At home summer 2017

Home 92 | Summer 2017

Am Se res od ep i ag de el es 16 nt & 17

The magazine for Poole Housing Partnership residents

Community gardens... community spaces

The great PHP Bake Off 2017 starts inside ...bigger and better!

Where people grow together

Annual Residents’ Conference March 2017 A great day involving you

INSIDE

/PooleHousing www.YourPHP.org.uk

Bourne cultural event I Sheltered roadshows I Digital inclusion

Home WELCOME ...to the Summer edition of At Home.

Alternative formats We can supply this information in large print, on audio CD or in your language. We can also send you a magnifier. Please call 01202 264436 to discuss your requirements.

Welcome to the new edition of At Home, which once again showcases the amazing achievements of our residents, as well as keeping you updated on the many things that are happening across our homes.

A particular highlight for me this time has been reading about one of our resident Board members and what she finds useful about being on the Board (page 10).

We are always looking for more people to join our Board and hopefully this will give you a flavour of what they do.

I attended the resident conference in March and enjoyed joining in the discussions about how PHP are supporting our communities and what changes we can make over the next year or so. These discussions always flag up new ideas and suggestions and the team is looking forward to working with residents to put a lot of these into practice.

“...OUR ATTENTION NOW TURNS TO THE 62 NEW HOMES WE ARE CONSTRUCTING AT CANFORD HEATH ROAD.”

At Home At Home is produced for Poole Housing Partnership residents.

We would like to include your own news, views and articles in future issues of At Home. Please send them to the address below, call 01202 264436 or email phpcomms@poole.gov.uk.

Poole Housing Partnership Ltd Beech House 28-30 Wimborne Road Poole BH15 2BU Designed by Perception Printed by The Print Agency Distributed by Postcare The copyright of At Home is owned by Poole Housing Partnership and the content should not be reproduced without permission.

We continue to focus on trying to build more social housing for our communities and with Trinidad Extra Care Village now open and working well (pages 18 and 19), our attention turns to the 62 new homes we are constructing at Canford Heath Road (page 4). The contractors are on site and build has started, which is very exciting.

PHP is also working closely with the council on a review of how housing services will be carried out in the future. Over the summer, the council will be looking at different delivery models to understand the most cost effective way to deliver housing services. This would decide whether PHP will continue to deliver housing services in some form, or they should be brought back “in house” to be delivered by the council. More details are available on the PHP and BoP websites if you want further information.

In the meantime, PHP continues to focus on the things that you tell us you care about, a lot of which is showcased in this edition, from your involvement with the community gardens (page 11), to the work of the scrutiny panel (page 15). Residents continue to shape and influence the services they receive and the environments they live in.

I am very proud to be PHP’s Chief Executive and a few of the reasons why are included in this issue. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I have.

www.facebook.com/PooleHousing twitter.com/PooleHousing

2

At Home | Summer 2017

Su Spence Chief Executive

WHAT’S IN

Home

Benefit changes April 2017 ..................6

Community Gardens community spaces...11

PHP Bake Off is back bigger and better ....12

Sheltered roadshows the results ................14

Applaud it - a model resident....................16

Trinidad Village Extra Care scheme............18

News just in............................................................................................................................................4 The Helpdesk Team ...............................................................................................................................8 You should always see ID .......................................................................................................................8 Spotlight on electrical safety .................................................................................................................9 Annual residents’ conference ..............................................................................................................10 A resident’s pathway to the board ......................................................................................................10 The Sea Music project ..........................................................................................................................11 Bourne Cultural event ..........................................................................................................................14 Are you digitally included? ..................................................................................................................15 Our services scrutinised .......................................................................................................................15 Applaud it ............................................................................................................................................17 The right to buy your home .................................................................................................................20 Fire doors and fire safety .....................................................................................................................22 Mend it Mike .......................................................................................................................................23 Adoption and fostering ......................................................................................................................24

At Home | Summer 2017

3

NEWS JUST IN New homes at Canford Heath The new housing development at the old Gravel Hill Police Station site is now well underway, with the construction of 62 affordable one and two bedroom apartments across 3 separate blocks.

The site will also include 6 apartments for young people with severe mental and physical impairment. We have appointed C G Fry Ltd to carry out the work and the project is due to be completed by the end of October 2018.

