Shout it from the Rooftop 84

Shout it from the

Edition 84 Summer 2015

Magazine 15 in ‘15 New homes

page 14

Garden compe tition! send your en tries in by 15 June 2015

can-do club wins erosh award page 4

Call us free on 0800 0421 800 or visit our website at www.rooftopgroup.org

Welcome

Shout it from the Rooftop

Welcome... …to the summer edition of your magazine.

Often in the magazine we bring you news of the latest housing development that we’ve built. And we’re always really proud of these projects and the difference that they make to people’s lives. During the past four years alone we have delivered more than 450 muchneeded affordable new homes bringing £30 million of investment into local communities.

But we know it’s very important that our older properties, and those living in them, are looked after. This is why we’ve embarked on a major external wall insulation programme that will breathe new life into around 500 of our properties (see page opposite).

We’ve already carried out a similar project on a smaller scale in Pebworth and Sedgeberrow.

CONTENTS All the feedback we’ve had from residents is that the works have made their homes warmer and reduced condensation problems and led to lower heating bills.

On top of that, the houses look smarter too.

Elsewhere in the magazine, our resident columnist Andy returns with more gardening tips on page 21. Be sure to check them out.

We’ve also got some updates about the next round of welfare reforms that are on the horizon.

Read about it on page 11 while on page 13 we’ve got the latest news from your Customer Panel.

Don’t forget, if there’s any topics you want covered in the magazine then you can let us know by contacting us using the details on the back page.

Till next time…

Barry Cooke Communications Manager

3 External wall insulation 4 Erosh award winners 5 Comic Relief 7 Ask Ian 8 Anti-social behaviour 10 Homes for sale 11 Welfare Reform 12 Scrutiny update 13 Customer Panel 14 New developments 16 Getting online 18 Praise board 19 Bulky waste 20 Gardening competition 21 Gardening with Andy 22 Puzzle Pages

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14

21

Staff and volunteers raise money for Comic Relief.

We’ve got 15 developments being completed this year.

Catch up with the latest instalment from our resident columnist Andy.

Comic Relief

2

New developments

Gardening with Andy

External Wall Insulation

Issue 84 Summer 2015

£3.5 million scheme set to improve homes We’re delighted to announce that we’ve recently started work on a major new project with British Gas. The £3.5 million project will transform hundreds of our homes in and around Evesham.

In total, around 500 Rooftop homes across Worcestershire will undergo external wall insulation.

The scheme will make residents’ homes warmer and more energy efficient, and should lower their energy bills too.

The first phase of the project has recently begun and should transform the lives of hundreds of families living in properties in and around Evesham, Broadway, Badsey, and Pershore.

British Gas is undertaking the work as part of the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO), which focuses on providing energy efficiency measures to low income and vulnerable customers, and those living in homes that are otherwise hard to treat.

The project is expected to be completed in around six months’ time, and will see insulation added to the outside of solid wall homes.

Between 40%-45% of heat loss in solid wall homes is through the walls so this initiative will make a noticeable improvement.

The insulation will reduce the amount of heat escaping through

walls and will help homes stay warmer over a longer period. The render will also transform the look of the buildings too, giving them a fresh appearance.

David Young, Managing Director British Gas Energy Efficiency said: “We’re really pleased to be undertaking this project in Evesham, in partnership with Rooftop. This scheme will transform residents’ homes, making them warmer, and should result in lower energy bills too.”

Chris Morris, Head of Asset Management at Rooftop Housing Group added: “This innovative project will bring these homes into the 21st century, making them energy efficient and extending their life by up to 30 years. It will also make a huge difference to our residents, and confirms our commitment to improving the quality of life of people and the communities in which they live.”

The second phase of the project is expected to take place in Spring 2016, benefiting a further 120 Rooftop homes.

The Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) focuses on providing energy efficiency measures to low income and vulnerable consumers and those living in ‘hard to heat’ properties. The ECO replaces the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and the Community Energy Saving Programme after the introduction of the Green Deal.

Top two: Before and after images Bottom two: Work underway

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Awards

Shout it from the Rooftop

award winners ‘stood out from the crowd’; reached older people in the wider community and are continuing and/or being rolled out elsewhere.”

Left to Right: Pete Stock, Volunteer Co-ordinator; Kim Skipsey, Active Lifestyles Co-ordinator; Leah Jones, Rooftop Volunteer; Dame Esther Rantzen, Neil Evans, Can-Do Club member and Ian Williams.

