WINTER 2017-18 THE SOUTH ESSEX HOMES RESIDENT NEWSLETTER

> INSIDE THIS ISSUEPAGES 4-5 | Plan to Keep your NY ResolutionsPAGE 6 | Essex SaversPAGE 9 | Meet the Careline teamPAGE 16 | Stay Well this Winter

Volunteers from The Hub joined our Hostels & Community Development Teams to decorate the lounge at the Mapleleaf hostel.

Happy New Year and welcome to the winter 2017-18 issue of Insight magazine.It’s hard to believe that we are once again marking the arrival of a new year! I hope that you have enjoyed a happy and peaceful festive season and that you are looking forward to the year ahead.For this issue, we have been pulling together details of a wide range of projects that are running across the town, which we think could be of interest to our readers. At a time of year when many of us traditionally look to make changes and improve our lifestyles, it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of help to make those goals a reality – so why not take a look at pages 4 & 5 for some inspiration? It’s amazing how much is out there for us all here in Southend so I hope you will find something that interests you. You’ll also find out more about Essex Savers on page 6 with tips on how you could improve your finances this year too!On the front page you’ll have seen a photo of staff and volunteers decorating a communal lounge at one of our hostels – a project which was arranged under our new Staff Volunteer Scheme. If you would like to suggest a project that our staff could be involved in, such as the renovation of a communal area or garden, please do let us know!I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Insight and we will be back with more in April.Best wishes

Julia PackMarketing & Communications Co-ordinator (and Editor of Insight)

Julia

2 | WELCOME

Get in touch...To send in your story ideas for future issues of Insight

Magazine, or to provide feedback on something you’ve read, contact the Editor via the following methods:

Insight Magazine, South Essex Homes, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6FYEmail: juliapack@seh.southend.gov.uk

For all telephone enquiries freephone 0800 833 160

The Hub Southend has become a Hate Crime Reporting Centre.

This new service provides members of the public with the option of reporting hate crime without needing to visit a police station, which may be intimidating for some people and potentially put them off reporting such crimes. Two of our staff members, along with two volunteers from The Hub, have been trained by Essex Police to be Hate Crime Ambassadors (see picture above) – so they are now able to offer advice on Hate Crime and give support to victims should police intervention later be necessary.

If you have experienced Hate Crime of any kind and want to talk to someone about it, then please pop into The Hub in the Victoria Shopping Centre for more information

Hate crime REPORTING CENTRES

WHEN SOMEONE IS HOSTILE TO ANOTHER PERSON BECAUSE OF THEIR

AND THEY MAY SHOW THEIR HOSTILITY THROUGH

INTIMIDATION THREATS

IT IS HATE CRIMEDAMAGING PROPERTY VIOLENCE

DISABILITY

ETHNICITY

NATIONALITY

RELIGION

SEXUALITY

TRANSGENDER IDENTITY

LEAP | 3

"Ryan from LEAP has helped me change my energy provider and I’m so pleased. I’ve

managed to save £590 a year on my electricity bill. I would never have

thought to change if he hadn’t shown me the amount I could

save each year."“Martin came to my

property and helped me with my bills. He gave me some practical

energy saving advice. He also installed lots of different measures

and I am already noticing a difference on my bills."

The Energy and Money Saving Service

How it works:If you’re eligible, you will get a FREE home visit from a friendly, qualified Home Energy Advisor. LEAP can:• Install FREE, simple energy saving measures which can save the average

household £30 on their energy bills a year.• Give you day-to-day energy efficiency hints and tips and ensure your

heating system is set up to keep you warm and save money.• Help check if you are on the cheapest energy tariffs - could save you

over £280 a year.• Arrange a FREE telephone advice service to help with benefits, debt and

other money problems.• Refer you for further energy efficiency improvements, such as loft

insulation or a new boiler.

Come along to The Hub in The Victoria shopping centre on 6th February between 10am-12pm or 1-4pm to chat to a member of our team about the LEAP programme.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is offering local residents a completely FREE OF CHARGE service called LEAP (Local Energy Advice Programme). LEAP can help you to save money and keep your home warm and cosy.

Are you eligible?You may be eligible for the LEAP service if you:• have a low income• receive tax credits• receive Housing Benefit• receive an income or

disability related benefit• have a long term illness

or disability

Call us now on

0800 060 7567*(Freephone) to book your free home visit, or apply online:www.applyforleap.org.uk*(from 8.45am till 5.30pm, Monday to Friday)

FREE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

4 | NEW YEAR - NEW YOU

If you are one of the millions of people who make personal resolutions at this time of year to change your lifestyle for the better, then Insight is here to help you

to navigate your way to success! With the help of our friends and colleagues at

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, we have compiled details of a number of

projects running across the town which may help you to keep on track with your New Years’ Resolutions and reach

the end result you desire…

SKILL-UP IN 2018The Work Skills project can help you find work that fits in

with family life. Finding work that enables you to care for young

children can be challenging, especially if you have had some time

out, but there is help available. The 'A Better Start Work Skills

Southend' project offers free courses on computing, childcare,

flexible working, interview skills and more.