Main points so far: • As part of the construction design phase - Internal client design groups have been formed to ensure the general and specialist needs of future residents are incorporated into the final design • Tree removal works were completed at the end of February ahead of the bird nesting season • Site enabling works commenced in March with site clearance, tree root protection works and site boundary fencing • All planning obligations were submitted and approved by the local authority Planning Officer in April, enabling the construction phase to commence • The concrete foundation to the old Police Station was broken up and crushed on site over the two week Easter holiday period and stored on site ready for recycling into the foundation for the new development

PHP and C G Fry Ltd are working closely with Montacute School, a key neighbour to the development, to discuss how we can minimise disruption to the school's operation. In particular: • The joint access road to the school entrance during the construction of the 6 apartments block • Impact and reduction of “noise” nuisance that could upset some of the pupils • Agreed level of regular communication with school representatives, on the planning and management of the contractors construction programme A regular resident newsletter will be produced advising on the project’s progress and distributed to the neighbouring homes around the development site.

Regular updates will be posted on our Facebook page and you can also find out more on our website at: www.yourphp.org.uk/canfordheath/ If you have any queries or concerns regarding the development, please contact the Project Development Officer on 0800 6523 900.

Bin it!

PHP have again funded 76 green bins across many of the sheltered schemes this year.

These bins are provided for use by all residents who help to look after the communal spaces and some of the magnificent communal gardens that we have across the borough.

Unfortunately we are unable to provide any more bins this year. However, if any residents or committees would like to fund their own, further information can be found on Borough of Poole’s website at www.poole.gov.uk/environment/recycling-rubbish-waste/garden-waste/ or by contacting the PHP Estates Team on 0800 6523 900.

4

At Home | Summer 2017

Turlin Moor Improvements PHP are currently consulting with tenants living in the Goathorn Close, lower Turlin Road and Junction Road area of Turlin Moor, over the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

PHP are also involving residents in “block promises.” This is an agreement between tenants about what they can do to make where they live more pleasant.

Significant improvements are proposed, including improvement to the blocks, new communal bin store areas, improvements to verges and edges, art murals and new fencing for one block.

If you live in these roads and would like to know more, please email: housingofficers.php@poole.gov.uk or call Marie Marsh on 0800 6523 900.

King John Close Improvements Following consultation with residents, PHP have this year completed a large scale improvement to King John Close as part of the Neighbourhood Improvement Scheme.

These improvements were highlighted through feedback from residents as well as results from Estate Gradings in the area.

Improvements included: • A new communal bin storage area • Improved drying areas • New seating areas • Car park resurfacing and more The work was carried out by Borough of Poole Streetscene and local residents have been absolutely delighted with the new look and facilities.

One resident said: “From start to finish everything has been done exactly right. The site was kept clean and tidy and the workmen were wonderful. All the residents are more than pleased with the work that has been done and it has made a real improvement to the area.”

PHP Surveyor Gary Nesbitt, who oversaw the project, said: “I’ve really enjoyed witnessing the transformation of the area and the positive feedback from residents when I have been on site. I hope this project will enable all the residents to use the outdoor communal areas more easily and improve the quality of their neighbourhood.”

If you would like to know more about the Neighbourhood Improvement scheme or Estate Grading in your area, please contact the Estates Team on 0800 6523 900.

At Home | Summer 2017

5

WHAT’S NEW: BENEFIT CHANGES APRIL 2017 From April 2017 there were some changes to the Welfare Benefits system.

The main ones are: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) When you first apply for ESA, you are placed in the “assessment phase”. After a medical, if you are entitled to ESA, you can be placed in the “Work Related Activity Group” or the “Support Group”. Anyone who makes a new claim for ESA (either Contributory or Income-Related) on or after 3 April 2017 and who is put in the Work Related Activity Group, will not receive the Work Related Activity Component, which is worth £29.05 per week. Instead they will get the same rate of payment as those claiming Jobseekers Allowance or the equivalent in Universal Credit. For those who do meet the Support Group criteria, there will be an additional £36.55 per week.

As a reminder: Work-related activity group You must attend regular interviews with an adviser, who can help with job goals and improving your skills.

Support group You don’t have to go to interviews, but you can ask to talk to a personal adviser. You’re usually in this group if your illness or disability severely limits what you can do.

6

At Home | Summer 2017

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Permitted work limit removed From 3 April 2017, ESA claimants who carry out “permitted work” for less than 16 hours per week and earn between £20 and £120 per week, will no longer have to give up their work or stop claiming ESA after 52 weeks.

You must tell the DWP by phoning the ESA phone line (found on your benefit advice letter) if you do permitted work or voluntary work.

Bereavement Support Payment The current bereavement benefits (Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment, Widowed Parent's Allowance) will be replaced with the new Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) for new claims from 6th April 2017. You will receive a one off payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. The amount depends on your circumstances: If you have children under 20 in full time education - first payment is £3,500 with monthly payments of £350.

