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0300 555 5557 Calderdale 0300 555 5558 Sheffieldwww.ph2k.org.uk

A fitting tributeRemembering Jean Gleadall - Sheffield apartments open Page 10

Stop Press!!!

ipad winnersonline...

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@ togetherhousing

Contact usT: 0300 555 5557 (Calderdale)T: 0300 555 5558 (Sheffield)

Register and contact us on line at. www.ph2k.org.uk

If you need any help reading or understanding this document, please contact your Customer Service Centre.

Pennine Housing 2000 Ltd (A member of the Together Housing Group)Registered office address: Bull Green House, Bull Green, Halifax, HX1 2EB

Charitable Community Benefit Society no. 31839R / Homes and Communities Agency no. LH4307.

Welcome to the winter edition of your magazine.On behalf of Together Housing Group I’d like to start by wishing you and your families a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Christmas and New Year is a time we spend with our families and therefore we’ll be carrying out priority repairs only over this period. If you need a repair over Christmas and the New Year then further details can be found on page three.

We’re making real progress in terms of our digital services. With the launch of our new website it's now easier to manage your tenancy, including tracking or reporting a repair whenever you like. (Further details on back page).

We also now offer a “live chat” service during office hours so you can speak to one of our advisors without having to call or visit us.

It’s already proving hugely popular with tenants so if you haven’t already registered, why not do it today?

The way we govern the Together Housing Group is changing and we’re keen to hear your views. The move to one association will help us to work more efficiently, save us money, and allow us to make the best decisions for tenants and the organisation. More details can be found in the enclosed booklet.

I hope you enjoy your magazine.

Open9am–2pm

Thursday 24 December 2015 (Christmas Eve)

Closed Friday 25 December 2015(Christmas Day)

Closed Monday 28 December 2015(Bank Holiday)

Open9am–4pm

Tuesday 29 December 2015 (Telephone service only – all offices will remain closed)

Closed Weds 30 December 2015Closed Thursday 31 December 2015Closed Friday 1 January 2016Open9am–5pm Monday 4 January 2016

Christmas opening

Steve Close Group Chief Executive

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Our Services at Christmas & New Year On Tuesday 29 December, our phone lines will be open as usual even though the offices will be closed, which means you can speak to someone if you have a housing query.

Our services are available on our website, or why not download our app from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store (see the back of your magazine for information on how to get it). We also have an automated telephone payment service to help you keep your rent account up to date!

Routine repairsPlease bear in mind that the run up to Christmas is very busy, so it may not be possible to complete routine repairs until we re-open, but don’t worry we will get to you as soon as we can in the New Year. Over Christmas, we will be carrying out priority repairs only – all you need to do is call your Customer Service Centre.

Please think before calling us as we may need to charge you if your repair is not a genuine priority.

All priority repairs must be reported by calling your Customer Service Centre.

What’s a priority repair?You should call us if a repair causes a serious risk to you, your family, neighbours or property, or if it creates a great problem for anyone. For example:• burst pipes or tanks • blocked drains• total electricity failure (but check

the fuse box/consumer unit first to see if it has just ‘tripped out’ – if so, flick the switch to reset)

• making your home safe following a break-in, storm, flood or fire damage.

You can also pay your rent using our automated telephone payment service.

Here’s how:

• Call your landlord on the usual number

• Press 1 to pay your rent

• Follow the instructions and press 5 to proceed.

PLEASE NOTE: Although the recording states you will be charged 7p per minute when connected to Allpay, you will only be charged your normal tariff, there will be no additional cost.

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What’s different to claiming the current benefits?• most people will be paid Universal

Credit once a month direct to their chosen bank, post office or credit union account.

• you'll get a single monthly payment for you, or you and your partner.

• if your Universal Credit includes rent you'll need to pay this to your landlord yourself.

• you'll be expected to make your claim online.

You can check if you can get Universal Credit by visiting: www.gov.uk/universalcredit

Making your claim If you need further help and cannot make your claim online, speak to your local Jobcentre Plus or local council who can let you know where help is available.

If you get stuck while you’re making your Universal Credit claim a helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Call 0345 600 0723.

Advance on your first payment You may be able get an advance on part of your first Universal Credit payment if you’re in urgent financial need or if you’ve recently been receiving another benefit. Check with your work coach to find out if this is possible.

To make a claim online you’ll need to have some information to hand. This can include:

Making a Universal Credit claim

Go to www.gov.uk/universalcredit to make a claim. This needs to be done in one sitting so please have this information with you when you begin your claim.

From summer 2014 Universal Credit can be claimed by some couples in certain areas of the UK. Both claimants will need to have the information listed above to hand. Only one member of the couple will complete the claim form, but that person will need to enter details for both of you.