We have sessions with businesses that employ parents on a flexible

basis, and mentors that can help you get the skills you need. Help is

at hand in finding a career that works for you and your family.

Free training l Careers advice and industry visits

Intro 2 Enterprise: tips and advice for starting your own business

To see our upcoming work skills events and other 'A Better Start

Southend' events visit: www.abetterstartsouthend.co.uk/events

To find out more about the exciting Work Skills project

email economicd@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 534077

The 'A Better Start Southend' programme runs in six wards across

Southend: Kursaal, Milton, Shoeburyness, Victoria, Westborough

and West Shoebury. To check if you are in a Better Start area visit

www.abetterstartsouthend.co.uk/locations

GET ACTIVE! Join our active sessions and get fit this year.

Partnerships within ActiveSouthend run sessions for people of all ages – you can choose from parkour, discounted

swimming, refreshing health walks, and Active Women sessions. There’s even walking football for those of you who’d

like a more gentle activity.The classes are very low cost; some are even free!

Have a look on the ActiveSouthend website for more information at www.activesouthend.com

and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the free and paid activities on offer.

HEALTHY EATINGGet 2018 off to a healthy start and gather some tips on

expanding your repertoire in the kitchen. Come along to one of these FREE 90 minute sessions, pop on a pinny and delight your family with delicious healthy food.

All recipes are cooked on a budget, with tips and training served up by super chef, Martin Buckley.

Thursday 1st Feb 2018 - Healthy Eating on a Budget Demo The Jordans Maple Square, 2pm -3.30pm

HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE Sam Elliott at South Essex Homes: samelliott@seh.southend.gov.uk

Shirley O’Reilly, Chair of the Southend Tenants & Residents Federation (STRF): shirley.oreilly@strf.org.uk

Thursday 8th Feb - Healthy Eating on a Budget Demo The Storehouse, 2pm -3.30pm

HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE Erica Donnelly from the STRF: erica.donnelly@strf.org.uk

P��� ���K��� ���R ��1���E���U���N�

NEW YEAR - NEW YOU | 5

MAKE 2018 THE YEAR YOU QUIT FOR GOOD!We’re here to help! Last year we successfully helped many people to stop smoking. You are four times more likely to quit with support from our Stop Smoking Services, along with the right medication, compared to trying on your own. Most pharmacies in Southend on Sea offer Stop Smoking Services at times to suit you. Alternatively you can visit your GP surgery for support from their Practice Nurse who will be a trained

Stop Smoking Advisor. They’re there to help, without any judgement.Here are our 5 Top Tips for a successful quit:• Access free professional support and use Nicotine Replacement Therapy. • Tell your friends and family you are giving up so they can support you. • Be mentally prepared and choose a quit date that’s unlikely to be stressful.• Before you quit, think of things you can do to distract yourself if you get a craving.• Avoid having any cigarettes, matches or lighters on you or in the home.For more information phone the Southend-on-Sea Stop Smoking Service on 01702 212000.

“I promised him that I'd

quit for good.“

Free support and advice are available

NOW at your local pharmacy or GP

surgery. Call the Southend-on-Sea Stop

Smoking Service for further advice on

01702 212000.

WALKING FOR HEALTHWalking is a great way to get fit, explore what's

on your doorstep and make new friends. Walking for Health is a national organisation with the aim of helping people to get active and stay active. Locally, this initiative is led by Project 49, who organise a variety of free

and friendly local short walks.

NEW WALK FOR SOUTHENDMeet outside the Cliffs Pavilion on Fridays at 10.30am. This walk takes in the cliff top and Southend seafront

and takes about 45 minutes. For more information about this and

other available walking routes, please call Angela on 07771 926932 or Project 49 on 01702 212434.

To find out more about Walking for Health, visit: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

GET ON YOUR BIKE EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE!

Hire a bike from The Comfy Saddle (http://comfysaddle.co.uk/) or

Motion Hub (http://www.southendbikeshare.com/) or buy a bargain

one from The ReCycle Centre. They have lots of affordable

re-conditioned bikes for sale and trained technicians on hand to

provide helpful advice. To find out more, email

therecyclecentre@gmail.com or call 07824 301609.

Need a refresher course? You can boost your confidence in the saddle

by taking advantage of a subsidised adult cycle training session from

South Essex Active Travel. Don’t have a bike?

Don’t worry. Cycle and helmet hire will be provided.

Email ideasinmotionsouthend@southend.gov.uk or phone

01702 215338 to book a training session.

SHARE A LIFT TO WORK

Save on petrol costs and enjoy a more sociable trip to work by signing up to

a car share. The typical commuter who car shares can save about £1,000 per

year. South Essex Active Travel have set up a scheme with Liftshare for drivers

and passengers in south Essex to join. There's no minimum commitment so you

can share as much or as little as you like. For more information, visit

www.seat.liftshare.com or contact the South Essex Active Travel team

on 01702 534439 or ideasinmotionsouthend@southend.gov.uk.

