Our new grounds maintenance team ...looking at the changes ahead

Our new
grounds
maintenance
team
...looking at the
changes ahead
Cover Features
4 Jubilee Celebrations
...welcome
Your needs
If you would like to receive this
information in another format
such as large print, Braille or
audio, or telephone translation
call Hannah Elford on
t. 01932 235 722
Residents having fun over the
Diamond Jubilee
22 Green Fingers
Introducing our new grounds
maintenance contractors
36 WISE Money
Essential news about
the changes that will be
happening and how they
could effect you
Front cover image:
Residents at Chestnut House
Diamond Jubilee Party.
Background Image: Franklands Drive
Articles
9 Settling In...
New tenants in Twickenham
10 New Handy Person Service
Richmond tenants now have
access to a tenants Champion
16 A Perfect Fit
Our initiative to help you with
down-sizing your home
26 Our Residents Help Us Improve
Our residents have achieved
so much this year, find out they
have been involved with
30 Abundant Energy
– Can nutrition help?
How eating well can keep you
ensure your energy levels remain
high
31 Dave Hobbs Meets the Queen
One of our residents’ great day
out
32 What Have We Been Building?
An update of up and coming
Paragon Living schemes
Information
11 Reward Scheme Information
Changes to the scheme
12 FREE Activities
Get out and about with the family
and take part in FREE Summer
activities
15 The Resident Cost Savings
How we are making more greater
savings with the The Resident
22 On Your Marks, Get Set...
Information regarding the
Olympics
35 Patch re-organisation at RUTCHT
Changes in TSO Officer areas
41 Ask Maddy
Have you got a burning question
about finances – Ask Maddy!
42 Contact Details
Information of who you need to
contact in the organisation
Get
involved
4
Jubilee
CELEBRATIONS
CHESTNUT HOUSE
Wandsworth
Chestnut House Extra Care
Scheme enjoyed their Jubilee
party in Roehampton.
The residents and people
from the local community along
with family and friends turned
out to celebrate the Jubilee in
style. With a barbecue, raffle
and live music provided by Twin
Tub the day was enjoyed by all
as they celebrated 60 years of
the Queen’s reign.
Fantastic prizes were kindly
donated by local businesses
and we would like to take this
opportunity to thank them most
sincerely.
“
Fantastic
wonderful
day, really
enjoyed it
Patricia
”
“
Wonderful day, fantastic friends coming
together to celebrate such a special occasion
beautiful food, and great prizes Stephen
”
“
Fantastic staff, thanks for
making the day so special,
great food and music John
”
“
A most enjoyable Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee Party, I appreciate all the hard
work that’s gone in to make the day
special Mollie
”
5
FENNER HOUSE
Hersham
The weekly Singalong session, run by
the R C Sherriff Trust in partnership
with Elmbridge Housing Trust and
Walton Charity, culminated in a very
jolly Jubilee Tea Party at Fenner
House, Hersham, on Thursday 31
May. There was an exhibition of the
work produced in the monthly art and
writing workshops and Walton Charity
provided a delicious tea: Pete Allen
and Craig Murdoch of Whirlygig Arts
provided the lively music and as you
can see, a good time was had by all!
Any tenants interested in taking part
in the autumn Singalongs, or in the
upcoming summer arts project, “Tales
from a Riverbank”, should get in touch
with Rohima on 01932 235 888.”
MARLING COURT
Hampton
On Tuesday 5th June, all residents
joined together in Marling Court
lounge to celebrate the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee. They were
entertained by local organist Graham
Jenkins, and then enjoyed a “high tea”
with a variety of sandwiches
and cakes made by our
Cook, Gulcin. During the
tea, many a discussion was
had about the Coronation
in 1952, and the street parties
residents attended to mark
the Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Some residents even made
their own Jubilee collage.
6
DIANA HOUSE
Barnes
Thanks to the Barnes Workhouse Fund
and the RUTCHT Challenge Fund and
their kind donations, we were able to
have a Jubilee party at Diana House.
With a £100 donation from the Barnes
Workhouse Fund we were able to buy
decorations and some prizes for the
raffle.
The communal lounge looked
festive with all the red, white and
blue. Very patriotic. It was also a sunny
day so we had a good turnout to the
party. We had a couple of people from
Walnut Tree Close attend so that was
good for the scheme as we are situated
in the middle of Walnut Tree Close.
mixture of music
from the last five decades.
Also there were games
to break the ice like Pass
the Parcel which was fun. Afterwards
the residents joined in with the party
spirit. Hats were worn and flags waved.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the food
and the wine was flowing. A few
residents were dancing to Glen Miller
which was lovely to see. We had music
played by our resident DJ Alan; he
played a selection of music from the
last 60 years.
It was a great atmosphere and
lovely for the new residents to meet
everyone else. There were a few visitors
as well. A good party was had by all.
We had a raffle too, and raised £23
towards the social fund.
Th
A few residents were dancing to Glenandatnhkesirto the “BA
R
kind
dona NES WO
Miller, which was lovely to see
tions
,w
e
It was an opportunity for the new
people at Diana House to join in and
meet some of the other residents. We
had music supplied by resident DJ
Alan who had spent sometime getting
a real
With
deco the £100
r
with ations n donation
e
all th
f
turno
e red eded and rom the
u
,
that t to the white & some p Barn
wa
ri
p
b
7
PERRYN COURT
Twickenham
Perryn Court in Twickenham threw
open its gardens to hold a tea party to
celebrate the Jubilee.
We are keen to reach out into
the community and to host future
events that will help to forge good
relationships between Perryn Court
and the neighbourhood.
Jubilee
of the Jubilee; we also
weeded and planted a
neglected flower bed at
the entrance to Perryn Court.
Support was also given by The
Hope Christian Centre, who brought
extra tables, a sound system, and
generously gave us all the cups
and plates that they lent us for the
event.
CELEBRATIONS
Our neighbours came and helped set
A group of residents and the Resident
up the party. Everyone brought food
Manager organised the event from
to share, so the tables were well and
scratch. We contacted the Resident
truly laden. Neighbours thanked us
Involvement Team for support, and
for organising the event – they told us
subsequently received funding to
how much they had enjoyed it and in
obtain all those things needed to
fact they want us to work with them on
ensure a good garden party!
future events based at Perryn Court.
