NEW WEBSITE / MONEY MATTERS / HMS UPDATE COMPETITION & MUCH MORE...

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

OGDEN’S PLACE

FIRST DIGITALEDITION

ISSUE 18 / MAY 2016

Giving You More Through DigitalWelcome to our first digital edition of My LMH, which brings you all the great features of our old printed newsletter directly to your email inbox. By going digital we can:

• Deliver more up to date news and link directly to events and opportunities on our website

• Be more environmentally friendly in terms of using less resources such as paper

• Reduce our costs, meaning we are able to spend more improving homes and services

We have also recently launched our new website to improve our offer to customers by making it easier for you to access our services online.

Our customers are at the heart of what we do, so we worked with them to help us to develop our site, making it more useful and easier for you to find what you are looking for. We want you to be able to get to what you want in three clicks or less, so we now have a number of ‘quick links’ that will take you straight to the key things that our customers told us are most important to them.

The site also now works better for mobile phones and tablets, so customers get the same experience no matter how they are accessing our site. Other improved features include:

• A new events calendar, where you can find opportunities for training, health activities and local events

www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/monthly-events

• A blog, where we will keep you up to date with all the latest developments and opportunities

www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/blogs

• An online showcase of the homes that we have for rent including interactive maps

www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/find-a-home/homes-for-rent

We really value feedback from our customers, so please give us your comments on the site or the new digital newsletter by emailing info@liverpoolmh.co.uk

FEEDBACK

Your views are very important to us

If you would like to discuss the content of this newsletter or have an article you would like to include in a future edition

then please contact Karen Cox on:

or email us at:newsletter@liverpoolmh.co.uk

Liverpool’s popular maritime festival is returning with brand new additions to the line-up.

The International Mersey River Festival in partnership with

Kier Group returns for the fifth consecutive year on

Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June

COMPETITION WINNER!

Joseph won a £10 voucher after finding the five christmas stockings hidden in our Winter Newsletter! See our My Young LMH section

(pages 20-21) for your chance to win!

Congratulations to: Joseph Ainsworth (L5)

Africa Oyé will be flourishing in Liverpool’s Sefton Park again in 2016. It is the UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture, which takes place annually in Liverpool.

Africa Oyé 2016 will take place on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June, 12:30pm - 9:30pm both days, and admission is FREE

South Office Now Closed

Please remember that our South Office

has now closed. You can still access our

services by going to our Head Office at the

Observatory, 1 Old Haymarket or Clubmoor

Housing Office, 181 Townsend Lane. You can also contact us by: telephone 0800 678 1894

email info@liverpoolmh.co.uk

Highfield Tenant & Resident Association Highfield TARA have asked LMH to let residents living on the Highfield Estate know that they can benefit from any of these activities. If you would like to attend any of the events email highfield.tara@outlook.com or check out their facebook page for further information.

Event Date Cost Activity

Llandudno day trip 18th May - 10am Highfield Club £7.00 Limited Places

Chester Zoo trip 22nd May - 10am Highfield Club Adults £10 - Kids free Limited Places

Lunch Club - Highfield Club 3rd June 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Lunch Club - Highfield Club 1st July 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Lunch Club - Highfield Club 5th August 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Summer Fair - Springfield Park 7th August 1pm - 4pm Free Inflatables, Donkey Rides, stalls...

Lunch Club - Highfield Club 2nd September 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Market Trip October Date tbc £5.00 To be confirmed

Lunch Club - Highfield Club 7th October 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Lunch Club - Highfield Club 4th November 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Christmas Lunch Club Party 2nd December 12pm - 2pm £2.00 Lunch, Bingo, Raffle

Children’s Christmas Party 4th December - times tbc Free Tickets will be given out

