Issue 30 | Summer 2017

HOMENews about your home

OUR FREE SUMMER GARDEN PARTY IS BACK

INSIDE> Working hard to improve your

environment, pages 8 - 9> Enter our photo competition, page 4

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Welcome to

W E LC O M E

the Summer edition of Home

Nigel visited The Vineries to meet some of our older residents, and find out what life is like in our sheltered homes.

A previous graduate of Lewisham Homes’ Improving Housing Services course with London Metropolitan University, Nigel attended the most recent graduation ceremony to congratulate our students on their success.

The next housing course takes place in Autumn. To find out more visit:

lewishamhomes.org.uk/lmuimprove

BOARD MEMBERS OUT AND ABOUT

We were joined by new resident Board member Nigel Bowness last Autumn. A Lewisham resident and council tenant of 30 years, Nigel is passionate about getting involved in his community and has a keen interest in improving housing services.

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J O I N U SW E ’ R E R E C R U I T I N G

F O R A R E S I D E N T B O A R D M E M B E R T H I S S U M M E R .

F I N D O U T M O R E : lewishamhomes.org.uk/board

governance@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Nigel celebrated our new homes in Lee (L-R: Cllr Bonavia, Cllr Egan, Board Chair Ainsley Forbes, Nigel, and Lewisham Homes’ Steve Coleman).

This Summer there are lots of ways to get involved and (hopefully) enjoy some sunshine. Try a bike ride, and don’t miss the main event – our Garden Party is back in July!We’ll also be out and about getting your feedback in the Big Conversation, and there are more ways to connect with us online too. So grab a cuppa and read on to find out more.

www.facebook.com/lewishamhomes

@lewishamhomes

instagram.com/ lewishamhomes

lhomes.org.uk/lhlin

C H E C K O U T O U R E V E N T S

C A L E N D A R O N P A G E 1 4

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Get on your bike with Cycle Deptford!

I N T H E S P OT L I G H T

Get on your bike with Cycle Deptford!

Join us for at least two cycle rides this Summer for your chance to win

a brand new bike!

Join us for free fortnightly cycle rides in your local community this Summer.Thanks to our exciting new cycling scheme, in partnership with Peabody and Cycle Grants London, you can enjoy free bike rides around Deptford throughout June to September.

Suitable for kids aged 7+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult), bring your family along for friendly Saturday morning cycle rides with your local community.

Led by specially trained instructors, Cycle Deptford is a fun way to get fit, build your biking confidence and see more of your neighbourhood.

Bring your own bike, or to hire one for free please get in touch:

07860 733 320 catherine.andrews@peabody.org.uk

Dates: 17 June1, 15, 29 July12 & 26 August9 & 23 September

Meet us at 10am every other Saturday at:Leander Community Centre, Ship Street, Deptford, SE8 4DH.Back in Deptford by 12pm.

DEPTFORD

We’re wheelie looking forward to seeing you.

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O U R C O M M U N I T Y

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From the beloved black cat of Catford, to the history at the Horniman Museum, and treasures waiting to be discovered at Deptford Market, our borough is bursting with interesting sights, unique characters, and diverse communities.

With so much to be proud of, we want you to capture what you love about Lewisham by entering your images in our new Instagram competition. Your photos can be of anything – friends or food, parks, pubs, art or activities,

the only rule is that they must be inspired by life in Lewisham!

All photo entries will be featured in a pop up polaroid gallery at our Summer Garden Party, where the winners will also be announced.

Our free Summer Garden Party, exclusively for Lewisham Homes residents, is back again this year on Saturday 22 July. Join us at the Albany in Deptford for an afternoon of live entertainment and activities for all ages. Enjoy music, dance and family theatre or try your hand at gardening and crafts. Meet our teams and have your say on our services.

Book your FREE tickets in advance from the Albany Box Office:

thealbany.org.uk020 8692 4446

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We’ll also be serving up a delicious BBQ, so you can kick back and enjoy the taste of Summer in the sunshine.

Show your love for Lewisham with our #Lewishgram photo competition

To enter: > Share your entry on Instagram by Sunday 16 July

> Follow and tag @LewishamHomes in the photo

> Use the hashtag #Lewishgram, and include a short description of why you #LoveLewisham (make sure you use this hashtag!)

Get your sun cream and shades at the ready!

Get to grips with InstagramBring your smartphone and join our free Instagram training session on Wednesday 21 June, 10.30am - 12pm at Old Town Hall, Catford.

