Autumn already!Honor Blackman opens Ley Gardens, page 3

In this issue...

For all the local news about your community Issue 72 – Autumn 2011

Tel: 0300 303 1190 Email: info@ss-ha.org.uk Web: www.shropshirehousing.org.uk

Holiday FunPage 15

Competition Winners Page 6

Ludlow Foyer Update Page 4

Michelle WalkerSSHA Board Member

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You can contact us in a number of ways:

1 PHONE 0300 303 1190 1 REPAIRS FREEPHONE 0800 5924181 EMAIL info@ss-ha.org.uk1 IN WRITING by sending your letter to us at

South Shropshire Housing Association, The Gateway, The Auction Yard, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9BW.

1 IN PERSON by coming along to the reception desk at Craven Arms.

OFFICE OPENING HOURS Our normal office opening hours are: 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday.

2 Meet The Board/Our services to you3 Movie Star Opens Ley Gardens4 Foyer News Update6 House Martins Stop Work/Competition Winners7 Group Pages11 Blockages/Your Feedback12 Interview with Jack Andow13 Taking a closer look/Jobcentre Plus14 Housing Support15 Blue Bin Competition/Holiday Fun/Birthdays16 TASS Competition

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MICHELLE WALkEr is the new tenant Board member for SSHA and lives in Ludlow. She is also secretary of the Tenants Association of South Shropshire (TASS). Michelle runs a care consultancy company and has worked in this sector for over 12 years.

meet the Board

Tenant Involvement and Empowerment

standard

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213 45 6

2Neighbourhoods

and Communities standard

13 4

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2

Value for Money standard

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2Tenancy standard

13 4

5 6

2

Governance and Financial Viability

standard

13 45 6

2Home standard

Our regulator, The Tenants Services Authority has asked all social landlords to produce local offers through six standards that cover the services we provide. Our current offers are set out in the Tenants report 2011 sent to you with this newsletter.

All updates on the local offers will be marked with the appropriate sticker (see below) for the standard it applies to.

2 | The key Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190

SSHA’s new development of sheltered housing in Church Stretton has been officially opened by star of stage and screen, Honor Blackman.

Among the first people to move into the new scheme, were 22 former residents of the Windsor Place sheltered housing scheme, which the new scheme was designed to replace. They will now enjoy high quality accommodation which benefits from eco-friendly technology, low maintenance features and has been built with sustainability and security in mind.

The new homes comprise of a mix of rented and shared ownership properties where the former Windsor Place residents have been involved in design and also kept updated via monthly progress meetings.

Residents will also be provided with optional social activities and benefit from both on site and visiting support services, including a hairdresser and chiropodist.

Paul Sutton, Executive Director for Assets and Development for Shropshire Housing Group, said: “This is an important development for us and one that will vastly improve the lives of the former Windsor Place residents and other new tenants. Windsor Place was an ageing property and Ley Gardens offers a high quality environment with better quality services.

“ This is a fantastic modern development in a beautiful

setting that has been built with a great amount of thought to the resident’s requirements” HONOr BLACkMAN

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The key Autumn 2011 | 3

Accreditation Joy The Foyer has again been accredited by the Foyer Federation for another three years. The accreditation award proves that the Foyer provides a quality service to its residents. Staff worked hard to get this award, which is the third since 2000.

Case Study – Melanie PoundMel came to the Foyer at the age of 16 and was attending Ludlow College. She has just completed her AS levels in Art & Design and Photography.

Mel had quite a few difficulties to contend with when she first came to the Foyer; adjusting to living on her own and problems with accessing certain benefits.

“The Foyer has been brilliant in helping me to prepare

for later life and developing life skills such as managing my money. It has also given me the confidence to stand up for myself and to help other people who are experiencing problems.” MELANIE POUND

A New GardenIn June, Foyer residents took part in the first Homegrown skills course since the project became part of the Foyer

Working with professional garden designer Jim O’ Rourke and the Foyer’s Deputy Manager Chris Burgin-Lynch, Foyer residents designed and built a garden in a space outside of the Foyer which was formerly a bin store.

“The team got involved at every stage; they had to

prepare a brief, do a site analysis and present their scheme to the client (the Foyer Management Team). After this they did construction preparation and finally constructed the garden. This was all done in 5 days. ” JIM O’rOUrkE

The Foyer residents will now work with Grow Cook Share to plant the garden. The Homegrown practical skills training programme includes basic gardening skills and cookery classes so residents can cook with the produce grown in the garden.

