Luminus News Spring 2013

www.luminus.org.uk

1LuminusNEWSNews and more from one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK Spring 2013 - Issue 51

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WINNER TODAY!

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Luminus News Spring 2013

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Message from our Group Chief Executive

After a long period of gloomy weather we’re all grateful to see the first signs of Spring and more sunshine. Hopeful anticipation is a very powerful energiser in our everyday lives.

This is the also the way we work in Luminus. At the heart of our work we have a determination to make every day count for something we can remember positively. We encourage all our staff to greet each morning with, “Something good is going to happen to me today!” All around our offices you can find posters that say, “You are now entering a 15 Smiles per Hour Zone.” So is all of this wishful thinking and is there any point? After all, not every day can be a great one. All of us experience problems and difficulties.

Well, of course, there are good days and bad days – just as there is rain and sunshine (and perhaps more of one than the other!) However, our experience in Luminus – both among our staff, as well as our tenants who have decided to follow “The Luminus Way” – is that it really does work. Is it wishful thinking?

Perhaps; but what’s wrong with that? However, there is more to our way of doing things than a few words and posters.

Everything that we do in Luminus is backed up by people at all levels of the organisation being sincerely committed to what we are seeking to achieve: our 2020 Vision along The Road to Renewal. It is that sense of having a shared aim that makes sense of the way we approach our work and our everyday living. This is reinforced by the amazing enthusiasm of so many of our tenants who take part in our Saturday Conferences, and the large numbers who regularly contact us to say how much they really appreciate the way Luminus looks after them.

The seasons will continue. We’re hoping for sunshine, and we’re also clear that, whatever the weather, we’ll continue to make progress towards creating the best possible places to live wherever the Luminus name is seen.

Can we do it? Yes, we can!

2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal

Letter from

Dr Chan AbrahamGroup Chief Executive

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Have you got a news story for us?

If so, please send it to us at [email protected] including your contact details.

The deadline for our Summer issue is Friday 31 May 2013.

HOMES

Looking after your home:Your Responsibilites

NEWS

Home-Link: Your choice, your home

COMMUNITY

Flexible Tenancies:Your questions answered

Spring clean your finances

ALSO

Residents Conference: Stand up and be counted!

What we expect when you vacate your home

Food shopping on a budget

Spring is here!

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Inside this month’s issue

www.luminus.org.uk

3Luminus - Investors in People / CAB

Luminus welcomes CAB to Brook House

Luminus has given Rural Cambs Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) a new home.

The charity, which gives free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice, offers a telephone and email service for initial contact, with morning and afternoon face-to-face appointments in Huntingdon and St Neots if further assistance is required.

For information and advice telephone 0844 245 1292 or email enquiries.huntingdon @ruralcambscab.org.uk.

The service is open five days a week across Huntingdonshire. Initially, the telephone line will be available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9.30am - 3.30pm.

Face to face appointments will be available at The Town Hall, Huntingdon on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Specialist debt appointments will be available on Thursdays in St Mary’s Community Room, St Neots on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Luminus retains Investors in People accreditation

www.luminus.org.uk

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The Government has made big changes to benefits.These could affect you!

All you need to know about

Welfare & Benefits

Got any questi

ons?

welfare

refo

[email protected]

rg.uk

The government has made big changes to benefits, which could affect you!FIND OUT MORE IN OUR WELFARE & BENEFITS SUPPLEMENT (Supplied with this issue of Luminus News)

The Investors in People award provides official recognition that Luminus is investing in and committed to supporting its employees to ensure everyone is able to contribute to the success of the organisation.

The Investors in People Standard requires Luminus to demonstrate that it is a great employer and supports its employees to do their best.

The assessment involved interviews with our employees, board members and Dr Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive.

The Investors in People Standard helps organisations to improve performance through the management and development of their people.

Luminus’ accreditation will be reviewed every 18 months, and will therefore continue to maintain and improve on our already high standards of employee support and engagement.

For more information about Luminus’ awards and accreditations, visit our website at www.luminus.org.uk.


4 Residents Conference

Congratulations to one lucky Luminus resident who won £250 in our quarterly prize draw! All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is fill in one of the feedback forms left with you by our tradesmen.

Residents Conference January 2013: Stand Up & Be Counted!