On the day, the rain held back but
Heatham House - a local youth
our neighbours didn’t! We celebrated
club in Twickenham has asked us to
JUB with a tea party on the lawn; along
become involved in their community
ILEE‘deck games’, hat painting (for the
events.
P
DIANwith
ART
younger
A HO neighbours)
Y and an endless
We are now planning our next
SE music. In the end,
ORK supply ofUvintage
community ventures aided by our
HOUthere were around
75 guests and there
SE F
e we
neighbours, to raise money for
Uyoung
re abwere
le to ND” andfamilies with children – in
additional facilities at Perryn Court
h ve
th “
fact a acouple
dropped
RUT
and swell our garden fund!
a Ju of eneighbours
CHT
bilee
’Sthough
Watch this space! CYNTHIA BLOOMFIELD
by with trays of
food,
partyeven
CHA they
here
L
(PERRYN COURT RESIDENT MANAGER)
couldn’t stay themselves.
at Di LENGE
F
ana
Hous UND”
e.
Our green fingered residents planted
red, white and blue flowers in honour
nes
wo
8
CITY WHARF SOCIAL
COMMITTEE
Thames Ditton
TALBOT LODGE
Esher
Talbot Lodge in Esher also
had a party, images below:
City Wharf Social Committee also
celebrated in style, as Elmbridge
Housing Trust was able to help fund a
Diamond Jubilee Street Party.
During the afternoon around 80
people gathered in the sunshine –
neighbours from Ditton Reach and
Chomely Road, along with residents
and their families for a fun day out.
Settling in...
Tracey Lees (Chair of RuTCHT and Paragon Board
Member) welcomed Rachel Dixon and Rosie
Blackwell their new home, built by Paragon.
Rachel and Rosie are two
of five young adults with
learning disabilities who
have made the big move
from living at home with
their parents, to having
their ‘own front door’,
as they settle into new
supported living houses
in Twickenham. These
new living arrangements
have been organised by
RuTCHT, social workers
from the Council’s
now have the opportunity
to live more independently
and enjoy their own space.
Learning Disability Team,
the Council’s housing
development team and
a national charity, United
Response - who will be
providing the day to
day management and
support service.
They welcomed us into
their new home as we
held an opening party
for them on 17 May.
Rachel and Rosie will
ABOVE: RACHEL DIXON WITH TRACEY LEES, INSET: ROSIE BLACKWELL
9
10
new
LAUNCHING OUR
HANDY PERSON SERVICE
Paragon Community Housing Group
are pleased to announce we have a
fantastic new Handy Person service
The aim of the service is too help elderly residents who live
on their own and have no family to assist them with small
jobs that are not part of Paragon’s repair responsibilities.
Typical examples of jobs that can be done are:
o Putting together flat pack furniture
o Fitting shelves
o Hanging pictures
o Fixing curtain rails and poles
o Fitting bathroom accessories
Our Handy Person service will also be available to new
residents by offering an hour or two of the Handy Person’s
Give us a call
time during the first 3 months of the tenancy to assist
today on our
with minor works as listed above. The
free phone
handy person will carry out works to
number 0800 a high standard and treat you and your
980 9008 option home with the utmost respect.
4 to book an
appointment or
discuss further.
This is a completely free service, you
supply the materials and we will be
happy to help. Paragon will provide the
consumable type materials such as
plugs and screws etc.
11
We’re making changes
to Elmbridge Extra and
Richmond Rewards
Lucky prize
draw winners
Elmbridge Extra
Mr Corral
Mr & Mrs Fishpool
Mrs Hughs
Mrs Cracknell
Mrs Ugle
Mr & Mrs Burton
Ms Clarke
Mr & Mrs Mison
Richmond
Rewards
Mrs Hart
Mrs Ford
Mrs Strangeway
Mr & Mrs Henderson
Mr M. Evans
Ms L. Brown
Ms S. Lippur
We have put the holiday
house in Bournemouth
up for sale following a
health & safety report
which said that the house
was no longer suitable
for holidays.
We have discontinued
the Countdown cards
due to poor feedback
from members.
We are changing the
competitions in The
Resident so that all
residents can enter, not
just the Reward scheme
members.
The other popular
aspects of the Reward
scheme will continue
while we consult
Competition
winner
The winner of the
Titanic word search in
the Spring edition was
RuTCHT resident Mr
Montgomery
ENTER OUR OLYMPIC COMPETITION ON PAGE 24
members on its future.
Members are still
automatically entered
into a monthly prize
draw where you can win
£50 worth of shopping
vouchers and we now
draw out eight winners
each month.
We are also continuing
with the insurance cover
which is an important
part of the scheme.
Members are entitled to
£10,000 of FREE home
contents insurance cover.
We are in the process
of consulting all of the
members on the future of
the scheme and we have
received a big response.
MARION HALL
CORPORATE SERVICES
DIRECTOR
Y
CO OU
WINULD
A
VO
UC
HER
12
Getting out &
about...
You told us
you wanted to
know about
FREE summer
activities that
you and the
family could
take part in.
So here is our
guide to free
summer fun
in Elmbridge,
Richmond &
London.
Tuesday 17 July – 23
September
The Ingram Collection:
celebrating Football
This exhibition explores
the nation’s love affair
with football through
paintinings, prints and
sculptures. Open Tues-Sat
10.30–5pm and Sunday
11am-5pm
The Lightbox, Woking
Wednesday 25 July
Science London Talks –
Stormy Weather Ahead?
Aspects of the climate
system are generally
very well understood.
However, we’ll be looking
at the details and begin
to learn more about the
details and whether we
are looking at a stormy
future! 7pm, Upstairs
at The Lamb, 92 Lambs
Conduit Street, London,
WC1N 3LZ
Wednesday 25 July
Free comedy @ Tea Box
The Tea Box hosts
another Tea-Hee
Comedy night bringing
you Headline Acts and
hilarious emerging comic
talents. 7.30pm The Tea
Box Richmond, TW9 1RX
Thursday 26 July
New Street Square
– Les Grooms
Les Grooms offer a
riotous mix of music
and comedy. Expect
the unexpected from
our favourite anarchic
French brass band, who
surprise, delight and
make you jump with their
manic musical diversions.