Garden Makeover for Local Resident

One resident on the Coltart Estate in Granby has enjoyed a ‘Ground Force’ style makeover to their front garden as an example of how local people can improve the look of the outside of their homes and help make the whole area green and pleasant. LMH staff, the Granby Toxteth Development Trust (GTDT) and community volunteers improved the garden with beautiful flowers, which they planted raised beds made out of recycled materials such as pallets. Ivan from GTDT stated that the scheme was very positive and also involved installing bird boxes and flowers to encourage insects and birds.One of the volunteers, Gary, provided wonderful fresh hot and cold food, which was really appreciated by all LMH residents who took part. One tenant said “It’s good to see other residents getting involved and brightening up the place” Another resident who took a small pot of herbs and in return donated three pots of flowering shrubs commented “LMH should do more events that encourage residents to get involved and take care of their gardens. It encourages others to do the same and the whole street looks better.”

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Housing

The Florrie is one of the most unique heritage venues in the North West offering a wide selection of multi-purpose event spaces for hire. Our range of spaces can hold up to 250 people and are ideal for every type of occasion from meetings and conferences to weddings and family celebrations. For more info on any of these events: call 0151 728 2323 email community@theflorrie.org

Community Hub is where we organise and run a variety of FREE courses and activities for all, especially those who are feeling lonely or isolated and want to meet new people or get involved. Adult LearningMondays, 11am – 1pm

Arts & Craft Coffee MorningTuesdays 10am – 12 noon Art is for everyone Wednesdays 1-3pm, Free

Knit & Natter Coffee AfternoonThursdays 1 – 3pmWe are looking for knitters who can help us with a very special project, meet new people, and have a chat and a coffee.

Classic Film MatineeFridays 2 - 4pm You pick the movie and we source it for you.

Heritage Tours Pre-booking is essential with a maximum of 15 per tour. All tours include a free Florrie restoration DVD and Joe Devereux book.

We are continually adding to what we can offer and welcome your suggestions. Our programme changes regular so keep an eye on our website for updates: www.theflorrie.org/whats-on

• Drumming workshop every Monday 6-8pm.• Guitar for beginners and players, Weds evenings. • Café our community cafe is open every day. • Snooker - Fancy playing the 6 time world

champion Steve Davis? Meet the snooker legend 15th July 2016. For tickets please call.

• Cycling We have a range of bikes and helmets for you to borrow.

• Jimmy Cauty ADP Riot Village Tour 7th July 16• Artist Jamie Reid will be resident 1st -7th

August. Come along and watch the master at work as he creates a 20 foot wall collage.

Young People There are so many activities taking place for young people, including circus training, multi sports, ladies football, cycling club, ping pong club, dance, ukulele, karate and much more. Call in for more information. *Some of these activities may be at a small cost due to them being delivered by outside partners.

WHAT’S ON AT THE FLORRIE

The Florence Institute, 377 Mill Street, Liverpool L8 4RF

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Housing

T.A.R.D.I.S is a semi-independent group based within Liverpool Mutual Homes for Disabled Tenants and Carers of people with disabilities. T.A.R.D.I.S was formed as a customer focus group with a view to overcome the challenges faced by Disabled Tenants/Carers.

At present T.A.R.D.I.S has 12 members from across Liverpool who have an interest in working with LMH to review services, policies and also make suggestions, for adapting services, so they are more accessible for people who have a disability.

T.A.R.D.I.S can also signpost disabled tenants and carers to relevant LMH services for help.

T.A.R.D.I.S has a couple of places available on the Committee as it is about to extend the number of members to 15, so if you are interested in joining or if you think T.A.R.D.I.S could help you as a tenant in anyway, please email tardisgroup14@gmail.com

TENANTS AND RESIDENTSDISABLED IN SOCIETY

Power Cuts?Power cuts are rare, but can sometimes occur for all sorts of reasons. Many people are unsure who to call if your lights go out. It doesn’t matter who you pay your electricity bill to, SP Energy Networks are the company responsible for the distribution of electricity to your home in Liverpool. If you have a power cut or related emergency you can contact them 24/7 on 0800 001 5400, or visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk for a handy postcode lookup tool. You can also receive updates on Twitter during working hours via @spenergynetwork. SP Energy Networks hold a Priority Services Register for vulnerable customers. Once registered it helps SP Energy Networks know where additional support may be needed in the event of a power cut. If a contact mobile number is provided they will keep you up to date during a power loss in their area. The register is for people who are dependent on medical equipment, chronically sick, disabled or are those requiring special assistance. You can register by calling 0330 10 10 444 or by visiting their website.