Luminus welcomed 150 residents and employees to Brook House for “Stand Up & Be Counted” the first Residents Conference of 2013.

Opening the Conference, Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham introduced our new theme for 2013 A Year of Regenerating and Refreshing Perspectives and how we have made progress with our 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal.

Executive Director (Operations) Nigel Finney then explained how Luminus has worked with our residents throughout 2012. He talked about:

• How residents have helped us develop our new approach to flexible tenancies

• The introduction of three special standards - Promoting good behaviour, Your home, your responsibility and Gardens to be proud of

• How Luminus has been working to support our communities

He then went on to introduce our new initiative, the Stand Up & Be Counted Challenge.

Residents were asked to vote on whether they would be willing to speak to five of their neighbours about what is important in their community. Residents voted strongly in favour of this campaign and questionnaires have now been sent to all attendees.

Attendees were highly vocal in giving feedback. Comments included,

“It was well organised and was very inspirational and interesting” and “My wife and I always enjoy the residents conference and look forward to the next one”.

Conference attendees enjoyed a complimentary buffet lunch

and the opportunity to purchase affordable household goods from Octavia’s of Wisbech, run by HOPE Social Enterprises.

Afterwards Luminus Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham said,

“I am delighted that so many residents and leaseholders were able to join us on Saturday morning to discuss “Stand Up & Be Counted”. These conferences are vital in supporting our residents as they seek to pursue our 2020 Vision along The Road to Renewal. By listening to our customers’ feedback we are able to ensure that Luminus continues to raise the bar of Premium Brand service and influence other organisations to help us make progress to mend Broken Britain.”

The next Luminus Residents Conference takes place on:

Saturday 18 May 2013

Residents were encoraged to have their

say on issues affecting our community

Saturday 18 May 2013

11am - 1.30pm

Brook House, Huntingdon

The conference will focus on the theme of "Stand up and be counted", so enquiries about your own home or tenancy should be raised through our normal channels or in the refreshment break.

Time to get involved and have your say on the issues that affect you and your community!

WILL YOU TAKE THE STAND UP & BE COUNTED CHALLENGE!

STAND UP & BE COUNTED!Also featuring:Street Representatives Free lunch, tea and coffeeFree transport available Octavia's Household SalePlease book your place and advise of any transport or parking needs by Monday 13 Mayby calling 01480 428570 or by email to [email protected]


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Your questions answered!

Flexible Tenancies

Like to know more? email [email protected]

As part of our 2020 Vision, along The Road to Renewal we are taking a new approach to how we manage the tenancies of new customers, called ‘Flexible Tenancies’.

Here we answer some of the key questions about the new system:

What is a flexible tenancy and why is this happening?

Previously new customers were given a Starter Tenancy that lasted for one year. If they behaved responsibly then, after a year, they got an Assured Tenancy, which could last indefinitely.

From April 2013 we are now giving new customers a twelve month starter tenancy.

During the first year the behaviour of the tenant is analysed and if they have been a good tenant they will be offered a further tenancy of five years.

Will current tenants be affected?

No. Tenants whose tenancy started before 1 April 2013 will not be affected by flexible tenancies.

Oak Foundation tenants are not affected by these changes.

What happens at the end of the five year tenancy?

Every four months we will let tenants know how many points they have earned.

They will be told well before the end of the five year period if they haven’t earned enough points and what to do to help them qualify for a new tenancy.

Tenants will be assessed on the following:

• Rent payments

• Respecting neighbours

• Looking after the home

• Taking part in community activities

If the tenant has got enough points, a new tenancy will be offered.

If they haven’t, the tenancy may not be renewed or they may be granted another one year tenancy, giving them an opportunity to improve their behaviour.

For details of how points are allocated, see the table to the right.

How will the points system work?

Rent Payments

Points will be awarded to tenants who do not have any rent arrears or their rent account is in credit.

Tenancy Management

Points will be awarded if the occupant’s behaviours have been to an acceptable standard, e.g. no reported incidents of anti-social behaviour, acceptable management of the home,

Flexible Tenancies

www.luminus.org.uk

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Like to know more? email [email protected]

a tidy garden and access has been granted to Luminus or our contractors when necessary.

Property Maintenance

Tenants’ homes will be inspected to ensure that the home has been maintained to a good standard.