Erosh, the national consortium of older people’s housing and support providers, has announced Rooftop’s ‘Can-Do Club’ one of four 2015 Innovation and Good Practice Award winners.

The awards reward and celebrate the best providers working creatively to provide quality housing and support to meet the needs of our ageing population.

Entries were judged by a panel of experts with the process culminating in a prestigious celebration event at Mercers’ Hall in London where finalists, erosh

4

members, trustees and key figures from the older people’s housing and support sector came together.

The winners were presented with their awards and prizes by erosh patron Dame Esther Rantzen, and Lord Richard Best chaired the ceremony.

Rebecca Mollart, Chief Executive of erosh and member of the judging panel, commented: “We were again impressed with the entries highlighting the positive and innovative ways members are responding to the funding cuts.

It was a difficult task to select the winners from a quality field but they

The Can-Do Club involves disabled residents and older people from the community who initially came together through volunteering for Rooftop. They met once a week in a sheltered scheme to share hobbies and ideas; this became the ‘Can-Do’ Club which now involves a variety of activities. In partnership with Working World, the Club also has access to a mini-bus widening the range of activities. The Club has developed its own constitution and formed a committee which raises and manages funds, provides activities and trips and provides a safe, pleasant environment for making new friends.

Leah Jones, Can-Do Club Volunteer commented: “Considering the immense hard work and unique projects that were submitted, we were honoured to be shortlisted. After meeting the other candidates at the awards ceremony, we were surprised and delighted to be announced winners. The club are currently in discussion on how the money will be spent and a trip to Severn Valley Railway is potentially on the cards. We all had a fantastic day and felt very proud to win the award.”

Can-Do Club

Issue 84 Summer 2015

Comic relief fundraiser There was lots of fun to be had as Rooftop staff, volunteers and residents gathered at Ferry View on Friday 13 March to raise money for Comic Relief.

The event was organised by Rooftop’s Can-Do Club for people with disabilities and brought together residents from different Rooftop schemes for lots of activities.

The day began with everyone partaking in an exercise class before enjoying a delicious fish and chip lunch. Each member of the Can-Do Club used their special skills to raise money in various ways. There was original artwork for sale, a knitathon, a ‘name the bunny’ competition and a raffle.

Leah Jones, Can-Do Club Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “All the residents who attended the event enjoyed themselves and the commitment of the Can-Do club members to raise money for Comic Relief was outstanding.”

The event was a success, raising £182.59 for Comic Relief. This charity improves the lives of individuals in the UK and throughout the world by tackling the causes of social injustice.

Rooftop

’s Can-D

o group

Do you w to join ant us?

The Can-Do Club are looking for new members in 2015!

We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all local people with a disability.

The Can-Do Club is open to all adults with a disability over the age of 21. Sessions are held at 2pm every Tuesday at Ferry View, Evesham. Entry is £1 which includes refreshments. We ask that each member attends at least twice a month.

To find out more about the Can-Do Club, contact Kim Skipsey, Active Lifestyles Coordinator on 07854 717430.

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Young People’s Fund

Shout it from the Rooftop

Introducing...

d n u F s ’ e l p o The Young Pe for 16-25’s Supporting young people into work and training

Rooftop. A grant of up to £300 can be applied for help towards:

The fund is to assist young people in accessing education and training opportunities so that they develop skills enabling them to enter successfully into work.

• • • •

It’s open to all young people, between the ages of 16 and 25 who are currently supported by G3’s young people service. It’s also open to those who are living in general needs housing with

exam fees transport costs books/materials interview clothing

To apply for a grant visit www.rooftopgroup.org/contact-us or you can request an application form in the post by calling 01386 420 800.

Supported by the Evesham Rotary Club.

Do y child ou have ren furthe who want r ed or tra ucation ining?

W

e can h

elp!

get Do you want to n’t that job but are l the able to fund al costs yourself?

We can help!

Bishop’s Cleeve Street Fair

‘Cleeve goes continental’

Bishop’s Cleeve annual street fair is taking place on Sunday 14 June from 12-4pm.

This years theme is ‘Cleeve goes continental’ and the organisers are encouraging fair goers to come in fancy dress in keeping with the theme.

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As usual, the main shopping street, Church Road, will be closed to traffic enabling the area to be filled with a wide range of stalls including a Rooftop stand and attractions to suit all tastes.

There will also be numerous other events taking place in locations throughout the village. This is a

great day for the whole family and we want everyone to have a really good time.

There are competitions to take part in and a super Raffle with lots of great prizes to be had.

