RESIDENTS INVOLVED

East London & Essex residents’ magazineISSUE 76 | SUMMER 2012 | www.east-thames.co.uk

street streetby

GAMES LEGACYGAMES LEGACYGAMES LEGACY

In this edition we look at the Olympics and the housing legacy from 2013. Story page 12 >

...plus all the news from

Your neighbourhood Can I have a pet?

Council homes New homes for E20

Stop Press Money savvy foyer residents04 11 20

I’m very pleased to be introducing this edition of StreetbyStreet - the focus of which is the Olympics.

With less than 80 days to go, the ‘greatest show on earth’ comes to London’s east end. I believe it is a welcome inspiration for us all to participate in sport and other healthy activities. But do the local community share the same optimism for the promised legacy to follow? Find out more in this edition’s Hot Topic.

As the newest member of the resident communications panel I really feel that my voice can be heard through this group and would encourage fellow residents, especially our younger ones, to join too so that their views can be taken into account.

Therefore in this edition we are running a Young Writer’s Competition asking young residents aged 15-24,

to write a piece about the Olympics, win a prize and have your work published in the next edition of Streetbystreet. Further details can be found in Your Space.

Streetbystreet keeps you informed about local news and community initiatives. If you have a story email marcoms@east-thames.co.uk or call Niki Nixon, communications officer, on 020 8536 8769. The deadline for the next issue is Friday, 20 July 2012.Get in touch with us if you: have a question you’d like answered in Streetbystreet have ideas for a story we could write for our next issue know about an event we could attend to take photos want to share your views about community issues want to give us feedback about anything in this issue want to help shape the next issue by joining our residents communication panel, a small group that meets every three months.

Streetbystreet is produced by the Marketing and Communications team, East Thames Group, 29-35 West Ham Lane, Stratford E15 4PH Editor: Vijay Jeshram Cover: Artists’ impression of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2030. Image courtesy of London Legacy Development Corporation. Designer: Jen Fraser Tel: 020 8536 8769 Fax: 020 8522 2001 Email: marcoms@east-thames.co.uk Online: www.east-thames.co.uk 8

Contents

When you’re finished with Streetbystreet please recycle it.

0800 952 0119130725

For free translation of this magazine for East Thames residents, call:

Welcome to the latest edition of Streetbystreet.

Welcome

by Oladipo Makanju, East Thames resident and member of the resident communications panel.

4-5 Your neighbourhood6-7 Resident involvement8 Repairs9 Housing options10-14 2012 Special12-13 The hot topic15 Performance16 Money matters

17 Charity work18 Community programmes19 Care and support20-21 Stop press22 East life23 Your space24 Contacts & about us

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Ask Geoff

A: During the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Athletes Village will house around 17,000 athletes and officials. After the Games the Athletes Village will become East Village - a new neighbourhood of 2,818 1-4 bedroom high quality homes.

East Thames – together with Southern Housing Group and First Base – is an owner of Triathlon Homes who will own 1,379 affordable homes on the village. The remaining 1,439 homes are owned by Qatari Diar/Delancey who will sell and rent their homes on the open market.

WHEN ARE THE HOMES AVAILABLE?The homes and the landscaping are already finished. But these homes won’t have kitchens installed because the athletes eat together in large food halls meaning that the kitchen areas can be used as bedrooms.

When the Games finish in September, work will begin on installing kitchens, painting the homes, and putting down new flooring – it will be exactly like

a brand new home.We start to get the homes

from about April 2013, through to spring 2014.

WHO GETS THE HOMES?For the 1,379 Triathlon Homes we have three types of homes available:

1. 675 Social rented homes The majority of these homes

are for people from Newham Council’s social housing waiting list. Some will also be available for people on waiting lists in other east London boroughs.

2. 348 Shared ownership / equity homes

Under shared ownership, people buy a percentage of their home and pay a reduced rent on the remaining percentage. Anyone interested in this option needs to be registered with First Steps: www.firststepslondon.org.

8 Shared equity homes allow purchasers to buy a share (on average 60%) of the home with no rent payable on the share retained by Triathlon.

3. 356 Intermediate rented homes

These homes are offered at about 70-80% of the market rental rate. Again, anyone interested needs to be registered with First Steps: www.firststepslondon.org.

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WHAT WILL THE VILLAGE BE LIKE?East Village will be a great place to live. The homes are well designed, energy efficient, spacious and modern. There are fantastic transport links and new community facilities including a school (The Chobham Academy), health centre, community spaces, restaurants, the Queen Elizabeth Park and of course, Westfield Stratford City.

For more information visit:www.east-village.co.uk 8www.triathlonhomes.com 8

Geoff Pearce

Director of development and asset management,East Thames Group

www.east-thames.co.uk

Geoff Pearce, Director of development and asset

management, answers a resident’s question.

Q: What happens to the homes on the Athletes Village after the Olympics?

