Gedling News and Views - October 2014

ISSUE 23 • October 2014

news&views

GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People

See how we’re doing -

Tenants’ Annual Report inside Affordable warmth page 7

A GREAT Day Out!See pages 12-13

Blooming Gardens 2014winners page 14

TENANTS’ANNUALREPORT 2013/14

14748A Gedling Newsletter Aut 2014 v6__ 02/10/2014 17:08 Page 1

Contact usTel: 0115 905 1515Email: [email protected]: www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Twitter:@Gedling_HomesFacebook:www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes

2

Guest editorial Ray Ellis, Editor

There’s never a dull moment atGedling Homes!

From the excitement of the lovely BloomingGardens competition (pg 14) to the first fewmonths of operation for GH Response (pg 5),it’s been a busy few months. The Gedling Eye haswon a well-deserved national award (pg 11) andwe’re introducing a new way of recruiting tenantBoard members (pg 6).

In this edition you can alsoread helpful advice fromMoney Wise (pg 8), andlearn about our tenantfundraising events, featuringplenty of cake! (pg 18).

I hope you enjoy readingthis packed edition.Perhaps you may spotyourself in one of thephotos! Don’t forget to let us know if youare planning an event - we want you to shareyour news.

Happy reading

Ray Ellis

Do you knowthis landmark?

Where is it? What was it once used for?

In this edition you will notice small checkeredboxes. These are QR codes. They are a type ofbarcode that you scan with your smart phone ortablet to visit a specific website.If you have a smart phone or tablet, simplydownload a free QR code scanner app.Using this app, the camera in your phone ortablet will read the QR code, just like a barcodescanner in a shop. Your phone or tablet will thentake you straight to the specific website.Give this one a try, it will take youstraight to our website.

QR Codes

The fountain, presented in 1874 by the Countessof Carnarvon, once provided water to thevillagers. In the centre was a tapfor people to use, a large basin atthe bottom was for horses and asmaller basin for dogs.The fountain was a social spacefor locals and was the focal pointfor many public celebrations.

Last edition’s answer:The Fountain in Gedling Village

Send your answers to Customer Experience,Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane,Gedling, NG4 4AD for your chance to win£25 in shopping vouchers. We’ll let youknow the answer in the next edition!

?


We want tohear from you!

Send us your photos, news,ideas, or feedback on our servicesand we will print a selection of the

responses in the next edition ofNews & Views.Email us at:

[email protected] write to Customer Experience,Gedling Homes, Gedling House,

Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham, NG4 4AD

3Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Contents

News

Supporting Food Banks 4Do you love to sing? 4GH Response update 5An 'eye' on complaints 5Calling all gardeners 5Recruitment of Tenant Board Members 6

Money

Affordable warmth 7Watch out for loan sharks 8Credit Unions 8Universal Credit: are you ready? 9Money Wise 9Budget Planner 9A new way to get credit 9

Tenant Involvement

Cook & Eat recipe 10GREATer Training 11TPAS national win! 11

Your Community

GREAT Day Out 12-13Blooming Gardens 2014 winners 14Newstead in Bloom 15Netherfield in Bloom! 15

Street Talk

Paul Smith, Stores Manager 16

Community Chest 17

Independent Living

The Big Chinwag 18All your Yesterdays 19Dementia awareness information 19

Events

Events list 20-21

Fun & Games 22

Our Performance 23

Ode to the Old SoldiersIwas not there, I did not see,

Just what the Tommies did forme,

In the trenches, somuddy and cold,

Some never came home, they never grew old.

In their uniforms, proud and bold,

Joined their comrades in war,To fight for king and country,To keep us free forevermore.

So when you sit, and wonder why,Look up to heaven above,

And realise just what the Tommies did,

And remember them, with love.

A poem inmemory of the soldiers who died for us inWW1

By Jane Hipkiss, Foxhill Court


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Supporting FoodBanks

The long summerholiday can be aparticularly difficulttime for families, withmore mouths to feed.In light of this, staff hada collection to supportlocal Food Banks.

Tins and dried foodstuffshave been distributedacross the borough to theArnold, Carlton andNetherfield Food Banks.

Wendy Laurence fromthe Netherfield FoodBank, (pictured herewith Martin Curtis,Community RegenerationOfficer) comments;“We are very grateful toGedling Homes’ staff.Just this morning we putout a call on ourFacebook page for moredonations. Thank you.”

