Winter 2013
Transcription
Winter 2013
Welcoming you to the Tenancy Services Officers 2 3 Cover Features ...welcome 6 Stay safe this season 11 It's all for charity Fire safety tips to keep you safe and aware this season Your needs If you would like to receive this information in another format such as large print or telephone translation please call the Design and Communications Manager: Articles 14 Delicious delights Paragon staff and residents have been doing their bit. 12 Loan sharks are never your best friend Information on how to report a loan shark. Yummy Christmas delights that will tempt your taste buds! 28 Could you be a 'Mystery Shopper'? Information on how to become a Mystery shopper. Hannah Elford T 01932 235 722 32 Welcoming you to the Tenancy Services Officers Getting to know the Elmbridge Tenancy Services Officers for your area! 17 Information 4 Delivering services to you An explanation of the changes happening to our offices 13 Christmas opening times Keep up-to-date with when we're open over Christmas. 18 Grounds maintenance Northumbria Court's got talent An article about the crafts group that meet together on a weekly basis. 25 Paragon in Bloom The round up of this years Paragon in Bloom 26 I'll never forget this day A personal account of the happenings of 9/11. 40 Maintenance Action Days An article about the recent Maintenance Action Days and how you can get involved. Information on what happens at this time of year. 36 Maintenance service updates Keeping you informed of what we've been doing in maintenance. 38 Home energy switch Information about how to save energy. 42 Talk to us If you'd like to get in contact with us here is where you will find a selection of details. Get involved 4 5 Though we deliver services to around 3,500 RuTCHT customers, few choose to access our services by visiting the office at Castle Mews (currently less than 6 visitors a day). Therefore keeping the office open on this basis is not economical. We have taken the opportunity to substantially reduce costs by leasing out the office to another company. Someone to meet with you If you would like to meet a member of staff to discuss an issue, you can! We can offer private appointments by arrangement at your home, at premises owned by the Trust in your locality, or at our office in Walton-on-Thames. Services on the move Plans are underway for a number of services to become mobile, with the aim of offering greater convenience for customers. You’ll see more of our staff in the neighbourhood. Where appropriate, our staff will bring the office straight to you. Services 24/7 Recently we have launched a new website, improved our online payment options and introduced balance notifications for customers via text. You can request a repair online, ask a question and even sign-up to a digital copy of The Resident Magazine. We continue to improve services for customers, and ensure services are accessible for all. Rachael Smart Paragon Housing Manager St John’s Cromwell Centre in Walton to the rescue! The Enigma Theatre’s production ‘Comic Potential’ took place in late October at the Riverhouse Barn in Walton. Our friends at RC Sherriff supported the project. The show was a great success, but it wasn’t all plain sailing, as producer Stephen Willis comments “We had difficulty finding affordable rehearsal space; then, like a knight in shining armour, Elmbridge Housing Trust came to the rescue (a true Paragon!).” Elmbridge Housing Trust were pleased to help out by offering up the Cromwell Centre so the actors could continue rehearsing! m Thompson –TUG Chair, Sa nts a Merry bridge Reside m E l al g in h is W ar, from the Happy New Ye d an as m st ri Ch G. embers of TU Chair and all m AN CO TS AC T IO N Therefore, from early next year customers will no longer be able to visit the Castle Mews office for appointments. The main RuTCHT reception number: 020 8481 7277, and individual staff phone numbers will remain the same for the time being. We are looking at changing the phone numbers in 2014, but will keep you informed prior to any change being made. Someone to talk to The majority of customers prefer to talk to us on the phone, and we are looking to improve this service over the coming year. N You may be aware through reading our publications, that Paragon has begun to combine the housing services from both RuTCHT and Elmbridge Housing Trust (EHT), in order to improve the quality of our services and deliver these services cost effectively. We understand that you expect services that are convenient and you’ll be pleased to know that we are enhancing our services, in order that your expectations are met. What you can expect from our services: TE We’ve recently written to all Richmond residents to let them know we are moving out of the Richmond upon Thames Churches Housing Trust (RuTCHT) office at 13 Castle Mews, Hampton to operate from our main office at Case House, 85-89 High Street, Walton-on-Thames. Hello, I am the new Housing Manager for Paragon and I am responsible for the Tenancy Services Team across the whole of Paragon and our new Estate Services Team who we will be introducing to you in the next edition of The Resident. I am really excited to be leading the teams as we work towards bringing the services together next year and we are already working to improve the services that you receive. I already know many of you from my previous role in Resident Involvement, and I look forward to meeting many more of you in the New Year. MMIT TEE The Chair and members of TA C would like to wish all RuT CHT tenants a ve Christmas & a ry Happy prosperous N ew Year. –TAC Chair , Ann Netts 6 7 Stay safe this season! Top Fire Safety Tips! Ensure your chimney is cleaned twice a year. Visit and check on elderly neighbours. Fire Safety With the Christmas period upon us, here is some information to help you stay fire safe throughout the festive season. At this time of year, homes are often decorated with lights, decorations and candles. With appropriate care and attention, decorations and lights are safe to use. 0 Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries. 0 Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking after drinking alcohol. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking. 0 Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed. 0 Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight. 0 Don't overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use. 0 Ensure you remain aware of Fire Safety within your flat/room and know the procedure of what to do in the event of a fire. Candle safety 0 Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Before going to bed always 0 Close all doors as this prevents fire spreading. 0 Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances except those that are meant to stay on such as a fridge. 0 Make sure the cookers and heaters are turned off. 0 Keep door and window keys where you can find them. 0 Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder. 0 Have your dressing gown and slippers close by for quick escape if needed. 0 Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire. Christmas tree safety 0 Make sure your Christmas tree has a good, solid base. 0 Remember that natural trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire. 0 Natural trees should be placed in a suitable stand with water. 