ISSUE 18 • SUMMER 2013
news&views
Whatsinside...
Join theAllotmentGrouppage 14
Tacklinganti-socialbehaviourpage 5
Kitchensscore topmarkspage 6
GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People
NewContractorspage 6
StarSurvey
page 7
2
10
Reducing Fire Risk p10
Introducing Mears p6
12
A 'Princely' partnership p12
Search & Swap p9
9
Join the Allotment Group p14
14
6
Contents
Contact usTel:0115 905 1515Email:[email protected]:www.gedlinghomes.co.ukTwitter:@Gedling_HomesFacebook:www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes
3Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
NewsDrugs activity “will not be tolerated” 4Independent Complaints Panel 4Tackling anti-social behaviour 5Neighbourhood STAR quality? 5Introducing Mears 6Kitchens score top marks 6Star Survey 7Redevelopment programmes 7
MoneyLooking to downsize? 8Search & swap! 9
Gedling Homes out & aboutTackling the risk of fire 10A Wheel-ie good day out! 11Spring clean at Nabarro Court 11Bloomin’ Balconies 12A 'Princely' partnership 12Calverton Play Day 13School holiday activities 13Give & Gain Day 13
Your CommunityTake a bow? 14Join the Allotment Group 14Foxhill Court fundraisers 15Bloomin’ Gardens 15
Tenant Involvement PageTenant Scrutiny Panel 16
Community ChestProjects awarded funds 17
ShelteredSheltered Scheme Coordinators 18Support Workers 18
Street TalkStreet Talk – Kat Collins 19
EventsEvents List 20-21
Fun & Games 22
Our Performance 23
We want tohear from you!
Send us your photos, news, ideas,or feedback on our services and we
will print a selection of the responsesin the next edition of News & Views.Email us at customerexperience@
gedlinghomes.co.uk or write toNews & Views, Gedling House,
Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham, NG4 4AD
4
New panel of trained tenantswill help resolve complaintsIf tenants feel a complaint has not beendealt with sufficiently by Gedling Homes,they can now refer their issue to a panelof representatives from three localhousing associations, includingGedling Homes.The Independent Complaints Panel (ICP),working in conjunction with two otherlandlords, Tuntum Housing and DerwentLiving, consists of six tenants. The membersof the panel have been trained to resolvecomplaints between landlord and tenant,adding a valuable new layer to the process.The ICP was set up in response to theLocalism Act designed to increase theinfluence of local people in decision making.From April 1st 2013 this new stage in thecomplaints process will take place before acase is referred to the Housing Ombudsman.
The new panel is the third stage in thecomplaints process. Tenants with a complaintmust first go through the internal Stage 1 &Stage 2, before the ICP will consider the case.Tenants can bypass this panel if they preferand go straight to the Housing Ombudsman.However, they must wait eight weeks afterStage 2 before they can do this.Steve Ward, Customer Experience Manager,said: “This is a valuable addition to ourcomplaints process. Our tenants are bestplaced to help resolve any issues that arise.By teaming up with other landlords, thepanel has secured a wealth of experiencein the housing sector.”For more information please contactCustomer Experience on0115 905 1515.
A Carlton tenant has received a caution from the police for attempting to growcannabis at home. A formal warning has also been issued from Gedling Homes’Tenancy Enforcement Officer, Jackie Gill.
Jackie says, “We work very closely with the police and they inform us every time any of ourtenants are involved in criminal activity. Criminal activity within our properties will not betolerated and we will do everything we can to eliminate it.”
You can report criminal activity directly to Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515, callCrimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111 or call the Police direct on 101.
Drugs activity“will not be tolerated”
5Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Does your neighbourhood haveSTAR quality?
A group of tenants recently got together to look at Gedling Homes’ anti-socialbehaviour (ASB) service. The tenants involved had previously used the service, andwere able to provide first-hand feedback on possible changes.
Mrs Whitehead from the ASB Customer Experience Forum, said: “We need to know ourconcerns and any problems with ASB are taken seriously. Knowing Gedling Homes listens tous is very important and I’m delighted that our feedback has led to improvements.”
As a result of the meeting, the tenant’sdiary - that records incidents of anti-socialbehaviour - will be altered, making it easierand more efficient to use.