To find out more about your local FoodBank and how you can help, visitwww.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/news/article/ncvs-creates-google-map-showing-where-all-city-foodbanks-areor call Nottingham Community andVoluntary Service on 0115 934 8400

Come and join The GedlingHomes Singers!

This friendly and lively groupformed in April this year, to singat the recent Poppy Proms,throughout the borough.

The group performed at theevent at Lambley Recreationground on Sunday 3rd August.

The concert broughthundreds of peopletogether to respectfullyacknowledge the sacrificesand contributions madeby our Armed Forces,past and present.

The Singers enjoyed thisexperience so much that, withthe support of their tutor JaneAshworth, they have decidedto continue meeting and arelooking for new members!

The group meetsfortnightly on aWednesday morning,9.30am-11.00am,at Carlton House inCarlton and will be

offering performances at localcoffee mornings andcommunity events. They are avery friendly, welcoming group.If you enjoy singing, please giveit a go! For more informationand advice on transportation,please contact Martin Curtis on0115 905 1515 or [email protected]

Do you love to sing?



News

GH Responseupdate

98.6%

The new in-house repairs service is fully operationaland has achieved some fantastic results in its firsttwo months of operation.

It has been a GREAT start and performance is on the up!

Emergency repairs: 98.6% of jobscompleted, within target

98.9% Urgent repairs: 98.9% of jobscompleted, within target

99.9% Routine repairs: 99.9% of jobscompleted, within target

98.9% ‘Right first time’ repairscame in at 98.9%

94.2% Customer satisfaction for themonth of July was 94.2%

what a greaT result!

An 'eye' oncomplaints

The tenant scrutiny panel,‘The Gedling Eye’ has recently beenlooking at our complaints procedure,and ways in which the process can bemade better for you. Following thepanel's recommendations, positivechanges include:

• All front facing staff have been trained oncomplaints handling

• A new complaints management systemhas been implemented

• Alterations have been made to thewebsite and other documents, to makereporting a complaint easier

• Managers and other senior stafftake greater responsibility in ensuringcomplaints are dealt with appropriately

• More follow up work fromsatisfaction feedback is now carried outwith tenants

If you would like more informationon the work the Gedling Eye do,please contact Customer Experienceon 0115 905 1515 [email protected]

A gentle reminder on smoking:Please could tenants bemindful not to smoke when aGedling Homes or GHResponse member of staff is inthe property. Thank you!

Have a Couple of Hoursfree eaCHweek?

Interested in helping at the ‘CommunityPlot’, Killisick Allotments, Arnold?

Please contact Martin Curtis for moreinformation on 0115 905 1515 [email protected]’

Calling allgardeners


6

News

Recruitment of Tenant Board MembersGedling Homes has dedicatedpositions on its Board fortenants. The process forrecruiting to these positionshas recently been reviewed toensure that:• It is cost effective and

demonstrates Value for Money• It is fair, transparent and

supports our commitment totenant involvement

• The right person with the rightskills is appointed to the Board

• The appointments ensure weare effectively governed andcompy with all requirements ofthe Homes and CommunitiesAgency’s Regulatory Frameworkand National Housing FederationCode of Governance

Having consulted with existingTenant Board Members and agroup of tenants, the Board hasagreed to move to an applicationand interview process, in line withthe process used when recruitingIndependent Board Members.Moving away from the costlyelection format (which hashistorically had a low turnout) willensure resources can be put tobetter use.Positions will be advertised asvacancies on the Board arise.The application process will beopen to all tenants, subject tomeeting basic criteria.Following interview, the successfulapplicant would be appointed for athree year term and subject tosatisfactory performance andconduct would be eligible forre-appointment for a secondthree year term.

The current Tenant BoardMembers are:

Roger PalmerAppointed: 2008 Retires: 2016

Ray EllisAppointed: 2010 Retires: 2016

Brian FisherAppointed: 2011 Retires: 2017

Zoe TaylorAppointed: 2012 Retires: 2018We’ll be doing some workover the coming months topromote the role of TenantBoard Members so pleasekeep an eye out.


Don't pay over theodds for your gasand electricityMy Home Energy Switch lets youcompare all energy suppliers tomake sure you're getting the bestprice for your gas and electricity.The service is run by the NationalHousing Federation in partnershipwith billscutter.com

Why use My HomeEnergy Switch?

• They take care of all thepaperwork for you

• There is no charge to usethe service

• They have a dedicated phoneline to answer all queries andhelp you switch

• They compare ALL UKenergy suppliers and arecompletely impartial

The process is simple, fast andeffective. Visit their websitewww.myhomeenergyswitch.org.ukor call freephone 0800 001 4706 toget started (have your most recentenergy bill to hand if possible.)