Your personal information

Your housing information

Your address

Your financial information

Your bank account details

Details of any savings you have

Your phone number

How much rent you pay

Your landlord’s address

Any salary or otherincome

Your email address

National Insurance number

To make a claim online visit www.gov.uk/universalcredit with this information to hand.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages. Whether you can claim depends on where you live and your personal circumstances.

You may be able to claim Universal Credit instead of:

• Jobseeker’sAllowance• HousingBenefit• WorkingTaxCredit• ChildTaxCredit• EmploymentandSupportAllowance• IncomeSupport

You can claim other benefits you may be eligible for as usual e.g. child benefit, council tax support and Personal Independence Payment if you are sick or disabled.

Claiming Universal Credit...

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We are here for you...

If you would like any advice about Universal Credit or other benefits, contact our Welfare Benefit Officers by calling the Customer Service Centre.

When Jason claimed Universal Credit, he had to arrange payments himself

www.togetherhousing.co.uk

YOUR RentYOUR Responsibility

If you need help, contact us at

I know that I’ll lose my home if I don’t pay my rent

PAY YOUR RENT

OR RISK LOSING YOUR HOME

Jason

When the Jones family claimed Universal Credit, they had to arrange their rent payments themselves

YOUR RentYOUR Responsibility

We’re now in charge of paying our own rent

The Jones family

Tel: 0300 555 5559www.housingpendle.co.uk

If you need help, contact us at

PAY YOUR RENT

OR RISK LOSING YOUR HOME

When Jasbir claimed Universal Credit, she had to arrange payments herself

YOUR RentYOUR Responsibility

I know that I’ll lose my home if I don’t pay my rent

Jasbir

YOUR RentYOUR Responsibility

Graham

I’m now in charge of paying our rentWhen Graham claimed Universal Credit, he had to arrange payments himself

Tel: 0300 555 5556www.greenvalehomes.co.uk

If you need help, contact us at

PAY YOUR RENT

OR RISK LOSING YOUR HOME Tel: 0300 555 5557/8

www.ph2k.org.uk

If you need help, contact us at

PAY YOUR RENT

OR RISK LOSING YOUR HOME

Online job search You can search for work by registering your own Universal Jobmatch account at www.gov.uk/jobsearch and have access 24 hours a day, seven days a week which allows you to:

• search and apply for jobs.

• create or upload a CV.

• receive email alerts when new jobs are posted that match your CV.

• keep a record of all your job search activity in one place.

You will be invited for an interview with your work coach at Jobcentre Plus where you will:

• Beaskedtoconfirmyouridentity,provide documents that support your Universal Credit claim and sign a copy of your claim details.

• AgreeandsignyourClaimantCommitment which states how you will prepare for and look for work, or increase your earnings if you are already working. It is based on your personal circumstances and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Your Universal Credit payments may be cut if you don’t meet these commitments.

Jobcentre Plus will also:• Adviseyouofsupportthat's

available like Universal Jobmatch.

• Discuss any budgeting support you might need.

• Remind you of your responsibilities and what will happen if you fail to meet them.

What happens when you have made your online Universal Credit claim?

Whatdoesitmeanforyou?

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Personal Independence Payment

Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independence Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit that will eventually replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64 who are disabled or have a long term health condition.

It can be paid as well as other income such as wages and other benefits.

I am already on DLA, will it affect me?• Some people on DLA, aged 16 to 64 will

be asked to claim PIP instead.• You could be asked to claim PIP even if

you are on a lifetime award of DLA.• If you have a terminal illness you will not

receive a letter about changing to PIP.

When will I be asked to claim PIP?• You may be asked by the DWP

(Department for Work and Pensions) to claim PIP in the next few months if you live in the Halifax area.

0300 555 5557 Calderdale0300 555 5558 Sheffield

What will happen?

You will receive a letter from the DWP inviting you to claim PIP. This is not a choice, in order to continue receiving benefit, you MUST respond to this letter and claim the new benefit otherwise your payments will stop.

It is important that you...• Respond immediately when you

receive your letter inviting you to claim;

• Seek help from us if you find it difficult to complete the form;

You can find more information on these websites: www.adviceguide.org.ukwww.gov.uk

If you need any help or advice about your benefits - please call your Customer Service Centre.

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Congratulations to Robert Ingham, first time entrant and winner of the competition for his spectacular garden!

Thank you to everyone who entered this year, the standards were again high, and the changing weather had proved challanging. Judges were blown away by the variety of flowers and plants on display and the dedication and commitment from our gardeners. It was overall winner Robert's attention to detail that clinched the prize.

The awards evening was its usual success with entrants taking away a framed picture of their garden, presented by the Mayor of Calderdale, and a handful of fantastic raffle prizes, courtesy of our sponsors.