Tenant input supports theanti-social behaviour service
Gedling Homes’ Tenancy Services team istaking part in a project with theChartered Institute of Housing todevelop a new generation ofNeighbourhood Sustainability Plans.The plans are being piloted in Netherfield,Newstead Village and Burton Joyce/Woodborough but will be introduced in allareas over the next 12 months. Tenants inthese areas may be contacted by GedlingHomes’ staff for their views on thecommunities they live in. The areas willreceive a star rating, based on how tenantsfeel about living in the area and how goodlocal services are.
Mark Vasey, Tenancy Services Manager, said:“This is a very exciting opportunity for us tospeak to residents about how they feelGedling Homes and their partners canimprove the neighbourhoods they live in.It will also enable us to develop and sustainstronger communities for neighbourhoods”
If you are suffering from the effectsof ASB, please call the TenancyServices team on 0115 905 1515.Out of office hours, please call0808 145 6555
News
6
Staff cook upfive stars inthe kitchenMears have taken over as partnering
contractors from Morrison FS and willprovide a full responsive maintenanceservice to Gedling Homes’ customers.Mears operatives will wear uniforms inblack, white and red; the vehicles will lookdifferent too.Gedling Homes’ customers will benefit fromnew information technology Mears haveintroduced to provide an improved service.Gedling Homes is delighted to have theopportunity to work with Mears and looksforward to a successful working relationship.
Nothing frightens the kitchen staff atMoreland Court and St Andrew’s House;certainly not a visit by inspectors fromthe Food Standards Agency.The kitchens have received their first on-the-spot inspection for the new kitchen starsystem. In a fantastic result, the teams atMoreland Court and St Andrew’s Housewere both awarded the highest accreditationpossible - five stars!Kitchen Supervisor Heather Purdie wasdelighted with the result. She said: “This isvery much a team effort and all the cateringstaff have had to work hard to achieve suchan amazing result.“Next year it will be law for everyone todisplay certificates, even if they do not getthe five stars. So we will have to ensure wemaintain standards and carry on improvingalong the way.”Congratulationsto Heather andher teams - keep upthe good work!
Introducing
Jean & Kate from St Andrew's House
hhhhh
7Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Gedling Homes are proudto announce the completionof two redevelopmentprogrammes.In Newstead, GedlingHomes teamed up withBullock Construction.Works, on all of GedlingHomes’ properties in thevillage, including fencing,gates, driveways and roofingare now complete.Gedling Homes also teamedup with Gedling BoroughCouncil to fund a numberof owner-occupiers in thearea to upgrade theirfencing for free. The fundsare part of a £100K PublicRealm investment.The outcome is a hugeimprovement in theappearance of the area.Katharine Riches ofNewstead commented,“It’s brilliant! I love mynew garden”, whilst herneighbour Lynne Shipsonadded that she now feels“more secure.”At Moyra House in Arnold,tenants are enjoying thenew facilities. The re-modelling of the wardenaided scheme is part ofGedling Homes’ £42 million,five year programmeof improvements.Moyra House’s 60 bedsitshave been remodelled into
40 one and two bedroomapartments to better meetthe needs of residents.The £1.5m project wasdelivered jointly by GedlingHomes and its parentorganisation New CharterHousing Trust. PaddisonConstruction Ltd was thecontractor responsible fordelivering the re-modellingwork.Jason Cannon, Directorof Asset Management forGedling Homes explainedthat, “in relation to thequality of design this isone of the best specifiedprojects I have seen withinthe social housing sector.”
Redevelopment programmescompleted - and it’s onlythe beginning!
Star SurveyANNUAL SURVEYOF TENANTS &RESIDENTS
News
Katharine Riches, Newstead
A research companycalled Explain will betelephoning a sampleof our tenants over thecoming weeks, askingfor their views on GedlingHomes. Tenants willbe contacted in Julyand August.
Those who are telephonedwill be asked to answer aquestionnaire which will takeapproximately 15 minutes,and by providing their detailswill automatically be enteredinto a prize draw to win
Steve Ward, CustomerExperience Manager says;“The annual STAR Survey isreally valuable to us: it helpsus to review our services,finding out what is workingwell for customers, and whatwe can improve on. We arealso able to compare resultswith previous years andother organisations to seehow things are changing.”
Gedling Homes and BullockConstruction at Newstead Village
£150 worth ofsupermarketshopping vouchers.