Opportunities on your doorstep

4 | The key Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 11904 | The key Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190

Garden site before

Garden in construction

Walking for Health Group

Mayor’s backing

Walking for Health GroupSome members of the Foyer have joined the Walking for Health group who meet on a Monday at 12.30 at Station road Surgery in Ludlow.

Walking for Health encourages more people to become physically active in their local communities and supports the largest network of health walk schemes across England, offering regular short walks over easy terrain with trained walk leaders.

The walks are organised by Janet Buzzard, the WfH Walk Leader, and are 30-45 minutes of low impact exercise. After that the walkers go to the Café at the Foyer for refreshments, prepared by staff, with assistance from residents who serve the lunch and clear away. There is a small charge for the lunch to cover costs.

The walk has bought together all age groups within the community and has become a social event for the Walking for Health Group and the Ludlow Foyer.

Anyone is welcome to join the group or contact Ian Perriman, the South Shropshire Co-ordinator on 01694 722077, for walks in your area.

Mayor’s Backing The Mayor of Ludlow, Cllr John Aitkin has named the Ludlow Foyer as his charity for the year. Foyer manager, kim Skinner was delighted with the news and met the Mayor recently to thank him.

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The key Autumn 2011 | 5

Competition WinnersCompetition Winners

Jim informed us that House Martins are protected and have more than one brood. This means that they can stay in the nest until September so work on the relevant houses should be delayed until then. House Sparrows nest into August and as these are also protected work where they were nesting could potentially begin earlier.

Jim said: ‘I enjoyed the chance to discuss the effect of your insulation work on House Martins. It’s most encouraging to hear the effort SSHA is putting into preventing any disturbance of the nesting birds.’

Bernard said: ‘At present we have instructed the contractors to only erect scaffolding on those properties where there are no nests. Joyner Ltd, are working closely with us to modify their programme to ensure there is no damage to nests or disturbance to the birds.

When work began in Onnybrook Drive, Mayfield Ave, Mynd View and Halford Crescent in the centre of Craven Arms contractors discovered something they hadn’t planned for…..nesting birds.

Residents had enjoyed watching the Swallows and House Martins return year in, year out to nest in their eaves. But this year the houses were due to have external wall insulation fitted by contractors, Joyner Ltd.

SSHA was informed and contacted the Shropshire Ornithological Society regarding the birds. Jim Martin from the Society met contracts manager, Bernard Quinn on site to find a way to progress without disturbing the birds.

“I wanted Jim’s advice on how we can carry out the works

without causing disturbance to the nesting birds, yet still complete the work for our residents.” BERnARD QuInn

Last editions word spotter competition was won by Sue Taylor from Cleobury Mortimer who won £30 of love to shop vouchers.

The winner of the kids spot the ice cream competition was Melanie Shuker from Craven Arms who also won £30 of Love to Shop vouchers.

6 | The key Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190

The Your Viewpoint Funday was held at the Shrewsbury Sports Village in August and enjoyed by all who attended.

Attendance was nearly double from last year and staff received some really good feedback from tenants about the

day. If you have further feedback visit shgcommunity.co.uk. Here are some of the tenants who got involved.

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Autumn 2011

From March 2012 giro cheques will no longer be paid out by the Post Office to welfare recipients. Instead PayPoint will provide welfare payments (free of charge to customers) over the counter at PayPoint outlets in newsagents, community stores, and other local outlets.

You could have your benefits paid into a Bank Account instead.

Group News Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1109

Basic Bank accounts

With a Basic Bank account you

◆ Don’t get a cheque book

◆ Don’t get an overdraft

◆ Can pay in cheques for free

◆ Can take money out at cash machines

◆ Can pay bills by Direct Debit or standing order (which usually means services are cheaper)

Basic bank accounts are usually free UNLESS you don’t have enough funds in the account when a direct debit is drawn. Then you will receive a charge - which can be up to £20 a time.

When choosing a Basic Bank account

check you can use cash machines near where you live or work for free (ask the bank or building society if you aren’t sure).

check there is a branch of the bank/building society near you where you can pay in money and check your account.

check you can pay money in or get money out at a Post Office® branch, if this is important for you.

check you will get the services you need like a debit card, Direct Debits or standing orders.

training!

Shropshire Housing Group plans to work with the Citizens Advice Bureau to provide some simple training courses on how to manage your money. These courses will be FUN and easy.

