Chatter Box - PHA Homes · Electrical safety testing 2. Did you know? ... weak solution of bleach...

Chatter Box Spring 2015

Petersfield Housing Association does not insure your furniture, belongs or internal decorations. It is therefore important for each resident to arrange independent cover in the unlikely event of fire, burst pipes, theft or vandalism to your property.

The National Housing Federation, in partnership with Thistle Tenant Risks, offers a special insurance service for tenants of Housing Associations.

To arrange immediate cover you can contact Thistle directly on 0845 337 2463. Alternatively please contact Zoe Cosens, Housing Officer, on 01730 263589 to request a booklet, which contains all the relevant information, including an application form.

Petersfield Housing Association strongly urge all our residents to take out home insurance either through this scheme or by making your own arrangements

Scrutiny panelPage.2

New homesPage.3

East LodgePage.4

Meet the teamPage.5

Communal areafacelift Page.7

Renovationprogramme Page.10

Petersfield Housing Association, 32 Lavant Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3EF Tel: 01730 263 589 Email: [email protected]

A personal story

1.

Debt help servicePage.11

Home contents insurance

“I was very pleased I was able to move into the property that day, and very grateful that the Association were so quick to respond once they learned about my situation. I’m thankful to them and also the Salvation Army for all their support, and I’m very happy to have a place of my own to go back to now”.

Did you know? During 2014 PHA re-housed 19 families!

We’d like to share a story with you about how the Association was able to help one of our new residents. He doesn’t wish to be named but is happy for us to tell his story.

In November 2014, the Association had a vacancy at a small bedsit in Petersfield. We were passed the details by East Hampshire District Council of a gentleman who was currently homeless and sleeping rough in Petersfield; he had lost his accommodation in Portsmouth as he was unable to afford the rent when he had been made redundant from his job a year earlier. He had walked from Portsmouth to Petersfield with his belongings and had been sleeping rough ever since, visiting

the Salvation Army to wash his clothes, use their facilities and receiving support from them in applying for a place on the Housing Register at the Council.

We arranged for him to view the property on the same afternoon that we had received his details, and mindful that he was currently sleeping rough, prepared all the documentation and tenancy agreement to take with us should he accept the property. He was delighted with the accommodation and accepted the flat immediately. He said:

The ‘buffer strip’ at Ramshill in Petersfield was created when the estate was built and was part of the original planning permission.

A section of the buffer strip at Ramshill had become overgrown and unsightly due to the planning requirement to allow it to be a “natural habitat” for flora and fauna. Residents adjacent to the strip had requested that the land be incorporated into their gardens so that it could be more attractive. However, plans to effect this change were thwarted by an objection from a private resident supported by EHDC planning department.

Accordingly, the Association decided to replant the area with low maintenance plants and shrubs to enhance the area. A variety of ground cover ivy has been planted together with a number of cherry trees. These will be maintained as necessary by our new grounds maintenance team from R Grace Ltd.


Electrical safety testing

2.

‘Buffer strip’ at Ramshill

Did you know?Current tenant arrears at the end of the year were 1.69% of the rent due. This was a slight increase from 1.58% at the end of 2013

Scrutiny Panel PHA set up a Resident Scrutiny Panel in 2012 with the purpose of ensuring that our strict procedures and high standards are what tenant want and are being adhered to.

When a property becomes vacant, the panel inspects the property. The first time the panel visits is immediately after the keys are returned to the office and before any works have been carried out. The panel returns to the property once any identified works have been completed prior to the property being re-let. This is to ensure that PHA has adhered to the agreed standards for a vacant property before it is re-let. The resident panel has proved to be a great success, and their input has been invaluable. Moving forward into 2015, it is hoped that the panel will become involved in other areas of our work, such as planned maintenance and refurbishment, and also with the scrutiny of grounds maintenance work.

During the course of this year, the Association will carry out routine 10 year electrical safety testing in those properties due testing. The Electrical contractor will telephone to make a convenient appointment.

It would be beneficial if tenants could ensure that they inform the Association of all current contact telephone numbers so that appropriate appointments can be made.

Mould growthThe recent winter weather has created unusually high levels of condensation in properties. Warm, moist air in a property during cold weather will find any cool area and condense. This creates an environment in which mould growth occurs.

