Chevin Life - Chevin Housing Association

Scotty2Hotty darts champ Page 3

Page 4

1

Welcome to the spring edition of your magazine.

Spring is a time of new beginnings for us all. I’m delighted that we’ve completed our recent changes to the way we manage our business. This has involved changing our legal and financial structure to make it more efficient and less costly to run.

Please be assured that this change makes no difference to your existing tenancy with Chevin Housing Association. The change is a legal one and we will continue to provide our normal day to day services such as repairing your home.

We repair your home because we want it to be comfortable, warm and safe for you and your family.

We also want to keep the property in good condition for other tenants who may use it in the future. We’ve set out more details on this in a leaflet enclosed with your magazine.

Lastly, in this edition we’re celebrating the achievements of our people. From our apprentices who are at the beginning of their working lives, to Scott Waites, one of our Repairs Inspectors who recently became World Darts Champion – our people are working hard to provide our customers with consistently brilliant services.

I hope you enjoy reading more about some of our people and the services we provide.

Steve Close Together Housing Group Chief Executive

Sign up to our e-newsletter!

Did you know that by registering to access our services via the website entitles you to also receive our fantastic monthly electronic newsletter?

The newsletter is a round up of all the great things going on around Chevin communities along with Together Housing Group news and updates. It also means that you will be helping save money and save the planet as you will receive our news digitally rather than a printed copy.

We already have over 17,000 tenants who have registered and are reading their magazines, ordering repairs and accessing their rent accounts online.

2

Two Together Housing champions celebrated It’s been an incredible few months for Scott Waites, international darts champion and Together Housing Group Repairs Inspector. In January, Scott won his second BDO World Championship darts title, winning £100,000. Following an appearance on BBC Look North, Scott featured on The Late Show in the United States, one of the world’s most popular TV shows, playing a special game of darts with host Stephen Colbert.

Then in February, Scott and Chevin tenant champion Christine Bennett, who both live in Huddersfield, were delighted to have their achievements recognised by the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees Cllr Paul Kane and Susan Bedford.

Scott said: I live in Huddersfield and I’ve always had great support from people in the area so it’s nice to share my success with them. I combine my darts with helping tenants and attending local schools and community events.

Chevin Housing tenant Christine said: I’m delighted that Councillor Kane has invited me to the Town Hall as recognition of my long standing involvement. It’s also great to meet Scott, a real live world champion which doesn’t happen every day!

Local heroes Councillor Kane himself has a long career in housing. Before retiring to concentrate on his civic duties he was a Technical Contracts Manager for a local housing association – Connect Housing. Councillor Kane worked for Connect for over 21 years in various positions including being a clerk of works and a building surveyor.

He added: “I’m delighted to have been able to welcome Scott and Christine to Huddersfield Town Hall. My mayoral year has been about celebrating the heroes of Kirklees.

“Some of these heroes are well known such as Scott or Yorkshire Cricket Captain Andrew Gale, while others such as Christine are the bedrock of our communities but don’t seek the limelight.

I’m delighted to be able to recognise the role of unsung heroes such as Christine in making Kirklees a great place to live.”

3

Register today!

You can either log on through your device’s browser or download your association’s app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store (depending on what type of device you have).

The Digital Together revolution is spreading across our communities – have you joined yet?

Since the sites were launched, over 17,500 tenants across the Together Housing Group now manage their accounts through their PC or smart device.

So what are you waiting for?

Registration doesn't take long, all you need is an email address and your PC/smart device.

•

Log on to your landlord’s website or open the app and hit the “My account” button.

•

Next, click on the “register” button.

•

Here, you will be asked for some information.

You can either supply your tenancy number (found on your rent statement) or put in your postcode and hit “find properties.”

We are giving away a tablet to one lucky person and all you have to do is register on the website before 30th April 2016.

The winner will be notified and named in the next magazine.

4

Then fill in the following details: • Email address (you will need a valid email address for us to be able to contact you about your tenancy)

1

2•

Phone number (you will need a valid phone number for us to be able to contact you about your tenancy)

3•

Date of birth (which must match that of the named tenant for that property)

• Create a password, choose your marketing options, confirm that you want to update your records and then hit submit.

4

You will then see a notification on the system to say that you’re account has been created. Then all you need to do is log on and explore.

From here you can pay your rent, check your rent account, report a repair and much more. And that’s not all, there’s a host of useful tips, advice and tools on there to help make life a little bit easier.

