Buzz winter/December 2015 3MB

W i n t e r 2 0 15
Your local quarterly update from
Shepherds Bush Housing Group
p3
Festive news
p5
Christmas at Furnish
p8-9
Meet the neighbours
Phone us free on
0800 9170839
@SBHGLondon
News
Introduction
from the chief executive
Contents
Warm welcome in
the winter months
Welcome to your winter Buzz.
Here’s what’s inside...
Welcome to your winter Buzz. During
this often dark and cold time of year, I
hope you find some warmth in here. It’s
also the festive season with often much
to celebrate.
Festive news ..................................... 3
What’s on ............................................. 4
Christmas at Furnish ................ 5
News .................................................... 6-7
Paul Doe
Meet the neighbours ......... 8-9
Looking after
your home ....................................... 10
Day in the life... ........................... 11
Money matters ........................... 12
Leaseholder news ................... 13
Your questions
answered .......................................... 14
Resident Voice ............................. 15
Neighbourhood
contacts .............................................. 16
A star is born!
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
We are celebrating one of our
residents, Jade, winning a national
award (see below). I’m also pleased to
introduce you to some of our newest
residents, on pages eight and nine,
who recently moved into our new
homes in Greenford.
This is also a time of year when we
remember those who can’t be with us.
Ivy Parker lived in one of our homes in
Chiswick on the same street she’d lived
for 100 years. Ivy passed away on 28
October. We’re honoured to have known
Ivy. Her story was in the last Buzz.
We always take time to remember our history. Before Christmas I
plan to visit our founder, the Rev Asbridge, now living in Somerset.
As vicar of St Stephens Church, he set up the association in 1968.
We remain true to what we were set up to do; provide affordable
homes and services.
I wish you season’s greetings and best wishes for 2016.
Our income advisor and resident, Jade Laxton, won Best Female
Apprentice/Trainee at the Women in Housing Awards 2015. Jade
attended the award ceremony, hosted by Olympian Diane Modahl,
to receive her award from television presenter Katie Piper.
Jade, a single mother, began her career with us once her son started
school. With help from our Support to Employment Programme, Jade
completed her apprenticeship and was promoted to income advisor
in 2014.
Jade said: “I’m so happy to have won this award which recognises the
achievements of women in the housing sector. It shows what can be
achieved if you believe in yourself and take opportunities.”
Visit www.sbhg.co.uk for more information about Jade’s story and
the awards.
Festive news
Let’s make it a
Happy New Year!
We send you our best wishes
over the festive period.
Here’s our gift to you to help
you start 2016 £250 better off!
You will be entered into our prize draw if:
You set up a direct debit to pay your
rent from 1 to 31 January;
You maintained your direct debit
for your rent payments from 1 to 31
January; or
You maintained an up-to-date rent
account from 1 to 31 January.
Contact us to set up your direct debit now
for your chance to win. You can also win
£50 if you register on our resident portal,
My SBHG at www.sbhg.co.uk, between
now and the end of February.
Bee Festive!
Residents and staff donated gifts, as part of our Bee
Festive appeal. From tasty treats to practical essentials
and baby toys, the gifts were given to residents living
in our sheltered housing and young mums in our
supported accommodation. Some of the gifts were
also given to guests attending the Hammersmith and
Fulham Christmas Lunch for the over 60s.
Our Bee Festive appeal didn’t stop there.
On 15 December staff wore their woolly Christmas
jumpers to raise money for local charities. Find out
how much we raised on Twitter @SBHGLondon
or at www.sbhg.co.uk
Christmas hamper delivery
Every Christmas our furniture re-use service, Furnish, delivers hampers for local charity
Family Friends. Andrew Taglietti, manager of Furnish’s Greenford warehouse, said: “The
festive season is about spreading cheer and being there for those that may need support.
It’s the eighth Christmas we have supported Family Friends, who do an amazing job.”
Flora Taylor, chief executive of Family Friends, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Furnish
because we wouldn’t be able to deliver them otherwise.”