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Housing

Dalemeadow Tenant & Resident AssociationThe Dalemeadow TARA organise many coach trips throughout the year and support events such as children’s easter egg hunts and christmas parties for both children and older people. To get involved contact Bob Tipper on 0781 821 4704 or call into the office: 54 Dalemeadow Road, Knotty Ash. ACTIVITIES FOR 20161st Monday of every month luncheon clubKnit & Natter 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Tuesdays – Computer Classes 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Thursdays – Kids craft classes 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Fridays – Computer classes 10.30am – 12.30pm

Family Fun day on 14th August

Sprucing up the area Kilrea Lodge, L11LMH staff worked in partnership with the Community Payback team, the Police and local residents to help enhance the gardens at Kilrea Lodge. The residents really appreciated the work that was done and were really happy with the results.

Helping reduce fuel bills LMH in partnership with National Energy Action based in Toxteth Town Hall have developed a project to help families in Liverpool 8 manage their energy bills. How to save energy, advice on switching energy provider and importantly save money on fuel bills.

Residents will be invited to attend four energy workshops. On completion of attending the workshops each family will receive a energy hamper worth £100. If you interested in learning more or attending please contact an LMH Customer Involvement Officer David Pye on 0759 5651 345

Before After

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Housing

Brighter Futures, based in Liverpool City Centre, are working in partnership with Liverpool FC Foundation to give young people aged between 16 and 18 a helping hand into employment by providing 8 weeks work experience at LFC. There are opportunities to work in hospitality, catering, retail, customer service and many other areas. English and maths qualifications are provided as part of the programme to those who didn’t achieve C grades at GCSE. Liverpool FC are providing branded uniforms and Brighter Futures provide a travel pass, £10 per week attendance allowance, and up to £200 in bonuses. Brighter Futures work with companies in a variety of sectors to progress their young people into apprenticeships or employment with over 70% finding employment within 6 months. Get in touch now and make the most of this fantastic opportunity call Gill Carr on 07590 440951 or email gill.carr@sysco.uk.com

Work Experience at LFC

Jackie has been attending LMH’s IT Training at the L6 community centre and feels that attending the sessions has greatly improved her future employment opportunities. Jackie has been a student for 8 months now and with our support has gained an interview with Liverpool University. Here is what Jackie had to say about her experience of our IT training:

“The reason I joined the LMH class was to do an ECDL course (European Computer Driving Licence) in order to broaden my future opportunities and give me the chance to better myself.

Doing the course has now given me the appetite to study even further and I’ve just applied for the Go Higher access course with Liverpool University.

If it wasn’t for LMH and EDT supporting me to do the ECDL, I most certainly wouldn’t have had the courage or the computer knowledge needed to apply for the Go Higher access course – for which I’m currently awaiting an interview (yay!) EDT has a wonderful staff member in Kevin Kirby. He’s been a brilliant tutor and fantastic mentor to me. He’s also a laugh, so that helps even more. I’m trying to get my friends to join the course as I know it would be of great benefit to them – it certainly has been for me.”

LMH offers IT Training for all tenants in many hubs across the city. We are confident after a few weeks you can be just like Jackie and be on your way to achieving your goal. Every day the world is becoming more computer focussed so don’t leave yourself behind. Learn at your own pace and experience the friendly atmosphere. For more information on these great free training sessions please call 0800 678 1894 and get signed up today!

Making a digital difference

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CommunityRegeneration

Ever thought about being your own boss? Dreamed about turning your hobby or great idea into a business? Self-employment is an option many people do not consider when looking for work. Whether it’s a top-up to an existing job, or something to fit around other commitments, self-employment might be right for you. The only limit for new business ideas is your own imagination.