The Warm HomeDiscount Scheme:For winter 2014 to 2015 you couldget a £140 discount on yourelectricity bill through the WarmHome Discount Scheme.The money isn’t paid to you, it’s aone-off discount on your electricitybill usually between October andMarch. You can also qualify for thediscount if you use a pre-pay orpay-as-you-go electricity meter.The discount won’t affect yourCold Weather Payment or WinterFuel Payment, but not everyonewill qualify.

You qualify for the Warm HomeDiscount Scheme if on 12 July 2014all of the following apply:

• Your supplier is part ofthe scheme

• Your name (or your partner’s)is on the bill

• You are getting the GuaranteeCredit element of PensionCredit (even if you get SavingsCredit as well)

If you don’t qualify in the abovecriteria, some suppliers will offerthe discount to vulnerable people(eg. those on a low income).

If you are on a low income, it willbe up to your supplier to decidewhether you can get the WarmHome Discount. You may beeligible if you're on a low income,in receipt of Income-Based benefitsor, if you have a disability or long-term illness, or have children.The actual criteria used will varydepending on your supplier.Contact your energy supplier tofind out more.

With winter just around the corner it isimportant to ensure you are getting thebest deal on your energy supply.Take a look at these top tips:


Money

Affordablewarmth


8

Many of us will struggle withfinances at some point in ourlives and for some people,when times are tough, theyfeel they have no option butto borrow from loan sharks.It is estimated that 310,000households in the UK areborrowing from theseunauthorised lenders.

The Illegal Money LendingTeam (IMLT) is the agencythat prosecutes loan sharksand supports people affectedby this crime.

Loan sharks will rarely offerpaperwork, so borrowers areunsure about the terms of theagreement and how much isowed. The rates of interest canbe extortionate, as high as131,000% has been identified inthe past! Often borrowers willstruggle to repay the debt as thelender will add additional sumsonto the outstanding amount.Some loan sharks will also resort

to taking items from the victim’shome as security, including itemssuch as passports and bank cards.They may even turn to makingthreats and physical violence inan attempt to reclaim debts.

Nationally the IMLT has secured310 prosecutions for illegalmoney lending and relatedactivity, leading to nearly 200years’ worth of custodialsentences. They have written offalmost £59 million worth of

illegal debt and helped over24,500 victims.

Loan sharks will often appearvery friendly in the first instancebut should never be used underany circumstances.

If you want to report anunauthorised lender or wouldsimply like some advice,you can call the IMLT incomplete confidence.

CrediT unionsCredit Unions have a number of accounts to helppeople manage their money:• Rent Direct Account • Rent Payment Current Account• Budget AccountCredit Unions can also offer loans atcompetitive prices.

For more information, please callNottingham Credit Union on 0115 828 3121,email [email protected] visit nottinghamcu.co.uk

Watch out forloan sharks

• Call the IMLT confidentialhotline 0300 555 2222,open 24 hours a day

• Text ‘loan shark + yourmessage’ to 60003

• E-mail [email protected]

• Private message towww.facebook.com/stoploansharks

To report aloan shark:

“ “The rates of interestcan be extortionate,as high as 131,000%has been identifiedin the past


Money


I have access to theinternet

I can use the internet

I have a bank accountor Credit Union accou

nt

I can budget monthly

I have looked at all myhousehold expenditure

✓ ✗

If you have answered any of the above witha cross, Money Wise can help on 0115 905 1515

or [email protected]

Universal Credit:are you ready?

MONEY WISEOur Money Wise team provide FREE,CONFIDENTIAL and IMPARTIAL benefitand money advice to our tenants.

You can call to see a Money WiseAdvisor at Gedling Homes CustomerContact Centre, Civic Centre, Arnot HillPark, every Wednesday between09.30am and 12.30pm - you don’t needan appointment.

You can also call Money Wise,confidentially on 0115 905 1515or [email protected]

Tick list

a newwaY TogeT CrediTDo yoU FIND It IMPossIBle to get A loAN yoUCANAFFoRD to PAy BACK?ARe yoU hAvINg to MAKe Costl y RePAyMeNtsto DooRsteP oR PAyDAy leNDeRs?There is now anoTherchoice open To you...