Solar, so good Over the past four years, we’ve invested £12m in our solar panels to harness the power of the sun and help reduce energy bills.

And it’s been a huge success! So far we’ve installed Solar Photovoltaic panels to around 2000 of our properties across the Together Housing Group.

The total electricity generated by our solar PV systems is now approximately 4 million kWh per year. When you consider an average UK home uses 3,800 KWh a year, the panels are producing an enormous amount of energy.

And we’ve saved tenants £224,000 in electricity per year.

These results are fantastic, but we’re not resting on our laurels. We’re looking into reducing our carbon footprint as a business and for our customers. So watch this space!

tors help us to Estate Inspec the Grounds f o rk o w e th r monito and Cleaning Maintenance n our estates.

Contractors o tandard we s e th n o n e iv Training is g t to look for. a h w d n a t c e exp ndy pack that a h a e id v ro p We also to enable them g in th ry e v e s include eir inspection. to complete th ey provide th k c a b d e fe le ed The valuab the staff involv to k c a b d e s s a g is p what’s workin w o n k y e th t a so th ings could be th re e h w d n a well improved.

If you fancy getting involved with helping monitor our services (and walking round with a clipboard) - get in touch via our Customer Services Centre on: Tel: 0300 555 5561 Email: enquiries@chevinha.co.uk 5

New Service Standards

Service Standards are available to view on your website:

Service Standard s

ENT RR U YO NG I Y PA

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

NE R IGH BO UR HO OD

n Ou e ca you t, pe r neig Dealing with antiat w that n social behaviour Po acefu hbou es th g sure your re The Together Hous neiglice, C l enjo rhood rvic y ing Group aims hbo ounc yme s w e se makin n pa to provide an acce residents who are urh il etc nt o ill be at on th le for you ca victim ssibl th N e s and ood .) f yo pla of ts is Antieffec e Social Behaviour tive service for sure up pac ponsib f ways ser to en ur h ces ma ighbo (ASB).

We will continue s vice sure om wh u be g Gro s? to work in partne nag urh e im rship with comm receive an ASB om u are re lots o n yo ousin tandard out s. em ood W a h unities our e. We ere y compl c aint r and e we H agenc re s ab will deal u ies to reduce instan is victim led and will: ent sch will ou w Howgether these edback ssing identifies your individ with reported complaints seriou • ces of ASB. When r yo nant yo here a em wo an fo e. sly develo we R ce fe ual and y support needs; pments. We will provide an ASB eg To eting blish are ac r servic es a rk w t to throughout the utilise all approp service which pay s a te perty. T to an get and ularly e in their homes u s case pu riate ce we ou o nd ith be a availab er ill will ill m vi keep A and g y le options, includ w • w neighbourhoods you informed of . ro ad on we w inspe esta you nd ing legal remed We custom tandin in peace and withou Use pla and ar they ice tenant ill in ct o that eryone your p ies, rs so rv t w • lp that t fear. to n tes and whe fe reside n u vite ho unde ne he ho nts can live r tog our w of d k se ith re n ev w ma loc re y eth vide ten o this d walk you schem ebsi chec ises w as part Definitions and will e to e Pro omers ly e The ide to t due o a inta al a ou to rh in te e u d om ular at le nts b agre abou join s • cust bt.

What we DON’T es w ag neig pdate ousin (www • Anti-Social in h gen hav Reg dard pr tives antion. aris early st o ast ut ty em ts. W us de • class Behav g prov the ren : u as yo bt iour h .c • to • igh cie e ta covers One twic pica ent o. . e in off parties unless eve bou Rem u stan esen y func ASB: a wide range of a de at an e to ep yo they are of nts rho of ou uk) ea lly q with aim sta s (e unacceptable pr rutin ove a p here t you becom and ke ing particu p pay xample o re ye a r ro u larly a nda .g. d ur W lo s serious , behavi rt arte r our that can sc o ar. nature yo • Anti-Social ou • contac debts anage n be very. (e.g file of well a servic bulk ners r arra our rds rly cal Behaviour can be W use reduce : • Dogs barkin .uk) the quality seriously from to for e yo . e s re to m y actio reco o n y t lo y • s co r he g se p fo h a of u m g at reason etc ite ca s g. e an k ro difficul g r of life p of ea be

vice Ser

y) u t to define and althou in for an e pl thin cult gh tact ance, erhous affected people living within our diffi rmed of ch stag es we e. annoying, there are some types Con first instw.togeth uniti com info n at ea of vinneighbourhoods. behaviour that are e port ur in Dir k or B ne (in e) w Che Vale not classed as take at In th site (w e op ove yo The Anti-Sdle ASB and may not 1 • reen ban lepho ts lin ternet uk with mot be investigated 556 G andng Pen ocial Behaviour, Crime web en Te ors Pro impr in line ral by us.

