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“LUMINUS HELPED TURN MY LIFE AROUND” News and more from one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK Autumn 2009 Issue 38 7 15 10 8 COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS LUMINUS BUILDS NEW HOMES HELP WITH RENT VOICE YOUR CHOICE
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Page 1: Luminus News Autumn 2009

RESIDENTSCONFERENCE“LUMINUS HELPED TURN MY LIFE AROUND”

LuminusNEWSNews and more from one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK Autumn 2009 Issue 38

7 15108COMPUTERSFOR SCHOOLS

LUMINUS BUILDSNEW HOMES

HELP WITHRENT

VOICE YOURCHOICE

Page 2: Luminus News Autumn 2009

2AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

MESSAGEFROM THE GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

We have been on a journey with our residents for over ten years and we know we’ve made a big difference in many people’s lives. So I was particularly pleased to hear the views of so many at our Residents Conference on 5 September 2009.

The Luminus business is all about people, their homes and their neighbourhoods. It’s also

about their hopes and heartaches. The conversations we had at the Conference helped us see

how much Luminus residents appreciate and value the special relationship we have together.

We heard about some of the good things that have been going on and residents also took the

opportunity to talk about what needs to continue to change. All of that was very helpful.

WE’RE WINNING - TOGETHER!

Residents responded enthusiastically at our conference

Page 3: Luminus News Autumn 2009

3 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

Now we are looking forward. We are moving into a new stage of helping people to get involved at the most local level possible. We want to support our residents in getting improvements in their neighbourhood. If it’s something we can do, then we will. If it’s another organisation, then we’ll be trying to get them to act.

One point that several residents made was that they want to encourage more young people and those with families to get involved. We agree and are looking at ways to take this forward. If you have ideas, then please get in touch with me.

Residents were very optimistic about the future, while being concerned that we are now living in a “broken Britain” and it was exciting to see their enthusiasm about moving forward on our Road to Renewal over the next ten years – our “2020 Vision”.

We want all our residents to get involved in helping us make a positive difference in neighbourhoods and

communities. This way we’ll change things for the better in the wider world. We’ve done so successfully since 2000. We can do even more.

Let’s win TOGETHER!

CONTENTSPage 2 We’re Winning - Together!Page 4 Residents ConferencePage 6 Leadership and Service Excellence 2009Page 7 Computers for Schools and Tenant Void VisitPage 8 Getting Involved and Voice Your ChoicePage 9 Community Action and Luminus Performance ReviewPage 10 Paying Your RentPage 11 Customer Satisfaction and Going LocalPage 12 Oak FoundationPage 13 Stay Safe in Your HomePage 15 Luminus DevelopmentsPage 16 Respect - Responsible ParentingPage 17 Wheelie Bin Etiquette and Fire SafetyPage 18 Testing your Boiler and Condensation in homesPage 19 Save Money by Saving Water and Firework Safety

Tell us what you think

Your views are important to us. Please tell us what you think about Luminus News. Call 01480 428707/8 or email [email protected]

The Luminus business is all about people

Page 4: Luminus News Autumn 2009

4AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

Luminus invited tenants and leaseholders to Brook House on Saturday 5 September to take part in the first Residents Conference.

Over 100 people attended the conference to give their views and hear about Luminus’ new approach to resident involvement. The event was described by attendees as ‘a very enjoyable and informative day’, ‘both interesting and informative’ and ‘a relaxed morning giving lots of information in a short time, by friendly and approachable people.’

The day started with Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, welcoming residents and giving a short talk about performance over the past ten years and the future of Luminus Group. Nigel Finney, Director of Operations then took residents through what Luminus offer to individuals and communities in the area.

Residents were given an opportunity to ask questions and give their views. Every attendee received a pack that included two ‘My Big Idea’ cards that they were encouraged to fill in with an idea that could improve their neighbourhood. The ideas were displayed in the room, and Luminus will review each idea.

RESIDENTS CONFERENCE

“I’M SURE THAT THIS CONFERENCE WILL CONTINUE FOR MANY MORE YEARS TO COME. LUMINUS HAS MADE ME REALISE HOW MUCH IT HAS HELPED TURN MY LIFE AROUND OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, AND I HOPE THAT IT WILL CONTINUE.”