4 marcoms@east-thames.co.uksbs

Can I have a pet?TO KEEP A PET in your home you will need to have our written consent first. Get in touch with your neighbourhood manager who can then tell you if your home is suitable for pets and make you aware of any rules currently in force.

Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter - it is a lifetime commitment. We will ask you to sign our good pet agreement to confirm your commitment to giving your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible and ensure your pet does not become a nuisance or annoyance to your neighbours, our staff, contractors or agents.

BANNED DOGSIf you are thinking of getting a dog please note that breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 will not be allowed. These are any dogs known as a pitbull type (eg American, Blue nose or Red nose pitbulls); Japanese Tosa; Fila Brasileiro; and Dogo Argentino. We do not allow any dog that has the appearance of being bred for fighting and cooperate fully with the police and local councils in efforts to tackle banned\dangerous dogs.

To obtain our written consent

Your neighbourhood

THIS SUMMER, we are hosting a series of free fun days for dog owners. At these events you can get your dog micro chipped for free, receive free neutering vouchers and handy dog care tips from professionals. You will also be able to sign up to our good pet agreement. The first dog fun day will be on 21st June 2012 - Windsor Park Beckton Newham. If you need any further information please contact Dominique Mathurine 0208 522 3406 or dominique.mathurine@east-thames.co.uk for further information.

to keeping a dog you must microchip your dog (providing us with a copy of the certificate) and provide a colour picture of your dog.

FIND OUT MORE: Get in touch with your neighbourhood manager or email nmenquiries@ east-thames.co.uk

BEING A GOOD neighbour is being mindful of things that you can do to help reduce noise that may be causing a nuisance to your neighbours.

So why not get involved in Noise Action Week 21-25 May and agree to do what you can to keep the noise down that week. Helpful tips will be given in your next estate newsletter or you can visit the website www.noiseactionweek. org.uk. 8

We are particularly interested in knowing any creative solutions you have come up with which we can share with other residents in the next edition of Streetbystreet.

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Ramping up our checks over the Olympics

IT IS UNLAWFUL to rent out your home to someone else without our prior permission. You will be breaking the terms of your tenancy agreement and are therefore at risk of losing your home.

We have been very successful in uncovering homes that are being sublet and re-housing them to people who need them. During April 2011 and March 2012 we investigated 94 cases, and 35 of these resulted in properties being handed back to us.

We are therefore looking to ramp up our tenancy checks over the Olympic and Paralympic Games. So if you are subletting there is a very good chance you will be caught! So don’t make the Games a memorable one for the wrong reasons.

Fly-TippingAS THE WEATHER starts to improve the desire to make some home improvements increases too. If you do start any work in your house and are looking to get rid of bulky rubbish please do not leave this in your usual bin area. Arrange for these to be collected instead.

This can usually be done through your local council for free. Please bear in mind that if you use a ‘man with a van’ service please find out exactly what they do with the rubbish.

They may claim to take the items to the local recycling centre or rubbish tip but in reality they simply dump these around the corner and sometimes on the same estate you are living on. This clearly is not what you paid for and the problem of the rubbish disposal remains.

On top of this if the items can be traced back to you, you may have to pay a fine.

As mentioned in previous editions of Streetbystreet please do not be tempted by the thought of making a quick buck subletting your home.

It is unlawful to rent out your home to someone else without our prior permission.

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Housing Scrutiny Panel updateby Tracy Aldrich & Julie Spalding, Housing Scrutiny Panel members.

THE HOUSING SCRUTINY panel is a newly established group of resident representatives in place to scrutinise our performance and the services we provide.

Panel members Tracey Aldrich and Julie Spalding give us a breakdown on what’s been happening in their first year and what’s about to come over the next few months.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSING SCRUTINY PANELOn behalf of the resident scrutiny panel we would firstly like to thank everyone who took the time out to vote – we now have a great team of 11 residents who are all passionate about incorporating change and improvement for the benefit of all East Thames residents.

Much of this first year has been about getting to know each other and familiarising ourselves with East Thames policies and procedures. We also took part in

relevant training to enhance our scrutinising skills.

The areas within East Thames with low rates of satisfaction will be our initial focus. At present these are: ASB – Antisocial Behaviour Complaints Voids – empty properties

Our first project involves scrutinising the antisocial behaviour service that East Thames provides. We’ve already started work in this area and have met the East Thames ASB team to discuss how we can make improvements. One of the ideas which was discussed was introducing a short film to help residents identify and report ASB.

Furthermore, we have been supported by an independent chair, Christine Searle. She will shortly stand down and we will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and thus make the panel 100% resident led.

Coming to a close we’d like to say that this past year has been

a year of learning not only for us but for East Thames and we hope that by 2012/13 we will all start to see a noticeable change to the areas in need of improvement which will result in more satisfied residents. We will tell you more about our progress in the next issue of Streetbystreet. We will continue to stay committed to continuing to work as a critical friend to East Thames on behalf of its residents.