If you have no children under 20 in full time education first payment is £2,500 with monthly payments of £100.

You must claim within 3 months of your husband, wife or civil partner’s death to get the full amount. You can claim up to 21 months after but your payments will be less.

Tax Credits and Universal Credit two child limit From 6 April 2017 Child Tax Credit money will be limited for some new births.

If you already have two or more children, any subsequent children born on or after 6 April 2017 will not be eligible for further tax credits. You can still receive a child element for more than two children if the children were born before 6 April 2017, unless an exception applies. This also applies for Universal Credit claimants.

Families with more than two children cannot make a new claim for Universal Credit until November 2018, even if they are in a full digital service area. They will have to claim Child Tax Credit in the meantime.

Tax Credit Family Element removed People starting a family after April 2017 will no longer be eligible for the Family Element in tax credits. The equivalent in Universal Credit, known as the First Child Element, will also not be available for new claims from April 2017. If you already have a child born before 6 April 2017, you will receive the family element of up to £545 per year.

Housing Benefit From 6 April 2017 the child addition, which forms part of the Housing Benefit calculation, will be limited for some new births. If you already have two or more children, you will not be entitled to a child addition for any subsequent children born on or after 6 April 2017, when calculating your Housing Benefit. Existing claimants can still receive a child addition for more than two children, if the children were born before 6 April 2017. New claimants can still receive a child addition for more than two children, if the children were born before 6 April 2017 and you have a Child Tax Credit (CTC) notice to show your local authority.

Universal Credit taper to be reduced from 65 per cent to 63 per cent From 10th April 2017 the taper rate that applies in Universal Credit will be reduced from 65 per cent to 63 per cent meaning that, for every additional £1 earned, the claimant will retain 37p.

If you would like to know more, please check www.gov.uk or contact the Your Money Team on 0800 6523 900 or email: yourmoney@poole.gov.uk

At Home | Summer 2017

7

THE PHP HELPDESK HERE TO HELP! The nerve centre of PHP is a group of hard working, committed and knowledgeable members of staff who are dedicated to giving residents the best customer service experience.

Meet PHP’s Helpdesk team!

Our friendly team is made up of ten Customer Service Officers (CSOs).

They are also trained receptionists, so the team is based both on the Helpdesk and on Beech House reception.

The team acts as a first point of contact for residents and people who work with PHP to provide help, support and assistance on a huge array of issues.

From logging repair requests, to arranging inspections, processing orders and directing enquiries to relevant PHP departments as well as Borough of Poole. In fact, there isn’t much that the Helpdesk doesn’t get involved with!

An important part of the CSO’s role is to keep up to date with developments within PHP, so residents benefit from a “one stop shop” when they call or visit us for help. Each member of the team spends time working alongside colleagues in various departments within PHP to build their knowledge, so they can answer residents’ enquiries quickly and efficiently.

You will always receive a warm welcome from our CSO’s and in the unlikely event they can’t help, they will always refer you to someone who can.

It couldn’t be easier to get in touch with a member of the team. You can either call 0800 6523 900, email repairs.php@poole.gov.uk or pop into Beech House reception.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEE ID! All our works are carried out using only registered contractors to ensure the safety of our customers and their homes.

For your security and peace of mind, all PHP staff and contractor teams will show their ID badges before entering your home.

Should you have any doubts about the authenticity of a card or cardholder, please call The Helpdesk immediately on 0800 6523 900.

8

At Home | Summer 2017

“DON’T USE THE TOP OF THE MICROWAVE FOR EXTRA STORAGE.”

SPOTLIGHT ON...

ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE HOME With more electrical appliances being used than ever before, the risk of electrical accidents is now much higher.

Don’t create hazards by overloading sockets and never ignore warning signs like burning smells, sounds of arcing (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping.

Hints and tips • Ensure that plugs and sockets are not damaged • Check that visible cables and leads are in good condition • Check that your light fittings are not visibly damaged • Check that you are not storing combustible materials around your fuse box, electricity meter or electrical intake • Don’t use the top of the microwave for extra storage • Never trail cables under carpets or rugs • Never take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom • Always switch off your electrical items when they are not in use We have a legal requirement to carry out electrical checks and rewires in your home. Please allow Spectrum Property Care access, if an appointment has been booked.

Your chance to win a £50 shopping voucher!

Complete our online survey at www.yourphp.org.uk/electricalsurvey or leave your feedback with Tech Team Admin on 0800 6523 900, if Spectrum Property Care has carried out an electrical test or repair at your property in the last three months. It only takes a minute to complete and you will be automatically entered into our monthly prize draw!