Family Friends was set up in 1993 to support disadvantaged families, in boroughs including
Hammersmith & Fulham.
Supported housing
Office opening hours
Staff in our supported housing schemes
will once again treat our young
residents at St Margaret’s, Butlers Close
and Bath Road to a tasty Christmas
meal. There will also be lots of festive
entertainment and decorations.
Our office, Mulliner House, will be closed from 12pm
on Thursday 24 December and reopens at 9am on
Monday 4 January 2016. You can still contact us on:
Emergency repairs: 0800 0742130
Antisocial behaviour helpline:
0800 0886699 or 0300 1232190.
Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our young people’s supported housing services
and sheltered schemes will be open as usual
over the festive period.
gives a little extra
Senior team manager Deanne Straker
said: “Our Christmas meals are popular.
Residents enjoy taking part. Christmas
is a wonderful time of the year to give
back to those who need it”.
over the festive period
What’s on
There’s always plenty happening – just phone if you need more information about any event.
There’s more information at www.sbhg.co.uk
Date
What
Where
Time
Details
Mulliner House
office reopens
Mulliner House
9.00am
See page three for our festive
period opening times.
Wed 13th
Digital Driving
Licence session
Mulliner House
2.30pm to
5.30pm
See page 12 for how this can
help you develop your skills.
Tues 19th
My Bnk*
Mulliner House
2.00pm to
5.00pm
See more on page 12. Contact
us to book an appointment.
Thurs 21st
Honey Day
Various locations
9.00am to
5.00pm
Staff and volunteers decorate
elderly or vulnerable
residents’ rooms.
February
Thurs 25th
Honey Day
Various locations
9.00am to
5.00pm
Contact us to access
this service.
March
Thurs 31st
Honey Day
Various locations
9.00am to
5.00pm
Contact us to access
this service.
January
Mon 4th
*My Bnk is a charity which helps you manage your money. Appointments must be booked.
Regular dates
Moving home
Every Friday
Locata support
Every Tuesday
Housing options
Mulliner
House
Contact us
Repairs surgery
Every Thursday
10.00am-12.00pm,
2.00pm-4.00pm
Mulliner
House
Contact us
My BnK sessions
(Money management)
Contact us
for details
Contact us
Honey Days
Call for details Contact us
Did you know…
Understanding your
Housing Benefit letters Contact us
See page
surgery
to book an
12 for more
Thursdays
appointment
3.00pm-5.00pm
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
our Craft Court office, in
Hammersmith, is named after
African American anti-slavery
campaigners, William and
Ellen Craft who lived in
Cambridge Grove from
1857-1867.
Did you know…
we now have a defibrillator
machine in our Mulliner
House reception to give
life-saving first aid in
an emergency.
Christmas at Furnish
Furnish to the Christmas rescue
Our wonderful Furnish
shop is here to rescue
you if you’re stuck
for interesting and unusual
ideas for Christmas presents. Our shop has
everything you might need, from beds to
chairs, tables to lamps and sideboards to
soft furnishings and dining sets.
You shouldn’t worry if you buy large items
because our friendly drivers will deliver
them to your home for a small fee.
Every purchase makes a huge difference.
It enables Furnish to give back to the
community by helping residents and
locals who depend on our services.
Maeve O’ Loughlin, retail manager, is
inviting bargain hungry shoppers to
explore the store for some great
purchases during the festive season.
She said: “We have a huge variety of items
for you to choose from, whether you’re
looking for a modern item, an antique
gem or something chic, our shop is the
ideal hunting ground for Christmas goods.
Remember Furnish is for life as well
as Christmas!”
Furnish is located on the ground floor,
West12 Shopping Centre in Shepherds
Bush Green. We’re open Monday to
Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Our Furnish shop
was shortlisted in
Hammersmith and
Fulham’s Brilliant
Business Awards 2015
in the category Best Charity / Social Enterprise. We asked
residents and the public to vote to boost our chance of
winning. Thank you to everyone who voted.