Community Engagement

These points will only be awarded if all other areas have received a positive score.

These will be awarded for positive community engagement in Luminus e.g. attending the Luminus Residents Conference and taking part in community tidy-up events.

What if I can’t get to a Residents Conference or take part in other community events?

Don’t worry, as long as you pay your rent on time, look after your home and don’t cause anti-social behaviour you will earn enough points to get a new tenancy.

How do we know what we need to do to make our tenancy a success?

Our new approach to tenancies has two key elements, a pre-

tenancy phase and the points system.

Pre-tenancy phase

This consists of:

• A visit by Luminus to new applicants on the housing register

• All applicants will be given a leaflet about what it means to be a Luminus tenant and what is necessary to successfully maintain a tenancy

• Attendance at a 2020 Vision session, which is an event detailing what is expected of tenants and what you need to do to have a successful tenancy.

Does everyone have to attend?

Yes. We are working towards our 2020 Vision, encouraging others to join us on The Road to Renewal.

We expect our tenants to take responsibility for their actions, encouraging them to get involved in their communities and be good neighbours. This builds happy and healthy communities

Flexible Tenancies

CategoryPoints earned

per quarterMaximum points earned per year

Rent payments 4 12

Tenancy Management 4 12

Property Maintenance 1 4

Community Engagement 5 20

Flexible Tenancies - How points are earned

Quick guide to earning points

Rent payments

• Pay your rent on time

• Do not get into rent arrears

• Pay extra so that your account is in credit

Tenancy Management

• Be considerate to your neighbours

• Do not cause anti-social behaviour

• Keep your garden neat and tidy

• Allow Luminus access to your home when necessary

• Do not cancel visits for repairs or safety checks

Property Maintenance

• Keep your home in good decorative order

• Keep your home clean and tidy

Community Engagement

• Attend our Residents Conference

• Get involved in Big Tidy Up event


8 Internal Maintenance

Luminus is responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of your home, its main services and the communal areas in blocks of flats. You are responsible for the following:

• Fixtures and fittings such as curtain rails

• Replacing light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and their starter mechanisms

• Internal door fittings (including adjusting doors for carpet fitting)

• Replacing locks and lost keys/gaining access if you lose keys

• Replacing sink plugs and chains

• De-scaling baths, sanitary ware and kitchen sinks.

• Replacing toilet seats

• Replacing batteries in smoke alarms (except in sheltered housing or hard wired alarms)

• Child locks and security chains

• Repairing / renewing gate catches

• Clearance of blockages in waste pipes and toilets caused by lack of care (e.g. cooking waste, nappies)

• Fitting draught excluders

• Maintaining the garden in good and tidy order

• Keeping the property in good condition internally

• Glass in windows, doors and panels (except where glass is broken as a result of anti-social behaviour and you have a Police incident number)

This list is not exhaustive and should only be used as a guide. If you ask us to carry out a repair to any of these items we will charge you for the work.

If for some reason you are physically unable to carry out any of these tasks, then please contact us.

Fire safety in communal areas

Luminus’ Fire Risk Assessor has been carrying out Fire Risk Assessments in all Luminus blocks of flats.

As part of our commitment to excellent property management and to help our residents to remain safe in their homes we have launched a fire safety campaign.

In blocks of flats there are some simple steps to take to prevent fires starting and spreading in the communal area:

• Remove piles of newspapers and flyers

• Keep door mats and personal items inside your home

• Do not put net curtains or curtains up at windows or doors.

Please help us to keep your block of flats safe and as risk free as possible by working with the Fire Safety Officer.

Any fire safety tips for Luminus? Email [email protected]

Looking after your home:your responsibilities

www.luminus.org.uk

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Any fire safety tips for Luminus? Email [email protected]

Vacating Your Home

When you vacate your home you must:

• Pay all your rent

• Leave it in a clean condition

• Clear all your personal belongings including from the garden, sheds and loft

• Remove all rubbish

• Return all keys

• Reinstate any of our fixtures and fittings, making good any damage and any alterations

• Leave the internal decorations in a good condition

• Notify the water, gas and electricity companies

• Leave no-one in occupation, including lodgers

• Tell all relevant organisations your new address, TV Licensing etc.

