PCH InTouch Newsletter - Autumn 2014

make it happen

InTouch Issue 20 Autumn 2014

A Day in the Life with our Repairs Team

Work ing f o r Plym Helpi outh ng pe op into w le Page ork 10

Get your r boile ed servic t to ortan So impis done. get th e 9 Pag

Inside this issue Open for business Page 3

Protect your information Page 4

We are 5!

Page 5

Adaptations for your home Page 14

Hello InTouch

Call us on 0800 694 3101

Hello!

ellaorwd P e n i a El f the Bo Chair

o

This Autumn edition of InTouch is packed full of information and ideas.

We continue to work hard across the city to make things better things for communities, from improving our homes, to helping people into work and supporting local businesses.

spent a day with Norman Johns who works as part of our Repairs Team.

Find out how he can turn his hand to most repairs and why it’s the people who make the job on page 12.

There’s some authentic Americana in the latest business to rent one of our commercial properties – read more about Holland’s Diner on page 3.

We’re also making homes safe for residents whose needs have changed – there’s more on page 14 – and for those who need support alarms in their homes (more on page 5) as well We want to support the local economy as making sure essential gas checks as much as we can – partly through are carried out in every home once a work opportunities and training. You year – you can find out why making can read about what’s been done and keeping your appointment is so so far, before we do more to provide important on page 9. support in the future on page 6.

As well as looking after our existing Safety is one of our top priorities, so homes, we’re looking to the future Communications Officer Jill Turner with an update on our developments

Inside 3 Top Story 4 House Fires 5 Wildflowers

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6 Manufacturing 7 Stock Condition Survey 8 Coffee Break Survey Feedback

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on page 7, plus a note from Chief Executive Clive Turner about why new homes are so important to the city on page 6.

As ever, we want to hear what you think, and your letters, tweets and Facebook comments are on page 9.

I hope you enjoy the read and I look forward to hearing your views,

Elaine Pellow Chair of the Board

9 Boiler servicing 10 Working for Plymouth 12 A Day in the Life...

14 Adaptations 16 Land Development 19 Letters page 20 Contacts

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Top Story InTouch

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Holland’s Diner open for business A new American-themed diner has opened in one of our commercial properties in Frankfort Gate.

Following a year of planning, research and burger tasting, Chris and Tracy Holland are now running Holland’s Diner. It’s full of original memorabilia, friendly staff and 1950s rock ‘n’ roll playing on the Wurlitzer jukebox.

bubblegum and candyfloss colours. It took just over two months to complete the work, with Chris and Tracy doing almost all of it themselves, including laying the chequered floor.

The diner employs 11 local staff of which five are apprentices found Chris and Tracy both wanted to bring through the 1000 Club, a project set a slice of authentic Americana to up to address youth unemployment Plymouth and have done just that by in Plymouth. The serving staff have been chosen for their personalities creating an eatery like nothing else in the city. Chris said: “Initially people and smiles, and Tracy says she has come in for the atmosphere, but they “the best team you could ever want.”

Local artist and PCA graduate Is come back for the food.” The diner offers a wide range of American style Draws painted the bespoke mural you food including their special ‘New York, can see as you enter the diner.

New York’ burger as well as gluten Graham Rickard from our free and vegetarian options.

Commercial & Leasehold Team dealt with the letting and said: “Chris and The double fronted store was completely transformed from an old Tracy’s enthusiasm and excitement model store to what you see now, a at having found the right premises fully fitted, bespoke American diner in and location was obvious right away

and I knew they would make the ideal tenants. Their efforts have now paid off and they certainly deserve to succeed – we wish them a long and prosperous future as PCH tenants.”

Future plans for Holland’s Diner include running events with live music, vintage fairs, craft fairs and themed dress up days. Chris said: “We want to work with local businesses to bring more people to Frankfort Gate.”

You can find out more about PCH commercial properties on our website or by calling 0800 0282 172.

It’s full of original memorabilia, friendly staff and 1950s rock ‘n’ roll playing on the Wurlitzer jukebox.

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What would you do if this was your home?

It’s the sort of thing that we all think will never happen to us.

But with 41,000 fires in the home every year, according to government figures, one day you could be the unlucky one.

Protecting your information We want to make sure you stay safe, and this includes protecting your personal details.