Busy building Buzz
We listened to your views about how we can best develop Buzz. We’ve received lots
of feedback and ideas from you, through our online survey and a resident meeting
in October. In response, we’re bringing you more choice and new features including
more local history, clearer contact details, picture descriptions on Buzz audio CD and more. 74% of
residents who responded by email said they’d like to receive Buzz online. So, now you can request to
receive Buzz straight to your email rather than in print. To do this contact [email protected].
News
Meet our apprentice,
Caine Aaron-Brown
“I’m on a two year plumbing apprenticeship with SBHG. I applied
through an organisation that helps people to find employment
and works with them on their CVs. I’ve been here five months. I’m
enjoying it; there are a lot of things for me to learn. My manager
told me I would be learning things from other trades so although
my main role is plumbing, I’m also learning about carpentry,
gas and others. I’m putting this into practice so I get to learn the
different trade on each job. One day I might do plumbing and
another day the job will be carpentry. I’m also studying in college one day a week.
“I wanted to go to college as well, although I much prefer the practical side to learning. I’ve
put into practice the things I’m learning. I’ve fixed things at home. I’ve saved my family money
which we would have had to spend on getting someone in to fix the problem. At the end of my
apprenticeship, SBHG will employ me or provide me with the support I will need to find another job.
“Apprenticeships are brilliant. You earn and learn at the same time. If you’re at college you’re just
learning the theory behind the trade. Practical experience is really valuable. It makes you more
‘sellable’. I think more people will employ you if you’ve got both.”
Royal representative
meets young residents
HM The Queen’s representative in Hounslow, The
Deputy Lieutenant Maria Pedro DL, visited St
Margaret’s House to meet young people living there
and share her experience of growing-up in care.
Maria explained how she overcame challenges to go
on to have a successful career and personal life. Maria
answered questions and offered to be a mentor or meet
anyone who would like to chat with her informally.
Maria said: “I attended the official opening of St Margaret’s House two years ago and returned to see
how the young people are getting on. Someone like me who grew up in care and has had personal
experiences like them could encourage them that it is still possible to live a productive life even if
you’ve had a difficult home-life.”
St Margaret’s senior team manager Deanne Straker said: “We would like to say a huge thank you
to Maria. She truly was inspirational. A number of the young people said they found her speech
touching.”
St Margaret’s House is a 26 home development in Chiswick for young people aged 16 to 21. Each
resident has a self-contained flat and support from staff to develop their life-skills, access training or
employment and prepare to move on into independent living.
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
In the chair
Three months in, our new chair Russell Caller tells us more about himself.
Russell, a managing partner at Gillhams Solicitors, provides legal services
to people with dementia.
What drew you to become our chair?
“I’ve always been interested in helping people and society needs suitable
homes for all. I’ve always worked in west London. This is such a vibrant
organisation, with such committed staff.
Please tell us a bit more about yourself?
I’m married with two adult daughters. Like many parents, I worry about them finding work and living
in London.
How can you help our residents?
My legal background will help the board and staff focus on what’s important to residents. Together,
we want to spread the word about all the services available to them. Residents are the life and soul of
SBHA. I aim to attend resident events and look forward to chatting with you soon.
Your vote matters
Registering to vote means you can make a difference. Registering also
improves your credit rating. As part of the Your Vote Matters campaign
we’ve held events, including interactive activities, to help raise residents’
awareness about the benefits of being on the electoral register.
With elections for the Mayor of London in 2016, residents described what
they would do if they were mayor. Their ideas included: “Improve school
meals!” and “Improve hygiene in hospitals!” plus “Fine people for spitting!”
Staff and residents at Your Vote
To get into the voting spirit, we’re also holding a vote of our own. We’re
Matters stall at St Margaret’s,
asking you to vote for your favourite SBHG building design.
our young people’s supported
There
is still time to cast your vote at www.sbhg.co.uk/your-vote-matters
housing service
See the winner in the next Buzz.
Great to talk!
It was good to meet so many of you when we carried out our annual Big Conversation in
June. Over 160 staff visited 26 different locations, meeting many residents in their homes.