For more information visit: www.bishopscleevechamber.co.uk

Ask Ian

Issue 84 Summer 2015

I’m Ian , Rooftop’s Group Chief Executive . Why not ask me a question by using the form on the back of this magazine?

Ask Ian

I heard that the government is going to extend the Right to Buy to housing association tenants. So, can I now buy my own home?

A Jones, Evesham

We’ve had a number of questions about this since the Conservatives mentioned it in their election campaign. Now that the Tories have a majority in Parliament it may well be that the Right to Buy is extended. However, there will need to be legislation before that can happen and so until then, the situation is the same as previously.

There are around 900 Rooftop tenants that are currently eligible to buy their home at a discounted price through ‘Preserved Right to Buy’. This is a statutory right (Act of Parliament) given to secure former tenants of Wychavon District Council to buy their home at a discounted price.

This right was ‘preserved’ when the housing stock transferred from Wychavon to Evesham and Pershore Housing Association (now Rooftop Housing Association) in 1994. If you are an assured tenant of Rooftop, in normal circumstances you do not have the Preserved Right to Buy. However, if you were previously

a secure tenant of Wychavon and you became an assured tenant because ownership of your home was transferred to us, you may have the Preserved Right to Buy.

So, if you buy your home, we at Rooftop, working with Wychavon, will make sure that the money raised from the sale is reinvested to provide much needed homes.

Last year, the government increased the maximum discount for people who are entitled to buy their existing home. The discount for those with a Preserved Right to Buy can now be as high as £77,000 for some households.

If you think you have the Preserved Right to Buy please contact us using the details on the back page of this magazine and we will look into your request.

Buying your home is a big decision.

Owning a property is a fantastic asset for you and your family, both now and in future years.

The opportunity to buy a home at a greatly discounted price is a positive way for many social housing tenants to get on the property ladder and gain equity.

Apart from the discount available for you, the government has changed the way that the money raised from sales is spent. In the past, money raised did not go towards building new homes.

This time, councils and housing associations will be expected to use the money raised through Right to Buy sales to replace a home sold with a new property, giving local people the chance to have their own home.

If you do not have the Right to Buy, then you may still have the ‘Right to Acquire.’ The maximum discount, at £11,000, is much less than through Right to Buy. Nonetheless, if you have lived in a Rooftop property for more than five years you may be eligible to purchase your home through Right to Acquire. Please contact us, directly if this is something you are interested in.

Be assured, that here at Rooftop we are committed to delivering new homes across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Our long term aim is to increase our stock from 6,200 currently to just under 8,000 by 2023. In order to help us achieve this, we do need to look at all funding opportunities available to us. This includes borrowing from banks, but also raising money from initiatives such as Right to Buy, so long as we can re-invest that money back into new homes.

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Tackling ASB

Shout it from the Rooftop

The new Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act In the Autumn 2014 edition of the magazine, we told you about the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (‘the Act’) and the significant changes to the law and how social housing providers deal with anti-social behaviour in the future.

One of the most significant changes has been to introduce a new ‘absolute’ ground for possession. This enables landlords to obtain possession where the tenant, a member of the tenant’s household or a person visiting the property has already had serious housing-related anti-social behaviour or criminality proven in another court.

To be able to rely on the new ground, the offence of antisocial conduct must have been committed in/or in the locality of the dwelling house, affected a person with the right to live in the locality of the dwelling house, or affected the landlord or a person connected with the landlord’s housing management functions.

Where a landlord decides to use this ground the court will have to grant an order for eviction if the notice requirements have been fulfilled and, where relevant, review procedures have been followed.

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Review procedures for ‘absolute’ ground Secure tenants of local housing authorities will have a statutory (legally enshrined) right to request a review of the landlord’s decision to seek possession.

Registered Housing Providers do not currently have this legal obligation. However, we have adopted the same review procedure for our tenants. This will mean that any tenant served with a notice seeking possession citing the absolute ground will have the right to an appeal hearing to submit any further evidence or considerations.

The new Injunction – IPNA (Injunction to prevent nuisance and annoyance) In our Spring edition of the magazine we told you about two cases where we obtained injunctions to stop anti-social behaviour. An injunction is a court order that prohibits a particular activity or requires someone to take action, for example, to avoid causing a nuisance.

The Act has introduced a new injunction that has some important differences to the injunction process we have used before. One significant change is that the court will be able to grant an injunction against children aged 10 or above, subject to certain conditions being met, such as consultation with youth offending teams. As well as including prohibitions, it can also include positive requirements to get the perpetrator to address the underlying causes of their anti-social behaviour.

