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Welcome from Claire
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of People First! I hope that you have had a relaxed (and/or fun filled) festive period. We have been delighted to see so many residents at events and the feedback has been great, so thank you for coming along and please do keep letting us know your ideas for new activities you may like to see.
We have a bumper edition here, including our performance, and how we use your feedback to continue improving our services. We also say goodbye and happy retirement to our Director of more than thirty years, Lish Harris and welcome our new Chair of the Board from October 2024, John Glenton, taking over from Kate Calvert, who successfully
completed her six-year term as a Board Member, serving as Chair since July 2022. Many thanks to Kate. You can read more about this on page 10.
I am extremely excited to see the launch of the brand new ‘People’s Favourite Heroes Awards’, with so many fabulous residents I am sure that the judges will have a tough time picking the winners – find out more and make your nominations on the form enclosed.
Keep well, keep warm and have a great 2025.
Claire /
Dream Living the
Happy days at Humber View, A dream of a home for sure.
Kindness greeting everyone who passes through the door.
Tara the manager gives her support, whilst Dora keeps everything clean, Our lounge is a joy, and views of the river are really quiet serene.
Nestled on the promenade beside the famous ‘Deep’. Safety and security promote a good night’s sleep.
Resident of Humber View 2024
What’s been happening
in the community?
It’s a wrap!
December was certainly a busy month! With daytrips, singers, buffets and of course our ever-popular Christmas party at the Good Fellowship, there hasn’t been any time to be bored.
Our events mean you can easily fill your diary with something new to try every day, find out more via our website www.pfh.org.uk
We would love to see you at some events, you don’t have to worry about coming on your own – lots of people do and it’s a great way to meet new people, have fun and even learn some new skills.
Older Persons Week
Thank you to our volunteers Sue and Sheila for supporting us at Cottingham Civic Hall in October. There was lots of interest in our ‘Try before you apply’, events and activities, and of course plenty of entertainment with music and dancing!
Neighbourhood Walkabouts
Join us in your area where we check for any problems and help to keep the communities safe, tidy, and great places to live. The new programme for 2025 is included in this edition of People First – we hope to see you when we are in your area.
If you can’t get out and about, please let us know and we will knock on your door for a chat when we are in your area.
Sign up to go digital and save money
If you would like to receive People First, the Annual Report, and other publications from us straight to your email address, you could help us to save over £20,000 per year and help to reduce our impact on the environment.
Sign up by scanning this QR Code
Falls Prevention
During September it was Falls Prevention Week and we shared tips to help keep you safe from falling at home. If you missed it, you can find this information on our website by scanning the QR code.
Healthy & Affordable Recipes
We have a growing catalogue of delicious, nutritious recipes on our website that make use of your slow cooker and air fryer, which are energy efficient and perfect for whipping up comforting meals. From Sausage Sandwiches, Bubble and Squeak to Spicy Pumpkin Soup – we hope there is something for you to try.
Find them on our website by scanning the QR code
Plans for 2025
The new year offers an opportunity to look ahead and think about goals and things you may like to achieve in the new year.
Here are some ideas that may inspire you!
• Have a day out shopping in York, and maybe try the races.
• Start a new healthy hobby like swimming or yoga.
• Love reading? Find a local book group.
• Volunteer or do some charity work. (See page 8 on details of how to volunteer with PFH)
• Carry on learning, look for local evening classes or workshops.
• Sort your garden out and make it the place to be for Summer.
• Try a bake-off competition with your neighbours.
We have many events and activities every day including Tai Chi, a Veterans Club, Breakfast Club, Dominos, Bingo, and Live Entertainment that you are welcome to come along to. Find them all by visiting our website www.pfh.co.uk or scan the QR code.
We would love to hear what you have tried or what you have on your list. Find us on Facebook and tell us all about it!
Volunteering Superstars!
Pat and Rita from Westgarth Village signed up with Hull FC as volunteers to support the running of the Our Best Years project, and don’t they look smart in their new uniforms!
Would you like to lend a hand?
Both residents and non-residents can volunteer to support us. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and spend some time each month making a difference to the local community.
Please contact us for more information on 01482 223783 or visit our website www.pfh.org.uk or scan the QR code.
Gloria and Liz shortlisted for an award!
Recognising their incredible dedication to the community allotment at Broadway. Over the past year, they have put in so much time and effort to create a welcoming space that has brought people together, started conversations, and boosted both physical and mental well-being.
This project has truly become a hub for connection and growth, and their hard work has been a huge part of that!
