Shout it from the Rooftop Issue 95

Shout it from the

Magazine GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A NEW START

2021 EDITION 95

HOW WE USE YOUR RENT

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES

PLACES WE'RE PROUD OF

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NEED HELP LOOKING FOR WORK?

Our Job Coaches can offer you support if you are looking to move into or closer to work or training.

You can be supported by a dedicated Job Coach and offered a personalised package of support that's based on your own strengths, needs and circumstances.

We may have had to change the way we work but our job coaches are still available to work with you to help you with your move closer into work or training.

Job Coaches will help you with your CV, your cover letters, completing applications, getting ready for interviews, using computers or any other support you and your Job Coach feel you need.

Interested? Want to know more?

Contact our work advisors on 01386 420800 or Email bbo@rooftopgroup.org Rooftop as part of Fusion, a collaboration of local Worcestershire organisations, have created Building Better Opportunities. This project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund to offer an employment support program for local residents.

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Complaints Guide

IN THIS ISSUE How do we use your rent Meet our new Group Chair Community Investment Helping our Communities in COVID Our Money Advisors New Neighbourhood Officer Patches Giving Young People a New Start Help With Work and Training Places We’re Proud Of Walking Football For Mental Health Mould and Damp Puzzles EDITION 95 2021

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WHAT ARE "AFFORDABLE RENT" AND "SOCIAL RENT" AND HOW DO WE USE YOUR RENT? If the home you rent is owned by Rooftop Housing Group you will generally be paying either affordable rent or social rent.

Social rent was introduced by the Government in 2001 and is a formula-based rent which means a calculation is made based on the relative value of the property, relative local income levels and the size of the property to work out how much rent will be paid. With social rent, there is rent flexibility of 5% allowed for general needs homes and flexibility of 10% for homes in older people’s developments or supported housing. If there are any service charges they are added to this rent.

Affordable rent was introduced by the Government in 2011 for all registered providers of housing (known as RPs) that

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have agreed to affordable housing development programmes. Rooftop has those developments. This agreement helped more homes to be built with fewer government grants. The rent is set at up to 80% of market rent using an RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) valuation.

If the affordable rent is lower than the social rent, then the social rent will be charged.

The word "affordable" was used by Government to show the difference between market rent (100%), and the reduced rent (80%) charged by RPs. "Affordable" does not mean that your rent changes with your financial circumstances.

If your income goes up or down your rent will stay the same, with any regular annual changes.

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If you are having any financial difficulties and have trouble paying your rent, Rooftop's dedicated team of Money Advisors can help you claim the correct benefits, help you budget and introduce you to other agencies who may be able to help.

We think very carefully about how we develop new homes for rent, making sure that they are financially viable:– what we mean by financially viable is the rent for the homes (whether it is “affordable rent” or “social rent”) needs to cover the costs of development, loan repayments, maintenance, and investment over time. We also develop homes for Shared Ownership, and occasionally we will build homes for sale, but as we are a not-for-profit organisation, we put all our money from shared ownership and sale into our services along with the rent you pay us.

Part of the funding we get is from Homes England grants.

Homes England is the Government body, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, who have the responsibility for giving funding to RPs like Housing Associations, and commercial home builders. Rooftop only gets Homes England funding for homes that meet Homes England's funding rules.

Rooftop receives funding to build new homes through a combination of Homes England grant, which is typically about 30% of total building scheme costs, then we borrow against future rental income (which

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is a bit like a mortgage) and the sales income from shared ownership homes.

Before we start any new building projects they are first judged against a set of targets (management and maintenance costs, major repairs, interest and inflation) together with a set of strict guidelines for value for money which are approved by our Board every year.

The rent you pay us pays for our ongoing services like repairs, staff and maintenance.

Your rent also goes towards the cost of building new homes, so we can help more people like you to live in a great home.

You can see a chart of our costs and more detailed charts in our Annual Report to Tenants that we publish every year.

Each year we look at rents and we may increase them slightly.

This decision is never taken lightly and is closely controlled by rules set by Government.

Value for Money is sometimes a difficult thing to work out from organisation to organisation, which is why Value For Money is closely regulated by the Government and we report against the Value for Money Standard 2018.

Copies of the Value for Money Report, Customer Annual Report and all other public reports can be found on the Rooftop website at www.rooftopgroup.org/reporting.

Alternatively you can contact us if you wish to receive a paper copy or If you would like the information translated into another language, audio, or larger print please contact your Neighbourhood Officer.

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Abuse can come in many forms, don’t suffer in silence

Even in these difficult times abuse of any nature should not be tolerated and we can still help. Call the West Mercia Womens Aid helpline 24/7 open to men and women on 0800 980 3331 or Worcestershire Male Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 014 9082 – Tuesdays between 11am – 3pm.

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I look forward to “working for Rooftop

residents at a time when housing, and social housing is central to people’s needs.

There are many challenges ahead and I am excited to be able to work together to provide solutions in this crucial area.

Rooftop Appoint a New Group Chair Rooftop Housing Group has appointed a new Group Chair, Sally Higham.

Sally is a senior business leader with a strong sense of social purpose and has significant experience in strategic advisory relationships across public, third and private sector organisations.