Good luck...!

At Home | Summer 2017

9

/

in vyooluvin g

ANNUAL RESIDENTS’ CONFERENCE - MARCH 2017 At the end of this year’s conference, which looked at important things that are happening nationally and locally, residents told us they felt most strongly about the following issues:

A resident’s pathway to the board!

• Affordable homes for the future

very unsure of my ability to do this as I had never worked in business. But a few people persuaded me to go for it, which was good advice.

My self-confidence increased more than ever before. I could help others again and be part of a wonderful group of people.

• Good neighbours with a strong sense of community spirit • A focus on local improvements • PHP and residents working together to make a difference We all finished the day on a very positive note, with the feeling that even in these difficult times, we are up for the challenges ahead!

A big thank you to our many involved residents / volunteers who work with us to achieve great things.

We will be working with our Resident Involvement Panels to see what we can do to contribute to the above priorities.

Resident, Gill said: “It was a really good day sharing ideas and experiences, as well as seeing old friends and making new ones. Residents can offer a great deal to community engagement and involvement. They bring a range of skills and experience and are often keen to continue to train and develop in new areas.”

If you would like to get involved, please contact Sandra Wilson, Resident Involvement Co-ordinator on 0800 6523 900.

10

At Home | Summer 2017

“I had been on Borough of Poole's waiting list for 14 years, when I was offered a sheltered housing flat at Christopher Crescent. It is a wonderful and happy home, beautifully kept up by PHP. In 2012 I retired after working 47 years for the NHS. Within a year I found myself wanting to be more involved with the local community. Then an article printed in 'At Home' caught my eye. It was asking if anyone would be interested in becoming a tenant member of PHP’s Board of Directors. I was

The staff at PHP are brilliant and even though they are restricted by their income, they accomplish so much for the local community. This I know is due in part to all the volunteers who give up their time to help in so very many ways and I am proud to be among them.”

If you would like a copy of our newsletter showcasing all resident involvement and community engagement projects for 2016/17, please contact the Resident Involvement Team on 0800 6523 900.

/

in vyooluvin g

David Ward / Poole Museum

SEA MUSIC

COMMUNITY GARDENS…

Art for everyone.

...community spaces - where people grow together!

PHP has been working with Poole Museum Service, who were awarded funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, to restore the iconic Sea Music sculpture by Sir Anthony Caro on Poole Quay.

PHP staff and local artist Denise Poote, worked with residents in Poole Town tower blocks, to help design Sea Music inspired artwork using Notan, the Japanese form of paper cutting, inspired

by Caro’s paper sculptures. Residents’ work has been turned into large printed panels, which will be displayed in the communal entrance foyers of Drake, Grenville, Nelson and Rodney Court.

Local resident Sandra said: “It was fun to create the artwork with my family and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished designs on display. They really will brighten up the foyer in my block.”

As local residents are increasingly running their own Community Garden projects, they are evolving more and more into ‘outdoor community centres’.

Whilst they all still grow food, there is an increasing focus on creating outdoor spaces which appeal to everyone. They also welcome other groups who might wish to use the garden. For example, this year Poole Town Community Garden (PTCG) is hosting ‘Short breaks’, which provides fun activities for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities. This summer, Turlin Moor (TMCG) and Poole Town Community Gardens will also be hosting multicultural community meals with the Sustainable Food Cities Partnership and Dorset Race Equality Council.

Local mum Emma, who has recently joined the TMCG committee, brings her son Riley, 4 and daughter Ellen, 13 to the garden most weeks. Emma said: “The kids just love it down here, whether it’s making dens, planting things, or just hanging out with their friends. Little boys just love mud and worms and we’re now growing vegetables in our own back garden!”

Monika and her daughters started coming to the PTCG garden 3 years ago. Now she is group treasurer and this year has designed all the publicity. She said: “Every year we organise events to bring neighbours and the local school to the garden to socialise. This year we're planning to bring in a toy shed!”

At Home | Summer 2017

11

COULD YOU BE OUR SUPERSTAR BAKER? THE GREAT PHP BAKE OFF 2017!

CATEGORIES There are seven categories to enter.

You can enter more than one.

Inter-generational - Under 16 and over 60 Bake with a grandparent or older neighbour (Sweet or savoury bakes) Under 11s (Sweet or savoury bakes) Under 16s (Sweet or savoury bakes) Large cake/show stopper (Can be single or multi-tier) Savoury Bake (e.g. pies, sausage rolls, pasties, quiche, savoury tarts etc.)