0 Keep your Christmas tree at least one metre away from any heat source. 0 Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace. 0 Switch off all Christmas tree lights before going to bed. 8 9 What is HomeKey? HomeKey will alert those registered to any transfer properties being advertised which match your criteria. Within bands, priority will be determined by the date the applicant was placed in the band, so if you have been on the transfer list previously, you will keep the date you first registered for transfer. If you were to move to another band, the date you move would determine your priority. The new Choice Based Lettings system Housing Trust tenants looking to move to the boroughs of Richmond or Kingston. You cannot be HomeKey is a new Choice Homekey replaces the registered with SEARCH existing RuTCHT waiting Based Lettings system, Moves and HomeKey at designed to run in parallel list for transfers. If you wish to transfer to another the same time. to Homeswapper (an property you will now need online portal which If you are already to register and bid for matches properties properties online yourself. registered on suitable for mutual Homeswapper you will be exchange). HomeKey invited to join HomeKey enables tenants looking This scheme is for when you log on. New Richmond upon Thames to transfer to bid on applicants must register Churches Housing Trust available properties. with Homeswapper first. tenants and Elmbridge Transfer properties added to HomeKey will be advertised on the website for up to a week for you to bid on. If the property matches your criteria you will receive an alert by text and / or e-mail. It will then take only a few minutes to register with HomeKey, as you will have already filled out much of We have to allocate 75% the essential information. of our empty properties to the borough council and The Lettings team will be this means that only 25% notified of your application of empty properties will be to HomeKey and will award advertised on HomeKey a priority band (A-D) which for transfers. Some weeks is based on your housing there may not be any need. You can then advertised, as properties register your interest in are limited. properties on the website, this is known as ‘bidding’. Photographs of properties are provided wherever possible so you can see what you are bidding on. It is also important that you are happy with the location of the property so that you only bid on properties you would accept, if offered to you. If you are shortlisted to view a property, please do not knock on the door prior to being invited inside. It is possible that we will advertise properties before a previous tenancy has ended in order to speed up the re-let process. This is why specific door numbers are not listed on HomeKey adverts. Information will be available shortly on the Paragon website. For any specific queries please contact the Lettings team on email at lettings@ paragonchg. co.uk or by telephone 01932 235880 10 11 Search Moves Update SEARCH Moves is Elmbridge Housing Trust's transfer application process. The borough of Runnymede will be leaving the SEARCH Moves schemes as they are launching their own Choice Based Lettings site. online initiatives being launched by neighbouring housing providers such as Kingston, Thames Valley HA and Richmond Housing Partnership. In light of these changes it is likely that current transfer applicants will have to re-register for SEARCH Moves online. There has also been a review of the But don’t worry, we will write to you SEARCH Moves’ Common Allocations about the changes and registration Policy and as a partner of the SEARCH process nearer the time and support you Moves scheme, we are required to through the changes. You can check the introduce the following changes to the Paragon and SEARCH Moves websites scheme from April 2014. for further updates as well. As a result of implementing the new online system There are 5 key changes: there will be a short period of around » Families with children of different sexes will be required to share a bedroom up 8 weeks from February 2014 when we will be unable to register new transfer to the age of 10, bringing the policy in line with the government's changes to applications. the welfare benefits system. The government's changes to the welfare benefits system has had an impact » In addition to working households currently prioritised under local lettings on the way in which households are assessed for Housing Benefit. As part of plans, a further 10% of properties will the SEARCH Moves partnership, we have be re-let to working households. to reflect these changes in the way we » The banding structure will change assess people's housing requirements. slightly, as band E is being removed. » The priority date for bands A and B will be adjusted to the date on which the applicant achieved that banding, rather than their original application date. » The transfer application process for SEARCH moves will be completed online, this is similar to other For more information on SEARCH Moves, contact the Lettings Team on: 01932 235 880 It's all for charity Paragon staff and residents have been very busy... Our staff and residents have been doing their bit for charity over the past few months and we'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate them! Fundraising for Macmil an and the British Heart Foundation Residents at Fulmer Close, Hampton ran a coffee morning and brica-brac stall at our office to raise funds for Macmillan and raised £98. Congratulations, a great achievement! Staff at Paragon also ran a coffee morning on 27th September in partnership with our contractors Willmott Dixon, where staff baked some delicious cakes that were sold throughout the day raising a grand total of £640, also for Macmillan. Donna Brace, Planned and Decent Homes Manager, and Maria Frawley, Partnerships Manager raised an incredible amount for the British Heart Foundation, by hosting another successful bake sale at Paragon and also running the Great South Run. The girls completed the 10 mile run around Portsmouth on Sunday 27th October, and their combined fundraising efforts totalled a staggering £1254.89. Well done to everyone who took part in these events and helped raise so much money for these fantastic causes! 12 R NEVE E R SA K R A SH ND LOAN EST FRIE B YOUR With an estimated 310,000 households in the UK borrowing from unlicensed lenders or loan sharks as they are more commonly known, illegal money lending is a problem across the country. Anyone who operates a money lending business without a licence from the Office of Fair Trading is acting illegally. The England Illegal Money Lending Team are cracking down on unlicensed lenders who... s Rarely offer paperwork so those who borrow from them are kept in the dark about how much they still owe. s Charge extortionate rates of interest – rates of 131,000% APR. have been seen. s Add additional amounts to the debt so borrowers struggle to repay. s Take items as security. These items could even include passports and bank cards. s Resort to extreme methods to reclaim their debts. This could mean threats, intimidation, violence or worse. One victim spoke out “I couldn’t afford to pay my bills and the rent as I had to pay the loan shark so life was getting pretty desperate. He said ‘pay me don’t feed the children.’ The kids have been subjected to a hostel and attended five schools. It nearly cost me my marriage”. Loan sharks are not a community service and should never be used under any circumstances. Many loan sharks start out as a friend to their borrower but quickly change. If you have borrowed from an unlicensed lender you have not broken the law, they have. Speak to us in confidence. Report a Loan Shark Call: 0300 555 2222 (24/7 confidential hotline) Text: 60003 (loan shark + your message) Email: [email protected] Private message: www.facebook.com/stoploansharks 13 Chri stmas Opening Hours Remember... s Loan Sharking is illegal and will not be tolerated. s Unlicensed loans are not enforceable in law. s Loan Sharks prey on the vulnerable trapping them in a spiral of debt. s They rarely offer paperwork and can add random amounts to the debt. s They could take items as security such as passports and bank cards – this too is illegal. 23rd December 2013 9:00am - 5:00pm 24th December 2013 9:00am - 3:00pm 25th December 2013 CLOSED 26th December 2013 CLOSED 27th December 2013 9:00am - 5:00pm 30th December 2013 9:00am - 5:00pm 31st December 2013 9:00am - 3:00pm 1st January 2014 CLOSED 2nd January 2014 9:00am - 5:00pm 3rd January 2014 9:00am - 5:00pm Paragon will be operating a normal repairs service while our offices are open. Outside of office hours Paragon will provide an emergency repairs service. You can report an emergency repair by telephone to our out of hours service on Freephone 0800 980 9008. 14 15 Christmas Brownies These yummy brownies are quick and easy to make for a perfect treat or gift. You’ll have everybody asking you for the recipe! pting Tem ts or Trea ct Perfe ts! en Pres Peanut Butter Fudgetastic! Impress with these creamy, tasty peanut butter fudges. Place in a jar or tin, tied with a Christmas ribbon, these sweet treats will bring delight to all your Use this easy to follow method to make tasty lemon curd, lovely on toast, or as family and friends. a Christmas gift in a sealed jar. Luscious Lemon Curd Prep Christmas is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Whether to satisfy your own taste buds or to gift them to friends. There will be no need to worry about searching for a gift on the high street, just add these ingredients to your next food shop and have a go at making our fantastic treat ideas! Make them a perfectly presented present that the receiver will be delighted with. Reuse empty jam jars, tie with a Christmas ribbon or make your own Christmas tags. ! TIP e P O T thes n e r i o St nies ht w o br irtig an a ainer! t con /Co Prep 4min ok 20min/ gs n i v r e 20 S 36 - 42 P ieces 30min/Cook 10min/ Ingredients • 125g butter • 500g dark brown sugar • 120ml milk Ingredients • 400g caster sugar • 225g butter • 60g cocoa powder • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 225g plain flour • ½ tsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • 60g walnut halves Method 1 Preheat your oven to 180 C or gas mark 4. 2 Cream the caster sugar and butter together in a mixing bowl. 3 Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, plain flour, baking powder, salt and walnut halves, then mix. 4 Place the mixture into a rectangular 23x33cm greased baking tin and bake for 20 – 25 mins. 5 Leave to cool and then slice into equal square portions. • 250g crunchy peanut butter • 1 vanilla pod or 2 tbsp vanilla extract • 300g icing sugar Method 1 Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Mix in the sugar and milk, and bring to the boil for 2 – 3 mins, do not stir. 2 Remove from the heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla seeds. 3 Place the icing sugar in a large bowl, pour the hot mixture on top. Using a wooden spoon, beat until smooth. 4 Poor into a 20cm square baking tray and leave to cool slightly, then place in the fridge to chill completely. 5 Cut the fudge into portions, and store in an airtight container. 10-30min k o o C / Prep 30min Makes 2, 250g jars Ingredients • 100g unsalted • 4 unwaxed lemons, butter, cut to cubes • 3 eggs, plus 1 yolk zest and juice • 200g unrefined caster sugar Method 1 Put the lemon zest, juice, sugar and butter into a heatproof bowl. Put the bowl over a pan of simmering water, the water mustn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir on and off until the butter has melted. 2 Lightly whisk all the eggs then stir them into the mixture, mix well, leave to cook for 10 – 13 mins, stir on and off, until the mixture is creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. 3 Remove the lemon curd from the heat and leave to cool, stir occasionally. Once cool, spoon the lemon curd into sterilised jars and seal. Keep in the fridge until ready to use. 16 17 norThumbria's GoT TalenT Red Square, Surbiton Railton Place, Weybridge The arts and crafts workshop, run every Thursday at Northumbria Court in Richmond got off to a great start. Linda Morton, Resident Manager, arranges the workshops. "It is an opportunity for people to share ideas and try their hand at creating something, or just for the fun of joining in." Residents can bring along any needlework, painting, card making or even model aeroplane building to work on or try the project of the day, which is usually a painting or drawing exercise. John Roebuck brought along an exquisite miniature carpet that he is making which is one twelfth of the actual size, much admired by the class. We hope that more residents will join in and share their talents with us. On 1st October 2013 the Sheltered Housing Team attended the ‘Full of Life Fair’ at Twickenham. "The day was extremely popular with lots of visitors; we spoke to a number of tenants from Sheltered Housing and General Needs and took a number of repairs queries, which were forwarded onto the repairs team. We gave away a lot of promotional items, which were extremely popular with visitors especially the pens and stress balls!" This was a great event to promote Paragon and the Sheltered Housing Team. 18 19 Not all schemes will benefit from all the operations listed. All schemes are priced individually so therefore only costs relevant are being charged. With winter fast approaching and therefore seasonal requirements changing it is worth noting some differences you are likely to notice in service delivery on your estate, road or block. As the worst of the autumn leaf fall is cleared and grass cutting operations slow down for the winter period you may at times see different staff delivering the service. This is due to seasonal staff completing their fixed term contracts and permanent skilled staff supporting each other across the contract. Frequency of visits will reduce to one a month rather than fortnightly in line with specification requirements. Grass edging and some pruning operations take place during this period. Grass cutting also reduces for the winter as the growth pattern slows, with a maximum of three cuts being performed until spring just to keep grass in check during this period. The winter is also a useful opportunity to catch up on any outstanding works