FIND OUT MORE: Minutes from the scrutiny panel meetings can be found online at www.east-thames.co.uk/scrutiny-panel 8Although membership for this

year is now closed – if you would like to know more about the work of the Housing Scrutiny Panel or how you can get involved please contact: Deborah Lamb, Resident Involvement Officer 020 8536 8806 or email: Deborah.lamb@east-thames.co.uk

Resident involvement

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LOCAL IMPROVEMENTSWE HAVE BEEN busy working with residents from our estates and communities to further their interest in setting up new Tenant’s and Resident’s Associations (TRAs).

These associations help residents make improvements at a local level by working together as ‘one voice’ when dealing with East Thames for service improvements.

We are looking forward to working with the following soon to be established TRAs:

Axe Street, Barking and Dagenham

E11, Street properties in the Leytonstone area,

The Maltings, Tower Hamlets Bishopsfield, Harlow, Kingswood Park, Essex Taylor Place, Tower Hamlets, Bluebell, Newham Ravens Close, Havering Phoenix Court, Tower Hamlets

Residents at these estates will receive further information about their new TRAs shortly.

STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENTSThere are a number of ways in which residents can help influence improvements. Over the last year around 30 residents got involved in the mystery shoppers / resident inspectors programme and helped us make changes to the way we work. Mystery Shoppers helped improve the process used to deal with our daily post and how we deal with telephone calls, and Resident Inspectors helped us to review our voids (empty properties) process and how we can relieve some of the stresses brought about from moving.

It’s always good to get as many residents involved as possible. If you want to play a part in improving the services we provide either as a TRA, mystery shopper or resident inspector please contact Deborah Lamb – Resident Involvement Officer on 020 8536 8806 or email: Deborah.lamb@east-thames.co.uk

Message of condolenceSOME OF YOU may be aware of the unfortunate passing of East Thames resident Pat Pitts.

Pat was an active resident both within East Thames and her local community. As well as attending regular consultation groups and working closely with East Thames managers and our maintenance contractors, she had also been Chair of her local Tenant's Association for over 16 years. Her passion and drive made her a real asset to have on board to help us shape and improve our services, she truly was a memorable character who won't be forgotten.

Resident Involvement Strategy

Our resident involvement strategy is about putting residents at the heart of our business so that they can drive and shape local and strategic improvements to our housing services.

8 marcoms@east-thames.co.uksbs

Deciding who provides our repairs serviceAS YOU MAY have seen in the last issue of Streetbystreet, East Thames is in the process of finding a long term partner organisation to deliver all our repairs, maintenance and asset management services. The response from organisations keen to work with us has been great and we have now shortlisted five bidders.

Our existing repairs and maintenance contractors, including Axis, have not been shortlisted for the work. They will continue to work with us and provide our repairs service until the new contract begins in April next year.

NEXT STEPSIn April we held meetings with the five shortlisted bidders to discuss in detail the service they would provide and in May these bidders submitted documentation outlining what they could offer East Thames and our residents. We are using this information to select three bidders to go through to the final round of the process before we appoint one organisation who best meets our repairs and maintenance needs.

Residents have been part of this process and will continue to be involved, right up until the new contract begins. Ten residents now sit on our Strategic Maintenance Panel and have helped us to decide on repairs and maintenance standards such as appointment times and repairs timescales. One resident and panel member has even been involved in meetings taking place with the bidders that focus on customer service.

We will continue to keep you updated on this process in both Streetbystreet and on our website.

Home Condition Survey 2012

WE WILL SHORTLY be carrying out a major survey of about 2,500 of the homes we own and manage to help us plan future repairs, maintenance and improvements.

Building surveyors, Hunters, have been

appointed to survey the homes and the external condition of blocks of flats and converted houses.

If your home is selected to be part of the survey, Hunters will send you a letter detailing the dates they would like to undertake the survey and some information about the survey process.

The surveyors will carry a photo identity card, a letter of authority from East Thames and they will be issued with a unique security number that you will be issued with to maintain security and prevent bogus callers.

The surveys are due to take place between mid May and July. Your assistance with this process will be greatly appreciated.

Repairs

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CHOICE BASED Lettings - the system which lets you bid for a new home – can now only be accessed online. This does away with the less efficient paper-based system and provides links to alternative home moving options such as mutual exchange and affordable housing options for renting, swapping or buying.

If you want to move home, you need to be registered for the Choice Based Lettings system.

Step 1: You’ll need an email address. If you don’t have one it’s easy and free to set up either a hotmail or gmail account

Step 2: Visit www.ellc choicehomes.org.uk 8 and register in the East Thames section

Step 3: Receive a unique login from East Thames to allow you to start bidding on East Thames homes.

If you require any assistance to get set up and use the online

Choice Based Lettings system please contact the lettings team on 020 8522 2260 or email lettingsteam@east-thames.co.uk.