The feedback helps us to see how we are doing, areas that have improved and where we
need further work and attention.
Overall satisfaction with services
Satisfaction with our repairs service in the last 12 months
Satisfaction that we give you the opportunity to make your views known
77%
65%
71%
The board and Resident Voice are considering the results which will help us with future planning and
development of services.
The full results are at www.sbhg.co.uk For a paper copy please phone Jane Sheehan on 020 8996 4226.
News the neighbours
Meet
Getting to
know you
We met some of our newest
residents who recently moved
into three of 14 flats we have
just finished at Calverton Place,
Horsenden, near Greenford.
Donna Gadd
Nursery employee and mother of two
“I’ve been bidding for homes for 15 years. I thought I would
take a chance and in July I got this place. I feel very lucky and I
received the keys in November. I’ve never been a social housing
tenant so this is new to me but I’m glad this is where I can call
home now. My children and I spent a long time staying with
different relatives. We had nowhere that we could call our own.
I think my home is amazing, it’s lovely.
“The location is nice; we are next to open green space. It feels
like
we are in the countryside. I’ve seen and spoken to a couple
Donna Gadd
of the neighbours. Everyone seems nice. I still have to move in
properly, I don’t have any furniture so I have to sort that out before I
feel settled. I’ve ordered some things, and I know about the Furnish shop in Shepherds Bush so I can
go there for household items. Moving in is a work in progress but it will be done soon. I hope to be in
properly and settled by Christmas.”
Caroline Huntingford
“18 months ago I had a stroke and had to move out of my
upstairs flat in Northolt. I went to hospital then into a care
home until this place came up. I had been to view other
flats but they were really tiny. I couldn’t get around it in my
wheelchair. This place was a saviour – I started to cry when
I saw it. My daughter saw me crying my eyes out. I was so
overwhelmed. This place is so massive. I was so surprised I
had enough space to get my wheelchair around it. It really
suits my needs. It is a little bit cut off and a bit remote – my
daughter will use it as an excuse to stay longer when she
comes to visit! However it’s nice to be by the ‘countryside’.
Caroline Huntingford
It is quiet around here. There are a couple of local shops and
newsagents which will come in handy. The staff were really helpful when I moved in. They showed
me how to use the boiler and set the key system. This will enable my carer to be able to come into
my flat. I am very happy.”
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
News
Cloudia Agbor
Cargo billing assistant for a freight company
“Getting this place means a lot to me and my daughter. We have been living in a hostel since
2012. That’s a long time to wait to get a permanent home. I feel like we can start our lives now. My
daughter has her own room. It’s really great that I won’t have to do any upgrade or works to the flat.
Some accommodation you have to renovate it yourself but I’m pleased I won’t have to do anything
here. Where I was before , it was a small one bed. Now my daughter and I can start properly.
“I waited a while before I got this but it was worth the wait. SBHG were very helpful; SBHG did all
the necessary checks with electricity and boiler and other areas before I was able to move in. It’s in a
nice location as well. I couldn’t ask for a better place. It looks like a pleasant and safe area for families.
So far my impression of this place is positive! I’m happy to have moved in. All your staff, especially
your lettings officer Sheila McAveety, were really nice. Everyone has been helpful. I’m happy to
be a SBHG tenant. I hope it will be a long relationship.”
Meet…
Neighbourhood action team officer for Calverton Place, Saiful Islam
What do you like most about working as a neighbourhood
action team officer?
The most enjoyable aspect for me is helping our residents resolve
any issues and improving the quality of their housing and the
experience they receive from us.
Saiful Islam with tenant
Jean Kelly at Steeplechase
Court for Housing Day 2015
What made you decide to work in the neighbourhood
action team?
The involvement I have with residents. I enjoy liaising with people
directly and like to solve issues proactively.
Tell us about one of your favourite days at work?
One of my most enjoyable experiences has been the fun day at Steeplechase Court.
There was a great sense of community with parents mingling and children playing together.”
