issue 24-customer_news_spring2011

Stockportat homeStockport Homes’ Customer Newsletter Issue 24: Spring 2011

Page 21Stockport Homes’ staff and customers supporting the ‘Don’t Rubbish Reddish’ campaign

Don’t Rubbish

Reddish

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)Out-of-hours number

ASB Team (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Carecall

Caretaking Service

Concierge Service

Customer Feedback

Customer FinanceAutomated Payment Line

Customer FinanceTeam (East Area)

Customer FinanceTeam (West Area)

CustomerInvolvement Team East AreaHousing Office Governance Team

Homechoice(Bidding Line)

Homechoice (Enquiries)

Homechoice Support Assistant

Housing Options Team

Housing Support Point Investment Programme Hotline

Leasehold Officer

Repairs

Resettlement Team

Sheltered Housing Service

West Area Housing Office

Stockport Central

Stockport East

Stockport North

Stockport West

0161 474 3840

0161 218 1498

0161 218 1655

0161 474 4335

0161 474 3840

0161 474 2600

0161 474 4050

0161 474 2677

0161 474 2668

0161 474 2862

0161 474 4372

0161 474 2850

0161 474 4567

0161 474 2975

0161 474 3788

0161 474 4237

0161 474 3719

0161 474 4407

0161 218 1364

0161 217 6016

0161 474 3772

0161 218 1736

0161 474 4371

0161 856 5902

0161 856 9973

0161 856 9786

0161 856 9770

0161 474 4207

0844 826 9800

0161 430 5808

0800 555 111

0161 474 4268

0161 217 6111

0800 33 00 33

0161 456 0717

0161 872 5050

0161 237 3200

0800 111 999

0303 030 0030

0300 1234 999

08457 909090

0161 477 8479

0845 241 7253

0161 873 8800

0800 66 16 10

0161 474 3093

Useful telephone numbers

Stockport Homes’ contacts Neighbourhood Policing Teams

Other useful contacts

Animal Warden Service(out-of-hours)

Citizens Advice Bureau(Stockport)

Credit Union(Stockport) Crimestoppers

Derelict properties(non-Council)

Environmental Services External Water leaks(United Utilities)

Furniture Station

Greater Manchester Police

Groundwork

National Grid(gas emergency)

Procure Plus

RSPCA

Samaritans

Stockport Local Involvement Network (Stockport LINk)

Stray dogs(office hours)

Vandalised bus shelters(JC Decaux)

Vandalised telephone(BT Payphones Security)

Welfare Rights

2 Stockport at home - Spring 2011 Issue 24 www.stockporthomes.org

Features inside this issue of...

Stockport at home

Contents...

with the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group

Are you a tenant or leaseholder of

Stockport Homes?

Would you like to be involved at the

very heart of Stockport Homes?

Would you like to make a difference

in your community?

Would you like to impress future

employers?

Can you spare a few hours a month?

Are you enthusiastic?

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love your garden2011 GARDENING COMPETITION

You could win£150Homebase vouchersfor ‘Best gardenin the Borough’Stockport STARS Shine!

Join the Board!

ASB Team achieveaccreditation

Brindale House Volunteers

Love your garden

Stockport Child Safe Scheme

10-11

33

17

34

22

25

Customer news 4-5

Customer corner 5

Customer Involvement news 6-14

Social Inclusion news 15-16

Anti-Social Behaviour news 17-20

Housing Management news 21-22

Technical Services news 23-25

Performance news 26-27

Sustainability news 28-30

Homechoice news 31

Board news 32-33

Housing Options news 34-36

Leaseholder news 37

Police Service news 38

Fire Service news 38

Partner agency news 39

Directors column 40

3www.stockporthomes.org Stockport at home - Spring 2011 Issue 24

Customer news

Bingo buddies surprise Mary on her 103rd birthdayMary Walker celebrated her 103rd birthday recently with a surprise party thrown by her neighbours and bingo friends at Mottram Towers, Hillgate.

From left to right: Mary Walker, Jean

Gardner and April Higson

With a buffet made by Stockport Homes’ Caretaker Jean Gardner, complete with sherry and a cake decorated by Mary’s neighbour and friend Pat Dawson.

April Higson, Director of Housing Management attended the party to wish Mary a happy birthday and asked her what the secret to a long life was, Mary replied with “hard work”.

Congratulations to Martha Woods (known as Pat to all her friends and family), who celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday 27 December 2010. Martha lives in Offerton and has been a customer of Stockport Homes for over 20 years.

April said of the birthday party for Stockport Homes’ oldest customer: “There’s a real community spirit at Mottram Towers and it certainly showed today with friends and staff organising a great party for Mary. I’m pleased to have been able to attend and wish Mary a happy 103rd birthday on behalf of everyone at Stockport Homes.”

To help celebrate the occasion, Sara Maw, Neighbourhood Housing Officer visited Martha to give her flowers and a card on behalf of Stockport Homes.


Happy 100th birthday!

Stockport Homes named as one of the UK’s Top 100 Public Sector EmployersStockport Homes has been ranked at 29 out of the UK’s Top 100 Public Sector Employers in a prestigious award by The Sunday Times. The award, from The Sunday Times and Best Companies, lists the Top 100 Best Places to Work in the Public / Third Sector across the UK.

For more information please visit www.stockporthomes.org


Customer news

Customer corner

“Carole and I saved our Stockport Homes vouchers (received from attending Customer Involvement events), so that we could provide a Christmas party for the elderly community. The party was to provide an opportunity for the elderly to socialise, and make new friends.

We aim to ensure the elderly community are given the opportunity to enjoy a day trip, so far they have been to Llandudno and Bakewell and the residents are eagerly waiting for their trip in 2011.

In 2011 we aim to organise an Easter Egg Hunt and secure a permanent base to carry out indoor funding events and activities.”

If you are interested in joining Berrycroft Tenants’ and Residents’

Association, please contact the Customer Involvement Team on 0161 474 2862 or email [email protected]

Do you want to write an article for Stockport at home?If so, email your articles to Nicola Poulter at [email protected]

Berrycroft Tenants’ and Residents’ AssociationJean Connor and Carole Tailby, Chair and Secretary of Berrycroft Tenants’ and Residents’ Association wanted to shout about their group:


On 1 February 2011 the government published a paper that sets out the abolition of the current unfair system of Council housing finance and sets out its timetable for implementing the new “self-financing” system.

The old system effectively re-distributed some of Stockport’s rents into a national centralised system, with £2 million of your money going back to the “central government pot” in 2011/12 alone.

The new system means that rent you pay will remain in Stockport to be spent on services for

Stockport Homes’ customers. The self-financing system will go live in April 2012.

Stockport Homes’ officers are now working hard to develop a 30 year plan for the housing stock that will use rents and service charge income over the years to sustain and invest in the Stockport Homes’ housing stock and estates. Your views will be key to this plan. Consultation will be taking place at various Customer Action Groups throughout the year, so watch this space...

If you’d like to be involved, please contact Sam Hill, Customer Involvement Manager on 0161 474 2861 or email [email protected]

A fairer system of Council housing finance now a step closer!

STOPPRESS


Customer news

Don’t forget to cast your vote at the Area Forums

NEW! Step-by-step guide to setting up a Community Group

Do you want to have your say about how Stockport Homes spends its money?

Have you ever thought about setting up a Community Group in your local area but wondered where to start?

At each Area Forum you have the opportunity to vote using our Qwizdom handsets (featured on the right) for which projects you want to be funded. Last November nearly 150 votes were cast so make sure your vote counts!

Then this is the publication for you!

The new ‘How to set up a Community Group’ pack is now available and is jam packed with everything you need to know to get a group up and running including:

• Get started; where to meet, who to invite and what to discuss.

• A brief overview of documents you could find useful.