Get an interactive overview of how to use the photo app, and tips on taking inspiring snaps.

To book your space, email : communications@lewishamhomes.org.ukFor full competition details visit:

lewishamhomes.org.uk/lewishgram

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Creative care for

older people

O U R C O M M U N I T Y

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Jim’s homegrown veg is a hit with neighbours

People in our sheltered homes at Kirkdale, in Sydenham, have been enjoying fresh, free vegetables thanks to resident Jim Schwencke’s garden allotment.

Jim (68) built the allotment two years ago as a way to get outside and stay active. Since then, he’s grown gooseberries, tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and runner beans to share with his neighbours, and he’s trying potatoes for the first time this year too.

Jim taught himself how to maintain and look after his allotment by following video

Age Exchange offers a range of support services for older people living with long-term conditions, such as dementia, and their carers, at its centre in Blackheath, and venues in Deptford and Charlton.Throughout the week, the Caring Together Service helps improve lives through different reminiscence and art activities, whilst the free and friendly Day Care Service encourages creative engagement through sensory activities such as music, movement and crafts.

They also run a Sunday community group for all older people, as well as a number of one-to-one sessions for both carers and housebound people living with dementia.

Find out more:

020 8318 9105hello@age-exchange.org.ukage-exchange.org.uk

tutorials on YouTube. He says: “I’d never grown vegetables before, but anybody with access to the internet can learn how to do it.”

A former cook in the Royal Navy, Jim loves being able to share something he’s created with his fellow residents. He says: “The fresh air and exercise helps keep me feeling fit and well. And knowing that my allotment makes healthy homegrown produce for my neighbours to enjoy is wonderful!”

‘I’d never grown vegetables before, but anybody with

access to the internet can learn how to do it.

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N E W H O M E S

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Local people will move into nearly 80 brand new homes this year. We’ll also start building around 300 more new homes.

Leah (centre) meets Cllr Damien Egan (right) and Lewisham Homes’ Alice Noonan (left), before she moves in

Leah, 26, is moving into one of our new homes in Lee with her three year old daughter:

I was on the housing waiting list for about two years. Being

offered this flat is a new beginning for us. When I first

saw it I thought, ‘Wow! It’s just lovely!’ I am in love with

the storage space! I’m excited to explore the local area

and look at schools for my daughter when she’s older.

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Our new homes are changing lives

The former Honor Oak neighbourhood office is being converted into five new homes

Find out more about our new council homes by using our new homes map:

lewishamhomes.org.uk/new homes

Local man launches his career

Imre (second right) is congratulated by our Board Chair (right) and Cllr Alan Smith (left)

Imre, 22, got a job with our new homes builders in Forest Hill the old fashioned way. He went to the building site opposite his home and asked if he could have a job. He was recruited as an apprentice and is now a full time employee of Bonds Builders.

Find out more about local employment opportunities:

lewishamhomes.org.uk/newhomes/employment and training

More than 50% of our new homes will be created from disused space like old offices and former garage sites.

We’ve bought 80 properties for homeless families

(L - R) Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, our Chief Executive, Andrew Potter and Cllr Egan celebrate the purchase of a block of flats for homeless families on Rushey Green, Catford

These properties prevent families in desperate housing need from living in unsuitable and expensive temporary bed and breakfast type accommodation.

Building in new ways

Working with Lewisham Council, we’re looking at ways we can create more new homes like the award winning pop up village in Ladywell. We want to use new construction methods to build quickly and minimise disruption to local people.

PLACE/Ladywell was built in a factory which meant it could be put up quickly

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S U R V E Y

The Big Conversation is here

On Wednesday 12 July, our staff, including all managers, will be out and about visiting more than 1,000 residents.

We want to hear what you have to say about our services.

You also told us how important it is for us to keep on top of rubbish and fly-tipping inside your building and on your estates. See page

9 to find out how our Environmental Services Team is working together to keep your shared

areas clean and tidy.

Last year you told us: > 200 previously unreported repairs were needed to

your homes

> you were concerned about the quality of some of your repairs and the time taken to complete them.

So we have: > Recruited more staff and reduced how long you

have to wait for a repair by 50%

> We now check how satisfied you are with the quality of our work as soon as we complete the repair. We send staff straight back to your home if you’re unhappy with our work

> We’ve improved the way we monitor the progress of repairs. This means we’re completing repairs more quickly

> You can report and check on your repairs online using My Lewisham Homes, your secure area of our website.