The most common areas are around windows and at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling. The effects can be minimised by ensuring fairly constant warmth (not hot) in the property which will maintain heat in the fabric of the building. This way of heating is also, surprisingly, more cost effective than allowing the property to become very cold and then applying a burst of high heat which causes condensation.

Spring is a good time to make use of warmer weather and open windows wide to blow fresh air throughout the property. Clean off any areas of mould with a weak solution of bleach in warm water. Try to arrange furniture clear of walls so that air can circulate easily. Check that the windows open easily and that the handles are secure.

It is worth cleaning the glass, the frame and seals of any accumulation of moisture to reduce the possibility of further mould growth caused by condensation.

before after

Petersfield Housing Association, 32 Lavant Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3EF Tel: 01730 263 589 Email: [email protected] 3.

New homes for local peopleDuring 2014 we completed 24 much needed new homes for local people. These included:

Silcox Court, Mill Lane, Alton

This is a development of 9 two bed flats.

Silcox Court is named after Peter Silcox, who was an active member of the Association’s board from 1995 to 2009 and who died in 2012. After school and university in the West Country, Peter arrived in Petersfield with his wife Pauline and family to work at IBM. The Association benefited greatly from his extensive computing and IT skills and is still using the rent restructuring system he devised! Peter was always happy and keen to pop into the PHA offices tosort out glitches and offer general support, as Denise Rajchel recalls:

“Peter would always appear with a smile on his face and a willingness to support the staff and the Association. He was a kind and generous man with a wry sense of humour!”

Early retirement from IBM led Peter on a different path: a ceramics course at Southampton Institute and many happy years in his garage tending a kiln; the beautiful products made Peter a well-known and respected local artist.

Artist Impression of Silcox Court, Mill Lane, Alton

Old Acre Road, Alton

This is a development of 7 houses and 5 flats within walking distance of the town centre and was also completed at the end of November 2014.

This site proved to be extremely challenging and a number of issues meant that the development took far longer than originally anticipated. However the homes have provided much needed accommodation for local people and have significantly enhanced the area which was previously a vacant warehouse.

During 2013 and 2014 PHA worked with

Community First East Hants to set up a ‘Back to Work’ project to help people back into work.

Unfortunately due to lack of funding the project has

now closed

Did you know?Former tenant arrears at the end of the year were £4,178. This was down from £16,972 at the end of 2013.


Welcome toEast Lodge

4.

Since January 2009 PHA has managed 8 homes in Rogate on behalf of Rogate & Terwick Housing Association. We’re delighted to be able to announce that from January 2015 we are also managing East Lodge on behalf of Rogate & Terwick Housing Association.

East Lodge is a sheltered scheme in the heart of Rogate village which offers 16 self-contained flats; the majority of which are suitable for couples. The scheme is designed for older people who are capable of independent living. East Lodge has a scheme manager Sarah Hye, who provides support to residents.

Bursary Award Scheme

You should all have received an information leaflet about the scheme but if you would like to know more or want to request an application form please contact the Housing Manager, Sarah Clawson on 01730 263589 or by [email protected]

We are delighted to introduce a Bursary Awards Scheme in 2015. The bursary awards scheme provides grants of up to £350 to help young people between the ages of 18-35 to help with education, training and employment plans.

It is simple to apply and some examples if what can be funded by a bursary award include:-

• Tools or equipment for a job or qualification such as carpentry or hairdressing

• Travel costs for work experience

• Course or training fees

• Clothes for an interview

• Childcare costs to help single parents to complete short term education courses

• Transport to and from a new job until the first pay day

• IT equipment

• Course material such as stationary & books

This list is not exhaustive.


Meet the team

5.

Did you know?100% of gas safety and electric safety checks were carried out during 2014.

There have been several changes in the staff team recently and so we thought we should introduce ourselves again.

Denise RajchelChief ExecutiveDenise has worked in social housing for more than 25 years and is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. Denise has wide experience in the field of social housing and is a highly experienced senior manager with extensive experience in both Housing Association and Local Government sectors. Denise joined PHA in 2008.Niamh Wakefield

Accountant

Niamh has worked in social housing for over 16 years having joined PHA in 1998. She previously worked in various finance roles in banking, media and industry having trained with accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Coopers in Dublin; thus bringing an extensive range of experience to PHA. She has an MA in Business Studies from Trinity College Dublin and a Professional Diploma in Accounting.