• Forming a Committee.• Running your group and how to get the best

out of your meetings.• Support Stockport Homes can give you and

what Stockport Homes can do to help you run an effective group.

The next Area Forums are being held in July. For further details of when and where they will be held, please check your new-look Area Forum invite included in this newsletter.

Request your copy now! A member of the Customer Involvement Team will be happy to go through the pack with you and support you to get started.

For more information, please contact the Customer Involvement Team on 0161 474 2862, email customer.

[email protected] or visit the website at www.stockporthomes.org under ‘Our Services / Getting involved’.

Customer Involvement news


Customer news

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NEW Customer Scrutiny Panel launches! Following a recruitment and selection process in November, the first eight customer members of the Customer Scrutiny Panel (CSP) were appointed with the Panel’s first formal meeting being held on 19 January 2011.

The CSPs activities will help to increase our accountability by providing a customer-led assessment of our services, identifying good practise and making recommendations for improvements. They will look in detail at a minimum of two Stockport Homes’ services per year.

The members are:Monique Dutot (Chair) Jules WilliamsColin Spencer Keith SpurrJulie McDonald Lucy LesoleRoland Dotchin There is space on the panel for two more Stockport Homes customers; please contact Rebecca Horton for more information.

Jayne Boote (a consultant for Engage Associates) is acting as the panels Independent Mentor. Jayne will help the panel to plan and deliver each scrutiny review and to report their findings. Jayne will also provide training and support to CSP members where required.

For more details on the Customer Scrutiny Panel, please contact Sam Hill, Customer Involvement

Manager, on 0161 474 2861 or email [email protected]


Are you interested in helping us improve our services? If so, why not join the Quality Panel?

There are a number of ways in which you can inspect our services, including making phone calls, visiting our offices or visiting green space sites. It’s up to you what you want to be involved in.

To find out more about joining the Quality Panel, please contact the Customer Involvement Team on

0161 474 2968 or email [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW? You can report a repair by telephoning 0161 217 6016 at any time, day or night. Only emergency repairs will be responded to outside of normal working hours.


Customer newsCustomer Involvement news

YouSaid...

We Did...

Customers who attend the Customer Involvement Customer Action Group (CAG) asked us to change the Area Forum invitations to make them more appealing.

You said that you wanted to see how customer involvement works in other housing organisations.

Our Quality Panel Customer Inspectors said it was hard to find the On-line Discussion Forum on the website.

Customer Inspectors from Six Town Housing in Bury said that it was difficult to see the name badges of reception staff at the East and West Area Offices.

Customers involved in the Anti-Social Behaviour CAG asked for more information on the Magistrates in the Community Scheme.

Customers involved in the H3 (Helping the Homeless into Housing) Group asked for training on Committee Member roles and ways to boost their leadership and confidence skills.

Brinnington Council Tenants’ Association (BCTA) asked for more information on recycling and rubbish collection on the estate.

You said you found it difficult to find information about Water Charges on the website.

The Readers’ Group said the title of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) leaflet A Guide to Stockport Homes’ Customers did not reflect the content of the leaflet.

The Area Forum invitations have been re-designed using customer suggestions to make them brighter and more informative. Look out for yours in this issue of Stockport at home!

We arranged for customers from Northwards Housing in North Manchester to visit our CAG meeting and vice versa.

A quick link to the On-line Discussion Forum has been added to the homepage of the website.

The reception staff wear name badges on their lapels at the East and West Area Offices.

We arranged for a representative from Stockport Magistrates Court to attend the CAG meeting to give a presentation to the group.

We have devised a tailor-made training programme for H3 including sessions on Committee skills, Presentation skills and Confidence and Assertiveness.

We arranged for the Community Recycling Officer to attend the BCTA meeting in January to provide further information.

A quick link has now been added to the homepage of the website ‘Pay your rent and water’ to make the water charges information easier to find.

The title of the leaflet was changed to Stockport Homes’ powers to help end ASB as suggested by one of the Readers’ Group.



You Said... We Did...

For more information, please contact the Customer Involvement Team on0161 474 2862 or email [email protected]

The Lancashire Hill Family Group asked if they could get discounted tickets to go to the Christmas Pantomime because of the high cost.

Mottram Street Community Café said they wanted help getting more people through the door to increase revenue and to increase volunteers.

Customers who attended the free ‘Skills for Life’ Confidence Building and Assertiveness course asked us for further support and information.

Customers who attended the Self Defence for Women ‘Skills for Life’ taster course asked us if they could further develop their learning and skills.

You tried to hand your keys in to the Homechoice reception staff as you wanted to terminate the tenancy. You were incorrectly informed this was not possible.

You were given conflicting information by the Housing Options Team regarding eligibility for the Downsizing Scheme.

You received two offers for properties which were both withdrawn. The offer letter gave reasons for an offer being withdrawn but this did not include that the existing tenant could rescind their notice.

Members of the Quality Panel said the speed of the slideshow on the homepage of the website was too fast.

Oldham Drive Community Group said they wanted a sign erected in front of Copage Drive garages showing that the garages are for residents only.

We worked with the Chair of Lancashire Hill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association to write to the Plaza who very generously provided the group with 40 free tickets. The Family Group and their children have made a big ‘thank you’ card to send to the Plaza.

We are helping to set up a Community Group at the Café and have planned a publicity campaign and events to promote the Group to local residents and encourage people to come along.

We arranged for customers to have one-to-one sessions with the course trainer to talk through individual concerns.

We have arranged a three part Self-Defence for Women workshop for customers who attended the taster session.

All Homechoice reception staff have been made aware how to accept keys.

Staff have been reminded about the criteria.

The offer letter has now been changed to include a tenant rescinding their notice as a reason for an offer being withdrawn.

The slideshow has been slowed down to allow customers more time to read each of the slides.

The sign has been put up.


The second Stockport Homes’ Tribute and Recognition (STAR) awards evening was held on 7 December 2010 at the Village Hotel, Cheadle.

Over 100 customers attended helping to make the evening a most memorable occasion through recognising the good work that so many of our customers do and celebrating their achievements in style!

The night started with the Gatley based children’s dance group ‘Y don’t u?’ who entertained the guests with a dazzling array of routines followed by a delicious dinner. Pure Radio provided the sound and compere for the evening with each winner receiving £50 of high street vouchers, a trophy and a certificate. There was a real buzz in the air with everyone anxious to find out who the winners were.

A remarkable 95 nominations were received making it a tough job for the judging panel of customers and staff to choose the winners in each category.

Customer Achievement AwardPresented by The Worshipful the Mayor of Stockport Councillor Hazel Lees.

Winner - Christopher Bernard

Christopher has set-up the Brinnington Youth football Team which keeps local kids off the streets. He ran the team for nine years and has been recently approached to set-up the team again.

Runner-up - Barbara King

Barbara volunteers a lot of her time to help improve services at Stockport Homes. She is a very caring person, always positive and gives so much of her time to customers.

Young Persons’ AwardPresented by Ian Howells, Groundwork Employment Project Co-ordinator. Winner - Jamie Bradley

Jamie has helped his neighbours in lots of ways to settle in their home. He helps with shopping, money, using the phone and going out around the local area.

Older Persons’ AwardPresented by Martin Shaw, Head of Older Persons’ Services, Stockport Homes. Winner - Jean Connor

Jean offers advice and guidance to the elderly. She ensures money is raised so that the elderly have a day trip once a year, which in some cases is their only trip out, and ensures that everyone is included.

Stockport STARS Shine! And the winners are:



Good Neighbour AwardPresented by Roger Phillips, Chair of the Board, Stockport Homes

Winner - Alice Boyer

Alice is a lady that ensures many of her neighbours continue to attend social activities in the area. She also undertakes shopping and takes a 95 year old lady out in her wheelchair.

Community Innovation AwardPresented by Sandra Coleing, Director of Quality, Stockport Homes.