Tackling ASB

Issue 84 Summer 2015

2015 Anti-Social Behaviour Service Standards These are our service standards you can expect from us when reporting Anti Social Behaviour (ASB), Harassment and Domestic Abuse.

Reporting your concern We will treat all reports of ASB in confidence We aim to respond to you within one day of making a complaint to us If you make a complaint through our out of hours service, we will contact you on the next available working day We will be honest with you in explaining why we might not be able to assist you, i.e normal domestic noise will not usually constitute ASB We will agree an Action Plan with you in writing and give you a copy We will carry out a Risk Assessment We will agree with you how often you would like to be contacted and by what method (i.e phone, email, visit) How we work with you We will work with our residents and partners, such as the police, in active cases of ASB and also to look at prevention, i.e through community events We will help you to access extra support to you if you need it, for example Victim Support We will support victims and witnesses in dealing with issues, particularly where legal action is used We will review our ASB policies and procedures, including this standard, annually

Our target 100%

Our target 100%

How we categorise and close cases We categorise cases as emergency or non-emergency. An emergency case would be where an immediate risk of harm exists such as actual or threatened violence. Non-emergency will cover most reports of ASB, such as noise nuisance We will respond to emergency cases within 24 hours and non-emergency case within 5 days We will try to close all cases by agreement with you although this may not always be possible We will contact you by telephone when the case has been closed to ask you how satisfied you are with how it was handled and the outcome

Our target 100%

eet help us to m to s ie it il b si Your respon ards are: these stand

’ needs and r neighbours u yo ur t ec sp able behavio • To re s for reason on ti ta ec p ex ents to us or levant incid re l al t or p tly and in • To re ency promp ag e at ri p the appro manner a reasonable is needed t logs if this en d ci in te le p • To com d by us or requeste your share h and take it w e at er tion plan • To co-op lity in an ac of responsibi and hieve a fair ith us to ac propriate w ap k e or er W h w e • is m ro p m co reasonable at might a manner th in e av h be • Not to problem inflame the ired iation if requ endent med ep d in to e • To agre if the case statement s es n it w a de • To provi rt goes to cou

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Shared ownership

Shout it from the Rooftop

GET ON THE PROPERTY LADDER WITH

ROOFTOP SHARED OWNERSHIP Find out more at www.rooftopgroup.org

3 bed 2 and rom just es f hom

0

0 £63,0

NEW! Codling Road, Evesham

This is a charming new community featuring a selection of two and three bedroom homes, all comprising: • Good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/dining area • Allocated parking • Gardens to front and rear

For more information, call Reeds Rains on 01386 442671 or visit www.reedsrains.co.uk

es hom d e b 3 just from

3 bed 2 and rom just es f hom

00

St Helena Court, Worcester

£95,0

• Three good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/dining room • Family bathroom • Gardens to front and rear Visit www.reedsrains.co.uk for details

0

Russet Close, Evesham

0 £63,0

• Two/three double bedrooms • Kitchen/lounge • Allocated parking • Gardens to front and rear Visit www.reedsrains.co.uk for details

FOR SERVING AND EX SERVING

ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL WITH A CONNECTION TO WORCESTERSHIRE

es hom d e b 3 just from

0

5 £91,2

Cookhill, Redditch

• Three good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/dining area • Allocated parking • Gardens to front and rear Visit www.reedsrains.co.uk for details PRIORITY GIVEN TO THOSE WITH A LOCAL CONNECTION

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Welfare reform

Issue 84 Summer 2015

Welfare Reform changes, How will you be affected?

Earlier this month the government stepped up the roll out of Universal Credit and it may be causing you confusion or worry.

Please don’t! – we are here to help you understand how they will affect you and work with you to adjust.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit (UC) is a brand new benefit that will be replacing six existing separate benefits.

These are Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

During 2015, the job centres across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire will only be processing the simplest UC claims (single claimant, unemployed and seeking work).

Initially the Department of Work and Pensions estimate that there will only be a low level of UC claims a month. This number will increase as UC rolls out and affects more complex cases. If you are receiving any of the existing benefits you are unlikely to be affected until 2017. To prepare, you can ensure you have a suitable bank account, have online access, and are able to manage your money monthly.

Who is affected?

At this stage the new UC will only affect individuals of working age (18 to Pension Credit Age). You will have to be a single claimant who is unemployed and seeking work.