LMH is proud to support the Enterprise Hub, a new, 3 year project to help Merseyside residents tap into their business potential. If you would like more information, please call the Enterprise Hub on 0151 706 8113 or email regeneration@liverpoolmh.co.uk

Breaking barriers to employment In April 2016 InFocus launched Breaking Barriers, an ambitious new project to help long term unemployed people find work. Working in partnership with LMH, this unique FREE programme offers people living in the L8 area individual support to get them back into work. Those who take part will receive help to overcome the barriers they face in gaining work.

The programme will help those who lack confidence, motivation and self-belief, or who have experienced mental illness. If you have been unemployed for a long time, live in the L8 area and would like help to get into work call 0151 345 6003 or email info@infocuscic.uk

LMH working in conjunction with other local housing associations, is hosting a huge jobs, apprenticeships, business advice and training event at St George’s Hall in Liverpool City Centre in June. With over a 100 exhibitor stands to visit, whether you are looking for work, to brush up your skills, learn something new, or start your own business, there will be something of interest.

Staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to assist with enquiries. A dedicated room has been set aside with laptops to apply for vacancies or courses online. If you would like your CV updating before the event, please email regeneration@liverpoolmh.co.uk for a referral to Liverpool Mutual in Work, our dedicated employment advice service.

When: 28th June 2016, 10am – 2pm Where: St George’s Hall, Liverpool City Centre

The Boss!

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CommunityRegeneration

THE BENEFIT CAPEXPLAINED

WIN £1000PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR WATER?MONEY ADVICE

WHAT’S INSIDE:

MoneyMatters

SPRING EDITION

THE NEW BENEFIT CAP WHAT IS THE BENEFIT CAP?

The Government has capped the total overall amount of welfare benefit an out of work household can receive and limited it to the equivalent of the national average earnings of a working household after tax.

The new Benefit Cap is likely to be introduced in Liverpool in the autumn of 2016. When the current Benefit Cap will be reduced further.

How could this affect you?

If you are of working age this means the total amount of welfare benefit you will be allowed to receive will be:

• £20,000 per annum or £385 per week if you are part of a couple or a lone parent.• £13,400 per annum of £258 per week if you are a single adult.

If you receive welfare benefit above this limit it will be deducted from your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing costs). This means you will be responsible for meeting the shortfall and paying your rent from your remaining benefit/income.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE BENEFIT CAPThere are some exemptions from the Benefit Cap which are as follows:

• If you qualify for or are on Working Tax Credit

• If you are above the qualifying age for Pension Credit

• If you or your partner had been in employment for at least 50 weeks out of the 52 weeks

before your last day of work

• If you are in receipt of the following benefits, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence

Payment (PIP), Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), the support component of Employment

and Support Allowance, Industrial Injuries Benefit and equivalent payments as part of a War

Disablement Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, War Widows or Widowers pension

• If a child or young person for whom you are responsible gets DLA, PIP or AFIP

• If you are in receipt of Guardians Allowance or Carers Allowance

Over the coming months we will be contacting customers who will be affected by the Benefit Cap. If you would like more information on the Benefit Cap please ring LMH Connect on 0800 678 1894 and ask to speak to a member of the Welfare Reform team.

CURRENT CAP

NEW CAP

Single Person2 Parent Family

£500 £500£385 £385 £258

Single Parent Family

£350

CHANGESFOR 2016E X P L A I N E D

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MoneyMatters

Money Matters

Your chance to win up to £1000 Did you know if you pay by Rent by Direct Debit you could be entered into our quarterly prize draw and could win up to £1,000.