We will look at bank accounts, budgeting and simple ways to save money. If you have money worries we can also help you get some specialist support and help.

If you are interested in attending any of these courses please contact our Customer Services team to put your name down, and we will contact you to let you know where the nearest one is in your area.

Shropshire Housing Group works with Just Credit Union. They offer a basic bank account, training on how to use it and they have community branches at:

LudLoW

Mondays & Thursdays office hours: South Shropshire Voluntary Action, Corve Street Thursdays 10.00 - 11.30: Rockspring Community Centre, Sandpits Estate

craven arms

South Shropshire Housing Association, The Gateway Tuesdays 14.00 - 16.00

Wem

Meres and Mosses Housing Association, Talbot House Tuesdays – by appointment:

market drayton

Community Information Centre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.30 - 1pm and 1.30. - 3pm; Saturdays 9.30.-1pm:

You can also contact them on 01743 252 325 or go to: www.justcreditunion.org

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Autumn 2011

FLexiBiLityInstead of carrying all of your money with you, you can use a debit card to make purchases or withdraw a small amount of money from various locations.

saFetyMoney left in a home or on your

person can be stolen or lost. Money in a bank account is

insured against loss so even if your bank goes bankrupt, your

money is still safe.

convenienceMany employers insist on paying

wages into a bank account.

You can have all your welfare benefits paid into a bank account

which means that you do not have to make time to go to a

post office to cash a cheque.

advantages

There is much publicity around carbon monoxide poisoning and gas installations. However research shows that the risk of dying from carbon monoxide exposure is up to ten times higher from a faulty solid fuel appliance.

Shropshire Housing Group are required under the Heath and Safety at Work Act to ensure all types of heating systems in its properties are safe to use and that records are kept in relation to annual servicing and safety checks.We will carry out a full annual service of your appliance and carry out a visual and smoke test on your flue. If required, further tests may be carried out and remedial action taken to ensure your appliance and its flue is functioning safely.

This work is completely free to our tenants, however access is needed to the property to carry out the works. In addition to this, the appliance will need to be out of use for the work to be carried out. An appointment will be made with you at your convenience and to give you time to ensure your appliance is out of use. TRL will carry out this work.

Solid fuel servicing

Apprentice of The Year Michael Monteith has been awarded Apprentice of the Year

(electrical) from Shropshire College.

Dale Vass, Senior Electrician

Group News Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1109

Following the harsh winter of 2010 we received a complaint that a tenant’s water pipes were continually bursting. This was because they were not properly insulated, and had been installed by a previous contractor. The tenant that complained received £50 for the cleaning of carpets that had been stained due to the water leak, this was because responsibility for

the source of the leak could not be agreed upon. As a result of this complaint and the high numbers of households that experienced burst pipes during the winter, the Asset Managers held a review.

They decided that TrL will now insulate all pipework as standard, and this will be included within the Empty Homes Policy. 1

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2www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The key Autumn 2011 | 11

Jack Andow of Whitefriars in Ludlow has had an adapted kitchen fitted in his bungalow. The adaptations included lower level worktops, sink, hotplate and lower wall cupboards with hinged baskets that can be pulled down to Jack’s eye level. The transformation also included a raised washing machine which makes it easier to load, and new smoother flooring.

“I’m so pleased with my new kitchen, the Occupational Therapist has done

a fantastic job of planning the adaptations and TRL have fitted it beautifully. It’s made such a big difference to me on a day to day basis.” JACk ANDOW

Jack, who has Multiple Sclerosis, has an infectious positive attitude and leads a full and active life. He is well travelled

and has been on 20 cruises!

When Jack, 72, had to give up work he knew he would need to do something to keep himself occupied. He discovered

embroidery and hasn’t looked back since. He has now completed over 200 pictures and raised

£35,000 for various charities. He also attends community groups to show

and talk about his work.

The Wool Shop in Broad Street, Ludlow, sells Jack’s work which

feature beautiful scenes of the town. The profits from

the sales will be donated to the Riding for the Disabled charity.