• Leave a forwarding address

We will recharge for the cost of putting the property into a reasonable condition.

In particular, if you have left personal belongings behind such as in the loft you will be charged the cost of their removal and disposal.

These costs can amount to many hundreds of pounds and we will seek to recover the costs even if you are no longer a Luminus tenant.

In addition by leaving a property in a poor condition you will lengthen the time taken for the property to be let.

If you are thinking of moving home please contact us at the earliest opportunity.

What we expect when you vacate your home Be organised

Create a ‘To Do’ list and keep any important information together in a file.

Don’t leave packing to the last-minute

Breaking it down into achievable parts can make it a lot less daunting.

Essentials boxes

Pack the kettle, tea, coffee and milk last, unpack first. Know where your bed-clothes and duvet are (see next tip). Keep remote controls, phones, mobile phone chargers and any other items you are likely to lose but need in the same ‘bits box’.

Make your bed as soon as possible

You’ll appreciate it at the end of the day when you don’t have to do that one more thing!

Top Moving Tips


10 Home Safety

Test your smoke alarm once a week using the test button.

Every six months open the case and gently vacuum the inside to remove dust from the sensor. If the smoke alarm doesn’t open, vacuum through the holes.

Replace the battery once a year (unless it is a ten year alarm) or when necessary.

Replace the battery in your smoke alarm if the low battery warning sounds (an intermittent bleep).

Luminus will test smoke alarms for faults periodically, and replace units if they any faulty or after ten years.

Testing your smoke alarm

We have launched our Block Representative Scheme, offering residents’ in blocks of flats more opportunity to become involved and make a difference where they live.

We are looking for a responsible person who will assist Luminus and other residents in taking forward enquiries affecting their block of flats. These enquiries may include reporting of graffiti, health and safety issues, maintenance requests and other aspects that may be affecting the block.

The Block Representative Scheme will be run in the same way as the Street Representative Scheme, with a dedicated Luminus staff

member accepting enquires, coordinating and following up on issues raised.

If you would like to volunteer for this great initiative, please call 01480 428546 or by email to: [email protected]

Block Representatives

Rugs and carpets are not permitted in corridors, stairwells or common areas in blocks of flats.

They create slip and trip hazards along escape routes and do not comply with fire regulations.

If you wish to have a door mat, it must be placed inside your home.

Rugs & Carpets

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN!DON’T DELAY! - GET YOUR HOME

CONTENTS INSURANCE TODAY!

With cover starting at just 87p per week, home contents insurance can buy you peace of mind and provide financial assistance when you need it most.

For more information on how to apply for home contents insurance call 01480 428345 or email [email protected]

Our Fire Risk Assessor is visiting blocks of flats to ensure that communal areas are clear.

This is for the safety of all. Call 0845 266 9760 for more information.

www.luminus.org.uk

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Fom 1 April 2013 Home-link has made the following changes to how housing allocation works:

1. Local Connection

Applicants must have a local connection to be eligible to apply for a home. This means someone who has worked, lived or has a family connection with the district in which they wish to live.

2. Armed Forces Personnel

Current and former Armed Forces personnel are allowed on the Housing Register even if they don’t have a local connection. They have additional priority to other applicants in similar circumstances who have not undertaken military service.

3. Under Occupying

There is increased priority for households in social housing

who are under occupying their home. This ensures that we can help people move into housing that is the right size for them.

4. Overcrowding

There are new assessments on overcrowding. Once assessed as needing extra bedrooms a higher priority will be awarded.

Generally Housing Benefit allows one bedroom each for:

• Every adult couple

• Any other adult aged 16 or over

• Any two children (aged under 16) of the same sex

• Any two children, regardless of sex, under the age of 10

• Any other child aged under 16

• A non-resident carer (claimant / partner has a disability and needs overnight care).

Home-Link - Your choice, your home

Help for compulsive hoarders

Compulsive hoarding means excessively collecting items that are of little or no value and not being able to throw them away, resulting in unmanageable amounts of clutter.

It is considered to be a significant problem when:

• The amount of clutter in the person’s home is increasing

• They bring in more things each day and discard very little

• The amount of clutter interferes with everyday living.