If someone else gets in touch with us on your behalf, we’ll need your permission to speak to them before we carry on the conversation. So if anyone - including partners, carers, sons and daughters - gets in touch to talk about anything relating to your home and they’re not the tenancy holder, we’ll send you a Third Party Permission form to complete so that we have confirmation you’re happy for us to speak to them.

Without this form, only the person named on the tenancy agreement should be discussing their home.

Of course your safety is our top priority, so we will always deal with emergencies, but introducing these measures will help us to make sure we’re keeping your personal information safe too.

Smoke alarms can hopefully ensure the family gets out but the damage done to your belongings can be both heartbreaking and costly.

smoke-damaged furniture, electrical goods and other furnishings and take away the worry of where to find the money.

The resident who lived in this property (pictured) found herself having to replace a few thousand pounds worth of essential items, even down to cutlery and children’s toys, after a blaze swept through all rooms in her home.

You may like to think about the National Housing Federation’s My Home contents insurance scheme in conjunction with Jardine Lloyd Thompson and Allianz Insurance plc.

The £25,000 cost of redecorating and repairing the building was covered

by PCH but all personal effects and furnishings were down to the resident.

While items of sentimental value can never be replaced, home contents insurance can help with replacing 4

The advantage of this scheme is there is no excess, which is where many people find high costs. You can be insured for as little as 84p a week and the policy will also cover accidental damage.

Liz Lawson, Customer Assurance Assistant, said: “Already this year we

have had five accidental fires – largely unattended flames (like candles)and cooking related incidents. My role is to oversee the reinstatement of the properties, so I see at first-hand the heartbreak that can be caused and the worry about how to replace contents lost in a fire. While PCH will repair the property, we cannot pay for items lost so I would urge everyone to take out home contents insurance.”

To find out more contact Jean Rogers, PCH Finance Officer, on 01752 388333 or go to our website.

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Wildflowers We’re creating great places to live right across the city – including for our local wildlife!

We planted wildflower seeds outside our headquarters, Plumer House in Crownhill and it’s already proving popular with bees and other pollinating insects.

Over time more flowers will appear which should increase the amount and diversity of insects and birds in the area. An information sign has been put up next to the wildflowers to help you identify the plants and insects you may see.

We are 5!

Chief Executive Clive Turner said: “People are at the heart of Plymouth Community Homes. Everything we do is about making an impact for our In November, it’ll be 5 years since residents, for our communities and for PCH began – an important milestone our city. We don’t always get it right, for everyone involved. To mark the and there is a lot of work ahead. But anniversary, we’re looking at the as we approach a milestone birthday difference we’re making – for homes, and look back at how we started as an for people, for communities and for independent organisation, it’s important Plymouth. that we acknowledge how far we’ve We’re telling the stories of five residents, come. We could think of no better way to mark this special time than to hand five members of staff and five partners it over to PCH people – residents, staff over the five months on our website, and partners – to tell their own stories.” with a special anniversary edition of InTouch bringing all of the stories We’d love to hear your story too – together in November. if you have a story to share, please let us know by emailing news@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk or share on social media using #ourPCH

Find out more about the people in your city We hold regular Equalities Cafes to give you the chance to hear from people from all areas of our community.

We invite speakers to tell us about their work and experiences, based around protected characteristics listed in the Equality Act 2010. Recent speakers have covered subjects including domestic violence, dementia and faith.

If you’re interested in coming to an Equalities Café, look out for future events on our website and social media, or call Liz Lawson on 01752 389781.

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Manufacturing goes national Our Manufacturing Team made an impression at the annual Chartered Institute of Housing conference promoting the work our Manufacturing Services do here in Plymouth.

Last year more than 7,500 attended the event and it is one of the biggest events in the housing sector.

For the first time our manufacturing team was a big presence, using the event to showcase the work we are doing for the open market.

PCH are unusual among housing associations in that we have our own manufacturing arm. Any surpluses we make are invested back in the community.

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Traditionally our factories (Joinery Shop, Metal Shop, Sign Shop and Window Shop) have supplied products for all the social housing in our care.

Now that our major refurbishment works are nearly complete, we’re branching out into other markets in order to create revenue we can put back into housing in Plymouth.

Sales and Specification Estimator Simon Russell said: “Things are going very well and the interest has been

“We are creating links with some big players within housing and construction”

really encouraging. Some leads have been created with some big players within the housing and construction sectors.”

