House Talk - Summer 2020

facebook.com/lovehousetalk

R YOUMAGAZINE FROM

house talk FOR RESIDENTS AND LEASEHOLDERS

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SUMMER 202

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Summer fun!

Activities for children

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Green fingers One pot gardening

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Ask Pam

Stand up to scams

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Simple, seasonal Page 8

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Recycling FAQ

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Contact us:

Resident Engagement Team: Email: participation@portsmouthcc.gov.uk Civic Offices, Portsmouth PO1 2AL

Tell us what you think!

We’re looking for ideas on how to improve open space around our blocks of flats.

That’s why we’re asking for your suggestions; it could be a new play area, outdoor green space or even some parking facilities.

Wilmcote House residents recently benefitted from a new parking and landscape area. This was after the council spoke with residents to understand what they would find most useful.

Parking in the area had always been a problem.

Residents agreed that a new parking area would be most useful for them. New trees and greenery was planted as well with more outdoor space for residents to use.

If you have a suggestion for a future project please contact our Resident Engagement team at: heidi.golder@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9268 8225 Please send your responses before Friday 4 September 2020.

Leaseholder services Paulsgrove & Wecock Farm ......................................call 9283 4561 Buckland, Landport & Portsea ................................call 9283 4845 City South ...........................................................................call 9284 1486 Leigh Park .......................................................................... call 9284 1741

Area offices: Buckland...............................................................................call 9260 6500 Somerstown.......................................................................call 9260 6300 Landport...............................................................................call 9260 6400 Leigh Park............................................................................call 9230 6900 Paulsgrove...........................................................................call 9260 6030 Portsea..................................................................................call 9260 6200 Wecock Farm.....................................................................call 9260 6100

Out of hours .....................................................................call 9282 4244 www.facebook.com/lovehousetalk

You can get this Portsmouth City Council information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language by calling 023 9268 8225.

House Talk is produced by Portsmouth City Council. www.portsmouth.gov.uk for Portsmouth

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House Talk is printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable inks.

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it.

Would you like to be involved in providing articles for the House Talk magazine or come along to the editorial meetings? We would like to hear from you!

For more information and to register your interest please contact Heidi Golder at heidi.golder@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 02392 688225

How we use your information: Search data protection at www.portsmouth.gov.uk Advertisements: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of advertisements or sponsorship in this publication, Portsmouth City Council cannot accept any liability for errors and omissions. We will not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers and their inclusion in House Talk, and this should not be taken as an endorsement by Portsmouth City Council.

Competitions in House Talk are open only to residents who live in a Portsmouth City Council property. They are not open to employees of PCC. One entry per household.

DEAR READERS, I hope this edition of House Talk finds you safe and well, and that it is a helpful and enjoyable read.

I wanted to add a personal note to this edition to thank you for your support, understanding and patience throughout the coronavirus crisis and also to shine a light on the incredible efforts of the housing teams and our contractors to keep as many services operating as possible as well as supporting other council priorities.

Here are some of the ways the housing teams and our contractors have been working over the past few months; •

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Housing and leasehold officers have been checking in with tenants and leaseholders to understand how lockdown is affecting each household. They’ve made sure vulnerable residents receive the right support, signposting to HIVE Portsmouth; making food bank referrals and referring for help with utilities.

Money advisors have replaced face-to-face appointments with telephone appointments, continuing to offer advice and support.

Estate service officers have been out and about on the estates ensuring that our housing areas remain safe, clean and tidy. They’ve responded to emergency aid calls, completed routine on-site health and safety checks, and supported with ASB issues.

The housing, needs, advice and support team have dealt with over 2,500 phone calls and over 700 emails from customers in need of housing, advice and support since lockdown restrictions were introduced. The team has taken over 350 homeless applications and has been working alongside the council’s temporary housing teams to support people to move.

•

•

•

•

• • •

The green and clean team have been busy keeping the free spaces, streets, council buildings and the city a safe place for people to live in. They’ve focused on cleaning methods to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep critical services open.

