explores green spaces (pages 3 and 4), including local nature walks and gardening tips. And don’t miss the chance to enter our gardening competition!
It’s also a great time to refresh your finances. Inside, you’ll find tips to spring clean your finances, from how to access financial support to updating your home contents insurance to protect your belongings (pages 6 and 7).
Looking for a fresh start in your career? Explore jobs at Peabody, get a behind the scenes look at a day in the life of a Peabody gardener and discover career support available (pages 17, 18 and 19).
Step into spring and enjoy this edition of Home magazine.
With best wishes,
Wells Chomutare Managing Director |
South London
Welcome to our residents from Charlton Triangle Homes who have now officially become part of Peabody. Following a consultation, 90% of residents told us they wanted Peabody to become their landlord, so homes and operations have now fully transitioned.
The Charlton office will remain open with familiar colleagues and local services continuing as usual. If you have any questions about Charlton Triangle, or about your home, please call us on 0300 123 3456 or pop into the office at 9-10 Cedar Court, London, SE7 7EH.
We’re pleased to have you all on board!
Pablo Cazar
Assistant Director | South London
Step into spring
Green spaces have many benefits. Connecting with nature can improve your wellbeing, reduce stress and boost your mood. Activities like gardening can also help you connect with others and get active outdoors.
There are hidden gems everywhere. From communal gardens to big green spaces:
Brockwell Park, London, SE24 0NG
Enjoy the lido, feed the swans and ducks at the pond or relax in the walled garden.
Looking for a place to walk in your area? Try Go Jauntly – it’s a free app where you can find guided green walks anywhere in the UK.
Find a walk: gojauntly.com
We’d love to hear from you! Take pictures of green spaces near you and tag us on Instagram @PeabodyLDN Contact us
0300 123 3456
Win a £50 Amazon voucher!
Enter our flourish and thrive gardening competition.
Are you green fingered? Enjoy being out in nature? Want to get some new gardening tools? Whether it's a blossoming garden or a vibrant indoor houseplant, we want to see your flourishing plants!
To enter:
1. Snap a photo of your indoor or outdoor plants
2. Submit your entry by completing the form by Friday 18 April
3. You could win a £50 Amazon voucher peabody.org.uk/ gardening-competition
T&Cs apply
We hope you enjoy reading the magazine, but if you decide you don’t want to receive it
just let us know:
Email communications@peabody.org.uk stating ‘Magazine opt-out’ in the subject line. Please include in the email either your tenancy reference number or your full name and address. We need this information so we can find you in our database to unsubscribe you. You can sign up to receive Home directly to your inbox at peabody.org.uk/peabody-magazine
Let's get growing
Gardening tips from former Blue Peter gardener
Chris Collins spent years as a Blue Peter gardener and now he’s busy working with our gardening team at St John’s Hill Estate in Clapham Junction. With spring upon us, here are a few things Chris suggests to get your garden, balcony or community garden flourishing this year.
Top up your existing pots
I usually replace around a third of the compost in my pots and baskets. I also add some slow-release fertiliser to the compost, my favourite is Comfrey Pellets. It’s also a good idea to buy yourself some liquid seaweed fertiliser. This can be diluted into your watering can for the first three months of the growing season and will give your plants a great start.
Get some vibrant blooms
It’s too late to plant spring bulbs, but for some colour Primrose and Pansy flowers are perfect. They’re in bloom right about now and will continue to be until the end of May - giving you a few months of colour in your garden or on your balcony.
Grow your own salad
Get yourself some rocket, chard, mustard and spinach seeds. You can sow these in a long trough planter in short lines (drills) or just spread the seeds on the top of a large pot. Then cover the seeds in a thin layer of compost and press down. Water them regularly and before you know it, you’ll be eating fresh organic salads and sandwiches and saving some money to boot.
Plan for summer
Early spring is the best time to plan your garden for the summer ahead. My pick would be Dahlias. They’re guaranteed to bloom beautifully from July all the way to the autumn - they’re plant royalty. When planting, put the bulbs in three times deeper than their size, you can also top your compost with some gravel to help with drainage. To keep your Dahlias flowering once they start, cut off any dead flowers to encourage new ones.