8
Looking to downsize?The so called ‘bedroom tax’ is now a reality for many tenants. Those who are affected have anumber of choices on how to cope with their shortfall in Housing Benefit.
For those tenants who do choose to downsize their home, Gedling Homes is onhand to offer support throughout the process.
With the support of Lynne Welch, Options Advisor for the Specialist Welfare Advice Team(SWAT), Maureen from Arnold is currently settling into her new one-bed flat.
Towards the end of 2012, Maureen was forced to give up work to become a full time carer.Then at Christmas time, grieving the recent passing of her husband, Maureen realised that,living alone in a two-bed flat, she would be affected by the bedroom tax fromApril 2013.
Maureen budgeted and identified that with a 14% reduction in Housing Benefit, and takinginto account all of her other bills, she would be struggling to buy enough food for herself.After a lot of thought, she made the decision to move to a one-bed property.
She signed up to Homeswapper, but found it difficult to find a direct swap as her flat wason the second floor, with no lift available. To open up further opportunities Maureen beganto bid for properties on HomeSearch, and in April she was offered an ideal ground floor flatin Arnold.
Gedling Homes was in the position to help Maureen with the financial costs of the moveand Lynne supported her throughout the transition. Of Lynne’s assistance, Maureencomments; “she’s been brilliant. I wouldn’t have known what to do without her!”
The last few months have been a struggle for Maureen, but she is now settled and happy inher new home. “I gave my job up, then I lost my husband andthen I felt as though I was losing my home as well. But nowit’s done, it’s a big tick off the list, a big relief”. She is alsodelighted with the additional benefits of her own garden anda reduction in her gas and electricity costs.
Lynne said: “Maureen has shown real determination toimprove her situation in adverse circumstances. She hascontinued to have a realistic attitude in relation todownsizing which has benefitted her in the move.”
If you would like to talk to Gedling Homes aboutdownsizing, or talk to the Money Wise Team aboutalternative solutions to remain in your home,please contact Gedling Homes on 0115 905 1515.
9Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
HomeSearch is a choice-basedletting scheme offered by Gedling,Broxtowe and Rushcliffe Borough Councils. AllGedling Homes properties are advertised on thissite, as well as homes from other housingassociations within the three boroughs.Available properties are advertised each week, andyou can ‘bid’ for up to three homes a week that best suityour needs.For more information visit https://www.home-search.org.uk/
Money
HomeSwapper is a free service that allows you to‘swap’ homes with another tenant of GedlingHomes or other local authority housing association.
To sign up to this service you must have;
• A satisfactory rent account
• No existing anti-social behaviour action against you
• Maintained your property to an acceptable condition
To register for free, and look for suitable properties, visithttp://www.homeswapper.co.uk/
Gedling Homes may be able to provide financialassistance to tenants downsizing their property.
To find if you are eligible please call 0115 905 1515or email [email protected]
Gedling Homesrecommend thatyou register for
HomeSearch andHomeSwapper as thebest way to secure a
new property.
Gedling Homesrecommend thatyou register for
HomeSearch andHomeSwapper as thebest way to secure a
new property.
Search& Swap!If you are affected by the
‘bedroom tax’ and you areconsidering moving to a smaller
property. HomeSearch andHomeSwapper can help
you do this.
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Day of action tackles the risk of fireGedling Homes staff recently joined forceswith members of the Nottinghamshire FireRisk Reduction Team for a ‘day of action’.Their task? To improve fire safety andawareness for the residents of BourneMews, Netherfield.The prevention team knocked on each andevery door, offering free home safety checksand installing smoke alarms where needed.Alistair Bramley, Crew Manager of the RiskReduction Team, said: “The aim of the day isto give advice, look for potential ‘problemareas’ and to help people live with a reducedrisk of fire.”Safety checks included testing existing firealarms and highlighting any evident safetyissues. The reduction team took the tenantsthrough a questionnaire, asking about life stylechoices and providing advice on changes thatcould be made.The interview was completed with anexplanation to the tenants on what to do inthe case of a fire, and encouraging people tohave a plan in mind including:• Keep a mobile phone by the bed,
to call for help if needed• Have your house keys in your
bedroom, to throw down torescuers if needed
• Do not place your rubbish bintoo close to your home, so thatfire can’t spread from the bin tothe building
• Switch electrical appliances off anddo not leave them on stand-by
Karen Kirk, Risk Reduction Officer, said:“Prevention and awareness are our primaryfocus. We want to create ‘safer homes’, thatis why we are knocking on every singledoor in Bourne Mews.”Residents of Bourne Mews, Linda andShireen, were two tenants who took upthe offer of the safety checks andfelt reassured to know that all wasbeing done to keep their homessafe from fire.