Tenant Involvement Officer Tracey Stone with Georgina

Chan Abraham with a raffle winner

David Vessey addresses the audience

Page 5: Luminus News Autumn 2009

5 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

Luminus staff were available to answer queries about individual cases and sign up volunteers to the new Street Representatives scheme which aims to give people greater opportunity to report issues and create closer communities.

In the raffle, two lucky attendees were awarded with £50 of Hope vouchers to use at the Hope low cost household goods sale after the conference.

All attendees enjoyed a complimentary buffet after the event and a chance to socialise with each other and Luminus staff.

Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive said,

“We are delighted at the success of Luminus’s first Residents Conference. It is very important that our tenants feel they are part of the Luminus family and can accompany us on the Road to Renewal to improved communities.

Luminus has experienced great success over the past ten years with consistently high customer satisfaction levels, three star ‘Extraordinary’ Best Companies status and twelfth place in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For. This Residents Conference laid the foundation for success over the next ten years.”

Luminus Residents Conference attendees

Mrs Gibson gives feedback from the stage

Page 6: Luminus News Autumn 2009

6AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

Over 110 delegates from local and national businesses attended Leadership and Service Excellence to gain practical hands-on advice about how to succeed in these difficult economic times.

The event was hosted by Chan Abraham, Group Chief Executive of Luminus and founder of Leadership International.

In one morning, delegates heard “how to give great customer service” from Paul Ambrose, Operations Solutions Lead at BAA Stansted and the key attributes of “leadership that succeeds through recession” from David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation. Peter Hubbard, a partner of Anthony Collins Solicitors, encouraged delegates to view the challenge of regulation as an opportunity for exceeding in excellence.

The thought-provoking and inspiring conference continued with intensive workshop sessions in five areas ranging from ‘How to get three stars in Short Notice Inspection’ to ‘Redesign and future-proofing your business.’

Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, said,

“In 2009 our year of Transformed Lives and Excellent Outcomes, this conference shared our expertise in customer service, the secrets of success that led to us to an outstanding result in Short Notice Inspection and our innovative leadership style.

Following our success in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, our 3 star ‘extraordinary’ Best Companies status and our five RoSPA Gold awards, Luminus is now helping other businesses achieve the highest standards in leadership and service excellence.’

Luminus held the region’s premier event for business professionals at Brook House, Huntingdon on Wednesday 8 July 2009.

LEADERSHIP & SERVICEEXCELLENCE 2009

Nigel Finney and tenants host the 3* Inspection Workshop

Paul Ambrose, David Orr, Peter Hubbard and Chan Abraham at the Q&A session

Page 7: Luminus News Autumn 2009

7 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLSLuminus has donated over 100 computers to several local schools including Bushmead, Ramsey Community School and St Mary’s School.

The computers will be used for a variety of educational needs. For example, in Ramsey Community School the 200 pupils will now benefit from a computer in every classroom.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham, said,

“In 2009, our year of Transformed Lives and Excellent Outcomes, Luminus is delighted to be able to help Huntingdonshire schools with these donations. We believe in supporting all members of the community and I hope this gift will enable local young people to enhance their education.”

COMMITTED TO IMPROVING OUR HOMES

Tenant members of the Design Review Group have been reviewing the specification and procedures Luminus follows when homes become empty after the previous tenant has moved.

Two visits were made to an empty home in St Ives. One before any work had been carried out, where they made recommendations for

improvements, and again after the work had been completed by our trade teams to assess the quality of work carried out in the home and garden area.

The group assessed the works and the overall cleanliness prior to the home being re-let to a new tenant. We await their report and will give details in a later issue of Luminus News.

Members of the Design Review Group tour the empty home

Computer donation at Bushmead School

Page 8: Luminus News Autumn 2009

8AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

Eynesbury Neighbourhood Management Advisory Group (ENMAG) is working in partnership with Luminus

and Huntingdonshire District Council to give away £70,000

to local community and statutory groups. The groups that apply for the money must either be based in Eynesbury or be able to demonstrate that their work substantially benefits Eynesbury residents.

Groups can apply for between £250 and £7,500 for projects that will tackle areas such as employment, education, skills and training, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, improving transport and mobility, enhancing the environment and community empowerment.

In October a “Decision Day” event will take place where Eynesbury residents will decide which groups will receive funding and how much.

We warmly encourage groups to apply for this funding by calling Tracey Croucher, Luminus Financial Inclusion Officer on 01480 428575 or email [email protected].