Keep an eye on things
My top tip for your garden or balcony when the season gets going is to have a little inspection of your plants each day. It will only take ten minutes, and you can see if your plants need water, if any weeds need removing or if they need a stick for support.
In no time, your garden will be looking beautiful. Good luck!
Spring clean your finances
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start – and that includes your finances.
As part of any spring clean, it’s good to take a fresh look at your finances. Small, manageable changes can make a big difference in the long run. Use our checklist to help:
Switch and save on your bills
Get help with switching to a cheaper energy supplier, reduce your broadband and phone bills and get access to discounts. Book your free energy advice session with our money saving specialists at LEAP and Pocket Power.
info.peabody.org.uk/save-money
Spend less with quick wins
Small changes can cut energy costs. Try switching to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when you’re not using them and washing your clothes in cooler water. info.peabody.org.uk/household-tips
Listen to our podcast for more information peapod.buzzsprout.com
Check if you’re eligible for discounts
Your local council may offer reduced council tax, energy bill support or other local schemes. Get in touch with them for more information.
Get free, confidential and impartial money advice
If you’re worried about bills, benefits or debt, get in touch with our advice service. We can help you apply for grants, assist with benefit applications and offer budgeting advice.
info.peabody.org.uk/ benefits-and-money
Boost your income
Need help with your CV, support with your job search or guidance on training? Get help to improve your skills and explore new career opportunities.
info.peabody.org.uk/jobs
Access free and cheaper food
Find food banks and free or low-cost food near you.
info.peabody.org.uk/food-banks
Stressed about your finances? Let's chat
Worries about money can take a real toll on your wellbeing. Whether it’s struggling to pay bills, juggling debts, or not knowing where to start, you don’t have to face it alone.
We can offer one-to-one advice or connect you with services that could make a real difference, from budgeting tips and benefits advice to help accessing food support or local job opportunitieswe’re here to help.
Visit our website peabody.org.uk/wellbeing or call us on 0300 123 3456 for a chat.
No matter how careful you are, there’s always a risk that your belongings could get lost, damaged or stolen. From phones and laptops to clothes and furniture, replacing these items can add up.
That’s why having home contents insurance is so important – it gives you peace of mind that your belongings are protected if something goes wrong.
While Peabody covers the building insurance for your home, it’s up to you to arrange home contents insurance for your personal items.
Home contents insurance with Thistle
Thistle offers insurance for your personal belongings and household items, such as furniture, electrical items and jewellery.
The benefits
3 Costs as little as £2.90 a month
3 Covers items in sheds, outbuildings or garages (up to £3,000)
3 Flexible, regular and pay-as-you-go payment options
Explore your options using comparison websites like Money Supermarket or Go Compare. Visit our website info.peabody.org.uk/ insurance or call us on 0300 123 3456 for more information.
Tip: take a look around your home and add up the value of your belongings. Insurance gives you peace of mind and financial protection.
How much is your bag worth?
Some home contents insurance covers your belongings when you’re outside your home.
What’s in your bag? And how much could this cost to replace?
• Phone: £300-£1,000
• Wallet or purse with cards and cash: £50-£200
• Keys and replacements: £100+
• Other items (makeup and headphones): £50-£200
• The bag itself: £30
It all adds up – your bag could easily be worth £500 or more.
How we’re doing Tenant Satisfaction Measures
Your feedback through the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) helps us track how we’re doing and where we need to improve.
We're committed to providing quality homes and services that put you at the heart of everything we do.
Read more about our performance and what we’re doing to improve. peabody.org.uk/our-performance
Consumer Standards
Last spring the government introduced new Consumer Standards for social housing providers. These standards aim to make sure you have safe and wellmaintained homes, clear communication and reliable services. We’re working to make sure we meet these standards:
Safety and quality
We’ve introduced a local repairs service and are improving how we track and fix issues in your homes, including making it easier for you to track progress of your repairs. Look out for repairs drop-in sessions at community centres, which will give you more options to speak to us in person.