Online is easier to fill in than a written

form and the guidance is clear and simple - all you need to do is

follow the links and the instructions at each

stage.”

Housing options

* Based on a full sale price of £192,500. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability, eligibility and credit check.

Choice Based Lettings is online

Shared ownership: Walthamstow E17

For more detail see our website: www.east-thames.co.uk

£48,125 for a 25% share*

Buy from only

Register your interest now: 0845 300 0830 or email properties@east-thames.co.uk

The Drive Launching Summer 2012.

Frederic Street Only 7 apartments remaining!

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Stratford International

Stratford International

WestfieldStratford

City

WestfieldStratford

City Bridge3

Bridge2

Drapers Field

Drapers Field

Chobham AcademyChobham AcademyAthletes

VillageAthletes Village

Chobham Farm

OlympicStadiumOlympicStadium

Chobham Farm

Chobham Manor

Chobham Manor

How E20 is shaping upPOINTS OF INTEREST:

THE OLYMPIC PARKAs well as being home to eight venues – including the iconic Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre and Velodrome – the Olympic Park will host a range of exciting attractions and events during the Games.

After the Games, the Olympic Park will bring new homes, shops, restaurants, medical, leisure facilities and large areas of open space.

ATHLETES VILLAGEAthletes Village (which will

become East Village) provides 2,818 new homes available in 2013. This is only the first new neighbourhood on the Olympic Park. There are five more major projects which will include affordable housing, to be delivered in the next 5–10 years.

CHOBHAM FARMEast Thames will be building new homes at Chobham Farm and we are in the process of getting planning approval for the new homes.

8 ONLINE: www.east-village.co.ukwww.triathlonhomes.com www.londonlegacy.co.uk

Kenya House comes to West Ham LaneTHIS SUMMER, space at our West Ham Lane head office in Stratford will be transformed into Kenya House, as we welcome the Kenyan High Commission for the duration of the Olympic Games.

From Monday 23 July through to Tuesday 21 August, the Kenyan High Commission will be showcasing their country to business and community groups, with a few athletes calling in from time to time.

2012 Special

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TEMPORARY FRONT OF HOUSE RELOCATIONBetween Monday 23 July and Tuesday 21 August our front of house service will be moving to the neighbouring 3 Tramway Avenue. Residents will still be able to come into the office to speak to our customer service team.

BUSINESS AS USUALWe know the Olympics will be a busy time, especially in Stratford but we will continue to offer services as normal.

All of our offices will be open and operating normal office hours during the Games.

The best way to get in touch continues to be over the phone and our number will operate 24-7 as always.

We will continue to respond within 24 hours to emergency repairs and we are working closely with all our contractors to make sure services for customers run as smoothly as possible during the Games.

2012 Special

Be the first to live in London’s newest neighbourhood

Register your interest: www.triathlonhomes.com

Hundreds of council homes in East Village E20 will be ready to live in from Spring 2013. You will start seeing adverts online so you can bid for one, two, three and four bed apartments and townhouses, all at standard council rent.

Services for residents during the 2012 Games

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The hot topic

THIS QUESTION was explored by a group of young residents from our Focus E15 foyer as part of a youth radio project. We have dedicated this Hot Topic to their findings and what they got out of the experience.

LEARNING TO ASK THE QUESTIONSFoyer residents learnt how

carry out interviews, using audio equipment and understanding what makes a good news story. At the end of the course they put their skills to use by delivering a live radio programme on the dedicated youth radio station Reprezent Radio. As part of the show they took to the streets of Stratford and asked local people how they felt about the Olympics

coming to east London. They also spoke to representatives from the London Legacy Company and athletes.

Olympics on our doorstep - how excited are we?When London was declared the host for the 2012 Olympics, Stratford erupted with people whooping and cheering in the streets and cars blowing their horns. Now as the sporting clock counts down for the ‘greatest show on earth’ what are local people really saying about the Olympics coming to town?

HOT TOPIC

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“I am really excited about Stratford becoming a new sports venue for the long term with all kinds of sport in one avenue”

“There’s a lot changing in the area and I hope that carries on afterwards”

“Think it’s good for the area – brings money to help youngsters get into sport”“Great for the community, especially Newham as it is

a deprived area – very good to get the profile up”

“Fantastic for east London and particularly with the legacy that will be left behind – the Olympic Park and everything else”

“One big hassle – the buses, the trains, everything’s just going to be jammed – won’t be able to do the normal things we do normally do”

“Amazing opportunity for Newham and especially for the people that live here.It brings people together and gives young people something to aspire to”

“Some have lost their homes and livelihoods to make way for the games so we owe it to them to ensure the legacy works to benefit generations to come”

RADIO PRESENTERS GO ONE BETTERFollowing on from their experience Focus E15 residents, Christella and Diamond-Rose have been selected to take part in a BBC work programme where they will continue to gain skills in working in the media.