This is the third year we’ve run the Big Conversation. Your feedback makes a real difference. We signed up 350 residents to

our online services last year.

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Our gardeners are creating havens for birds, bees and butterflies in your green areas. You’ll soon get to enjoy these little visitors and see lots more colour on your estates all year round too.

Find out more about gardening in your area:environmental.services@lewishamhomes.org.uklewishamhomes.org.uk/grounds-maintenance

How are we doing this? By planting 100,000 bulbs, 6,000 plants and

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E N V I RO N M E N T

TAKEAWAY CONTAINERS RUIN RECYCLING Did you know takeaway containers and black sacks

should not be put in recycling bins?

Putting non-recyclable and dirty items in the recycling bins means other items in there cannot be recycled. Contaminated recycling also means there will be a delay to collect it. This is why you might see overflowing bins and rubbish building up next to them.

Thank you for helping us to look after your environment.

It’s all about the birdsand the bees!

thousands of wild flower seeds across Lewisham.

fixmystreet.comlewisham.gov.uk/recycling

To check what can and can’t be recycled visit:

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We know how important it is to be happy with where you live. Help us to keep your area clean and tidy by reporting fly-tipping. Our bulk waste team, estate sweepers and caretakers have been working together to spruce up areas where fly-tipping has become an unpleasant and dangerous problem.

E N V I RO N M E N T

Be proud of where you live

You say your new windows are grand!

We’ve been renewing windows with Breyer, our contractors, at Sheenewood in Sydenham and Valentine Court in Forest Hill.99% of residents here told us they were pleased with their new double glazed windows.

Our old metal windows meant it was difficult to keep

the heat in. Now we get no drafts at all and our homes are warm. My new windows

are grand!

99% residents satisfied

Before After

You can help us by: > Disposing of your large household items at the

Reuse and Recycling Centre, Landmann Way in New Cross

> Reporting fly-tipping on your estates to us:environmental.services@lewishamhomes.org.uk

> Reporting fly-tipping elsewhere in Lewisham: lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/environment

Mrs Power, resident at Sheenewood for 30 years

‘

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YO U R H O M E

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Asbestos is a building material that can be dangerous when disturbed. DIY to fixtures and fittings in your home can put you and your family at risk.Not all homes contain asbestos, but before starting any DIY you

must seek advice from our Health & Safety Team.

If parts of your home do contain asbestos, you are not at risk as long as it stays undisturbed and undamaged.

Are you doingDIY this Summer?

Keeping you fire safe

We work closely with the Fire Brigade to keep you safe. Seen here outside our new homes in Lee.

Sprinklers can stop fires from spreading and put them out. Top tips to keep you fire safe:

> Do not leave cooking unattended. > Never use water or a fire extinguisher

on a chip pan fire. Water reacts with the oil and will cause a fireball.

> Regularly test and vacuum your smoke alarm. Dust and dirt can stop it from working or cause the alarm to go off at the wrong time.

> Don’t leave your mobile phone charging overnight, especially on your bed or under your pillow. The battery can overheat and catch fire.

> Never smoke in bed and always stub your cigarettes out carefully.Find out more about fire safety:

london-fire.gov.uklewishamhomes.org.uk/fire safety

We’re installing sprinkler systems in our sheltered accommodation and hostels, as well as some new homes.

Tenants and leaseholders can contact us for advice about asbestos

Find out more and how we can help:

healthandsafety@lewishamhomes.org.uklewishamhomes.org.uk/asbestos

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D I G I TA L

Don’t have internet at home?

Improving online servicesWe’re improving our online services, so it’s quicker and easier for you to contact us at a time that suits you.

Reporting repairsRepairs can no longer be reported in person at our reception. You can report non-urgent repairs online 24/7 at My Lewisham Homes. It’s quick and easy, and you can select appointment times that suit you.

If you don’t have internet access at home, we have a number of self-service kiosks and computers available at the Old Town Hall in Catford. There is also a phone for reporting emergency repairs.

Shop onlineIf you’ve lost your fob or need an extra one, you can now buy these through our online shop, and we’ll send them directly to you in the post. You can also order replacements for faulty fobs on our website.

Leaseholders can buy pre-assignment packs and other lease documents online too. Payments can be made by credit or debit card.

shop.lewishamhomes.org.uk

There are lots of places across Lewisham where you can get online for free.

All the libraries in the borough offer free internet access. You can just

walk in and book a session. You can also access the internet at your

nearest Job Centres in Forest Hill and Catford.