We’re also putting new measures in place to improve health and safety in your homes and to make sure any issues are dealt with as quickly as possible. This includes carrying out regular safety checks and prioritising health and safety issues.
70% feel your homes are safe
27% satisfied with complaints handling 63% satisfied with repairs
66% feel wellinformed 65% satisfied with how we maintain communal areas
50% feel we listen and act on your concerns
Transparency, influence and accountability
We’re introducing regular regional forums so you can share your views with your Managing Director and local teams to help shape our services. Together, these forums will create a local plan and regularly review progress.
You may have already been to or heard about your local forum. Look out for the next forum near you: thegarden.peabody.org.uk
We’re also making complaints easier to resolve by improving how we track and address underlying issues.
Neighbourhood and community
We’re improving how we manage safety in buildings that are looked after by other organisations. This means working closely with them to make sure we’re all on the same page and residents stay safe.
We’re making sure neighbourhood managers have the right information and processes in place when managing these estates, such as how to handle antisocial behaviour reports. We’re also working with local councils and the police to keep spaces clean, increase patrols where needed and clean up fly-tipping.
Support
Our specialist advice team can help you find the support you need. This could be one-to-one support from our team, or we can put you in touch with one of our partners who can help.
For support, pop into one of our Wellbeing Hubs or call us on 0300 123 3456
Using your feedback to improve
Your voice should shape the way we do things, so we’re turning your feedback into action.
Resident groups
We work with our Resident-Led Panel who help ensure your voice is heard and we’re making the improvements you want.
We’ve also set up sub-panels to look at key areas, including home ownership, complaints and how we communicate with you. Smaller groups are helping us explore these issues in more detail.
Home magazine
The Resident Communications Panel is giving feedback on this very magazine, and we’re working to make it more useful for you based on what they say.
Handling complaints
Resolving complaints is taking longer than it should. To address this, we’ve formed a new Resident Complaints Panel. The panel will meet a few times a year to recommend changes that make the process quicker and easier.
Regional forums
Regional forums will provide a space for you to discuss issues impacting your area. There’s already a forum in North East London and they’re being developed in the North Counties, North West London and South London, we plan to have forums for all our areas by the end of spring.
Clearer, better communication
Recently, a group of residents reviewed over 40 letters we’d sent out, covering a whole range of subjects. They gave us feedback on how we can make our communications better. We’re already using these insights to improve the way we write to you.
Find out more on page 11.
Celebrating diversity
We brought residents together to celebrate Eid, Pride, Black History Month, Diwali and Hanukkah. In the future, we’ll focus on more local events so even more residents can take part.
Keep talking to us
Your feedback is central to everything we do. We’re listening, acting on your feedback and learning so we can make changes to better support you.
If you'd like to get involved, please email get.involved@peabody.org.uk
About our Resident-Led Panel
Our Resident-Led Panel was created in 2023 based on feedback from residents who worked with us to improve how we to listen to and work with you.
The panel is made up of seven residents - Danny, Denise, Elaine, Ingrid, Geraldine, John and Lisawho meet regularly to offer advice and share their thoughts on how we can improve. Their role is to ensure your voices are heard and that the decisions we make reflect your needs.
The panel helps us connect with residents in a meaningful way, making sure that everyone feels valued and heard.
Ingrid Smith, Resident-Led Panel member
Co-design in social housing should build a genuine partnership between residents and landlords. Every voice should matter equally, with residents feeling truly heard and seeing their input lead to meaningful, positive changes.
Meet Danny, Resident-Led Panel member
Where do you live? Angel, Islington
Why did you want to get involved?
I volunteered to try and make a difference not only for residents but also Peabody colleagues. It’s better to all work together. It’s important that more residents volunteer so they can share what they know with others. How is the new panel looking to make a difference?
The panel is different to what has been done before, this is new territory. The panel will commission work, such as the scrutiny day (read more on the next page), so residents can get involved in an area of scrutiny that is important to them.
The panel has created sub-panels for homeowners, communications and resident groups. A panel member takes the lead to share information between the sub-panel and Resident-Led Panel.