Policinalgd)Act 2014, By paym a the in ing.co. to 555 ulat 56 • might ousi defines us rent cent r Reg es (C ff ) 300 55 55 9 HASB 0 ur 365 ely vi erhous ntact as: ne iti om ou he • Examples of yo ni fr ur eth 05 55 behaviour which (co Set ctions t and ommun Pen nine (S es g Sec 030 555 5 5•7 ‘Condu om rd en • C would re H en • www.to g order not necessarily ca y has di ernm es & P ct that 0 5 ebit st Valle 5pmcaused, or is 030 555 5 558 likely to ndin ) considered as ASB be Gov Hom or d .g. Po t’ 5 Twin cause, 0 Sta include (but until harassment, alarm 0 distres (The y).

• discuss , credit lets (e Poin 030 0 555 56or not limited to): s to any person am nc s, ue out ith ‘Pay 030 555 5 s are 9 us Age oces • ur Cheq ay” w • Issues related 0 tact . ct capabls prlecausin ho Condu • At “Allp shops to parking . ceg 030 iday ce mplainte of con ib nuisan office Fr ns vi or annoya • Complaints • Office; cess snce you Serto a Our day to person ncer with a co d ac around what we n co nt ) e ve y es help call ‘living noises plaito that person’s Mon We ha earinanrelation r Wh ill: in a logo ’ such as doors ith anout issu offer of om occupa ers manne w cl w C tion r of k, u e d e: residen bangin ic to ou . tial premises, w elp yo ies ab unt an g you d g, toilets flushin stom le ng Not is quor r ils ul in er H 18 machines/vacuums g, washing will: new cu tandab payi that e refefor deta • and qu nt acco inform that co being used Jan 20 We dvise alld undersshould betheir t. re by ns Ple•as Condu ard ct capabl s view • Lifestyle / person en A your ctly or nisatio scus t Standhousing-relat 16, ree of causing al disputes • clear an nt theyto set up paym ou Feb ed nuisance to di dire r orga of e t re or V1 • Children playing you have ab annoya wha arrang ethod othe you. unt t or RENT nce to any person.’ with THG eet u may and erred m atemen ur accoany help m lp yo he to ns t yo by a st pref es to Offerconcer t. you n abou a year nline, ci d un en • the (o es xt Sen atio n ag acco her sues.

• inform ur tim choose t or te rmed actio your fo u ur en fo ith ot y is any k w e an d with up to hod yo statem you in date yo Wor solv met r rent to keep d the date ing.

• you re u up ongo pape sage) lance an p yo be Kee ight mes ur ba due. s est • that m earli monie e of yo ent is ts y th paym you at out anpaymen ab n rm Info unity ofte • opport d how ade. m an due to be need

trai ociet 4/7, 2 it (s ys to Wa ect Deb uilding Scluding •

•

Making a better future, together

r ethe , tog ture er fu bett a ing Mak

6

•

able levelsEst ms ove, with tion neig vid d .). will: n yo • for short periods as so fly ti ou of lo hbo ing a uc Sup rela ablish cal urho on ppin r • onta We will always explain ass port lo a faci od g a tion goo Liste ct u litie if we P nd pa ships d work s is pra or wh ociatio cal re cannot intervene s w que n to olic rtn in ctic sw ere in a complco yo al. • P aint, e, lo er ag ith st g we ns and sidents e neig ries a ur co but we will offer rom can advice andB mmu cal C encie atutory loca ’ hbo bout nce re . ure o o n s b guidance where u te l it so u b y su eve • riate au. y gro ncil u approp lve rhoo issues rns an • ch od nts to im s or o opport Ask the da ups, depa as th ies Off with d th u se n yo e rt dh Citiz m e envi prove er a nitie . our u fo nece r to vi elp in you en ents ron you genci s pro sit yo r w yo com comm r you ss , A m yo e vi u to dvice e llb r ded u h ary to u o • into eing ental socia s and mun unal r view ave see n site a Wo . act al ga clea s on eng educa e.g. su nd ecol, wh upo rde ning at co when ma rk with and agem tion a pport nom n a ning an nce d ny ic nd help intain othe to soci ent fee servic rns r al cl in sp emp get dba to u us ta our st agen ubs. orts loym ck. es ckle and cies s.