The Rooftop Group Board Chair serves a maximum of nine years, and Rooftop’s previous Chair Nicola Inchbald had reached that term and has retired from the Board. Nicola Inchbald was instrumental in adopting a ‘land-led’ strategy, which meant Rooftop was ahead of its peers and has a superb track record of building homes of real quality for local people.

“Rooftop has continued to grow and thrive under the leadership of our outgoing Chair, Nicola Inchbald, and she leaves Rooftop stronger than ever in delivering its mission of providing great EDITION 95 2021

homes and supporting people to live successful lives. Sally brings extensive experience, energy and passion for social housing, in what is an exciting new chapter for the organisation.” explained Boris Worrall, Rooftop Group Chief Executive Sally Higham brings a wealth of experience as CEO of a social technology company, an experienced Social Housing Group Non-Executive Director Board member (previously at the Aster Group and Bromford), including roles as Chair of Risk Committee, and member of Audit and Remuneration and Nominations Committees.

She joined Rooftop in September 2021 as Group Chair and Chair of the Nominations and Performance Committee.

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COVID-19 has highlighted the value of existing community connections in enabling rapid responses to local needs.

Within my own community I have been inspired by the new sense of community and the selflessness of my neighbourhoods and wider County in supporting the most vulnerable.

Home is feeling safe, secure, and happy, where you feel you belong and where you are part of a community.

As a sector Community Investment has always been an established part of our work.

The impact of the pandemic on every community has led to new partnerships and a realisation that there are enormous reserves of skill, good will, and energy available when people feel motivated by common interests. As we move through our roadmap to recovery we are all wondering if things will ever be the same again, I for one hope in terms of community investment it will not be the same.

At Rooftop Housing Group, as a rural, community-based Housing Association, we are at the heart of our communities which makes us well placed to support positive change. We have some of the key skills and resources to complement that of our partners, customers, and communities and recognise that investment requires sustained commitment, motivation, resources, and capacity to deliver it effectively.

Fundamentally as housing professionals we all believe in the importance of community and a place to call home. We know that communities are at the heart of improved health and wellbeing, enhanced life chances and resilience. Providing a home is more than a house or a place, it is a feeling.

The best Housing Associations in our sector maximise social investment with some fantastic examples of the ability to bring about change. In our post pandemic world our sector together with our partners are needed more than ever to build future resilience.

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Our response to the pandemic has been to set an ambitious path to work together to make significant change that will form a legacy, we want to take several steps to target key inequalities and impacts of the pandemic. At Rooftop Housing Group we will target action in the areas where we know we can deliver most benefit, together with partners we will expand our community role to increase social impact through community investment.

Our future approach is built on existing strength based approaches focussing upon place and adding value. We believe that listening to our customers and communities is our first step to building a true understanding about their needs, priorities, and aspirations. We want to build relationships with communities, local partners, and organisations to ensure that communities have access to the best expertise and resources that support community empowerment to create and own solutions. Innovation is key in finding creative ways of not only working with communities but connecting people.

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As a key stakeholder we have several skills that can support community investment that includes facilitating growth and investment for those communities most in need. Our focus over the next three years will be.

• Community connection and infrastructure.

• Health and wellbeing.

• Employment, education, skills, and training.

• Financial resilience.

• Environment.

• Digital inclusion.

Fundamentally our aim is to work together, creating places that are empowering and resilient with community at its heart, community investment is not a one size fits and in our post pandemic landscape we have a wonderful opportunity to build upon our combined strengths and form a legacy.

What will your approach to community investment be?

LISA NICHOLLS

Housing Director - Rooftop Housing Group

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HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES IN COVID other locallocal organisations. organisations.

Because Because of this, of this, I've I've been been other Caring Hands Hands in the in the Vale, Vale, unable unable to go toto gowork to work andand Caring Wallace House, House, Pershore Pershore work work anyany overtime overtime to boost to boost Wallace Foodbank, CSDCSD VegVeg BoxBox my my income. income.

Although Although I've I've Foodbank, Company, KenKen Tallis Tallis been been ableable to claim to claim Universal UniversalCompany, Butchers in Pershore, in Pershore, andand Credit, Credit, my my income income hashas been beenButchers Master Butchers Butchers in in severely severely affected, affected, andand once once Master Evesham. the the billsbills have have been been paid, paid, I've I'veEvesham. hadhad littlelittle money money left left for for TheThe project project funding funding waswas food. food.

All of Allthis of this hashas coordinated coordinated by the by the contributed contributed to ato a Worcestershire Worcestershire Community Community deterioration deterioration in my in my mental mental Foundation, Foundation, withwith funds funds from from An individual An individual in our in our Older Older health.” health.” the the Worcestershire Worcestershire Covid-19 Covid-19 Persons Persons Scheme Scheme in Evesham in Evesham Response Appeal, Appeal, the the Bentley Bentley from from Rooftop Rooftop Response said,said, “It has “It has been been a lifeline a lifeline SueSue National National Emergencies Emergencies Trust, Trust, waswas the the main main organiser, organiser, for me for me as COVID-19 as COVID-19 hashas Winter Winter Grant Grant Scheme Scheme support support from from Rooftop Rooftop the the meant meant I've I've hadhad to shield to shield for for withwith staffstaff andand partnerships partnerships withwith Fund, Fund, Worcestershire Worcestershire the the bestbest partpart of aof year. a year.