Recognising their efforts was met with a Royal stamp of approval and a VIP invitation to the Annual Carol Concert at Westminster, hosted by Her Royal Highness, Catherine, Princess of Wales.
PFH £10,000 Annual Fund for Neighbourhood Improvements
Residents of PFH properties have an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on their communities, thanks to the £10,000 fund dedicated to neighbourhood improvements. This yearly fund aims to finance projects that go beyond the scope of regular upkeep and enhance the area’s overall appearance or address specific challenges, some suggestions include:
New Fencing
Securing perimeters with upgraded fencing
Landscaping Security Lighting
Installing outdoor lighting to improve safety and deter crime
Enhancing green spaces for residents to enjoy
Planting of Shrubs, Trees, and Flowers
Beautifying public areas with fresh greenery
Improving Access
Making areas more accessible for all residents
The fund is split into four rounds throughout the year, allowing residents multiple opportunities to submit bids for funding. If a round passes without any projects being approved, the remaining funds will roll over, increasing the budget for the next round.
Residents are encouraged to contribute their ideas and proposals at any time. Submissions can be made informally or during neighbourhood walkabouts or quarterly resident meetings; these are considered for fund approval at each Residents Committee meeting
This initiative is a fantastic chance for PFH residents to play an active role in shaping their neighbourhoods, transforming them into even more welcoming and well-maintained places to live. If you’ve spotted an area that could use a facelift or a problem that needs solving, now is the time to step forward and share your vision!
Celebrating Talent in Humber View: Local Artists Shine
We are proud to share some fantastic news about two residents, who have recently achieved remarkable success in the world of art and photography.
Cyril Dick & Martin Cooper
Cyril, a brilliant painter, has been making waves with his exceptional artwork. His painting, titled ‘Old Town - Hull’, was selected to be displayed at the prestigious Ferens Art Gallery. In an incredible turn of events, Cyril’s painting was sold within just five minutes of the exhibition’s opening night!
Martin is a passionate photographer, capturing stunning images of the world around him. His work has been particularly impressive lately, especially his awe-inspiring photo titled ‘Moon & Aeroplane’, which he snapped in the early hours of the morning. Martin sent this remarkable shot to Look North BBC News, and it was featured on the programme, with none other than Peter Levy mentioning it!
Do you have a talent to share with us?
Please do let us know by emailing info@pfh.org.uk or find us on Facebook and send us a message.
Meet John Glenton, new Chair of the Board
We’re excited to announce the appointment of John Glenton as the new Chair of the Board. John took over from Kate Calvert, who has completed her six-year term as a Board Member and served as Chair since 2022. A heartfelt thank you to Kate for her incredible leadership.
John says: “I’m thrilled to lead this fantastic organisation that makes such a positive impact on residents. With an aging population and housing shortages, providing safe, quality housing for older people is more important than ever.”
With John’s leadership, we’re excited for the future of PFH and the continued positive impact on our community.
Keeping safe at home
We work hard to ensure your homes are safe and conform to all current legislation and compliance standards.
Our Governing body, The Regulator of Social Housing, monitors compliance to ensure we are delivering a good standard of home.
Damp, Mould and Condensation
Whilst we believe we’ve got good systems in place to help ensure none of our residents suffer from damp, mould, or condensation, we can only do something if we’ve been made aware. If you suspect damp, you must report it straight away.
Water Safety
We regularly test the water to ensure legionella is kept under control. Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia which older or people with poor health can catch.
Lift Safety
We provide passenger lifts and stairlifts to various buildings that we own and manage.
Regular servicing by an independent specialist contractor is carried out at required intervals on all lifts, in line with regulatory advice and good practice guidance. Visit our website for guidance about keeping your home free of condensation.
Gas Safety
We are required by law to carry out an annual check of gas fires and gas boilers owned by us.
We’ll also check any other appliances that are owned by you to ensure your safety and others that may be affected by a faulty appliance. At the same visit, the contractor also checks that the smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was popular in building materials up until the year 2000. Properties built between the 1950s and 1980s are likely to contain some form of asbestos.
Please do treat asbestos with respect, contact us if you damage asbestos, or if you are planning DIY / home improvements.
Please don’t attempt to remove asbestos materials yourself, including cutting, drilling, or sanding asbestos containing materials.
Mobility and E-Scooters Fire Safety
If you have a mobility scooter or E-scooter, it is important that you only use the approved plug from the manufacturer to charge it to reduce any fire risks.
Our top tips for reducing the risk of fires are:
Unplug chargers overnight.