“The help and support we get from the foyer staff have helped us to become very independent. Having someone there to ‘flame up your own light’ so to speak helps us to stop doubting ourselves and aspire to do more.”

East Thames runs six foyers which provide accommodation and support to young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Find out more: www.east-thames.co.uk/foyers 8

HOT TOPIC

Here is selection of the opinions that were captured:

14 marcoms@east-thames.co.uksbs

2012 Special

Find a torch relay route near you!WITNESSING THE Olympic Flame touch down in your borough is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will remember for years to come.

The Olympic Torch Relay will come within 10 miles of 95% of people as it travels its 8,000 mile journey around the UK, and will pass through every east London and Essex borough in the lead up to the Games.

There will be celebrations of local culture along the route showcasing the best natural landscapes and built environments in Britian has to offer.

To find out how you can get in on the action, go to the interactive map on the Olympic website www.london2012.com 8 and enter your postcode. You will then be presented with details of a selection of the 1,019 communities the Olympic Flame will be carried through that are closest to you.

For additional information about any local celebrations taking place please also check your local council’s website.

Get Ahead of the GamesIF YOU ARE out and about when the Olympic and Paralympic Games are in full swing be prepared for roads and public transport to be much busier than usual. The website www.getaheadofthegames.com

8 provides details of travel hotspots and useful advice to help you with your journey. If you are going to the Games as a spectator additional travel information and advice for each venue is provided on www.london2012.com. 8CHANGES TO ROADSDuring the Olympics the network of roads connecting venues, accommodation and transport may change to ensure reliable journeys for athletes, officials, workers and media. Road events together with local access and parking measures will also change the way some areas and roads operate at

various times throughout the Games. Key points to note are:

OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY 21–26 July will involve a rolling road closure as the torch travels through London. It will pass through Newham and Tower Hamlets on Saturday 21 July.

GAMES LANES – Clearly marked Games Lanes will only be available for accredited vehicles and adjacent lanes will remain open to the general traffic. Unauthorised use of the Games Lanes will result in a fine and if parked the towing away of your vehicle.

OLYMPIC PARK AND EXCEL VENUE – A parking protection area for local residents and businesses is being introduced across Newham to discourage spectators from parking in the area and to help minimise disruption. The event organiser, London 2012, is sending information to affected residents and businesses.

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THE CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARD WE WANT TO PROVIDE 88.6% of complaints were responded to on time (195 out of 220)

114% of tenancy verification checks were achieved. Its over 100% because we did a lot more checks than planned for (581 instead of the 509 target)

67% of estate inspections had residents taking part

94.6% of estates inspected were awarded a gold or silver status

10% of residents were satisfied with our complaints process ( 3 out of 30) Residents who have complained have told us we need to communicate with them more during the process, so they know what is happening and get the assurance that we are looking into the complaint and will fix the problem.

THE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE WE WANT TO PROVIDE 99.9% of our homes have a valid gas certificate (7385 of 7386)

99.88% of our homes have met the decent homes standard (9305 of 9316)

93.8% of repairs were completed on time (9681 out of 10316)

74.9% of our residents were satisfied with the way East Thames dealt with repairs and maintenance (305 out of 407)

COLLECTION OF RENT SERVICE WE WANT TO PROVIDE… Our rent arrears are at 3.3% (£2.1m not collected out of £64.1m)

THE ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR SERVICE WE WANT TO PROVIDE… 96.9% of our residents reported antisocial behaviour cases that have been dealt

with within timescales (95 out of 122)

-

Performance%

We’ve met or exceeded our target

We’re really close to meeting our target

We’ve missed our target and need to improve in this area

p

x-

pp

pp

p

p

p

x

-

Quarterly performance: Jan-Mar 2012

FIND OUT MORE about our performance at www.east-thames.co.uk/our-performance8

After feedback from our Resident Communications Panel we are looking to make the levels of achievement clearer by adding a tick, a dash and a cross to the colour coded statistics.

x

16 marcoms@east-thames.co.uksbs

Welfare ReformOLYMPIC ATHLETES say that the key to their success is preparation. The welfare system is changing and we want our residents who claim benefits to be prepared for these changes.

Key benefits such as housing benefit, income support, and disability living allowance will be affected and you will receive payment in one monthly lump sum. These changes won’t happen until April 2013, but it’s good to be prepared.

1. Organise a bank accountIf you get any benefits from the government, from April 2013 they will be paid into your account in one monthly sum. You’ll need a bank account and it’s a good idea to have one which allows for direct debit to help you pay your rent and other bills. Our welfare benefit advisors can help you.

2. Make sure you pay rent on time

Having a safe and secure is important so paying your rent should be your top priority every month (advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau). Setting up a direct debit for just after you are paid your salary or benefits is a good way of making sure your rent is paid on time.

3. Avoid using loan sharks

Loan sharks can be tempting – they offer fast money. But there are some big problems with using them – mainly the high fees and interest rates – which can see you having to pay a lot of money for the loan. In the worst cases loan sharks have been known to use intimidation and threaten violence if you can’t pay back the loan.