Rooftop Rooftop hashas helped helped to to deliver deliver a Food a Food Project Project to to families families andand individuals individuals in in need need in Worcestershire. in Worcestershire.

Around Around 300300 people people have have been been supported supported withwith food food hampers, hampers, warm warm clothing, clothing, personal personal products, products, soap, soap, andand blankets. blankets.

Some Some whitegoods whitegoods were were alsoalso distributed. distributed.

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“They were blown away by the

quality when I dropped their boxes off. It's made a massive difference to their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Local Foodbanks, Foodbanks, Caring Caring County County Council, Council, Worcester Worcester Local Hands Hands in the in the ValeVale andand the the CityCity Council, Council, Wychavon Wychavon Pershore Foodbank, Foodbank, andand District District Council Council andand Malvern Malvern Pershore A total community organisations organisations HillsHills District District Council.

Council. £9,000 £9,000 community of £9,000 was spent. such such as Wallace as Wallace House House in in was was spent spent in total. in total.

Evesham Evesham helped helped with with SueSue set up set aup network a network of of distribution andand donations, donations, locallocal linkslinks withwith businesses businesses distribution including including toiletries toiletries andand charities. charities.

A partnership A partnership essentials. withwith CSDCSD VegVeg Boxes Boxes allowed allowed essentials.

of our Mencap homes their their residents residents were weresaid their residents delighted delighted by the bywere the project project andand delighted by the project have have written written a thank a thank youand you have written a thank you letter. letter.

"The"The service service users users we we letter.

"The service users we support support were were really really grateful grateful support were reallyingrateful and and tooktook pleasure pleasure helping in helping andthe took pleasure inwith helping the staff staff to cook to cook with the the the goods staff toprovided cookto with goods provided them." tothe them." goods provided to them."

A family A family in Pershore in Pershore saidsaid

A family in Pershore said for a for weekly a weekly delivery delivery Members Members of our of our community community they they received received a “Great a “Great communities who were theyquality received a and “Great who who were were identified identified as most as most quality throughout throughout March March to all to all fruitfruit and veg veg boxbox identified asreceived mostthe in the need quality fruit and vegare boxvery need in need received boxes. boxes. with participants, participants, withwith fresh fresh fruit, fruit, in with extras. extras.

We We are very received boxes.

This ranged withthankful extras. are very vegetables, vegetables, eggs, eggs, bread bread andand This This ranged ranged from from individuals individualsthankful for We the for the helphelp in in from individuals and thankful for thetimes.” help in and families families in our in our general general these cheese. cheese.

WithWith the the support support of of and these hard hard times.” families inservice, our people general these hard times.”

Dave Dave Purser, Purser, of the of the Master Master needs needs service, people in our in our The The Food Food Project Project waswas a pilot a pilot needs service, people in our Older Person's Person's Schemes, Schemes, Butchers Butchers in Evesham in Evesham andand Older Thescheme, Foodand Project washope athat pilot scheme, and we hope we that Older Persons Schemes, those in our in our Domestic Domestic KenKen Tallis Tallis of Abbey of Abbey Butchers Butchers those scheme, thatsimilar we will we will beand able bewe able tohope run to run similar those in our Domestic Abuse Safe Safe Houses, Houses, andand the the projects in Pershore, in Pershore, we were we were alsoalso Abuse we will be to run similar projects inable the in the future. future.

Abuse Safeto Houses and the Homeless, adults to adults withwith ableable to offer to offer a scheme a scheme for for Homeless, projects in the future.

Rooftop Rooftop wants wants to support to support Homeless, todisabilities adults with fresh fresh meat meat andand items items of aof a Learning Learning disabilities whowho are areour Rooftop wants to support our customers customers in need, in need, Learning disabilities who are supported supported

by Mencap.

by Mencap. customers' customers' choice, choice, withwith a a our whose customers in need, whose circumstances circumstances have have supported

by Mencap. delivery delivery service service to the to the most most The whose circumstances have The Managing Managing Agents Agents at one at oneworsened worsened during during the the COVID COVID vulnerable. vulnerable.

The Managing Agents at one worsened during the COVID of our of our Mencap Mencap homes homes said said pandemic. pandemic.

TheThe project project hashas

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helped us pandemic. helped us engage Theengage project withwith has tenants and service users tenants helped us and engage service with users helped to build andand tenants helped andto service build users relationships when times relationships and helped towhen build times challenging. are are relationships challenging. when times are challenging. to help, We We are are herehere to help, to to

partners at Wallace OurOur partners at Wallace House House said,said,

work with local charities businesses, who have also and businesses, have also been struggling who or adapting been of struggling or adapting Coronavirus. a lovely message because "We"We hadhad a lovely message because of Coronavirus. from a family have from a family whowho have all all Dave Griffin, one of the tested positive for COVID Dave Griffin, one Veg of the tested positive for COVID founders of the CSD have been struggling andand have been struggling to to Boxfounders Companyofinthe CSD Veg support to offer advice. manage manage on Statutory Box Company in “all our support We are here andand to help, offer to advice. on Statutory SickSick Worcestershire said; Income Team and both adults Worcestershire OurOur support Income and Team to offer and advice. our our PayPay withwith both adults not not produce is from Redsaid; Star“all our Money Advisors helped to able to work and two produce is from RedisStar Money Our Income Advisors Team helped and our to able to work and 2 children Growers, so everything identify those most in children home too. They locally Growers, so We everything identify Money Advisors those most helped in need toneed at home too.atThey were sourced. are all is of extra support. were blown away by the locally sourced.