Unplug chargers when you are out of the property.
Don’t charge E-scooters inside the property.
Don’t leave scooters to be charged or stored in communal areas under any circumstances.
Find out more here
We’ve pulled together some helpful reminders and tips to help keep you safe. In the event of a fire, if you can, you should evacuate the building and call 999. If you can’t get out, you should stay put, ensuring that you move to a room away from the fire. Be sure to close all doors and put blankets or something similar at the bottom of the door to help prevent smoke entering the room. If you can’t call 999, you should shout FIRE from the window. If you live in a home with communal areas, read and learn the fire action notice which is located in the communal corridor noticeboard.
If you have any concerns or need to report any issues with a fire door, please contact us immediately. To find out more, scan the QR code.
Electrical Safety
We are legally obliged to carry out electrical checks.
We check on the fixed electrical system in your home and any communal areas every 5 years. The check looks at all sockets, switches and fixed wiring including the consumer board to make sure it is safe to use.
Reporting Repairs
If you need to report an emergency repair (such as unlawful entry, serious leaks to pipes, vandalism that causes a security threat to your home) you should call us on 01482 223 783 to speak to us urgently. If you call us within office hours, you’ll be able to speak to a member of the Customer Service team. If you call us outside of office hours, your call will be diverted to an out of hours service for emergency repairs only.
You can also report a repair on our website too www.pfh.org.uk
We
know we have wonderful residents
who are kind and go out of their way and those that lend a hand and give back to the community – and we want to celebrate them!
Our brand-new awards have been developed with residents in mind, and now it’s over to you to make your nominations! Our judging panel will consist of Residents, Board Members and Staff, and all shortlisted individuals will be invited to a celebration event (details to follow!) where they will be presented with a gift and a certificate.
You can nominate by visiting our website, or by completing the nomination form enclosed and returning to us in the pre-paid envelope, or if you live in a retirement plus property, in the ballot box in the lounge.
Nominations should include a brief description of the nominee’s contributions and why they deserve the award (minimum of 150 words). Each resident can nominate in a maximum of 2 categories.
Closing date for nominations 28th February 2025
Good Neighbour Award
Recognises an individual who consistently demonstrates kindness, support, and consideration for their neighbours.
Lifelong Learning Award
Celebrates a resident who is dedicated to continuous learning and personal development.
Digital Star Award
Recognises an individual who embraces digital technology and encourages others to do the same.
Community Connector Award
Celebrates residents who take the lead in organising events that connect people and build strong relationships within the community.
Inclusivity Ambassador Award
Honors a resident who actively promotes inclusivity and diversity within the community.
Most Adorable Pet Award
Celebrates residents who have charming and beloved pets that bring joy to the community.
When you give us feedback about our services, it helps us to make any changes to improve them. You can give feedback, compliments or make a complaint to us in the following ways:
How we are performing
April 1st 2024 – September 30th 2024
Between April 1st 2024 –September 30th 2024, we acknowledged 100% of complaints within timescales, and investigated 100% of complaints within timescales.
complaints were about:
Tenant Satisfaction Measures
Tenant Satisfaction Measures have been introduced by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to assess how well housing providers are doing at providing good, quality homes and services.
We continually monitor our performance against Tenancy Satisfactions Measures and will be reporting on these quarterly.
By monitoring customer satisfaction on an ongoing basis, we can react quickly to any changes in satisfaction and ensure we keep improving services to our customers.
Please view our satisfaction and performance results as of 30th November 2024 below
100% Gas safety checks
100% Fire risk assessments
100% Asbestos Surveys
100% Legionella risk assessments
8.90 ASB Cases open (per 1000 homes)
0 Hate crime cases (per 1000 homes)
100% of homes meet the Decent Homes Standard
99.80% non-emergency repairs completed on time
97.10% Emergency repairs completed on time
28 working days target timescale for non-emergency repairs
24 hours target timescale for emergency repairs
0 responsive repairs not completed
26.15 stage one complaints received (per 1000 homes)
0 stage two complaints received (per 1000 homes)
100% stage one complaints response times
100% stage two complaints response times
Resident Scrutiny: Grounds Maintenance Under the Microscope
In August 2024, the Resident Scrutiny Group took a deep dive into one of the most visible and important services in our communities: Grounds Maintenance. From neatly trimmed hedges to tidy communal areas, this service impacts how residents feel about their environment and the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. The scrutiny review aimed to assess how well this service is performing and how it could be improved. After months of hard work, the group produced a detailed report with 12 recommendations to improve the service, which were reviewed by the board at its November meeting.