JOIN A RAMBLING GROUP

Join a local walking group and explore the Essex countryside. We have lots of

diverse scenery to enjoy, with the Thames Estuary, Hadleigh Park and a variety of

woodland areas, and the area is largely flat, so it’s ideal for all abilities. Going for

regular walks is a great way to get outside, make new friends and boost your health

and happiness. The website http://www.essexarearamblers.co.uk/ has details of

Ramblers’ groups in the Essex area and upcoming walks.

P��� ���K��� ���R ��1���E���U���N�

Getting your finances in order

Whichever description fits you, here are some suggestions that should help you to maintain and/or improve your finances for 2018 - and beyond.- Create a regular budget that includes everything. As well

as the priority bills, like rent or mortgage and Council Tax, include the one-offs for Christmas, birthdays, insurance, etc. Also, make sure you include the less obvious things, like your daily latte or newspaper.

- Ensure you understand the importance of paying priority bills, like your rent, before non-priority bills, such as, credit cards, catalogues and Payday loans.

- Always open your financial mail as soon as it arrives. If you’ve ‘gone paperless’, make sure you review the online versions regularly.

- As circumstances can change at any time, building up a ‘rainy day’ fund to help cope with any change makes good sense. As you can see from the table below, saving even a small amount soon adds up.

- Make sure your credit history is up to date. In a recent (Fair-for-you) survey, over 60% of the credit files checked were found to contain errors. To ensure your credit report is accurate - and to help with any future credit applications - check out your credit report by signing up to the free credit score agencies. These include, Clearscore, Noddle and the MoneySavingExpert Credit Club.

- Pay off debts with the highest interest first. If you have sufficient savings, consider using some of these to clear the expensive debts. If you don’t have any savings to use, can you refinance any of your existing debts? Perhaps, if you have a credit card balance, you could transfer this to one of the 0% Balance Transfer cards? To avoid placing too many searches on your credit file, use an Eligibility tool – like the

one on the MoneySavingExpert website. Enter your details to see what % chance you have of getting a particular card. The higher the %, the better the chance of acceptance. If you choose a 0% Balance Transfer card, never spend on the card and always set up a Direct Debit for a fixed amount to ensure the balance is cleared before the offer period expires.

- If you have to borrow, finding the cheapest possible way to do so make sense.But, what if you can’t borrow from the mainstream lenders

(around 15 million UK adults are excluded from this form of credit) what are your options? Many, believing they have no other choice, will feel compelled to use a Rent-to-own company, a doorstep lender or, a Payday loan company - often without realising that the APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) of these high-cost lenders range between 99% and 1,500%. Worse still, in desperation, some may even get involved with an illegal Loan Shark.

An option that many aren’t aware of is borrowing from a Credit Union. A credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative run by members for the benefit of its members. Whilst, in some cases, a credit union loan might be more expensive than borrowing from a ‘High Street’ lender, credit unions – with a maximum APR of 42.6% - will always be significantly cheaper that the high-interest lenders mentioned earlier. In fact, the majority of loans issued by our local credit union, Essex Savers, are in the 10% to 26% APR range.

If you’re able to apply at least some of the suggestions made, your financial future should be much more secure. Ultimately, the ideal financial philosophy we should all adopt is to 'save what we can' and only borrow what we can afford to repay.

Even a small amount - saved regularly - can soon add up

Monthly amount 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years£10 £120 £240 £360 £480 £600

£20 £240 £480 £720 £960 £1200

£50 £600 £1200 £1800 £2400 £3000

As well as building up a valuable savings pot, your savings could also help to lower the interest rate on future loans with Essex Savers Credit Union.

The decorations have been put away for another year and the Bank and Credit Card statements have arrived. When it comes to ‘paying for Christmas’, what story will yours tell? Were you a planner and saver? Saving every month and buying gifts throughout the year? Or, were you a more spontaneous type? Leaving it late and having an “I’ll deal with the costs in January” mind-set?

6 | FINANCES

For full details of the products and services available from Essex

Savers net Credit Union, please visit www.essexsavers.co.uk

LOCAL PROJECTS | 7

Alexandra Waite is a woman on a mission – to get children out of

their homes, enjoying themselves and to empower and motivate young girls. Alongside fellow mums, faced with the task of keeping her son entertained over the six week summer holidays, Alex lobbied coach companies and local attractions for discounted tickets. This proved very successful and days out were arranged with big discounts, which included meals. The Project, called ‘Get the Kids Out’, has proved very successful, with trips being held at Adventure Island and Disney on Ice to name just two, as well as a holiday to Butlins.

Alex and her team have now extended their venture to help older kids with training and development. With the help of Alex’s husband – ‘Get the Kids In’ has given young people free film and music production training, as a means to keep them off the streets.

But Alex doesn’t stop there. She has started to deliver motivational speeches in schools to young people. As Alex explains : “The whole idea behind the speeches is ‘Your beginning is not your end’ , I want to encourage young girls to know their worth and look at where they want their life to be - to build and develop their self-esteem and praise themselves. I talk about my own experiences and challenging upbringing and prove that it doesn’t matter what start you have in life, you are in charge of your own destiny. I am proof you don’t have to live a bad life if you don’t want to – you are in charge of your own life decisions”.