From 5.30pm New
Street Square, Close to
Chancery Lane Tube
13
Wednesday 8 August
Family afternoon at
Kilmorey Wildlife Garden,
(You will find us opposite
the Ailsa Tavern, behind
the black gate in the
high brick wall.) Wildlife
Trail, storytimes & crafts.
Kilmorey Wildlife Garden,
St Margarets Road,
Twickenham
Friday 3 August
Pond Dip/Bug Hunt –
Elmbridge Countyside
Team
Pond levels permitting
we’ll see what we can find
in the new pond. If the
pond is dry or you fancy
something different, we’ll
explore the creatures
lurking in the grassland.
Drop in between 10.00
am and 11.30 am
Littleworth Common,
pond next to Portsmouth
Road
Thursday 16 August
Elmbridge Celebrates
Elmgrove play Picnic
Bring the family and a
picnic, enjoy playing
games, crafts, face
painting and much more
11.00am to 3.00 pm
Elmgrove Recreation
Ground, Walton
Friday 17 August
Go Wild on Hersham
Riverside – Elmbridge
Countyside Team
Natural arts and crafts,
bug hunting and pond
dipping. 10.00 am to
11.30 am Hersham
Riverside, meet at
Brittain Road entrance
Tuesday 21 August
Storytime sessions
Play ranger sessions
will be 10.00am-12 noon
and 3.00-5.00pm
@ the Play Beach
Champions Wharf
Twickenham Riverside,
(Near St Mary’s Church)
Twickenham TW1 3DU
Enjoy the
summer with
these free activities
Wednesday 22
August
Elmbridge Celebrates
Grovelands play Picnic
Bring the family and a
picnic, enjoy playing
games, crafts, face
painting and much more
11.00am to 3.00 pm
Grovelands Recreation
Ground, West Molesey
Thursdsy 30 August
Elmbridge Celebrates
Cobham play Picnic
Bring the family and a
picnic, enjoy playing
games, crafts, face
painting and much
more 11.00am to 3.00
pm Cobham Recreation
Ground, Cobham
Saturday 8 & Sunday
9 September
The Mayor’s Thames
Festival
Spectacular free festivals
celebrating the rich cultural
diversity of London with
music, dance, interactive
art, performances, river
races and an illuminated
night carnival and river
firework finale. All day,
London Bridge to The
London Eye Southbank
SE1 9PH
15
savings...
We made a 55%
saving on the cost
of
producing The Re
sident
last time!
We are making more savings on this edition by
getting some of our Scheme Managers to deliver
copies to residents by hand which will reduce our
postage costs.
We are already looking at the next edition and how
we can save even more...
Help us make more savings, receive
by email!
If you’d like us to receive The
Resident by email instead of through
the post please let us know so we can
add you to the e-mailing list. We use
this list to send information out that
may be of interest to you from time to
time. You are able unsubscribe from
at any time.
Alternatively, we can take you off
the postal mailing list and you
can find The Resident under the
‘Publications’ section of our website.
www.paragonchg.co.uk/publications
Just send an email to:
[email protected]
stating your name, and whether you
would like to join the e-mailing list.
If you have completed a Housing
Details From and stated that we
can contact you via email, you will
automatically be added to the list.
16
perfect fit
4 Are you in large property you don’t
really need?
4 Would you consider moving
to a smaller and more manageable
property that could be cheaper to run?
4 Have your circumstances changed since
you moved into your current home?
4 Have your children grown up and moved
out and you have more bedrooms than
you need?
4 Or you simply need a smaller more
comfortable home?
If the answer is YES
then we are here to
help!
Elmbridge Housing Trust and
Elmbridge Borough Council
have launched an exciting
new scheme in order to
help those wanting to move
to a smaller home. If you
are a tenant of Elmbridge
Housing Trust and would be
interested in moving to a
smaller property within our
17
stock then the Perfect Fit
scheme will be of interest
to you. You may be eligible
for a cash incentive of
up to £4000 should you
give up two or more
bedrooms and up to
£2500 should you give
up one bedroom: we will
also provide practical
help with every aspect of
the move.
Many people find
that the cost of running
a large home or looking
after the garden becomes
a concern. There is also
now the worry that from
April 2013 tenants of
working age who claim
housing benefit
could face a cut in
their benefit if their
home is deemed
larger then they
need.
If you are
worried about the
cost of moving
and the disruption
of packing your
home, the Perfect
Fit scheme will help
you. The Perfect Fit
Officer can help you
complete all the
forms, help you bid
for a new property
and support you all
the way.
‘I FEEL LIKE I’VE DIED AND GONE TO
HEAVEN. I HAVE ALL MY PHOTOS
AROUND ME AND I’M HAPPY, I FEEL
LIKE I’M ON HOLIDAY EVERYDAY.’
– Maureen comments on her move
For further information please contact:
Reshma Vyas
T: 01932 235 789
E: [email protected]
Maureen Moves in...
We have welcomed our first
tenant who has taken part
in the scheme, Maureen
Wright. She came to help
us open our new reception
space at Case House with
the Leader of the Council
John O’Reilly.
Maureen moved from
a 2 bed flat to a 1 bed
sheltered flat with the
help of our Perfect Fit
Officer Reshma Vyas and
is delighted with her new
home.
Pictures (from the top)
1 Mrs Maureen Wright with Jane Bolton, MD of EHT 2 Opening
our new reception, with Cllr John O’Reilly 3 With Reshma Vyas, our Perfect Fit Officer
18
19
On July 2nd, following a lengthy
procurement process involving
residents of Paragon, Quadron
Services began work as our new
grounds maintenance and gardening
services contractor.
All residents affected will have received
a letter confirming Quadron Services
as our new contractor. Their five year
contract is worth over £3m and covers
all aspects of grounds maintenance
including grass cutting, hedge trimming
and shrub and hard surface maintenance.