We’ve also reviewed the Tenant Satisfaction Measures and asked what residents want to know about the results.
What do you find most rewarding so far?
I enjoy sharing information between the panel members, meeting residents and actively listening to what they say.
It’s been great having guest colleague speakers from specific areas at Peabody, it gives us a chance to ask questions. Working in collaboration with Peabody colleagues is key to making positive improvements that will benefit residents and Peabody as an organisation.
If I can do a small bit to make change worthwhile for residents, then I feel that I have achieved something positive. Have your say
If you’d like to get involved, please email get.involved@peabody.org.uk
Better writing
scrutiny in a day
You’ve told us that we need to improve the way we write to you. So, our Resident-Led Panel chose letters as their first area for a scrutiny in a day session. Nine residents spent a day with colleagues from Peabody to take an in-depth look at the letters our teams send to you.
The panel reviewed over 40 letters and gave each a score. The letters covered a range of topics including visiting your home to do gas safety checks, reports of antisocial behaviour, clearing communal areas and rent collection letters. While on the whole letters were clear and easy to understand, it’s clear we have work to do. Our lower scores were about the tone and how many of our letters make residents feel. There were also some good examples of letters that we can learn from. Some of the feedback included:
“Some letters feel clear and professional, while others can feel impersonal.”
“Letters should be written for the reader and the key information they need to know.”
The panel then developed a list of recommendations for us. They presented these to Elly Hoult, our Chief Operating Officer, Tracy Packer, Managing Director for East London, and Susannah Finn, Group Director of Communications. From this we’ve formed an action plan, including:
• Training for our teams
• Launching a writing guide
• Ways to communicate such as newsletters
• Developing template letters with residents
• Putting in place colleague and resident reviews
Kirsty, Peabody resident
We've made some recommendations, some of them are quite small but could make a huge difference. Making sure everyone at Peabody starts doing this is really important. The way you communicate is almost as important as the service you deliver.
The Peabody Index
The Peabody Index asks our residents living in London about their employment, income and living costs. With rising living costs and a tough job market, we know many people are facing challenges.
Since 2018, we’ve surveyed around 1,000 social housing residents each year to better understand these issues and ensure our services meet your needs.
What you told us
45% say their household finances have worsened over the past year
44% have cut back on heating to save money over the last year
20% are unsure about how safe their jobs are
Residents want greater community connection through events and gatherings
Many residents work hard for their communities through unpaid volunteering, that’s not necessarily recognised
There’s support available
Get tips to save on energy costs and book a free session with our money saving specialists.
info.peabody.org.uk/save-money
Pick up tins, fresh veggies and other household items at your local food bank. You can also find other types of support.
info.peabody.org.uk/food-banks
Find activities for all ages, including social clubs, fitness classes and activities for children.
info.peabody.org.uk/events
Find part-time work with TLF Research, who help us with this study. They offer flexible work to their team who carry out the survey over the phone. As a Peabody resident, you’re guaranteed an interview.
Send your CV to Debs Binks debsbinks@leadershipfactor.com
Tackling social housing stereotypes
A new report from the G15 Residents’ Group highlights the impact of stigma faced by social housing residents.
Nearly half of those surveyed have faced discrimination - from their landlords, employers and service providers like banks.
Peabody residents and members of the group, Peter Baffoe and Gossica Anichebe, helped shape the report so it reflects the real challenges and experiences of our residents.
Read more about the findings and what’s next to take the stigma out of social housing peabody.org.uk/stigma-report
Peabody resident Jan shared her experience:
I’ve lived in social housing all my life, and it’s been so much more than just a place to live. It’s given me security and the chance to build a better life. But it’s frustrating that outdated stereotypes still linger. Some people assume everyone in social housing is on benefits or not working - that's not true. I’m 75 and still working, but we all get painted with the same brush. No one should feel ashamed of living in social housing. This report is an important step toward changing perceptions.
Complaints: your options
We always try our best but recognise that we don't always get things right. When the level of service we’ve provided falls short we want you to let us know so we can make every effort to put it right.