For more information about Get the Kids Out or ‘Your Beginning is not Your End’ please search on Facebook for ‘Get the Kids Out’ or you can call our Community Development Team on 01702 212650.

The Kitchen 49 project was set up to provide quality, nutritional lunches at a low cost at various venues around our local borough.

The project initially started in the communal lounge area at Avon Way once a month to encourage local residents to get together at lunchtime and chat over a free lunch which was cooked and served by the Kitchen 49 team.

The team is made up of six people, all of whom have learning disabilities and are supported by Jo from Project 49 along with Kath, who volunteers from SCOG (Southend Communities Outreach Group).

All team members attended training to pass their Food Hygiene Level 1 and use the cooking skills that they have learned and perfected whilst at Project 49 to plan, prepare and produce healthy home cooked dishes.

Jo said: “Formerly our team name was ‘Bootstrap Kitchen’, as we were following the lead taken by Jack Monroe and using her budget 'bootstrap' recipes, however as time has passed we have begun to develop our own identity as Kitchen 49. Initially our drive was to help combat social isolation and demonstrate the skills that our people with learning disabilities have, but there have been many other benefits for both the community and the Kitchen 49 team.

“The project has been really successful and has now been opened up to the residents of Buckingham House where we have already formed excellent relationships with some of the people that live there. We hope that this project will continue to grow in the future”.

Fed MagTHE

Written by Residents for Residents

Contact us on www.strf.org.uk

Southend Communities Outreach Group (S.C.O.G.) has received a grant from money raised by HealthStrength, to help combat social isolation

The Southend-based community group has received a grant of £32,790 from money raised by HealthStrength through The Health Lottery. The funding will enable the Southend Communities Outreach Group (S.C.O.G.) to start a programme called ‘Hidden Communities’ to delve deeper into three hard-to-reach estates in the town. ‘Hidden Communities’ will involve quarterly events within the Queensway, Triangle and Balmoral Estates as well as a series of fortnightly activities at each of the locations. Residents will be invited to attend a variety of events to suit all tastes including afternoon teas, quizzes and cooking classes to name but a few.Erica Donnelly is S.C.O.G.’s Booking Clerk and she said: “Our aim is to engage with hidden communities in Southend as we recognise that there are a number of excluded and isolated residents who face issues of poverty, deprivation and poor health. This grant will really help us to achieve this aim so we are very grateful to HealthStrength for their support of our project”.For more information about the project contact Erica on 07951 243211 or email: erica.donnelly@strf.org.uk.

• HealthStrength is a Community Interest Company committed to raising money to address health inequalities in Essex. www.healthstrengthcic.org.uk

• The Health Lottery is operated for and on behalf of 51 Community Interest Companies across England, Scotland and Wales, all holding society lottery licences issued by the Gambling Commission. www.healthlottery.co.uk

• People’s Health Trust is an independent charity addressing health inequalities across Great Britain. It works closely with each Community Interest Company distributing grants. www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk

Gold AwardHave you had contact with an Officer of South Essex Homes, or maybe a contractor who has gone that extra mile to provide you with excellent service? This would involve the officer or contractor dealing with something that is not normally part of their every day job.

Or perhaps you have a good neighbour who helps you or others around you who are less able than themselves?

If so, then why not nominate them for a Gold Award?We’ll need information on what the person does that’s beyond the call of duty. If possible, please also get other people to sign their support of your nomination. Please complete the slip below and attach it to a letter detailing your nomination. Once received, we will put your nomination forward to the panel made up of Southend Tenants and Residents Federation and the Tenants Voice Association for consideration. The winners will be awarded a certificate and £25 shopping vouchers.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please forward this slip to:The Chair of the STRF, 75 Southchurch Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2RS

Or e-mail: shirley.oreilly@strf.org.uk

Mobile: 07876 116552

Nominated Person

Their address or department

Their telephone number (if known)

Your name

Your telephone number

Please include details of the nomination on a separate sheet of paper

Meet the South Essex Homes Team...Southend Careline

Southend Careline is a service operated by South Essex Homes on behalf of the Council. The service offers a fast, easy and reliable way for residents to get help, whatever the time of day or night, via a home alarm unit with a portable wireless pendant that can be worn in the home and garden. Our team of highly trained and dedicated operators provide a constant service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.The team’s primary role is to answer alarm activations with the appropriate response – be that to give general reassurance or to ensure help is sent to them in the form of a trusted friend or relative, or emergency services if necessary.They also answer ‘out of hours’ calls with reports of repairs, for example, for South Essex Homes and Castle Point Borough Council’s housing service.At present, there are around 4000 Southend Careline units in homes across south Essex. In addition, they are responsible for monitoring Careline units situated at:• 20 sheltered housing schemes which are managed by South Essex Homes

on behalf of Southend Borough Council• 8 sheltered housing schemes for Castle Point Borough Council• 6 of Abbeyfields' private sheltered schemes across Essex