Our youth team have been focusing on outreach work in our communities and supporting our young people. The play service worked with Fareshare to deliver food to families who needed support.

The energy services team recently launched a Facebook and Twitter account for Switched On Portsmouth. For advice on energy saving schemes search SwitchedOnPortsmouth on Facebook.

Whilst other landlords reduced their service to the bare minimum, a small team with our contractors have managed to keep empty properties coming through which has provided a much needed supply of council homes for letting.

Our out of hours service have been there for you and dealt with hundreds of calls, telecare visits and emergency housing issues.

Our community wardens have supported the homeless.

We’ve now reopened Somerstown, Buckland, Leigh Park, Paulsgrove and Wecock Farm Area Housing Offices for payments. We’re looking to get the remaining offices open in August.

Playgrounds around the housing estates are open and we are starting to open the adventure playground and other youth services.

I am really proud of our efforts to date and whilst I am sure we will have to face more challenges I have every confidence that the housing teams and our contractors will do their very best with your support to safely get back to normal as soon as possible.

James Hill

Director Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services For the latest news on council services, up-to-date coronavirus safety advice and other information to help in the current situation, go to www.portsmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you have any feedback on the way that we have adapted our services during the pandemic please email Heidi Golder on heidi.golder@ portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9268 8225

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Treat yourself to a delicious home-cooked meal.

How about this tantalising summer chicken/ halloumi salad to make your day even better! But if sweet nibbles are the only way for you, give these chocolate swirls a whirl!

Lockdown or not, everyone deserves special treats, even if you’re spending the whole day in your pyjamas!

Chicken/halloumi salad Serves 4

1. Flatten two chicken breasts in between a double layer of cling film using a rolling pin until about 1cm thick. Rub with tandoori spice mix (or any spices), seasoning and a little olive oil. Cook on a griddle pan over a medium heat, for 3-5 mins on each side until cooked through.

2. Set the chicken aside and add a little extra olive oil in the same pan - lightly fry shredded bread pieces until they turn crispy to make croutons.

3. Slice the chicken into cubes.

4. Boil 4 eggs, peel and slice.

Chocolate swirls

Line a baking tray with a baking sheet.

5. Toss the chicken and croutons together with salad leaves and arrange on a plate. Add the boiled egg pieces and drizzle with chilli sauce for that extra kick.

6. For a vegetarian option, use halloumi cheese instead for a delicious alternative.

1. Start with a ready rolled puff pastry sheet and spread a layer of chocolate spread to cover the whole sheet.

2. Place another puff pastry sheet on top and then cut into strips - 1.5 cm thick.

3. Take a strip one at a time and twist, then form into a circle/swirl.

4. Place the swirls on to the baking tray spacing them out a little.

5. Brush with egg wash to give it a golden colour.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at gas mark 6 or 180°C fan for 15 mins or until golden.

7. Dust with icing sugar and serve with berries or dipping chocolate!

Try jam instead of chocolate, with a sprinkling of coconut flakes. Yum!

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As the council’s Chop Cook Chat mens cookery groups can’t meet in person at the moment, some online video tutorials have been made to help provide ideas of simple and healthy meals and snacks to cook.

If you’d like some inspiration visit portsmouth.gov.uk/chopcookchat

e h t ll a r o f Fun

y l i m a F

We’re sharing ideas for activities to do with the kids at home and we’d love to hear your ideas too!

Look at the Mona Lisa in Paris, listen to a concert from New York, become an engineering whizz, get creative Shakespearean style, and explore the history of Portsmouth – the opportunities are endless!

And we’d love to hear about your favourite activity, too. To share them with us, use #kidsinlockdown and tag us @portsmouthcitycouncil on Facebook and Instagram or @portsmouthtoday on Twitter. www.portsmouth.gov.uk/kidsinlockdown

Children’s activities

For free family activities you can do at home or outdoors, take a look at www.nhs.uk/change4life

Get your children out and active this sum mer and win a fantastic prize!