GETTING INVOLVED - SERVICE STANDARDSLuminus Service Standards explain what residents can expect with regard to service delivery. Our Scrutiny Panel will shortly review our performance.

Following the Panel’s review, we will make the agreed changes to the Service Standards.

If you would like to be involved with this process, please contact Tracey Stone, Tenant Involvement Officer by calling 01480 428541.

How would you spend £70,000?NeighbourhoodManagement

EYNESBURY ON THE UP

The Voice Your Choice logo is based on an idea by Paula Snapskuuskaite who won the “Voice Your Choice Design a

Logo” competition

Page 9: Luminus News Autumn 2009

9 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

Residents in Eynesbury have applauded Luminus for leading a major spring clean of o f the area as part of the Group’s commitment t o supporting communities.

Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, spearheaded the campaign, supported by over 30 Luminus employees, as well as Luminus tenants and local councillors.

Declaring their intentions to leave Eynesbury cleaner than when they started, the volunteers filled over 35 sacks of rubbish as well as a discarded shopping trolley.

With this edition of Luminus News you will find our annual Luminus Performance Review 2008-09.

This shows how we have performed in our main activities and also gives information about our customer focused services and continued commitment to making your communities better places to live.

COMMUNITY ACTION IN EYNESBURY

LUMINUSPERFORMANCE

REVIEW3 October 2009

Voice Your Choice Decision Day, St Neots Community College, Eynesbury

8 - 10 October 2009

Huntingdon Continental Market

24 October 2009

Raphael Wallfisch & Raphael Terroni Cello and Piano Recital, Hinchingbrooke PAC

28 October 2009

Oak Foundation Forum, Windsor Court, Somersham

24/25 November 2009

Equality Impact Assessment (Income Collection and Support), Brook House, Huntingdon

16 December 2009

Carols for Christmas, Brook House, Huntingdon

DIARY DATES

The Luminus Community Team - ready for action!

Callum and Robert with a shopping trolley full of rubbish

Page 10: Luminus News Autumn 2009

10AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

INSPECTION PLAN UPDATE

The inspectors were impressed by our future plans and have recognised that there are ‘excellent prospects for improvement’.

We are happy to demonstrate to our regulator the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) how we are implementing the proposed actions.

We are providing the TSA with regular updates outlining our position against proposed actions, including completed actions with evidence.

We are confident that our customers will benefit from enhanced service delivery through this process.

Luminus is required to provide updates of outcomes and service improvements following recommendations made by the Audit Commission during January’s Short Notice Inspection.

PAYING YOUR RENT

REMEMBER: GET IN TOUCH NOW!THE LONGER YOU LEAVE A PROBLEM

THE WORSE IT BECOMES

It is estimated that 25% of households sometimes struggle to pay bills. The current recession makes it even more difficult to cope. At times like this, it is especially important to prioritise your outgoings according to their importance.

Your first priority must be your rent. If you do not pay this, you could lose your home.

If you ever have problems in paying your rent contact your Revenues Officer immediately so we can help you. You do not always have to pay all your arrears off at once.

We will work out a repayment plan that you can afford, and can advise you of other help that might be available. If you do not make contact, or make payment, we will take further action (including eviction, as the last resort).

Our Income and Benefits Advisor, Sue Cargill, can help to maximise your income. She can be contacted on 01480 428521.

Her surgeries are advertised on the back of the quarterly rent statements. You can also get advice from a Housing Law Centre, Citizens’ Advice Bureau or a solicitor.

Page 11: Luminus News Autumn 2009

11 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

CUSTOMER SATISFACTIONCaroline Howard, Luminus’ Customer Relations Officer, has contacted individual customers who stated they were ‘very dissatisfied’ with Luminus’ services in the customer opinion survey of December 2008. We did this for several reasons:

we wanted to resolve any • outstanding issues that were causing individual tenants to feel aggrieved

we wanted to identify • how services to customers could be improved as a

result of tenants’ negative experiences

we wanted to learn from • mistakes and put things right, both for the individual and for all those accessing our services.

Tenants were appreciative that Luminus had taken the time to contact them regarding their survey responses, and as a result tenants’ perceptions of the organisation were turned around from a negative to a positive on many occasions.