• act ent, any ards to Kee ivitie issu and s we p you es re to are in port tak form Serv ing ed . ed of ice any Continued...

Sta Resi act nda ion wit dents s as a h their are sa rd pla neig tisfi Targ ce to liv hbourh ed et e ood

Ma king a

bett er fu ture , tog eth er

80 %

Co

ntin ued ...

THER E G

APPR

rds nda Sta

Ser vice Sta nda YO rds U

TO

A Group-wide session was held at Holmfield Mill Training and Development Centre for residents to work with senior staff and Resident Involvement Officers in reviewing existing Standards and creating new ones.

ED

They set out what you can expect from our services, and in some cases, what we might expect from you. We now have a consistent approach so that we are all working the same way.

• Allocations - Letting Our Homes • Anti-Social Behaviour • Compliments, Complaints and Comments • Customer Services • Equality and Diversity • Investment Works Asset Management • Paying Your Rent • Responsive Repairs and Gas Safety Check • Your Neighbourhood

OV

Working with staff and residents from across the Group, we have developed and agreed a core set of Service Standards.

Help for Hull charity Chevin Housing has been working in partnership with Emmaus Hull and Hull City Council over the last few years to develop a new supported housing scheme and social enterprise for homeless people.

Called The Orchard, the Emmaus project in Hull opened its doors earlier this year and offers accommodation together with employment and training via the onsite workshop and furniture superstore, selling recycled furniture to the public.

Emmaus provides a home, training, work and the opportunity to be part of a supportive community for as long as someone needs it. We help our people, called Companions, to break their dependency on benefits, build their self-esteem and move on positively in their lives, said Kelly Thompson, Director, Emmaus (Hull).

The accommodation features thirty bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, communal lounge and dining area and landscaped garden. The social enterprise workshop next to the scheme repairs old furniture into useable goods which are then sold to the public at affordable prices. The income raised is used to help fund staffing costs and support other parts of the charity.

The Orchard cost ÂŁ3.2m, funded by Chevin Housing with ÂŁ688,000 grant contribution from the Homes and Communities Agency, with further contributions from Hull City Council, Emmaus Hull and local partners who work with Emmaus. This was all made possible by Hull City Council who gifted the land. Local builders Hobson and Porter, who constructed the scheme and social enterprise workshop, were also key partners.

Creating better life chances Sue Lewis, Head of Supported Housing at Together Housing, said; We are really proud to be part of the Emmaus project. The value of having a settled home, together with the opportunity of better life chances through employment, training and mentoring is wonderful for people who have experienced homelessness.

We have no doubt that with Emmaus’ philosophy and commitment, the project will be a huge success.

To join the community, Companions must come off all benefits except housing benefit, be drug and alcohol free and be committed to working towards making the community self-sustainable.

If you have a need for furniture or have furniture to donate, The Orchard is on Lockwood Street, Hull. TEL: 01482 785790.

7

No fee basic bank accounts

Lloyds Banking Group (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds) – Basic Account

How do the fee-free accounts work?

Nationwide – FlexBasic

The new accounts allow customers to do the following: • Have wages, benefits, state pension or tax credits paid directly into their accounts.

• Pay in cheques for free.

• Take money out at LINK ATMs. • Withdraw money at Post Office branches.

• Pay bills by direct debit and make card payments, including online.

• An unarranged overdraft won't be available.

Which banks currently offer fee-free accounts?

Barclays – Barclays Basic Current Account The Co-operative Bank – Cashminder

National Australia Bank Group (including Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank) – Readycash Account RBS Group (NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank) – Foundation Account and Basic Account (England and Wales) Santander – Basic Current Account TSB – Cash Account

I already have a basic bank account does this mean it is now fee free?

If you already hold a basic bank account, you should contact your bank or building society to see whether you'll still be charged if a direct debit or standing order fails.

For more information check www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call them on 0300 500 5000.

HSBC – Basic Bank Account

Choose direct debit and take the hassle out of paying rent You can pay:

8

•

On any day of the month

•

Weekly on a Monday or a Friday

•

Fortnightly or four weekly on a Monday or a Friday

•

You can cancel at anytime.