Stomp for Stamps is a children’s treasure hunt around four areas of Portsmouth, led by Pom pey Monster Stomper and his three friends; Whe els, Scoot and Breezy. If your children love to expl ore, let the Pompey Monsters help them walk, cycl e or scoot to find hidden treasure!

To take part, simply sign your child up onlin e to receive a book, or pick one up from Central, Southsea or North End library. The book cont ains four routes to follow, each with four stamp locations to snap a photo of.

Once your child has completed at least 3 of the 4 routes and collected the stickers, they can claim their prize – choose from either a cuddly Stom per toy or a Pompey Monster water bottle. Sign up and find out more:

myjourneyportsmouth.com/ stompforstamps2020

They’ve got lots of fun games that will get the kids moving as well as meal ideas that even the fussiest eaters should enjoy.

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Silly Squad summer reading challenge Top tips to cycle safely and have fun

New to cycling or dusting off your old bike?

Enjoy safe cycling, whether you're commuting, riding with the family, improving your health and fitness or simply cycling for fun.

• Give others space to move and socially distance.

• Stick to marked cycle paths, or ride, with caution, on the road.

• Do not cycle on the pavement or seafront promenade.

• Regularly maintaining your bike will keep it roadworthy and save you money on repairs.

• Choose the right clothes and accessories for comfort and safety.

• Carry a drink - if possible, use a refillable bottle.

• After dark, always use a white, front light and red, flashing back light.

Want to know more? Sustrans have some great cycling tips – visit www.sustrans.org.uk.

For local cycling advice and route maps visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/cycling or myjourneyportsmouth.com – choose 'cycle'.

The Silly Squad are setting a great summer reading challenge for children.

They're a team of animal friends who love to go on adventures and get stuck in to all kinds of funny books.

Kids can join the Silly Squad by setting their own personal reading challenge to complete this summer.

It's a brilliant way for families to have fun and be silly together at home. There are lots of super silly activities, quizzes, videos, games to enjoy as well.

Libraries find new ways of working

We’re re-opening some of our larger libraries, along with the mobile library. We’re also starting a click and collect service.

Most of our usual services will be on offer when libraries re-open, but safety measures will be in place and there will be limits on computer sessions.

If your local branch is shut or you’re stuck indoors, then we can bring a whole range of books, music and entertainment to your home.

All you need to do is use your library card, or sign up to be a library member online.

Plus, whether or not you’re a library member, you can get lots of ideas to keep the whole family occupied on the Official Portsmouth Libraries Facebook page. These include story videos for younger children, art and craft activities, and an online book club and record club.

For more information on these services go to www.portsmouth.gov.uk/freefun

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Sunflowers Tall

You will need: Plastic cup Compost

Garden sunflower seeds Large flowerpot Getting ready

It will take about 8 weeks for a sunflower plant to grow and flower from a seed.

Why don't you make a chart and measure how much it grows in a week?

Step 1 - put some damp soil in a plastic cup so it comes up almost to the top. Then poke your finger in the soil to make a hole for your sunflower seed.

Step 2 - drop a sunflower seed into the hole.

Cover it with soil. Spray or sprinkle some water on top.

Step 3 - put the cup on a sunny windowsill. Spray the soil with water whenever it feels dry.

Step 4 - Your plant should pop through the soil after about 1 or 2 weeks. You can start measuring how much it grows each week.

Step 5 - when your plant grows too big for the cup, plant it in a bigger flower pot.

Top Tips

ed every day!

1. Your plant likes to be water some roots 2. As it grows, you might see the pot. To help of sticking out of the bottom will need to your sunflower grow more you larger pot on a put it into the ground, or in a w ledge. patio/balcony or sunny windo d of the sunflower 3. See if you notice the hea turning to face the sun!

tall as you, 4. The sunflower can grow as or even taller! flowering leave it When the plant has finished d feeder. Can outside as it makes a great bir types of birds you count how many different come to feed?