Allergy/gluten free (Sweet or savoury bakes diabetic, low sugar, sugar free, low fat) Home-grown bake (Using sweet or savoury items i.e. jams, chutney, home grown vegetable quiche etc.)

12

At Home | Summer 2017

The Great PHP Bake Off is back and it’s bigger and better!

This is your chance to show off your culinary skills, have lots of fun and stand a chance of winning some brilliant prizes.

Our judge will be the esteemed local baker Mark Bennett (below) owner of Patisserie Mark Bennett and winner of the British Baking Industry’s Baker of the Year award in 2014.

This year we are extending our categories to include children and adults, so any PHP resident can enter. There will be a cake sale at the end of the event, with all proceeds going to Creative Arts for Dementia, a PHP-run arts programme designed to support the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

There are many exciting prizes to be won!

From the 7 category winners, we will be looking for our “superstar” baker who will receive a genuine Great British Bake Off apron, used on the show and signed by Paul Hollywood.

You can enter by completing the form on the right, or apply online at: www.yourphp.org.uk/bakeoff2017/ The closing date is Friday 18th August 2017.

Good luck!

“EVERYONE WELCOME - AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION TO ENJOY THE DAY WITH FREE REFRESHMENTS!”

ENTRY FORM Please complete and send this entry form to: The Great PHP Bake Off 2017 Freepost PHP We will send you more details about the event and how to prepare your entry.

Name Address Postcode

OUR BIG BAKING EVENT Join us at The Spire, Poole High Street on Thursday 31st August 2017. Entries must arrive by 10.30am. Judging will start at 11.00am. There will also be lots of events going on throughout the day, including: • Free cupcake icing masterclass and “have a go” session • Bakers’ Q&As • Poole College and Adult Education - offering advice on catering and hospitality careers and jobs • Poole Jobs Hub - helping you with your CV • Live Well Dorset - advice on healthy eating Everyone welcome - and you don’t have to enter the competition to enjoy the day with FREE refreshments!

Tel number Tick each category you would like to enter (you can enter more than one) Inter-generational - Under 16 and over 60 Under 11s Under 16s Large cake/show stopper Savoury Bake Allergy/gluten free Home-grown bake Terms and conditions The Great PHP Bake Off 2017 is open to any PHP resident or dependant of an existing resident. Multiple entries accepted. Employees of PHP or Borough of Poole cannot enter. Each entry must be baked by the resident who has entered.

The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The closing date for entries is Friday 18th August 2017.

BOURNE CULTURAL FAMILY FUN DAY

/

in vyooluvin g

Great weather, great food, great turnout!

Bourne Big Local, Bourne Valley Action Group and The Youth Club did a brilliant job to put on this fun-filled event on Saturday 8th April, which was attended by over 300 local residents.

There was a fantastic range of food, music, dance and activities, with something for everyone.

Bourne Valley Action Group’s Chair, Kerry said: “It was a really good day with lots of fun and great to see so many families out enjoying themselves.”

Easter egg winners Harry and Alicia - and colouring fun on the day!

Housing Officer, Sarah Arnold and Resident Involvement Co-ordinator, Sandra Willson joined in with the day and said: “So much work goes on behind the scenes to make an event like this happen. This was clearly an event put on by the community and we really enjoyed the chance to get involved.”

SHELTERED ROADSHOWS UPDATE Following the results of the Resident Satisfaction survey, we recently held roadshows across some of the sheltered schemes, where we discussed the areas that residents were not as satisfied with.

These were: • Listening to your views and acting on them • Keeping you informed • Your neighbourhood as a place to live

In general, most of you were happy with the services PHP provides, although you did let us know about some concerns you had: • Leaves, hedges and overgrown ivy were a concern at Sherrin Close. Our Grounds Maintenance team resolved this shortly after the roadshow.

• There was a concern around rubbish that had been hanging around for a time at Lake Avenue. Again, this was removed shortly after the roadshow.

• We have also introduced two new ways to get in touch with your Sheltered Housing Officer (SHO), in addition to any calls or visits you receive.

14

At Home | Summer 2017

1) Your SHO now holds a weekly advertised surgery at your scheme, where you can call into their office without an appointment to see them.

If you would like a list of the surgeries at each scheme, please ask your SHO for details. You can also make use of the new enquiry form available on their office door, which you can complete and put through the door so they know you want to speak to them.

2) Residents at Baiter Gardens asked for one of the weekly surgeries to be held once a month in the Common Room.

The first one was held on 25 April.

Keep an eye on the notice boards for details of the next monthly surgery.

If you have any queries or concerns, you can also contact the Helpdesk at our offices in Beech House, on Freephone 0800 6523 900. They are there to help.