• It becomes a fire risk

If a member of your family or someone you know is a compulsive hoarder, try to persuade them to come with you to see a GP. This will not be easy, as someone who compulsively hoards may not think they need help, so may not want to seek treatment.

Do not be tempted to get extra storage – this is only a quick fix, is costly, and does not address the problem. The problem is too much stuff, not too little space to keep it.

If you would like support from Luminus, please contact our Neighbourhood Services team on 01480 428534.

Home-Link / Compulsive Hoarders


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The trouble with money is that most of us just don’t want to think about organising it.

But this year there have been so many changes announced that even those who think they have their finances under control have struggled to keep up.

For some people, lower benefits will mean having to look long and hard at what they spend. For others, the “help to buy” scheme which was introduced in the Budget may mean that they are thinking about taking on a mortgage for the first time.

All these changes mean that now is the time to ‘spring clean’ your family finances. Here are some top tips to help you make sure

that you are firmly in control:

Check and update your ‘priority outgoings’ list.

These are the things you must pay to maintain your household and avoid court action for debts: rent, council tax, gas and electricity, child support, income tax, court fines, HP agreements, food and travel to work.

All your other bills go on a second list, and if you have to reduce spending, reduce it on the second list, not the Priorities.

If you have a bank account, check your direct debits.

You can do this easily online if you have internet access to your bank account, or you can simply ask your bank to print you a list. Do you know what all your direct

debits are for?

Some common direct debits that could be costing you more than they should are subscriptions, insurances, gas and electricity.

Don’t be frightened by money.

You need a simple bank account, an instant access savings account (which means you can put money in and take it out at any time) and you’re all set. If there is anything you are not sure about, please call our Income & Benefits Advisor on 01480 428521.

If you are struggling with your debts, contact a free, independent debt advice charity such as Debt Advice Foundation. Their helpline is 0800 043 40 50, or visit: www.debtadvicefoundation.org



www.luminus.org.uk

13Important announcements

TIME BANKINGCollecting prescriptions, help with shopping, sewing, gardening, just keeping someone company for an hour, those housework jobs that are just too much and more. JUST ASK!

Time Banking is a controlled exchange of voluntary work, no money is exchanged, you just pay for any materials used. You deposit time in the Bank by giving practical help or support to others. Then you withdraw time when you need something doing by another member.

For more information about timebanking in your area contact:

Somersham Time Bank - call Lucy on 07903 985 069

Eynesbury Time Bank - contact Georgina on 07590 909057

CONSIDERATE PARKINGWe want to reduce the number of people who park inconsiderately in our communities.

Examples of inconsiderate parking include:

• On pavements when it is considered not necessary, or where they are parked too far onto the pavement causing a hazard to pedestrians.

• Too close to the edge driveways. This leads to residents being unable to access or to exit from their drive resulting in additional parking on the road.

• Too close to the edge of road junctions. This can cause danger to other drivers.

• On grass verges as this causes damage which is hazardous, unsightly and costly to repair.

MOBILITY SCOOTERSMobility scooters stored and charged in corridors, stairwells and common areas, increase the risk of fire and can block escape routes. If involved in a fire, they release highly toxic smoke and gases.

The advice from Cambridgeshire fire & Rescue Service is that communal areas should be free from fire hazards. They should not contain flammable items or materials, items or substances that may act as an ignition source or that pose an obstruction, slip or trip hazard.

Remember to:Do not store or charge scooters

in corridors, stairwells or any communal areas.

• Never charge up your mobility scooter overnight.

• Use a suitable electrical supply and close the door.

• Ensure your scooter is serviced by a qualified engineer.

• Use smaller or collapsible models that are more suitable for storing at home.

• Have a correctly sited smoke alarm.

• Never block escape routes.


14 Out & About

Peace of mind is just a call away!

The telephone based alarm that provides peace of mind and reassurance for older and vulnerable people.

For more information please call

01480 428562

Bringing you fun, friendship and freedom

We offer high quality activities and transport for the elderly, the vulnerable and people with disabilities in Huntingdonshire.

Day trips include:• Shopping• Places of interest• Theatre shows• The seaside and more!

For more information, or to join the Out & About service, please contact us:

01480 [email protected]

Wheelchair-accessible mini-bus

Peace of mind is just a call away!

www.luminus.org.uk

The Ultimate Guide to Saving Energy

Saving Energy Includes advice on dealing with condensation

The Luminus Guide to

Most of us like to ‘do our bit’ for the environment. With energy prices so high, there’s now even more reason to reduce the amount of gas and electricity we use.