Nurture Project

Hi I'm Lin Atkinson, Food Project Worker for the Play, Youth & Community Service.

My job is to work with children, young people and their families around nutrition and diet, food preparation and hygiene.

I have been working on a project to distribute small plants to children who would normally have attended the playgrounds. I have been working at the Milton Piece Allotment and sowed over 200 plants such as sunflowers and French beans! The idea is for children to carry on nurturing these plants while they are home!

Some of the children have gardens, some have balconies while others do not have any outside space and these plants can be looked after in any of these areas.

I have also planted pumpkin seeds for the different sites to plant outside. When the children return they can carry on nurturing the pumpkins until October when there will be some competitions for the biggest, best carved and best pumpkin recipe!

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r u o y e Creat

b o j m a e r d

We're holding an online training session from Monday 21 September – Friday 2 October helping people to make their dream job a reality.

The PopUp Business School offers free start-up courses across the country, paid for by local sponsors to help people start businesses doing something they actually enjoy.

Joanna Van Blommestein set up her own bra fitting and boutique business after speaking to someone from The PopUp Business School.

"I learned an incredible amount from the course, but the main message was to get on with it and have a go – without running up huge debts. It was an inspirational week but one that was rooted in common sense."

Joanna went to the PopUp Business School whilst she was still working full time. She went with her boyfriend Phil, who also has dreams of striking out on his own, but with rent to pay on their new home, they both sat tight in paid employment.

Two years later, Joanna decided it was now or never, left her job and attended the Business School. This time the 'inspiring' week long course was enough to convince her that she had the skills and the ambition to run her own business – with lots of support from Phil.

Joanna said: "The team I spoke to at PopUp said that instead of taking out a scary bank loan, I should start small and build my business from there. I bought a few tins of paint to brighten up the summer house, found some low-cost shop fittings on Facebook and used contacts I already had in the lingerie industry to get some stock at great prices and went for it!

“Within two weeks I had booked in seven private fittings and ran my own 'pop up' event at a local gym."

PopUp Business School cover all different areas of setting up a business including sales, social media, setting up a free website and marketing.

They leave topics like tax and business structure and finance until the end of the week because it's more important to focus on your dream than on the technical issues!

For more details see www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/portsmouth Contact Heidi Golder from the Resident Engagement Team for more information: heidi.golder@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or 07930 187285.

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k l a t y e n mo YOUR MONEY ADVICE SUPPLEMENT

The financial effects of Coronavirus Our Money Advisers have been trying to keep up to date with all the complicated changes and new schemes that the government has set up to support people financially affected by Covid-19 and are here to support you.

The two main schemes that have been introduced are the Coronavirus Job Retention “furlough” Scheme which allows employers to pay 80% of your regular wages whilst you are unable to work due to coronavirus.

The Self Employed Income Support Scheme is in the form of two grants which can be claimed to receive a percentage of trading profits where a business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.

For more information and help go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Universal Credit (UC)

If your hours at work have reduced significantly or you have lost your job you may be entitled to UC. This covers living costs for you and your family and can help with your rent. If you are already receiving other benefits especially Housing Benefit (HB) and Tax Credits please speak to

your Housing Officer before making a claim as you could be worse off and your HB and Tax Credits will stop.

Council Tax Support (CTS)

If you are already receiving UC or HB and this has increased and you were not getting CTS before you may be entitled to claim.

This year due to the coronavirus an extra £150 will be paid on to any Council Tax account where CTS is in payment.

To make an application speak to your Housing Officer or apply online through the Portsmouth City Council website.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

If you need help to meet your housing costs you may be able to get extra payments from the council in the form of a DHP. This could be because you have deductions being made from your HB or UC for nondependants, under occupation or the benefit cap. You must already be entitled to some help with your rent through HB or UC to get a DHP.

To make an application speak to your Housing Officer or apply online through the Portsmouth City Council website.

Free School Meals

If you claim UC, have schoolaged children and earn less than £616.67 in a month, you could be eligible for Free School Meals.