Winner - Bernard Kivel

Bernard contacted a Caribbean Dance Tutor to deliver dance sessions at the Heaton Norris Pavilion. This enabled a diverse

community to come together and have fun trying something new and different.

Green AwardPresented by Darren Smith from Mears Ltd and Jackson Lloyd, Social Housing Maintenance Contractors.

Winner - Peter Druce

Peter is pro-active in sourcing free seeds, bulbs and plants and has planted a communal garden area at the back of the flats where he lives that can be enjoyed by all residents.

Stockport STARS Shine! Special Recognition AwardPresented by Rebecca Horton, Acting Customer Involvement Manager, Stockport Homes.

Winner - Keith Spurr

Keith is well respected amongst his peers and often a confidant for others. He maintains a positive attitude and is firm but fair, ensuring everyone has their say, always modest and avoiding the limelight.



See what you can do! During the last year over 200 customers attended Skills for Life courses.

Skills for Life is about you getting the skills you want, whether this be getting work, discovering new hobbies or helping your community take control of the issues it’s facing.

Recently, a group of customers took part in a Skills for Life course showing them how to write articles for their community newsletters. As a result of doing the course, one customer has been able to get her message out to all of Stockport by getting her article published below!

have become a member of the Quality Panel, Customer Involvement Customer Action Group, and a Mystery Shopper. I have also attended various Skills for Life courses which I have found invaluable. I must confess that when I first started attending the meetings I didn’t understand all of what was being discussed but I asked questions about what I didn’t grasp and soon felt I could hold my own.

All these things are open to Stockport Homes’ customers, be it tenants or leaseholders and are both friendly and informal, so why not give it a go. Come along and have a say in how you want to be treated as a customer.

I am sure you will find it is well worth the effort!

After living in the outer London area for eighteen years, when I retired I came back to live in my home town of Stockport. I went to live in social housing which was the first time in forty years of married life.

I was amazed at how things had changed under Stockport Homes, which was totally different to the old Council system I had lived in as a girl with my parents.

Being so impressed with Stockport Homes I wanted to know more about them, so I decided I would become involved with their various activities. Since then I

“

”Keep an eye out for your copy of the new Skills for Life leaflet, which is enclosed in this newsletter. Many courses are on offer, such as Trace your family history, Working and my benefits

and Conflict management and all of them are FREE! Go on, challenge yourself, and see what you can do!

Christine Woolridge of Oldham Drive Estate wants to shout about the importance of getting involved:




”

Sheltered Housing ForumThe Sheltered Housing Forum was held on 8 December 2010 at Queens Gardens in Cheadle.

Each of the schemes was represented and the attendees enjoyed a Christmas themed buffet.

The Sheltered Housing Charter was officially launched; this document replaces the Sheltered Housing Compact and reflects the specific needs of customers who live in sheltered housing and extra care schemes managed by Stockport Homes. It states in simple terms, the priorities and aims of customers in sheltered housing and how they will be involved in achieving them.

At the residents’ request the guest speaker was a solicitor, who gave an overview of power of attorney, wills and probate, which was a very informative session. The highlight for most was the bingo, with the lucky few winning shopping vouchers.

The forum was a success with all the attendees rating the event as excellent / good.

For more information about the next Sheltered Housing Forum, please contact Neil Shakeshaft, Sheltered Housing Manager on 0161 218 1736 or email neil.

[email protected]

STOPPRESS

Stockport Homes win TPAS AwardStockport Homes have won the northern region Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Award ‘Best Practice in Supporting People’ for the innovative work of Housing Need and Support Service and Customer Involvement staff working in partnership to develop the H3 group (Helping the Homeless into Housing).

The H3 is a group of current and former residents of Stockport Homes’ three Temporary Accommodation Schemes. The H3 enables residents to share their experiences and is supported to engage and make informed comments and decisions about how the schemes operate.

One innovative idea the group developed was the ‘streets 2 home’ board game that raises awareness of the importance of making positive choices and choosing support.

All regional winners are shortlisted for a national award, due to be announced at the TPAS Birmingham Conference in July, so fingers crossed!

Helping the Homeless into Housing

Save the date! • Save the date! • Save the date! • Save the date! • Save

It’s just been announced that the third annual Big Lunch will take place on Sunday 5 June 2011.

Led by the Eden Project, The Big Lunch is an initiative to celebrate neighbourliness across the UK by encouraging communities to come together for lunch once a year.

Thousands of events have taken place and nearly a million people have participated each year since the campaign launched in 2009. From small intimate affairs, to full blown street parties with bouncy castles and hog roasts, Big Lunches have been held in all types of community around the UK. The Big Lunch research shows that the initiative has a positive effect on communities, with 80% of lunchers reporting that they feel closer to their neighbours after this years’ event and a staggering 97% recommending The Big Lunch to friends and family.

Whether you’re new to The Big Lunch or a street party pro, be sure to visit the website www.thebiglunch.com to find out more and to register your event. A Big Lunch Organiser Pack with leaflets, posters, balloons and all that you need to get started will be then be sent out to you by post.

Stockport Homes want to support this big idea. Perhaps you, your neighbours or your community group would like to host an event in your community? Stockport Homes can support you in organising and planning this event.

Why not give the Customer Involvement Team a call on 0161 474 2862 or email [email protected] to discuss your ideas?


Sunday 5 June 2011

New Local Standards launchedThank you to everyone who completed the Local Standards survey. Your comments have helped us develop Local Standards for our services. The new Local Standards booklet is now available on our website www.stockporthomes.org

Congratulations to the prize draw winners:

1st prize of £100 of high street vouchers - Joanne Schilling, Heald Green2nd prize of £50 of high street vouchers - Cherelle Wild, Lancashire Hill3rd prize of £25 of high street vouchers - Stephen Whittaker, AdswoodFor more information about Local

Standards, please contact the Customer Involvement Team on 0161 474 2862

or email [email protected]

Local StandardsLocal Standards



Customer newsSave the date! • Save the date! • Save the date! • Save the date! • Save

Social Inclusion news

Unemployed and looking for work?Have you been out of work for a while and feel you need to enhance your skills and confidence to help you to find work?

If your answer is yes, then you may want to enrol on one of the Successful Transitions courses Stockport Homes is planning to run this year (in partnership with Groundwork Trust). The course is all about supporting long-term unemployed people to gain new skills and the experience they need to make the transition in to paid employment, training or other opportunity.

Many people who have previously completed the course have gone on to secure paid work both with Stockport Homes or elsewhere. At the end of the recently completed course, three people moved on to a paid placement at Stockport Homes, another two went on to secure paid employment elsewhere and three people moved onto training or voluntary work.

As well as gaining new skills and motivation, all those completing the course receive £50 in high street vouchers, a nationally recognised qualification and dedicated help to improve chances of finding employment.

A free onsite crèche will be provided and any reasonable travel costs will be met by Stockport Homes.

Interested? Please phone Ian Howells at Groundwork Trust on 0161 220 1000 to find out how you could benefit from the course.

For more information on what else is on offer from Stockport Homes to help you to find

work, please contact Martyn Preston, Employment Support Officer on0161 474 2836 or email [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW? If you need someone else to be a named contact for you and to contact us on your behalf, this can be arranged providing you give written permission. Please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer for further information (see page 2 for contact details).


Customer newsSocial Inclusion news

Stockport Homes awarded ‘two-ticks’ for disability

Cut down your energy bills

Stockport Jobcentre Plus have recently awarded the ‘Disability Symbol’ to Stockport Homes for the fifth year running.

Energy companies now offer a wide range of tariffs that make it very difficult to pick out the best deal.

Stockport Homes have retained this prestigious award in recognition of its positive work to recruit disabled employees.

The ‘two-ticks’ award is given to employers who meet five commitments to the recruitment, training, retention, consultation and promotion of disability awareness.