It will take some time for Quadron to get
to know all our sites and we ask you to
bear with Quadron whilst they work with
us to identify the work required. This is
usual in the early stages of a contract,
however Paragon is confident that you
will soon start to see an improvement
in the maintenance of your grounds. It
could also mean that Quadron schedules
work in a different way to the previous
contractors, so your gardeners may
be there at different times. Paragon is
pleased to welcome Quadron and is
looking forward to a long and successful
partnership.
20
Quadron is committed to its company objective of
“Cultivating Sustainable Green Communities” and looks
forward to working with Paragon and its residents to
deliver this aspiration.
Quadron Services aspire to go beyond providing grounds maintenance s
community, with the community, in the commun
Quadron’s
community Residentand Quadron’s Resident Liaison Mana
• Atcommitment
to
visit each scheme during he first twelve months Liaison
listening to and
feedback so that Quadron will bresidents
e better involving
in equipped
Manager,
the
services
provided
meets the needs of residents. Dates of these visi
Preeti
throughout the
website so that you have the opportunity to mee
contract,
including
Chatwal
workshops on a regular
valuable feedback on the service and what you w
basis to ensure the
service remains geared
to residents’
Quadron ill develop
also arrange Meet valuable
the Contractor’ Days at needs.
several location
and ‘provide
How willw
we
feedback on the service
& Improve
teams and pthe
rovide feedback on the service. T•hese are pinlanned for the f
Investment
staff
and what you would like
service?
training
a aragon]. focus
to see
in P
future.
keep a look out for details on aragon’s website [TBC with
by P
on delivering a quality
Quadron’s Resident
service.
Quadron
will
also
arrange
Liaison Manager, Preeti
Quadron’s s
trengths i
nclude: ‘Meet the Contractor’
Chatwal, will visit each
• From Day One, staff are
Days at several locations
scheme during the next
trained to deliver high
so that residents can
twelve
to gain
• months
A strong ethos o
f P
artnership w
orking standards of customer
meet the teams and
resident feedback so
care, including working
provide feedback on the
that Quadron delivers a
to our Code of
• that
Many years’ of service.
experience looking after local housing associatio
service
best meets
Conduct and taking the
the needs of residents.
extra time to perform
Quadron is proud of what
If you feel there is a
additional
tasks whilst
service offers:
• A commitment their
to listening to, and involving residents in the ser
problem with the service,
on site to leave the
your first commencement port of call
f the ethos
contract and throughout its life, includin
• Aostrong
of
area clean, tidy
and
would be your Tenancy
safe.
Workshops on a Partnership
regular bworking
asis to ensure the service remains gea
Services officer.
• Many years of
• Wherever possible, the
You•will have
the
experience
looking
same
will attend
Investment in staff training with a focus on team
delivering a quality s
opportunity to meet
after local housing
on the same day to
Preeti on your site
association clients
•
From Day One, staff are trained to deliver high standards of cus
our Code of Conduct and taking the extra time to perform addit
21
“The selection team, in particular the
residents involved, found the Quadron bid to
be of excellent quality, not least because of
the unique added value of a Resident Liaison
Manager, dedicated to Paragon. These are
exciting times for Paragon and Quadron
working in partnership.”
encourage a sense of
ownership and a strong
rapport between staff
and residents.
All Quadron staff will
wear a corporate uniform
displaying Paragon and
Quadron branding,
which will also appear
on company vehicles,
so that they are clearly
identifiable. The uniform
consists of navy blue
trousers, a teal polo neck
and navy blue sweatshirt
bearing the Quadron
logo. All staff will have
photo ID card which they
must carry with them and
produce on request.
3UU
t BS23
merse
444
rth So
34 614
are, No
one 019
Teleph
uper-M
ston-s
ad, We
rne Ro
b, Wa
The Hu
g in par
Workin
NAME
ION
POSIT
Jane Bolton, Managing
Director, Elmbridge
Housing Trust
h
ip wit
tnersh
derson
Jill An
ager
ct Man
Contra
22/05/12
CT
CONTRA
EE NO
X
XXXXXX
7
123456
START
DATE
EXPIRY
DATE
22/05/15
EMPLOY
dge
pt ID Ba
Conce
Quadron will be working
to develop a grounds
maintenance service that
residents really want as
well as working on plans
to develop areas in need
of rejuvenation.
Enquiries:
For all grounds maintenance enquiries your
first point of call should be your Tenancy
Services Officer.
Concept Uniforms
If you would like more information about
Quadron Services, please check the Paragon
Website.
“We are delighted to have won this new contract and look forward
to working with both the officers and residents in partnership to
successfully deliver the commitments we have made in our tender
submission in order to meet and exceed their aspirations for the
service.” – Martyn Bradley, Operations Director,
Quadron Services
22
ON YOUR MARKS,
GET SET….
What a fantastic time it is to be in
Richmond and Elmbridge now the
Olympics are upon us.
Richmond
Useful websites
Richmond Council
www.richmond.gov.uk/
Olympics
Get Ahead of the Games (TfL)
www.getaheadofthegames.com
Twitter
@LBRUT, or @ EventsInSurrey
Official Olympic Site
www.london2012.com
Visit Richmond
www.visitrichmond.co.uk/
Olympics.asp
GoSurrey
www.gosurrey.info
Richmond is the 4th busiest and most
affected London Borough during the
Olympics. There are lots of events taking
place that will be seen all over the world,
showcasing our wonderful Borough and
some of its beautiful and distinctive
landmarks, like Hampton Court, Richmond
Park and the 21 Miles of Thames riverside;
the longest of any London Borough and
the only Borough to straddle both sides of
the Thames.
Whilst this is a wonderful opportunity to
see events during the Olympics, please
check on the websites, watch out for
leaflets produced by the Borough and a
useful information pamphlet produced
by Transport for London which all explain
what is happening and how you may be
affected. Planning ahead will help you
enjoy the Olympics even more.
23
Elmbridge
Newsletters are being sent to Surrey residents within 100
metres of the Olympic Cycling Road Race and Time Trial
routes to help people plan ahead for the 2012 Games.
The newsletters include detailed information
about road closures, parking restrictions, maps of
the route and tips for how to make the most of the
once-in-a-lifetime events.
Both the Road Race and Time Trial are
free for spectators. The exception is a 2.5km
stretch of road on the Zig-Zag Road
incline and Donkey Green on Box Hill
where up to 15,000 ticketed
spectators will watch the Road
Race. The rest of the Box Hill
loop is free for spectators.