Eventually, as the roll out continues, it could affect almost half of our tenants.

• Claimants receiving direct monthly payments – including money to pay your rent

What do I need to do?

The answer is – just prepare.

UC is still in the early stages.

• Applications must be made online.

If you have any concerns or have any questions around Universal Credit and how it may affect you then please contact our Work and Money Advice Team on 0800 0421 800.

The new benefit system has many key features which include:

• Monthly payments will include help with general living costs, housing costs and childcare costs

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Resident involvement

Shout it from the Rooftop

Scrutiny update Resident Excellence Panel (REP) The Resident Excellence Panel (REP) are currently working on a scrutiny review of how Rooftop responds to resident enquiries, how we manage enquiries and whether residents are satisfied with the service we provide. The REP are also looking in detail at how we manage our neighbourhood services that are provided by the housing officers.

A new survey is being carried out by the AptQuest team to ask residents about their experiences.

If you would like to give your view on resident enquiries and have not been contacted by phone, please email repanel@rooftopgroup.org We are particularly interested to hear if Rooftop have got requests for a service right first time.

As part of the review the Panel have also looked at how residents contact Rooftop.

Information gathered over a six month period was examined. It was found that 4% of Rooftop residents used our website to contact us with an enquiry. This means on average 500 residents log on to the website each month to pay their rent and look at information on their tenancy.

A total of 75% of residents chose to phone us with their enquiry, while other’s made contact face to face, or by post.

If you would like to contact the REP about Rooftop’s customer services and tell us about your experiences, please email repanel@rooftopgroup.org

Reviewing services in 2015-16 The Panel will be reviewing two services in 2015-16.

The first to be looked at will be the way Rooftop has provided a informative service to residents affected by welfare reform. This has been timed to coincide with the roll out of Universal Credit nationally.

The second will be a review of the Common Services Vehicle (CSV) contract we have with Fortis Property Care. The CSV provides a range of services to residents including repairs grounds maintenance and planned maintenance.

Would you like to help us improve Rooftop services?

• Would you like to scrutinise our services?

• Listen to the views of other residents?

• Give an independent view?

• Work alongside other residents?

• Be trained to carry out the role?

YOU C AN

GET INVO

LVED !

If yes, then please contact Kate Gallant, Community Investment Manager, on 01386 420800 to find out more about what’s involved.

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Resident involvement

Issue 84 Summer 2015

Your Customer The Customer Panel have been busy in 2015 with three meetings and two workshops on mutual exchanges and the work and money advice service.

The Panel met with the Housing and Communities Director and looked at the progress on Fortis Property Care who provide repairs and maintenance services to residents. There were some concerns about how appointments for repairs are being managed and it was confirmed that Rooftop is recruiting more staff to help out with making appointments and implementing a new computer system next year.

Panel page

Resident compliments, concerns and complaints

Rooftop are working hard to help residents get online as we know that being online is essential. It also means residents can access their Rooftop website for information on their rent payments, keeping their family details updated and requesting a repair. Here is how Rooftop is helping residents:

Customer Panel members have a role in supporting residents if they have any concerns about a service they have received. Panel members can also be involved in helping to resolve complaints. The email address for the Customer Panel is customerpanel@rooftopgroup. org residents can use this to let the • providing information on Panel know their views on services. where to go for low cost computer equipment

• information on how to access low cost broadband from BT

Customer Panel Action plan 2015-16 Here’s what the Panel will be getting up to next year: • look at the options for improving facilities for general needs disabled residents • investigate how Rooftop can provide further work and training support to young people • improving the information about housing officers and local neighbourhoods on the Rooftop website

Getting Online

• holding an event for young people to encourage them to give us their views on how Rooftop gives them a service • helping write the Rooftop annual report.

• one to one support with a volunteer digital champion who provides advice on how to get online.

Rooftop will be running some local events to provide more information on how to get online this year. We are also looking for more ‘get online’ champions to help others. The Customer Panel will be involved in the events and are looking forward to meeting local residents.

You can get involved!