Stockport Homes uses the symbol on all of its recruitment adverts and literature as a clear sign that it is positive about the employment, training and development needs of disabled people.

To make things easier, Stockport Homes is pleased to bring you Stockport Homes Energy, a free phone and on-line based gas and electricity price comparison service. Customers who use this type of service can typically save over £200.

The service, powered by Energylinx, compares your usage with of all the major suppliers to find the best deal that matches your personal situation. The service also makes it easier for you to switch to your chosen supplier. All you need to compare energy suppliers is your address, current gas and / or electricity bills, personal and bank details.

The service is accredited by Consumer Focus, a statutory organisation, via its Confidence Code.

This means that you can feel confident that the service you are using is impartial and reputable.

You can access this service by calling 0800 410 1245 (call is free of charge if made from a landline) or visiting

Stockport Homes’ Energy websitewww.stockporthomesenergy.org.uk

Emma Crick, Social Inclusion Manager said: “We were delighted to be given this award once again as a continuing sign of our commitment to meeting the needs of all prospective and current employees. By employing disabled people, companies like ours are much better placed to recognise, develop and deliver services to all customers across the Borough.”


Customer newsAnti-Social Behaviour news

Stockport Homes achieves national accreditation

Quality low cost laundry facilities

Stockport Homes Homes’ Anti-Social Behaviour Service (ASB) has been awarded HouseMark / Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group (SLCNG) accreditation for its ASB Service.

The new ASB accreditation service, which has been launched by HouseMark and the SLCNG is the first of its kind and allows landlords, like Stockport Homes, to demonstrate to their customers and partners how they are responding to one of customers’ key concerns.

The accreditation process offers an independent assessment of

Did you know that Stockport Homes’ customers who live at Victoria Park and Mottram Street Estate have access to a communal laundry facility?

The laundries are located on the ground floors at Ratcliffe Towers at Mottram Street as well as at Voewood and Beaver House at Victoria Park.

the ASB Service, providing a robust and critical challenge to ensure continual improvement.

Dave Kirwan, Stockport Homes’ Board Champion on Respect said: “This accreditation confirms that Stockport Homes provide a high quality ASB Service, which effectively tackles ASB issues on its estates.”

There are two large industrial washers and dryers in each laundry and they are open from 8am until 8pm every day (including weekends). The price is currently £1.20 for a service wash and 50p to use the dryer for 20 minutes. The machines are energy efficient and therefore environmentally friendly as they

with the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group

For more information, please contact Liz Ellis, ASB and Caretaking Services Manager on 0161 218 1381 or email [email protected]

can take an 8.5kg load (most domestic machines take only a maximum load of 5kg load).

For more information about the laundry facilities, please contact your Area

Housing Office (see page 2 for contact details).

The ASB Team receiving the accreditation

Free football eventfor 8-14 year olds

17To book your child’s place, please contact the Caretaking Team on 0161 474 4335 or email [email protected]

24 August 2011, 9.30am to 3.00pm



Positive action against Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)In each issue of Stockport at home we provide you with a breakdown of the different types of legal action against perpetrators of ASB.

Stockport Homes has continued to take legal action against perpetrators of ASB. Here is a breakdown of the number of legal actions we have taken during quarter one, two and three of 2010/11.

Taking legal action should be a last resort to resolving incidents of ASB. Stockport Homes has worked hard to increase the number of cases resolved without taking legal action using early interventions such as early warnings, mediation and referrals to support services. Here is summary of how many cases Stockport Homes has resolved by using early interventions during 2010/11

Type of Legal Action

Quarter one (April - June

2010)

Quarter two (July – September

2010)

Quarter three (October –

December 2010)

Notice of Seeking Possession 3 2 1

Postponed Possession Orders 1 0 0

Outright Possession Orders 1 0 0

Evictions 1 0 0

Notice to Terminate (Introductory Tenants)

3 3 0

Notice to Extend (Introductory Tenants)

1 1 2

Demotion Notices 2 0 1

Injunctions 8 17 9

Undertakings 3 0 1

Noise Abatement Notices 0 1 0

Closure Orders 1 1 0

Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)

0 0 2

Total 24 25 16

Quarter one (April – June 2010)

Quarter two (July – September 2010)

Quarter three (October – December 2010)

99 62 53



Focus on... CCTV ‘Lend-A-Cam’ Scheme

In some cases of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), residents may be reluctant to provide evidence themselves or may feel unsafe in their property while an ASB case is being investigated. They may fear repercussions either to themselves or to members of their family.

Whilst Stockport Homes encourages and supports residents to come forward, it accepts that in certain circumstances (if there is a health and safety risk for example) it may be appropriate to gather further evidence by way of installing surveillance equipment.

The ASB Team has nine CCTV camera systems available to lend out to customers on a temporary basis to help gather evidence of ASB. This is called the Lend-A-Cam Scheme.

These cameras can be installed in customers’ properties for up to 28 days to gather evidence in on-going ASB cases and can remain in properties longer dependant on the nature of the case.

There are a limited number of camera systems available and you can contact your Investigating Officer to discuss whether CCTV evidence would be useful in your case.

CCTV has been successful in a number of cases helping Stockport Homes provide evidence in court of ASB (sometimes without the complainant having to attend court). Stockport Homes secured an emergency injunction against a perpetrator in October 2009 for attacking a Stockport Homes’ customer. The incident was caught on CCTV and this was shown at the County Court without the victim having to give evidence.

Unfortunately there have been instances where a handful of customers have agreed to have CCTV systems installed for 28 days but have then refused to hand them back. This has resulted in other victims of ASB not being able to access the Lend-a-Cam Scheme and affecting how quickly evidence is gathered for their case and increases waiting times.

It is important to remember that the CCTV systems are installed on a temporary basis and that refusing to hand the property back at the end of the 28 days will result in legal action being taken to recover the camera.

For more information, please contact Liz Ellis, ASB and Caretaking Services Manager on 0161 218 1381 or email

[email protected]

What is the CCTV ‘Lend-A-Cam’ Scheme?


Customer news

20

Anti-Social Behaviour news

CASE STUDY

Crack House ClosureStockport Homes, the Local Authority and Greater Manchester Police have successfully secured a Crack House Closure in Brinnington.

The order came about following months of planning and evidence gathering by Stockport Homes’ staff and Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

In 2010, three drug warrants were executed at the property. Although no drugs were found there was evidence of Class A drug use at the property including used needles and “crack” pipes.

Over a period of time residents had been subjected to serious nuisance and disorder associated with drug activity which included large numbers of visitors coming and going from the property at various times of the day and night, shouting, screaming and sometimes fighting whilst they were at the block.

The ASB Officer contacted residents about the problems they were experiencing and as a result Stockport Homes was able to provide GMP with enough evidence for a Closure of Premises Notice to be served under the ASB Act 2003.

A closure order hearing took place at Stockport Magistrates Court on Thursday 6 January 2011. The tenant did not attend court.

It was agreed the closure order would be enforced on the same day. The court found that the closure order was necessary to protect the public, in particular local residents, from further disorder occurring at the property. Officers from Stockport Homes and GMP attended the property that afternoon and carried out the closure sealing the property. The Closure order was granted for a period of three months, during which time no one was allowed to access the property.

The success of this case has only been possible due to excellent partnership working with GMP and the Local Authority and GMP legal services. It has demonstrated how Stockport Homes is committed to working with its partners in an effective and efficient way and has resulted in the removal of a tenant who was allowing ASB and drug use to continue at her property.

Property closure


Customer newsHousing Management news

Don’t rubbish ReddishOn 12 January residents in North Reddish supported the Don’t Rubbish Reddish campaign, an initiative developed by Stockport Homes’ Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Ferri Jebelli, in order to assist customers to clear their homes and gardens after the Christmas period.