BudgetPlannerThis new on-line tool helpsyou calculate your outgoingsand income and is the firstvital step in taking control ofyour finances.

www.budget.entitledto.co.uk/newcharter

• A community based lender,working on a not-for-profit basis

• Representative APR of 69.5%

• Repayments are made via a bankaccount, if the tenant doesn’t haveone, MHF works with NatWest toset one up

• MHF work with local credit unions witha view to setting up a savings account

My Home Finance (MHF) provide loans for most purposes and can also helpyou with bank accounts and budgeting. When you apply, your benefits will betaken into account as income and a poor credit history doesn’t have to stopyou from getting a loan.

01905 25805www.myhomefinance.org.uk


Cook&EatIngredients:Casserole• Oil• 6 sausages• 1 onion• 1 clove of garlic• Tin of chopped

tomatoes• A spoon-full of sugar• A spoon-full of

vinegar• Tin of borlotti beans• Tomato puree• Dried rosemary• Salt / pepper

Flat breads• Fresh coriander• A cup of plain flour• 2 tbsp of water

Equipment:• Frying pan• Pan with lid• Wooden spoon

• Lid/plate• Knife• Fish slice

Preparation:Casserole• Add the oil to the

frying pan and cookthe sausages on amedium heat

• Chop the onion andfinely cut the garlic.Add the onion to thepan once the sausagesare browning then addchopped garlic

• When the sausages arethoroughly cooked,remove from the panand chop into bite sizepieces, return them tothe pan

• Add the choppedtomatoes to thesausages, onion andgarlic and stir, add a

spoonful of sugar and aspoonful of vinegar

• Add the borlotti beans• Add a squeeze or two

of tomato purée andthe rosemary

• Stir and season to tastewith salt and pepper

• Simmer the mixture ona gentle heat for about20 minutes or finish inthe oven for the samelength of time at 180°C

Flat Bread• Mix the salt, coriander,

flour and water in abowl until combined,adding extra water ifnecessary to create asoft dough

• Knead using flouredhands and roll outonto a floured surfaceuntil thin. Cut intorustic shapes and thenfry in a hot panbrushed with oil for4-5 minutes on eachside or until golden

Sausage and bean casserolewith flat breads

Would you like to attend FREE Cook & Eat sessions to learn more recipes?Call Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515 or email [email protected]

You could make a big batch and cool andtransfer either into portions and freeze, or in a

container in the fridge.

£1.09per portion

(Based on 4 portions)

10

This dish is really useful as it can beserved in different ways:1) With rice 2) With flat bread

3) With jacket potato, pasta or potato wedges

4) Or add grated cheese and bake off in theoven and serve with green vegetables


Tenant Involvement

11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

The national awards,recognise and reward thevital work that tenantvolunteers play insupporting housingassociations in theservices they offer.Gedling Eye providea vital insight intoservices by completingscrutiny investigations,and offeringrecommendations forimprovements.

The group, formed inApril 2013, particularlyimpressed the judgeswith the number ofimprovements they haveimplemented in a shorttime: including changes tothe complaints processand introducing servicestandards for phone calls.

Toni Faulker, a memberof Gedling Eyecommented: “We aredelighted with thisachievement. It is theculmination of a lot ofhard work by the team,one we have all enjoyed.”

Steve Ward, CustomerExperience Managercomments; "It is a GREATachievement for thepanel to scoop thenational award in theirfirst year. They havemade tremendousstrides in a short space oftime and have made anumber of improvementsto services acrossGedling Homes”

The tenant scrutiny panel - the ‘Gedling Eye’- is celebrating after scooping the nationalaward for Excellence in Tenant-Led Scrutinyat the Tenant Participation Advisory Service(TPAS) awards last week.

TPAS national win!

Gedling Eye members, Toni, Graham, Pat and Colin

were presented with their award

WHATEVER YOU FANCYDOING - WE HAVE AFREE COURSE FOR YOU!The following courses are available tobook now, with limited places still available:

Zumba GoldWednesday 22nd October, 3:45-4:30pmat Ernehale for 5 Weeks

Cooking 4 LifeMonday 3rd November, 1-3pmat Carlton House for 4 Weeks

Arts & CraftsWednesday 5th November, 1-3pmat Westmoore Ct for 6 Weeks

Back to WorkThursday 6th November, 1-3pm at StGeorges Centre for 7 Weeks

Money Matters WorkshopFriday 7th November, 10.30am -11.30amat Gedling House, Gedling

We have over 20 different courses availableto tenants. To book your place and find outmore, contact Customer Experienceon 0115 905 1515 or [email protected]


GREATDayOutThe rain didn’t stop play for our

annual GREAT Day Out.Over 300 tenants and their

families came together to enjoyfun and games for all ages.