If your children are not currently attending school, their school will offer an alternative, such as weekly supermarket vouchers to reduce your food costs. To find out if you are eligible, apply online through the council’s website.

Need help?

Are you getting all the benefits that you can claim and can you reduce your expenditure?

If you are unsure speak with your Housing Officer who will be able to do a benefit check with you.

Your Housing Officer may also be able to apply for a food voucher and/or gas and electricity vouchers if you are eligible. If you are in financial hardship and struggling with debt please contact us as we can offer you advice and support to get you back on track.

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Be Water Aware!

Tombstoning is a dangerous activity that has happened around the coast for generations and unfortunately led to a number of people being killed or seriously injured.

The name was adopted because of the way a person falls and plunges into deep water, in a similar way a stone would.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Smoke Alarms provide an early warning, give you time to get out, stay out and then call 999.

We will install, maintain and service your smoke alarms and offer support if needed. All properties should have at least one hardwired smoke alarm. Contact your local housing office if you do not have one or there is a fault with one.

Please make sure to:

• carry out a weekly check on your smoke alarm

• never remove or disconnect your smoke alarm

• tell your local housing office if you don’t have a hardwired smoke alarm

Routine Safety Checks

Even during this difficult time we need to carry out safety checks inside your home.

Please always allow us to carry out routine gas and electrical safety checks and maintenance.

However, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, are shielding or have any concerns, please let us know and we can make specific arrangements.

A regular service will ensure your safety.

This high-risk experience can have lifethreatening consequences. Don’t jump into the unknown.

Consider the dangers before you take the plunge: • Check for hazards in the water, like rocks or other objects • Check the water depth – remember tides can rise and fall very quickly • Never jump whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Check there is somewhere to get out of the water

• Consider the risk to others. Children may be watching and attempt to mimic the activity

Stay safe when you BBQ this summer

Follow these simple tips to avoid injuries or damaging property • Never leave the BBQ unattended

• Ensure the BBQ is on a solid flat surface, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs

• Balconies are not a suitable space to have a BBQ

• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies

• Ensure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it

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Save money on home energy

Our Switched On Portsmouth scheme is continuing to help people with their energy bills.

Since launching last November it has already helped 400 residents, saving them a total of £331,000 on their energy bills.

Go to www.switchedonportsmouth.co.uk and see if you’re eligible for help such as: • expert energy saving advice

• free first-time gas central heating installation

Online safety The COVID-19 outbreak has made a huge impact on our daily lives with more of us working from home, looking after our children and spending more time online.

Many young people are now using new services, apps or devices such as webcams and tablets to connect with family and friends and it can be overwhelming for parents/carers knowing where to start in managing their child’s use of technology.

• free cavity wall and loft insulation

• free emergency boiler replacement

Attention leaseholders

Are you a Portsmouth City Council leaseholder? If so, it is worth remembering to let your Leasehold Officer know your up to date contact information.

This is of particular importance if you sub-let your property as if there is an emergency such as a leak, the Leasehold Services team or out of hours service may need to get hold of you to arrange access to your property.

If you are a Portsmouth City Council leaseholder and are considering selling your property please bear in mind that Portsmouth City Council might be interested in repurchasing. Selling back to the council compared to the open market offers a number of benefits which we will be happy to discuss with you.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact your Leasehold Officer in the first instance.

If you are unsure who your Leasehold Officer is please contact Jack White at jack.white@ portsmouthcc.gov.uk or Sheryl Angus on 07852 722580 or sheryl.angus@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Here are some tips to help you support your child to stay safe when chatting:

• Have ongoing discussions with your child about who they are talking to online. Ask if they know them and what they share with them.

• Explore online games with your children.

Ask what they like about the game and show interest. Talk about what is safe to share.

• Be aware of the chat platforms your child is using. Help your child identify warning signs such as someone asking to speak to them privately. Encourage them to seek help if this happens.

• It is recommended that primary aged children remain under adult supervision whilst gaming/chatting e.g. an adult within earshot of conversations and being able to see any chats taking place.