The whole estate was leafleted to inform customers of the skip facility and encourage them to make their homes and gardens clean and tidy.

Stockport Homes provided five skips on the Poets Corner Estate to help customers and also tackle fly-tipping issues in the area.

Julie Broadhurst a Stockport Homes’ customer said of the event: “I think that the skips are a great idea, particularly for people who do not have transport or that are elderly. It’s been brilliant to see the community all pulling together and helping each other today.”

For more information about this campaign, please contact Ferri Jebelli, Neighbourhood Housing Officer on

0161 218 1908 or email [email protected]

garage to rent?Looking for a

Stockport Homes have garages for rent throughout the Borough. To find out the availability in your area, go to www.stockporthomes.org and type renting a garage in the search facility.

You can also contact your Area Housing Office for details.

East Area Housing Office (Brinnington) 0161 474 4372West Area Housing Office (Adswood) 0161 474 4371

Stockport Homes’ staff and customers supporting the ‘Don’t Rubbish Reddish’ campaign.


Customer news


You could win£150Homebase vouchersfor ‘Best gardenin the Borough’

Storage of electric mobility scootersStockport Homes recognises that some customers have mobility issues which require them to use electric mobility scooters.

However, scooters can be expensive and prone to threat of damage. They can also pose a fire or trip hazard if they are not stored correctly. If you live in sheltered accommodation, your Scheme Manager can advise you on the best place to store your scooter if it will not fit into your property. If you do not live in sheltered accommodation, please contact your Area Housing Office (see page 2 for contact details).

Stockport Homes’ annual gardening competition is now open.

For more information on this year’s categories, to enter or to nominate someone else, go to www.stockporthomes.org and fill in the on-line form, pick up an entry form from your Area Housing Office, the Housing Information Centre or call Chrissie Parlane, Green Space Administration Assistant on 0161 474 2377 or email [email protected]

Deadline for entries is 17 June 2011.

Housing Management news

Terms and conditions apply; please see Stockport Homes’ website www.stockporthomes.org or the entry form for full details.

If you have concerns about fire safety within your home, please call Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

on 0800 555 815 for a free home fire risk assessment.


You could win£150Homebase vouchersfor ‘Best gardenin the Borough’

Technical Services news

Let us in and you could win!

Planned Maintenance Programme 2011/12

Stockport Homes has a legal obligation to check all gas appliances at least once every 12 months to ensure the safety of yourself and other members of your household.

We need your co-operation in providing access for The Dodd Group to carry out this check.

When the safety check is due The Dodd Group will write to you to request access. It is your responsibility to ensure that access is gained to the property. If you are not going to be available for the appointment or you wish to make specific access arrangements, please contact The Dodd Group immediately on 0800 085 4837 or 0161 406 1720.

In November 2010, we posted out a survey to a random sample of 1,002 customers asking them to rank a list of works in order of what was important to them. We also organised a quiz at the Stock Investment and Repairs Customer Action Group where customers could vote for works they wanted to see more of next year.

We received a lot of valuable feedback which has been used to help build the 2011/12 programme…

You said you wanted:

• kitchens and bathrooms;• doors; • door entry systems;

• heating;• windows;• fencing and gates;• energy efficiency; and• roofing.

2011/12 Programme includes:

• kitchens and bathrooms;• doors;• door entry systems / Concierge

Service;• heating – district and domestic;• windows;• fencing and gates;• biomass boiler; and• roofing.

Failure to allow access for the annual safety check is a breach of your Tenancy Agreement and could result in legal action being taken. Any costs associated with this action will be charged to you.

If you provide access the first time The Dodd Group visit you will be entered into their quarterly prize draw to win £50 of vouchers of your choice! Congratulations to Mrs Killick of Woodley who was the first prize draw winner and received her vouchers from The Dodd Group just in time for Christmas!

For more information, please contact Kate Crowther,

Administrator on 0161 218 1944 or email [email protected]

For more information about the Planned Maintenance Programme 2011/12, please

contact the Investment Team on 0161 474 4407 or email [email protected]


Thank you to everyone who returned the survey to us! All replies were entered into a prize draw for a £25 High Street Shopping Voucher. The winner was Mr Pullen from Queens Gardens.


Spring clean your energy habit Cut your homes carbon dioxide emissions and get in shape for a cleaner, greener summer.

Our energy saving spring cleaning ideas will help get your home ready for spring and summer, while cutting your energy use all year round...

Get light and warmth for less

Try these spring cleaning ideas for a bright cheerful home that uses less energy...

• Let the sunshine in - cleaning windows and pulling back curtains

during the day will help you take in more natural light and warmth from the sun. When you do need the lights on, save money by installing energy

saving light bulbs. • Adjust your heating controls - make

sure your central heating is set for warmer weather, or switch it off all together.

Spruce up your kitchen appliances

A little cleaning can go a long way in helping your appliances run more efficiently. During your spring clean don’t forget to:

• defrost your fridge and freezer for greater energy efficiency;

• de-scale your kettle so it can boil water more quickly; and

• ensure your oven door is clean.

Get your garden in shape

Planning a summer of outdoor entertaining and relaxing? Here’s how to save money and energy while helping your garden look its best:

• Improve your outdoor lighting - for quick savings, switch to energy efficient light bulbs. You can also buy solar powered garden lights that use no mains electricity and so don’t generate carbon dioxide (CO2).

• Start composting - get your plants blooming with free fertiliser by composting food scraps, paper, cardboard and even the dust and dirt from your vacuum cleaner.

Spring clean your lifestyle

With your home and garden looking great for spring, it’s time to do the same for yourself...

• Leave the car at home - by walking and cycling more you can save energy and enjoy the warm weather. Plus the extra exercise will help you get in trim for the swimsuit season.

• Clear out your wardrobe - when you find summer clothes that have fallen out of fashion or no longer fit, don’t throw them out. Head to a recycling bank or charity shop, or throw a clothes swap party with your friends.

For more information on saving energy within your home, call Louise Whan Stockport Homes’

Environmental Officer on 0161 474 2401 or email [email protected]


Spring clean your energy habit


Stockport Child Safe SchemeStockport Homes has recently launched a new child safety initiative in partnership with Stockport Primary Care Trust and Stockport Sure Start Children’s Centres (called Stockport Child Safe).

This excellent scheme will provide safety equipment for low income families with at least one child under two years of age and will be installed free of charge. Equipment options will include safety gates and fireguards.

To qualify for the scheme you must be in receipt of Housing Benefit with a child or children under two years of age and be a Stockport Homes’ customer. The scheme will initially target and apply to families who reside in the following postcode areas:

SK1 2LF to SK2 6AA inclusiveSK2 6AP, SK2 6DH, SK2 7LS SK2 7LT, SK3 0HL, SK3 0HNSK3 0HW, SK3 8HR, SK3 8HWSK3 8LH to SK3 8QY inclusive SK3 8RB to SK3 8RW inclusiveSK5 7RJ to SK5 7SD inclusiveSK5 8AN to SK5 8PD inclusive

A Health Visitor or Child and Family Worker will complete a referral form with families who meet the criteria, agree an appointment date for the fitting of any equipment and send the referral to Stockport Homes. The equipment will be fitted by a trained Stockport Homes Operative.

If you don’t qualify for this scheme, but know or are aware of someone who does, then please let them know.

Stockport Homes, Stockport Primary Care Trust and Stockport Sure Start Children’s Centres are committed to improving the welfare and safety of our customers and to this end we hope this scheme helps in the reduction and prevention of accidents to young children in the home.

If you require further information about Stockport Child Safe, please ring Kate Crowther,

Administrator on 0161 218 1944 or email [email protected]


Performance news

Spotlight on... performance

Customerpriority

Decent Homes

Repairs qualityservice

Repairs satisfaction

Repairs speed

Households in hostelaccommodation

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) – action taken

ASB – satisfaction

Empty propertymanagement

Investmentsatisfaction

Customer feedback

Performanceindicator

% properties which meet the Decent Homes standard.