Being more energy efficient will help the environment and save you money! By making just a few small changes in your home you could cut your energy bills by around £200 a year!

The FREE guide includes tips on improving your energy efficiency, information about switching energy supplier, and advice on dealing with condensation in your home.

IT’S FREE!

The Green Page

FREEENERGY SERVICES

SERVICES INCLUDE:Password scheme You can be given a personal password to be used when your supplier visits your home so you know who is at the door and are protected from criminals pretending to work for your suppliers.

Bill nominee scheme Your supplier can, at your request, have your bills sent to a friend, relative or carer's address.

Special controls or adaptors If you have difficulty in using your fuel appliances or in reading your meter you may be provided with special controls and adaptors and advised on the use of gas and electricity appliances and fittings.

Special treatment if your gas supply is disrupted You will receive priority for getting your gas supply restored. If necessary they will make arrangements for temporary heating and cooking facilities.

Services for people who arevisually or hearing impaired Your supplier must provide information about your meter reading and bills in a format you can access and understand. They must also make it easy to make complaints or enquiries. Many companies will provide large print, braille and 'talking' audio bills.

There are many free services available to you if you have:• a disability • a chronic illness• hearing or visual difficulties, or • if you are of pensionable age.

For advice on any gas or electricity problem, please call Energywatch on 0845 906 0708

To receive these FREE services contact your energy suppliers and apply to goon their ‘Priority Service Register’.

For your FREE guide to energy saving, call 01480 428707 or email [email protected]

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Food shopping

Food shopping on a budget THE FACTS:CLARKSON HOUSE HOSTEL109 CLIENTS GIVEN SHELTER

81 MALES 28 FEMALES

WITH CLIENTS FROM 8COUNTRIES

POLAND RUSSIA OTHER

BRITAIN

92

1025

18-25 26-35 36-45

30 27 35 17A WIDE AGE RANGE OF CLIENTS

21 STILL LIVINGAT THE HOSTEL

85% SUCCESSFULLY MOVED ON24 RETURNED

HOME

24 MOVED INTO THEIR OWN PLACE

25 MOVED INTO OTHER SUPPORTED HOUSING

40 INVOLVED IN VOLUNTARY WORK2 FOUND

EMPLOYMENT

108 SUCCESSFULLYSECUREDBENEFITS

REGISTEREDWITH GPS

66 ENGAGED IN EDUCATION OR TRAINING

16 ENGAGED WITH DRUG & ALCOHOL SUPPORT SERVICES

45+

99

If you have less money to spend on food, it can seem harder to shop for a healthy and balanced diet.

You may be tempted to pick up everything that’s on special offer, but there are other ways to save money. Here are some ways to reduce your grocery bill and eat healthily:

Avoid buying on impulse. Plan your meals a few days ahead, make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. That way you don’t buy too much.

Look up and down the shelves to find cheaper products when you go to the supermarket. Shelves at eye level usually contain the more expensive items.

Swap branded products for the supermarket’s own brand.

Buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. On the whole, fruit and vegetables that are grown in the UK are cheaper than imported produce.

Buy frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables as well. They cost less than the fresh. All types of fruit and vegetables, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, canned, bottled or dried, count towards the recommended five daily portions.

Look out for two-for-one offers on foods that keep, such as pasta, rice, cereals (choose wholegrain options as they contain more fibre) and tins of pulses or tomatoes.

Check sell by dates. Supermarkets reduce prices on products that are close to their sell by date. This can be a great way of picking up bargains, but before you fill your trolley, be sure that you’ll eat or cook everything you buy before it goes off.

If you shop online, use a supermarket comparison website to see which supermarkets offer the best prices for the products you want to buy.

Cut down on ready meals, especially if you’re feeding two or more people. Ready meals are often high in salt, sugar or fat. Making your own meals is not only healthier, but works out much cheaper.

GROW YOUR OWN!

If you would like to grow your own vegetables on land that Luminus owns, speak to our Wardens who will discuss how you could do this.

DO YOUR WINDOWS NEED A CLEAN?