For more information and online safety support, visit the Portsmouth City Council website, and search ‘Beware of lurking trolls!’

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Dear Pam

ing off the hook Recently the house phone’s been ring me during this difficult time. with calls claiming to be able to help I was entitled to a refund on my Just last week I had someone tell me ress and bank details to process holiday and I just needed to give my add it didn’t sound right since I already the money. My son overheard and said ks ago. Though that was a lucky sorted my cancelled holiday a few wee -off and I’m worried it’s only a escape, this type of thing wasn’t a one . matter of time before I fall for a fake call the phone and they’ll go My husband says I should just ‘unplug ak to my friends on the away’, but that doesn’t seem fair! I spe contact with them. phone most days and don’t want to lose What do you suggest I do?

Penny, Somerstown

Oh Penny, I receive the same nuisance calls and understand how alarming they can be.

At the moment residents and businesses must be extra cautious of scammers taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic. The best advice is to be wary of any unsolicited contact. Many scams involve criminals pretending to be from a genuine organisation such as; • • • • • •

NHS or other health providers National or local government Police

Banks

Charities

Utility companies

To really build your confidence in dealing with these calls in the

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Pam Says. ..

future, I suggest you join Friends Against Scams.

They’re an organisation which helps protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams. They do this by helping people like me and you to take a stand against scams.

Anybody can join Friends Against Scams and make a difference in their own way.

You can attend a short training session in person or complete the online training. Together we can create a scam free nation!

Go online at friendsagainstscams.org.uk for more information.

Scams: the facts

• Scams cost th e UK economy £5-£10b a year

• 53% of people over 65 have been targeted by scams • Only 5% of sc ams are reported • Our statistics indicate that the average scam vi ctim has lost over £3000 To report a scam or suspicious activity please co ntact Action Fraud on 0300 12 3 2040 or visit www.actionfraud .police.uk / report_fraud

h c r a e s Word

Put your brain to the test and challenge your skills with our wordsearch.

If you've been paying attention to the articles in this edition of House Talk, then you should recognise some of the hidden words.

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WILDFLOWER

CYCLING

RECYCLE

LIBRARIES

SUPPORT

PICNIC

SUMMER

GARDENING

PORTSMOUTH

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healttah lk

y l i m a f r u o y g n i Keep er m m u s s i h t y h healt Coronavirus has understandably caused some people to suffer with low mood or anxiety, or left them feeling helpless or overwhelmed.

If you feel like this, you’re not alone and there’s a range of support to help you:

• PositiveMinds has trained Wellbeing Advisors to help Portsmouth residents who might be struggling with things like debt or bereavement.

They can also offer tailored help to veterans.

Call 023 9282 4795 or visit www.positivemindsportsmouth.org.uk • Solent Mind has set up a free helpline to

Looking after your sexual health

Whilst the sexual health service in Portsmouth has had to stop running their drop-in clinic due to coronavirus, they’re still available to offer advice and support.

Visit their website to find out more about ordering a home STI kit at www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk, emergency contraception and free condoms by post.

If you think you need to be seen by a doctor or nurse call 0300 300 2016 and they can make an appointment for you to visit the clinic if you can’t be helped over the phone.

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health talk

support those experiencing emotional distress during the coronavirus outbreak: 023 8017 9049

• The NHS 111 phone line now has specialist mental health support. It’s available all day, every day and is free.

• The NHS Every Mind Matters website provides simple tips and advice for you to look after your mental wellbeing during this time, including getting a good night’s sleep – visit www.everymindmatters.co.uk to get your free online personal Mind Plan.

• For more support available at the current time visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/coronacrisiscard

Drink and drugs support

If you’re under 19 and would like he lp to reduce or stop misusing drugs or alcohol, you can get free support from D ASS They also offer su pport for parent s worried about their teen agers’ use of subs tances.

Contact dass@se cure.portsmouth cc.gov. uk or call/text 07 951 497898 or 07 557 753131.