Our category winners Gardener of the Year 2015 and Floral Garden (photo) Robert Ingham, Forest Green, Furness

Senior Citizen Garden Keith Wood, Lambert Close, Greetland

Containers and Patio Brian McMahon, Myrtle Avenue, Furness

Community CornerStansfield Close, Halifax

Fruit and Vegetables Peter and Susan O’Hara, Heathfield Avenue, Elland                   

Children’s Corner (photo)Kadyleigh Burtoff, Denfield Edge, Ovenden

Glorious Gardens

Thank you to our sponsorsAnlaby Cleaning Services LtdBob Wild Grass Machinery Ltd BramleysDronfield Tree Services LtdJCA LtdMel Green Construction Ltd

Ovenden Print Company Pennine Fire & Safety LtdTAG Tool Hire LtdThe Kay Group

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Sports day funThe local people of Wisewood were treated to a festival full of fun and games over the summer, organised by the Friends of Wisewood and District, and supported by Wisewood Sports Centre, Wisewood, Wadsley and Loxley Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (WWL TARA), RIVA Cafe, Wisewood Methodist Church and other local sponsors. 

Energetic activities planned included a grand tug of war competition, football coaching, taekwondo displays, dance and cheerleading sessions. For those who preferred not to work up a sweat, there were fairground rides, face painting, raffles, a tombola and many other stalls to look around. Pennine staff were also there to give out any information or deal with queries from residents.

To keep up with the sporting theme, our company mascot, Monte the Dog, even took part in a kick-about with other local mascots!

Clean up Sheffield’s Wisewood, Wadsley and Loxley Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (WWL TARA) came out in force for a major tidy up of the area at their ‘bring out your rubbish’ day

A recent survey of residents’ opinions showed that rubbish and dumped furniture was a real problem for people living there, so the event was planned to get rid of it.

Over four and a half tonnes of rubbish was collected in four skips by the residents, with Pennine staff on hand to help out with cleaning up graffiti, litter picks and getting the rubbish into the skips.

Recommend a friend to rent a home from Pennine Housing and we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £25 voucher when they move in.

We hope you may like to mention... • our first class repairs and estate services• our friendly customer service centres • the great new website and mobile apps • oh, and don't forget the benefits and

money advice when you need it! ...more than just a landlord.

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Undercover testSheffield Money is a brand new service, so they contacted us to see if we could put their customer service skills to the test before they opened to the public.

We sent along involved residents, Bob Snashall and Margaret Young, to go undercover and test them out with some unexpected questions which they passed with flying colours.

Why not give them a try?Tel: 0114 399 5555

Visit: www.sheffieldmoney.co.uk

Call in: 70 Cambridge Street, Sheffield, S1 4HP.

Sheffield Money is a new one-stop money and advice shop. We’re not for profit, set up to support your community and are backed by major local organisations.

We’re here for all SYHA customers.

Contact us for: 1. Lower cost loans*

We’re cheaper than high cost lenders

and will lend to you when others won’t**.

You can also save when making repayments.

3. Current accounts

We’ll help you get a current account, even

when the banks refuse. We can also help you

save money too, from as little as £1 a week.

2. White goods and electrical appliances

We give credit* for new appliances from fridges

to TVs, all at low costs with quick delivery.

Wide range of products to choose from.

4. Money and debt advice

We’re supported by The Money Advice Service

and Sheffield Citizens Advice who provide

independent money and debt advice.

*Representative APR 12.67%.

APR’s range from 12.67% - 89.9% subject to status.

** We match people to the best available loans depending

on their circumstances from a range of providers.

We work with responsible lenders and credit unions.

Are you worried about money? Struggling to get by or need to shell out for a new fridge or household appliance? Not able to get help from the banks?

Call: 0114 399 5555

hello@sheffieldmoney.co.uk

www.sheffieldmoney.co.uk

Sheffield Money

70 Cambridge Street

Sheffield, S1 4HP

Sheffield MoneyA new one-stop money and advice shop. We're not for profit, set up to support your community and backed by local organisations.

1. Lower cost loans *We're cheaper than high cost lenders and we'll lend to you when others won't**. You can also save when making repayments

2. White goods and electrical appliances We give credit* for new appliances, from fridges to TV's, all at low costs with quick delivery and with a wide range of products to choose from.

3. Current accountsWe'll help you get a current account, even when banks refuse. We can also help you save money too, from as little as £1 a week.

4. Money and debt advice We're supported by The Money Advice Service and Sheffield Citizens Advice who provide independent money and debt advice.

** we match people to the best available loans, depending on their circumstances from a range of providers. We work with responsible lenders and credit unions.

* REPRESENTATIVE APR 12.7% APR'S range from 12.67% to 89.9% subject to status

We couldn't do it without you! At Pennine, we have a lot of residents who readily give up their time by volunteering to help us improve our services and as part of the Volunteers Week 2015 campaign, all our involved residents were given a certificate as a way of thanking them for all their hard work.

We are always grateful for the dedication of our residents and this national campaign, as well as a way to recruit more volunteers, helps to recognise how important they are in improving our services.