We found:

in vyooluvin g

/

• Overall, two thirds of residents (66%) had access to the internet at home • In sheltered housing this figure dropped to 50%

• Of those with internet at home, 21% rarely or never use it

ARE YOU DIGITALLY INCLUDED? PHP recently asked residents if they had access to the internet in their home and how confident they were in using it.

PHP has developed a leaflet outlining the free IT support and training available across Poole. This includes information on all courses undertaken by Poole Library Service and the jobs hubs and clubs. Please ask us for a copy.

In addition to this, PHP has installed free Wi-Fi for residents to use in three sheltered scheme lounges - Stanfield Close, Ralph Jessop Court, and Canford Gardens. WiFi is also in the process of being installed at Trinidad Village. We are also recruiting and training volunteers to provide a five-session basic skills course to interested residents.

If you would like to learn how to use the internet, or volunteer your time to teach others how to use it, we would love to hear from you.

For more details, please contact Gail Percival, Neighbourhoods and Communities Manager on 0800 6523 900.

RESIDENTS SCRUTINISE OUR SERVICES “Communication with Residents” is the topic currently being looked at by our resident-led scrutiny panel.

This is a huge area and the Panel have decided to focus on: • PHP’s response to enquiries by telephone, letter and email • Providing information by letter, social media, and the Residents newsletter ‘At Home' Panel member, Chris said: “Following the success of our last review, where the residents’ scrutiny panel made 17 recommendations for service improvements which were all accepted

by PHP’s Board of Directors. We were not only delighted with the outcome, but felt really motivated to move on with future reviews! We are now pleased to be

doing our communications review, as we know how important it is to residents to receive good communication in a timely way.”

Look out for an update in the next issue of 'At Home' to find out how the Panel got on.

If you would like to get involved, please contact Sandra Willson, Resident Involvement Co-ordinator, on 0800 6523 900.

At Home | Summer 2017

15

APPLAUD IT!

in vyooluvin g

/

Do you or someone you know have something that could be shared with other residents? ...maybe it’s a hobby? Celebrating the great age of 100? Or someone who has been living in the same PHP property for 50 years plus!

We often hear news when we are out and about, which we think deserves recognition. If you think something is a great achievement and you would like to share a story, you can either email, under the heading 'APPLAUD IT', to: getinvolved.php@poole.gov.uk, write to: The Resident Involvement Team at Beech House, 28-30 Wimborne Road, Poole BH15 2BU or call Sandra Willson, Resident Involvement Co-ordinator on 0800 6523 900.

Meanwhile here are two for starters.

A MODEL RESIDENT Meet Alf, 87 and Ann, 81 from Selby Close.

Apart from the twinkle in his eye and a wonderful sense of humour, Alf also has a flair for making amazing models from matchsticks!

We wanted to find out more about this talented chap.

So a few weeks ago we caught up with him and here’s what he had to say.

Hello Alf, tell everyone a bit about yourself.

“I was originally an apprentice in the printing trade. I was then called up to do two years National Service, which everyone had to do back then. Following that I worked for Gifford’s Green Grocers in the High Street until I retired.”

What is your next project?

“I’m currently working on an old American gold rush train.”

Is there a particularly difficult building you would like to attempt?

“Oh yes, I would really like to complete Buckingham Palace.“ ...Ann added at this point that Alf likes a challenge!

Do artistic talents run through the family?

What made you take up model-making?

“I was doing the lottery at the time, when I saw a picture of the Eiffel Tower and thought I’d like to build a model of that.

So I bought a kit, completed it and caught the bug to do more.

I’ve now built four in total.”

How long does it take to make a model?

“I completed the Eiffel Tower in three months, the Taj Mahal and Notre-Dame cathedral in seven months and the Mississippi Showboat in two months.”

16

At Home | Summer 2017

“Actually I found out that my ancestor was the artist William Hodges, who accompanied Captain Cook on many of his famous voyages.”

Do you have any other hidden talents Alf? “Well, I’ve produced various pictures using scraperboards drawing boards coated with white clay and a surface layer of black ink that is scratched or scraped away to produce an effect similar to engraving. I’ve built a wooden wall clock and in the past I wrote a few short pieces for BBC sketch shows.”

/

in vyooluvin g

A FOND FAREWELL TO AN INVOLVED RESIDENT! Brian has worked alongside other residents and the PHP team as an involved resident and volunteer for the last 13 years!

It was at this point we noticed amongst the many family photos on their wall, a framed image of The Queen. Ann explained: “As a surprise, our family sent off our marriage certificate to Buckingham Palace and the next thing we knew, a signed message and photo from The Queen arrived congratulating us on our 60th wedding anniversary.”