Linda and Shireen, Bourne Mews
11Find us online at 11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Emma Greenall,Nottinghamshire FamilyIntervention Project Workerrecently took a group ofchildren and their families ona day trip to WheelgateAdventure Park. The day wasso great, one youngstercommented, “it’s the bestday of my life!”The day trip, organised byGedling Homes and theNottinghamshire FamilyIntervention Project was aboutgiving families the opportunity tospend some quality timetogether and for the children toenjoy the fun activities.Transport and food was providedso it was a hassle free, enjoyable
day to help strengthen therelationships, not only amongstthe families but also with theirproject worker.The children, from four differentfamilies, enjoyed playing in theAlien Galaxy Zone, racing on theGo Karts, getting stuck on thewater engine rafts and gettinglost in the various mazes!Climbing up towers, jumping inball pools and clinging to theCrater Climbing Wall were alsopart of the fun.Events such as this providefamilies with new experiences,enhance their learningopportunities, generate newinterests and create friendships.
Spring clean atNabarro CourtThere was a helping hand, from thechildren of Sir John Sherbrook JuniorSchool in Calverton, for GedlingHomes’ tenants.At Nabarro Court, the children ‘dug in’ forthe ‘Spring Clean Up’ of the grounds. Theyswept up the leaves, created a new rhubarbpatch and ‘potted on’ the dahlias. The gardenwas full of the daffodils that the children hadplanted the previous autumn.Head Teacher Sally Hill said the childrenreally enjoyed themselves and Sandra Spinkfrom Nabarro Court praised the children’sefforts, saying they “worked really hard anddid a fantastic job.”
A Wheel-ie good day out!
Gedling Homes’ Community RegenerationOfficer, Martin Curtis said:“The tenants at Nabarro Court love thechildren coming down to see them and thechildren seem to respond in kind. It’s aGREAT partnership.”
Out & About
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Balconies at Walton Court, Block A, in Carltonwill soon be blooming. Residents are workingwith Tracey Lloyd from Groundwork GreaterNottingham to plant up pots and window boxeswith strawberries, herbs, vegetables and flowers.The members of the group all came with differentexperiences, and the more seasoned gardenerswere keen to give the ‘beginners’ a helping hand.It can be a problem keeping balcony plants moistenough because of the wind, especially if you are on thehigher floors. But don’t worry; Marion, who lives on thefourth floor has become an expert in balcony growing.See Marion’s Top Tips for watering ideas!
Following the success of the‘Spring Makeover’ at two ofGedling Homes’ shelteredschemes, the young peoplefrom The Prince’s Trust‘Group 50’ have beenrewarded for their hardwork and dedication.At the beginning of May, ThePrince’s Trust celebrated thesuccess of the young people’sapprentice scheme, andGedling Homes’ tenants wereinvited to the ‘End of TermPresentation’ at NottinghamForest Football Club. Theyoung people were awardedcertificates in recognition oftheir hard work over the 12week course.Sam Houghton, aged 16, spenttwo weeks with GedlingHomes’ Maintenance Team,on an individual placement.
Sam said: “The experiencehelped me narrow down whatI want to do in later life. It’smade me decide I want to dosomething a lot more handson, and also to look atapprenticeships. It’s changedmy outlook on learning.”George Abbott, a tenant of StAndrews House said: “I’ve hada great afternoon atNottingham Forest and I didn’trealise that the young peoplehad been so busy elsewhere.”The Prince’s Trust also tooktenants on a day trip to learnmore about horticulture.The residents of MorelandCourt and St Andrew's Housevisited the Tropical Houseat Woodthorpe Park inSherwood.Nottingham City Council’sSenior Park Ranger John
Simpson explained how plantsgrown in the greenhousessupply all of the parks andtraffic islands in the Cityof Nottingham.Olive Olmond from MorelandCourt said: “I’ve had awonderful morning. What alovely group of young peoplethey are.”