Welocal are all of extra identify those support. most in need blown away by the quality, passionate about our quality, and his wife was in passionate about our local of extra support. and his wife was in tears community and helping Dave from Evesham Dave from Evesham saidsaid “I “I tears when I dropped their people community and helping when I dropped their boxes out wherever we would really to say would Dave from really Evesham like like to say said a “I a boxes off.

It's made a wherever we can,people and weout love the chance massive thank to massive would really thank like you toyou to saySue, a Sue, off. It's made a massive massive difference to their can, and we love the chance difference to their physical to work with Rooftop.”

Naomi and Juita for all the Naomi massive and thank Juita you forto all Sue, the and mental work mental wellbeing.” they’ve been helphelp Naomi they’ve and Juita been for giving allgiving the me.me.andphysical We to want to with thankRooftop.” everyone, wellbeing.” today and We want to thank everyone, I gotI got help they’ve my my veg veg been boxbox today giving and me.

I I The project was a brilliant both organisations and it’s Christmas.

The project was a brilliant individuals, both organisations I gotfeel feel like mylike it’s vegChristmas. box today The andThe I example of partnership who gave and three ofChristmas. you whoever example individuals, who gave three feel like of it’s you andand whoever Theat atworking and of thepartnership good work support, funding, and their Rooftop helped arrange working and the work timesupport, and their Rooftop three of you helped andarrange whoever allatall of organisations suchgood as the to makefunding, this project have been so lovely, of organisations such as the happen. time to make this project thisthis Rooftop have helped been so arrange lovely, all Worcestershire Community helping people like me.

Worcestershire Community happen. helping this havepeople been so likelovely, me.Rooftop YouYou Foundation and our local staff members Jenny Hutchinson, Lou Palmer and Danielle Davies with Megan Ellis (2nd from left) have done more than your councils.

Foundation have helping done people more like than me. your You One ofand the our local We’re so lucky to have fantastic councils.

One of of the the job.job. have We’re done so more lucky than to have your aspects you”. fantastic of the you”. job.

We’re so lucky to have scheme was aspects being able to scheme wascharities being able to you”. work with local and

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can be a big issue at the moment as people are being furloughed or being made redundant due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. It can also be easy to think that you aren’t eligible for help .

We are here to help.

If you are finding it hard to pay your rent or keep up with bills, you may qualify for additional benefits and support, depending on your circumstances.

Rooftop Housing Group’s money advisors can provide help and support with getting the right benefit entitlements.

You are not alone

Find out more information at: www.rooftopgroup.org/money-advice or contact our money advisors by telephone on 01386 420800 or Email: Money.Advice@rooftopgroup.org

Never Fear, Our Money Advisors are Here!

Money worries are one of the concerns that have a huge impact on people, but help and support is available.

Life is tough for many, and uncertainties make it more difficult. With fuel and food costs rising and some Government support brought in during the pandemic no longer available, you may be nervous about the future.

Coronavirus left people on furlough, with their working hours cut, and some of those with savings have been forced to use them. It's also put pressure on people's relationships and health and wellbeing. We can help take some of the strain. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the £20-per-week uplift to Universal Credit finished at the end of September, and for some this will have left you feeling even

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Money Advisors, Naomi Inman and Beverley Hiden

more unsure of what the next few months will bring.

Rooftop has it's very own dynamic duo of Naomi Inman and Beverley Hiden, our Money Advisors. They give guidance on budgeting and can help you access benefits. In the last year, they have helped you get £3.4 million in benefits that you are eligible for, but had not been claiming.

In some cases, customers received lump sums of back dated monies totalling £118,000!!

Money Advice from Rooftop is free and confidential and we don't judge. Please be assured that whatever situation you're in, whether it's because of Coronavirus that

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your income has been affected, or if it's nothing to do with COVID at all, our Money Advisors can help.

Lots of people who qualify for Universal Credit, don't apply, so put an application in, you could be in line for cash that you are not claiming.

If you have any concerns, or have any questions, Naomi and Beverley are available to answer them. Please don't hesitate. You are not lone and help is at hand.

Find out more at: money.advice@rooftopgroup.org

Whether you are eligible for working age benefits or pension benefits, Rooftop can help.

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New neighbourhood officers and patches At Rooftop Housing Group we have a team of dedicated Neighbourhood Officers on hand to offer you advice and support about your tenancy and community.

Your Neighbourhood Officer is your main point of contact for any help and support that you may want about your home and the surrounding area.

This support covers day to day housing enquiries, advice on your tenancy and how to report problems.

Their aim is to ensure that your tenancy with us is happy and successful.