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T

Your Community

Go-karts, a rodeo ‘sheep’, face paintingand a photo-booth taxi were just someof the attractions on offer.Gedling Homes’ staff and partneragencies were also on hand - includingAge UK, Seven Trent Water and NewCollege Nottingham - to offer advice andsupport. Crowds were entertained byNetherfield Community Choir and theGedling Homes Singers.

Gedling Homes' Tenant InvolvementOfficer, Sarah Quinn comments:"Our GREAT Day Out is an opportunityfor us to communicate and consult witha large number of our tenants about thekey issues affecting them and GedlingHomes. Alongside the familyatmosphere we aim to find out what isimportant to our tenants and how theywould like to see their servicesdelivered to them. It was GREAT tosee it so well attended again this year"

Despite a few heavy downpours,the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s

spirits. Shirley fromNetherfield, and amember of the GedlingHomes Singers,commented: “I’ve had alovely day! Everyone was

so kind and people madethe best of itdespite theweather.”

Brook: Drawingcompetition(pictured)

Craig, Arnold:Video DiaryRoom

Kirsty, Carlton:Facebook activity

Charlotte, Carlton:Lifeline Quiz

COMPETITIONWINNERS



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Bl minggardensGardening Competition

2014

We have been busy judging thelocal school and tenantapplications for this year’sBlooming Gardens Competition.It’s been great to see both old andnew faces to the competition!

A big thank you to Bullock Construction fordonating the prize gift vouchers for the SchoolCompetition and to Amanda Whitehead,Tenant Liaison Officer, for assisting withjudging the school applications and inawarding the prizes.

A huge thank you to Chris Johnson, Tenant ofCarlton who volunteered her own time to assistwith the judging of the gardens (pictured).

The 2014 winners are:

Schools:1st: Pinewood Infants School

Tenants:Best Garden(Front/ back or both)1st: Joanne Brennan, Arnold

Best Communal/Sheltered HousingScheme Garden1st: Moreland Court, Carlton

Best IndividualPlanter/HangingBasket/Window Box1st: John Cadman, Carlton

For a full list and pictures of all the runners up,please visit http://on.fb.me/1v4W8vo


Your Community


Newsteadin BloomGedling Homes’tenants also tookpart in the first annualGarden Competition inNewstead this summer,organised by GedlingBorough Council.The winners wereannounced at a FunDay on Sunday 13thJuly and tenant SharonChadwick won 1st prizein the Best Courtyardcompetition!

In July residents from Netherfield wereinvited to the Civic Centre in Arnold bythe Mayor of Gedling, Councillor JennyHollingsworth, to a presentationevening for the Netherfield andConway Garden Competition andGood Neighbour Award.

Prizes were presented to rewardthe best gardens, and residentswho have proven themselves tobe great neighbours. The GoodNeighbour Award was sponsoredby Gedling Homes.

Netherfield in Bloom!

Our tenants scooped many ofthe gardening prizes, including:

Cathy Robertson from Britannia Courtcommented: "This is really great forNetherfield, it puts us on the map.Everyone gets the benefit of our frontageat Britannia Court. Gedling Homes hashelped set us up growing beans,potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes, carrotsand beetroot. The NottinghamshireProbation Service did a great job buildingour raised beds and our hanging baskets,with electric watering system, were paidfor by Gedling Homes' Community Chest."

1st PrizeBest Community Garden:

Britannia Court

3rd PrizeBest Community Garden:Bourne Mews Allotments

1st PrizeBest Front Garden:

Britannia Court

1st PrizeBest World War One

CommemorativeGarden: Jill White,

Britannia Court

1st PrizeBest Courtyard /

Small Space Garden:John Logelain,

Bailey Court


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How long have you worked for GedlingHomes and what were you doing before?

I have been at Gedling Homes since the launchof GH Response on 1st July. My job is the newStores Manager.

I transferred to GH Response from MearsPLC, where I was Office Manager, so this isquite a big change.

What will your job entail?

As the Stores Manager I will control what isbrought in to the stores, and what goes out.The stores will provide Repairs Technicianswith the correct parts to complete jobsquicker and ‘right first time.’

When we transferred from Mears, I looked atthe new business model, and the StoreManager role appealed. It is giving me a chanceto broaden my knowledge and gain new skillsacross the business.

What has been the most interestingaspect of your job so far?