Direct Debit is a payment that can be set up on any date or frequency and taken directly from your bank account. Call 0800 678 1894 to set up a Direct Debit or visit your nearest LMH Office. If you pay by Direct Debit for 6 consecutive months you are automatically entered into a quarterly prize draw. Our Direct Debit Prize Draw winners for Spring 2016 were:

1st prize £1,000 - Mr N of Liverpool 20 2nd prize £500 - Miss M of Liverpool 4 3rd prize £250 - Mrs W of Liverpool 15

TEXT for a balance of your rent account It is important that you keep your rent account up to date as falling into rent arrears could put your home at risk. To help you manage your rent account LMH offer a free text service. You can find out the current balance of your rent account by just sending a text to 07538 450 450, texting the words bal or balance. Pictured below is an example of the text message you will receive which will show your balance at the close of business from the previous day. If you would like this service it is important we have your up to date mobile phone number. Contact LMH Connect if you would like us to update your contact details.

Manage your rent account online Did you know you can:

• Pay your rent

• See your rent balance

• Look at your rent history

You will need to log onto our new website www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org and set up your account. Once your account is set up you will have 24/7 access to manage your rent account.

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ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR WATER?Are you paying more than £250 per year for your water? Are you or a member of your household in receipt of Pension Credit (either Pension Guarantee Credit or Pension Credit Savings)?

Under the Help to Pay Scheme with Unitied Utilities you may be able to reduce your water charges to £250 a year if you meet their affordability criteria. Many of our tenants who have applied for the Help to Pay Scheme are already making savings on their water charges. Below are just a couple of examples:

Mr & Mrs A have made a saving of £387 per year after being awarded the reduced payment

of £250 under the Help to Pay Scheme

Mrs O made a saving of £345 per year after being awarded the reduced payment of £250

under the Help to Pay Scheme.

Please contact Mandy Taylor, Community Regeneration Officer, on 0800 678 1894 who will be able to give you more information about the scheme and assist you with your application form.

Are you struggling with debt? Do you need help with benefit advice?Raise is a specialist welfare benefits and debt advice team which offers LMH customers support and practical help in claiming benefits, dealing with debt and assistance with money management. In partnership with LMH, Raise hold surgeries for LMH customers every Thursday morning at our Head Office, The Observatory, 1 Old Haymarket, Liverpool, L1 6RA.

To arrange a free appointment with a specialist advisor contact LMH Connect on 0800 678 1894 and ask to speak to a member of the Income Services Team who can book you an appointment.

Illegal Money Lender ‘The Loan Shark’If you have used a Loan Shark to get you out of a tight spot and are scared or being threatened for repayments ring the Illegal Money Lending Team who will give confidential help and advice.

0300 555 2222reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

Text loan (space) shark (space) + your message to 60003

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Money Matters

Email sales@liverpoolmh.co.uk or call James Southern on 0151 235 2386 to register your interest.

The next sites we will have homes for Shared Home ownership on are: Former Ogden’s Factory, West Derby Road, close to Liverpool City centre, will include a mix of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom new build houses available for shared ownership, a total of 43 houses will be available with the first phase anticipated to be ready in September 2016

Huyton Leisure Centre (Harrington Place), Roby Road, Roby, 4 x three bedroom new build houses will be available to buy through shared ownership. Houses are due to be ready in March 2017.

Bridgefield Forum (Goddard Place), Cartbridge Lane, Halewood, a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom, new build houses are due to be ready on this site in January 2018. A total of 10 houses will be available to purchase under shared ownership.

OWN YOUR OWN HOMETHROUGH SHARED OWNERSHIP

Following LMH’s successful pilot Shared Home Ownership scheme on Granby Four Streets, further developments including homes for sale through the scheme are due to be released soon.

Shared Home Ownership is an affordable home ownership product allowing people the opportunity to access the property ladder who may otherwise be restricted. The product is very flexible and works by allowing a buyer to purchase between 25-75% of the properties market value. A subsidised rent on the share which remains in LMH’s ownership is then payable. It is possible to eventually ‘staircase’ up to 100% ownership. Eligibility checks are carried out by www.helptobuynw.org.uk where more information on how the scheme works together

with eligibility criteria can be found.

LMH will be launching official marketing campaigns leading up to completion dates on each site, at which point you will be able to apply to buy via www.helptobuynw.org.uk. In the meantime we are collecting details of interested parties for these and our future sites.