A 'Princely' partnership
Blooming balconies Marion’sGardeningTop Tips• To keep plants well watered
in windy positions, save usedtea bags and put them underthe plants when you replantthem. It helps create a damparea around the roots
• Cover any bare soil withpebbles or bark mulch, ithelps to stop the compostdrying out
Sam Houghton, Team 50
13Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Keen to always ‘do their bit’for the community, GedlingHomes staff took part inGive & Gain Day in May, toimprove the flora and faunaat two sheltered schemes.Teams were dispatched to TavillFields and Coronation Walk fora spot of tidying and replantingthe raised flower beds.The staff were taking part inBusiness in the Community’snational Give & Gain Day, anannual event that sees hundreds
of businesses across thecountry give their staff timeto improve facilities in thelocal community.It was hard, but rewardingwork. The tenants weredelighted with the results.Beryl Rayner of Tavill Fieldssaid: “It was getting a bitstraggly; it’s much nicernow, the transformationis lovely.”What a GREAT joball round!
Give & Gain Day
Out & About
Gedling Homes isteaming up withGedling BoroughCouncil to delivera series of holidayactivities for youngpeople in NewsteadVillage and Netherfieldduring the summer and Octoberschool holidays.These FREE activities, including funsports, arts and crafts and outdoorlearning are for anyone aged 4-14 yearsold. Events will be held in;Newstead Village: Monday 12th –Friday 16th August 10am – 3pmNetherfield: Monday 19th –Friday 23rd August 10am – 3pmTo register your child / children or tofind out more, contact Andrew Dowlingat Gedling Borough Council on 01159013 708, or Martin CurtisCommunity Regeneration Officeron 0115 905 1515.
Fun in the rain atCalverton Play DayCalverton Play Day, held at William LeePark in April, may have attracted the rainbut it also attracted a torrent of visitors!Those who braved the weather were ableto see Gedling Homes ‘One Stop’ standshowcasing all the teams at Gedling Homes,including housing, neighbourhoods, ASB,investments and welfare reform. The police,fire and health services also took part.
Schoolholidayactivities
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Calling all budding actors and actresses!Gedling Homes is supporting a GedlingBorough Council project to develop acommunity play, based on the railwayheritage of the area.
The Netherfield play, due to be staged on aweekend in the autumn, will be part of acelebration that will include family friendlyevents, displays, walks and talks aboutNetherfield’s rich history.
If you have any interesting stories orhistorical facts about Netherfield’s railwayor would like to be involved in the play,please contact Martin Curtis, CommunityRegeneration Officer on 0115 905 1515.
Martin says:“This is a greatopportunity for local peopleto come together and bepart of a fabulous communityevent. Having been involvedin similar projects beforein other areas I can vouchthat these events makegenuine life-changingopportunities for thosewho take part.”
JOIN THE ALLOTMENT GROUP!Spaces are still available to get tips ongrowing your own fruit and vegetables.The weekly allotment group on the Killisickallotment site off Hawthorne Crescent, inArnold is open to new members.
The group meets every Tuesday morningbetween 9.30am and 11.30am and ahorticultural worker from Groundwork GreaterNottingham is on hand to advise on ‘potting on’,‘planting out’ and harvesting.
If you would like to join the group, please contact Martin Curtis at Gedling Homeson 0115 905 1515 or email [email protected]
Take a bow?
15Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Bloomin' Gardens
When Barbara Peel’s greatgranddaughter was admitted to theneo-natal unit at Queens MedicalCentre last year, her fellow members ofFoxhill Court Committee in Carltondecided to raise funds for the unit.The group of Gedling Homes’ tenants areseasoned fundraisers and work to raise moneyfor two different charities each year.
Baby Belle Tetley was born five weeks early andneeded an operation on her bowel. She spentfour weeks in the QMC unit and the FoxhillCourt residents kept up to date with Belle’sprogress during this difficult time.
Barbara said: “Because of Belle, everyoneagreed to support the unit because they allknow her. She’s a bit of a mascot here!”
Now approaching her 1st birthday, Belle is aregular visitor at the community centre’s coffeemornings with dad Chris. She is a delight to allof the residents.
A grand total of £625 was raised at the springfair in April at the Foxhill Court CommunityCentre and was open to the wider community.A big thank you to everyone who came alongto support the event.