So, let’s meet the team:

ALEX POWELL Team Leader

Email: alex.powell@rooftopgroup.org

SOPHIE HICKMAN

Tel: 07483 044 497

Team Leader

Patch: Bishop's Cleeve

Email: sophie.hickman@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07483 052 025 Patch: Four Pools

CATHERINE WOOD Email: catherine.wood@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07854 717 527

Patch: Abbey Gardens - Anvil House - Badsey Road Butterworth House - Cowl Street - Fairfield - New Street - Rynal Place - West Street

CORINNE DAVIS Email: corinne.davis@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07854 717 460 Patch: Aldington - Bretforton - Cleeve Prior Harvington - Honeybourne - Littletons Offenham - Pebworth

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NAOMI NOBES Email: naomi.nobes@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07876 839 261

LISA TANDY Email: lisa.tandy@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07854 717 441 Patch: Bishampton - Broughton Hackett -Dormston - Inkberrow - Lenches - Lower Moor - Naunton Beauchamp - Peopleton Pershore central - Pinvin - Sneachill Throckmorton - Tibberton - Upton Snodsbury - White Ladies Aston - Wyre Piddle

Patch: Besford - Birlingham Bredon - Bredon's Norton - Charlton - Cropthorne - Defford - Drakes Broughton - Eckington - Fladbury Kemerton - Littleworth - Pershore Abbey - Pirton - Stoulton Strensham - Wadborough Whittington - Wick

TONY HENDERSON TRACEY ROGERS Email: tracey.rogers@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07854 717 408 Patch: Albert Rd - Avon Street Bewdley Lane - Bewdley Street Briar Close - Cornell Court - Edward Street - Geroge St - Hampton Henry Fowler Close - Henry Street Littleworth Street -Littleworth Walk - Magpie Ct - Norton -Sinclair Ct - St Lawrence Rd - William Crescent

Email: tony.henderson@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07815 645 613 Patch: Bromsgrove - Cookhill - Droitwich Dudley - Fernhill Heath - Kidderminster Kingswinford - Lower Sapey - Redditch Solihull - Worcester - Wythall

RYAN WILLIAMS Email: ryan.williams@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07854 717 527

ZOE GRINNELL

Patch: Ashton Under Hill - Bricklehampton Cheltenham - Combertons - Dursley - Elmley Castle - Forest of Dean - Gloucester - Hinton Ross on Wye - Stroud - Winchcombe

Email: zoe.grinnell@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 07483 052 085 Patch: Aston Somerville - Badsey - Beckford -Bengeworth - Broadway - Childswickham Craven Court - Laxton Crescent Moreton-in-the-Marsh - Nailers Row Sedgeberrow - Shawcross Walk - Wickhamford

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Giving Young People a New Start Megan Ellis is one of the most enthusiastic, smiley and chatty young women you could ever hope to meet, but she used to be a very different person.

She was homeless and estranged from her family and needed the help of the charities NightStop and P3, who help people to find emergency accommodation. This troubled time time, introduced her to Rooftop, and she moved into one of our Young People Person’s Service Schemes, (YPS) at Jubilee schemes Court at Jubilee in Tewkesbury.

Court in Tewkesbury.

I’m meeting Megan along with staff who I’m have meeting supported Megan, her along on herwith journey, staff who just have as thesupported next chapter her of onher herstory journey, is about just as to unfold. the next chapter of her story is about to unfold.

When Megan arrived at Rooftop, she met When Jenny Hutchinson, Megan arrived a Skills at Rooftop, Workershe in our met Jenny YPS. Megan Hutchinson, says “when a Skills I met Worker Jen, she in our Young was very People kind, Service. and after Megan what I’d says been “when

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Ithrough, met Jen,I she wasn’t wasexpecting very kind,it.and She’s after a what reallyI’d warm been person, through, almost I wasn’t a mother expecting it. figure.”

She’s a really warm person, almost a mother figure.”

Jenny’s first impression was of an Jenny’s anxious,first very impression chatty young waswoman, of an anxious, strugglingvery withchatty budgeting. young“She woman, was struggling always helpful withand budgeting. kind, but “She very was anxious always and extremely helpful and needy. kind, She but was very anxious and demanding extremely of time needy. as She she was lonely, but demanding her anxiety was of time a major as she factor.” was lonely, but her anxiety was a major factor.”

Megan settled in and was enrolled on a Megan Princes settled Trust programme. in and was enrolled This confirmed on a Prince’s to her what Trust she programme. didn’t wantThis to do, and confirmed made her strive to herfor what what she she didn’t really want to do, wanted, and made whichher is tostrive workfor with what animals. she really wanted, which is to work with

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animals.

“Everyone at Rooftop is so supportive to help you get to your goals, I feel at home “Everyone at and Rooftop is sothem supportive to with Rooftop, without I wouldn’t help you get to your goals, I feel at home have gone to college.” with Rooftop, and without them I wouldn’t A very important parttoofcollege. the YPS have gone ” run by Rooftop is to enable the young people to A very important part of thetoYPS become self-sufficient and livecentres run by Rooftop is enabling young independent and successful lives. people The to become self-sufficient and to live Skills workers and Support Workers independent and successful lives. based in the schemes help with lifeThe skills, Skills workers and Support Workers signposting to support services, based in theand schemes help with lifeEvery skills, educational job opportunities. signposting to support services, young person who comes to a Rooftop educational opportunities.