Example of 3 bed property to be built on the former Ogdens Factory site

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Development

DEVELOPMENT UPDATELMH is are on site with a number of projects across the city and have recently started on six new sites. These will offer a mix of rental and shared ownership and begin to complete by the end of this year.

Tetlow Street 16 Houses for Affordable Rent due for completion in Spring 2017

West Derby Road 120 Houses, a mix of Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership. Phase one due in Autumn 2016

Everton Road 10 Houses for Affordable Rent due for completion in Spring 2017

Hewitson Road 8 houses for Affordable Rent due for completion in Spring 2017

Boaler Street 35 Houses for Affordable Rent due for completion in Spring 2017

Tynwald Hill 14 Houses for Affordable Rent first phase due for completion in Winter 2016

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Development

Liverpool Garden Competition 2016

Now Including

Sefton Liverpool Housing Associations and Liverpool City Council are proud to be organising a combined Garden Competition in 2016.

Best Container GardenThis includes balconies, hanging baskets troughs and tubs.

Best Communal GardenThis includes communal gardens in blocks of flats and gated alleyways.

Best Community Project GardenThis includes community centres, church grounds, allotments and any vacant land that has been developed into a beauty spot.

Best Garden over 60’s age groupThis includes either front or back gardens.

Best Garden under 60’s age groupThis includes either front or back gardens.

Best Terraced yardA rear yard garden.

Best Sheltered Housing GardenEither front or back garden that has been developed by the residents in the property.

Best Themed GardenThis includes any garden that is a little bit different, for example a Mediterranean garden, a recycled garden, a garden wholly devoted to growing fruit and vegetables, a colour themed garden, a wildlife garden.

Best Restricted Impairment GardenThis is open to any age group where the gardener has a medical impairment.

Why don’t you let us see beyond your fences and enter this year’s competition!

We have many different categories to choose from. This is a combined garden competition involving the majority of Housing Associations across Liverpool and now including Sefton.

To take part just complete our online application form. You will be contacted after the closing date to arrange for a judge to view your garden in June.

If you are successful then you will be put through to the main judging that will take place in July with an independent judge.

Those people shortlisted for an award will be invited to our magnificent awards evening that will be held at the Devonshire House Hotel on Friday 21st October. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category of £100, £50 and £25 plus Individual Landlord prizes of £100.

So what are you waiting for?

Closing date

Friday

20th May

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MoneyMatters

Recognising people, who go the extra mile in life or support older people in their neighbourhood.

CATEGORIESThe Outstanding Community Volunteer award

Our winner may have an older neighbour that they look after. They could go out of their way to make sure older neighbours are ok, or volunteer in the community for an organisation that supports older people.

The Outstanding Active Person award

Our award winner could be running a marathon, be a frequent visitor to the gym, attend dance classes or be involved in other physical activity. They most likely run rings round the rest of us!

Outstanding Skilled/Interesting Person/Life Long Learning award This winner could have a special skill that they share with their community, which could be anything from dressmaking, gardening or DIY to cooking. They may have a special story to tell with an amazing history; or they could still be studying, learning new skills and sharing their knowledge with others.

The Outstanding Carer award Our Outstanding Carer will be over 65 and looking after another person, providing support and the gift of love to someone in need. This caring winner will have given up their own time to care for someone else.

The Outstanding Older Person Initiative award This award will go to a Sheltered Scheme, Organisation or an Older People’s User Group that has developed a project which will improve the lives of our older people in the community.

The Outstanding Older Person Agency award We want to recognise an agency that cares for older people on a daily basis, whether that is by providing food, care, exercise or transport etc. Is there an agency you think should be recognised? Then we want to hear from you!

The Smile award Sponsored by Ricky Tomlinson this is a very special award; we want you to nominate yourself or someone you know that goes that extra mile, would do anything for anyone, sings a song, tells a good joke, gives you a cuddle or puts a smile on your face.