Thank you!

The Right Honourable David Blunkett paid tribute to one of Pennine’s former tenant champions, when he cut the ribbon and officially opened the £3.1million Jean Gleadall Apartments in Wisewood, Sheffield.

For a decade, Jean (pictured top right) had a really important role in making sure that Pennine delivered a first class service to other tenants following the stock transfer from Sheffield City Council.

The Wisewood development, formerly named Sevenfields, is a development of 29 apartments featuring the latest energy efficient technology, and was an ambition of Jean’s.

Janette Pearce, Head of Pennine Housing 2000, said:

“Jean was a hugely influential figure in Sheffield and for us, and this is a fantastic tribute. The new development will provide some much-needed independent living accommodation to this part of the city. It also gave us a chance to honour a fantastic servant of the people of the city.”

Lord Blunkett (pictured bottom right) with Margaret Young, added:

“Jean was a huge asset to the people of Sheffield as she championed the cause of those who weren’t able to make their voices heard. She was certainly one of a kind and I’m very pleased to be able to open this fantastic development, which is a credit to Pennine, the area, and will last as a fitting memory to Jean.”

A fitting tribute

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World’s Biggest Coffee Morning The first National World’s Biggest Coffee Morning was held in 1991 when 2,600 people registered to hold coffee mornings across the country. Since then it has raised over £60 million in total for Macmillan Cancer Research.

Our Supported Housing Team worked with tenants and volunteers recently to hold coffee morning events in their Sheltered and Extra Care housing schemes, and this year managed to raise an amazing £752.51 for Macmillan. We would like to say thank you to everyone who got involved.

Smith House Residents’ Association (SHRA) is looking for new members to join them!SHRA is an active group of people who look at issues affecting the local community and act as one voice to represent them. So far, they have had success with a number of projects to help the community including getting funding for major improvements to local homes and the park area. Even the younger residents get involved; the Smith House Warriors regularly litter pick the area to keep it neat and tidy for everyone living there.

To join the groupJust turn up at Whinney Hill Park Community Centre on the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm where you can be assured of a friendly welcome, and a brew...

PIES RIGHT! Fun and laughter filled the air at pie and pea Friday. Clifton Community Centre, Brighouse.

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Don’t be rushed, don’t be hushed beware of scamsA scam is a scheme to con people out of their money – and you usually get nothing in return.

Scams are getting more complicated and difficult to spot so it's important to know whattolookfor.Therecent‘Don’t be rushed, don’t be hushed’ campaign encour-ages you to take your time and think care-fully before handing over money or personal information.

If you think you have been a victim of a scam please speak out.

The four main types of scam are telephone, online, mail and doorstep. Here are some tips to help you be aware of being fooled by a scam: • If it sounds too good to be true, it

probably is.• If you haven’t bought a ticket – you

can’t win it.• You shouldn’t have to pay anything to

get a prize.• If in doubt, don’t reply.Binit,deleteit

or hang up.• If you’re contacted out of the blue –

be suspicious.

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Please make sure you keep up to date with paying your rent as failure to do so could lead to eviction. If you do get behind in your payments, please call your Customer Service Centre immediately.

Look after your moneySometimes it’s easy to forget the basics, so take a look at these tips for making safe payments and to help you protect your cash.

Check your bank accounts and statements regularly for any unusual transactions and contact your bank if you think something is wrong.

Don’t let other people know your passwords and personal identification number (PIN).

Close banks accounts you no longer need.

Don’t provide personal financial information on questionnaires, surveys or competitions (e.g. by answering a question such as ‘Do you own a credit card?’).

Report lost or stolen personal documents, credit and debit cards and cheque books straight away. Don’t let your debit or credit card out of your sight.

Hide your PIN number when you make a purchase or use a cash machine.

Don’t write down your PIN. If you need to, disguise it so other people won’t know it’s your PIN but NEVER keep it with any of your cards.

Make a strong password for online banking or shopping by using a combination of upper case letters and numbers.

Don’t use obvious passwords or PINS, or the same password for different accounts.

Make sure that your cheque book and cards are safe.

Don’t carry all your personal documents with you, only the ones you need. Leave the rest at home in a secure place. And don’t keep your cheque book and card together.

Ask to see identification before you give out your bank details. Make sure you know who you’re giving them to and why they need them.

Don’t reveal personal information over the phone, especially a mobile, or on the internet, by mail or to people you don’t know even if they say they are from your bank. Your bank will never ask you directly for this information.

Try to avoid paying by cash by setting up secure methods for paying your rent, for example, by BACS, Direct Debit, AllPay, standing order etc.

Don’t give away personal and/or financial information on websites that are not secure.

Make sure you always get a receipt if you do need to pay by cash or cheque. Check the details on the receipt are clear, correct, state what your payment is for and keep your receipts safe.