We are always very pleased to receive your feedback and comments on the wide range of services we provide to our customers in the communities we serve. Over the years, particularly through our Customer Opinion Surveys, you have told us that you are generally pleased with the services that we provide.

We use this feedback, along with the information we get from our Mystery Shoppers, Disability Advisory Panel and the Tenants Services Consultative Forum to help shape and improve our services going forward.

We now have an exciting opportunity to take this a step further by asking, “What matters to you in your local neighbourhood?” Our customer opinion surveys tell us that residents feel that important issues are things like anti-social behaviour, litter, graffiti and environmental management. Of course, there may be other things that you are interested in.

So, this is your opportunity to tell us what you are interested in, and what you would like Luminus to report back to you on. We plan to report back to residents, in their particular neighbourhoods on what is important to them and what progress is being made.

These reports can cover the services that Luminus provides, and services that other agencies are responsible for such as street lighting, litter picking or even policing.

We, and the Tenants Services Consultative Forum, are eager to hear your views on this important project.

You can email [email protected], or telephone Nairn Davidson our Performance Review Supervisor, on 01480 428724.

GOING LOCAL

What matters to you in your local neighbourhood?

Caroline HowardLuminus Customer Relations Officer

Page 12: Luminus News Autumn 2009

12AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

“IN BLOOM”

CAMBRIDGECELEBRATES

AGE

The Out and About service has a calendar of events for the winter months, these include pantomimes, theatre trips and the popular Wicksteed show.

There are other trips to local attractions and if anyone has a request to go to a special event in the area please let us know. Remember that shopping trips are free to members with your bus pass.

All events will be detailed in your winter newsletter or you can call 01480 428428 for further details.

The Oak Foundation sheltered schemes have a full programme of Cambridge Celebrates Age events in October.

These range from healthy eating breakfasts to how to use your mobile phone. If you are over 60 years old and would like to know if there is an event you could attend in your area contact Ruby on 01480 428562.

To book or for further information please call

01480 428428

Several sheltered schemes took part in their local ‘In Bloom’ competitions and received good reports and certificates for their efforts.

OAK FOUNDATION

Visiting the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge

Peter Smith, Out and About Bus Driver with Out and About members

Gardens at The Close in St Neots

Page 13: Luminus News Autumn 2009

13 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

LOCAL POLICE SURGERIESNeighbourhood panel meetings give residents the chance to directly address issues in their area and use the skills and resources of police and partner agencies.Every three months Luminus, other partner agencies and the police meet local residents to discuss any issues in the area. The priorities which neighbourhood officers and partner agencies will tackle before the next panel meeting are then decided upon.

Date Area Venue TimeTuesday 13 October Ramsey Warboys Parish Centre 7.30pm

Wednesday 14 October Eynesbury Winhills School 7.30pm

Thursday 15 October St Ives Wheatfields School 7.30pm

Thursday 15 October St Neots & District Priory Centre 7.30pm

Wednesday 2 December Yaxley NPT Old School Hall in Sawtry 7.30pm

Wednesday 9 December Oxmoor & Hartford Maple Centre, Oxmoor 7.30pm

Wednesday 16 December Huntingdon & District Grafham Village Hall TBC

STAY SAFE IN YOUR HOMEHow to beat the boguscallerIf in doubt,keep them out!

STOPIs anyone EXPECTED?Back door LOCKED?

Put CHAIN ON beforeopening the door.

Ask for caller’s I.D.Check it by PHONE.

CHAIN

CHECK

Home or away – keep all doors

LOCKEDMost people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home.

They are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’, whose only aim is to steal money or valuables.

Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, police, health organisations or gas, water or electricity companies.

They can be convincing and persuasive and be men, women or even children.

Lock, Stop, Chain and Check

Follow these steps whenever an unknown caller comes to your door.

LOCK: Keep your doors locked, even when at home and do not leave keys in the locks.

STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Look through the spy hole or window to see who it is.

CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep it on while you are talking to caller. Some bogus callers call on older and vulnerable people saying they need help urgently. Only go to help them if you have someone else with you.

CHECK: If the caller looks official, always ask for and carefully check their identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment. If you are not expecting them and they have not shown you an identity card, do not let them in until you have double-checked that the caller is genuine.

REMEMBER: IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT!

Page 14: Luminus News Autumn 2009

14AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

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WINNER SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR

Come and visit our shop where you will find an excellent range of new and used household furniture and furnishings at affordable prices. If you can provide proof of benefits you will receive a 10% discount!