Housing day
We joined housing associations and residents
across the country to celebrate Housing Day on
18 November, which spreads the word about what
housing associations do and how we benefit our
communities. This year’s theme was #proudtenant.
Our residents got involved. Vernal Wright (Vernal’s
story was in the last Buzz) and Jade Laxton (see
page 2 for more about Jade’s story) explained on
Twitter why they are proud to be our tenants. You
can join the Twitter conversation @SBHGLondon
using hashtags #housingday and #proudtenant.
Did you know...
Greenford gets its name
from the ancient English
word meaning great, green
ford. See more about the
new homes we’ve
built there on
Did you know…
page eight.
Housing associations
provide homes for
more than five million
people in the UK.
News after your home
Looking
Staff snaps
Meet some of our Estate
Pride team! They’re the
staff working on our estates
to keep them clean and
maintained. The Estate Pride
work schedules are on estate
notice boards. Eight new staff
joined our Estate Pride team in
October. Contact us or email
[email protected]
if you have any questions.
Estate Pride supervisor Richard
Wakefield said: “The new staff
are doing very well. They’ve
settled in easily, are tackling
the duties we’ve laid out and
are responding to our high
standards well.”
Filipe Pereira
im
Paulo Lawd
Jose De Silv
a
Bruno Dawelbeit
Thumas Bli
ss
Stay safe this season
Christmas lights, decorations, electrical gadgets and portable
heaters are just some examples of the electrical items used
Did you know…
more at this time of year. Here are reminders about how
Elizabeth Barnes Court,
to stay safe!
our sheltered housing
Check electrical items still work correctly before
scheme for elderly people in
using them.
Fulham, was named after one
Never overload your electrical supply.
of our founding board
If a fuse blows it means something is not working
members, the actress
correctly. Stop using the item and disconnect it from
Elizabeth Barnes.
the electrical supply.
Never plug an adaptor into another adaptor. Overloading
adaptors is a fire risk.
It’s best to buy electrical items from a reputable supplier
such as an electrical specialist.
Check your electrical items have the kite mark
(see the picture to the right) which shows they
meet European Safety Standards.
Before you go out or go to sleep, switch off electrical
items (not including your fridge/freezer) and don’t leave your TV on standby.
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
Day in the life...
Tony Scott
drainage opera
describes his dative
y
“My days start re
ally early, 5.30am
every morning.
become used to
My body clock h
this over the last
as
n
in
e
ye
ars I’ve been at SB
My main role is to
H
G.
clear outside dra
inage and sort o
also deal with blo
u
t
b
lockages but I
cked sinks, bath
s, toilets, main d
inspections. Ever
rains and carry o
y day is different
ut
an
d
ev
er
y job is different.
toilets can be diff
Blocked
erent from one h
ome to another.
“Our repairs team
give me as many
resident has a blo
jobs as I can do
cked sink, which
in a day. If a
th
ey have tried to
go and sort it ou
fi
x
and can’t unblock
t. Some jobs take
it themselves, I w
longer than oth
ill
amount of time.
er
s,
w
h
ile
o
thers can be reso
As drainage is ou
lv
t
ed
of sight, I can’t p
in a short
me. A wash han
redict the time sc
d basin can take
al
e
o
r
how long it will
15 minutes. I‘ve
take
digging things u
been on jobs wh
p.
ere it has taken m
e two days
“There are many
things that cause
blocked drains;
They are thin bu
the biggest prob
t they can’t disso
lem is baby wipes
lv
e.
My advice to resi
.
down the toilet:
d
ents is please do
bin it. On severa
n
o
t
flush baby wipes
l occasions, we’ve
to flush them bu
sent letters to re
t we still need to
si
d
ents reminding
tell residents.
them not
“Many assume b
ecause it flushes
then it’s gone bu
When I used to w
t it hasn’t; it cause
ork for a commer
s havoc down th
ci
al company, the
e drain.
a truck through.
drainage tunnel
was high enoug
h to drive
“One of the best
things about my
job is residents ar
know I’m going
e genuinely pleas
to resolve their p
ed to see me bec
ro
b
le
m
ause they
.