Would you like to feel safer in your own home? Southend Careline is ideal for people who are; frail, disabled, live alone, suffer from a medical condition, have experienced domestic abuse or are concerned about bogus callers. Their services would benefit anyone, of any age, who would like to feel more protected or independent.All our packages include the home unit and portable wireless pendant, on which with the lightest touch you can contact our caring team whenever you need assistance – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Home Unit has a sensitive microphone and powerful speaker so that even if you are not close to the base unit, you can talk with the operator. They will know who is calling, where you live and will have quick access to the health and personal details you would have provided when you joined us.This information includes contact arrangements for friends, relatives, neighbours, doctors, people who give you support, and emergency services.Even if you are not able to speak to us, we will still assess the situation and make sure you get the appropriate help. If necessary our operator will stay in touch and offer reassurance and advice until help arrives.This comes with the reassurance that Southend Careline is fully accredited by the Telecare Services Association, so our standards are of the highest order.

Our Southend Careline team is made up of 15 members of staff who cover varied shift patterns. The team are assisted by 5 ‘peak relief’ staff who stand in to cover holidays and sickness.

Southend Careline is fully accredited in the ‘Integrated Code of Practice – Telecare’ from the Telecare Services Association (TSA).

The TSA conducted a full audit of Southend Careline in terms of service tailoring, installation and monitoring. The accreditation is subject to annual inspections by the TSA’s Auditors.

SOUTHEND CARELINE | 9

Packages are available from as little as £12.40 per month!

Call us now on Freephone

0800 833162 or email careline@seh.southend.gov.uk for a no-obligation chat to discover a Southend Careline package that is perfect for you!

In the year 2016/17, Careline staff answered 140,074 calls – 98.7% of which were answered in 60 seconds or less.

The team monitors the equipment and specialist alarms which have been fitted by the Council at 585 properties. They also answer calls from the 3,668 households across Essex who have opted for the Southend Careline service. (figures correct as at January 2018)

Name: Barbara Lambert

How old are you? Somewhere between 40 and death!

Where do you live? Kestrel House, Shoebury – where I’ve lived for eight years now

Please tell us all about yourself:I was born and bred in Westcliff-on-Sea and started singing

and dancing at about 5 years old! It was in the era of Shirley Temple, so child performers were very popular. I was trained to dance by Eva McEwan, whose company would provide juveniles to perform at pantomimes at The Regal Theatre in Warrior Square.

I won a scholarship to Southend High School which was then based in Boston Avenue, after which I attended secretarial college before landing my first job working as a secretary for an amusement caterer.

I eventually joined an amateur society in town where one of the professional directors took me under his wing. I worked for him as a professional, touring around the UK with stars of the era such as June Bronhill and John Hanson, who may be remembered by some Insight readers.

The director of the amateur group emigrated to Australia so I took over and started producing and directing various shows. I recently found a poster for ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ that we put on at the Cliffs Pavilion where the top priced tickets cost 70p each, which goes to show how far things have changed!

I then had a big move when my then-husband and I took over a bar in the island of Menorca, where we stayed for seven years. When I came back to the UK, I went to work at the beauty department in Harrods, which was a real experience! Unfortunately one of my lasting memories is of the bombing that happened there in 1983. I was walking through the underground staff passageway at the time it went off…that was a terrible day.

I later went back to my performing roots by working for the English side of an American company which held the rights to musical shows. It was my job to issue licences to theatre companies, professional and amateur, giving them the rights to perform the shows. During my time in that job, I was lucky enough to get to travel to New York to see some of our shows being performed there.

It sounds like you’ve led a very interesting life, Barbara! What was your journey to becoming a Board Member?

Around eight years ago, when I felt the time had come to live somewhere more secure, an opportunity came up for me to move into Kestrel House. I took that chance and it was one of the best things I ever did. Living in sheltered accommodation has given me security and peace of mind – I live independently but there is company nearby if I want it.

Since living at Kestrel, I became the Block Voice to represent the interests of residents. I even directed a residents’ pantomime performance of Cinderella four years ago – it was hard work but good fun!

I hadn’t set out to apply to become a Board Member but Traci Dixon, one of the Group Managers for South Essex Homes, suggested that I should.

I joined the Board in the summer and am very much enjoying it. It’s very important to keep the old grey matter ticking over and it has given me an interest to pursue. It is taxing and there’s a lot to learn, but I am enjoying that and the purpose it has brought to my life.

I bring a tenant’s viewpoint to the table – as a resident in sheltered I can tell other Board Members what’s going on ‘on the ground’. With that insight into life as a tenant, I am able to speak from a certain perspective which I hope helps to ensure that decisions made by the Board are, first and foremost, in the interest of all residents.

Get to know the Board of South Essex Homes

10 | THE BOARD REPORT

THEBoard ReportIn the Autumn edition of Insight magazine back in October, we launched a new feature to introduce our Board Members to you.

In this issue, we meet a lady who has been a resident Board Member since the summer of 2017…

THE BOARD REPORT | 11

Board ReportWhat a coincidence!