Average time for completion of non-urgent repairs.

% of customers satisfied that their repair was right first time.

% of urgent repairs completed on time.

Number of households in hostel accommodation.

Number of legal actions taken against ASB perpetrators so far this year.

% Customers satisfied that they were kept up-to-date with ASB case progress.

Average number of days taken to re-let vacant properties.

% customers satisfied with investment works.

% hate crime victims who were satisfied with how their case was dealt with.

How we are performing

100%

9 working days

97.8%

98.6%

27

69

99.1%

13 days

94.0%

100%

Ontarget?

A customer-driven update, giving you information that you want to know.

In each issue of Stockport at home, we will be providing you with updates on how we’re performing in your top ten areas, whether we’re really pleased with how we’re doing, or are still striving to get better. So you can be sure that

when it comes to our performance – we’re always putting it in the “spotlight”.

Here is an update on Customer’s Top Ten performance indicators for quarter three (October - December 2010).

= performing well (compared to our target) = just on target


*

*

Ontarget?

Performance news

Estate inspections play a role in ensuring that our neighbourhoods are clean, safe and attractive places to live. Estate inspections are carried out by your Neighbourhood Housing Officer, with every estate being inspected at least once every three months. Estates are graded as Excellent, Good, Unsatisfactory or Poor. Any improvement works needed are noted and followed up after the inspection.

At the end of last year (March 2010), 90% of estate inspections were rated as “good” or “excellent”. This figure has increased in quarter three (October – December 2010) to 96%. This excellent result is down to the hard work of the Area Teams.

Stockport Homes also has Estate Walkabouts which customers can take part in (please see your copy of Dates for your Diary for more information).

If you have any questions about this article, or if you would like to know how Stockport Homes is performing in an area, please get in touch with Samantha Donigan, Performance and Improvement Manager on

0161 474 3279 or [email protected]

Stockport Homes’ mission is to deliver a customer-driven service, providing quality homes where people want to live.

Spotlight on... Estate Walkabouts

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW? By accessing Stockport Homes’ website www.stockporthomes.org you can find out lots of details about the services we offer including opening times, contact details and currently supported initiatives. You can also contact Stockport Homes through the website and look at any job vacancies and ongoing customer events which you may to take part in. The website is a great place to start at any time, day or night, if you have a query about Stockport Homes.


*

*

* Due to the current economic situation the indicator ‘number of households in hostel accommodation’ has been under pressure for some time, with an increasing demand on temporary accommodation services at the present time.

The indicator ‘% of customers satisfied with investment works’ is marginally off target and all negative responses to the satisfaction survey have been followed up by Customer Liaison Officers.

Sustainability news

28

Project launched to boost skills and employment and help improve the environment Stockport Homes in partnership with Blue Sky, Groundwork Trust and Stockport Council Environmental Services has set up new project to support unemployed ex-offenders get back into work.

The Blue Sky project has been funded with support from Stockport Homes, Stockport Council and Future Jobs Fund to offer six month placements. The project is focusing on work to help improve the local environment, in particular around garden enforcement and Streetscene, all of which is helping the placements to gain a range of practical skills and knowledge in environmental issues. Lots of fantastic work has taken place over the winter to help improve your local environment. The team have completed over eighty projects in Brinnington, Adswood and Bridgehall.

Each member of the team has their own career development plan, benefitting from the job experience and training courses, including Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Health and Safety, Manual Handling courses and a course run by Reaseheath College on grounds maintenance, all of which will help in supporting the team to obtain sustainable employment when the placement comes to an end. Two further teams have now been established with funding secured from the Future Jobs fund and will continue to work through spring and summer across the Borough.

A team member of Blue Sky said: “The job has given me some stability in my life and has allowed me to provide for my family which has boosted my self-esteem. I am proud to earn an honest living and spend quality time with my family and stay out of trouble.”

This is a great chance to provide opportunities for unemployed people to learn new skills and provide opportunities for permanent employment.

Maureen Rowles, Vice-Chair of Stockport Homes’ Board

Your chance to approve our literature!You can join our Readers’ Group, who approve all Stockport Homes’ new leaflets or our Editorial Group who approve this newsletter.

For more information, please contact Nicola Poulter, Marketing and Communications Officer on 0161 474 3768 or email [email protected]

28

Cus

tomer Approved

Jargon Free✓

Readers Group Stamp

Sustainability news

Neighbourhood Action Plans – making a difference by working in partnershipOver the last twelve months Stockport Homes has continued to work with customers, partners and staff to implement seventeen Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs).

Each plan brings together all issues that affect the neighbourhoods, not only covering housing issues, but issues that have an impact on the quality of life for residents and the neighbourhood, from the environment, community safety, employment, access to services, health and well being, older people, children and young people. The plan also provides some useful information on your neighbourhood, from location of local services, shops, schools, shopping and leisure facilities.

Outcomes from the delivery of these plans within your neighbourhood are provided in the Neighbourhood News newsletters, from the East and West Area Housing Teams, which are enclosed in this newsletter.

As part of a twelve month review, customers, partners and staff have been involved in reviewing each plan, to ensure that they are fit for purpose and are addressing neighbourhood priorities. All of which will help in planning more effectively the resources and investment required for each neighbourhood and how we can work more effectively with partners including a range of Stockport Council services, Greater Manchester Police and a variety of community and voluntary organisations.

As part of this work Stockport Homes is supporting Stockport Council’s recently created neighbourhood management boards, which have been set up to reduce inequalities in priority areas

in Offerton, Brinnington, Adswood and Bridgehall and Lancashire Hill and the Town Centre.

Each board is made up of key representatives from partners and services working in the local neighbourhood, the board are responsible for developing an Area Action Plan with residents and the local community aiming to provide holistic solutions to identified key themes of safer places to live, stronger local communities, improved outcomes for children and young people, environment, good quality housing and housing services and improved economic well being.

If you would like further information about the NAP in your area, please contact your Area Housing Office (please see contact details on page 2) or visit www.stockporthomes.org

Further information on each board and Area Action Plan can be found by

following the link below and further updates will be available in your next newsletter https://interactive.stockport.gov.uk/profile/hubs/inequalities/

For more information, please visit www.stockporthomes.org or call Jo Cole, Sustainability Manager on 0161 474 2918 or email [email protected]

Your chance to approve our literature!



Customer news

Stockport Homes continues to work with a range of partners, children and young people and residents to develop exciting and adventurous play spaces and activities across the Borough.

Over the last few months recent events have included the Adswood and Bridgehall Santa Dash, Offerton Halloween Party and Santa’s grotto at Lancashire Hill.

In addition, over the winter period you may have seen activity in your local area, with the construction of a number of new play areas. Following consultation with residents and children and young people, and funding secured through Stockport Play Partnership from the Big Lottery, Play England and partners contributions

Sustainability news

new play areas have been completed at:

• Brindale Road, Brinnington;• Grafton Street, Heaton Norris; • Lancashire Hill play area;• Crescent Park off Didsbury Road, Heaton Norris; • Ince Close, Heatons; • Gorsey Park, Cheadle Heath;• Bean Leach park, Hazel Grove; and • Hollywood Park, Edgeley.

Working in partnership to improve play opportunities and activities for children and young people

Santa Dash 2010

30 Stockport at home - Spring 2011 Issue 2430 Stockport at home - Spring 2011 Issue 24 www.stockporthomes.org

Looking for a job?If so, there are lots of places where you can find out about the latest job vacancies, such as:

• Stockport Homes’ website - go to www.stockporthomes.org and click

on ‘Latest jobs’;• job vacancy listing displayed on the

noticeboard in the Housing Information Centre reception (ask on reception for more details);

• local newspapers; and• the internet.