due to excessive summer growth, drought conditions etc thus preparing the gardens for their Aspect of Grounds Maintenance Completed Furniture Inspection t Fortnightly spring surge next year. Litter Collection Play Areas t Weekly Litter Collection Housing Sites t Fortnightly Litter bin collection (inc p/areas) t Weekly Sweeping Hard Standing p/areas t Weekly Sweeping Hard Standing Housing Sites t Fortnightly Apply Herbicide to Hard Standing Areas t Once Per Year Grass Cut Summer t March - October (16 cuts) Grass cut Winter t November - February (3 cuts) Edge Grass Areas t Once Per Year Apply Fertiliser Spring/Summer t Once Per Year Apply Fertiliser Autumn/Winter t Once Per Year Initial Shrub Border Maintenance t Once Per Year (March) Routine Shrub Border Maintenance t March - October (15 visits) Routine Shrub Border Maintenance t November - February (4 visits) Initial Rose Border Maintenance t Once Per Year (March) Routine Rose Border Maintenance t March - October (15 visits) Routine Rose Border Maintenance t November - February (4 visits) Hedge Cutting (Species Dependent) t Once, twice or three times a year. Inspection of Play Areas t Daily Please feel free to contact Quadron’s Resident Liaison Manager, Preeti Chatwal: E [email protected] Grass edging operations will continue over the winter months 20 21 The Readers Panel don’t just help review The Resident Magazine, they help us improve our policies... The Readers Panel continues to meet for policy reviews. In the past year they have made several changes to our policies, as described below. Please contact us if you want a copy of any of these policies: • we will maintain stair lifts fitted by residents • residents should contact the Repairs Team if there is problem with the lift • the risk assessment for each lift is kept in the lift control cupboard Commercial Boilers This is a new policy and the panel asked for the following information to be added: • who to contact if there is a problem with the boiler • when the current replacement programme will be completed • Confirmation that the boilers will be efficient and residents will be able to control the heating in their flats. We also agreed to put up signs by the lifts with the phone number to call in case of a lift incident. Signs are being installed in all communal areas as a result giving phone numbers to call for any incident. Gas Safety The Gas Safety policy has been updated due to the change of contractor. The panel asked us to add how and when all of the carbon monoxide detectors will be installed. Lift Maintenance This is another new policy. We agreed to add that: Services to Older People The panel was concerned that this new policy put too much emphasis on residents providing support to their neighbours. We have changed it to say “Families and friends will be encouraged to be actively involved with residents, where available.” Domestic Abuse The panel asked us to explain that the abuse of children is covered by the Safeguarding Adults and Children at Risk policy. • We have added that it is the resident’s responsibility to activate and pay for their Sky service. Allocations This is a long policy but the panel said that it was clear and understandable. Their only addition was that former employees would not be rehoused in the sheltered scheme where they had worked. Compensation The panel asked us to emphasise that claims must be made within the 28 day deadline. Communal TV systems This new policy provoked a lively discussion, which led to the following changes: • more emphasis on the fact that residents must have the landlord’s permission to install their own satellite dish and that they will have to remove it if permission is not given • the section on cable television was re-written since it said that Virgin Media was the only cable provider in our areas and the panel said that there were others as well. The panel also said the section was not plain English and asked us to say why our permission was needed to subscribe to cable services. Complaints The panel reviewed this policy at each meeting to make sure that it agreed with the Localism Act. Enjoy reading? Join our resident readers who help us make sure we are communicating clearly. If you’d like to join the panel, why not call the resident involvement team to find out more. You can find their details on the back of the magazine. 5 Year Corporate Plan LE RDAB AFFOTS & REN D TERM FIXE ANCIES TEN Our ne groundw main s team tenance full ble ed cove rs.ind d 3 ...look changeing at the s ahea d 22 23 NEED HE P TO GET A OB Would you like to find a job? With the government's changes to welfare the benefits, if you are of working age you will ethos project be better off if you have a job and you can earn money yourself. Sometimes it can be difficult and intimidating to know where to start, we can help. For Richmond and Kingston residents we offer a 10 week course, which will allow you to learn about... 0 0 0 0 E AN PRO IDE: CV skills 1 2 searching, 1appointmentswith uali ed Job Learning Interviewing CareersAdvisers IT obworkshops skills and much more! Supportwithusinginternetand Kingston Adult Education will be running emailsfor Paragon providing training this project and support for everyone, in a friendly and supportive manner. We already had residents taking part who have now found Is REEifyouareunemployedor employment, thanks to the scheme! workinglessthan16hoursperweek THE SER I E: the ethos project For our residents in Elmbridge, we are working in FOR MORE partnership with INFORMATION: 'The Ethos Project' who provide job Contactyoulocaladviserin workshops, 1-2-1 apointments with Elmbridge,MoleValleyor qualified careers advisors and support. Tandridge For more information contact Lorraine Simpson, our local Ethos Helpingyoutogetahead,developskills, LORRAINETHOMPSON moveintojobs,andimprovehousing Project advisor on: 07904908871 optionsforabrighterfuturethrough [email protected] Employment, Training & Housing T 07904 908 871 E [email protected] Support. AvailabletothoselivinginElmbridge, If you are interested and would like to sign "My life changed for the Epsom Ewell, up, please contact Chloeuildford,Mole Jones – Resident Mylifechangedforthe Involvement Assistant: ValleyorTandridge better when I got FOR MORE INFORMATION: MANAGED BY a job. The betterwhenIgotajob.The Contactyoulocaladviserin WillNOTa ectyourbene ts SurreyLifelongLearningPartnership. ETHOSProjecthelpedme Ethos Project helped me when T 020 8481 8941 Weseektoimprovelearning Elmbridge,MoleValleyorTandridge whenImostneededit . I needed it most!" E [email protected] AimstoaddressbothHousing opportunities,learnerengagement LORRAINETHOMPSON Employmentneeds 07904908871 aformerclient,nowinwork. andprogressioninSurreyandbeyond, particularlyforthosewhohavemissed All residents will have received our NEW leaflet called 'Universal Credit is coming' with their copy of The Annual report. This leaflet explains that in the future, those who receive benefits, including housing benefit, will be paid benefit directly into their bank account. And that in order for this to happen, benefit claimants will need to be able to fill out The welfare benefits team is here to help you an application form online, in order to apply. understand the changes, and help