It is a new role for me, so I have found itvery interesting. It’s exciting to have theopportunity to add to my professionalknowledge. I take most pride in makingsure everything is done correctly and tothe best standard!

What positive impact do you thinkthe new stores will have on therepairs service?

The new stores will have a great impact on thenew repairs service. We will have all required

materials in stock and give technicians theitems they need to complete their repairs.

The process should now be more streamlined.Each morning the technicians are providedwith a list of the day’s jobs and we will providethem with the stock-parts they will need foreach job. We will also be able to plan more inadvance for booked in jobs.

We will endeavour to keep the stores fullystocked, but where there is a gap, we will havea delay of no more than 48 hours. For the timebeing we will keep agreements in place withexternal stores to get vital parts within 2-3hours. This is a buffer that we should need lessand less as our stores fill up.

When you are not at work, what can youmostly be seen doing?

My main passion is music. I have played in afew bands; guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals!I am now in the process of starting my ownband. I am also setting up my own recordingstudio - so that keeps me busy!

What is the best piece of advice you haveever been given?

To treat others how you would like to betreated yourself.

Burley Saxton speaks to Paul Smith,GH Response Stores Manager



Community Chest

Following the second Community Chest panel of the year,the group of staff and tenants have reviewed 38 applications for funding,from community groups and initiatives. Working within a limited budget,

the panel have agreed to support 25 projects, totalling over £16,800.

If you would like to submit a Community Chest application for a community initiative,tenants’ group or physical /environmental works please contact Sarah Quinn on0115 905 1515, email [email protected] or visit our websitewww.gedlinghomes.com to download an application form and fact sheet.

Netherfield Forum:£5870.40 to install a play spaceand playhouse outside theSt George’s Centre.

Residents' trip to Southport:£1000 - To assist with travelexpenses for a 4 day tripto Southport, available tosheltered residents.

We R Here: £2000 - The groupare working with NottinghamCentral Women’s Aid to supportwomen and children entering

refuge, at a time when they areoften at their most vulnerable.These women and children,in addition to being at greaterrisk of suffering direct violenceand abuse are alsodisadvantaged in leavingeverything that is familiar.Through self-esteem workshops,relationship building andtherapeutic art classes We R Herehelps offer a safe place peoplecan gather with others whohave experienced directviolence or abuse.

Young Person’s PositiveMoves: £1000 Delivering sportactivities for children withdisabilities, the funds will supportthe charity to deliver sport campsin school holidays.

Core centre, Calverton: £500The funds will support thiscommunity centre in providing amuch needed resource for localresidents, including advice andtraining courses.

Little Treasures, StanhopeChildren’s Centre:£250 The group came aboutfollowing lack of funding for theexisting Sure Start team and theirservices. Two volunteer mumshave independently taken on theservice and carried it on.

Successful applications include:


18

A series of social events have takenplace over the summer months,across our sheltered schemes.These events are a GREAT opportunity fortenants to get together, to forge new friendshipsand help reduce social isolation.

Many events were part of AGE UK’s ‘The BigChinWag’ initiative, to help tackle lonelinessamong older people.

You can find out more atwww.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/loneliness/the-big-chin-wag/

Carlton House held aChinWag for tenants of

Rushcliffe and CarltonHouse. The event was advertised throughthe schemes’ newsletters. The event raised over £270 fromraffles, cake and jumble stalls. Our Managing Director, Lynn Clayton;Karen Sands, Head of Independent Living; and Mayor of Gedling,Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth attended the event.Alan White, who helped organise the ChinWag commented:“The event has been a great success to both help raise money forAge UK, and for giving people the opportunity to come togetherand socialise.”

Moreland Court held their own Chinwag

in June with a BBQ, to help raise over

£140 for Age UK and Help for Heroes.

Residents and their guests got together

to enjoy a raffle and cake stall stocked

full of goodies.

“I really enjoyed the afternoon; it was

great fun sitting outside having a

barbecue and meeting new people”

“The bunting looked lovely and set the

scene for the afternoon”

In August, tenants at MorelandCourt were treated to aStrawberries and CreamTea Party. Those whotook part had a laugh,shared a few jokes andenjoyed having a chat.A raffle added to the fun,as did music from the50s and 60s.

Keith celebrated hisbirthday with a cakeand singsong!


Independent living


All yourYesterdays

In May we launched our Dementia Awarenessaction plan in partnership with Gedling BoroughCouncil and the Nottingham North and EastClinical Commissioning Group.

This initiative is promoted by the Dementia ActionAlliance, a national movement which encouragesorganisations to take action, transforming the livesof people with dementia and their carers.