Mark Dibbens, Head of Manufacturing, said: “What drives all this is our commitment to Plymouth and passion for being a social enterprise. And by supporting us, local people know that they in turn are supporting the city.”

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Stock condition survey In our Spring edition, we let you know about a Stock Condition Survey we’re carrying out to help us work out what repairs and maintenance will be needed on our homes over the next 30 years.

Lots of work is going on to make sure you’re involved in decisions about PCH. You may have spotted Trevor the Trailer or a red gazebo in your neighbourhood this summer – we’ve been asking you what we can do to make sure you can get involved if you want to. From what you’ve told us so far, 75% of you would like to have more of a say in the decisions affecting your home and neighbourhood.

There’s also a Resident Involvement Steering Group made up of eight residents and five members of PCH staff. Their aim is to come up with a new Resident Involvement Strategy, which will take into account anything you’ve told us on the tour.

And we’ve spoken to tenants’ and residents’ groups across the city to look at the difference they make to their communities, what they want to do in the future and how we can support them.

If you would like more information, please contact the Communities Team on 0800 917 9457 or email deborah.beadle@ plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk We’re close to finishing the surveys now, and when we get the results, we’ll let you know what we’ve found and what we’re planning to do.

As well as looking at buildings, we’re also checking to see what improvements we can make to our communal areas and outside spaces, including things like garages, landscaping and lighting – we want to

create an environment in which our communities can thrive.

Once we’ve completed the surveys, we’ll let you know the results and what we’re planning to do as a result.

If you want to see what the surveying process involves, there’s a video on our website – search for ‘Stock Condition Survey.’

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Coffee Break Survey Feedback In our Spring edition of InTouch we asked you for your feedback on how we are doing with our communications – a big thank you to all who took part. This research plus four focus groups provided us with considerable insight into your perceptions and how you like to get information from us.

The findings suggest that over the past five years we have increased our visibility, reputation and influence in communities. You’ve noticed things like more of our teams working out in the community, clearly branded vehicles and even the signage outside many PCH buildings. The three big areas that you like us to talk about are improvements we are making to homes, ways in which we are improving the appearance and safety of neighbourhoods and how we are investing in your community.

We were delighted to hear that you enjoy receiving and reading the InTouch magazine and we are already tweaking the format to include your feedback - more resident letters, extra support in dealing with problems and promoting our social media activity more.

We are also encouraged to hear that nine of ten of you feel that is important for us to speak out about big issues on your behalf. With many life changing reforms taking place, we feel it is important to be a joined up voice over issues such as bedroom tax and Universal Credit – both areas which we know have a big impact for many of you.

Overall, it is pleasing to hear that you see us as more than a housing provider and very much part of the wider Plymouth community.

Everyone who completed a survey by the deadline was given the chance to be added to our prize draw to win one of ten £25 Love2shop vouchers and we have randomly selected ten winners. Congratulations to: C Meager J Waterall S Minto P Ashton J Wheeler

B Adams A Butriene

M Springett K Walker M Nunes

“We have increased our visibiity, reputation and influences in communities”

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Have you had your boiler serviced?

Last year, 40 people in the UK died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

We have to check your boiler once a year by law to make sure everything is working properly and you’re safe when you use your heating or hot water. A lot of boilers have been upgraded recently which means they’re a lot less likely to have problems, but we still need to check.

rent money. A quick phone call to rearrange means you can help us to get to more people more quickly.”

Gas Servicing Contracts Manager Geoff Smith said: “We’ll get in touch with you a couple of months before your check is due with details of an appointment. If you can’t make an appointment, please give us a call – we don’t mind re-arranging and would rather do that than send a gas engineer to an empty house.

We’re also in the process of installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all of our homes – if your alarm is going off, if you can smell gas or if you think you’re suffering the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (dull headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness and chest pains) you can call the Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999 – this national service will send someone to you immediately to make things safe.

If you do need to arrange another appointment, call the number on your appointment letter or give our Repairs Line a call on 0808 230 6500.

“Each missed appointment is time which could be used to carry out a check at another address, and instead, we’re sending out letters and re-arranging appointments - ultimately Gas engineers, including those from that means we’re using more of your PCH, have a legal obligation to make sure any problems are made safe.