make sure you These changes will certainly happen, but at get the benefits that you the moment, we don't know exactly when. are entitled to. The roll out of Universal Credit has been If you are struggling to delayed and no one is sure when it will come cope with your finances, to our area but if you are of working age, talk to us: you will be affected at some point. As soon as we get more information we will tell you but in the meantime, you can still prepare yourself for Universal Credit. You’ll need: • A bank account If you don’t have one, we will soon be offering you one-to-one help to get one. More to come on this shortly. • To be able to access the internet We are planning to increase access to the Internet for you. More to come on this shortly as well. t. 01932 235 830 email us at: welfarebenefits@ paragonchg.co.uk 24 The BIG Knock The Resident Involvement (RI) team carried out the first 2 rounds of the BIG Knock in September and October. We visited properties in Richmond, Chessington, East Molesey and Walton on Thames to talk to residents. The aim of the initiative is to provide information on the opportunities for getting involved and recruit new residents who wish to get involved. 55 residents have told us that they would like to get involved and we are currently talking with them about upcoming activities. We are due to go out again in January 2014. Look out for us and if you spot us, say hello! 25 Are you working with Food? It is easy for you to spread bacteria without even realising. Why not come and find out why food hygiene and safety is important and what your personal and legal responsibility is. Call the Resident Involvement Team and put your name down for a course starting early 2014. The award ceremony is the highlight of the Paragon in Bloom calendar and always eagerly anticipated by residents. We had an increase in applicants this year, and undoubtedly because of the good weather a number of stunning gardens. We held the award ceremony at the Medicine Garden in Cobham in their Pod! 30 residents attended from 10 to 70+ and all heard an interesting talk from Jean Loveland of Richmond SPADE about preparing for autumn. The main winner was Mrs Plant from Bray Court in Walton – but other winners included Mr Ambler, Alberta Court, 2 residents from Talbot lodge and the Snell family in Cobham. Everyone who attended enjoyed the morning and a number of new friends were made since then. We arranged for a number of these residents to go on a free trip to Wisley on Saturday 19th September so they can make the most of their gardens over the winter. Residents who visited Wisley told us what a fantastic day they had and thanked the Resident Involvement Team for organising such a smooth running event. 26 27 I will never forget this day... 8.30am Tuesday 11th September 2001: I’m exiting the Lincoln Tunnel, which links New York City with New Jersey, listening to the news headlines en route home from a 6am dentist appointment. It’s all pretty mundane news stuff and I recall thinking as much as I park by my back door and race upstairs to get ready for work. This article was contributed to the magazine by resident Mrs Dena Vane-Kirkman As I’m brushing my hair, I walk from my bathroom into the den opposite my bedroom and switch on the TV: “We’re getting reports that an aircraft has crashed into the World Trade Centre.” I live on the Weehawken cliff top overlooking the Hudson River and that iconic view of the Manhattan skyline. I look downtown and, sure enough, there’s smoke coming off one of the Twin Towers. I notice a growing number of neighbours are gathering on the pavement and I run outside to join them… in time for SHOCK! HORROR! “Stop that bloody plane,” someone yells, a split second before we see what turns out to be United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower (it’s 9.03, approximately 17 minutes after American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower). Flames… Smoke… Lots of ‘Oh my Gods!’ “Did that just happen? Was it for real?” “Those poor passengers”. Some are now unashamedly crying. Rush-hour traffic has ground to a halt and people have left their vehicles to join us. Two cops who were watching with us go back to their cars and screech off, sirens at full blast, down the centre of the road. More people start crying as we watch the flames and smoke take hold. “Those poor people,” someone says, over and over again. Then there’s a deafening scream, followed by “Johnny! Johnny’s in there!” This prompts further panic as others remember people they know who work at the WTC or close by. Suddenly everyone is either on the phone or rushing to get to one. I go home (still holding my hairbrush!) to call family and friends in the UK – while simultaneously watching the on-going horror unfold on TV, with half an eye looking out the window. I see first the South Tower collapse, then about 30 minutes later, the North Tower… leaving a painful, huge hole in the skyline. Television journalists say people in the Towers could be seen jumping from windows and I remember thinking, ‘They’re braver than me – I could never bring myself to jump all that way down.” En route to my office late morning, I stop off for my usual Starbucks latte and find they already have donation boxes in place. “Where’s the f**** President? That’s what I want to know,” says one female customer. Others murmur agreement as someone else adds, “Clinton would already be on the scene.” At my office, those who have made it in are watching television in shocked disbelief. One of the editors: “I’ve always felt safe in this country but not anymore. We’ve gone to war but we’ve never experienced it at home.” Another: “You wouldn’t say that if you were an American Indian.” And another: “Now’s not the time…” Silence. Work is out of the question, so all who can get home go. I stay until early evening, glued to the television with those who are stuck due to bridge, tunnel or road closures. Over the following days, like many other companies with catering facilities, we begin organising deliveries of freshly cooked meals for rescue workers and those made homeless. And over the weeks that follow my employer, in common with others, gives paid leave to staff who do voluntary work connected with Ground Zero. A new-found patriotism sweeps the country. Shops sell out of the Stars and Stripes as everyone (or so it seems) starts flying the flag on homes, cars, lamp posts, trees…I fly both the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes – to the total approval of my neighbours. “We love you Brits!’ I’m told, over and over again. For a few weeks at least, comparative silence reigns nationwide as drivers stop leaning on car horns at every little inconvenience. Niceness to each other rules! Meanwhile, within a couple of days of 9/11 and for months to come, I find there’s no escaping the fumes and sooty dust flying across the Hudson from Ground Zero. Within a week, my house is blanketed by soot and the space between my double-glazing is full of it. Within a month, local window cleaners are experiencing a business boom. And by Spring 2002, ditto painters and decorators - as residents discover their outdoor paintwork has peeled and needs stripping and completely redoing. But, hey, no one’s complaining. After all, we’re alive. 