We have already started raising dementiaawareness amongst our staff with DementiaAwareness Session’s arranged by Sue Goliahand Helen Hicks. The 10 sessions have proved verysuccessful and we now have designated DementiaFriends within our teams. More sessions areplanned and will also be offered to tenants withinour sheltered schemes (see pages 20-21).

For more information, please contactSue Goliah, Sheltered Housing Team leader on0115 905 1515.

As part of the plan the Money Wise teamhave put together an information leaflet to helpraise awareness of the financial strains of living withdementia and caring for someone with dementia.The pack includes information on dealing with debtand guidance on claiming the correct benefits.

Dementia awareness information

To request your copycontact Money Wise on0115 905 1515 or email

[email protected]

Events were held at BaileyCourt and Bramble Court.Historical artifacts, music,games and food were available,and helped tenants open up inconversation about theirchildhood. Many of the tenantsdiscovered they had commonexperiences, such as having hada catapult as a child, fishing fortadpoles in jam jars, and makingtheir own soap bubbles to blowthrough a piece of looped wire.There were laughs (newspaperas toilet paper!), reminiscences,and tales of idyllic childhoodexperiences.


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3 November, each Mondayfor 4 weeks, 1pm-3pmCooking 4 LifeCarlton House, Carlton4 November, 10amWalk and TalkBramble Court, Gedling4 November, 10.30am-12noonSt Albans Rd/Furlong EstateInspectionStarting at the bottom of St Albans Rdnear the old job centre4 November, 10am-12noonCommunity Chest Panel MeetingWestmoore Court, Mapperley5 November, each Wednesdayfor 6 weeks, 1pm-3pmArts & CraftsWestmoore Court, Mapperley5 November, 10am-11amDementia Awareness SessionRushcliffe Avenue, Carlton6 November, each Thursdayfor 7 weeks, 1pm-3pmBack to workSt George’s Centre

6 November, 11am-12noonNetherfield Drop-in Surgery:with Money Wise teamSt Georges Centre, Netherfield6 November, 11am-12noonLeaseholder Walkabout -Princess Close & Queens AvenuePrincess Close, Gedling. Meet atPrincess Close Garages

6 November, 9.30am-11.30amNewstead Village Drop-inSurgery: with Money Wise teamNewstead Centre, Newstead Village6 November, 10am-11amDementia Awareness SessionMoyra House, Arnold

7 November, 10.30am-11.30amMoney Matters WorkshopGedling House, Gedling11 November, 10amWalk and TalkCarlton House, Carlton11 November, 10.30amWalk and TalkMoyra House, Arnold

17 November, 10amWalk and TalkBailey Court, Netherfield19 November, 10amWalk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield19 November, 2.30pm-3.30pmDementia Awareness SessionMoreland Court, Carlton19 November, 11.30am-1pmThe Ark Drop-in Housing SurgeryThe Ark, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling20 November, 10.30am-11.30amDementia Awareness SessionMoreland Court, Carlton26 November, 6pm-8pmGeneral Leaseholder ForumGedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling

28 November, 10amWalk and TalkCoronation Walk, Gedling28 November, 10amWalk and TalkWestmoore Court, Mapperley

November

15 October 2014, 10am

Walk and TalkBailey Court, Netherfield

15 October 2014, 10.30am

Walk and TalkErnehale Court, Arnold


Walk and TalkFoxhill Court, Carlton

15 October 2014,1.30pm-6.30pmCommunity Safety EventSt George's Centre, Netherfield

15 October 2014,11.30am-1pmThe Ark Drop-inHousing SurgeryThe Ark, Wollaton Avenue,Gedling

17 October 2014,10am-12noonNewstead Village Walkand TalkMeet at Newstead CommunityCentre, Newstead Village

22 October, each Wednesdayfor 5 weeks, 3.45pm-4.30pm

Zumba GoldErnehale Court, Arnold


Walk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

29 October 2014, 2.45pm

Walk and TalkMoreland Court, Dale Road,Carlton

29 October 2014, 2pm

Walk and TalkOrchard Court, Carlton

29 October 2014,11am-12noonSouthdale Road/Drive EstateWalkaboutMeet on the corner of SouthdaleRoad/Drive

October


Events


December2 December 2014, 2pmWalk and Talk2-30 Seagrave Court, Arnold

3 December 2014, 10amWalk and TalkBramble Court, Gedling

4 December 2014,11am-12noonNetherfield Drop-inHousing Surgery: withMoney Wise teamSt George's Centre,Netherfield

4 December 2014,9.30am-11.30amNewstead Village Drop-inSurgery: with MoneyWise teamNewstead Centre, NewsteadVillage

10 December 2014,11.30am-1pmThe Ark Drop-inHousing SurgeryThe Ark, Wollaton Avenue,Gedling

13 December 2014,12noon-2pmOlder People’s ChristmasDinnerSt George's Centre,Netherfield

15 December 2014, 10amWalk and TalkBailey Court, Netherfield

15 December 2014,10.30amWalk and TalkNabarro Court, Calverton

16 December 2014, 11amWalk and TalkRoe Hill, Woodborough

17 December 2014, 11amWalk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

18 December 2014,11am-12noonEstate InspectionWalton Court/WaltonCrescent

January 20158 January 2015, 9.30amWalk and TalkWalton Court, Carlton

8 January 2015, 11am-12noon

Netherfield Drop-inHousing Surgery:with Money Wise teamSt George's Centre, Netherfield

9 January 2015, 10amWalk and TalkBramble Court, Gedling

14 January 2015, 10amWalk and TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

14 January 2015, 10.30amWalk and TalkErnehale Court, Arnold

14 January 2015, 10amWalk and TalkFoxhill Court, Carlton

28 January 2015, 2pmWalk and TalkOrchard Court, Carlton


WORDSEARCHYou can win £25 in vouchers in our “Autumn” wordsearch.Words go left, right, up, down, not diagonally, and can bend at aright angle. We have already found one for you!Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will bepicked from the correct entries on 14th November 2014.Return to: Wordsearch Competition,Gedling Homes,Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BACK TO SCHOOLCORN MAZE

FALLING LEAVESHALLOWEEN

HARVESTNOVEMBEROCTOBERPUDDLE

RAINRUBBER BOOTS

SEASONSEPTEMBER

Fun & Games

22

And thewinners are...Congratulations toMrs Weatherall fromWoodborough. She receives £25in shopping vouchers in ourwordsearch quiz.

And very welldone to Katie,age 8 fromCarlton.Winner in thesummercolouringcompetition,she wins £25 in vouchers.

Please send yourcompleted colouringto us. A winnerwill be picked on14th November 2014.Return to:ColouringCompetition,Gedling Homes,Gedling House,Wood Lane,Gedling, Nottingham,NG4 4AD

ColourMe in!

Name: ...........................................................................................................................Age:.................................

Telephone: ..............................................................................................................................................................

Address: ......................................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your child / grandchild could win a £25 book token inour “Autumn” colouring competition.

RAIN


Our performance


2014-15

Responsive repairsworks undertaken‘right first time’*

Year End Target: 99%

98.9%

Below target, looking to improve

OK, work in progress

On target, going wellCustomer satisfactionwith responsive repairs


97.29%

All responsive repairscompleted on time*


99.4%

Customers satisfiedwith investment works


81.82%

Rent collection rate -rolling 12 monthperiod


100.42%

Customers satisfiedwith gas servicing


98.59%

Re-let time - generalneeds and shelteredproperties (excludinglow demand)

Year End Target: 27 days

21.47 days

Customer reportinganti-social behaviourwho were satisfied withhow we dealt with it


93%

Customers satisfiedwith the condition ofproperty when theproperty was let


97.66%

Re-let time - generalneeds and shelteredproperties (includinglow demand)

Year End Target: 27 days

RIGHT1ST

TIME

37.75 days

* from commencement of GH Response 1st July 2014


By sending us an e-mail:General enquiries:[email protected] Involvement:[email protected] writing to us at:Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham. NG4 4AD

In person:Please visit our CustomerContact Centre on the groundfloor at:The Civic Centre, Arnot HillPark, Arnold, NottinghamNG5 6LU.The opening times are 9.00am to5.00pm Monday to Thursday and9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday

This information is available in large print, audio and Braille.This information is from Gedling Homes. If you can tell us which language you speak, we willarrange for an interpreter. Or you can ask a friend or relative to phone us 0115 905 1515.

Chinese

Gujurati

Kurdish

Urdu

Polish

Contact usBy phone:24/7 Repairs line0115 905 1515Anti Social Behaviour(24 hours)0808 145 6555Rent Payments0161 331 2224(24 hour automatedpayment line)For all other enquiriesplease ring0115 905 1515and ask for the team youwant to speak to.

@Gedling_Homes

Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111

www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes


Documents

Gedling News and Views - October 2014