As a tenant you are responsible for

your cooker, but if there is a problem which means it isn’t gas safe, we will disconnect it and make it safe, and you will have to have it repaired or replaced by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

Carbon monoxide can also be produced by solid fuel, so to make sure all of our residents are safe, we’re sending chimney sweeps to all of our homes with solid fuel fires. As well as making sure the chimney is clear, they’ll check the condition of the chimney while they’re there.

On top of these checks, we have industry approved operatives to make sure your home is safe from Legionella and asbestos.

Accidents involving carbon monoxide and gas are rare, but it’s partly because we have teams working around the clock to make sure you’re safe. If you’re worried about safety issues in your home, please give us a call.

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Working for Plymouth

Building a thriving community is about more than providing a roof over people’s heads. We’re committed to making sure everyone can contribute to their community by creating opportunities to allow people to improve their skills and get into work.

At the moment, we’re looking at ways we can change or improve on what we offer to people who want to get a job or take part in some training, so we can do more in the future.

We support weekly Work Clubs with other partners in Devonport, Whitleigh, West Park and St Budeaux – these have proven popular. At the clubs, you can get help with using computers to search and apply for work, advice with CV writing and help filling in application forms. Other agencies such as the libraries and Working Links are there too, so a wide range of advice and help is available.

We also to offer Learn For Free training to PCH residents. Courses include paediatric first aid, IT skills

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and food hygiene (the latest courses are in the Learn for Free leaflet you’ll find with this issue). Topics are chosen according to demand, so if there’s something you want to learn, ask if we can help.

for apprenticeships and training, but couldn’t find anything directly suitable for me. As a PCH resident I know the organisation supports people to get back into work, so I got in touch and found out about this. The placement has exceeded my expectations, I’ve learnt I have skills I never knew I had.

I wanted to boost my employability, and doing this is proof I have the skills and it’s all down on paper.”

If you need access to a computer to work on your CV or an application form, we can help with that too. You can use computers at any of the Work Clubs, in our City Centre Shop in Frankfort Gate or in our computer This placement has been run as a area at our headquarters in Crownhill, pilot scheme this time and will help Plumer House. us decide if it’s something we can do again in the future.

Zoe Nile has just taken part in a pilot work experience programme at Some PCH staff act as mentors for PCH, spending four weeks getting people from Shekinah Mission, one a taster of what happens in various of our nominated charities. This helps teams. She said: “I had been looking people who have been out of the work

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“The placement exceeded my expectations, I’ve learnt I have skills I never knew I had” system for a while gain the confidence the Financial Inclusion and Income and skills to get back into work.

Recovery Team. She said: “I did a Foundation Degree in Business As well as simply having a job, we Management, but when I looked for want to encourage people to build a job afterwards, everyone wanted on their skills. For this reason, we practical experience. I only thought encourage our staff to continue about an apprenticeship when it was training and learning throughout their the only way to get experience in this careers at PCH – we’ve won an award environment. But now, I have learnt from City College Plymouth for the lots and gained lots of experience. I’d work we’ve done to allow 70 members like to stay with PCH, but if I do have of our Environmental Team achieve to apply for a job elsewhere, I feel that their NVQ Level 2 in cleaning.

I’ve got the experience I need.”

We have taken on apprentices in areas from our Ranger team to finance and admin – Phillippa Alder is completing her Business Admin apprenticeship while working in

Head of Performance, Policy and Strategic Projects Peter McNamara said: “We’ve helped people from across the community - even first year medical students who need to

complete a community based project are invited to spend some time with us.

“We are now looking at what we can continue to do and what we could possibly do in the future, to support local people and the local economy.”

In future editions of InTouch, we’ll let you know what has been decided and what we’ll be able to offer to people looking for work or training in the city.

We’ve helped people from across the community

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A Day in the Life of...

Norman Johns Multi-skilled Operative Communications Officer Jill Turner spent a day with Norman Johns finding out how the Repairs Team works as efficiently as possible, and why the best part of the job can also be the worst.

“I try to put a smile on people’s faces”

Norman said: “Each day is different.