I
always get asked
Solving their pro
h
o
w many sugars I
blem is a great fe
want in my tea!
eling, I’ve attend
site but they wer
ed a job where tw
e unable to deal
o separate crew
with the issue. H
s were on
how to sort out
o
w
ev
er
,
I
h
av
the problem and
e gone in and sh
its job done. It’s
own the crew
makes me enjoy
the satisfaction
what I do so mu
of getting a job
ch.
done that
“The most unusu
al thing I’ve foun
d is a gold brace
let.
Before I used to
go motor racing
but now after a
my feet up.”
hard day’s work,
I like to unwind
by putting
News matters
Money
Rent reminder
We understand you may have many financial pressures, especially at this time of year.
Your rent must remain your financial priority. You’re at risk of eviction if you don’t pay
it. If you’re struggling, we can help.
Graham Smith
We can refer you to our Staying First welfare, benefits and debt advice service or
to our MyBnk advisor Graham Smith (see page 4). Panny Livadas, our new welfare
reform officer (he’s on the front cover), can help you with benefits advice, support and
understanding your Housing Benefit letters. See page 4 for more details.
Welfare reform changes
From April Housing Benefit back payments
will be limited to cover a maximum period of
four weeks for working age people. You must
tell us and Housing Benefit if your Housing
Benefit stops or there are any changes in your
circumstances, such as moving home.
Digital
driving licence
New look!
Do you want to improve your computer skills? Would you
like to find new ways to stay in touch with your family? We
can help. We’ve partnered with Barclays to create a Digital
Driving Licence, to help you develop your digital skills. From
email to online security to Skype skills – there’s something
for all levels. You can earn badges for each module you pass.
Simply register, choose what you want to learn and begin!
You can register on our website. If you’d like help getting
started, drop into our Digital Driving Licence workshop at
Mulliner House on 13 January from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.
Your rent statements have changed
and now you receive them every
three months. They have clearer
information and messages tailored
to suit your preferences, needs and
payment methods. These changes
and more have been made in
response to your feedback. If you
have any questions or need to talk to
us about your rent statement please
phone us.
Rent arrears
You pay an average of £108.50 a week for a secure tenancy and £132.04 for an assured tenancy
which is lower than many other housing associations. The below figures show total outstanding
rent as a percentage.
Type of home
Rental
Temporary
Leasehold
Supported housing
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
Year end
target
Current
performance
4.56%
4.9%
1.8%
2.4%
4.6%
5.73%
1.5%
3.4%
on
track?
News
Leaseholder news
Speed staircasing
Love your home and fancy a date to find out
about staircasing? We’re looking to hold a spring
speed staircasing event where you can find out
everything you need on one evening. There will
be a chartered surveyor to advise on the likely
value of your property, a financial advisor on
remortgaging and a legal advisor to advise
on the process and costs. If you think this
would be useful and you may like to
attend, please email us a ‘yes’ at
[email protected]
Watch the post
We’ve completed the rent and service charge
meetings so in February you will get your
revised rent and service charge budget
statements for 2016/17 financial year.
What matters most?
What topics would interest you for the next
leasehold forum in April? The October one
looked at the impact of lease extensions
on getting mortgages, estate services and
how to get more involved. Email us with any
suggestions you have.
Get involved
If you live in one of our developments
and would like to get involved to enhance
liaison between leaseholders and us please
let us know.