28 29 Summer Art Workshop Three Paragon residents have won prizes for the Summer Art Workshop Film Poster Competition! The Summer Art Workshops are part of the Elders Project. The Prizes were awarded to the Winners at the Surrey Brass Concert on 26th October at the Hepworth Playhouse. Mystery shopping is a type of market research whereby people pretend to be a customer to test aspects of a service. Shoppers make an evaluation, record their experiences and report back on their findings. Scenarios covering the full range of Paragon’s services are provided to shoppers, who may also use their own real queries if they wish, in order to test how well enquiries or complaints are responded to. We test response times against our service standards, the accuracy of information provided and the attitude of staff. Paragon has a successful mysteryshopping programme, active for a number of years. All our shoppers are Paragon residents and they do a For more information or to express an interest in becoming a mystery shopper for Paragon, please contact Chris Jones: E [email protected] T 01932 235 723 fantastic job. The methods used are telephone calls, letters, emails, enquiries via Paragon’s website and visits to trust offices. Reports of findings are issued to managers after every shop and an action plan is produced. We are looking to recruit some new shoppers to add to the excellent group we already have. If you have a bit of time to spare (usually 2-3 hours in total across a 6-8 week period, and the completion of evaluation forms) and want to: QImprove your communication skills The winners include, Manuel Odone who won 2nd prize, his sister, Maria Odone, who won 1st prize and Sheila Ames won 3rd prize. On the night of the awards the three winning posters were displayed on the big screen whilst the Surrey Brass band were playing. There was also a children’s category and the winners were all from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Weybridge. Manuel Odone 1st Overall, a great project, all who participated thoroughly enjoyed themselves. QDevelop organisational skills QDevelop interviewing techniques QBuild confidence Then mystery shopping is for you. You’ll find it enjoyable to do and full training will be provided. You’ll be paid £50 in shopping vouchers, get expenses paid and make a vital contribution to improving the quality of Paragon’s customer service! 3 rd Maria Odone Shelia Ames 2nd 30 31 The Job Club at Fulmer close is up and running again following the success of the summer project. In the first round 3 people got work during the project – with one applicant being offered 2 jobs. The project isn’t only for Fulmer Close residents and if you know of someone who is interested please see the poster on page 22 for details. The After-School club at Fulmer is now well established with 10 children attending each week. This project is for 8-14 year olds and hopes to become a Junior Resident Association – they are now working on art projects for when the play-areas are re-vamped. St Johns Community weekend took place on the last weekend of July. There were plenty of fun activities to keep young people busy with graffiti painting, trying circus tricks, children’s entertainers, crafts and face painting. The Police were very popular with the kids and sirens were heard quite often over the weekend. We had a taste test set so that residents were able to compare different brands and learn about how they can make savings. The homemade burgers served by Reemo’s Café were very popular with residents and many asked for the recipe! The Job club runs on a Tuesday morning from 10:00am - 1:00pm and the After School Club runs 4:00pm – 6:00pm every Wednesday afternoon. The latest round of silver surfers computer classes has just been completed. Residents told us they found the courses useful and enjoyed the classes. If you haven’t already done so, please contact a member of the Resident Involvement Team to put your name down! If you are you between 55 and 85 years old and interested in learning how to use new technology, why not put your name down to do the next round of courses? Rohima Khatun T 01932 235 888 E [email protected] The 1st Franklands Drive Community Day took place in September. Despite the downpour at the beginning it was a very successful day. Housing Management, Leasehold, RI and Development staff all attended and made contact with residents. The local Police turned out in force along with colleagues from Accent. Residents showed a real interest in trying to develop a community, all the publicity went and we had a long queue for our Design a T Shirt stand! The next step will be to survey residents on how they’d like to be involved in the future. 32 33 Welcoming you to the... Tenancy Services Officers (TSO's) We wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to the new Elmbridge tenancy services team. You can get in touch with your tenancy services officer about your tenancy, any problems you may be experiencing with antisocial behaviour, and any questions Carol Ibe about grounds maintenance or estate inspections. If you are unsure of who your tenancy services officer is, you can contact us on the phone or check on the ‘contact us’ page on the website, by typing in your postcode. The team look forward to meeting you out and about. My name is Carol Ibe, Senior TSO. I have gained 19 years’ experience in housing management (HM); I have worked in general needs, supported, voids & allocations, income, leasehold, and recently agency services. I studied HM at Southbank University from 2000-2002. I am passionate about housing and enjoy dealing with different challenges. I am TSO for St Johns in Walton-on-Thames. Lauren Pink Hello my name is Lauren Pink and I previously worked for the lettings team until September 2013 where I have taken on the role as Tenancy Services Officer (TSO) for Cobham, Oxshott and surrounding areas. Tracey McCullough Hello I am Tracey McCullough, TSO for Esher, Claygate, Dittons, Surbiton, Hinchley Wood. I have worked at the Trust for 11 Years, during this time I have worked in Repairs, Customer Services, and was a Scheme Manager for Sheltered Housing prior to becoming a TSO. Sam Pamment Hi, my name is Sam Pamment, TSO for Weybridge, Franklands Drive and Hersham South, I have worked for Paragon for 3 years in repairs and look forward to meeting you all in my new role. Lee Grant My name is Lee, I’ve been involved in housing management for over 5 years and have a large amount of experience in supported housing, dealing with young people and associated issues. I am TSO for Hersham North and parts of Walton. Originally from Liverpool I have recently moved to the Elmbridge area, apparently it’s sunnier here!!! Peter Bradley Hi my name is Peter, I have worked for Paragon since September 2012. I am the new TSO for the East and West Molesey areas and Vicarage Fields in Walton-onThames. I grew up in Elmbridge! I love living and working in this area! I have already met many of the residents in Molesey and Vicarage Fields and look forward to meeting and working with many more of you! TE T AN CO S AC T 35 IO N N 34 MMIT TEE AGM The Tenants Action Committee (TAC) AGM was again held at Richmond