Foxhill Courtfundraisers
o Best back gardeno Best front gardeno Best patio / yardo Best gardener,
under 16o Best individual
planter /hanging basket /window box
o Best communalgarden
o Best shelteredhousing schemegarden
o Best leaseholdergarden
o Best vegetable plot
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Community
It’s that time of year again to show offyour green fingers! Gedling Homes’residents have the chance to enterthe Bloomin' Gardens Competition.As in previous years there are a numberof categories to enter. Winners of eachcategory will be picked by Gedling Homes’staff and presented with a trophy andnational garden centre vouchers. Thecompetition is sponsored by, our partneringcontractor, Bullock.To enter complete the form below and sendto; Customer Experience Team, GedlingHomes, Gedling House, Wood Lane,Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD.Forms must be received by 9th August 2013and judging will take place on the weekcommencing 19th August.
I would like to be considered forthe following category / categories;(you may tick more than one)
16
The Tenant ScrutinyPanel -working for youGedling Homes is delighted to introducetheir Tenant Scrutiny Panel which willaim to complete three projects a year.
The Panel will be looking at policies andprocedures, interviewing staff, and speakingto tenants to help them challenge andimprove services – putting tenants at theheart of the organisation and holding GedlingHomes to account for their performanceand behaviour.
Tenants were recruited to the Panel throughan application and interview process andthe Panel is currently working with amentor from TPAS to help develop therole and guide members through the firstScrutiny project.
The panel will be attending training todevelop their skills and experience to helpthem in scrutinising services.
Their first project will be ‘complaintshandling’ where they will scrutinisecomplaints to improve the way they arehandled so customers get a better, moreopen, honest and just service
The Tenant Scrutiny Panel members are:
• Graham Weatherall• Toni Faulkner• Pat Fisher
• Dora Godfrey• Sue Munt• Colin Harrison
Colin Harrison said: “I am looking forwardto playing my part as a tenant in order tomake Gedling Homes’ procedures open,honest and fair to all tenants. It’s my hopethat all tenants will see an improvement incommunication and procedures.”
Fellow panel member Sue Munt added:“I joined Scrutiny to help maintain the highstandard of Gedling Homes and to helpdeliver an excellent service for allconcerned,”
Panel member Toni Faulkner said: “Workingas a Tenant Inspector, it was great to seehow tenants and Gedling Homes workedtogether and how Gedling Homes listenedto what tenants say. Becoming part of theScrutiny Panel will take me one step furtherin what we can do together and I’m lookingforward to seeing our achievements.”
If you would like to become involved ininspecting Gedling Homes' services why notbecome a Tenant Inspector? Contact SarahQuinn for more details on 0115 905 1515 [email protected]
17Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Extension of allotmentat Newstead - £500
Football strip, Carltonle Willows - £326
Mats & trolley, Gai-JinKarate Club - £300
Bus trip, Netherfield Parents’Forum - £520
Greenhouse & shed, MorelandCourt - £300
Coach trip, NetherfieldChildren’s Centre - £640
Bike restoration project, CentralCollege Nottingham - £1,260
Bingo machine, CoronationWalk - £150
Greenhouse & gardenfurniture, Nabarro Court - £300
Day trip & party, Carlton &Stanhope Parents’ Forum - £600
A Community Chest Panel, comprising of Gedling Homes’ staffand tenant representatives meet every quarter to consider applications.Projects awarded funds in the previous quarter are;
Gedling Homes’ Community Chest is a pot of moneythat tenants can apply to, to spend on projects thatwill improve the community in which they live.
And in the Community Chest today...
If you have an idea for aproject that will bring benefitsto your community, contactCustomer Experience for anapplication form on 0115 9051515 or [email protected]
MARCH
2013
APRIL
2013
MAY
2013
Previously funded projects include,AKRA Fun Day...Newstead Village 'A' frame...
and nature information board...
Sheltered
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A team of Sheltered Housing Coordinators (SHC) are now in post. Their mainresponsibility is to ensure the day-to-day running of the schemes, takingresponsibility for health and safety, reporting of repairs and tenancymanagement issues.
Each SHC will be responsible for either one ortwo schemes and will meet tenants at agreedtimes, offering assistance and advice inrelation to their tenancy.