Many local venues also offer support to help you grow your

confidence in getting connected and make the most of being online.

Pick up a flyer with all the details from our reception or visit:

lewishamhomes.org.uk/ contact-us/get-online

My Lewisham Homes It’s now even easier to register for My Lewisham Homes, your secure website. View your rent or service charge accounts, report a repair and see planned works for your home or estate all in one place.

What’s new? > Registration has been simplified so it’s

quicker and easier > It’s easier to update your personal details > Leaseholders with more than one property

can register once and view all their accounts > Joint tenants can register for individual

accounts for the same property > See more information about your home and

account.

Register at:

lewishamhomes.org.uk

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N E W S

Resident Michael gives student Arnie a run for his money at snakes and ladders

Student Amelie and residents Adele and Clara find out more about each other

A R E Y O U R E C E I V I N G T H E R I G H T B E N E F I T S ?

Our Welfare Benefits Team can support you with budgeting, prioritising debts, and getting the right benefits.Book a place on our next Budgeting Training session by calling 0800 028 2 028 or emailing welfare.benefits@lewishamhomes.org.uk. Or meet one of our advisors face-to-face at our weekly surgeries on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10am - 12pm.

Case study One resident had large rent arrears due to issues with her benefits payment. As a young single parent,

this was causing her distress and she took out a high interest loan. The resident was referred to our Welfare Benefits Team, who helped get her housing benefit backdated. Her arrears were cleared in full, removing the threat of eviction, and she’s now receiving all the right benefits.

If you’re having trouble managing your money, it’s important to get help quickly.

Bridging generationsStudents from St Dunstan’s College in Catford have been visiting our older residents at The Vineries sheltered accommodation for a variety of fun activities.With pupils aged between 11 - 17 and residents from 65 to 94, there is a great mix of youth and experience!

The intergenerational project is having a great impression on everyone, with the students treating the residents to poetry readings, singing and live music, and the residents sharing stories and memories of their own.

“We’ve sung together, and played bingo. It’s an enjoyable way to spend our time,” said resident Mina.

‘It’s a brilliant community, and it gets very lively.

The residents enjoy our company, and it’s really

helped improve my social skills.

Last year, our Welfare Benefits Team helped

residents claim over £500,000 in entitled benefits

Student Arnie, Community Service Rep for the College, added:

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We stopped six fraudulent Right to Buy applications last year, and the homes were given back to help house local people with a genuine need.Right to Buy offers a way for tenants to buy their homes, but they must have been living there full time for at least three years.

Case studyWhen a tenant applied for the right to buy his council home, we

Save money on your water billWaterSure Plus, a scheme by Thames Water, could reduce your bill by half! To find out if you’re eligible, visit:

lhomes.org.uk/watersureplus

L E W I S H A M Y O U T H C O N F E R E N C E E M P O W E R S A N D

E N T E R T A I N S

Council homes

New Albany office opening hoursOur office at the Albany in Deptford is now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from 9.15am - 1pm, and 2pm - 5pm.

13Over 450 young people enjoyed a day of empowering entertainment at the Lewisham Youth Conference in April.Held at Goldsmiths, University of London, the free event for 10 to 19 year olds provided support and advice on a range of issues, such as mental health, training, employment, and housing.

There were passionate performances from dancers,

Headline act and emerging rappers Tizzy & Brandz captured the crowd’s attention with an energetic performance.

All reports will be kept confidential.

occupancy.checks@lewishamhomes.org.uk

musicians and actors, as well as inspiring guest speakers who encouraged the young attendees to aim high.

Lewisham Homes sponsored the conference with our partners Travis Perkins.

discovered that he wasn’t living there. He had been illegally renting (or subletting) it out to a family who were unknown to us.

We also tracked down another person the tenant had previously sublet his home to, and they provided us with enough evidence to refer the case to Lewisham Council for prosecution. The tenancy was ended and the property is now home to a family who really need it.

If you suspect a property is being sublet, please let us know so that we can look into it. You’ll receive a £25 voucher if we end the tenancy following investigation.