4. Consider alternative finance options

We are looking at a number of financial products which may help our residents manage their money better. For example, credit unions often offer good bank accounts and lower cost personal and home loans. Through a credit union you may also get help to make arrangements to pay your rent and other regular bills.

5. Budgeting skillsWe are looking to organise budgeting skills classes so that you can learn how to control your money and spending. If you are interested please get in touch with our benefit advisers.

FIND OUT MORE: If you are concerned about the changes to the benefits you are receiving please get in touch with our Welfare Benefit Advisors, Uyi Abosede on 020 8536 8803 or Arelene Boreland on 020 8536 8797 or email welfare.benefits@east-thames.co.uk

Newham Housing Benefit checksNEWHAM IS WHERE we have the greatest proportion of households claiming housing benefit. So we are now able to verify documents to help speed up the benefits application process.

Our Newham residents now have an alternative to booking appointments at the Newham offices in the Docklands and can submit their application forms and documents to our Front of House team in our Stratford offices instead.

Money matters£

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Charity work

Sleeping out in the coldEAST THAMES was selected as John Lewis Stratford City’s ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2012. Having already received £1,100 through their Community Matters scheme we have joined forces for a charity sleep-out to put a spotlight on homelessness and help raise money for this cause. At the beginning of May the terrace at East Thames’ head office at West Ham Lane became home to 50 sleeping bags as participants braved the weather for 24 hours. It was a huge success raising over £3,200!

Sushi makers on a roll at Comic Relief funded youth eventMONEY FROM Comic Relief helped us introduce a health and well being event to our GMCL (Great Marvellous Cool Living) project which supports young residents from our First Steps Foyer in Newham who have experienced mental health problems. Over 40 people came along to find out more about living healthier independent lives and took part in life skills training, which included sushi making (pictured above, right).

GMCL resident Niki said: “I find events like this inspiring, because it gives us that extra bit of motivation. Seeing people come out and make an effort in giving us information feels good. The sushi went down well and I never knew it was that easy to put together.”

FIND OUT MORE: about what we’re doing to raise the cash, head over to our fundraising page: www.east-thames.co.uk/fundraising 8

w£

There has been a lot of activity to raise money for East Potential – the charitable arm of East Thames – furthering our work to help people lead better lives.

FUNDED BY

Rachel goes the distance for charity A HUGE THANK YOU to Rachel Goodman from Braintree, Essex who ran the London Marathon and raised just over £800 for charity. Rachel will split the money between East Potential, Havens Hospices and Brainwave Centre Limited.

Rachel said “East Potential is a charity that I’m passionate about it helps people on so many different levels and I’ve seen the results. I’m passionate about improving lives and I hope my donation can go towards a reputable cause to help the community”.

18 marcoms@east-thames.co.uksbs

Jobs for people with mental health needsFINDING EMPLOYMENT in the current climate is difficult and it can be even harder if you have mental health problems.

Recognising this we recently joined forces with mental health charity Mind to expand our Routes to Work employment and training programme to residents with mental health needs in Tower Hamlets and Newham.

Since the start of the year 20 local people have taken part in intense training to build their self-esteem and well being and learn how to perform in a work environment. The participants also spent time in work placements with organisations including East London Business Alliance, London Barts Hospital, Fair Finance and Just Productions to get experience in the work place.

East Thames service user Manjit Bogal said “The employment and training team at East Thames were extremely helpful and the programme was so useful. I enjoyed the role play and wellbeing activities the most as it helped me prepare for my work placement - which was brilliant! I’ve had a great morale boost and my confidence has increased, I couldn’t be happier’.

Our employment and training service caters for residents and local people, with all different types of specific needs, to help them gain the relevant skills to lead an improved lifestyle.

Community programmes

FINDING THE RIGHT EMPLOYMENT / TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR YOU

ROUTES TO WORK is a work experience and business mentoring programme giving you valuable on-the-job experience to help you get full time work.

WORKWISE is a series of friendly group sessions to help you improve your chances of getting a job. The session include supported job searches and job brokerage.

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS is a volunteering programme centred around projects that will improve your local area. The programme helps you learn new skills and increases confidence in work situations.

WORKPLACE HUB is a drop in centre which provides support to Newham residents, matching skills and job aspirations with local vacancies.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.east-thames.co.uk/employment-training 8 or talk to our employment and training team today about the service that’s right for you. Call 020 8522 2221 or email ete@east-thames.co.uk.

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Spotlight on our floating support serviceOUR FLOATING support service helps people with a range of support needs stay in the comfort of their own home. The service is a mixture of practical and personal support tailored to the individual helping them to achieve greater levels of independence.

The service links to our existing accommodation based schemes creating a network of floating support ‘hubs’.

This makes use of existing resources and meeting spaces and provides opportunities for extra leisure activities, peer support and the chance to make new friends.