Each SHC will also be able to carry outwelfare checks and advise on welfare issues.They will refer residents, where needed,to the Money Wise Team for appropriateassessment.
Sheltered Housing Coordinators
A team of Support Workers has alsobeen set up to complement the SHC.
Support to residents will be based on acomprehensive assessment of their needsand aspirations. This will follow thecompletion of a new support plan which willinclude the outcomes that a resident hasagreed with the Support Worker, as areasonable goal for them to achieve.
The Support Worker will then help andsupport the resident in reaching the chosengoals, with progress being monitored alongthe way. As part of the journey, the Support
Worker may refer the resident to otherappropriate agencies, putting togethera jigsaw of service delivery providing longterm benefit.
The outcomes of the assessments will bemeasured in five main areas;
• Economic wellbeing
• Staying healthy
• Staying safe
• Enjoying and achieving
• Making a positive contribution
Sheltered Housing Service - changes put into actionSince April the Sheltered Housing Service has been split into two separate teams, each having aclearly defined role while still being linked to ensure consistency of service delivery to residents.
Support Workers
When did you begin at Gedling Homes andwhat will you be doing?At the start of April 2013 so I’m still a bit of anewbie! I have come in to the new role ofCommunications Advisor, as a member of theCustomer Experience Team.
What were you doing before you joinedGedling Homes?My most recent role was communications forthe Big Lottery Fund in the East Midlands.Before that I worked in marketing for acompany that designed and built play areas.Many, many moons ago I was a receptionist fora Nottingham housing association, so I havesome knowledge of how the sector works.
How do you think your role will impactGedling Homes’ customers?The main reason I have been brought on boardis to talk to the customers. My aim is to keeptenants up to date with news and information,but to also listen to customers' feedback. I willbe producing News & Views, brochures andleaflets. I will also write news stories, developTwitter and Facebook and keep the website upto date. I’m afraid that Gedling Homes’ tenantsmay struggle to avoid me!
When you’re not at work,what can you mostly beseen doing?Escaping to thecountryside!Wheneverpossible I will
bundle my familyinto the car and head out of Nottingham,usually to the Derbyshire Dales.
What is your favourite holiday destination?Anywhere where the grass is green and the sunis shining. Oh, and in a tent!
What is your favourite food?I do love a good Indianmeal. My most memorabledish was at a restaurant inNewcastle. Black lentilssimmered for 24 hours.Simply the nicest curry Ihave ever tasted!
Which book are you currently reading?I have just finished ‘The Kite Runner’, and amon the lookout for something new.
What is exciting you atthe moment on TV?‘Mad Men’ and ‘Game ofThrones’, no contest.
What is the best piece ofadvice you have everbeen given?‘Pick your battles’ – I’ve learnt that it is soimportant to let some things go…
What is your idea of bliss?Sun. Grass. Ice cold lager.
How would you like tobe remembered?With a smile!
Communications Advisor, Kat Collins, talks toBarbara Wragg, Tenant
19Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
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Date Time Event Location
16-Jul 11am Killisick area Arnold Estate Meet at the corner of BirchfieldInspection Road and Hawthorn Crescent
17-Jul11.30-
Gedling SurgeryThe Ark Surgery, Wollerton
1.00pm Avenue, Gedling
17-Jul 2.30pm Ernehale Court Walk & Talk Ernehale Court
24-Jul 10am Bailey Court Walk & Talk Bailey Court
25-Jul 10amNetherfield Estate Inspection Meet at corner of Dunstan
Street & Victoria Road
30-Jul 10am Coronation Walk Walk & Talk Coronation Walk
31-Jul 10am Britannia Court Walk & Talk Britannia Court
31-Jul 11am Orchard Court Walk & Talk Orchard Court
01-Aug9.30-
Newstead Village Surgery Newstead Community Centre11.30am
01-Aug 11-12noon Netherfield Surgery St George's Centre
01-Aug 10am Walton Court Walk & Talk Walton Court
07-Aug 11am Moyra House Walk & Talk Moyra House
07-Aug 11am Bramble Court Walk & Talk Bramble Court
07-Aug 11amCarlton Estate Inspection Meet at the corner of Fraser
Road & Valley Road
21Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Events
Date Time Event Location
09-Aug9.30-
Newstead Village InspectionMeet at the
11.30am Community Centre
15-Aug 11amPrincess Close Leaseholders Meet at the garage siteWalkabout
21-Aug 10am Bailey Court Walk & Talk Bailey Court
21-Aug11.30-
Gedling SurgeryThe Ark Surgery, Wollerton
1.00pm Avenue, Gedling
28-Aug 10-12noon Editorial Panel St Andrew's House
28-Aug 10am Britannia Court Walk & Talk Britannia Court