Don’t ever feel pressured into paying money if a receipt cannot be given to you. You have the right to withhold a payment unless a receipt can be issued at the time of payment.

Check any cash, cheque and rent payments you have made show up on both your rent and bank statements.

Don’t forget we send your rent statement every 3 months. You can now check your rent balance and pay your rent securely by visiting our website.

Ask if you need help in writing a cheque. Don’t ever sign a blank cheque. Always make sure you fill it in first, and check it before signing to make sure the amount and person you are paying are correct.

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Kitted outPennine have given Brighouse Juniors under 11s football club a whopping £1000 to buy new kits for the team.

As a charity run organisation, Brighouse Juniors relies on help from volunteers and local businesses, so this money will go a long way to help them.

This season has proved to be a great success for the Juniors, who are hoping the next one will be just as promising after signing 12 new players!

Pennine are committed to offering work opportunities to local unemployed young people, particularly those living in our communities. To support this promise, we’ve recently boosted the number of apprentices we employ by taking on three new ones.

Josh Mills, apprentice joiner said: “To be working with Pennine means everything to me, especially as I am being paid a salary, learning new skills and gaining a qualification in something I really enjoy. It’s fantastic and has given me a real boost.”

Robyn Saltonstall, who has also recently successfully gained a two year apprenticeship in Business Administration, has been welcomed into her new team, the Customer Service Centre at our Head Office at Bull Green House in Halifax. She said:

“I am totally enjoying coming to work, everyone is so friendly and supportive and I feel lucky to be part of such a great team."

Meet our apprentice startersHayley Quick has also been offered an apprenticeship in Business Administration and is now front of house at our Training and Development Centre at Holmfield Mill, Halifax.

Christine Eccles, Senior Skills and Enterprise Officer, said:

“We are so pleased to have Hayley as part of our Learning and Development Team; she has settled in really well and is working towards an NVQ level 2 qualification while carrying out her duties at our Training Centre. We wish all three of our apprentices’ good luck in their new roles.”

Walkabout DatesDates for your local estate walkabouts can now be found on our websites. If you would like a copy posting to you, please call the Customer Service Centre. Your Neighbourhood Officer will bring some spare copies of the walkabout details with them next time.

We value the time you spend helping us identify your local community concerns and we look forward to seeing you on the next walkabout.

Please don't forget to wrap up warm!

Would you like to help drive improvements here at Pennine Housing 2000?

We are inviting tenants to join our Local Scrutiny Groups to check and challenge how we deliver our services. Putting customers at the heart of what we do is in the DNA of our organisation. We want to drive improvements from your perspective as a resident, that’s why scrutiny is so important.

As a Scrutiny Group Member you will help to:

• improve services, standards and delivery• improve opportunities for residents to

get involved.• make a difference to the choices of

the organisation.• improve communications with tenants.

Scrutiny makes a real difference to the way Together Housing Group delivers its services. As a member, you will give the Management Team and Board an independent customer view of how services can be improved and developed.

You will receive training and develop a wide range of skills, which may help you in applying for jobs or gaining other voluntary positions. It may also appeal to you if you feel you have something to offer and a talent for analysis and evaluation.

Do you have great ideas?

If you’re interested or would like more information, contact your Customer Service Centre or email the team direct at; thg.scrutiny@togetherhousing.co.uk

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Savings to give you a warm glow this winterSave up to £140 off your electricity bill this winter with the Warm Home Discount Scheme!

You can get this one-off discount, usually between September and March – and it won’t affect your Cold Weather or Winter Fuel Payments.

Not everyone gets the discount – but you may qualify in the broader group*, so it is worthwhile checking.

Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters

You may also get this discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re entitled, for example, a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

Can you get the discount?

You qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, if on 12 July 2015 all of the following applied:

• your electricity supplier was part of the scheme.

• your name (or your partner’s) was on the bill.

• you were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well)

Atlantic British GasCo-operative energyEDF EnergyE.ONEquipower (Ebico)Equigas (Ebico)First UtilityManweb M&S EnergyNpowerOVO

Sainsbury’s Energy Scottish Gas Scottish HydroScottishPowerSouthern ElectricSSE SWALECUtilitaUtility Warehouse

The following suppliers are part of the scheme:

If you don’t qualify automatically

You may be able to apply directly to your electricity supplier for help if you don’t get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit but you’re on a low income or you get certain means-tested benefits.

Check with your supplier to see if you’re eligible and how to apply – this is called the broader group* and each supplier has different criteria for qualification, so you need to contact your supplier to see if you qualify.

If you qualify for the discount, you’ll get a letter before 24 December telling you either:

• you don’t have to apply - you’ll get the discount automatically.

• Or - to apply by 29 January 2016 - the letter will tell you why and how.