Old town Hall and was attended by 40 residents from across the Richmond area. Residents of Gate Court were invited to join Paragon and Quadron for the official opening of the Gate Court garden area on Wednesday 30th October. Paragon would like to thank residents who were involved in the project for their hard work in improving and maintaining this area. In August the Resident Involvement Team ran another successful Stamp out Boredom Project. The 3-week programme is in its fourth year now and is for young people aged between 11 and 16 years living in the Elmbridge area. The meeting heard a detailed presentation from the Police about proposed changes to the service in Richmond and an update from TPAS on the national Resident involvement scene, overall an informative meeting. Some of the young people and their families joined residents of Talbot Lodge for the official opening of the garden area on Thursday 31st October. Young people were presented with a certificate to recognise their achievement and residents thanked them for their hard work and commitment to the project. The project created an environment for more social cohesion and opportunities for the two age groups to interact and work in collaboration with each other. 9 young people took part in activities which included glass painting, canoeing, kayaking, cycling in Richmond Park, a trip to LEGOLAND, budgeting with Rob Hawkes and a cooking challenge, theatre trip, graffiti project, photo competition, boat trip and overnight stay at Walton Firs. The activities were carefully chosen to prepare the young people to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award. Over 2 days, the young people worked with residents of Talbot Lodge, sheltered housing scheme, and Quadron, the grounds maintenance contractor, to plan and redesign the communal garden. Residents were impressed with the commitment of the young people, now they enjoy and socialise in their newly landscaped garden. The project came to an end with a Presentation Ceremony on 23rd at Case House with the families of the young people who took part in the project. Dom Raab presented the young people with a certificate of achievement. 36 37 Maintenance Service Update Fantastic, I am so happy with my gorgeous kitchen. Gas Servicing Boiler Replacements Gas Auditors Electrical Testing With your help we have completed the annual gas safety check to 100% of our properties with gas in September and October. We pleased to tell you that Robert Heath have completed our gas boiler replacement programme 4 months ahead of schedule this year. This means that over 400 properties have had a brand new boiler fitted which has got the highest possible efficiency rating. We will have a similar boiler replacement programme next year and we will be writing to the properties that will be getting a new boiler in April next year. We have appointed Pennington Choices, following a best value review to carry out our gas audit inspections from January 2014. Pennington Choices will be carrying out a sample of quality control inspections of works completed by our gas maintenance contractor. These inspections are important quality checks on the gas works carried out to ensure works have been completed to right standard. If you receive a letter or call from Penningtons, we would be grateful if you can arrange an appointment for them to visit and check your system. We are just about to appoint an electrical contractor to carry out the electrical testing of the wiring in approximately 4000 of our properties over a two-year period. We will appoint two contractors, one contractor will carry out the testing and another contractor will carry out re-wire works as this is identified from the electrical test carried out. We plan to start the electrical testing towards the end of January 2014 and we will be writing to you nearer the time with further details. Our gas contractor Robert Heath Heating and our gas team have done extremely well to achieve this for first time. At the time of writing we are still at 100% compliancy and with your help in providing access to carry out the gas check we can keep this at 100%. Kitchen and Bathroom Replacements The kitchen and bathroom replacement programme is underway and during April to September 2013 we have replaced 188 kitchens and bathrooms. The feedback very is positive! "Very pleased with my new bathroom, the contractors were very friendly and worked hard, thank you!" We plan to start the next package of 316 kitchens and bathrooms between December and April 2014 and we have written to residents whose kitchen and/or bathroom is due for renewal. Window Replacements We are currently in the process of identifying a contractor to undertake windows replacements to 131 properties between January and March 2014. We will be writing to residents nearer the time with further details. Communal Decorations We have just appointed three contractors to carry out the communal internal and external decorations at 1543 properties. We will be undertaking the internal decorations between November 2013 and March 2014 and then carry out the external decorations during March and August 2014 once the warmer weather returns. We will be writing to residents affected over the coming weeks with further information. 38 39 orestates),requiresasignificant utilitybills,ifresidentswishto reviewtheirutilitybillsthemselves. capitalcostespeciallywhen retrofittedtoexistingbuildings butthesupplyisatnilcost(ifthe Paragonisindiscussionswith energysourceisnatural)orata TheUtilityWarehouse(www. reducedcost(wheretheenergy utilitywarehouse.co.uk),alarge sourceiswoodchipsormainsgas). Britishorganisationprovidinga rangeofeverydaymoneysaving Paragonisprogressingthiswith servicestoover450,000homes newbiomassheatingsystemsin andbusinessesacrosstheUK, aboutpayingmembershipfeesfor Lynde,LushingtonandCroxallin residentswishingtojointhisutility 2014. discountclub. My Home Energy Paragonisalsointheprocess ofprovidinganon-goingenergy adviceservicedeliveredeither in-housebyamemberof Paragonstafforbyapartnering arrangementwitharecognised energyadviceserviceprovider, moredetailstofollow. YOU WANT DO YOU DO WANTTO TOPAY PAYLESS LESS YOUR ENERGY? FOR YOUR FOR ENERGY ? LESS DO YOU WANT TO PAY FOR YOUR ENERGY? 