30-Aug 10.30am Westmoore Court Walk & Talk Westmoore Court
03-Sep 2-4pm Sheltered Housing Forum Carlton House
04-Sep 2pm Seagrave Court Walk & Talk Seagrave Court
05-Sep 9.30- Newstead Village Surgery Newstead Community Centre11.30am
05-Sep 11-12noon Netherfield Surgery St George's Centre
18-Sep 10-12pm Editorial Panel St Andrew's House
18-Sep 10am Bailey Court Walk & Talk Bailey Court
24-Sep 6-8pm Princess / Queens Gedling HouseLeaseholder Forum
25-Sep 10am Britannia Court Walk & Talk Britannia Court
25-Sep 11.30- Gedling Surgery The Ark Surgery, Wollerton1.00pm Avenue, Gedling
And the winners are…A lucky tenant from Arnold has won £25 Argos vouchers for her excellentskills in sudoku, and in Calton a tenant is celebrating with £25 Tescovouchers for her successful wordsearch. Congratulations both!
Holiday Geography QuizYou can win £25 in vouchers in ourHoliday Geography Quiz competition.Please send your completed quiz to us.A winner will be picked from the correctentries on 16th August 2013.Return to: Holiday Geography Quiz, GedlingHomes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham NG4 4AD
WORDSEARCHYou can win £25 in vouchers inour “at the beach” wordsearch.Please send your completed wordsearch tous. A winner will be picked from the correctentries on 16th August 2013.Return to: Wordsearch Competition,Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane,Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4AD
Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .beach towel castle crab sand sunglasseslotion swimming suit tube ball ice cream
Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Which long river has white and blue tributaries ?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Is Perth on the west or east coast of Australia ?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. In which country is ‘Calgary’ ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Does Mumbai or Tokyo have the higherpopulation ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. What is the world’s smallest, flattest anddriest continent ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. Is Argentina in the northern or southern halfof South America ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Pakistan & Bangladesh both borderwhich country ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. Which country’s name is an anagram of ‘PURE’ ?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Fun & Games
23Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Our performance
Our performance matters at Gedling Homes. We areproud of the service we offer you, our customers,and regularly check that we’re on target.We set goals for each area of the company and herewe tell you how we’re doing in the areas whichmatter most to you.
Satisfaction & Performance Our traffic light system tellsyou how we are doing.
On target,going well
OK, work inprogress
Below target,looking toimprove
Responsive repairs works undertakenRight First Time 95.5%
All responsive repairs completed on time 88%
Rent collection rate – rolling 12 month 100.16%
Re-let time - general needs and shelteredproperties (excluding low demand)
21 days
Re-let time - general needs and shelteredproperties (including low demand)
27 days
Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs 92.96%
99%
99%
99%
24days
24days
98%
Customers satisfied with gas servicing 100%97%
Customers satisfied with investment works 100%96%
Customers satisfied with the condition ofproperty when the property was let 100%96%
Customers reporting a complaint and weresatisfied with how we dealt with it
100%80%
Customers reporting an anti-social behaviourand were satisfied with how we dealt with it 66%80%
How weare doing
What weachieved
OurtargetPerformance areas
By sending us an e-mail:General enquiries: [email protected] Involvement: [email protected] writing to us at:Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham. NG4 4ADIn person:Please visit our Customer Contact Centre on the ground floor at:The Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU.The opening times are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursdayand 9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday
This information is available in large print, audio and Braille.This information is from Gedling Homes. If you can tell us which language you speak, we willarrange for an interpreter. Or you can ask a friend or relative to phone us 0115 905 1515.
Chinese
Gujurati
Kurdish
Urdu
Polish
Contact usBy phone:24/7 Repairs line0300 0300 400Anti Social Behaviour(24 hours)0808 145 6555Rent Payments0161 331 2224(24 hour automatedpayment line)For all other enquiriesplease ring0115 905 1515and ask for the teamyou want to speak to.@Gedling_Homes
Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111