Sarah ClawsonHousing ManagerSarah has been working in social housing for over 20 years. During this time she has been employed in many roles and worked for both local authorities and housing associations. Sarah joined Petersfield HA in 2008. She holds a Professional Diploma in Housing Studies and lives in Petersfield with her husband and 2 children.

Barry CharlesProperty ManagerAfter retiring from a career in engineering project management, Barry joined the Association in 2005. In the role of Property Manager, his 40 years of practical experience in building, renovation and maintenance benefits both tenants and the Association. Quality of outcome and efficiency are his driving forces.

Zoe CosensHousing OfficerZoe has worked in social housing for 3 years having taken her first role after graduating with a BSc in Psychology from the University of Portsmouth in 2011. She previously worked in the Customer Services Team for a larger housing association before joining Petersfield HA in 2014. She is passionate about charity work, and is the ambassador for a small organisation that provides housing and support for orphaned children and single parent families in Ghana.


Claire CorneyAccounts OfficerClaire joined the finance department in 2012 after spending 16 years working in finance roles within the Ministry of Defence. She has had many varied roles working alongside Army and Naval personnel and has dealt with everything from Fixed Assets and Estate Management to Aircraft, her last role was at the Navy Command Head Quarters in Portsmouth where she managed the budgets for the Navy.

Lauren ParrettAdministrative Assistant

Lauren is a fully qualified Beauty Therapist and has run her own business for the past 3 years. Lauren lives in Petersfield and joined PHA in August 2014 on a part time basis which enables her to continue to run her business when not in the office. Lauren is also a keen horse woman and rides her own horse every morning before work!

Sarah HyeScheme Manager at East LodgeSarah joined East Lodge in 2013. Previously she worked in the community for 20 years delivering personal care and different kinds of support where required. Sarah has a diploma in Health and Social care and when not at East Lodge, she works with palliative care patients.

See Page 9for ways to pay

your rent.


Communal areasget a facelift!During 2014 we developed an enhanced specification for the decoration of communal areas of blocks of flats to improve the living environment. This will be rolled out in the coming years.

We have trialled this in one block. The results are shown here and feedback has been very positive.

Before

After

Are you prepared for Universal Credit?Universal Credit is not just for people who are out of work. If you’re getting tax credits or help with your rent, then you’ll be moved onto Universal Credit at some point between now and 2017.

At the moment Universal Credit only affects people living in certain areas of the country but it will eventually be brought in to affect everyone who is claiming benefits.

If you currently receive help with your rent, one way in which Universal credit will affect you is that housing benefit will start being paid to you directly and you’ll need to pay your rent to your landlord yourself.

We intend to carry out some trials to try to get an

insight into how best to help our residents cope with the changes, and we would like to invite residents to participate.

We aim to work together and look at ways in which residents can easily pay their rent and keep up to date with their rent accounts. We want to help avoid getting into difficulties.

If you feel you would like to be part of this trial or would like more information regarding future payments, please contact your Housing Officer, Zoe Cosens on01730 263589.


Seven ways to keep your skin looking fresh this spring!

Office opening hours:

Please note that from Friday 27th March 2015 the office will be closed to the public from 4 p.m every

8.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables:A must in order to get beautiful skin for spring! They naturally contain all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your skin needs to stay hydrated and fresh.

Drink More Water:Never forget to drink as much water as possible. A very important tip!

Moisturise:Important no matter what season! However, your skin needs a little extra TLC during the summer months. If your skin is hydrated and healthy, it can better defend itself against sun damage and heat.

Exfoliate:Exfoliating buffs away the dead skin cells that cover up your skin’s natural glow. Use a light exfoliator to freshen your face daily.

Dry out Pimples:Dabbing toothpaste onto a pimple is a quick and easy way to dry it out.

Layer Up With Sunscreen:The beauty rule is, “as long as there’s daylight, you need sunscreen”.

Use Protective Lip Balm:Our lips also go through changes from winter to spring. If you’re experiencing dry or chapped lips use protective lip balms with hydrating components.

Text messagesThe use of text messages to contact residents continues to be a very effective way of communication. Staff therefore will continue to contact you in this way, as it’s proving to be a really useful tool not only to remind you of appointments or events, but also as a quick contact to advise of missed rent payments or requests to visit you at home. If you do not wish to be contacted via text message, then please contact the office on 01730 263589.