0800 0014 706 Energy costs are dominating the toensureheatingisonatthe witch.org.uk headlines www.myhomeenergys and are a major concern righttimesandintherightparts to UK households. Prices are set to ofthehome rise in the years ahead but there •Thinkingaboutenergyusewhen 0800 0014 706 are things that we can do and are buyingnewappliances and simple fast free, www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk already doing about it. gnimoC C: 100% M: 60% Y: 0% K: 0% Switch to a less costly tariff: R: 0 G: 102 B: 179 What can we do? •Lowerourenergyusewithout adverselyaffectingourhealthor free, fast and simple qualityoflifeby; •Keepingwindowsanddoors closedwhenheatingisinuse •Dressingappropriatelyforthe season •Switchinglightsandappliances offwhennotinuse •Usingheatingtimersandvalves Installing renewables to produce electricity and water heating: gnimoC Pantone Process Coated: DS 203-1 C ContacttheMyHomeEnergy Switchservice,developedbythe NationalHousingFederation,on 0800 0014 706tofindthebest priceforyourgasandelectricity detailsareontheParagonwebsite, andleafletsinourreception. Pantone Process Coated: DS Process Black C Thereareseveraltechnologies whichgenerateelectricityand/or heatinaresidence,orverylocally tothem. Process Coated: DS 203-1 C 100% C: 60% M: 40% Y: 40% K:Pantone R: 0 G: 0 B: 0 C: 100% M: 60% Y: 0% K: 0% R: 0 G: 102 B: 179 Pantone Process Coated: DS Process 73-1 C C: 0% M: 100% Y: 100% K: 0% Renewabletechnologiessuchas SolarPhotovoltaic(PV)panels, solarwaterheatingandcombined heatandpower(forblocksofflats Pantone Process Coated: DS Process Black C R: 237 G: 28 B: 36 C: 60% M: 40% Y: 40% K: 100% uSwitch(www.uswitch.com),is oneofthemostestablishedprice comparisonwebsitessitesfor R: 0 G: 0 B: 0 Pantone Process Coated: DS Process 73-1 C C: 0% M: 100% Y: 100% K: 0% R: 237 G: 28 B: 36 Improving energy efficiency: TheEnergySavingsAdvice Service(www.energysavingtrust. org.uk)hascomprehensive informationonimprovingenergy efficiencyinyourhome.Paragon iscontinuingtoprogresswithour windowsreplacementandboiler replacementprogrammesaspart ofthegovernmentDecentHomes Standard,whichrequiressocial housingresidencestobebrought uptoabasicminimumstandard withefficientcentralheatingand basicloftandcavitywallinsulation. Ifanyresidentswishtohavetheir loftand/orwallinsulation toppedup,thenpleasecontact CharlesEllisdirectlyon 01932 235 860 40 41 communal areas of the blocks. The leaflet advises where we will be based from 9.30 – 6pm on the day should residents want to come and speak to us and asks residents to contact us in advance if they have anything they want us to look at while we are there. Paragon’s ma have been intenance team hol maintenan ding local ce action days... We have had 6 Maintenance Action Days so far: • Barnes – 26/03/13 • Vicarage Fields – 11/04/13 • Molesey – 26/06/13 • Central Richmond – 23/07/2013 • Central Kingston – 10/09/13 • Cobham – 24/09/13 We have a further two planned in January when we are going to Hampton and St Johns in Walton. The aim of the day is to identify and remedy as many new and outstanding repairs to the communal areas of our flats and schemes and to enable residents in the local area to meet members of the maintenance team. The contractor Willmott Dixon provide a supervisor, electrician, carpenter, plumber and ground worker on the day in order to complete repairs. The handyman is also available on the day. In addition to this we also have the tenancy services officers for the areas available on the day. Before visiting the area we send a leaflet to the properties within the blocks and schemes. We also put up leaflets in the The contractor supervisor and a Paragon surveyor also visit the blocks in the week before the visit to identify repairs and any materials they may need in order to complete as many repairs as possible on the day. On the day itself the Repairs Services Manager, Claire Wilkins and a Repairs Officer are available at the base to meet residents, take details of repairs and co-ordinate with the contract supervisor to get the repairs completed. It is an opportunity for repairs officers who are normally office based to get out and meet residents. Paragon staff also visit every block and scheme on the day and also knock on a few doors to talk to residents, ask them if they have any repairs to report, get their feedback on the service and also let them know who we are. We have completed more than 300 repairs across the areas that we have been to. This has been a very valuable exercise for us as a service. The feedback from residents on the days has been good. One resident in Molesey said “it was nice to see all of the maintenance team making a concerted effort in getting lots of repairs done”. We want the action days to be a regularly fixture throughout the year, we aim to have a minimum of 8 per year, 2 every 3 months. If you receive a leaflet because you live in a block or scheme that we will be visiting please do let us know if there is anything you want us to look at and do come along and see us on the day if you have time to. If you can’t make it on the day please contact us in advance if there are any communal repairs that need fixing and we will endeavour to complete them on the day: Bianca Ponton: T 01932 235 946 42 43 Talk to us Switchboard Like the idea, but worried about transport or child care? We can help, just chat with us about that when you call to book your place. Mekida Carr T 01932 235 954 Bethany Sangster T 01932 235 953 Lee Grant T 01932 235 793 Helen Colgate T 01932 235 784 Harry McKnight T 01932 235 952 Peter Bradley T 01932 235 774 Oliver Roberton T 01932 235 772 Soran Hadad T 01932 235 956 Sam Pamment T 01932 235 774 Petra Sturton T 020 8481 8917 Carol Ibe T 01932 235 791 Sheryl Lamb T 020 8481 8918 You can also email any member of staff by using the initial of their first name followed by their surname. Christine Blazey T 020 8481 8910 Jerine Godfrey T 020 8481 8918 Mario Alviz T 020 8481 8912 Martin Watson T 020 8481 8917 For example, John Smith would be: [email protected] Roger Fretwell T 020 8481 8909 Michael Keen T 020 8481 8915 Getting in touch via email t. 01932 235 830 Julie Pink T 01932 235 792 Leasehold Team Katherine Hiscock T 01932 235 786 Receptionist Kate Pinchard T 020 8481 7277 Our welfare benefits team provide Free, fun & informal sessions for all of those savvy people who want to know how to get the best deals and make their money stretch much further! The team will show you how to budget better and teach you some great tips and tricks to get ahead of the game. Call us to sign-up on: Tracey McCullough T 01932 235 779 Income Team Lauren Pink T 01932 235 771 Receptionists Sandra White Valerie Maunders T 01932 235 700 Are you worried about not having enough to pay the rent and bills this Christmas time? Tenancy Services Jackie McLean T 020 8481 8911 By post Case House, 85-89 High Street,Walton on Thames, Surrey, KT12 1DZ 13 Castle Mews, High Street, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2NN Citizens Advice Bureau Walton 01932 248660 Esher 01372 464770 Richmond 0844 826 9700 Beverley Dutton T 020 8481 8970 Care Homes Marling Court: Zoe Smith T 020 8783 0157 Repairs, Maintenance Viera Gray: Andrew Pharro & Handy Person T 0800 980 9008 T 020 8748 4563 Lyle House: Sharon Simpson T 020 8878 3806 Welfare Benefits T 01932 235 830 Lettings Team Samantha Byrne T 01932 235 788 Charlie Butler T 01932 235 776 Sheltered & Supported Housing Team Angie Newby T 020 481 8961 James MontgomeryHeffernan T 020 481 8962 See reverse for the Resident Involvement team contact details Designer / Editor Get involved BRYONY WARREN T 01932 235 714 E [email protected] Resident Involvement ROHIMA KHATUN T 01932 235 888 E [email protected] CHLOE JONES T 020 8481 8941 E [email protected] SIMON MARTIN T 020 8481 8944 E [email protected] BOB MITCHELL T 020 8481 8943 E [email protected] If you would like to contribute any short articles, photos or messages to The Resident magazine, please send via email to [email protected] or by post FAO Bryony Warren, Paragon Community Housing Group, Freepost WB510, Waltonon-Thames, KT12 1DZ From all at Paragon, we wish you a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year, and The Resident will be back in the Spring time!