It's easy to set up

Just follow these steps If you would like to pay by direct debit: 1. Visit our web site and request a form 2. Complete and return the form 3. Look out for our letter confirming the date when we'll start collecting your payments.

If you don’t think you can pay by Direct Debit because you don’t have a bank account, don’t worry. We’re working with our partners at Barclays and Santander to make sure you can get the account you need and no credit check is required. Contact your Customer Service Centre to find out more.

Learn with the Robins Newground Together, which is part of the Together Housing Group, is the main funder of a new employability training project which will help unemployed people in Hull aged 16 plus to improve their chances of getting a job. The project will be open to young people throughout Hull.

The project has been developed by Hull Kingston Rovers Community Trust and is called Learn with the Robins recognising the club’s nickname, and it will run at the KC Lightstream Stadium.

Learn with the Robins will offer trainees accredited coaching qualifications along with employability training.

Trainees will be offered up to 6 months’ work experience, as well as volunteer roles which

will involve spending time with Hull KR’s highly qualified community coaches delivering sports education, dance and rugby league in schools and within the community.

Trainees will achieve qualifications, undertake training and gain references which will improve their work readiness. Hull KR has partnerships with a number of local employers who are keen to recruit locally. These jobs will be well paid and long term.

Real help for local people seeking work Learn with the Robins will offer local people the chance to receive intensive one to one support, and benefit from group workshops and training covering CV writing, letter writing, completing application forms, interview skills, volunteering and work experience.

newground

together Hull Kingston Rovers Community Trust Manager, Helen Schofield said: We’re excited to be delivering this project to local people, and we have a lot to offer those who join us. The partnership with Newground Together came about through our connection to Chevin Housing and we are keen to include support for their tenants on the nearby Ings Estate.

Peter Jordan, Executive Director of Newground Together said: The Community Trust submitted a very impressive application which will provide real help to local young people seeking work. We were particularly pleased to see the commitment from a range of local businesses.

We aim to make a real difference to the people we work with and using the powerful brand of Hull KR and the popularity of rugby league, we can interest a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds.

9

Become a Digital Friend The Digital Friends And as an additional SOprogramme HERE’SisWHAT YOU DO we’re offergoing incentive, ing the following: from strength to REGISTERING YOUR ACCOUNT strength as the Digital • BRONZE - Train 5 Together revolution tenants in three months 2 1 gathers speed.

3

123456

By signing up to our digital services, more and more people are helping their neighbours and friends to help themselves.

AA1 2AA

email@address.co.uk

So far, 80 tenants across the group have taken up the challenge to help others enjoy the benefits of managing their tenancy online.

• SILVER - Train 10 tenants in six months

• GOLD - Train 20 tenants in 12 months (you keep the tablet!)

If you want to become a Digital Friend, you must also sign up to using our services through the internet and complete the “learn my way basics” internet course.

App icon OR go to the Click on the REGISTER or REGISTER NOW on registration the Appon icon OR go to www.pendletontogether.co.uk on th Carefully fillwww.pendletontogether.co.uk out your detailsClick on the form.

It’s a fantastic effort and we If you want to get involved with of your device and click on the MY ACCOUNT web browser button. of your device and click on the MY ACCOUNT button. would like to thank everyone this, just contact Joanne Glynn, for getting involved, but we Digital Inclusion Officer, on: need more! YOUR RENT E YOUR RENT ACCOUNTMANAGE REPORTING REPAIRS ACCOUNT LIVE CHAT Telephone: 0300 555 5561 We’ll help set you up by Mobile 07736 508122 providing a tablet for you to Email joanne.glynn@ use, pay for your broadband togetherhousing.co.uk and support you while you Twitter @Togetherjoanne train others.

Make it easy on yourself...

Registering on line takes minutes and gives you instant access to managing your rent, repairs and housing matters - wherever you are.

Click on the TOOLBOX button, will From YOUR TOOLBOX Clickthe on website, the TOOLBOX which will If you need which any assistance with you button, REPORT button bring up YOUR TOOLBOX menu, click on theby going bring up YOUR TOOLBOX menu, click A onREPAIR the can chat to an operator back to YOUR repair options, PAY YOUR RENT button.

This will take you PAY YOUR will take youclick on the and clicking on the LIVERENT CHATbutton. This TOOLBOX From button. This will open up th to MANAGE YOUR RENT ACCOUNT. to MANAGE YOUR RENT ACCOUNT. From button, which will open a pop out window where here you check youryou Rent Balance, Recent form where you can fill out Recent can post your query. here you check your Rent Balance, Transactions as well as Pay Your Rent. upload any photos of the re Transactions as well as Pay Your Rent.

