NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR TENANTS AND LEASEHOLDERS OF WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES

Tenants’

UpdateSEPTEMBER 2014

Neighbours’ weekpage 12

How did we do?pages 7-10

Discounted goodspage 5

COVER STORY

2www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk WolvesHomes 01902 556789

Welcome to theSeptember issue

of Tenants’ Update.I love online services and I

love the environment, so I’mpleased we’ll be sending out fewer paper copies. If you have an email address you’ll only get the e-news

version next time (see right). Don’t worry you’ll still get the paper

version if you’re not online.

If you don’t have access to the internet – our Web Wizards can help. They’re running a Get Online training session in October for everyone, young or old (page 11).

Other things you shouldn’t miss are Flair Fair (page 12) and the Get Togethers

(page 4) in October plus the new Right PriceElectricals scheme (page 5). Don’t forget

to read the “How Did We Do?” section (pages 7-10) and find out how

Wolverhampton Homes performed last year.

Ann Ramsbottom, Editor, Tenants’ Update @e-news is good newsWe’re moving with the times and goingonline. If we’ve got your email address we’ll send you our e-newsletter from now on and you won’t get a paper copy of Tenants Update.

As a bonus, you’ll also get our regular e-newsletter with all the latest news.

So we need you to do two things:• make sure we’ve got your up to date email address

• look out for our e-newsletter, it sometimes get stuck in people’s spam or promotions email folder.

To update your email address, log onto your do it online account or email:homes.direct@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk with your name and address.

Cover story: Thanks to the residents of Castlebridge Gardens in Wednesfield for helping with our cover.See page 12 for more details.

Board electionsThank you to everyone who voted in the Board elections. The votes arein; 5,192 of you voted which is almost 20% so thank you for taking part. Welcome to our new Tenant Board members:

SUE ROBERTS MBE, Tenant Re-elected for four years

I’m determined to continue doing everything I can to improvethe homes and the lives of tenants in Wolverhampton.

MARK WARD, Tenant Elected for four years

I will represent tenants, and aim to influence key decisionsbenefiting tenants and the wider community.

ANGELA DAVIES, Tenant Elected for four years

My aim is to ensure that the highest levels of value and service are maintained for all.

ANN RAMSBOTTOM, Tenant

I like being part of an organisation that puts tenants andleaseholders at the heart of their decision making.

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Our Board of Directors have ultimate responsibility for the wholeorganisation and are responsible for making the most importantstrategic decisions. For more information about the board, dates ofboard meetings and outcomes of meetings, visitwww.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/board

Re-elected to replace Julie Poulson andstands for two years (the rest of her term)

Thank you toout-goingboard membersJulie Poulsonand GaryTaylor. They played a huge part in thesuccess of Wolverhampton Homes andwe’re grateful to them for theirtime and efforts.

NAME NO. OF VOTES ELECTED

Angela Davies 2,195 ELECTED Adam Hoque 883 Ann Ramsbottom 2,012 RE-ELECTED Sue Roberts 3,082 RE-ELECTED Gary Taylor 1,162 Mark Ward 2,188 ELECTED

CONTACTING US:

OUR PHONE

LINES

ARE NOW OPEN

FROM 8.30A

M

UNTIL 5PM

We need you!Ever wanted to tell us what you think of our services? Had a great idea that you’d like us to put into action?Then come to our Get Togethers – talk to other tenants, talk to staff and tell us what you think.

“It’s fun getting to know new people and we feel inspired whenwe discuss issueswith staff and other tenants.”

“I get involvedbecause I wantto be proud ofmy area and I will do my best to help itbe the best.”

Kyle (Bradley) &Rob (Millfields)

Sarah (Wednesfield)

Want to find out more ways you can get involved? Visit www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/get-involved or phone 01902 556789 and ask for the tenant engagement team.

Thursday 9th October 6-8pmLow Hill

Community Centre,Kempthorne Avenue, Low Hill, WV10 9JJ

Thursday 15th October 6-8pm

Wolverhampton Homes, Tarmac Road, Bilston,

WV4 6JW

Tuesday 21st October 3-5pm

St Joseph's Church Coalway Road,

Merry Hill, WV3 7NN

Wednesday 22nd October, 6-8pm

Wednesfield CommunityHub and Library,

Well Lane, Wednesfield,WV14 1XT

The spring Get Togethers will be in February –watch this space for

more details.

Rent ReviewThe council reviews your rent and service charges every year and we will consult you before making any changes. Our next rent review meetings are listed here. Put them in your diary so you don’t forget.

• Monday 17th November 2014, 1-2.30pm Low Hill Community Centre, Kempthorne Avenue, Low Hill, WV10 9JJ• Wednesday 19th November 2014, 6-7.30pm One Stop Shop, 29 Market Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3AG• Monday 24th November 2014, 10.30-12pm

Merry Hill Housing Office, Leasowes Drive, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, WV4 4PZ • Tuesday 25th November 2014, 2-3.30pm Pickering Road Community Centre, Pickering Road, Wednesfield, WV11 3RA• Thursday 27th November 2014, 6-7.30pm Bilston Academy, Dudley Street, Bilston, WV14 0LN

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Four ways to get ready for Universal CreditUniversal Credit (UC) is coming soon – are you ready?

If you receive income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits or Housing Benefit – there are four things you can do to get ready:

1. Open a bank account – UC will be paid direct to you.2. Contact us to set up a Direct Debit – your housing benefit won’t come to us any more, you will need to pay your rent.3. Save up one month’s rent – your benefit will be paid one month after your rent is due.4. Make sure you’re online – your UC will need to be claimed online.We can help you with these so please get in touch with our Money Smart Team on 01902 556789 or visit www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/money

Wolverhampton City Credit Union Ltd

Discounted electrical goods in partnership with Wolverhampton Homes

Tel: 01902 572340 Email: wolfcul@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.wccul.co.uk

TO ORDER,

CONTACT Wolverhampton City Credit Union

ELECTRICAL DEALS

HAVE YOURCIRCUMSTANCESCHANGED?• Has someone moved

in with you?