Finally, we asked them if they enjoy where they live. They both said unanimously: “We love it. The neighbours are really great and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

We wouldn’t want them to be anywhere else, either. They really are a lovely couple and Alf certainly embodies the saying that “You’re never too old to try something new.”

He has been a member of many working groups and panels and supported residents in his local community with a passion for ensuring they have a say in services, particularly in relation to sheltered housing and disability issues.

So it’s with mixed feelings that we must say goodbye to Brian as a he moves to pastures new. We will miss his involvement.

Brian said: “I have had many interesting years of involvement with PHP; it’s been fun and I have made good friends, but it was the right time to move and I am looking forward to being nearer to my family.”

Thank you Brian and all the very best for the future!

At Home | Summer 2017

17

Trinidad Village EXTRA CARE SCHEME Our new, modern 54 unit extra care scheme, which provides 24 hour care and support is now up and running.

Work was carried out in partnership with Borough of Poole, to ensure the scheme had the required services to make it a success and help people to lead active independent lives.

The scheme offers a variety of concessionary services, which are available to residents as well as the wider community, and include: • Restaurant • Hairdressers • Counselling Service • Foot health practitioner • Beauty and holistic therapies The residents’ association at Trinidad Village actively encourage all residents to join in a wide range of activities, from the traditional bingo and afternoon teas, through to jewellery making, indoor kurling, table tennis (using a specially adapted table) and tai chi amongst others.

You can find out more about Trinidad Village on our website, at: yourphp.org.uk/TrinidadVillage/ or contact Emily Hunter, Extra Care Co-ordinator, on 01202 746060 or email: e.hunter@poole.gov.uk

18

At Home | Summer 2017

At Home | Summer 2017

19

If you have lived in your general needs PHP property for at least three years, or have a qualifying previous tenancy with another local authority or housing association, which brings your total tenancy period to three years or more, you may be able to purchase your home through the Government’s Right to Buy scheme.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE Discount This will depend on the length of your tenancy and value of your property.

The maximum discount you can currently receive is £78,600.

What you need to do first Before you apply, you need to check if you will be able to afford to buy your home. As PHP properties are all owned

by Borough of Poole, to protect the Borough’s assets we have to ensure only genuine applications are made, and that our residents are able to finance and maintain such a purchase.

Residents will need to fill out the following three forms so that checks can be carried out: • RTB1 (The Government’s application form) • Additional Eligibility Form • Anti-Money Laundering Declaration These forms ask for information on any loans or debts you may have and also require you to provide written evidence on how you would fund your purchase.

If you are bankrupt or have an individual voluntary arrangement, debt recovery order or arrangements with a creditor, you would not be eligible for right to buy.

You may be able to apply at a later date when you have cleared these debts.

In order to complete the forms required, you will also need to have an understanding of the approximate value of the property before the offer can be sent to you.

20

At Home | Summer 2017

We suggest you either visit a local estate agent, or check on line at Rightmove, Zoopla, Nethouse Prices or similar. Go to the sold tab and enter your postcode to see the sold prices of similar properties to yours and use this figure.

If a mortgage is required, we would need written evidence that this can be obtained. This would need to be provided in the form of a Mortgage in Principle, Decision or Agreement in Principle. We do not need a full mortgage offer.

For an idea of the discount you can receive, use the Government calculator at the following link: https://righttobuy.gov.uk/right-to-buycalculator/

Additional Costs Involved • PHP will pay for an independent valuation of your home. But if you wish to have a survey carried out you will need to pay for this

RIGHT TO BUY YOUR HOME?

Be Aware!

• If you decide to go ahead with the purchase you will need to appoint a solicitor and pay their fees • Stamp duty may apply - your solicitor will be able to advise on this • Photo Voltaic Panels - if your property has solar panels on the roof, you will be given the option to purchase these at a discounted price • If the purchase is a flat or maisonette, you will become a leaseholder and as such you will need to pay a quarterly service charge and your share of any major works costs. Details of these for the next five years will be included in your offer letter • If you were in receipt of benefits before the purchase, these may well cease • You will be responsible for maintenance costs to your property after purchase

If you go ahead and purchase your property, then you need to be aware of two legislative ‘charges’ that will be put against your property at the Land Registry: If you need to sell the property: • Within 5 years - a percentage of the discount will need to be repaid by you. This will be worked out based on the value of the property at the time you wish to sell and will be on a sliding scale down to 1/5th in year five • Within the first 10 years - the property will also have to be offered back to the Council so that they have an opportunity to recoup their stock, legislation gives them 8 weeks to make a decision. An independent valuation will be undertaken, paid for

by PHP and a survey will be carried out by a PHP surveyor in order to evaluate the costings of a buy back. If the Borough does not wish to purchase, or offer the property to an alternative housing provider, then you would be free to sell on the open market PHP can provide information on these requirements if needed.