Sometimes I’ll have lots of little jobs that I can sort quickly, like today’s fixing of a rotary drier with a concrete Each day, calls will come into the base. The other day I had to fix PCH repairs line to be logged. They posts for a chain link fence and get are then divided up among the staff that up which took hours. We carry Norman Johns is one of the 80 according largely to location and as much as we can in the van and tradesmen skilled to deal with most the details sent electronically to the of the problems a tenant may have handheld monitor. As jobs can change need to keep it stocked so we can be with their home – with the exception during the day, the operative will need adaptable to anything.” of gas or electrics which is handled to continue checking the monitor in by specialist staff for safety reasons. case things are added. If they run out Today’s jobs for Norman include two rotary driers, a roof repair, a stuck Although Norman began his career of work, they call into the planners rubbish shute, a diagnostic on a as a mason, he has been trained by to see if they need to go anywhere PCH in carpentry, tiling and plumbing else. This way of working means less damaged floor and blocked drains.

While out, Norman also notices a few so when he turns up on a resident’s time wasted driving long distances doorstep they can be assured that he from home, in transit between jobs or other jobs that need attention and can adapt to any task. phones them back to the planners. sitting in a site office. Some jobs are listed as ‘diagnostic’ which means He said: “I carry my work with me. We carrying out an assessment of work The planners notify residents of a are issued with a handheld monitor needed in situations where the repairs visit by letter, phone call or text but which tells us our jobs for the day and line have not been able to get a clear Norman always has his ID badge and identifies himself to tenants when I have my mobile office – my van – picture over the phone.

Unlike many other PCH staff, our repairs team often start their working day at their own homes in the morning when they check their jobs for the day ahead.

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with everything I need from ropes to ladders, drills to roofing felt.”

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Each day is different

visiting: “It’s very important, especially when you are entering someone’s home, to consider their feeling of personal safety, especially as many of our residents are vulnerable. PCH will also consider our safety too and we will be warned in advance if a resident is likely to be abusive.”

While Norman obviously has been trained to be skilled at his work, there is another aspect of doing his job that can’t really be taught – the ability to get on with people.

Norman says: “One of the two things I most enjoy about my job is meeting people and most are happy to see us and friendly. Even if they are not, we would just get on with the job and perhaps try and put a smile on their face. We’re a friend to residents,especially with those

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who live alone, maybe haven’t seen anyone for a while and want to talk to you while you are working and have a bit of a chat. In a way, I think that is part of our job at PCH whereas it probably wouldn’t be if you were working in a private organisation.”

So if there are the two things Norman most enjoys about his work, what’s the other? “It’s got to be working outside in the open air,” he says.

And the worst? “It’s got to be working outside in the open air,” he repeats, laughing. “On a sunny day, it’s the best in the world, but come winter when it can be cold and damp and dark or raining, all weathers, that can be a whole different story. That’s why I chose the people as well!”

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Adaptations Over the past five years, we’ve spent over £6.5 million on adaptations to our homes across the city – over £3 million more than we promised when we took over looking after properties from the council.

This has paid for things like access ramps, stair lifts and grab rails, which all help to make things easier for people with health or mobility issues.

Five years on, it’s time to look at the way we manage our adaptations service to make sure every resident gets what they need while making sure we’re spending our money in the best way.

To do this, we’ve reviewed our adaptations service and created a new Adaptations Policy which will make sure every one of our residents lives in a home which is best suited to their needs.

Head of Regeneration, John Orr said: “Because of the amount of work we’ve done over the past five years, we already have a lot of homes that 14

have been adapted for different needs. It makes sense to make the most of these homes, rather than spending more money on additional work.”

Now, if an Occupational Therapist suggests any work which will cost over £5,000, the suggestion will be reviewed to make sure the house is suitable for the work and that it is the right solution for the resident – for example, if a change is made to a bathroom to make it easier to use, but the person living there still has to climb a big flight of stairs to get to it, it may not be the best overall solution.

This means that not every proposed adaptation will be carried out once requested and if the resident is unable to have their current home adapted to meet their needs then

we will support them in identifying and accessing more suitable alternative accommodation.

If there isn’t a suitable alternative available and there are no options other than to carry out extensive alterations, we’ll be working with Plymouth City Council to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help pay for the work. This is capped at £30,000 per application and is means tested, so it’s possible there may need to be a contribution from the resident.

At the moment, we’re also putting out a tender for the contract for our minor and major adaptations to make sure we’re getting the best value for money, and we’ll keep you updated about what happens.