Our Services
On 28th, 29th July and 1st August the Olympic
Cycling events will be taking place. There will be a
number of road closures in the areas that Paragon
operate in.
As a result we will be unable to offer repairs
appointments on Wednesday 1st August and will
provide an emergency repairs service only.
Both Richmond and Elmbridge offices are open on
1st August as normal.
THE OLYMPICS
ARE HERE…GO
24
Crossword
Competition
Complete the Olympics crossword and
send it to us along with your name and
contact details to be in with a chance
of winning £50 of shopping vouchers.
Everyone can enter!
Send to:
Donna Trout
Paragon Community
Housing Group, FREEPOST WB510
Walton on Thames, Surrey KT 12 1DZ
Down
1 An event where athletes
fight with gloves. (6)
2 Second place in the
Olympics. (6)
3 An event where athletes
swim, run, and bike. (9)
4 City of 2004 Summer
Olympics. (6)
6 A team sport with eleven
players per team. (6)
8 City of 2000 Summer
Olympics. (6)
11 Fastest time ever. (6)
Across
1 A team sport with five
players per team. (10)
5 An event where athletes
try to jump the highest. (8)
7 A racket sport. (6)
9 First place in the
Olympics. (4)
10 Third place in the
Olympics. (6)
12 Swimming pool event.
(6)
13 A very long running
race. (8)
14 A race where runners
jump an obstacle. (7)
Key Dates to remember!
27.07.12 (7.00–11.00) Olympic torch travels up the
Thames
28.07.12 (10.00–16.40) The Men’s Olympic Cycling
Road race
29.07.12 (12.00–16.15) The Women’s Olympic Cycling
Road Race
31.07.12 (10.00–12.00)
Route Rehearsal for Time Trial
01.08.12 (12.30–13.45) Women’s Time Trial
01.08.12 (14.15–16.05) Men’s Time Trial
25
All Aboard the Bus!
Tenancy Services, Income, Resident
Involvement, Welfare & Benefits and
our Repairs service on hand to answer
questions. Out in force were also our
residents from TAC, TUG and our
resident scrutiny team.
Our big double decker bus hit the
road to 9 locations from 11th – 17th
April. We wanted to visit our local
communities tochat to our residents
about what we can offer.
The bus was equipped with sofas,
tables and chairs, display areas,
and a television linked to a laptop
and wifi – refreshment facilites were
also available. There were staff from
els
whe
The our bus
n
o round
go ound!
r
and
els
whe
The our bus
on round
go ound!
r
and
els
whe
The our bus
on round
go ound!
r
and
els
whe
The our bus
The tour was a great success with 200
residents visiting the bus, and we were
able to recruit 5 new TUG members
ls
e
e
wh and discuss 2 potential new resident
The our bus
d
groups.
We also had many
on roun
go ound!
r
suggestions for LocalAsk me
and
k me
AsOffers.
Ask me
about
out
ab
about
y ted
nanc
Te
spostbus
Ice
Resident
IRS
PA
RE
rvi
Se
e
th
olvement
Inv
els
whe
The our bus
on round
go ound!
r
and
els
whe
The our bus
on round
go ound! Ask me
r
and
about
Ask
abome
ut
AN
YTHIN
G
me !
Ask
about
ancial
Fin
Leasehold
A
skvicme
Ad
s
ce
s
Servi
e
heeul a
w
s
e
Th our b bout
d
n
o
uAn
els
whe
The our bus
on round
d!
go oun
r Ask
and
NdY!TH
go rooun
ING!
r
and
me
Ask me
about
Ask
me
mbeout
ka
AsA
YTH
t ING
ou
abN
eted !
Welfar
spotbus
I
Benethfits
e
Ask
abome
umt e
ANAs
YTHkIN
G!t
abou
I
A
a
ANI Y
Ask
abom
26
Resident Council – from left: Dave Hobbs, Ann Netts, Vickie Harper, Edith Drawwater
Jenny Clayden Absent: Jean Corbett, Sam Thompson
Our Residents help us to improve
What is coregulation?
Co-regulation is simple.
It means that Paragon
is working with our
residents to make sure
that the services we
provide meet your
expectations, and
reflect local needs and
priorities.
To deliver this we set
up a Paragon Resident
Council and Resident
Inspector team last year
and the work of TUG
and TAC is also part of
co-regulation.
Paragon Resident Council
The Resident Council presently has 7 members from
across the Group – and has had an extremely active
first year. We have spent a lot of time learning about
all the aspects of our role and the way that Paragon
is run and managed and also about all of Paragon’s
services and activities.
The most important part of our role this year has
been ensuring that Paragon has met its commitment
to involve us in all levels of the service and we have
done this by conducting 3 detailed inspections.
The services inspected were:
o Repairs – Appointments system
o Open spaces Management
o Anti-social Behaviour Case Management
These were detailed reviews of how these services
are delivered and how they affect you as customers
of the Group.
27
What happened
because of the
inspections?
After each inspection we report to
the boards, and the managers of the
service we looked at give us an action
plan to say what they are going to do
about the improvements or changes
that we have recommended. Some
examples of actions are:
o Improvements to Case House
reception.
o Improved signage on estates and at
properties across the Group.
o More Tenancy Services Officers.
o A new Anti Social Behaviour Officer
role being created.
o A possible new Caretaking service.
o Better working with other agencies.
o Improving the Handyman service.
Paragon Resident
Inspectors
The hard work of the inspection was
done by our Resident Inspectors,
a team of volunteer residents who,
following a lot of training spent a week
looking at each service. This included
interviewing staff and residents; reading
and reviewing policies; meeting with
other organisations involved in these
services, and carrying out visits to
estates and areas.
This past year has been absolutely cracking! I think
the biggest testament is that we are still happy to
continue with our work and be a part of the team
– Pam Batten, Resident Inspector
Get
involved
There are over 80 residents
working to deliver co-regulation
at Paragon and we still need more
people to get involved. Please
contact the RI teams to find out
what you can do to take part.
Details of the team are on the
back cover.