The Customer Panel is keen to recruit new members. If you are interested in coming along to a Customer Panel meeting to find out more, contact us via customerpanel@rooftopgroup.org

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New developments

Weston Road, Gloucester

Shout it from the Rooftop

Garage Courts, Bishop’s Cleeve

Gretton Road

14 flats for affordable rent

Station Goods Yard, Blakeney

22 homes for affordable rent

Yates Court, Evesham

13 houses and four flats for affordable rent

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It’s a big year separate hous so many much

Oakes House, Gloucester City

A large extension to our original building providing an extra 48 homes for over 60’s

12 flats for affordable rent

Four homes fo

Dora Matthews House, Coleford

From building care units, and building new h investing in lo We’ll be repo out www.roo

Dorothy Terry H

Barnwood, Gloucester

12 flats for young people

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A specialist dementia care facility for over 55’s

A specialist dementia c

New developments

Issue 84 Summer 2015

d, Winchcombe

Norton Barracks, Worcester

Moreton-in-Marsh

12 homes for affordable rent

or young people

Ten homes for ex military personnel

in '15

for new developments as Rooftop is celebrating the completion of 15 sing projects during 2015. Never before have we managed to deliver h-needed new homes in such a short space of time.

Gables Close, Solihull

New units for Gypsies and Travellers

41 High Street, Tewkesbury

g new homes on former garage courts, to building specialist dementia d from delivering new homes for ex-armed forces personnel to homes for the Gypsy and Traveller community in Solihull we are ocal communities right across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. orting on these schemes during the coming issues, but be sure to check oftopgroup.org for regular updates on progress.

House, Redditch

care facility for over 55’s

The Ridgeway, Cookhill

Four flats and one bedsit for young people

Wellington Street, Gloucester

Ten homes for affordable rent and shared ownership

Ten flats for affordable rent

15

Digital inclusion

Shout it from the Rooftop

Getting online don’t miss out!

Some people have never used the internet, never surfed the web, never been ‘online’. And those people have usually lived a full, happy, productive life. So, why should they feel the need to get online just because everyone else is doing it?

And if you’re one of those that have little or no experience of being online then the whole thing can seem an expensive waste of time. Either that or it is boring or a scary place where everyone is trying to scam you. But it needn’t be like that.

Firstly, you may think that you can’t afford to get online. And it’s right that cost should always be a consideration. But the price of being online is falling all the time.

Competition in the market means that the price of internet-enabled equipment is falling all the time, as is the cost of accessing broadband.

Most of you will be able to access the internet through your mobile – it’s difficult to buy anything other than a smartphone these days!

And the price of computer tablets have dropped dramatically. Right now, you can pick up a tablet

It is thought that 4.1 million of the 8.7 million adults who have never been online live in social housing. So, why is Digital Inclusion Important?

Education and Life Chances

Home access to a computer and the internet can improve children’s educational performance. If the 1.6 million children who live in families which do not use the internet got online at home, it could boost their total lifetime earnings by over £10 billion.

Employment and Skills

It is estimated that between 75%and 90% of jobs require at least some computer use. Being online also gives people more opportunities to search and apply for jobs.

Saving Money

Offline households are missing out on estimated savings of £560 per year from shopping and paying bills online.

Welfare Reforms

The benefits system is changing. Universal Credit is currently being introduced and it will replace many current benefits, including Housing Benefit and Job Seeker’s Allowance. The Government wants 80% of applications for Universal Credit to be online by 2017.

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from Argos for just £59.99 and there are similar deals at Tesco, Currys and more (be sure to shop around!)

To connect to the internet there are also some great deals around.

Sky, Virgin, Post Office are all offering some very competitive prices. One of the newest deals to consider is the BT Basic Package.

BT Basic is a simple, low-cost telephone service that’s easy to understand and helps you keep in touch, even if money is a bit tight.

If you’re on a low income, BT Basic lets you make and receive calls – and helps you manage how much you spend.

BT Basic with Broadband is available from £9.95 a month. You can usually get BT Basic if you’re claiming one of these benefits; Income Support; Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Pensions Credit (Guaranteed Credit); Employment Support Allowance (Income related); Universal Credit (and are on zero earnings).

To request an application for BT Basic, call 0800 800 864 (8am-6pm Mon-Fri). If you are already online but want to find out more about BT Basic then visit www.bt.com.

Perhaps it’s not the cost that is keeping you offline. Maybe you’re worried about not having the necessary skills? If that’s the case, fear not there are lots of resources available. Your local library is always

Digital inclusion

Issue 84 Summer 2015

a great place to start. You should find that there are computer terminals that you can use to try out things and often there are lessons and courses on offer to beginners.

What else has Rooftop been doing?

We have also recruited six Digital Champions this year. The Champions, who are volunteers, have proved a very popular and effective way to help others get online. We’ll be looking to recruit more Champions. If you’re interested in becoming a Champion, or want some help from a Champion to help you get online please contact Kate Gallant on 0800 0421 800 or kate. gallant@rooftopgroup.org.