PRIZESPrizes include 1st, 2nd and 3rd place of £100, £50 and £25 for individual winners and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place of £500, £250, and £125 for the agency and initiative awards.

A panel of judges will carry out the initial shortlist of entrants at the end of June. We will then contact shortlisted people to arrange a short interview which will help the judges to pick the winners in July.

If you are shortlisted you will be invited to attend the prestigious awards evening on 23rd September at the Devonshire House Hotel in Edge Lane. Those not shortlisted will receive notification by the end of July.

Simply complete our online application form.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS FRIDAY 10th

JUNE 2016We’re looking for: • Outstanding older people (over 65)

• Organisations, initiatives or individuals who support

or care for older people

• You, so don’t forget you can nominate yourself!

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MoneyMatters

IT’S NOT OK!to leave a home this way

LMH spends almost £500,000 a year clearingthe mess left behind by departing tenants.

When you move out of your home your tenancy agreement responsibility is to

Clear out all your furniture, belongings and rubbish

Leave your home and garden in a good, tidy condition

Please pass your home on in good condition. Remember you will be charged for rubbish removal.

PRODUCT RECALLWe have been made aware of a technical fault in a small number of Center brand 2kW fan heaters (product code 105161) that may cause safety issues. There is a risk of the plug and/or fuse overheating and could be a fire hazard.

The suppliers are recalling this product, which may have been supplied to you between January 2014 and March 2016. We have been contacting customers who may have been given this product when they have been awaiting repairs to their heating. If you have been given one of these heaters please do not use it and contact LMH Connect on 0800 678 1894 to arrange collection.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

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Awards2015

It is a legal requirement that every LMH flat has a fire door and that the fire door has an automatic closing device fitted to it called a ‘door closer.’ When closed a fire door it gives you and your neighbours 30 minutes to escape from a fire. This would also allow time for the Fire Brigade to attend and safely carry out their duties.

Disconnecting the ‘door closer’ is dangerous, can render the door ineffective in the event of fire and would be a serious breach of your tenancy conditions. If your ‘door closer’ is missing or defective please contact LMH to have it repaired or replaced.

DOOR CLOSERS SAVE LIVES

Remember ‘door closers’ save lives, so please do not remove them. They are there to keep you and everyone else in your block safe. They prevent fire spreading! If the ‘door closer(s)’ in your block of flats have been removed please contact us.

Fire can spread quickly. Please do not remove any internal doors or ‘door closers’ in your home because they help stop fire spreading. If a fire (even a small fire) starts in your flat, you must:

• Leave the property as soon as possible (make sure that others also leave).

• Close doors and windows behind you, if possible, to stop any flames and smoke spreading.

• Once out of the property, do not go back in to save belongings or pets.

• Call the fire brigade (999).

• Warn your neighbours.

• Notify LMH.

What is a fire door?

Fire doors help to prevent fire and smoke from spreading by trapping fire and smoke in one area of a building for up to 30 minutes. That gives enough time for anyone inside the building to evacuate safely.

What does a fire door look like? You can identify a fire door by looking out for:

• A ‘Fire Door’ sign or a ‘Keep Closed’ sign

• ‘Door closers’

• Smoke seals around the edge of the door or the frame

How do you know if a fire door is working properly? To work, they need to be:

• Kept closed at all times (please don’t prop them open)

• In good working order with no visible damage. If you notice that any of the fire doors in your building are damaged, please report it straight away to LMH.

CLOSING THE DOOR ON FIRE

IF THE ‘DOOR CLOSER(S)’ IN YOUR BLOCK HAVE BEEN REMOVED PLEASE

CONTACT US STRAIGHT AWAY

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Digitalby default

Your local Building & Maintenance Company

Customer Service Excellence

HMS have produced a short video which could help you if your boiler stops working. The video features a number of instructions that could help get your boiler back up and running in no time at all and reduce the need to request an engineer to visit your home.