TAC & TUG
TAC and TUG have been
working on behalf of residents
for many years and now they are
also part of our co-regulation
framework. oCONT’D
28
oCONT’D
TE
AN
CO
TS
AC T
IO
N
N
Who are
they?
MMIT TEE
TAC The Tenants Action Committee – is the main
sounding body for Richmond residents and meets on
a monthly basis at the Hampton office. Over the last
year TAC has managed the local Challenge Fund to
ensure fairness, has lobbied to ensure that problems
with repairs and maintenance have been taken up,
met the local Citizens Advice Bureau, met Dilip Kavi,
the Group Chief Executive to discuss the rent rise,
had representation on the grounds maintenance
procurement project and made sure that a tenant
representative has been present at all the activity laid
on by the RI Team.
TUG The Trust Users Group – has a similar role at
Elmbridge Housing Trust. TUG meets monthly at Case
House and over the last 12 months has worked hard
to look at how EHT is providing its services. Recently
TUG has been looking at the Government’s new rent
regime and how this may affect housing in Elmbridge.
TUG has also been very active in ensuring resident
involvement in the procurement of the grounds
maintenance contract.
TPAS AWARDS 2012
Tenant Participation Advisory Service
Resident Involvement
staff and members of
the Resident Council
and Inspectors attended
the South East TPAS
Awards in central
London in May. Paragon
was short-listed in the
‘Excellence in Working
Together’ award.
Although we didn’t
win it was gratifying to
know that by reaching
the shortlist stages we
are recognised as
being in the Top 5 out
of 200 entries.
29
TUG AGM
The TUG AGM was held on the
4 July and there was a fantastic
turn out as 80 people attended. Sam
Thompson, TUG Chair gave a review
of TUG’s work during the year and the guest speaker
was Dilip Kavi, Group Chief Executive.
Young people from Reemo’s Youth Café
gave a presentation on their work and
Simon Martin, Resident Involvement
Manager, talked about Local Offers.
Elections were held for the TUG
committee and it was a sad goodbye
to 3 long serving members who had
served their term; Pam Batten, Ken Cole
and Mick Etherington who all received
k e
o
o
l
We d to th
ar sitive
w
r
o
f xt po with
ne head
a G
r
a
e
y
TU
a token of members and PCHG’s
gratitude for all of their hard work and
dedication. Sheila Ames also stood
down this year and so there were 5
available committee places.
We were delighted to have 9
nominations for the vacancies and in
accordance with the TUG constitution
an election was held and the 5
members elected were:
o Sid Huckfield
o Teresa Scott
o Freda Ugle
o Doris Arnold
o Pat Marlow
Getting involved:
If you’d like to become a member
of TUG get in touch with Resident
Involvement Manager Rachael
Smart (details on the back cover)
30
Abundant
Energy:
IN A WORLD OF technology which
often dictates the speed at which
we live our lives, it becomes harder
and harder to muster the energy to
keep up and achieve everything we
want before bedtime.
As a nutritional therapist one of the
most common complaints received is of
a lack of energy. In truth,
80% of us (according to a
recent survey) would love
to bounce straight out of
bed when the alarm clock
rings ready to get up and
go and face the day. Our bodies are energy hungry
biological machines that require a
constant supply of “fuel,” in order to
function. Our energy levels are directly
linked to the quality of the “fuel”, the
nutrients we put in our body.
The corner stone to achieving high
energy levels is to balance your blood
sugar levels and reduce stress in your
life.
Eating foods with high sugar
such as fast food, crisps, biscuits, cake,
bananas, parsnips, and potatoes can
elevate and unbalance blood
sugar levels which in turn can
cause tiredness, irritability, poor
concentration, depression and
nervousness.
Slow release foods such as Low GL
foods can help balance blood sugar
and energy levels. Low GL foods are
berries, nuts, seeds, porridge,
plain yoghurt, peas, olives,
fish, and green vegetables.
Reducing the impact of
stress on your body can also
support healthy energy levels.
Prolonged exposure to high
stress can deplete Vitamin B which is a
key component in producing energy.
Foods rich in Vitamin B are nuts, seeds,
fish, lamb, beef, lentils, and quinoa.
Vegan diets tend to be low in
Vitamin B and vegans may experience
low energy levels because of this.
Women with heavy menstrual cycles
can also experience low energy levels
through an increase in the loss of Iron
every month. Iron is vital to ensuring
the amount of oxygen circulating to all
the internal organs and thus producing
energy. Low Magnesium levels have
also been linked to Chronic Fatigue.
Can
nutrition
help?
Louise Jenner-Clarke | Nourish to Flourish Clinic | 0208 133 9356 | www.nourishtoflourishclinic.com
31
DAVE HOBBS MEETS:
The Queen
Dave Hobbs has been the
Chair of the Paragon Resident
Council in its inaugural year
and has contributed to its
success in the scrutiny
process.
Dave was invited to meet the Queen
because of his work within the local
community in Richmond. David has
chaired the Fulmer Close Resident
Association for the last 5 years, and
has promoted a number of new
initiatives including an allotment for
residents, work to raise the profile
of the Metropolitan Police in the
area and deal with ASB, extra
activities for younger residents
and generally improving the
standing of Fulmer Close
throughout the Hampton area.
Dave has lived in Fulmer Close
for over 10 years and during
this time the estate has
really prospered.
Well done Dave!
32
249 Mortlake Road, Kew
249 MORTLAKE ROAD,
The scheme was completed in May
with grant support from London
Borough of Richmond and saw the
demolition of the old building and
the construction of two 3 bedroom
houses built to one of the highest
sustainable standards, achieving Level
5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The main access is shared
with The Richmond Gymnastics
Association who were very helpful
and accommodating throughout the
project.
NENE GARDENS
Nene Gardens in Feltham consists of
two 3 bedroom and one 4 bedroom
house. Completed in March, the
houses were built with high levels of
insulation by using extra thick walls.
The heating systems were fitted with
intelligent controls that regulate the
temperature of the radiators according
to the outside air temperature. The
Planners required the windows to be
fitted with extra thick glass for sound
insulation against noise from aircraft.
These properties also benefit from
large gardens and a location adjacent
to open space.