Here are some of their standout recommendations
Resident Inspectors for Local Accountability
Before and After Photos
Tracking Ad-Hoc Requests
PFH Staff Accountability
Your Chance to Get Involved
As we prepare to review the Grounds Maintenance service further, the Resident Scrutiny Group is already planning its next big project. Do you have ideas about how services could improve? Do you want to play a part in shaping the future of your community? This is your opportunity to get involved! Whether you’ve had good or bad experiences with Grounds Maintenance or other services, your voice can help shape the improvements we make. Becoming a part of the next resident scrutiny review is a fantastic way to ensure your views and those of your neighbours are heard and acted upon.
How to Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you. To express interest or to learn more about how you can be involved, contact us through any of the following methods:
Phone Email Or use your PFH Connect device
Compliments
“Thank you, Maxine, for sorting my Housing Benefit claim out, which was back dated to April 2024, I am over the moon with a full refund!”
“Congratulations on a great edition of People First. Informative, entertaining - a great read. Who wouldn’t want to be with PFH? Well done team.”
“Thank you for sorting out the problem I had with my shower so promptly. Communication from you was great, letting me know when the problem would be solved. The person who came to my apartment was polite and friendly, and soon had the shower working. A great big thank you to all involved.”
“We love living in this bungalow anything we ask for is attended to quickly so grateful thank you PFH”
“I only reported a problem with my toilet not flushing at 9.40 – it was repaired by lunchtime! Thanks so much!”
“My gas safety inspection has just been done, and can I say how polite the engineers were – and my heating is now better than ever!”
your finances Help with
It is important to keep your WMC (rent) account in credit, and we can help if you have any concerns about paying your rent – or with the general increase in the cost of living.
Our dedicated team are here to support you with claiming benefits, budgeting and anything that can help with managing your finances, please get in touch with them by calling 01482 223783, or emailing info@pfh.org.uk
“When I reached pension age, we felt lost about benefits,” says Sue. “We reached out to the Money Advice Service, and they helped us apply not only for Housing Benefit but also for Attendance Allowance, which we didn’t think we’d get after being refused before.”
“PFH guided us through every step, and a few weeks later, we were thrilled to learn I was awarded the highest rate of Attendance Allowance, even backdated,” she adds. “The extra support has made all the difference, and we’re so grateful. If you’re unsure about benefits, don’t hesitate to ask for help - it’s worth it.”
“I wasn’t sure if I was entitled to any extra help, so I reached out to the Money Advice Service for guidance,” says Dave. “They completed a full benefits assessment for me and helped submit claims for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.”
“Thanks to their support, I was awarded Housing Benefit and full Council Tax Reduction. My Housing Benefit was even backdated, providing a lump sum of £3,200 and reducing my monthly Direct Debit by £706”
*Names have
WMC Direct Debit dates for the coming year
In March 2026 you will receive a letter from us, advising you of the upcoming rent increase and service charges.
Following the letters, we understand you may want to speak to us and ask any questions you may have, our phone lines will be very busy and to save you time we want to let you know in advance all of your payment dates for 2025/26 if you pay be direct debit.
If you pay on the 1st of the month
If you pay on the 15th of the month
Looking to move?
You can apply to transfer to another PFH property if your needs have changed, or you would like to live somewhere smaller for example. You can find out more on our website and if you need any help or support please contact us on 01482 223783 or by email at info@pfh.org.uk
Abuse and Neglect Recognising
Living a life that is free from harm and abuse is a fundamental human right for every person and an essential requirement for health and well-being.
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. It is crucial for residents to be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse, such as:
Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour
Withdrawal from social interactions or sudden changes in mood
Unusual financial transactions or lack of access to funds
Neglect of personal hygiene or basic needs
If you suspect that someone may be experiencing abuse or neglect, it is vital to act. Speak up, report your concerns to us in confidence, and support the individual in accessing the help they need.
Find out more by scanning the QR code
The PFH Connect Devices are making a real difference! Thank you for your feedback so far which tells us
You find it easy to use.
You can report repairs easily.
You are enjoying using it.
So far, we have had 1,400 interactions with residents who have been:
Reporting Repairs
Asking a question
Giving us feedback
We are committed to making it as easy as possible for every resident to connect and communicate with us.
You can always give your feedback via our website www.pfh.org.uk
New My PFH Home portal coming soon
In the next few months we will be launching our new resident portal, called My PFH Home. You will be sent details of how to register for the new My PFH Home portal, so watch out for these! My PFH Home will allow you to manage your home online anytime, anywhere.