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What’s on in Lewisham

lewishamhomes.org.uk/events getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

T H E C A L E N D A RJUNELove2Dance Every Mon, Tue, Thur & Satuntil 20 Julylove2dance@thealbany.org.uk07984 355 826

Cycle DeptfordEvery other Saturday17 June – 23 Sept, 10am – 12pmLeander Community Centre,Deptford

Instagram training 21 June, 10.30am – 12pmOld Town Hall, Catford

Budgeting Training28 June, 10am – 1pmOld Town Hall, Catford

JULYBig Conversation12 July

Summer Garden Party22 July, 1 – 4pmThe Albany, Deptford

Board meeting25 July, 6.30 – 8pmOld Town Hall, Catford

Budgeting Training26 July, 10am – 1pmOld Town Hall, Catford

AUGUSTAlbany Summer Arts activities8 – 25 Augustsummerarts@ thealbany.org.uk07984 355 826

Budgeting Training23 August, 10am – 1pmOld Town Hall, Catford

SEPTEMBERBudgeting Training20 September, 10am – 1pmOld Town Hall, Catford

Resident Engagement Panel28 September, 6.30 – 9pmOld Town Hall, Catford

T H E C A L E N DA R14

Interested in construction, retail, catering or hospitality?

Free courses

elevatingsuccess.co.uk

FREE Lewisham Local Card The card gets you a number of

discounts and can be used in shops and businesses. If you volunteer

for more than 12 hours, you may be eligible for a free Lewisham Local Card.

getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Find out about volunteering opportunities atlewisham.gov.uk/getinvolved

Exclusive ticket offersOur residents get exclusive ticket discounts at the

Albany, from theatre and circus to live music.

Your first visit is free! Then enjoy £5 tickets, or £2 for under 16s.

Quote LEWHOMES when booking by telephone or in person.

thealbany.org.uk 020 8692 4446

Grow your own food with Albany Gardening ClubLearn how to sow seeds and grow edible plants. Every Thursday and the last Saturday of the month.All ages welcome, children under 16 must be accompanied.

gardening@thealbany.org.uk07716 398822

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Sheltered accommodation W O R K I N G D A Y D I A R Y

9am: I usually start my day by checking my emails, and any notifications that may have come through overnight for LinkLine, the Council’s 24 hour emergency helpline for residents.

9.30am: I get started on writing up my case notes and referrals, and checking our health and safety records. It’s important to make sure all the details we hold about our residents and their homes are accurately recorded and kept up-to-date.

11am: Every few months we hold a big meeting with all of the residents at the scheme to tell them about any updates, such as planned refurbishment works, or reminders about where to safely store their mobility scooters. Today we are also talking about safeguarding. It’s a sensitive subject, but we want to make sure our older residents know what to do if they feel physically, emotionally, or financially vulnerable.

Johanna Seward is a Senior Independent Living Officer, with almost 30 years’ experience in adult social care. We followed her for a day as she manages accommodation at Fairfields in Catford, and oversees all of our sheltered homes in south Lewisham.

WO R K I N G DAY D I A R Y

1pm: Our residents have created a neighbourly community, and enjoy regular activities together such as coffee mornings or arts and crafts. They also like to get out and about, so today we’re taking them into the city to watch a matinee performance at the Brick Lane Music Hall.

4pm: Towards the end of the day, I usually walk around the scheme to check in with our residents. I love chatting with them, and finding out about how they’re doing. I enjoy encouraging our residents to stay independent, and want them all to feel happy and safe in their homes.

5pm: No two days are the same in this job, but I usually finish around 5pm. Although my work is very varied, I always go home knowing that we’ve made a real difference to our residents’ lives.

Join our team careers.lewishamhomes.org.uk

S H A R E T H E A M B I T I O N

We’ve published our latest Business Plan for Residents. You can view

it on our website.

2017 - 2020

Business Plan

lewishamhomes.org.uk

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0800 028 2 028lewishamhomes.org.uk

THE ALBANY9.15AM-1PM, 2PM-5PM, TUE & THURThe Albany, Unit 13a-b,Douglas Way, DeptfordSE8 4AG

OLD TOWN HALL9AM-5PM MON, TUE, THUR, FRI 10AM-5PM WEDOld Town Hall, Catford Road, London SE6 4RU

lewishamhomes.org.uk

easy 24/7free quick

Secure, 24/7 online help and information about your home• Free to register and free to use• Report repairs• Keep on top of your finances• Share your views

Do it online with

My Lewisham Homes Register now,it only takes

a moment

QUICKER THAN CALLING, EASIER THAN VISITING THE OFFICE

PIN IT TO YOUR HOME

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facebook.com/lewishamhomes@lewishamhomes

lhomes.org.uk/lhlininstagram.com/lewishamhomes