Whilst sitting in the garden at Kestrel House one day, Barbara was talking to a neighbour about her mother, who too was on stage, and mentioned that she had been in one of the very first talkies ‘The Broadway Melody’ in 1929. The neighbour then lent Barbara a book she had about ‘old time musicals’ in which she found a picture from the movie which, lo and behold, pictured her mother. It was the first time that Barbara had seen a photo of her mother from that era so, as you can imagine, she was thrilled! Barbara’s mother is pictured second from the left.

Family of PerformersBarbara’s uncle, Edwin Heath, was a war hero-

turned-performer who was known as ‘The World’s Foremost Hypnotist’

Barbara performing over the years

Performance of Cinderella at Kestrel House

12 | LEASEHOLD MATTERS

Hello and welcometo the winter edition of Leasehold Matters, the

page in Insight devoted to Leaseholders. On behalf of everyone at South Essex Homes, I hope

you enjoyed the Christmas holidays and wish you all the very best for 2018.

Further to recent meetings at the Leasehold Focus Group, it was agreed to host a number of meetings in the evening this year. Please see a list of dates and times below.

The Meetings will all be held at the Civic Centre in Southend and if you wish to attend or raise an item on the agenda please feel free to head along. In the absence of the Community Event this year, the date in

July may entail a leasehold specific drop in event. More details to follow in the next edition!Jan

Leasehold Focus Group Meetings 2018

Please feel free to join the Focus Group Members on:

Tuesday 6th February 2018 at 5.30pm Tuesday 10th April 2018 at 2pm

Tuesday 5th June 2018 at 5.30pmTuesday 24th July 2018 at 5pm

Tuesday 9th October 2018 at 2pmTuesday 4th December 2018 at 2pm

All meetings are held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6FY

In our recent meetings a number of our Focus Group Members asked what

contractor South Essex Homes uses regularly for electrical work.

At present, Blake Contractors undertake a large proportion of our

day-to-day electrical work

Blake also undertake building work and serve domestic premises in the area and can be contacted on 01702 613641

Thank you to all leaseholders who have supplied an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate. If you have not already done

so please send your copy to

Leasehold Services, South Essex Homes, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue,

Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6FYOr email Incomemanagement

@seh.southend.gov.uk Once completed don’t forget to visit the

following website and sign up for free reminders for the next annual

check: www.staygassafe.co.uk

Estimated Service Charges 1st April 2018-31st March 2019

The Estimated Service Charge Statements will be available soon

If you have any additional queries relating to the costs once received please

contact 0800 833 160, email: incomemanagement

@seh.southend.gov.uk or write to:Leasehold Services

PO Box 5817

Southend on Sea SS1 9EL

Don’t forget to visit the Leasehold Section of our website for a variety of useful articles and information

www.southessexhomes.co.uk

ESTATE INSPECTIONS | 13

Estate InspectionsEstate Inspections are now held throughout the year and involve officers from South Essex Homes surveying each area of

the town which include properties managed by us, looking for any issues that require our attention. Residents are welcome to come along on these inspections to see this process in action and point out problems that they are aware of.

The table below contains the dates and locations of the inspections that are due to take place over the next three months.If you would like to come along, please meet us at the start point at the stated time. We appreciate your input and look

forward to seeing more residents take part in estate inspections throughout 2018. For more information about estate inspections please call us on 0800 833 160.

DATE TIME LOCATION START POINT06/03/2018 10:45 Mornington House Outside Mornington House Main Entrance08/03/2018 09:30 East Street, Sutton Road, East Street Naval, The Mulberrys Outside St Melitus Hall, Sutton Road08/03/2018 09:30 Kingfisher Close, Sandpiper Close, Eagle Way, Fraser Close,

Cunningham CloseOutside Kingpiper Hall

08/03/2018 09:30 Adams Elm House, Yantlet Outside Adams Elm House Main Entrance13/03/2018 09:30 Saxon Gardens Outside Viking Court Main Entrance13/03/2018 09:30 Blyth Avenue, Bunters Avenue, St Audreys Court Corner of Blyth Avenue & Delaware Road14/03/2018 09:30 John Street, George Street, Dane Street Corner of George Street and Dane Street15/03/2018 09:30 Anson Chase, Ashanti Close Corner of Anson Chase and Bulwark Road15/03/2018 09:30 Delaware Road, Delaware Crescent, Ness Road, Elm Road Outside Thorpedene Library 15/03/2018 09:30 Hunters Lodge, Norfolk Avenue Hunters Lodge Car Park20/03/2018 10.00 Bradford Bury, Rothwell Close, Eastwood Old Road, Westwood Outside Community Hall on Bradford Bury21/03/2018 09:30 Beaver Tower Outside Beaver Tower Main Entrance22/03/2018 09:30 Shelley Square, Dickens Close, Wordsworth Close Outside 5-29 Shelley Square Main Entrance22/03/2018 09:30 Burr Hill Chase, Stephen Macadden House Outside Stephen McAdden House22/03/2018 09:30 Fairfax Drive Corner of Fairfax Drive and Gainsborough Drive22/03/2018 09:30 East Street Leigh Outside 2-8 East Street Leigh23/03/2018 10.00 Eaton Road Corner of Eaton Road and Herschell Road23/03/2018 10.30 Mussett House Outside main entrance to Mussett House28/03/2018 09:30 Blackdown, Brecon, Grampian Outside Blackdown Main Entrance28/03/2018 09:30 Hamstel Road, Peartree Close, Lewes Close, Lornes Close Corner of Hamstel Road and Archer Avenue29/03/2018 09:30 Avon Way, West Road Outside 2-30 Avon Way Main Entrance30/03/2018 09:30 Christchurch Court, Nursery Place Outside Christchurch Court04/04/2018 09:30 St Mary's Court Outside St Mary's Court on the corner of Victoria