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“We’re making sure that we get the best value for money”

John said: “We want to make sure people are in a home that suits their needs while making sure we’re spending money responsibly – if a suitable home exists already, adapting another home isn’t necessarily the best option. We’re also improving our own processes, so if an adapted home becomes empty we will do our best to allocate the house to someone who needs those adaptations.”

For more details about our adaptations and to see the policy, visit our website, email housingadaptations@ plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

or call us using the numbers on the back page.

Adaptations are broken down into three categories: On Demand adaptations are for changes costing less than £1,000 and include small adjustments. You can contact the On Demand Team by calling 0800 988 7344 and letting them know you are a PCH tenant.

Minor Adaptations include anything between £1,000 and £5,000 pounds and are carried out after a referral from the Occupational Therapist (OT).

Major Adaptations are for anything which will cost over £5,000. Any major work has to be discussed by a panel including the OT and PCH to look at how feasible it is for the work to be carried out and whether the work is the best option for the resident and PCH. Any resident who has major adaptations done to their home also has to sign a Deed of Variation agreeing that we have the right to review their occupancy of that home if they no longer need the adaptation and if no longer required PCH will again support them in finding more suitable alternative accommodation.

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Clive and Land Development Lots of work is being done across the city by PCH and other developers to provide more homes for people in Plymouth.

Here, Chief Executive Clive Turner explains why these plans are so important.

I have heard with some concern recently views around Plymouth City Council’s decision to sell land to secure more housing in the city.

At Plymouth Community Homes we are responsible for housing some of the most vulnerable people in our city. We work with people every day who are working hard to overcome difficulties and get a roof over their family’s head.

Those directly affected by new housing developments must of course be fully involved in every planning application, that’s a basic right. And concerns about issues like school and road capacity are entirely legitimate ones as they affect whole communities.

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But we are facing an acute housing shortage in Plymouth. There are thousands of people in the city right now living in overcrowded and poor quality housing. Many young couples and families are finding it very difficult to make the first rung of the housing ladder. Older people looking to downsize have very limited options.

House price inflation will continue to outstrip wage rises more and more and we need a variety of homes suitable for people in many different walks of life across our city.

We know about the importance of home. It is the bedrock for families and communities to thrive. As our organisation reaches five years old that is true more than ever before.

Plymouth has the capacity to build more homes. We are the greenest city in the UK with 40 per cent being green space.

Opportunity for a better life starts with a roof over the head. I hope that as a city we adopt a balanced approach to this issue in order to sustain Plymouth and the people who live here for years to come.

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Development update Development and regeneration with communities in Plymouth has never been so important to us.

Head of Development Andrew Lawrie tell us more.

North Prospect change being recognised We’ve recently for the first time had results from a survey of residents in ‘Phase 1A’ in North Prospect. We were really gratified to find out that 96% of residents are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of their new home.

In two recent surveys in Plymouth and the wider South West, the homes built in North Prospect scored extremely highly for quality and design compared to other new housing built by other housing associations.

So we’re pleased to know that we’re getting it right for most people in North Prospect and that is being recognised.

But for us by far the most important result was that 96% of people said they felt safe in their new home. We want to help create places where people want to live, so we’re so pleased to hear from our residents that they are feeling this change.

Residents at the heart of our planning This year we took three residents with us to the ‘Source Development Partnership

Conference’ – a meeting of housing associations, including residents, from across the South West.

This was an important opportunity because it offers residents the chance to feed into the design of future schemes.

Using photographs and plans, residents offered feedback about what works for them and what doesn’t.

It was great to have time with residents and talk in depth about the design of their homes. By doing that, it’s the only way we can make sure we keep on improving standards of our homes.

We’re looking forward to involving more residents next year - we’re interested in finding a core group who are interested in design so we can involve them from the early stages of development. Please do get in touch if you’d like to know more using the contact details on the back page.

Future development plans

Homes as you can read about in Clive’s letter opposite. Plymouth is feeling the effects of the housing crisis, with thousands of people struggling to find a decent affordable home, and many more thousands on the housing waiting list. We think this makes an overwhelming case for development.

Much of our development is dependent on funding. But we’re hoping to build new homes in the future in different parts of the city. We’re also think it’s really important that we build houses specially designed for residents who are wheelchair users, because there are so few of these in the city. In many cases, it makes more financial sense and offers better value for money for us to this then to take on major adaptations on existing homes.