We have invested in WiFi in some of the older peoples’ schemes and also in touch screen kiosks in several community areas.

We’re particularly pleased with the installation of the new kiosk in Bretforton Community shop and the provision of WiFi at the Houndsfield Lane site, a joint initiative with the Traveller team to support the education attainment of young people living on the site.

One of the other big things that Rooftop has done in the past year is help to establish the Go ON Worcestershire partnership. Over 40 partners, including housing associations, councils and a range of community organisations, have

signed up to this initiative which is designed to target the 49,000 residents who have been identified as ‘offline’ in Worcestershire.

The partnership has begun by mapping areas of digital exclusion by location and customer profile, which has focused attention on the rural areas as well as areas of highest need. Funding has been secured from Worcestershire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner to support a two year programme of activities to help people stay safe online.

This includes £56,000 for local GP surgeries and pharmacies for them to provide online access points in local health facilities. £50,000 of funding has been secured for equipment to support the setting up of ‘Go ON cafes’ which will be either fixed (such as at Malvern Town football club) or mobile (as in Wychavon) designed to provide ‘pop up’ get online groups.

We’ll be reporting on the progress of the partnership in forthcoming issues, so keep your eyes peeled.

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Praise board

Shout it from the Rooftop

Feedback from

our residents Thank you for replacin g and front door after the frame 12 month problems. I s of am over t he moon a the operat nd ives did a f antastic re pair.

: us on t c 00 a Cont 21 8 p.org 4 0 u 0800rooftopgro . www

iving p we love rece Here at Roofto and thanks from se ai pr of s er lett st Rather than ju our residents. ought rselves, we th ou to em th ep ke a page where we we would create . can share them

Mr S (Resid

ent)

Fortis I would like to thank the use to operative who visited my ho er. He was disconnect my existing heat d the work really nice, conscientious an k you. was very neatly done. Than Mrs W(Resident)

I’m so impres sed with how quickly th e issues I had were dealt with and rectified. The plumber was really professi onal and friendly. I love my new low level show er.

Mrs D (Residen t)

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I’d like to say h ow much i appre ciated the lads who fitted my bathroom f looring and how they w ent about it. T hey were really lovely and the works have been done perfectly . They previous ly fitted my kitchen floor an d were very go od then too.

Miss P (Reside nt)

w I’d like to say ho all the pleased I am with installing men involved with m. They my new bathroo ve when went over and abo ork. completing the w Mrs C (Resident)

Issue 84 Summer 2015

Bulky waste

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Gardening competition

Shout it from the Rooftop

s ’ p u o r G g n i s Rooftop Hou

n e d r a 2015 G ! n o i t i t e Comp PRIZE

Rooftop Housing Group would like to invite all residents, leaseholders and shared owners to enter our Garden Competition.

There will be five categories: • Best scheme or community garden (new) • Best vegetable/fruit garden (new) • Best container/ hanging basket • Most improved garden • Best overall garden

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S for the w and run inner ner up in all categ ories!

You may enter as many categories as you would like. Scoring will cover the structure of the garden, planting, maintenance and the overall layout and design. There will be prizes for the winner and runner up in each category.

Entries for the competition will need to be in by Monday 15 June 2015 and judging will take place from the end of June onwards.

To request an entry form and a pre-paid envelope, please contact Alex Williams on 01386 420800.

Or visit www.rooftopgroup.org to download a form.

We’ve got some fantastic prizes including: • Top Mystery Prize!

• BBQ • Wooden planter and trellis set • Hozelock Aquapod • £25 garden voucher • Food hamper

We look forward to seeing your beautiful gardens and will feature a selection of the best entries in the residents’ magazine this Autumn.

Andy’s column

Issue 84 Summer 2015

Summer gardening with Andy Meet Andy, our regular resident columnist.

He’s going to be giving us gardening information and tips throughout the year.

Read his Summer advice....

“A garden is a grand teacher.

It teaches patience and careful watchfulness, industry and thrift, and above all entire trust” Gertrude Jekyll, 1843-1932

remove suckers and blind shoots.

Train new shoots on climbers and take cuttings in mid-summer.

Those thought provoking words by the famous Victorian gardener certainly knew how to ring a bell for many of us established and budding gardeners. The patience, hard work and trust we put in to our gardens is all the more satisfying when our garden is in full bloom. However, as all gardeners know, it is short lived and summer gardens still need tending, so let’s get started.