Peter* welcomed the addition of our floating support service into his life. He has severe physical disabilities and depended on friends to support him on a daily basis. His self confidence was low and he spent most of his time indoors.

After being introduced to our floating support service two years ago our staff have helped him organise adaptations, apply for money to decorate his home and

encouraged him to take up new interests.

Peter’s confidence increased and he started to believe he could live a full and independent life.

Peter said: “I am and will be forever grateful for what’s been done for me. I am now independent and motivated to love life. I’m applying to go to university and looking into becoming a disc jockey in my spare time.”

“I’ve also just passed my driving test and was able to get a car on the mobility scheme which was awesome. My life has changed and I’m looking forward to the future.”

FIND OUT MORE: If you want to learn more about the floating support service we provide please contact the floating support team on 020 8522 5841.

Satisfaction with our care and support service

RESULTS FROM OUR recent satisfaction survey for our care and support services revealed that around 80% of residents are satisfied with our services. However, there were a number of areas that residents were dissatisfied with. Some of the concerns highlighted were around staff presence, day to day support, lack of activities and security.

Using this feedback we are setting up an action plan and a programme of re-training for staff in the areas highlighted. For our foyers we will be creating a foyer service users committee to channel specific and local concerns. We will keep all residents updated with progress as we take these improvement measures forward.

Care and support

*not real name

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Stop press!

AT A CEREMONY held at Wembley Stadium they fought off competition from across the UK by impressing judges with their improvement in money management skills and inspiring others to do the same through their ‘Buffet on a Budget’ event.

As Vivian John, 23, member of the ‘Buffet on a Budget’ team explains: “We had to cater for 40 of our fellow foyer residents and on a tight budget of just £1.50 a head. Thanks to the Money for Life Challenge, we put what we learnt into practice and discovered a lot of places to get good deals”.

The team won £1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice and will be going to the Money for Life Challenge Grand Final in Central London on 23 May with the chance of winning more money for charity and other prizes.

Buffet ona budget

TIPS + RECIPES BY YOUNG RESIDENTS

Buffet on

National finals for our money savvy Foyer residentsYoung residents from our Barking & Dagenham Foyer were crowned winners at the England Final of the Lloyds TSB’s Money for Life Challenge.

8 ONLINE: Get the recipes online at: www.east-thames.co.uk/content/buffet-budget-cook-book

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Stop press !

WITH THE DIAMOND Jubilee and the Olympics just around the corner, we’re looking for residents who have taken the lead on holding events in their community.

We really want to help you capture the moment and let your neighbours know what’s on so they can get involved too and who knows you may see your pictures in the next edition of Street by Street!

GET INVOLVED: If you’d like to get in touch to let us know your plans contact: marcoms@east-thames.co.uk

Improving customer serviceIN THE LAST issue of Streetbystreet we invited you to have your say on our customer service.

As a result we are currently carrying out consultation workshops with a whole range of customers so we can hear your views on how we could improve the service you receive.

We will also be discussing the possibility of introducing an online self service system where you could report a repair or check you rent account via the East Thames website.

We will report back on the issues discussed at these meetings in the next issue of Streetbystreet.

We’re organising events for the Olympics & Diamond Jubilee - are you?

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QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE PARTYCome and celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee at a choice of two of our Stratford schemes: Lea Bon Court and Janson RoadWhere: Lea Bon Court, 12 Plaistow Grove, E15 3EPWhen: 12noon, Tuesday 2 June 2012More info: Mrs Denise Hurford 0208 519 6099Where: 12 Janson Rd, E15 1TGWhen: 2pm-5pm, Tuesday 5 June 2012More info: Limited places available. To book contact Hannah Gottschalk on 0208 534 7216 email Hannah.gottschalk@east-thames.co.uk.CARERS WEEK 18-24 JUNEThe following two Carers Week events are for the local community in Essex to enjoy:

A CUPCAKE, COCKTAIL & CARING FOR CARERS DAY Where: St Luke’s Hospice in Basildon, SS17 9AL.When: Tuesday 19 June 10am-2pm

More info: Contact Carol Keeble 01375 648170, carol@stlukeshouse.org.uk

SOUTHEND CARNIVAL PARADE The Southend Carers Forum are attending this Parade, flying the flag for Carers. Where: Southend Sea front, SS1 1BW. When: Saturday 23 June 2012More info: Contact Scarlett McCarthy, 01702 393933 or email info@southendcarers.co.uk. Website www.southendcarers.co.uk 8CALLING NEW CYCLISTSEnjoy a trip to St Paul’s Cathedral in London and learn more about cycling in London. If you bring your bike along get free cycle training lessons and a free tune

up at our Dr Bike station.Where: St Pauls Cathedral Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD When:

12pm-3pm Thursday 21 June.More info: travel.awareness@cityoflondon.gov.uk. Website: www.visitthecity.co.uk/index.php/celebrate 8OLYMPIC TORCH COMES TO VISIT

The Olympic Torch Relay will help shine a light on the whole of the UK – from dynamic urban areas to places of outstanding natural beauty. Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame through 1,024 communities – cities, towns and villages. Where: Across several boroughs in East London and Essex When: It will be passing through Essex on 6 July and East London on 22 July 2012.Website: www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay. 8

East lifewe

What’s on, when, and where! Your guide to FREE events in east London and Essex.