10

An emergency repair is something tha immediate risk to property or persons immediately. Please note that emerge reported online, you MUST contact us

TEA AND TECHNOLOGY! • How do you Skype?

• What’s Facetime?

• How do you play videos on You Tube?

These were some of the questions asked at recent ‘Tea and Tech’ events held at some of our schemes. You’re never too old to learn how to use a computer and our ‘Tea and Tech’ programme offers a free and easy way to learn basic online skills.

We provide step by step support to safely: • • • • •

Make the most of email Browse for information online Use Skype or Facetime Shop online Bank online

The ‘Tea and Tech’ programme is run by Joanne Glynn, Digital Inclusion Project Officer (pictured above), who said: There is so much you can do online from playing games, keeping in contact with family, to making purchases often at much lower prices than you find on the high street.

Nobody should be left out from the digital revolution.

Our events are friendly and relaxed, and suitable both for people who have never been online before and for those who are more confident with using a computer. In the sessions, we can give one to one help to show people how to use particular tools, such as using Skype and Facetime to keep in touch with family and friends.

Watch out for an event near you and give it a try! We’re sure you’ll enjoy it.

11

At Together Housing we strongly believe in giving young people in our communities a chance to prove themselves. We recognise that in our diverse communities, some young people can be facing many disadvantages in getting into meaningful work and some of them often need a little extra support to help them sustain a good work ethic and develop their knowledge.

On beginning their apprenticeship, they are teamed-up with skilled tradesmen and women who can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the world of work. Additional support is also provided by our Apprentice Mentors who work with the apprentices to ensure they are kept on track, achieve their qualifications and complete the programme.

We’ve had great success seeing young people come to us having left school with no qualifications, or who’ve been unemployed for over 2 years. When they leave the apprenticeship programme they have recognised qualifications, meaningful work, a great work ethic, they can pay their rent and their confidence levels have improved immensely.

Award-winning!

Christine Eccles, Senior Skills and Training Officer at Together Housing, said: Our award-winning Apprenticeship Programme is something we are extremely proud of; over the last year fourteen of our apprentices across Together Housing have successfully completed the programme, gained qualifications and have secured jobs both within our organisation and some with other organisations.

We have had great success with the National Youthbuild Award. We won first prize two years ago and first prize last year for an apprentice we work with in partnership with our contractor on our new build site in Hull.

Stepheny Lakin, Business Administration Apprentice, said: I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship at Chevin. There is always something different to do. The best part of my work is visiting new tenants for sign up and settling in.

12

Building skills together

Tackling the UK’s skills crisis Many reports say the UK construction industry is in crisis – we don’t have enough people joining the industry with the right skills.

The skills shortage is mainly due to the decline of our traditional industries, like coal and steel. We’re running out of people with high level craft skills. So it’s vital that qualified people pass on their know-how to the next generation of trades people and construction workers.

That’s why this Training Centre is so important.

Steve Lumb

It’s 8.30 on a Friday morning and a group of construction students are already hard at work at Chevin Skillsbuild Construction Training Centre in Castleford.

Steve Lumb, Construction Training Coordinator said: They’ll work here weekends and holidays if I let them, I’d never get a break,” says Steve Lumb the Construction Training Coordinator, “they’re so enthusiastic and want to learn.

And many of the students we have here weren’t interested in school and didn’t have the qualifications to get into college.

Steve joined Chevin over 10 years ago as a Maintenance Officer. He had a background in teaching and training, so when a couple of apprentices began falling behind with their work he offered to help by setting-up a training workshop.

This led to the creation of Chevin Skillsbuild which provides courses in joinery, bricklaying and multi-skilled training (tiling, plumbing, plastering, painting and decorating).

Steve and his experienced and motivated colleagues offer training to small groups of students and one to one support. The fun sessions use real world activities to bring learning to life. Courses also include English, maths, social and leadership skills. Guest

speakers such as architects and site managers regularly give talks to the students about working in construction.

Skillsbuild has strong links with local schools and colleges, and delivers training on behalf of Leeds College of Building, which has a high reputation in construction training.

We give them the skills to go on to further study, or get trades jobs, hopefully with Together Housing Group or our contractors. If you have a skilled trade, you can earn a living throughout your life, says Steve passionately.