Every YPS scheme and has job to complete a, young person who comes to Rooftop Preparation for Independence (PFI) YPS, hasItto complete a PFI, Preparation course. takes an average of at least 9 for Independence.

It takes an average of months, usually a year to complete. at least 9 months, usually a year to Goal setting is an important part of this. complete.

Megan completed hers in eight months, Goal setting is anenrolled important of this. and in this time on apart course at Megan completed hers in 8 months, and Hartpury College, to take a Level 2 in this time enrolledCare. on a course at Diploma in Animal Hartpury College, to take a Level 2 Jenny says is very driven and very Diploma in“Megan Animal Care. smart. Lockdown was a boring and Jenny says “Megan is very drivenbut and very anxious time for young people, smart. was everything.” a boring and Megan Lockdown put 110% into anxious time for young people, but “Everyone amazing Rooftop” Megan Megan putis110% into at everything.” says. “They are just like family”. She’s “Everyone is amazing Rooftop” Megan keen to make sure sheatleaves no one out, says.

“They are just like family”.

She’s as she has felt supported by the YPS keen to make team, sure she leaves oneand out, management Derry andno Mark, as she has felt supported by the YPS Support Workers Gemma, Lou and management team, Derry and Mark, and Danielle.

Support Workers Gemma, Lou and “Danny has helped with my coursework, Danielle. and now I’m going on to study for a Level “Danny has Certificate helped with coursework, 3 Extended inmy Animal and now I’m going to study a Level Management.”

Theon course lastsfor two years 3 Extended Certificate in Animal and will hopefully lead to job Management.” course lastsLou 2 years opportunities toThe work in a zoo. has and will hopefully lead to job worked with Megan since she arrived, opportunities work in they a zoo.

Lou has and along withtoDanielle, have worked with Megan since she arrived, helped Megan with budgeting, learning and along with Danielle, they have to prepare healthy and sustaining meals helped Megan support with budgeting, learning and accessing for her education to prepare healthy and sustaining meals and mental wellbeing. and accessing support for her education

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Nowmental that Megan has completed her PFI, and wellbeing. she will leave our scheme at Jubilee Court Now thatasMegan has completed herfound, PFI, as soon a suitable home can be she will leave scheme at Jubilee Court a process thatour Rooftop assists with, via as soon as a suitable home can be found, Homeseekers. a process that Rooftop assists with, via She beams from ear to ear about what Homeseekers. awaits her, and it’s obvious that Jenny is She from ear ear about verybeams proud of how fartoMegan has what come. awaits her and it’s obvious that Jenny is Whenproud young come to Rooftop, very ofpeople how far Megan has come. what we really want is for them to move When young come to Rooftop, on as soon aspeople possible, as that means what we really want is for them they have worked through their to move on as soonand as possible, as thatSeeing meansthe problems are successful. they have worked through their bond between Megan and Jenny, it’s problems andsometimes are successful. the obvious that it willSeeing be hard to bond between Megan and Jenny, it’s say goodbye. obvious that sometimes it will be hard to say goodbye.

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Looking for work?

Our Job Coaches can support you!

Rooftop Job Coaches help to get people into work and training across Worcestershire as part of the Building Better Opportunities (BBO) scheme. Rooftop Housing Group is part of Fusion, a partnership of local Housing Providers and Voluntary Organisations. They are proud to be carrying out the BBO project, which is funded through the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Nick Bennett or Gemma McKay could become your dedicated Job Coach where they will offer you a personalised package of support based on your strengths and needs. They are set targets to meet every three months and both Nick and Gemma have exceeded these and helped many people in these difficult times.

Job Coaches will help you with your CV, Covering Letters, completing applications, getting ready for interviews, using computers and any other support you and your Job Coach feel you need.

Nick recently worked with Dave, who came onto BBO after attending Job Club at Pershore Library. Dave had been out of employment for over ten years after registering as a carer for an elderly relative. Nick helped Dave create all the necessary tools he would need to search for a job, but he was very nervous about starting work after such a long time. It was arranged that he would volunteer at a local charity shop, sorting through donations, using the

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Gemma has helped me a lot after being out of work for a while. I now have a better idea of what I want to do and can do.”

Terry, BBO participant

Till, and answering customers questions. This built Daves confidence, his work experience and helped to support his applications.

Dave has now started working for the council, collecting bins in his local area, but he was very nervous ahead of his first shift. His Job Coach helped him prepare for his first day at work, and to help settle his nerves they also spoke before and after the shift. Dave has now been in the role for almost a year and says he is more confident and energetic than he has for a long time.

Other roles that BBO participants have moved into include; Forklift driving, Administration, Care, supermarket, cleaning, and warehouse work.

Some people leave the programme with a job, others have a Job Search Outcome, meaning they have been armed with the skills to continue job searching independently.

There are several ways you can become part of BBO, and Job Club is not the only route to working with one of our Job Coaches. You can be referred by the Job Centre, or their colleagues at Rooftop, including the Income Team, Neighbourhood Officers or Money Advisors. You can also refer yourself, or someone you know, and you don't have to be a Rooftop tenant to join BBO. The programme helps people to access a variety of courses to enhance skills and confidence. BBO can help you with funding and the registration process.