Office opening hours:Please note that fromFriday 10th April 2015 the office will be closed to the public from 4pm every Friday.

Office opening hours are therefore:

Monday to Thursday:9am to 5pm

Friday:9am to 4pm

AnnualReport

Please note that the Annual Report which is due to be sent to you

in May will contain more details about our performance in 2014.


Did you know?Empty properties were re-let within 1.83 weeks or 12.84 days on average

Different ways to pay your rentWe like to make it as easy as possible for our residents to pay their rent and there are a number of methods readily available.

You should, by now all have received an Allpay payment card, which can be used at any post office or store displaying the PayPoint logo.

You can also make payment via a free app.which you can download onto your mobile. The Allpay App is a mobile application (App) available to download from the Apple App Store or Windows Phone store and Google Play enabling you to pay from your Apple, Windows or Android smartphone.

If you prefer, you can choose the convenience of setting up a Direct Debit or Standing Order to make payments directly from your bank account. Forms can be down loaded from our Website at www.petersfieldhsg.co.uk

You can of course still make payments using cash or cheques at our offices at 32 Lavant Street, Petersfield. If you are experiencing difficulty with paying your rent, please get in touch with your Housing Officer,Zoe Cosens, on 01730 263589, who may be able to offer help and advice


Emergency 42 100% completed on time

Urgent 279 100% completed on time

Routine 392 99.5% completed on time

Total 713 99.8% completed on time

Annual General MeetingThe Annual general meeting will be held on

Wednesday 10th June at 6.30 p.mThis year the AGM will be held at the

Association’s office - 32, Lavant Street, Petersfield.

Having completed a large programme of renovation work in 2014, the Association has planned another significant amount of renovation work in 2015.

The Stock Condition Survey has identified that the following should be considered for renovation:

• 15 kitchens• 30 bathrooms• 30 replacement boilers

The specifications for renovation work agreed by the Residents Working Group during 2014 will be incorporated into the programme. During the year, the Property Manager will inspect the properties due to be considered for renovation and arrange for the necessary work.

2015 RenovationProgramme

Continuing with the success of our annual Walkabout Programme, we would like to invite you to join us in our walkabouts for the coming

year.

We will be visiting your estates on the following dates and as always we invite you to

join us and we welcome your feedback.

May 6th 2015 10am Paddock WayJune 9th 2015 10am Deans DellJune 9th 2015 10.45am Duncombe RoadJune 30th 2015 10am Ramshill Estatejuly 7th 2015 10am Fern Close

Annual EstateWalkabout Programme

Repairs orders raised in 2014

The winner of our Autumn competition is Mr Turnbull, who lives in Petersfield.


CAP (Christians Against Poverty) www.capuk.org is a national charity helping over 27,000 people in need.

It focuses on top quality debt counselling services, using a network of 271 teams linked to local churches. The service brings help to debt-burdened people by CAP representatives visiting them in their homes, befriending and supporting them in a journey of getting their finances under control and debt-free. Expert advisors at the national CAP centre formulate a budget and debt repayment plan. The charity then acts as an intermediary with creditors – receiving regular client payments and paying out to creditors – including rent and rent arrears payments to Housing Associations.

CAP offers a free service, helping anyone regardless of circumstances, background, gender, age or beliefs. Each year CAP sees over 2500 clients become debt-free. If you know anyone with severe debt problems, ask them to ring the CAP national helpline: 0800 328 0006. They will then get an appointment for the local CAP team to visit them.

In Hampshire there are CAP centres based at Aldershot, Alton, Gosport, Hedge End, Lymington, Marchwood, Portswood, Sandown (IOW), Southampton, Southsea, and Winchester.

Debt help service available to tenants

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WEST SIDE STORYCATSFIDDLER ON THE ROOFLITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS CHESSGODSPELL

For your chance to win a £25 Gift Token of your choice, send your completed puzzle to Sarah Clawson at:

Petersfield Housing Association32 Lavant Street, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3EF

Closing date for entries is Friday 10th April 2015.

Words can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally in all eight directions. Words may overlap but do not share letters.

Spring Word Search Competition

Petersfield Housing Association, 32 Lavant Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3EF

Tel: 01730 263 589Email: [email protected]

Chatter Box - PHA Homes · Electrical safety testing 2. Did you know? ... weak solution of bleach...

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