If you have any question please contact the Warm Home Discount Team on:

Tel: 0345 603 9439

A man of the peopleThe life and work of a very special former Pennine tenant has been commemorated recently, following the unveiling of a new street named in his honour at Manor Park’s new build development.

Ernest Hardy was only 57 when he died but it seemed only right to name Ernest Hardy Court after him since he played a central role rebuilding community life in the Manor area.

As a cutlery worker who was made redundant, he understood the problems many families in the area faced and was one of the early campaigners who refused to see the estate written off.

He stood for the ordinary people through Manor Assembly and his work with the Community Safety Project, and in his role as a board member of the Manor and Castle Development Trust he worked to build a strong relationship between the Trust and the community.

Ernest’s wife, Pauline said:

“I am really proud of what Ernest did for the Manor area and his work over many years on the estate. It’s wonderful to have a street named after him so that his legacy lives on.”  

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Pauline, photographed with her family on the street named after her husband.

Remembering Manor area campaigner Ernest Hardy

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Get together at Harold Lambert Court

When the residents of this Sheffield scheme decided they wanted more time to get together with their neighbours, Helen Wood (Resident Involvement Officer) and Julie Gallagher (Neighbourhood Officer) organised the first of many social afternoons.

Neighbours got together with staff for a friendly chat and a chance to raise any issues about the area, as well as enjoying a game of bingo. It was such a success that further events with different activities have been planned on the back of the first one.

Now the residents at the scheme have other social events such as armchair aerobics and a Christmas party to look forward to, and no doubt there will be other events planned for the next year.

Dear Pennine,

We had a top time at

the Manor Park fun

day during summer.

We tried all the rides

and ate too many hot

dogs!

Thank you.

Manor Park

Residents

Step up and ShineSign up to Manor & Castle Development Trusts' free 'Sunshine Programme' for 18 – 25 year olds. Designed to help you create a more positive future by helping you to make the right choices about your life and improve your job prospects.

Learn positive activities to help you with:• Social Skills • Employability Skills• Group Interaction• Communication Skills• Problem Solving• Creative Thinking

Starting in January 2016 - dates to be confirmed. For more information contact Diane Cairns on 0114 278 9999 or call in at the Community Space Office.

Harol

d Lambert Court

Making a di�erence

Sing Out Loud!Come and join our stimulating and uplifting singing sessions at Hamerton Close, Westgate, Elland, HX5 0BD on 3rd and 17th December 2015 (1.45pm to 3.30pm).

With the help of music, we aim to improve confidence, mood and wellbeing. Sessions begin with some special social time over a cup of tea or coffee. After which we will do some gentle physical and vocal warm up actions before singing. No experience necessary, sessions are open to all abilities and we particularly welcome people with dementia and their carers.

Just come along, or if you want to know more, please call Christine on 01422 328643 or Pauline on 07811 438228.

*WE ARE DEMENTIA FRIENDLY*

If you have memory problems or you have been diagnosed with dementia, you could find The Memory Club is just what you need.

We offer support, and the opportunity to share your experience of memory problems with others who understand. There are varied and interesting activities to get involved in, and access to a range of information and advice.

Sessions are every two weeks at Pennine's Clement Court, Crossley Gardens, Halifax, HX1 5PN. Next two sessions are 30th November and 14th December

Arts and crafts Puzzles and board gamesKurling Number and word gamesReading Reminiscence and writingSocialising Sewing and quilt making

Activities have been carefully chosen to support people with memory problems or who have had a dementia diagnosis, and the staff and volunteers running the club are all ‘dementia aware’. Activities will also benefit anyone aiming to improve their wellbeing by keeping an active mind as they grow older.

For anyone likely to need one to one support we ask that they are accompanied by a carer, friend or relative. If you are a newcomer, we will take time to chat to you and find out what interests you most. You’ll soon get to know others as this is a friendly supportive group.

If you need specialist advice about dementia, just ask. We can arrange for someone from the Alzheimer’s Society to come to the club to meet you. For more information you can call Carly on 01422 250400 or simply come along!

£1a session which includes tea or

coffee and cake.

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Some of our tenants and the Sick of Being Skint (SOBS) team, linked up with Happy Days Cycles recently for their RE-CYCLE road show in Calderdale. Happy Days makes a difference to the community by running workshops with volunteers, ex-homeless and vulnerable people to provide bike maintenance training, work opportunities and a chance to get back in employment. All the profits made are channelled back into the main charity to fund a community house, night shelters and other projects to help the homeless and vulnerable in Calderdale.

Sherraden Gibson, SOBS Project Manager, said: "To see our tenants working together and learning new skills is fantastic. I'm hopeful that this will give them the freedom to get out more and open up the areas that they can search for jobs.”

Our tenants were also really enthusiastic about the event and in return for the time they spent ‘recycling bikes’ by cleaning, checking tyres and applying new brakes and gears, they were given their own bike to take home.