If you are unemployed and looking for work you may also be interested in theSuccessful Transitions course run by Groundwork (please see page 15 for more information).

For more help finding a job, please contact Martyn Preston, Employment

Support Officer on 0161 474 4237, email [email protected]

Customer news


Customer newsHomechoice news

Homechoice website continues to take off

Stockport Libraries Home library service

Homechoice customers who do not use the Stockport Homes website to place their bids are now in the minority, and it’s no wonder why.

The website has pictures and extra details of available properties, allows you to change your bids up until the close of the advert, as well as showing where you are currently placed for homes you have applied for. Many people use the local library or other drop-in centres as well which have free internet access, so you don’t even need a computer at home.

To see why bidding using the website is so popular, just log on to the Stockport Homes

website www.stockporthomes.org, and click on the link to ‘apply for a home’.

Does age, disability or caring prevent you, or someone you know, from visiting the library? If so, the Home Library Service will deliver your choice of books, music and films direct to your door all free of charge.

To join the service, simply call 0161 474 5600 or email [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW? Stockport Homes can provide information to you in the format that meets your needs. For example, we can translate documents, provide information on tape (instead of written), provide an interpreter, arrange a home visit – please let us know if we need to do things differently for you and we will always try to meet your needs, explaining to you clearly if this is not possible.

HomeLibraryService

The heart of decision-making - Stockport Homes' Board

Board Column

Board news

If you want any information about the Board, please contact Jeremy Beatty, Governance Manager on

0161 474 2850 or email [email protected] or Charlie Martin, Business Support Assistant on 0161 474 3577 or email [email protected]

Customers are always welcome to attend Board and Sub-Group meetings or to raise questions for the Board to respond to. The dates and times of meetings are on the website www.stockporthomes.org and in Dates for your diary.

I live in Stockport and am the Chief Executive of GO To DOC (GTD), a not for profit provider of primary care services across Greater Manchester.

I’ve worked as an Executive Board Member for almost 10 years firstly as a Director of Commissioning and Performance within a Primary Care Trust (PCT) in Buckinghamshire before moving to my current role in 2005.

I have also worked in various senior management positions within Health Authorities and, originally, as a clinician within clinical and forensic psychology services.

I applied to join the Board as a non-executive director at Stockport Homes to gain wider experience than my executive roles have allowed. I feel taking on such a position, particularly within a sector other than health, will benefit Stockport Homes and allow me to extend my own knowledge while offering an independent and objective perspective on the business.

Board Meetings

I hope my experience of balancing quality and value where customer expectations are high will be of value to a customer focussed organisation such as Stockport Homes, especially in the current economic climate.

My working life in and around the public sector has enhanced my sense of social and community responsibility. I’m sure this commitment will contribute positively to the role of an Independent Board Member for Stockport Homes. I am enjoying getting to grips with how the Board works and look forward to supporting the ongoing progress of the organisation.

Kind regards, David BeckettIndependent Board Member


To request your Information Pack or book your place on the information sessions, please contact

Charlie Martin, Business Support Assistant on 0161 474 3577 or [email protected]

Board news


Are you a tenant or leaseholder of

Stockport Homes?

Would you like to be involved at the

very heart of Stockport Homes?

Would you like to make a difference

in your community?

Would you like to impress future

employers?

Can you spare a few hours a month?

Are you enthusiastic?

�

�

�

�

��

Join the Board!

We’re always keen to encourage new people on to the Board and will be running elections for two Tenant Board Members in July of this year. We’re looking for one member from East Area and one from West Area. Contact us for an Information Pack which explains how to stand for election and what the role involves. Information Sessions will be held on Tuesday 26 April 2011 at 12.00pm, and will be repeated at 6.00pm.


Customer newsHousing Options news

Brindale House Volunteers

Carly and Patricia are our very first Temporary Accommodation Volunteers. They will be assisting Ged, the Scheme’s Caretaker, with gardening, decorating, general cleaning and maintenance around the schemes.

Rachel Cole, Scheme Manager said: “This is great news for Brindale House. The help and assistance Ged will receive will be invaluable. Turning around flats for new residents will speed up and it will give Ged the time to spend on other areas of the scheme like the gardens and planters.”

Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding experience leaving helpers with an enormous sense of satisfaction from giving up time to help others.

The experience gained along the way is beneficial too. Carly and Patricia will have the opportunity to gain new work and life experiences, developing their skills further and training to deal with different

situations. This experience combined with the fact that they have shown self-motivation by giving up their time will boost their CV’s and significantly help employment prospects.

A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses:• 73% of employers would recruit a candidate.

with volunteering experience over one without • 94% of employers believe that volunteering can

add to skills. • 94% of employees who volunteered to learn

new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted.

If you are interested in spending some of your time helping us, please contact

Martyn Preston, Employment Support Officer on 0161 474 2836 or email [email protected] for more information.

February is going to be a very exciting time at Brindale House. The staff and residents at the Brinnington scheme will have two new volunteers.

Housing Options news


Customer news

Newsletter out now!


No One Left Out

H3 Christmas cards and raffle raises over £900

In the early hours of 25 November a range of agencies held a ‘rough sleeper count’ across Stockport, only finding one person out in the cold.

Using extensive local intelligence and seeking out new sites where people could be bedding down, four teams of volunteers combed the Borough looking for those in need of help.

The success of this count was a reflection of the teamwork around homelessness prevention undertaken by agencies in Stockport. The Housing Options Team, in partnership with a dedicated Homelessness Outreach Drug Worker, will visit anyone reported to be rough sleeping

within 24 hours to offer advice and assistance. They aim to link people with the services they need to get off the streets, such as health, money advice and temporary accommodation.

If you have concerns about somebody sleeping rough, please contact the Housing Options Team

on 0161 474 4237 or email [email protected]

H3 (Helping the Homeless into Housing) and residents and staff at Stockport Homes’ Temporary Accommodation Schemes made and sold their own hand-made cards this Christmas, as well as holding a raffle with donations from local businesses and Stockport Homes contractors.

All the money raised will go back into improving services for homeless people in Stockport – for example, providing ‘welcome packs’ of household items to those moving in to their own tenancies following a period of homelessness.

The latest issue of the Going Places newsletter is available on Stockport Homes’ website www.stockporthomes.org under ‘Publications and films / Publications library / Other newsletters’. You can also request a printed copy by contacting the Housing Options Team on 0161 474 4237 or emailing [email protected]

Chrissie Ince, Chair of the H3 Group said: “Thanks to everyone who has purchased a pack of Christmas cards. The money the H3 Group has raised will make such a difference to people living in temporary accommodation.”

The group is currently working on new fundraising ideas, as well as developing new ways of helping the homeless in Stockport – watch this space!

Helping the Homeless into Housing

35Stockport at home - Spring 2011 Issue 24


Customer news

Trainee Social Workers to help the homeless

Three students have been given the opportunity to complete placements within the Housing Options Team and Temporary Accommodation Schemes.

The 100 day placements are a requirement for student Social Workers as part of their degree course. The placements give them an opportunity to learn new skills, gain practical on-the-job experience and apply theory to real life situations.

This project will help future Social Workers learn through practice, build on their existing skills, and develop an understanding of issues facing homeless people, as well as hopefully learning

some valuable lessons around being customer-focused and forward-thinking.

This is an exciting venture which has a range of benefits including: extra support for our customers who are homeless, assisting local colleges to produce high calibre workers, helping students gain valuable qualifications, and promoting an awareness of issues affecting people who are homeless.

For further information, please contact Joanne Claridge in the Housing Options Team on 0161 474 4237 or email

[email protected]

Rehousing Services have joined together with Stockport College and Manchester Metropolitan University to recruit Social Work students.


0500 130 585

Florence Heath from Offerton was the lucky winner of £100 in High Street vouchers simply by entering the spot the Carecall cab competition run by Stockport Homes.