Courses include topics such as; CV writing, Job Searching, Information Technology Skills, Business Administration, Interview Techniques and more specialised areas such as Team Leading, Health and Social Care and Dealing with Challenging Behaviours.

Terry worked with our Job Coach Gemma. He was really pleased with the support he received and gave her 5 stars. “She has helped me a lot after being out of work for a while. I now have a better idea of what I want to do and can do. Also, I now have an up-to-date CV." He said. "I have started volunteering locally which I really enjoy. I have now started an online

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Warehouse Course because that's the type of job I am looking to go into.”

Our Job Coaches work in partnership with other organisations and professionals who offer support to get into employment. Positive results make all the difference to Nick and Gemma as their goal is to help change peoples’ lives for the better.

One of the Work Coaches they liaise with wanted to pass on their thanks to Nick from a client.

This client has been out of the labour market for about 20 years and had lost all confidence but since working with Nick he feels so much more positive and doesn't feel pressured to enter work until he is ready.

The Job Coach said they could tell that there was a change in the gentleman's voice, he is noticeably happier, more positive and more confident since joining BBO. If you want to find out more about Building Better Opportunities, Email: bbo@rooftopgroup.org or call: 01386 420 800

HOW WE CAN HELP Writing a CV We can help you prepare a CV which will demonstrate your skills, experiences and ambitions to potential employers.

Writing a Cover Letter We can help you create a letter introducing your CV and explaining how your skills and experiences align with the role you’re applying for.

Online Job Site Accounts We can upload your CV to job sites including Indeed, WMJobs, Worcestershirejobs and any others you want to.

Preparing for interviews We can help you learn how to answer interview questions, research employers, prepare for interviews and (try to) handle nerves.

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Parsons Gardens Affordable Living in The Cotswolds • Exclusively for the over 55’s • On Site Café and Facilities • Self Contained Accommodation • Close to the village centre amenities • Extra Care Options Available

Prices start from £61,250 for a 25% share

A BEAUTIFUL MIXTURE OF APARTMENTS AND BUNGALOWS AVAILABLE TO BUY AND RENT FOR OVER 55’S.

For further information or to arrange an a viewing of Parsons Gardens please contact us on: Tel 01386 420837 or Email: sales@rooftopgroup.org Rooftop Housing Group, 70 High Street, Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 4YD

*Prices are based on a correct at time of print. Photography is of Parsons Gardens and its Surrounding Areas. Lifestyle photography is indicative only.

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PLACES WE'RE PROUD OF

BORIS WORRALL

Group Chief Executive - Rooftop Housing Group

I will never forget meeting Gypsy and Traveller teenagers on an arts project in Birmingham.

So similar to my own kids in many ways, and yet living within a very different context.

Despite the many challenges they face in life, they are full of energy, ideas and enthusiasm for the future. So let’s help to give them that opportunity by helping to provide what all human beings need as a platform to succeed - a safe and secure place to call home.

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I am thrilled that this group, with a shared passion, have produced a guide designed to encourage housing associations to take a look at how fantastic homes can be delivered and managed for Gypsies and Travellers.

Gypsies and Travellers remain marginalised in our society, even within the social housing sector. Private sites of variable quality and cost dominate, and there is an evidenced shortage of affordable Gypsy and Traveller sites. Whilst there are challenges in site provision, and there can be tensions with local communities, it doesn’t always have to be this way.

Four years ago, Jo Richardson (Professor of Housing and Social Inclusion at De Montfort University) and I met and decided something needed to be done to bring together housing providers to share ideas and to try to change the perceptions of Gypsy Traveller communities, address discrimination and create the conditions for more and better social housing. So I am delighted that today we have more than 20 organisations involved on the National Policy Advisory Panel on Gypsy and Traveller Housing, that we dreamt up together.

It’s been a long and interesting road, and I am thrilled that this group, with a shared passion, have produced a new guide designed to encourage housing associations to take a look at how fantastic homes can be delivered and managed for Gypsies and Travellers.

In many ways ‘Places we’re Proud of’ is a labour of love for those of us with a passion to showcase how housing for Gypsy and Traveller communities can and do work brilliantly. We do not (nor ever would) claim it’s easy. Indeed, we highlight the challenges that are there, but we are very clear that with the right knowledge and support, housing associations can develop and manage successful sites.

Read more about ‘Places Were Proud of’ on our website at www.rooftopgroup.org.

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The Will Pember Cup brought together members of our community in a friendly, competitive atmosphere to mark World Mental Health Day.

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A Walking Football Tournament was hosted by Evesham United FC, with teams from Abbeymead in Gloucester, Inkberrow and Hindlip in Worcestershire and Rooftop fielding a team with our Group Chief Executive (GCE) Boris Worrall.

The Cup is named after Will Pember, who was a dedicated volunteer for Rooftop who is very sadly missed. His sense of duty, commitment and fun, make him the perfect patron for a tournament that brings people together for charity. The day raised funds for Mind and Prostate Cancer UK.

“Our aims are to support grassroots Walking Football at all times. The sport gives players at the grassroots so much pleasure and tremendous health benefits.

We like to recognise and celebrate the dedicated people who help to make grassroots Walking Football what it is.”