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Your space

WINNERS of our customer satisfaction survey prize draw (Feb 2012) are: 1. Diana Teasdale 2. Lulu Rider (May draw) 3. Anthony Williams 4. Armie Fortune. 5. Local artist Melford Fearon at his ‘Through the Eyes of Another’ exhibition at East Gallery. 6-8. Various artists at the launch party of East Gallery’s current exhibition ‘I am...’

Winners and artists

2.

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CALLING YOUNG WRITERS – YOU CAN BE A WINNER TOO!

Are you an East Thames resident aged between 15 and 24 with a passion for writing? If so why not enter our Young Writer’s competition.

We’ll publish your writing in the next edition of StreetbyStreet, which reaches over 13,000 residents, and you will also win £50 worth of ‘lovetoshop’ vouchers! You will also be invited to our quarterly resident communications meeting where you can discuss the content and different themes for the next edition of StreetbyStreet.

Not only is this a great experience, it’s also a platform for you to get your foot in the door in the wonderful world of the media.

To be in with a chance of winning, send in a 200 word answer to: Why do you think the Olympics will make east London a better place?

The closing date is June 29th 2012 and all entries should ideally be emailed to marcoms@east-thames.co.uk or you can post or hand in to Marcoms, East Thames Group, 29-35 West Ham Lane, Stratford, London E15 4PH. Please ensure you include your name and contact details. The winner will be contacted in the first week of July. Good luck!!!

THAMES

THAMES

THAMES

EDITION

www.east-thames.co.uk

Address: 29-35 West Ham Lane, Stratford, London E15 4PH (open Mon-Fri, 8.30am-6pm) Customer Contact Centre: 0845 600 0830 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-8.30pm and Sat 8.30am-12.30pm) info@east-thames.co.uk

Minicom: 020 8522 2006 Fax: 020 8522 2001 Neighbourhood managers: nmenquiries@east-thames.co.ukRepairs requests: 0845 600 0830 repairs@east-thames.co.uk

EAST THAMES is a registered social landlord and social regeneration charity with over 30 years experience of providing affordable homes. We are the largest housing association operating solely in east London and Essex and among London’s top 15.

Our mission is to make a positive and lasting contribution to the neighbourhoods in which we work which we do through different parts of our business.

We manage and/ or own more than 13,250 affordable homes for: social rent,

intermediate rent and affordable home ownership.

We give people a chance to succeed through community programmes that include: children’s centres, employment and training, art and culture, sustainable living, and health and wellbeing.

We provide support and accommodation in over 80 schemes for people with a wide range of needs, including: older people, younger people at risk of becoming homeless, people with a learning disability or mental health needs, and women escaping violence.

THAMES

THAMES

THAMES

EDITION

www.east-thames.co.uk

Contacts

Emergencies:Gas & Electric Supplies National Grid (includes Transco): T: 0845 605 6677 W: www.nationalgrid.com/uk

IF YOU SMELL GAS call: 0800 111 999

WATER SUPPLIESEssex & Suffolk Water Customers: T: 0845 782 0999W: www.eswater.co.ukThames Water Customers: T: 0845 9200 800 W: www.thameswater.co.uk

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE National Helpline: T: 0808 2000 247 W: www.nationaldomestic violencehelpline.org.uk

Health:Emergency Services: 999NHS Direct: T: 0845 4647 W: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Other: For further information check out your estate noticeboard.

Citizens Advice Bureau W: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Department for Education: T: 0808 100 8000 W: www.education.gov.uk

National Centre for Independent Living (for the disabled): T: 020 7587 1663 W: www.ncil.org.uk

Local Councils:Barking & Dagenham: E: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk T: 020 8215 3000 W: www.lbbd.gov.uk Essex: W: www.essex.gov.uk includes links to all district councilsHarlow: E: contact@harlow.gov.uk T: 01279 446655 W: www.harlow.gov.ukHavering: E: info@havering.gov.uk T: 01708 434343 W: www.havering.gov.uk

Newham: T: 020 8430 2000 W: www.newham.gov.ukRedbridge: E: customer.cc@ redbridge.gov.uk T: 020 8554 5000 W: www.redbridge.gov.ukTower Hamlets: E: generalenquiries@ towerhamlets.gov.uk T: 020 7364 5020 W: www.towerhamlets.gov.ukWaltham Forest: E: wfdirect@walthamforest. gov.uk T: 020 8496 3000 W: www.walthamforest.gov.uk

About us

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