Page 15: Luminus News Autumn 2009

15 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

Kings Warren, Red Lodge, Bury St Edmunds

Luminus has accepted handover of 14 one and two bedroom flats, and one two bedroom house, for affordable rent at the large development of Red Lodge in Bury St Edmunds.

These homes have been developed to a high standard by Crest Nicholson.

The second phase of this development is expected to be ready for handover later this year, this will offer two, three and four bedroom houses for affordable rent.

Moorhouse Drive, Huntingdon

The development at Moorhouse Drive is progressing well, with Luminus having now accepted handover on half of the affordable rent homes, developed by Croudace Homes.

These homes offer excellent accommodation of two and three bedroom houses, with more houses and two maisonettes expected early autumn.

The location close to the town centre, coupled with the standard of the build, make these highly sought after affordable homes.

Kaleidoscope (Cambridge University Press),Cambridge

The Cambridge University Press (CUP) site is being transformed into a highly contemporary and sophisticated collection of one and two bedroom apartments that will bring a vibrant new living space to one of the most desirable areas of Cambridge.

Luminus are accepting handover of the first affordable homes on this development, which will provide one and two bedroom apartments for shared ownership and affordable rent.

More homes will follow for Luminus in December, with the whole scheme expected to be complete in 2012.

LUMINUS BUILDS NEW HOMES

A VIBRANT NEW LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN ONE OF THE MOST

DESIRABLE AREAS OF CAMBRIDGE

Moorhouse Drive, Huntingdon

Page 16: Luminus News Autumn 2009

16AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

RESPECT - RESPONSIBLE PARENTINGParents are the greatest influence on a child’s behaviour and play a major role in promoting positive behaviour and tackling bad. Good parenting is really important in determining children’s life chances, acting as a protection against poverty, social exclusion, poor academic attainment, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Being a parent can be a difficult job and sometimes people need help to stop their children getting into trouble. Luminus have a number of voluntary interventions which can assist parents in managing their children:

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts - ABC provides the individual child with guidelines on how to behave.

Parental Control Agreements - requires the parent to exercise control over their child’s behaviour.

Parenting Support Programmes - specialist officers work with families to promote positive parenting skills.

Referral to other support programmes - designed to help with problems such as drug, alcohol etc.

FOR MORE PARENTING ADVICE VISIT:WWW.CAREFORTHEFAMILY.ORG.UK

What you do matters

You cannot be too loving

Be involved in your child’s life

Adapt your parenting to fit your child

Establish and set rules

Foster your child’s independence

Be consistent

Avoid harsh discipline

Explain your rules and decisions

Treat your children with respect

TEN USEFUL PARENTING TIPS

“Parents are the greatest

influence on a child’s behaviour”

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10 School children playing truant

Page 17: Luminus News Autumn 2009

17 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

Each council has different rules on waste collection. All councils will expect you to separate recyclable goods from household waste and will not collect refuse that has been sorted incorrectly. It is very important that you check with your local council.

Larger items will not be collected by the ordinary council collection. This includes appliances such as fridges or freezers, furniture such as armchairs or bath tubs and electricals such as televisions or computers.

These either have to be disposed of at Refuse & Recycling centres or by arranged collection with the council. The council will charge per item collected. Disposal of items on communal areas on common land is called fly-tipping and is illegal. Please seek advice before disposing of large goods.

It is important to be considerate of your neighbours when putting out your bins. Where possible, please do not obstruct paths or access points and leave enough room for wheelchairs or mobility scooters to pass.

Please put your bin out only on the day or night before it is due to be collected and remove it from the street once it is emptied. This will also lessen the opportunity for anti-social behaviour.

WHEELIE BIN ETIQUETTE

Your building has been designed and built

with fire safety in mind. The walls and

doors between flats, stairs and corridors

are specially designed to resist fire and

stop the spread of smoke.

FIRE SAFETY

ADVICE ON STAYING SAFE

The easiest way to protect your home and family from fire is with a smoke alarm.

Get it. Install it. Check it. It could save your life.

All fire doors should be kept • closed when not in useEnsure you and your family • know your escape routesDon’t block escape routes• Don’t clutter the stairs and • corridors of your buildingAs a resident, you are • responsible for ensuring that common stairs are kept clear of obstruction

and flammable materialsIf in doubt, or if you wish • to report any obstructions or flammable materials, contact Luminus on 01480 428333.