Avenue/ Roots Hall Football Stadium

04/04/2018 09:30 Shannon Close, Little Fretches, Wood Farm Close, Bellhouse Lane, Leighwood Avenue

Shannon Close car park

05/04/2018 09:30 Cedar Close, Maple Square, The Jordans Cedar Close Car Park06/04/2018 09:30 Sutton Court, Temple Court, Cluny House, Norwich Close Outside Sutton Court Main Entrance06/04/2018 10:00 Snakes Lane Corner of Brendan Way and Snakes Lane10/04/2018 10:00 Southchurch Rectory Chase, Trevett House Outside 7-12 Southchurch Rectory Chase11/04/2018 09:30 Townfields Outside Townfields Main Entrance11/04/2018 10:00 Mendip Road, Mendip Crescent, The Mendips Outside former West Office, Mendip Road13/04/2018 10:00 Bruton Avenue, Dunster Avenue Corner of Bruton/Mendip Crescent17/04/2018 10:00 Archer Avenue, Sherwood Way, Newington Avenue Flats Corner of Archer Avenue and Newington Avenue18/04/2018 09:30 Cleveland Drive At block18/04/2018 10:00 Martock Avenue, Cheddar Avenue, Treecot Drive Outside former West Office, Mendip Road19/04/2018 09:30 Rochford Road Entrance to Garage Site, next to 126-148 Rochford Road19/04/2018 09:00 Danbury Close End of the road by the first block

14 | TRAINING

If, for whatever reason, you have a problem reading this document, please contact us to discuss alternative formats available.

0800 833 160

Why not join the growing number of people following South Essex Homes’ Twitter page or ‘Liking’ our Facebook page?

There are now 2008 Twitter followers and 423 ‘likes’ on Facebook (figures correct as at 8/1/18).

Next time you’re online, check us out!

Joining up to Social Media sites is a great way to keep up to date with all the latest news.

Responsive Repairs and Void Works serviceWe are approaching the end of the current contract

for Responsive Repairs and Void Works provided by Kier Services Limited.

Due to the value of the contract, South Essex Homes need to commence the procurement of a new contract at least twelve months before the current contract finishes to allow for the lengthy timescales imposed by the European Union procurement process.

In order to assist with this complex process, South Essex Homes recently undertook a competitive tender exercise to appoint a consultant to guide us through the process and share their expert industry knowledge. FFT (Faithorn Farrell Timms LLP), a multi-disciplinary consultancy practice, were successful in securing the contract and have a strong track record in undertaking similar works to a variety of local authorities and social landlords. They will facilitate and provide relevant tender documentation that will enable South Essex Homes to tender a new ‘fit for purpose’ contract that will deliver the service for the next five to ten years.

The first stage of this process was a very successful workshop, delivered by FFT, which involved a number of staff and residents and:• Agreed Key Milestones• Established what works well • Established what doesn’t work so well with the

current contract• Considered the options for future procurement • Considered the procedure under Public Contract

Regulations 2015• Agreed the best way forward

The next stage is to consider the output report from this workshop to fine tune the requirements for the future contract. Further updates will be provided in future issues of Insight.

The Digital Housing Hub (DHH) project operates from The Hub offering free access to computers and support from volunteers to help more people develop the digital skills and confidence to get online.

The help extends to assistance on how to use mobile phone, tablets and PCs. Support and guidance can be given on a whole range of digital issues that you may be facing.

The DHH is open at both The Hub Southend (in The Victoria Shopping Centre) and at The Hub Shoebury (151 West Road) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10.00am – 4.00pm for help and advice.

You can use the PCs anytime that The Hubs are open.Please Note: The Hubs will close between 12pm-1pm for

the lunch period.

DIGITAL HOUSING HUB

IN OCTOBER, THE SOUTH ESSEX COMMUNITY HUB WAS AWARDED CHARITABLE STATUS! WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED IN THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION

INTERVIEW | 15

Mike Gatrell says…Having turned the calendar page over

into 2018, may I start by wishing each and every one of you the very best of New Years.

I would like to draw your attention to the opportunity, as detailed in the article below, for you to have your say on the future of social housing. I do hope you will take up this unique chance to share your views.

I hope you enjoy reading on pages 4 & 5 about some of the initiatives that our colleagues at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council are providing – some of which may prove useful to you and your family.