Franklands Drive
FRANKLANDS DRIVE – PHASE 1
Phase 1 of the Franklands Drive project
is now complete and provides 175
affordable homes in Addlestone, Surrey.
The land was previously used for market
gardening and sand extraction.
All of the homes have been constructed
to Lifetime Homes Standards and Level 4
of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The development will incorporate a
33
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN
Building?
Level 4. Solar photovoltaic roof
panels generate electricity and
high levels of insulation with
the heating system zoned for
efficient operation. The site was
redundant land.
WALDEGRAVE ROAD
Completed in June this
development of 11 rented and
11 shared ownership apartments
is located in a prominent corner
position in Teddington. The site
was previously occupied by
the Waldegrave Arms. Planners
required some of the original
buildings features to be retained
in the new façade, which gives a
mix of old and new.
range of play areas and open
spaces and a new community
park which will benefit the wider
community.
LOWER GROVE ROAD
These three bed houses were
completed in May, supported
with grant from the London
Borough of Richmond, and
achieved a Sustainable Code
Waldegrave Road, Teddington
SCHOOL ROAD
School Road, Hampton Hill
is a low rise block of ten 1 and 2
bedroom apartments for rent and
shared ownership. It was completed in
May.
Rohima Khatun
8
35
Patch reorganisation
at RuTCHT
RuTCHT has successfully grown over the past few years and recently had
several handovers of new developments. This has increased the number of
properties managed by each of the Tenancy Services Officers (TSOs). To help
improve our services we have recruited another TSO. Her name is Beverley
Dutton and she joined us in May. We have also re-organised the patches
managed by the TSOs. Below you can see which TSO manages each area.
In addition, all residents have been sent a letter about how to contact their
TSO.
Roger Fretwell covers Teddington,
Twickenham, Spelthorne and Hounslow.
t. 020 8481 8909 e. [email protected]
Jackie McLean covers Barnes, Richmond,
Kew, East Sheen, Roehampton, Isleworth
and Whitton.
t. 020 8481 8911 e. [email protected].
Mario Alviz covers most of Teddington
and Hampton.
t. 020 8481 8912 e. [email protected]
Christine Blazey covers Kingston, Surbiton,
some parts of Richmond and Chessington.
t. 020 8 481 8910 e. [email protected]
Beverley Dutton covers some parts of
Kingston, Chessington and Elmbridge.
t. 020 8481 8970 e. [email protected]
36
The Government will be
making major changes to
the benefits system from
April 2013. The aim is to
help people move into
and progress in work,
while supporting the most
vulnerable.
We will be providing more
information about the
welfare reforms over the
coming months, as well as
contacting those directly
affected by these changes.
What you need to know about
changes to Benefits
If you claim housing benefit to help
pay your rent you may be affected by
changes from April 2013. The changes
mean that some people will get less
housing benefit than they did before.
IF YOU ARE OF
PENSIONABLE AGE
THESE CHANGES WILL
NOT AFFECT YOU.
How many bedrooms do
you have?
From April 2013 if you have one or more
spare bedrooms your housing benefit
may be reduced.
This could affect you:
• If you are 16 to 61 years old
• Even if you only get a small amount of
housing benefit – for example if you
are working.
• Even if you are sick or disabled.
You won’t be affected if:
• You live in a one bedroom flat or bedsit
37
WATCH OUT!
Watch out for Wise Money Watson. Wherever you
see Watson – there will be important information
about the forthcoming changes.
• You or your partner are old enough
to receive pension credits. (In April
2013 the pension credit age will be
around 61 years and 6 months.)
What is considered a spare
room?
Under the new rules if you have more
bedrooms than the Government says
you need, you will lose part of your
housing benefit. The new rules mean
you will be allocated one bedroom
for:
• Each adult couple
• Any other person aged 16 or over
• 2 children of the same sex under
the age of 16
• 2 children under the age of 10
regardless of their sex
• Any other child
• A carer (who does not normally
live with you) if you or your partner
need overnight care.
It does not matter how the spare
bedroom is used, the new rules will
apply even if:
• You and your partner need to
sleep apart because of a medical
condition
• The main residence of your children
is another address, but you have a
spare room for them when they stay
with you.
What happens if you have a
spare bedroom?
If you have one spare bedroom your
housing benefit will be cut by 14% of
the rent you pay every week. If you
have 2 or more spare bedrooms, you
will lose 25%.
If your benefit is cut you will have
to pay your landlord the difference
between your housing benefit and
your rent.
Mr and Mrs Smith live in a twobedroom flat costing £70 per week
in rent. At the moment housing
benefit cover the full cost of their
rent. Under the new rules they will
have one spare bedroom. Their
housing benefit will be reduced
by 14% of their rent (14% of £70 =
£9.80) Their housing benefit will
be reduced by £9.80 to £60.20 per
week. They will have to pay £9.80
a week towards their rent.
38
Mr and Mrs Bell live with their
two teenage boys, aged 13 and
15, in a 3 bedroom house. Their
rent is £100 per week and they
received £10 per week in housing
benefit. Under the new rules their
children will be expected to share a
bedroom and so they will be treated
as having one spare room. Their
housing benefit will be reduced
by 14% of their rent (14% of £100
= £14.00), and so they will lose all
their housing benefit.
Limits on benefits
From April 2013 the overall amount of
benefit you can receive will be capped.
If you are of pensionable age
or getting one of the following
benefits this does not apply to you:
• Pension credit
• Working tax credit
• A member of your household
is claiming disability living
allowance, attendance allowance
or the support element of
employment support allowance
The Government will add up how
much money you get from a range
of benefits including housing
benefits, jobseekers allowance,
employment support allowance,
child benefit, child tax credit and
carers allowance.
If the total comes to more than the
maximum amount allowed your
housing benefit payments will be
reduced.
The maximum amount of benefit
you will be able to receive from April
2013:
• £500 per week for single parents
• £500 per week for couples with
or without children
• £350 per week for single people
without children
What should I do?
If you are worried about being able
to afford to pay your rent from April
2013 you should ask for advice now.
If you don’t pay your rent you could
lose your home, so talk to your
Income Officer about different ways
to pay (Contact details are on the
back of this magazine).