Contact us to resolve the issue
If you’re not happy with something, please get in touch. We can often resolve things like a missed appointment quickly and outside of the complaints process.
Get in touch online info.peabody.org.uk/make-a-complaint or by phone
Making a formal complaint
If you’d prefer an investigation, you can make a formal complaint and the issue will be investigated further. There are two stages of our complaints process.
1
In the first stage, we'll investigate, explain what went wrong and take steps to put things right.
If you’re unhappy with the resolution, we’ll explore if there’s anything further we can do.
You can ask for your complaint to be escalated to stage two.
2
At stage two, we'll carry out a full review of your complaint and ensure everything was investigated thoroughly at stage one.
This process will identify any issues and further steps to put things right and learn from any mistakes.
Contacting the Housing Ombudsman
If you feel your complaint hasn’t been resolved, you may wish to contact the Housing Ombudsman to review your complaint. Before the Housing Ombudsman will investigate, you’ll need to follow stage one and two of our complaints process. During our complaints process, you can contact the Housing Ombudsman at any time for advice or guidance.
Slam dunk
for Southwark
Residents in Southwark recently came together to show off their basketball skills.
The Ballers Academy Foundation was formed to make sports accessible to everyone – regardless of age, ability or financial circumstances. Their coaches recently visited residents at Lamond House to take them through exercises to stay active and enjoy some friendly competition.
These sessions are about so much more than physical activity. They’re helping support residents’ mental health, reduce loneliness and create lasting friendships across our community. Residents are telling us they’re looking forward to coming back and they’re eager to invite even more friends along to the next session.
Rebecca, Community Investment Lead in Southwark
Get involved
If you or someone you know is a Peabody resident in Southwark, over 55 and enjoys playing please get in touch by email info@ballersacademy.co.uk
Or get in touch with us for more information community_investment@peabody.org.uk
£2,000
Kerslake Award
Do you run a community project or a group which supports Peabody residents in your area? You could apply for the Kerslake Award to help fund your next project.
The award offers £40,000 in grants to support community projects and activities, in memory of our late Chair, Lord Bob Kerslake.
Recent winners were awarded up to £2,000 each, and every project will make a real difference in local communities. From community clubs to exercise workshops and one-off community events all with the aim of helping residents, and those living in our communities, to be happier, healthier and wealthier.
Black History Month 365 Fund
Your community organisation can apply for up to £1,000 for an event or project celebrating Black history.
We’re working with A2 Dominion and other housing associations to celebrate Black History Month all year round. Four times a year local voluntary and community organisations can apply for up to £1,000 to help with planning or running projects which bring communities together and celebrate Black history and culture.
The fund has helped bring many projects to life, from a wellbeing and mental health event to a photo gallery exhibition celebrating Black history, as well as supporting celebrations at a local social club.
Thinking of applying?
Applications open this spring - keep an eye on our website for more information coming soon. peabody.org.uk/funding-opportunities
Local playground designed by kids, for kids in Erith
Pupils from an Erith primary school have helped us transform a tired play space into a colourful and fun playground.
The children attended workshops to find ways to make the Glimpsing Green play area next to their school more welcoming and fun.
Together, they designed a new totem pole and chose equipment, including a zipline, climbing net, slide, swings and trampoline. To complete the project, the children planted flowers in the school’s wellbeing garden – it’s now a calm and welcoming space.
The play area is now open, go and enjoy it!
We want the children to play there, to treasure and protect it. Even once they’ve outgrown the play area, we hope they will continue to take pride in their work on the project, their local environment and seeing the next generation of children having fun in the play area.
Stephanie Lai, Project Manager in Thamesmead
Could an apprenticeship be right for you?
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week in February, Peabody colleagues joined Greenwich residents at the Royal Borough of Greenwich Apprenticeship Summit.
Residents had the chance to hear from organisations offering apprenticeships, connect with potential employers and learn about industries and roles.
People often don’t realise that Peabody and our partners can support residents into apprenticeships. They’re a great way to learn new skills and gain access to a company or sector you want to work in.