Plant annuals, biennials until mid summer, water as necessary, stake and tie tall plants and climbers.

Ornamental shrubs Plant container grown shrubs, water as needed, remove suckers and feed. After flowering, prune shrubs that flower on old wood and those that bleed heavily in mid-summer.

Climbing plants Plant container grown climbers and water as necessary. Tie new shoots onto supports. Take softwood cuttings mid to late summer.

Roses

Plant container grown roses feed and water, start dead heading,

Annuals and biennials

Rock Gardens Plant alpines and rock garden plants. After flowering cut back as appropriate.

Water Gardens

Plant aquatics and margin plants mid to late summer. Clear any blanket weed from ponds. Divide water lilies to avoid overcrowding.

Lawns Lay turf. If sowing seed keep ground well watered. Feed early and mid-summer, water thoroughly and don’t forget to aerate areas of heavy wear to keep lawn looking good.

Herb Gardens Plant potted and container grown herbs, mulch feed and water well.

Cut back after flowering.

Vegetable Gardens Now is the time to plant winter brassicas and salad vegetables in prepared ground, water regularly.

Earth up potatoes, stake and tie tomatoes, train and tie climbing vegetables. In mid-summer, lift and dry onions, and make successive sowings of summer/salad crops.

Fruit Gardens Plant new strawberry runners.

Pinch out new fig shoots, prune raspberries and train in new canes.

Don’t forget to water, water, water!

Early morning or later in evening as plants lose so much moisture in dry periods.

If you’ve got any questions about gardening you’d like me answer, please use the form on the back page and send it into Rooftop.

Andy 21

Competitions

Puzzle If you get a moment, make yourself a cuppa, sit down and try your hand at our puzzles.

You can use the form on the back of your magazine to enter your answers and you may even win a £10 Tesco voucher!

Spot the difference!

Look at the two images on the right. There are 10 differences between the two. Can you spot them all?

Just for

fun!

Send us your photos Have you taken a professional looking shot that you’d like to show off? Found a really old photo of the local area? Send them into us! We’ll print the best one in the magazine – perhaps even on the cover!

And all entries will appear on our Resident Online Gallery at www.rooftopgroup.org Please send your photos to: communications@rooftopgroup.org

Sunset at Cookhill This photo of a sunset was taken in the garden of our new properties at Cookhill.

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£10

Tesco voucher!

Can you discover the secret word?

Find all the clues in our word search to discover a secret word. They can be up, down, diagonal or even backwards.

The letters that are not used spell out the answer.

Clue: You can sit on one at the beach.

BEACH BUCKET CRABBING DONKEY FISH HAT LIGHTHOUSE

POSTCARD SANDCASTLE SEAGULL SEASIDE SUNGLASSES SUNSHINE WAVES

Try to name the mystery objects!

Study the two photos on the left and see if you can work out what they are?

Enter for a chance t o win a

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Tesco voucher!

Well done to last issue’s winners!

Competition terms:

Spring wordsearch The answer was: ATMOSPHERE The winner was: Laura Gilder from Bishop’s Cleeve.

Please note that winners will be picked at random from the correct entries, by the Communications Panel, and their decision is final.

Spring mystery objects The answers were: TWO PENCE COIN and CACTUS The winners were: Casey Spence from Gloucester and Michael Draper from Evesham.

Closing date for entries is Friday 11 September 2015

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Responses Use our back page to send in your entries for our competitions and to ask Ian, our Group Chief Executive, a question. Just fill in the sections you want to, including the ‘Your details’ section. Cut this back page out and send it to our address on the right of this page.

You can also email your competition entries or questions for the Group Chief Executive, to communications@rooftopgroup.org

www.rooftopgroup.org Name Address

Telephone Email

The closing date for all competitions is Friday 11 September Summer word search answer:

‘What are our mystery objects?’ answers:

A B

Dear Ian...

enquiries@rooftopgroup.org 0800 0421 800 Rooftop Housing Group 70 High Street Evesham WR11 4YD @Rooftop_Housing

Rooftop Housing Group

Our head office is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (except on Wednesday when we open at 9.30am).

If you would like the information in this magazine translated into another language, audio, or larger print please contact one of our customer advisors.

If you would like to make a complaint, please phone your housing officer and ask for our complaints form.

Please note that our office will be closed all day on Tuesday 30 June.

If you need to report either an emergency repair or an instance of anti-social behaviour call 0800 0421 800.