39
To find out the latest on the
changes to the benefit system
please ask us or go to DWP’s
Website at www.dwp.gov.uk/
policy/welfare-reform
You can also:
Talk to us about transferring to a
smaller house or taking a lodger.
Contact your council to ask about
extra financial help. Councils have a
limited amount of money available
to make discretionary payments
towards housing costs. Your council
may prioritise your claim if you have
a disability and your house has been
adapted.
Get in touch with your local
Citizens Advice Bureau – See
contact details on page 42
Make sure you are claiming all the
benefits you can – for example money
to help with costs of a disability.
For further advice please contact one
of our Welfare Benefits Officers:
Elmbridge Housing Trust: Justine Hogg
on 01932 235827 or Keith Sangster on
01932 235829.
RuTCHT: Keith Sangster on 020 8481
8984.
Try to find some paid work to
increase your income
Get more information about
the cap on benefits by calling the
Government’s information line on
0845 6057064
Do you have a disability and
need overnight care?
If you are of working age, have a
disability and need a spare bedroom
so that a carer can stay overnight you
should contact your local council
now so that staff can help you keep
more of your housing benefit.
Changes to Council Tax
Benefit
From April 2013 if you are of working
age and claim council tax benefit
the amount of support you receive
may be cut. This is because the
Government is reducing the amount
of money available and asking local
councils to run their own schemes
which may vary from area to area.
Local councils are currently looking at
how they are going to administer this
and as soon as we have any further
information we will let you know.
The new benefit rules will apply
from April 2013 so now is the time
to get help and support.
Coming in the next edition...
Information about the new Universal Credit which is
being introduced from October 2013.
40
We hope you’ve
enjoyed the summer
edition of The
Resident...
see something, write a
short article, or send in
a picture all you need
to do is contact the
editor!
We work with our
residents to create the
Resident magazine and
we’ve had some really
positive feedback about
the new look.
This
is your
magazine!
We have also listened to
the things that people
didn’t like.
This is your magazine
and so if you want to
HAVE
YOUR
SAY!
“I feel I must
congratulate you on
your new format for
The Resident. It’s the
first time I have sat
down and read it from
cover to cover...well
done!”–Clive, RUTCHT
resident for
34 years
HANNAH ELFORD
EDITOR/DESIGNER
t. 01932 235 722
e. helford@
paragonchg.co.uk
FEEDBACK
Your views are important to us. If you have feedback about the
magazine we would welcome your comments. Please send your
comments to Paragon Community Housing Group, FREEPOST WB
510, Walton on Thames KT12 1DZ
41
In the next issue of The Resident we will
be starting a new section called ...
Ask Maddy
You said that noisy neighbours
are the main cause of
neighbour complaints and
you want us to deal with this
more quickly (0ver 50% of
neighbour complaints relate
to noise)
Richmond Churches Housing
Trust has bought its own
noise monitoring kit, this
means we can respond to
complaints more quickly and
obtain independent and clear
evidence.
EHT Estate Inspections
Please be aware that the August
estate inspections may not take
place on the dates advertised – if
you would like further information please contact your Tenancy
Services Officer
Who’s Maddy and how can she help me?
I hear you ask.
The Maddy in question is Maddy Thomas
who is the Financial Capability Manager
for Richmond Citizens Advice Bureau.
We want to find out what is troubling you
about your finances or anything in general
that you might want to get advice on from
CAB.
Maddy will be able to provide impartial
advice to some of your questions in each
issue of The Resident and unless you ask
otherwise, the person asking the question
will be kept anonymous.
So if you have a burning
issue that you want the
answer to:
Ask Maddy
Email or call Maddy Thomas
e. [email protected]
t. 020 8734 3931
42
Switchboard
01932 235 700
o Valerie Maunders
Receptionist
o Sandra White
Receptionist
New
Reception
at Case House
The new reception at Case
House is now complete.
Sandy and Val will be there
to greet you if you pop in!
Repairs, Maintenance &
Handy Person
0800 980 9008
Resident Involvement Teams
See back cover for details
Getting in touch by email
You can also email any member of
staff by using the initial of their first
name followed by their surname
before completing the with the
appropriate ending.
Citizens Advice Bureau
For example, John Smith would be:
Paragon
[email protected]
Walton
01932 248660
Elmbridge Housing Trust
[email protected]
Esher
01372 464770
Richmond upon Thames Churches
Housing Trust
[email protected]
Richmond
0844 826 9700
43
Switchboard
020 8481 7277
Switchboard
01932 235 700
Tenancy Services Officers
Tenancy Services Officers
o Christine Blazey
020 8481 8910
o Mario Alviz
020 8481 8912
o Roger Fretwell
020 8481 8909
o Jackie McLean
020 8481 8911
o Beverley Dutton
020 8481 8970
Income & Tenancy Support
o John Orton
Income Manager
020 8481 8916
o Petra Sturton
Income Recovery Officer
020 8481 8917
o Sheryl Lamb/Jerine Godfrey
Income Recovery Officers
020 8481 8918
Leasehold Manager
o Tracy Steele
020 8481 7277
o Sharon Butler
Senior Tenancy Services Officer
01932 235 773
o Lesley Farlam
01932 235 774
o Tony Ajeh
01932 235 793
o Erna Murray
01932 235 787
o Tracey McCullough
01932 235 779
Income & Tenancy Support
o Louise Williams
Acting Housing Manager
01932 235 833
o Katherine Hisock
Income Officer
01932 235 786
o Julie Pink
Senior Income Officer
01932 235 792
o Rob Hawkes
Income Officer
01932 235 772
Leasehold Officer
o Helen Colgate
01932 235 784
Designer & Editor
Hannah Elford
t 01932 235 722
e [email protected]
Get
involved
Resident Involvement Team
Rachael Smart
t 01932 235 724
e [email protected]
Rohima Khutan
t 01932 235 888
e [email protected]
Simon Martin
t 020 8481 8944
e [email protected]
Bob Mitchell
t 020 8481 8943
e [email protected]
Don’t miss next time in
Paragon In Bloom
The winner of Paragon in
bloom 2012
WISE MONEY
More information about the
Welfare changes that could
affect you
Winter Diary Dates
Whats on in the area
What You Said, We Did
We’ll be listening out for
your thoughts
...and much more