How to Apply If you would like us to send you an information pack with the application forms, please call 0800 6523 900 or email: RightToBuy@poole.gov.uk

0800 652 3900 At Home | Summer 2017

21

FIRE DOORS

Fire doors are legally required to be installed in certain positions within blocks of flats.

If the entrance door to any flat opens onto a stairwell, corridor, walkway or other escape route, then it must be a fire door of at least 30 minute fire resistance.

What should I do to keep safe?

What do fire doors do?

Fire doors are installed to slow down the spread of fire and smoke from one part of a building to another, should a fire start in the building.

Fire doors give people extra time to escape, time for the fire service to tackle the fire before it spreads too far, and time to evacuate people should that become necessary.

• Make sure your fire door has an automatic closing device fitted and that this closes the door fully to latch • Make sure your fire door is not damaged or warped • Make sure that neither you nor anyone else wedges or props open your door • Do not disconnect or modify the automatic closer • Do not make any modifications to your fire door (i.e. cat flaps, door viewers) Should you have any concerns about your fire door, please contact PHP on 0800 6523 900.

FIRE SAFETY

Do you know what to do in the event of a fire?

If you live in a PHP block of flats your block is likely to have a “stay put policy” in the event of a fire. What this means is that unless the fire is in your flat then it is recommended that you remain in your flat unless instructed to leave or evacuated by emergency services.

If your home becomes affected by heat, smoke or fire then you should leave your flat.

On the notice board within your block, there will be a notice like the one pictured, which advises you what

22

At Home | Summer 2017

to do if there is a fire. It is important that residents familiarise themselves with these instructions and ensure their families and visitors also know what to do.

Ensure everyone in the property knows where door and window keys are kept.

A plan will only work if everyone knows about it and knows what they have to do, so practise! If your children are young, it might be helpful to put your full address on a label near the phone so they can read it out when calling 999.

Cut out and keep this page you never know when you might need it!

MEND IT MIKE PHP’s Director of Technical Services helps you get to grips with maintenance issues around your home.

Blocked sinks are caused by a build up of substances in the drain. As it builds up, the space inside the drainpipe gets smaller, causing the flow of water to become slower and slower.

In the Bathroom Blockages are mainly caused by hair being washed down the plug hole.

In the Kitchen It’s usually larger debris causing a blockage in the kitchen sink. Often it’s due to a build up of food, grease or fat in the pipe.

Regular use of chemical drain cleaners will help keep the waste system clear and smelling fresh. Always remember to follow the instructions carefully and ensure the cleaner you’re using is suitable for the type of sink or plug hole you have, e.g. enamel or chrome, etc.

If you can’t clear the blockage using a suitable chemical cleaner or caustic soda, then you’ll need to use a plunger.

2 1 Before ‘plunging’, cover the overflow with a damp cloth and hold it there. This may force the air to clear the blockage.

2 Place the plunger cup over the plug hole, and plunge vigorously up and down for a minute or two.

Should the plunger not clear the blockage, then the next step is to remove the trap under the sink.

3 Put the plug in place and place a bucket under the trap to catch the water, which will come from the sink.

If you have any maintenance problems you’d like solved please email us at phpcomms@poole.gov.uk and we’ll forward them to Mend It Mike!

5 Check the trap for any blockage and clear as necessary.

6 Before reconnecting, flush the bend out with a little detergent to ensure any bacteria is removed.

7 Reconnect the trap.

8 Make sure the bucket is still underneath the trap.

9 Remove the plug and run hot water into the sink.

10 Check for leaks and tighten the joints if necessary.

Mike /

4 Unscrew the fitting (if it does not come away easily, you may need to use a wrench) and place in a bucket.

4

Adoption and fostering It’s life changing Are you interested in adopting?

Are you interested in fostering?

The Poole Adoption and Fostering Team

More foster carers are needed in Poole

recruits, assesses, trains and supports

to provide a safe and loving environment

foster families and adoptive families for

for children and young people in the area.

children and young people. They are

The Council’s Fostering team work with

always looking for adopters for older

local residents to provide foster placements

children (over 2 years), siblings and

for children ranging from the very young to

children with special needs.

those in their teens.

You can find out more at

www.poole.gov.uk