Start your career in construction, build your future with Chevin and Together Housing.

13

Lost in the benefits maze?

Speak to a Welfare Benefits Officer These are just some of the many positive comments received by our Group Welfare Benefits Service. Our Welfare Benefits Officers can help with increasing customers’ income, whether they’re in or out of work. They can support vulnerable customers through a complicated benefits system and can explain the recent changes.

The Welfare Benefit Officers have had a successful and challenging year advising and supporting customers and dealing with all the welfare changes.

1 A customer with physical and mental health issues went into rent arrears due to her Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit stopping, so was at risk of losing her home.

The Welfare Benefits Officer supported her to get back pay of Housing Benefit to clear the rent arrears, as well as ESA and a Discretionary help pay rent Housing Payment (DHP) to help pay thethe rent as as she had a ‘spare’ room. She can now live in her property without worrying about her rent and knows where to get help if she needs it.

I was extremely grateful Extremely grateful for thefor the help I received fromwith the help he has been given Welfare Benefits I his benefits sinceOfficer. he would would not haveable been not have been to able copeto copethings on myalone. own. with Without the Welfare Benefits Officer’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with my rent payments.

They constantly tried to make my situation better.

Fantastic service, the Welfare Benefits Officer helped me out with multiple issues.

2 A customer with learning difficulties faced eviction due to large rent arrears caused by his Housing Benefit stopping a few months ago.

The Welfare Benefits Officer helped him get backdated Housing Benefit so he could stay in the property and also helped him claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to his disability. This increased his weekly income so he was able to cope much better.

3 The customer had been struggling to pay rent she owed and was on basic benefits. Due to her long-term illness, the Welfare Benefits Officer helped her claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). She received over £1000 in back pay and was able to pay off the rent arrears.

If you would like help with increasing your income, whether you’re in or out of work, or understanding how the recent benefits changes affect you, please contact your Customer Service Centre.

14 14

Community Involvement Kilburn Court, Harrogate A party was held at Kilburn Court in Harrogate to mark Joni Lee’s retirement. Joni was a Scheme Warden for nearly 30 years and will be much missed by all the residents of Kilburn Court.

Jo Bowles, Neighbourhood Officer, Suzanne McLoughlin, Neighbourhood Manager, Kevin Bolt, Welfare Benefits Officer and Melissa Tan, Resident Involvement Officer joined with residents to say a huge thank you to Joni for all her valuable work. Joni was delighted with her leaving presents – flowers, a vase and a decorative plate.

Thank you Joni

RotherFed We work closely with RotherFed - the Rotherham Federation of Communities. This is a very active federation and we were recently invited to have a stand at their Celebration of Community Involvement.

120 people attended this event at Springwell Gardens Community Centre and groups shared their experiences of community work over the last year. The afternoon ended with games of bingo and local singer, Stevie Moore serenading attendees.

Cleaning in the rain The rain didn’t stop volunteers from doing a litter pick and scheme clean on Britnall Street and Titterton Street in Attercliffe, Sheffield. Amey and Sheffield Council also helped to clear pathways and council land, scooping up wet leaves and clearing all sorts of larger rubbish.

Staff from Arches Housing and Chevin Housing worked together to clear a children’s play area and pavements.

A big thank you to all the volunteers.

15

Walking around Frickley Mews with the architect of this superb state-of-theart development, it’s clear this ‘extra care’ housing scheme is a real alternative choice to traditional residential care.

It’s all about people being able to live as independently as they want to now, at the same time as having as much help as they need to continue living independently as they get older. The building has been designed to offer lots of opportunities for socialising, while giving people their own living space and privacy, says Jonathon Wingfield of Acanthus WSM Architects.

Frickley Mews in South Elmsall near Wakefield has 67 apartments offering independent living to people aged over 50 who have an assessed need for care and support.

The development has been funded by Chevin Housing, Wakefield Council and the Regional Growth Fund.

Residents have their own home with their own front door within the setting of a ready-made community with staff and additional facilities close at hand.

Peace of mind and privacy are top priorities, without residents being cut off from the rest of the world - far from it. The restaurant, lounge, coffee bar and hairdressers are also open to the local community.

Support close at hand, 24 hours a day A lot of thought has gone into the attractive, contemporary and dementia-friendly interior design. The different colour-themed floors, and distinctive paintings and artwork assist with finding your way around for those who need that extra help.