Stay in touch
For all general enquiries please email
[email protected]
Your leaseholder team
Josephine Burton Leasehold manager
T: 020 8996 4778 M: 07970 131372
E: [email protected]
Ashok Pai Senior leasehold officer
T: 020 8996 4232 M: 07811 349815
E: [email protected]
Belgrave Lodge
New Kings Road
Charterhouse
Thornbury Park
Kelway House
Townmead
Maison Rouge
Waterford Road
Margaret Ramadan
House
Naveed Salam Leasehold officer
T: 020 8996 4779 M: 07976 382559
E: [email protected]
Bodington Court
Nicoll Road
Central West
Morris House
Clitherow House
Old Fire Station
Goat Wharf
Rowntree Road
Ham Croft Close
Town Meadow
Haydock Avenue
Willam Perkins Court
Holland Gardens
Windmill Court
Issigonis House
Helen Adeniyi Leasehold advisor
T: 020 8996 8852 M: 07798 950101
E: [email protected]
Puffin Court
Avonmore Road
Rawsthorne
Acock Grove
Savera Close
Greenacres
William Gattie House
Lakeside Road
Pelham Place
Chris Savva Leasehold income officer
T: 020 8996 6665
E: [email protected]
For enquiries about rent
Natalie Mogoi Resales and staircasing officer
T: 020 8996 6676
E: [email protected]
For enquiries about resales, staircasing and
lease extensions
Edmund Ansong Leasehold apprentice
T: 020 8996 4792
E: [email protected]
For new builds, shared ownership and
general enquiries
Your questions answered
Here are some of the questions you asked us over the last few months and our answers.
Your questions answered
You asked...
We answered...
I recently completed a mutual
exchange with another SBHA
resident. Who do I need to tell?
Congratulations! If you receive benefits, it’s important you inform
Housing Benefit immediately. You should also get in contact with
energy and water suppliers. Your neighbourhood action team
officer’s details are on page 16.
I’m worried the water pipe
in my home will leak, as I am
away for Christmas and it will
be cold in the house.
The pipes in your home are well insulated which helps reduce the
risk of them freezing and leaking. If you’re going to be away from
home for a while it’s best to turn the water off, if you can. Or you
could set the heating to come on periodically to keep the pipes
warm. If there’s a leak you can contact our emergency repairs line.
I would like to know which
days the communal areas
cleaned are on the estate
where I live.
Estate Pride clean the communal areas on our estates. Their work
schedules are on the estate noticeboards. If you have any questions
email [email protected] You can see them at work on
page ten.
I’m visually impaired. Can I
get an audio version of Buzz
to listen to please?
Yes. Please contact our communication co-ordinator Katy Kilner on
020 8996 6661 to order Buzz as an audio CD. We’ll post it.
I’m considering shared
ownership and want to
improve my credit rating
before I apply for a shared
ownership mortgage.
Any tips?
A simple way to improve your credit rating is by adding yourself to
the electoral register. You can register to vote in five minutes online
at www.sbhg.co.uk/your-vote-matters See more on page seven.
Our MyBnk advisor can also offer you financial advice. See page 12
for details. Contact [email protected] with your
shared ownership questions.
My neighbours always throw
loud parties late at night
which keeps me awake. I’m
concerned about this over
the holiday season as I have
to work. Can you help?
Our antisocial behaviour officers can discuss the situation and
options with you in more detail. We have various ways we can
help including mediation, sound-proofing and intervention
services. Over the festive period, you can still contact our antisocial
behaviour helpline on 0800 088 6699 or 0300 1232190. In an
emergency call 999.
My neighbour, one of your
residents, is elderly and had a
small fire in her home yesterday
caused by a pan overheating.
She’s OK. However, she can’t
replace her smoke detectors
herself. What can you do?
It’s important that any fires in the home, even small ones, are
reported to our health and safety team. We can assess your
neighbour’s home and create a fire safety plan with her. The fire
brigade can fit a smoke detector for free. In an emergency call 999.
Visit our website or contact us on 0800 9170839 for more information.
You can report repairs at www.sbhg.co.uk or [email protected] or phone 0800 0742130.
BUZZ: SBHG winter update
Resident Voice
If you’ve got a question email
[email protected]
Helen
Cox
John
Barker
Leroy
Taylor
Janet
Dunn
Wendy
Llewellyn
Fernando
Monteiro
Jacqueline
Fraser
Samir
Ramadan
Peter
Strefford
Mathile
Ghanem
Getting to know you...
Other news
After elections, we have two new RV members, Janet
and Wendy, who tell us more about themselves.