HOPE Social Enterprises is a part of Luminus Group

Bringing hope to the individual, the community and the environment

We provide friendly, reliable and professional window cleaning services.Our specialist ‘Reach & Wash’ window cleaning system uses deionised water instead of detergents - leaving your windows sparkling and smear-free!

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER!

Full external window cleaning service for just £5!**Offer only available on your first external window clean.

For more information about our services, or to request a quote, please call us on:

07515 067594We accept payments by cash or credit/debit card at the point of service delivery.

Call HOPE Social Enterprises!


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Spring is finally here and the garden is beginning to ready itself to start the growing year. Although it may still look dormant there is a lot going on both in and under the ground and here is a short guide to what you can do to prepare your garden for the months ahead:

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to prune, this will help shape shrubs and trees when they begin to grow, prevent disease and encourage growth. Remember to make sure all cutting tools are sharp enough to ensure a clean cut. Cut close to buds and do not trim too heavily.

If not already in place a new compost heap can be started. If pruning, the heavier trimmings can be put at the bottom to allow airflow through the heap. This can be topped with any leaves raked from the lawn and grass cuttings. Last years heap can be used to mulch borders and build up flower beds.

The lawn would benefit from the use of an aerator or if not available a garden fork can be used to spike the lawn and allow the air to get into the soil to encourage strong root growth.

If dry enough, flower beds and borders can be dug over and compost added to the soil to add nutrients lost over the last year. A good tip is to add the contents of any grow-bags used last year, these are also good for potting

up seedlings.

If you have a greenhouse now is the time to get it ready. The glass can be cleaned and the door runners greased,

and any heaters should be checked that they are

in good working order. A stock check of items can be done and then purchase anything that need restocking. These include string, support canes, fertilisers, grow bags, pots and seeds. Labels are a good idea but can be made rather than bought. One good tip is to make a plan of what needs to be sown and when and where they will be planted later in the year.

Luminus in Bloom

Do you have any gardening tips to share? Email [email protected]

Spring is here!

Luminus in Bloom 2013

All of our tenants and leaseholders are invited to enter their gardens into Luminus in Bloom 2013, a competition that celebrates the hard work and dedication of green-fingered residents.

We will be awarding first and second place prizes as well as awards for Best Sheltered Scheme and Best Window Box to recognise those who tend communal gardens or make the most of a small space and Best Gypsy and Traveller Plot. Last year’s winner, Mrs Golding from St Ives, wowed the judges with her beautifully immaculate garden.

To enter please call the Communications team on 01480 428707 or send your entry by email to [email protected]. You will need to supply your name, address and telephone number.

The deadline for entries is

Friday 14 June 2013

www.luminus.org.uk

19

Do you have any gardening tips to share? Email [email protected]

Published by Luminus Group • Registered Office Brook House, Ouse Walk, Huntingdon PE29 3QW Tel: 0845 266 9760 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.luminus.org.uk

0845 266 9760General Enquiries -

Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

0845 850 9994Service Centre

For reporting all repairs Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm

and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428522Rent Enquiries

01945 429300Luminus Ferry Project

01480 428314Leaseholder Enquiries

01480 428721Customer Relations Officer

Caroline Howard

01354 606740Hope Social Enterprises

0845 850 9994Out of Hours Emergencies

Monday to Thursday 5pm - 9amFriday 4.30pm - Monday 9am

01480 428521Income & Benefits Advisor

Sue Cargill

01480 428707/8Communications & Customer Relations

If you have any comments about Luminus News or would like a large print or audio version, please contact the Communications Team on 01480 428707/8 or send an

email to [email protected]

For help to understand this newsletter please ring 01480 428707/8

This document has been printed on Satimat Green.

Satimat Green is a wood-free, two-sided, coated true silk paper and board containing 50 per cent recycled fibres

and 50 per cent FSC-certified virgin fibres.

01480 428588Neighbourhood Services

You can use this number to report anti-social behaviour

CONTACT US

01480 428541Tenant Involvement

Contact us

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN


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C O M M U N I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N A W A R D S 2 0 1 3

RECOGNISING PEOPLEWHO ARE CHANGING THE WORLD WHERE WE ARE IN 2013 MAKE YOUR NOMINATION ONLINE AT

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Luminus News Spring 2013