We’ve seen a number of changes on our Board over this last year or so and hopefully our running Board Report feature (see pages 10 & 11) gives you a sense of the people responsible for overseeing all the things we do for you and on your behalf. As you’ll see in this edition, Barbara Lambert is a Board Member who is very much on the receiving end of the services we provide as she lives in one of our

sheltered housing schemes – and I can assure you she keeps us on our toes!

As you will have read in our article on page 2, we are now offering a new Hate Crime Reporting Centre at The Hub. I was extremely pleased and proud to be asked to attend the launch of this initiative, as I know this is going to make a really positive difference to many residents’ lives.

This year will be an important one for South Essex Homes as we will be discussing the future scope and nature of our role with Southend Borough Council and I’m looking forward to a genuinely constructive way forward being developed. I will update you on this key issue in future editions of Insight.

Best wishesMikeMike Gatrell, Chief Executive of South Essex Homes

Tenant EngagementYour chance to inform the Government’s Social Housing Green Paper

As announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August, the Housing and Planning Minister has been holding events and workshops across the country to meet and hear from council, housing association and housing co-op tenants directly, to help build up a clear picture of the immediate issues that you face living in social housing, and to identify any common concerns that can inform their national approach going forward.

Following discussions with some of the National Tenant Organisations across England, they have identified a series of headline issues, which include:• managing complaints and redress routes• social tenants’ voices being heard• ensuring good and consistent quality

services from landlords• safety of tenants

Over 12 events have been organised across England. While these will provide an excellent opportunity to engage with a large audience (circa 1,000 tenants), the Minister is keen to extend the opportunity to engage in this conversation more widely.

They have therefore created an online feedback questionnaire, which offers an opportunity for all council, housing association and housing co-op tenants to express your views on key issues and concerns related to social housing based on your own housing experience.

This is not a consultation exercise or a survey as such, but a means for you to engage and share your views with the Housing and Planning Minister. The feedback received through this questionnaire will feed into the scope and content of the Social Housing Green Paper.

There are 25 questions in the questionnaire and it will take approximately 15 minutes, but this is dependent on the length of your responses. The questionnaire closes on Wednesday 31 January 2018.

Please use this opportunity to have your say. You can find the survey at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/tenants2017

Stay Well This Winter

Your care in the best place: Have your say

South Essex Homes is supporting the 2017/18 Stay Well This Winter campaign.

The 'Stay Well This Winter' campaign is a joint initiative from NHS England and Public Health England, to help people with long-term conditions and those over 65 prepare for winter and ward off common winter illnesses.

For those with long term health conditions such as COPD; bronchitis, emphysema; diabetes; heart or kidney disease or for those who have suffered a stroke, cold weather, and winter illnesses such as flu, can make health problems like these far worse. Cold weather can also be very harmful for people age 65 or older: it weakens the immune system, increases blood pressure, thickens the blood and lowers body temperature, increasing risks of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.

There are a number of things which can help people prepare against the cold weather.

It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors as it can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), if you can. You might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.

At the first sign of a cough or a cold get help from your pharmacist before it gets more serious and make sure you speak to your pharmacist about medicines you should have in stock to help get you and your family through the winter season.

If you do need help when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk. The 'Stay Well This Winter' campaign can help you and your family prepare for winter. Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell for more information.

The five Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) in mid and south Essex are currently consulting on outline plans for the future of health and care services. This follows approval to begin consultation by the Joint Committee of the CCGs.

The proposals are a result of detailed work undertaken by clinical teams across health and care organisations to improve the services provided to the 1.2 million people living in mid and south Essex. The proposals include:• Making improvements in A&E at all three hospitals

(Southend, Basildon & Broomfield) with the development of new assessment and treatment centres alongside each A&E. All three A&Es will be led by a consultant, open 24 hours a day and will receive “blue light” ambulances.

• Develop a new specialist stroke centre which would provide the highest dependency and intensive care for people in the first 72 hours following a stroke alongside rapid access to diagnostics and specialist interventions. This would be in addition to the existing stroke care units at all three hospitals which would remain in place.

• Bring together in one place some specialist inpatient care where there is existing expertise and to allow for extended hours, seven day a week consultant and

specialist cover for these services. Clinical evidence from elsewhere shows that this would improve care and the chances of a making a good recovery.

• Separate some planned operations from emergency cases. Some complex orthopaedic operations that need a few days hospital stay could be performed in Southend Hospital for people in south Essex. This would reduce cancelled operations and rates of infection by separating this type of care from emergency care.

• Moving community services closer to where people live.These changes are alongside the collective intention of

health and care services to build up GP and community services and extend the range of professionals and services available via GP practices as part of a bold plan to provide increased care for local communities closer to where they live.

Full details of the proposals and the ways in which you can get involved and have your say are available at http://www.nhsmidandsouthessex.co.uk/ or call 01245 398118 for more information.

The consultation will run until 9 March 2018. Feedback from the consultation will then undergo independent review before it is considered by the Joint Committee in the early summer of 2018 along with clinical evidence, financial plans and other details in a final business case.