Once registered, you will be able to:
Make and view payments
Log and view repairs
View agreements
Apply for housing
Download statements
For more details visit www.pfh.org.uk
Know someone 60+ looking for
the perfect retirement home?
Recommend a friend to our
Try Before You Apply scheme!
Give them the chance to experience life in a PFH Plus apartment—completely free of charge, no strings attached! They can stay at Ada Holmes Circle in Hull, enjoy all the services and activities, and see if it’s the right fit for them. The best part? No rent or fees, and it won’t affect their benefits!
Tell your friends about this and help them find their dream retirement home!
Time for a cuppa!
Try our word search whilst you are having a brew! Words
Sudoku
Give our Sudoku a try!
How to play Sudoku
To play Sudoku, fill in the 9x9 grid with the numbers 1–9, following these rules:
• Each row, column, and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1–9 without repeating any.
• You can only put one number in each square. Here are some tips for beginners: Look for easy solutions, Seek the missing numbers, Keep scanning the entire puzzle, Constantly re-evaluate the grid, and Be patient and enjoy the hunt.
Neighbourhood Walkabouts
The walkabouts are a great opportunity to come and meet our team and join them in an inspection of your area. By working together, we can identify any problem areas such as poor street lighting, overgrown grass areas and any fly tipping or rubbish. If you can’t get out and about to join a walkabout but have an issue to talk to us about, please call the office and we will be happy to knock on your door and have a chat when we are in the area.
Wednesday 5th March 202510am Ashwell Avenue & Hemswell Avenue
Thursday 20th March 2025 - 10am (10am) Barham Road / (10.45) Staveley Road / (11.30) Larne Road
Tuesday 25th March 2025 - 10am
Barrington (Barrington Avenue, Florence Nightingale Court, Edith Cavell Court, Cottingham Road)
Wednesday 2nd April 2025 - 10am Sherwood Court
Thursday 24th April 2025 - 10am Weaver Grove
Wednesday 30th April 2025 - 10am
Tuesday 11th March 2025 - 10am
(10am) Steynburg Street / Rustenburg Street & (10.45) David Lister Drive
Summergroves Village (CPL, Bush Close, Forester Way, Walnut Tree Way, Summergroves Way, Hessle High Road)
Thursday 22nd May 2025 - 10am Rokeby Mews
Tuesday 3rd June 2025 - 10am Ferens Haven
Tuesday 10th June 2025
(10am) Frederic Reckitt Haven / (10.45) Juliet Reckitt Haven & (11.30) Sir James Reckitt Haven
Don’t worry if you can’t get out and about – let us know and we will knock on your door to talk to you.
Tuesday 17th June 2025 - 10am Humber View & Humber Lodge
Wednesday 25th June 202510am Priory Road (Priory Road, Easby Court, Arden Court)
Thursday 3rd July 2025 - 10am
Maybury Village (Malin Lodge, Ronaldsway Close, Hebrides Close, Cromarty Close, Maybury Road)
Tuesday 8th July 2025 - 10am 10am St Pancras Close, 10.30am Icelandic Close
Wednesday 23rd July 2025 - 10am
Broadway Village (IncludingRutherglen Drive, Royale Court, Majestic Court, The Broadway, Bowling Circle, Broadway Cottages, Broadway Manor, Schubert Close, Golden Court, Imperial Court, Ziegfeld Court)
Thursday 31st July 2025 - 10am Wheatfield Close
Thursday 7th August 2025 - 10am Pickering Crescent
Tuesday 12th August 2025 - 10am Rosedale Grove
Wednesday 20th August 202510am Richardson Ct, Bridlington
Your Voice
Resident Committee Join the Matters
Our Resident Committee is the perfect opportunity for you to represent your community, share feedback, and help shape the services that affect you and your neighbours. Here’s why some of our current resident members think you should join them:
“It’s great to represent local residents and ensure their voices are heard.”
“I support the organisation in gathering feedback, ensuring it’s used properly.”
“The time commitment isn’t much, and it’s a useful group to stay updated on what’s happening.”
“It’s important to have a wide range of voices so that every area and every resident is represented.”
“It’s been great for my mental health & wellbeing – sharing experiences and expertise to help others.”
“We use feedback to drive services and expand social events, making a real difference in our community!”
Whether you want to share your ideas or simply get involved in something new, this is a fantastic opportunity to have your say. We’re welcoming residents from all areas to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Not sure yet? Come along once to see if it’s for you! Get involved, make a difference, and help us grow stronger together.