To view the video please go to:www.housingmaintenancesolutions.org/resetyourboiler

Following customer experience training for all staff, entitled ‘HMS People Care’, HMS underwent a review to become accredited against the Customer Service Excellence standard.

Following the three day comprehensive assessment, the Independent assessor Mick Lynch commented, “The organisation was clearly focussed on providing the best service for its service users. Staff that worked for HMS came across as being firmly committed to the success of the organisation through the provision of effective services to the people that came into contact with them.”

HMS Managing Director, Paul Worthington commented, “Different to other contractors, we identify ourselves as a customer service company delivering maintenance and construction activities. It’s important that organisations providing services need to be efficient, effective and excellent, with the customer at the heart of everything they do. That’s why we wanted to go beyond delivering training to embedding a way of working within the organisations culture”

“We are really pleased to be awarded the accreditation and recognise that this supports our drive for continuous improvement.”

18

HMSUpdate

LMH, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, Plus Dane Group and the Community Land Trust (CLT) embarked on a major £14m regeneration project in the Spring of 2014 to bring 110 empty properties back into use within the ‘Granby Four Streets’ renewal Area of Liverpool 8.

The Granby Four Streets comprise two and three storey pre-1919 terraced houses in close proximity to Princes Park, Princes Avenue and Canning Street conservation areas. It has a vibrant multi ethnic/multi faith community and is in easy access to the city centre, the Women’s Hospital and Liverpool’s Universities.

LMH appointed HMS to refurbished homes on Jermyn and Cairns Street, which comprise of:

• 25 TWO BED HOUSES• 14 THREE BEDROOM HOUSES• 8 FOUR BEDROOM HOUSES

The work has now been completed and the homes have been made available through rent and shared ownership.

The new residents are now enjoying their fully refurbished homes, with modern interiors, high specification kitchens and bathrooms, Eco-Tech boilers, double glazing and high levels of insulation.

Transforming Granby Four Streets

High specification bathrooms

High specification kitchens

19

HMSUpdate

ISSUE 18MAY 2016

COMPETITION We have hidden 5 Spring Flowers (like the one shown here) in this newsletter. When you find them, pop the page numbers on a piece of paper (with your full name, address, age and contact details) and put it in an envelope addressed to: Freepost LMH (no stamp required) before the 10th June 2016.

The winner will be picked at random and will receive a £10 gift voucher.Competition for under 12’s only

What’s On?There’s loads of free things to do for families and childrenthroughout Spring and Summer across Liverpool. Three great places to find up to date information and dates are:

www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/monthly-events

www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids

We will be organising lots of Spring/Summer activities for children both inside the Florrie and out in the local community as part of our Activ8 programme such as: • Table tennis tournaments• Family Cycle Rides• Walk and Talks• Activity weekends To get involved contact Tim on 0151 728 2323 or email community@theflorrie.org.

The Florrie Activ8

20

My YoungLMH

2016

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: FARMERS MARKET / FAIR RIDES / TRY A TRADE

PRIZE BINGO / HIGH TEA / COMPETITIONS HELP AND ADVICE & LOTS, LOTS MORE

2 FREE FAMILY FUN DAYS OUT

Head Office @ The Observatory, 1 Old Haymarket, Liverpool, L1 6RA.

info@liverpoolmh.co.uk www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org

LMH Connect0800 678 1894

Childline0800 1111

Crime Stoppers0800 555 111

Emergency Gas Leaks0800 111 999 24 hour

Emergency Water Leaks0800 330 033 24 hour

NHS Advice111

The Samaritans08457 909 090 (national)0151 708 8888 (local)

Drugs / Alcohol helpline0800 776 600 / 0800 917 8282

Age Concern0151 330 5678

Careline0151 233 3800

Benefits Service0151 233 3009

Council Tax0151 233 3008

RAISE (Welfare Rights)0151 291 7850

RSPCA 24 hours cruelty line0300 1234 999

Liverpool Direct 0151 233 3000 / 3001

Domestic Violence helpline freephone0808 2000 247 24 hour

Useful Numbers