Luminus takes fire safety very seriously. We are constantly reviewing all our homes to ensure they meet with all current fire safety legislation.

HAVE YOU BINCONSIDERATE?

Be considerate in how you use your bin!

Page 18: Luminus News Autumn 2009

18AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

As winter approaches it is important for you to test your boiler and radiators to ensure they are working properly, by following these easy

steps.

Set the programmer to • heating mode

Turn the thermostat and • radiator valves up high

Check all the radiators • throughout the house to ensure they warm up without any cold spots

Please report any problems to • the Luminus Service Centre on 01480 428333.

Annual Gas Safety Checks are being carried out in all Luminus homes over the coming months. We will be checking smoke alarms, immersion heaters (if fitted) and all gas appliances.

Should we find an appliance that is dangerous the engineer will make it safe by disconnecting it from the gas supply. However, it will be your responsibility to have the appliance repaired and re-connected to the gas supply.

CONDENSATION IN HOMES

TESTING YOUR BOILER

Where does it occur?Condensation can be in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and, in fact, any rooms where there is excess moisture combined with cold surfaces and little ventilation.

Points to Remember:Produce less moisture vapour

Cover saucepans•

Dry clothes outdoors•

Ventilate your home

Ventilate rooms when in • use

Increase ventilation when • cooking, washing and drying

Keep doors shut and • windows open until the moisture has been vented outside

Ventilate cupboards and • wardrobes

If extractor fans are fitted, • use them

Consider fitting humidistat • controlled fans

Vent your tumble dryer to • the outside air

Heating your home

Keep low background heat • on all day

Find out about benefits • and help available for fuel bills.

Condensation is the most likely cause of mould growth in your home and you can do something about it! Follow the points below to help reduce condensation and eliminate mould growth.

1

2

3

4

Page 19: Luminus News Autumn 2009

19 AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

DEMONSTRATING A MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

SAVE MONEY BY SAVING WATER

FIREWORKS SAFETY CODESTAY SAFE BY REMEMBERING THESE IMPORTANT POINTS:

Just think about how long the tap is left running each time you clean your teeth, or how long the hosepipe is on while you wash your car. By making a few small changes, you can save water and money too.About a third of water used in the home is used flushing the toilet. Use a water displacement device to reduce the amount of water you use. Anglian Water offers customers a free device called ‘Save-a-Flush Freddie’ – to request a Freddie, telephone 08457 145 145 or visit www.anglianwater.co.uk.

There are numerous other easy changes:

Do not leave the tap running whilst you are • brushing your teeth A five minute shower uses half the water of a • bath, so swap your daily bath for a showerUse a water butt to re-use water from your • roof and downpipes in the garden. A standard water butt can save up to 5,000 litres of water per year.Before purchasing a new appliance, check its • water efficiency or visit www.awdirect.co.uk

SAVE MONEY BY SAVING WATERFor more information on special offers currently available on water butts and other water-saving devices visit www.awdirect.co.uk/luminus

Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks.

They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.

Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.

Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.

Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Page 20: Luminus News Autumn 2009

AUTUMN 2009 LUMINUS NEWS

LUMINUS, THE BEST HOUSING PROVIDER TO WORK FOR IN THE UK

Published by Luminus Group • Registered Office Brook HouseOuse Walk, Huntingdon PE29 3QWTel No: 01480 428777 • Fax No: 01480 428555Email: [email protected] • Website: www.luminus.org.uk

01480 428777General Enquiries

(Luminus Group Services)

Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428333Service Centre

For reporting all repairs

01480 428522Rent Enquiries - NORTH

01480 428500Rent Enquiries - SOUTH

01945 467596Luminus Ferry Project

01480 428314Leaseholder Enquiries

01480 428721Customer Relations Officer

Caroline Howard

01354 658732Hope Social Enterprises

020 7540 9820Out of Hours Emergencies

01480 428521Income & Benefits Advisor

Sue Cargill

01480 428541Tenant Involvement Officer

Tracey Stone

01480 428531Tenant Liaison Officer

Linda Bevens

If you have any comments about Luminus News or would like a large print or audio version, please contact the Communications Team on 01480 428707/8 or send

an email to [email protected]

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