Pennine resident, Rob, said: “It was brilliant to get involved with this event and meet like-minded people. I really appreciate the hard work of the teams who put it together.”

HappyDays

How to tackle condensation

One of the major causes of damp is condensation as everyday moisture has to go somewhere - here are some useful tips to help you beat the condensation monster. You will be surprised how making small changes can really help.

Put a lid on it Always cover pans and close the kitchen door when cooking.

Let steam out Open windows and close the bathroom door when bathing or showering.

Vent tumble dryer If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is ventilated directly to the outside air.

Close the door to that room and make sure the vent pipe is fully outside.

Furniture spaceLeave a gap between your furniture and the walls so that air can circulate behind it.

Keep a warm homeBy keeping the heating on low all day and windows slightly open.

Wipe windowsMany homes start the day steamed up! Wipe windows down first thing to remove moisture - this really does help prevent damp in your home.

On the right pathTrinity Careers Academy in Calderdale is providing a pathway into work for the young, unemployed people living in the area.By working with Newground Together, the academy is linking up with local employers to provide paid internships and a mentoring programme to deal with unemployment, which is at an all time high in Calderdale.

The partnership is aimed at those people who have the potential to get a job or go to university but lack the networks or confidence to do it on their own.

17 year old Megan Crossley is one of five students working for us to get an idea of what it is like to work for a housing association. She has just completed a four week internship with our supported housing team at Mytholm Meadows, an extra care housing scheme for older people in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.

At the moment, she is studying for A-levels in Business Studies, Health and Social Care, and Dance at Trinity Academy but her placement has given her a real insight into working with older people.

Megan said: “I am really interested in working in social care in the future and this is the best placement I could have been given. I’ve learned a lot about the support offered to people who live in extra care schemes.”

Megan Crossley with residents at Mytholm Meadows.

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Are you a victim of Hate Crime?Are you being victimised because of your:• Race• Faith• Sexual orientation• Disability

In an Emergency - 999Hate Crime Reduction Officer Calderdale Council - 01422 392869Calderdale Police - 101

Tell them it's a Hate Crime when you call. Alternatively, to report an incident via a reporting centre please visit www.calderdale.gov.uk

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A break away from takeawaysThe benefits of growing and eating fresh fruit and vegetables are being shared with a Todmorden community by an innovative project, the Incredible Aqua Garden.

Newground Together is grant funding the project, which has been working with local residents in Todmorden to promote healthy eating, well-being and personal growth. At a variety of organised cookery sessions, mums and dads were encouraged to swap takeaways and packaged processed foods for tasty, home cooked meals using home grown produce. Older residents of the area were also invited to join in with the activities to help beat loneliness and isolation.

The grant has also been used to fund two horticultural apprentices to learn all about growing vegetables, herbs and greens.

Áine Douglas, manager of the Incredible Aqua Garden, with apprentice Martyna Krol at the Incredible Aqua Garden in Todmorden.

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Mixing it upEssential funding from Newground Together has provided a life-line for Mixenden Parents’ Resource Centre, which was under threat of closure before their grant was secured.

The resource centre in Mixenden near Halifax, is a popular community hub where local people can get a mixture of all types of support such as training, a crèche and weekly lunch clubs that provide low cost, healthy meals. It’s also the first point of contact to other services such as job clubs, legal help, support workers and housing officers.

Liz Childs, centre manager, said:

“The funding is so important for this centre as there are no other facilities in the area that provide the help and support local people need all under one roof.”

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If you’re claiming

housing benefit and your

circumstances change, don’t

ignore it!

Email benefits.unit@calderdale.gov.uk Call 01422 288 003Visit calderdale.gov.uk

Don’t Delay - Tell Us Today

Let us know. Failing to do so

could lead to you losing money,

a fine or even a criminal record.

Email: benefits.unit@calderdale.gov.ukCall: 01422 288003Visit: calderdale.gov.uk

Free running Rastrick

The new “parkour” space, on Field Lane in Rastrick, has been developed so that local youngsters can test their skills in a safe place.

Members of the Field Lane All Residents Association (FLARA) consulted with the community following a number of anti-social behaviour incidents around the local shops. The development also includes a youth shelter, litter bins and planters to support involved community groups in food growing.

The project, which is set to receive a Duke of York Community Initiative Award from Prince Andrew in the New Year, was funded by Newground Together and Pennine Housing 2000, along with the Community Safety Fund (Police & Crime Commissioner), Efficiency North, Community Foundation for Calderdale and the SITA Trust.

Andrea Bloom, Chair of FLARA, said:

“We wanted something for the children of the estate, so they could chill out and have fun. It’s been very well-used already and we hope that continues. I’d just like to say thanks to our funders for helping to make this happen.”

Deputy Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Ferman Ali and Deputy Mayoress of Calderdale, Mrs Shaheen Ali watch Parkour expert, Lorian Biet.