The scheme has been very carefully and sensitively designed to take into account a range of different abilities and support is close at hand to manage with dayto-day living. A few of the apartments are dedicated for ‘reablement’. These are available on a short term basis to those who need a bit of time in a home environment to get back on their feet, perhaps after a stay in hospital or a period of ill health to help reduce the time spent in hospital.

Frickley Mews is now open and eligible residents will be from Wakefield District, over 50 and have a need for care and support as assessed by Wakefield Council. Both selffunders and those in receipt of benefits may be eligible.

For more information about Frickley Mews, contact Wakefield Council on 0345 850 3503.

16

In 2013, seven themed groups were set-up and residents have worked hard to develop them into effective ways of checking how well we are delivering our services. These groups have a ‘hands on’ approach, undertake practical tasks and get out and about regularly to check on progress.

The Refurbishment Group meets with staff in the Asset Management team frequently to check key performance facts and figures. The Group also visits sites a few times a year. Recently, the Refurbishment Group took a trip to Mill Street in Hightown, Castleford to check on progress of this refurbishment project.

The Group met with staff from the contractor Lovell to assess their work and visited properties at various stages of refurbishment.

The Group also spoke with residents on the scheme.

Bob Snashall, resident member of the Group said: It was an interesting visit. It was good to see the trades people in action and to be able to chat with residents who are going through the process. All of the feedback we get is really useful and helps us when we work with staff to monitor and improve services.

Bob and Victor man the phones Bob Snashall from Thorne and Victor Chambers from Pontefract, both residents of Chevin Housing, recently undertook a telephone survey on our behalf to find out how residents felt about our Christmas opening hours in 2015.

They asked a series of questions to gather residents’ views. This valuable feedback will be used by our Customer Services when they decide on service arrangements (sorry to mention it) for this Christmas!

A big thank you to Bob and Victor for giving up their time to do this important work, plus a huge thank you to all of the residents they contacted who gave their comments.

17

Whether you are a tenant or leaseholder of Together Housing Group, or a private resident of the local area, you could be ideal for one of our Local Panels. The Panels are open to all residents in our community.

Why get involved in the Local Panel?

What will I do?

•

The Local Panel is a group of people with different skills who help to create our neighbourhood plans, and monitor performance of local services.

How do I join?

Local Panel meetings with staff and other like minded residents last approximately 2 hours and are every 3 months. Meetings are held locally and could include evening meetings to fit around work or family commitments.

•

•

You can help improve the quality of services like repairs, environmental services, and customer services.

We will provide training opportunities so that you can develop new skills.

We will make travel arrangements and cover your expenses.

We would be delighted to speak to you about getting involved. All you need to do is get in touch with your Customer Service Centre between 9am-5pm. Email: enquiries@ togetherhousing.co.uk

I wanted the best for my estate and that’s why I joined my Local Panel. It opens your eyes and helps you to see the bigger picture.

I’ve gained so much experience and there are lots of training opportunities to help you develop.

So if you want to help improve the services on your estate and for residents in general, I’d definitely recommend joining.

Margaret Young, Sheffield tenant

18

Under 10's - Colour in our mascot MONTE. (Making Our Neighbourhoods Totally Excellent) and complete your own vision in the background - what do you see from your window or what would you like to see?

Cut out this page and post to Chevin, Harrison Street, Wakefield WF1 1PS before 15th May to be in with a chance of winning MONTE goodies, a ÂŁ30 voucher, a photoshoot and a guest appearence in the next magazine!

Name Address Telephone

Age

Email 19

Ready Steady Garden Great looking gardens make any community look fabulous. Enter the annual Garden Competition this year for a chance to win cash prizes, trophies and certificates. This could be your lucky year!

All gardens are visited and scored by the judges and a photograph is taken. We then hold a group judging session to further review the photographs and pick the winners for each category.

DAT RE ES T ME O MB Sen ER by d m

e y Jun our en e 2 tr y 0 1 be 6 . o Jul ut ju y 2 d 016 g ing :

10

We ' 11– ll 15

Prizes are awarded at a special event later in the year.

Complete your details below and hand it in to your local office or pop it in the post to: Chevin - Garden Competition, Harrison Street, Wakefield WF1 1PS

Please tick the category(s) you wish to enter.

Name

Floral Garden / Borders

Address

Senior Citizens Garden Containers and Patio

Telephone Email

Community Corner Fruit and Vegetables Childrens Corner