We’re committed to creating new homes for people in different places and different situations across the city. We look forward to updating our residents as our plans evolve. Watch this space!

You may have read about our plans to develop new homes in future. We see this as a vital role for Plymouth Community

Replacing our Emergency Support Alarms We’re updating the emergency support alarms in all of our over 60s bungalows and flats At the moment, these properties have an alarm with a pull cord and pendant which residents can activate if they need help.

It notifies a company called Careline who can arrange for help.

Newer, more advanced and more reliable systems are now available, so we’re replacing the alarms with a system made

by Tyntec called ‘Reach’. It comes with a more discreet pendant for each resident which they can wear around their neck, on their wrist or on a belt loop, plus a call button on a unit.

The new system can also contact someone for help more quickly and can be adapted if a resident’s needs change – for example, we can install fall detectors.

We’ve just completed a very successful pilot replacement programme at Dunnet Road, so now we’re starting work on homes across the rest of the city.

Mrs Giles lives in one of the homes in the pilot project and said: “The new alarm is better than the pull cords – it’s neater and more convenient. I’m partially sighted, and I can see the red light on this alarm One of the main advantages of this system clearly. is that each alarm works independently – currently, if there is a fault in one property, “The men who fitted the alarm were polite, cleaned up and explained everything; it it affects others in the area. Now, if there made you more confident in using it. I is a fault in one property, others won’t be think everyone who lives around here is affected and it will be quicker for us to fix pleased with it.” any problems.

We’re going to replace around 1,400 alarms in bungalows and flats before looking at how to upgrade the Sheltered Schemes where our Housing with Support Officers work.

The disruption’s being kept to a minimum – the old box will be removed and replaced with a blanking plate and the cords will be cut, but the roses will be left in the ceiling to reduce the mess.

Anyone living in one of our properties with an alarm will be sent a letter with more information about what’s going to happen and when. If you have any questions you can contact Chris Teague on 01752 388112.

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e one of the If you want to b f latest edition o first to read the to via our website p -u n g si , ch u InTo – ur email inbox get it sent to yo bar on the look for the red Home page.

Rea plymouth d about us at comm tweet @P unityhomes.co.u k, ly or ‘like’ o mCommHomes ur Faceb facebook ook .com/Ply mouthCo page, mmunity Homes

Our Annual ut! o s i t r o p e R , how ne hat we’ve do It tells you w lanning p e ’r e w what we did it and to do next.

ings read about th In it, you can w homes e building ne like how we’r e have, g the ones w and improvin omy and e local econ supporting th where eate places working to cr to live. people want ur version on o See the full p co y sent you’d like a website or if Edwards ct Charlotte to you, conta 8366. on 01752 38

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face, you can k to us face to ea sp to t an w If you nhill or our House in Crow come to Plumer Gate. op in Frankfort City Centre Sh are: Opening times am until 5pm 30 8: : sday Monday – Thur until 4:30pm Friday: 8:30am tre Shop sit the City Cen You can also vi midday. d tween 9am an on Saturdays be

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W

What can we do to he lp you get the most out of your home?

We can

come to you if you’d like to talk face to face about things w e can do to help you get the most ou t of your home and com munity.

You don’t have to take up this offer but we’d love to he ar from you.

If you’d like us to visit you, ple ase contact your lo cal housing tea m – all of our details a re on the back page.

Get it sent to yo ur email inbox – look for the red bar in the Home page.

plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

InTouch

Dear PCH...

Big thank you!

Tree Surgeo to the resncsu e!

I am so ple ased with th e help I have had from yo I will cut a lo u.

I’m writing to thank you for all the ng story sh home for 2 o improvements you’ve made to my home 3 years, for rt. I have lived here a t my the last 12 trying to ge recently. ye t th got dangero e tree outside my ho ars I’ve been m us for every path. one who use e cut back – it The kitchen/bathroom of course which I am so d the steps and pleased with – so much easier to use and to I went to P CH keep clean. New doors which make me feel Many thanks to see if they could he safer and look lovely. Then this year the new at the Fran to all who helped with lp and they did. kfort Gate sh this, all tho outside insulation which has made our house se surgeons w o ho have ma p and to the three tre one of the smartest in the street! I’m already e de it safer fo r everyone feeling the difference in the warmth indoors. .