Get involved
If you’re interested in an apprenticeship, or know someone who is, visit peabody.org.uk/apprenticeships or contact Larry Evans larry.evans@peabody.org.uk
Sowing seeds
for success
A day in the life of Peabody Gardener, Simon Bowen
Preparation for summer is well underway in our gardens. Simon in our North Counties Gardening team shares what he’s been up to, as we get ready for everything to bloom.
“I work as a gardener, and I’ve been doing this kind of work since I left school. I always enjoyed being outdoors and getting my hands dirty, so working within landscaping is second nature for me.
Since the start of the year, we’ve been looking at what needs to be done to get the estates ready for better weather. We’re picking up any litter, taking care of the grass, clearing out weeds from gutters and putting down fresh bark.
We also look after all the planting, so we know a lot about different plants. Everything must be planted at the right time and in the right place to look its best in summer.
The first cutting of the year is happening now. You’ll see us working to cut back bushes first and then the grass. After this, we’ll be back regularly to make sure everything is looking tip top.
I take great pride in the work we do. It takes a lot of work, especially in the warmer months when everything is growing quickly, but we know it looks and feels much nicer for everyone when a space is tidy and looks good. It’s so rewarding.
I meet a lot of residents while we’re out and about, and it’s always nice to have a chat. A lot of people ask us for advice on their own gardening, and it’s great that we can pass on our knowledge to help them. We learn as much from them as they can from us!”
I always enjoyed being outdoors and getting my hands dirty, so working within landscaping is second nature for me.
Sound interesting?
Give gardening a go! Apply to become a gardener on one of our estates and help brighten community spaces.
What are the perks?
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Paid volunteering days
• Learn on the job and get qualified through an apprenticeship
Get more information peabodygroup.org.uk/careers Join Peabody From gardeners and care and support to caretaker roles, take a look at jobs available at Peabody
Spring into action
Whether you're looking to step into a new career or learn a new skill – sign up to our Career Compass email.
This regular update includes the latest job opportunities, training workshops and top tips to stand out.
info.peabody.org.uk/career-compass-email
Need support?
We offer CV advice, interview coaching and guidance on skills or training to help you succeed. info.peabody.org.uk/jobs
My Peabody
Have you heard of My Peabody?
My Peabody is the easy way to access our services and information about your home, online, when it’s convenient for you.
You can:
• Raise and track repairs
• See your repair history
• Access services
• Pay your rent
• Update your personal details
It’s simple, safe and is available 24/7.
Register or log in info.peabody.org.uk/my-peabody
How did we do?
Like what you’re reading? Wish there was more on your local area? Want to know more about issues that affect you?
This magazine is about you, - so let us know how we can improve it.
online1.snapsurveys.com/magazine-feedback
PeaPod, the podcast for Peabody residents
PeaPod brings together voices from across Peabody to answer your common questions and share helpful tips and advice.
Each episode is focused on issues that matter to you, with insights from experts and stories from within our communities. Catch up on episodes discussing moving home, how to manage antisocial behaviour and a Q&A with our Contact Centre.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts peapod.buzzsprout.com
Keep it clear, keep it safe
Spring is the traditional time of year to have a good old clean up and clear out. Here are some free, easy and safe ways to get rid of or donate your clutter.
• Most local councils provide a collection service (sometimes for free!), if you’ve got any large items to get rid of, check and see if your council can help.
• Donate your items to a local charity shop. Whether it’s clothes you no longer wear, household items you don’t use or books you’ve read, charity shops are a great way to give your belongings a second lease of life.
• Sell your old clothes and items on places like Vinted and eBay. Your clothes will have a new lease of life and you could make a few pounds!
Whatever you decide to do with your unwanted things, please remember not to store them in communal areas before taking them out or waiting for them to be collected. They can be a trip hazard or cause a block if you or your neighbours need to get out in an emergency.
Stay safe
peabody.org.uk/fire-safety
Keep communal areas clear peabody.org.uk/communal-areas
Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
You can call us on 0300 123 3456
You can also use My Peabody: info.peabody.org.uk/my-peabody