Ann Faid
Janet Dunn
“I joined RV because, as a resident myself, I felt
that I could make a difference. Using the skills and
knowledge that I have gained from working in schools
and with communities, I wanted to work with SBHA
to ensure that residents have a voice and that we
work together to improve communication. I believe
that these improvements will help us all develop our
communities, homes and environment.”
Wendy Llewellyn
“I feel really strongly about my community and believe
we could all do more to bring people together. I’ve
worked in partnership with social services as a support
worker, care worker and mental health worker. I have
also had training on subjects including vulnerable
adults, mental health, drugs awareness and senile
dementia. I am keen to develop community initiatives
such as befriending. I enjoy working as part of a team
and want to use my experience of working in the
community to assist RV with its work.”
It is with great sadness that we have
to report that, after a short illness, Ann
Faid, a former RV member, passed away
in October.
Ann had been an involved tenant for
over 20 years, as a founder member of
the Independent Tenants’ Committee,
a board member and in the past five
years as an elected member of RV.
Intouch manager, Jane Sheehan,
said: “Ann helped put resident
involvement at the forefront of SBHA.
She was always willing to give her time,
attending meetings and carrying out
monitoring visits, and understood the
importance of residents being involved
and the difference it can make. She will
be sorely missed.”
Neighbourhood contacts
Your neighbourhood action team officer is your first point of contact for all questions about
your home and neighbourhood, email [email protected]. For repairs, please
call the repairs line.
Saiful Islam
T: 020 8996 4260 M:
Acock Grove
Art Wood Apartments
Ashchurch Villas
Calverton Place
Golden Manor
Gurnell Grove
Lea Court
Margaret Ramadan
House
Midwinter Court
Nicoll Road
Pembridge Gardens/
Square
07903 336974
Rajgeer Court
Sandalwood Drive
Steeplechase Court
William Perkin Court
Windmill Court
Street properties
in the boroughs of
Brent, Ealing, Harrow,
Hillingdon, Kensington
and Chelsea, Kingston
and Richmond
Lucy Harrison
T: 020 8996 4238 M: 07827 821754
Angell House
London Road
Beattie Close
Old Pound Close
Belgrave Lodge
Osier Court
Chandler Court
Rawsthorne Court
Falcon Close
St Thomas Road
Girdlers Road
Thornbury Park
Greenlawn Lane
Townmeadow
Griffin Court
Turnpike Way
Holland Gardens
Street properties in the
Hopes Close
borough of Hounslow
Langton House
Shereze Treasure
Esther Oladimeji
T: 020 8996 4227 M: 07717 892659
T: 020 8996 8816 M: 07968 873253
Auriol House
The Old Vicarage
Clifford Haigh House Williams Close
Bailey Court
Parnell Close
Dawes Road
Wyfold Road
Clandon Court
Raleigh Court
Granville Place
Street properties
Cotton House
Samuels Close
Pearscroft Court
in SW6
Craft Court
Westbourne House
Pegasus Place
Evelyn House
Wilfred Wood Court
Pulton Place
Hillary Court
210 Goldhawk Road
St Marks Close
Kelway House
Townmead
Street properties in
Lakeside Road
Twynholm Mansions
W6 and W12
Northcroft Court
Street properties in W14 are managed by all neighbourhood action team officers.
If your street or postcode is not listed here, please phone the duty line on 020 8996 4222.
Antisocial behaviour
Alan Bush
Muhammed Choudhury
T: 020 8996 4762 M: 07824 835651
T: 020 8996 4783 M: 07968 873109
Community investment team
T: 020 8996 8887 E: [email protected]
Contact us
Mulliner House, Flanders Road,
Chiswick W4 1NN
Freephone 0800 9170839
Telephone 020 8996 4200
Repairs
0800 0742130
All 0800 numbers are now free
from mobiles and landlines.
Opening times:
Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday and Friday
9.00am–5.00pm
8.30am–6.30pm
9.00am–5.00pm
@SBHGLondon
www.sbhg.co.uk
Craft Court is only open if you have
an appointment.