Yours very sincerely, Mrs A Jon es, Southw Finally, yesterday I had a lovely new fire ay fitted after my old gas one was becoming too difficult to turn on. What a transformation!

I would like to say how impressed I was with the work and with the gas fitter and electrician who did it. Such nice, pleasant men and they did such a clean job – I never even had to tidy up afterwards. Please thank them for me.

All in all I am so pleased, my home has never been better (I’ve been here since 1971). PCH should be proud of the work they are doing for tenants.

Yours truly, P Pike, Southway

What have you got to say?

We always want to hear what you’ve got to say.

If you’ve got something you’d like us to include, email news@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk or write to: InTouch Newsletter Plymouth Community Homes Plumer House Tailyour Road Plymouth PL6 5DH Please include your name and contact details. We will not print your details in full. We reserve the right to edit letters. The views published are the views of the contributor and may not be those of Plymouth Community Homes.

Above and beyond!

You’ve been letting us know what you think via social media…

D&C Devonport PCSOs @Devonport_PCSOs This morning we are joining our local residents for coffee at Marlborough House with @DSFireUpdates & @PlymCommHomes #devonportfocusweek Alan Inman-Ward @alan_inmanward Very enjoyable day with Clare from @PlymCommHomes it’s great to learn from each other and share insight hopefully it was worth the trip!

I am writing this e-mail to inform you in print of how pleased and happy I am with the work being undertaken at my home (so far!!). Every member of the team of workmen has treated me and my home with respect. They have all been very polite and also taken into consideration my family pets (2 dogs). Beverley White is always very obliging and will help if she can. If she is unable to do so she points us in the right direction.

Spectrum Housing @SpectrumHousing @PlymCommHomes If residents have any key housing development questions to put forward at #SourceDev14, tweet them using this hashtag

Mr John Watchman has sorted a couple of minor issues for me within what I can only describe as a reasonable time schedule, without any fuss.

I must also mention Michael (plasterer) he has worked today from 8am with no lunch and done a fabulous job in my kitchen and also left my home at 6.30ish cleaner than it was when he arrived this morning. I realise all these people are “only doing their jobs” but a few have gone above and beyond.

May I take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE involved. I appreciate it very much indeed.

Plymouth Sports @sportplymouth Massive thanks to @TheresaNdo and the umpires who delivered #plymouth games netball and the sponsor @PlymCommHomes! great effort all round.

Many thanks indeed Mrs Sharon Davis allison trimble @allisontrimble1 @ClivePCH @PlymCommHomes thanks Clive.lovely to work with your team & experience the PCH culture of care, respect & commitment.

Clive Turner @ClivePCH Three handsome chaps working hard to promote @PlymCommHomes manufacturing services at CIH Manchester conference pic.twitter. com/ENkTMUOKOX

All Ways Apples Festival Today I went on a tour of gardens in Stonehouse! Amazing secret gardens and an orchard hidden away off the beaten track and then refreshments in a beautiful garden overlooking Stonehouse Creek. Tour organized by the gardeners and tea & refreshments supplied by Plymouth Community Homes who own the land.

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Contact numbers

Plymouth City Council contacts

Repairs 0808 230 6500 Out of hours repairs: 0800 917 9459 (5pm to 7am)

Enquiries (including waste and out of hours) 01752 668000

Debit/Credit Card Payment Line 0844 557 8321

Report fly tipping 01752 304147

Head Office 0800 694 3101

Housing options 01752 305496

City Centre Shop 01752 389778 Estover Team 0800 917 9496 Devonport Team 0800 917 9497

Newsletter Translations

Whitleigh Team 0800 917 9498 North Prospect Team 0800 917 9499 Anti-social behaviour out of hours hotline 0800 028 7377 Housing with Support Team 0800 917 9452 Communities Team 0800 917 9457 Leaseholders 01752 388094 Environmental Services 0800 917 9455 Gas Servicing 01752 388028/388030

Plymouth Community Homes Plumer House Tailyour Road, Crownhill Plymouth PL6 5DH T

0800 694 3101

info@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk E

W plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk twitter.com/PlymCommHomes

facebook.com/PlymouthCommunityHomes youtube.com/user/plymouthch

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