INTERVIEW WITH...JACK ANDOW

12 | The key Autumn 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190

Are you interested in taking a closer look at our services?If so, you might be interested in joining our resident scrutiny panel. We are looking to improve how we involve tenants in reviews of our services and performance. We already involve tenants in carrying out surveys and doing ‘spot checks’

in some areas. The Scrutiny Panel offers the chance for you to dig a bit deeper. We are

considering setting up a ‘scrutiny panel’ which would carry out short reviews of parts

of our service and would be able to make recommendations to our board members for

changes to improve the service.If you want to know more and want to get involved in scrutiny contact either

Jen Hayball (Assistant Director – Performance & Governance) or Sarah Platt

(resident Involvement Manager) on 0300 303 1190.

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Taking a closer

Thinking about work or training?The Jobcentre Jobsbus could give you the advice you need

Advice available on:• Jobsearch• Fares to interviews• Financial support to help you gain

employment• Childcare• In work benefits

The Jobcentre Jobsbus will be visiting: Tuffins Car Park, Craven Arms on the 1st Monday of the month between 10am and 3pm.

Have you completed your resident Census yet?

If not, please go to our website, print off the form, and

return it to us as soon as possible. Alternatively you

can call us and we can take the details over the phone.

The more we receive back, the better we can plan our

services to meet your needs.

STOP PRESS!

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The key Summer 2011 | 13www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | The key Autumn 2011 | 13

I moved into Church Stretton in February this year. I decided to take advantage of the offer of support from the Housing Support Team to help access local services and community activities, in addition to other areas of help.

Initially I was interested in becoming a mentor for people who suffer with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and with help from my support worker we contacted OCD Action. They told me that there were no more training events until the end of the year. As this training would be in London, I felt it would be more worthwhile to get involved locally.

Again with help from my support worker, we contacted the Mayfair Centre to offer my services as a volunteer and they were very keen to utilise my wide ranging skills. I was however very interested in becoming a Co-Co volunteer, (Compassionate Communities) who offer support and some care to the seriously and terminally ill.

Following a successful CRB check and a 2 day training course, I am in now in that role.

In addition I would like to set up a Dementia Café where sufferers and carers can meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues and to occasionally have a guest speaker come along.

I am also devoting time to the role of co-ordinator for the complimentary health practice that operates within the centre and I am currently organising a promotional event scheduled for October.

Also as a previously qualified Walking for Health leader I have been able to assist the present leader and have also attended a course that will allow wheelchair users to access the group.

I have found that voluntary work has helped me get back into the ethos of the work environment and I feel that with my background in care and support, I am making a difference to the lives of the people who use the Mayfair Community Centre.

Housing Support from SSHA Andrew Williams

14 | The key Summer 2011 | Tel: 0300 303 1190

Blue Bin Planter CompetitionThe residents of Whitefriars decided to make use of the blue food waste bins that were made obsolete last year.

They made them into flower planters and held a competition for the best planter.

Richard Pilson did the judging and an evening with refreshments was held on the lawn.

There were a number of entries, all had made a big effort in making their planters look as attractive as possible. The winning entry was by Mrs Mary Lewis. She was presented with a bouquet of roses, a box of sweets and a certificate.

It has been decided to make this an annual event

A party of 26 went to Llandudno at the end of June for a week. They stayed at The Marlborough Hotel which is ideally situated, being near to all the facilities. A lovely week was had by all, with many trips out to local attractions.

This is an annual event that is organised by Julie Fowler from Whitefriars Sheltered Scheme in Ludlow. It is open to local residents as well as residents of SSHA. They are going back to the same hotel next year. If you are interested in coming along, you can contact Julie on 07974 361447 for more information. Julie will be there to support you throughout the week.

Birthday Celebrations

Happy 100th Birthday to one of our sheltered housing tenants, Ellen Anslow.

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TASS RoadshowsTass held road shows around

south Shropshire which have

been a great success. We got

to know the tenants of SSHA

and let them know who we are

and what we do.

Tel: 01588 676285 email: Tass@ss-ha.org.ukTass now has a website: www.tasscommittee.org

Tass would like to put together a calendar for 2012. They would like to use your photos of where you live for the calendar.

The age categories for the competition are:

4-7 8-11 12-15 16+

As well as using your photo in the calendar, there will be prizes for each category winner.

To enter your photo in the competition, email it to thekey@ss-ha.co.uk with your name, address, phone number and age category. If you are under 18 please include a parent or guardian’s name.

Closing date: 31st October 2011

Summer Donation

Tass have given a donation of £300 to the rockspring Centre to assist in the funding of the summer scheme for the children in and around the sandpits estate.

We have also given a donation of £300 to the Coffee Craft.

Competition Time!