Present on the day was Mary Barnes and her son James Clifton. Three years ago, James had a Stroke.

He was given a 2% chance of survival and was totally paralysed on his right side.

After eight months in hospital, he moved in with his mother while still dealing with mobility issues, foot drop, and severe Aphasia; a condition where a person has difficulty with language or speech. James has now moved into his own flat and is living independently.

“The biggest part of his recovery,” said Mary, “has been helped by doing Walking Football. It’s helped his confidence and his depression.”

Rooftop Housing Group GCE - Boris Worrall said; “Being a part of our communities and being able to help support mental health in some way is so important to us. We are a place-based Housing Association, and being involved with community events like this, is part of our mission to be a better business and to support successful lives.”

The Will Pember Cup was presented to the winners, Abbeymead Yellows, by Stuart Langworthy, Manager of the England Walking Football Team and Director of Grassroots Football.

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As he handed over the trophy, Stuart said: “I may be involved with the sport at a national level, but having fun, rekindling friendships and forming new ones, is why the grassroots of Walking Football is so important to us.”

Covid had prevented the tournament from taking place last year, so it was fantastic to get the teams together this year, and the Will Pember Cup will return in 2022.

Why not find your local team and try the most inclusive form of football by visiting The Walking Football Association at www.thewfa.co.uk

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Mould and damp Many people have experienced issues with damp and mould in their property at some point. Even in warm, well looked after properties, mould growth can occur in some parts of the home, especially in the colder months.

Condensation can lead to a growth in mould which appears as a cloud of little black dots.

Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a colder surface like a wall, window, mirror etc. The air can’t hold the moisture and tiny drops of water appear. It also occurs in places the air is still, like the corners of rooms, behind furniture or inside wardrobes.

Mould is unsightly and can cause health problems. As a tenant, it is your responsibility to reduce condensation and manage mould in your home.

How to reduce condensation at home Produce less moisture Simple things make a huge difference, keep the lids on pans when cooking, dry clothes outdoors if you can but don’t hang clothes on radiators, and avoid using paraffin or bottled gas heaters, which can produce a lot of moisture.

Let your home breathe Extractor fans use very little electricity and are an effective way to get rid of moist air and steam so that less condensation forms.

When cooking or bathing, keep the kitchen or bathroom door shut and open the window so that the steam goes outside instead.

Keep it fresh!

Meanwhile, let fresh air circulate to avoid mould forming where the air is still. Ensure there is a gap between your furniture and the walls, and give wardrobes and cupboards a good airing sometimes.

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Heat your home a little more While you don’t want to waste money heating rooms you don’t use, very cold rooms are more likely to get damp and mould. Set radiators valve to low in unused rooms so a little bit of heat is released whenever you have the heating on. If you don’t have central heating consider using a room heater with a timer and temperature control. Remember, unused rooms will need good airing from time to time.

If you wipe down windows and sills in the morning this will also help, but be sure to wring out the cloth rather than dry it on a radiator.

How to get rid of mould If you already have mould on your walls and ceilings then you need to clean it off properly. Start by cleaning off the mould with a spray containing bleach. This will help remove the staining that mould can leave behind. Leave to dry overnight and then spray the affected area with an anti-fungal wash and allow that to dry.

Always follow the manufacturers instructions and consider wearing a face mask when spraying.

You could also treat the affected area with mould-resistant paint.

Condensation is not the only cause of damp.

‘Penetrating damp’ is caused by moisture coming into the house through leaking or cracked pipework, a damaged roof, blocked guttering, gaps around window frames and cracked or defective rendering and brickwork.

All these problems can be remedied.

If you have damage which is causing penetrating damp please contact us as fixing issues which can cause penetrating damp is a job for a qualified builder.

Find more information on Damp, condensation and other repair issues on our website at: www.rooftopgroup.org/repairs

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ARROW WORD

To solve the puzzle simply write your answers in the direction of the arrows

SUDOKU

WORD WHEEL Find as many words as possible using the letters in the wheel.

Each word must use the letter at the centre and at least 2 others.

Letters can be only used once.

Can you find the 9-letter word?

WORD WHEEL ANSWERS

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Colour me!

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CHRISTMAS CLOSING Our Offices will be closed Friday 24th December at 4pm for general enquiries and 4.30pm for repairs. and will reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 4th January 2022 You can still contact us for Emergency repairs and anti-social behaviour while we are closed on 0800 0421 800.

Best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Want to read more?

Read past editions of Shout it from The Rooftop and keep up to date with our latest news and stories on our website at: www.rooftopgroup.org/ magazine You can even register to receive new copies of our newsletter by email or post. The choice is yours!

OFFICE OPENING HOURS: 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

If you would like the information in this magazine translated into another language, audio, or larger print please contact your Neighbourhood Officer.

For emergency repairs and anti-social behaviour outside opening hours please contact us on 0800 0421 800.

If you would like to make a complaint, please complete the on line form on www.rooftopgroup.org or phone your Neighbourhood Officer and ask for a complaints form.

Rooftop Housing Group, 70 High Street, Evesham, Worcs. WR11 4YD T: 01386 420800 E: enquiries@rooftopgroup.org W: www.rooftopgroup.org Rooftop Housing Group

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@Rooftop_Housing