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Fishing for a better futureSunny Vale Pleasure Gardens once attracted thousands of visitors and now thanks to a new project, the area is being brought back to life.

With funding from Newground Together, local Police Constable, Chris Madden, is turning the site into an intervention project, aimed at helping youngsters in the area away from crime.

In the past year, PC Madden and his team of volunteers have cleared a large patch of the site, and will shortly clean the large lake to make it available to teach outdoor and fishing skills.

Joining forces

Chevin got together with partner, Pennine Housing, for their recent community day at Pellon Moor in Halifax.Four resident members of Chevin’s Community Safety Performance Monitoring Group were invited along especially to experience the importance of such events and to share ideas. They joined in with the local residents who took part in a big clean up and managed to fill a truck with unwanted household items and rubbish.

There were loads of games and activities for children to enjoy, along with tasty food to keep everyone’s strength up. Even the local Mayor made an appearance.

Forum successThe Darnall Forum is making a big difference in Sheffield, and it’s looking to become even more successful after receiving a grant from Newground Together following cuts to their funding.

The Forum, which can be found next to the Post Office on Main Road, will help people particularly from the BME community get advice, support and guidance to help them into work. There will also be help with CV writing along with information and resources to allow people to apply for jobs online.

Nazia Fazil, the Forum’s Community Engagement Worker, will be starting employment drop-in sessions in the New Year, so why not pop along if you need some advice.

For more information email nazia@darnall.org.uk or call 0114 249 0099. newground

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15Here are a few interesing facts and figures showing some of our

achievements and performance.

53,345 repairs carried out

Calderdale: 121,626 calls taken - 81.3% satisfaction

Sheffield: 12,077 calls taken - 86.7% satisfaction

£1.17 million additional benefit and grants claimed

30 new homes built

20 Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations

45 grant applications totalling £28,597.47

21 partnership working opportunities

350 meetings, events, training sessions

1,170 tenants received benefit or pension support

£971,115 Newground Together grant funded community investment

£11.3 million spent improving homes ..........................

PROVIDING BRILLIANT SERVICES

HOMES AND COMMUNITIES TO BE PROUD OF

RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Read the full annual report at www.ph2k.org.uk

Digital Together Friends – we need more!

Can you help your neighbours or fellow tenants get online? Can you spare a little bit of time to show somebody the wonders of the World Wide Web?

Then we want to hear from you...

We’re looking for some tenants to volunteer to help others how to use the internet. You don’t need to be a computer genius or whizzkid, just be enthusiastic and willing to learn.

We provide a tablet for you to use to train others.

We pay for your broadband.

We support you while you train.

You must also sign up to using our services through the internet and complete the ‘learn my way’ basics internet course.

Sign up to one of our train a friend packages today!

Just contact your Customer Service Centre and ask for Digital Inclusion Project Officer, Joanne Glynn.

• Mobile: 07736 508122

• Email: joanne.glynn@togetherhousing.co.uk

• Twitter: @togetherjoanne

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BAUBLESTINSELSANTARUDOLPHHOLLYSTARSLEIGHSTUFFINGCAROLANGELMISTLETOEJINGLE PEACESNOWMANCHRISTMASBELLSMINCEPIE

B A U B L E S E C N I M

C D F E L S T Y L L O H

S H P L O D U R J K M P

A T I X R Q F Z A C N E

M I E U A C F L N S O A

T N L U C K I W G T X C

S S A N T A N V E A C E

I E Q R T Y G L L R E D

R L S M P F T B E L L S

H S W E T S L E I G H L

C S Y J I N G L E B R K

X N A M W O N S Q N E D

Festive WordsearchFind all the words below, in every possible direction, for a chance to win a super duper 10"Samsung Galaxy Tab A!

Name

Address

Tel

Email

We would appreciate your email address for future news and competitions.

Please post your completed entry to:Lindsey Merifield, Pennine Housing 2000, Park View House, Brighouse HD6 4AB or hand in at your local office. Draw will take place on January 18, 2016 and the winner notified.

• Check your rent account • Report, book or track your repairs • Live chat with staff• Accesslotsofusefulinformation

and services.

ToregisteronthewebsitefromaPC,tabletorsmartphone - you need your tenancy number, name, date of birth and your email address. If you don’t have your tenancy number handy, you can use your postcode.

Your tenancy number can be found on your Rent Statement, in the top left hand corner.

STATEMENT

For the period dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy

Tenancy: 1234567

Date: dd/mm/yyyy

USE THE TENANT’S

TOOLBOX ON OUR WEBSITE

If you have a smartphone, tablet or another kind of mobile device with an internet connection then you can manage your tenancy anywhere!

Ifyou’reanAppleuser,youcan download our app from theAppleAppStore.

If your device uses the Androidoperatingsystem,you can find the app from Google Play.

Once the app has been installed, just follow the instructions to register your account.