Carecall is the tele-monitoring service for older and vulnerable residents in the Stockport area.

Carecall would like to thank everyone who entered the competition.

If you’d like to find out more about the service that Carecall provide, visit www.stockporthomes.org and go to Our services / Carecall or contact them on

- Help at the touch of a butt n

0500 130 58536 Stockport at home - Spring 2011 Issue 24 www.stockporthomes.org

You said, we did

You said...Those who let their leasehold apartment thought the increased charges incurred on insurance premiums were unfair (this was a charge we passed on).

A Leaseholder was concerned that other leaseholders in her block may not service their gas boilers.

A Leaseholder thought issues around the Concierge Service were not being addressed.

We did...The new insurance contract from July 2010 used various premium loadings depending on the risk. Many leaseholders benefited from a reduction in the premium that they paid.

This would be difficult to manage / enforce so we ran an awareness article in the Stockport at home newsletter (Issue 21, summer 2010) for current Leaseholders and will alter the lease agreement for future sale.

We made the Leaseholder aware of a new residents’ working group for the Concierge Service and Area Forums.

Leaseholder news

Leasehold survey 2011 Leaseholders shine at Star AwardsLooking at the feedback we received following

the 2009 survey some Leaseholders thought the survey was too long and asked questions related to services that they did not benefit from. We have listened to your comments and we are going to change the way we survey Leaseholders in the future.

Why do we ask you how we are performing?We want to measure satisfaction within the Leasehold Service and identify areas for improvements.

So how are we going to do this in 2011?• Ensure the questions are relevant to the

services that you receive. • Review how we deliver the satisfaction survey

directed at leasehold services by trying to contact all Leaseholders by telephone first. If we cannot speak to you we will email or post the survey to you. You will also be able to complete the form on-line at

www.stockporthomes.org• By carrying out a telephone survey we will be

able to address any areas of dissatisfaction immediately.

In December 2010 Stockport Homes held the Star Awards to recognise customers’ involvement (see pages 10-11 for details of the winners).

Mike Goulding a Leaseholder living in Heaton Norris was nominated for the Community Innovation Award and Customer Achievement Award.

Mike has made an outstanding commitment to supporting Stockport Homes in delivering a customer-driven service where people want to live and we would like to thank him and any other Leaseholders who get involved.

If you would like to get more involved in shaping the services that you receive, please contact Tracy Nield or the Customer

Involvement Team on 0161 474 2862.

For more information, please contact Tracy Nield on the contact details above.


Tracy NieldLeasehold Officer

T: 0161 218 1364M: 07800 617810E: [email protected]


Customer news

Fire Safety news

Over-confident ‘Generation Super-Gran’ in Stockport dismiss risk of home fire

One punch can kill hits home

According to Greater Manchester Fire Service, over-65s in Stockport are putting their lives at risk when it comes to the life threatening danger of a fire in the home, with almost 80% dismissing the possibility of fire.

Dubbed Generation Super-Gran, Stockport’s over 65s are more active and independent than ever, with role models such as Felicity Kendal, Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley. However, while tradition teaches that the older we are, the wiser we become, a younger generation are outstripping their elders when it comes to fire safety.

The vast majority of over-65s don’t consider fire a risk. On top of that, a massive 90% across the country overestimate their ability to escape.

People enjoying a night out are being warned about the dangers of getting into a drunken fight, as Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launches a hard-hitting campaign to combat alcohol-fuelled violence.

GMP is working to reduce the levels of crime caused by partygoers drinking too much alcohol. Too much drink can turn a good night into a tragic disaster with people behaving in ways they wouldn’t do normally and finding themselves in vulnerable situations.

Young men aged 18-25 are the most likely to commit and be victims of serious violent crime. Forty per cent of victims of violent and serious violent crime are young men and the vast majority of offenders are men (77 per cent of violent crime and 86 per cent of serious violent crime).

The Fire Kills Campaign is reminding over 65s that they’re not invulnerable to the danger of toxic smoke and asking them to become more fire-aware. • 79% think it’s unlikely there will be a life

threatening fire in their home, yet nearly 1,700 people in this age group suffer fire-related injuries each year.

• Half think it’s unlikely they would die if there was a fire.

• Nine out of ten think they’d realise if there was a fire in their home and be able to escape.

• A quarter doesn’t think it’s necessary to test their smoke alarm every week.

For fire safety tips or for a free home fire risk assessment, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/firekills or contact Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 555 815.

Alcohol-fuelled violence has claimed the lives of 13 people over the past five years in the Greater Manchester area.

Police Constable Chris Maginess, Licensing Officer for the Stockport Division said: “People in Stockport quite rightly want to go out and have a good time. We are not trying to spoil anybody’s fun but by drinking too much you become vulnerable and risk the chance of becoming a victim of crime or involved in trouble. I’d encourage people to pace their drinks, stay with their friends and book a taxi home before you go out.”

Police Service news


Customer news

Customer news

Fill in your Census form without delay!

All households will have received their Census form at the end of March, if you haven’t filled in and returned your form, you need to as soon as possible.

The Census collects key information about the population every 10 years and people need to take part so that local services such as the provision of schools, hospitals housing, roads and emergency services covering Stockport can be planned and funded for the future. The Census form is completely confidential.

Taking part in the Census is a legal requirement. The few people who refuse to complete the Census questionnaire may face prosecution and a £1,000 fine.

There is help available for residents - this includes language guidance books to help people who don’t speak English as their first language, large print format questionnaires, text relay, on-line help and the Census telephone helpline of 0300 0201 101 for help in completing the form.

The Council is working with Office for National Statistics to organise ‘Census completion sessions’ at community venues

in Stockport for people requiring direct help in completing their forms. The sessions are advertised in the local press and on the Council website www.stockport.gov.uk/census

It is very important that everyone takes part in the Census.The Census form can be completed either by hand or on-line at www.census.gov.uk

Partner Agency news

39

Directors column

Diversity and accessibility

You can get copies of newsletters and other documents from Stockport Homes on audiotape or CD, or in large print free of charge.

For more information, please contact Phil Rhodes on telephone 0161 474 2860 text 07891 949 399 email [email protected] or write to Social Inclusion Team, Directorate of Housing Management, 2nd Floor,1 St. Peter’s Square, StockportSK1 1NZ

The paper which is used for this newsletter is from a sustainable source. Please recycle it in an appropriate way.

This newsletter includes information about Stockport Homes’ events and services. A free interpreting service is available if you need help with this newsletter. Please telephone Stockport Interpreting Unit on 0161 477 9000. Email: [email protected]

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Hello everyone. The news recently has been full of stories about the Government trying to save money and make public services more efficient. What are Stockport Homes doing to protect the public purse, and ensure customers’ rents and other funds are being spent responsibly? Some examples are:

• Annual service charge reviews to ensure income received from customers is never more than the cost of delivering the service.

• Securing the best interest rates around the banks. This means monies are gaining the highest return, which is spent on service delivery.

• Cost comparisons with other areas to ensure that services in Stockport are providing excellent value for money.

• Researching different suppliers of office and accommodation materials to ensure essential items can be obtained at a low cost.

• Improving annual customer satisfaction with the Grounds Maintenance Service whilst reducing year-on-year costs.

• Three year Caretaking business plan aiming to ensure costs more closely match income.

• Since 2008 Stockport Homes have successfully secured over £2.7million of external funding for energy efficiency measures and low carbon technologies.

Welfare benefit cuts will undoubtedly put more pressure on households already struggling to meet everyday living costs. Stockport Homes continues to ensure customers receive value for money in the services it provides, and will work in partnership to support vulnerable customers affected by cuts to public funding.

Best wishes,

Elaine DishongDirector of Housing Need and Support Service

issue 24-customer_news_spring2011

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