If you’re a parent who would like to reduce how much alcoho l you drink you ca n get free, non-judgem ental support with the Family Support Pr oject.

Email family.sup port@ssj.org.uk or call/ text 07584 5630 04. If you don’t ha ve children under 18 the Portsmouth Wellbeing Servic e can offer free su pport to help you cut dow n on your drinking : 023 9229 4001 or wellbeing@ portsmouthcc.g ov.uk

S E P O C S O R HO Aries

Leo

March 21 – April 19

July 23 – August 22

It’s your month, Leo! Doors open in every direction you look, and now is the time to use your increased confidence to see what opportunities are on the other side. Give page 8 another look about finding your dream job - now’s the perfect time!

Virgo

Sagittarius

Follow your heart, Virgo, it’ll help you out of those tricky situations you’ve found yourself in lately.

Things will get easier towards the end of the month.

Sagittarius - you’re not afraid of a challenge, so why not use these longer summer days to learn something new?

August 23 – September 22

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Keep an eye out for people who need your care and attention this month, Libra. Your natural capacity for compassion could make someone close to you feel better.

How about re-reading the article on page 10 and get your family and friends to check their smoke alarms this summer?

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Launch those plans you’ve been thinking about dear Scorpio! If you remember to stay focused on what you want to achieve, you’ll be unstoppable.

November 22 – December 21

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Look at the big picture this month Capricorn. There may be some changes on the horizon for you that can be positive if you embrace them.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Keep your finances in check Aquarius, or that new train of thought you’ve been heading on might derail. Page 9’s Money Talk is one for you to pay particular attention to.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Pisces, your relationships have always been important to you, but towards the middle of August this will be truer than ever. From your personal relationships to your work ones, your heart and mind are in the right place.

Prepare to be busy this August Aries, because lots of good things are coming your way. The key for you will be to balance your commitments with those creative projects you’ve been thinking about doing.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

The spotlight shines across many areas of your life mighty Taurus. If you focus on what it is that’s really important for your health and wellbeing, the rest will fall into place.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Oh Gemini, communication barriers and plans falling out of place have really troubled you lately. But not to worry, by the end of August things become clearer and everything becomes harmonious once again.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Dear Cancer, you deserve some good luck! And believe me when I tell you it’s coming your way. New financial arrangements and an overall better mood will bring your sometimes shaky waters still again.

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15

Recycling: your questions answered Knowing what to recycle or not can be confusing. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help.

Why can't the council collect glass for recycling?

To collect glass, we'd need new vehicles and crews for a separate collection. This would take time and investment, but it's something we hope to provide in the future. You can recycle glass containers by taking them to a bottle bank.

Check your nearest bottle bank at www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling

Why only collect plastic bottles, not other plastics?

There are presently no long-term sustainable markets for the other types of plastics. Put these other plastics in your black bin so they can be incinerated, which produces electricity. Plastic bottles must go in your green recycling bin.

Why does the council incinerate rubbish?

This is better for the environment, and more cost-effective, than landfill. It produces heat energy which is turned into electricity. The ash is used in construction and any metals left over are sent for recycling.

Why is the council collecting food waste?

Food waste makes up the biggest proportion of rubbish in Portsmouth - about 40%. If we can recycle it instead, then that’s a big win.

For information to help you reduce food waste, go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Why can’t the council recycle cooking foil?

It’s likely to have food and grease on it, which could contaminate other materials during the recycling process.

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Why can’t the council recycle cartons and coffee cups?

These are difficult to recycle as they’re made of several different materials. Our facility can’t sort between cartons and card/paper. There are currently three sites in the city with carton recycling banks and more will be added in the future!

We collect these five things for recycling Aerosol cans Plastic bottles

including milk, shampoo and water bottles

Metal cans and tins Card Paper

More information go to www.portsmouth.gov.uk/recycling

sign up for email updates at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/waste-updates

see our mythbusting page: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/recyclingmyths