• Has someone moved out?

• Have your wages or benefits gone up or down?

If you get Housing Benefit andcan answer yes to any of thesecontact the council’s HousingBenefit team on 01902 551166.They’ll need to check that you’re getting the right amount of benefit.

Are you Money Smart?

NEWELECTRICALDEALS

LEAP helpsShadrack to winApprentice of the Year www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/leap

From a factory role and a zero hours contract toNFA Apprentice of the Year 2014; ShadrackMbatha from Bilston says “my dreams have nowbecome a reality, where the sky is the limit”.

Shadrack wanted a change from factory work sostarted studying social policy at University. To supporthis family, he combined work and studying andfinished his degree but was stuck without any officework experience so he joined LEAP.

After completing his eight week work experience hestarted an apprenticeship as an admin assistant andnow has a permanent job with us.

He has now been named as Apprentice of the Yearafter winning the award at the NFA awards.

Read more of Shadrack’s story at www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/shadrack

Deborah is our50th tenantapprenticeDeborah Porter, from Lanesfield, is our50th tenant apprentice. Out of work forten years, she joined LEAP earlier thisyear and has now been offered a twelvemonth apprenticeship, working as ahandyperson – helping to do odd-jobsaround homes in Wolverhampton.

Deborah said:I’m so happy to be back in work and putting my skills to the test.

I’ve been out of work for ten yearsand getting involved in LEAP hasgiven me a massive confidence

boost and I’m loving every second of my apprenticeship.

Find out more about LEAP and how to join atwww.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/LEAP

or phone 01902 556789

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On Saturday 27th September we’ll be atWolverhampton Pride. So make sure you give us awave if you see us in the parade. Please pop downto our stall for a chat as well - we want to knowhow we can improve our services to lesbian, gay,bi-sexual and transgender tenants.

For more info visit www.wolvespride.co.uk

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making online learning easy

TO LEARN ABOUT COMPUTERSIf you have access to the internet, go to

www.learnmyway.comor call Homes direct on

01902 556789to speak to a Web Wizard

FREE

Wolverhampton HomesCentre Code

3456107

13th–19th Octoberall week we’re running sessions

to help you get online.Phone to book an appointment with our Web Wizards on

01902 556789 or Drop into our Market Street shop during that week.

Ask our Web Wizards about ‘Learn My Way’ and they’ll help you get set up

Why get ONLINE?• Save money – compare prices to get the best deal• Job search – a lot of jobs are only advertised online • Apply for benefits – Universal Credit will be an online application• Keep in touch with family from afar – share photos and video chat for free!

O N LN O T I N E ?

Book your repair appointment and choose your date and time instantly – when you use your Do It Onlineaccount.

REPAIR APPOINTMENTS

AT THECLICK

OF ABUTTO

N

Not got your account yet? Go to www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/do-it-onlineand follow the easy instructions.

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Come and show off your talent at this year’s Flair Fair in the weekbeginning 10th to 15th November - we’ll be on the ground floor

of the Mander Centre.

Last year we had photographers, pickle-makers, cake decorators, hairdressers, artists and many more, showing their crafts and skills.

Come and join the showContact Sue Good 01902 556789 to book your place.

Not got a skill to show off? Don’t worry – come to the show and check out your neighbours’ talents. You might want to start your Christmas shopping and buy their craft items.

www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/flairfair

What’s your talent?

CITY GARDENOur annual Pride in Your Community competition kicked off in the summer with the City Garden category.

We had loads of entries from green-fingered tenants and the judges had a difficult time deciding who should win. They’ve made their decision but it’ll stay a closely guarded secret until the

Get Togethers in October (page 4). So come along to find out.

NEIGHBOURS’ WEEK Events took place across the city in August for Neighbours’ Week. Our front cover shows a photo of the Castlebridge Gardens fun day and here are some more photos from the events:

To find out the winners of the garden competition and Neighbours’ Week come to your Get Together - find out where and when on page 4.

PRIDE IN YOUR COMMUNITYNEIGHBOURS’ WEEK•CITY GARDEN COMPETITION•ESTATE INSPECTIONS•FLAIR FAIR•OLDER PERSONS’ DAY•BE CONSIDERATE

PRIDE IN YOUR CITY MASTHEAD IDEA.qxp_Layout 1 26/08/2014 08:49 Page 1

Castlebridge Gardens fun dayCastlebridge Gardens fun day FSSK and The Ave

nues’National day

Heath Town Estate inspection

Are you energy wise?Winter Fuel PaymentBorn on or before 5 July 1952?You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to helppay your heating bills with a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

Most people who get state pension or another socialsecurity benefit will receive it automatically between November and December.

You will need to claim before 31 March 2015 if you • don’t get benefits or a State Pension• only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Child Benefit

Visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-paymentor phone 08459 15 15 15

www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/energy-management

Energy wise

Contact the Climate Change Team:

Margaret Elseyfrom Lincoln Green won acommunity safetyaward for her workin the community.

Margaret works hardto make sure all residents in the area aresafe, visiting all new tenants, working withthe police and running the NeighbourhoodWatch as well as the local tenants and residents association.

Her award was from the Bushbury, Oxley and FordhousesCommunity Action Network (BOFCAN) which covers a very large area and makes it a major award for any winner.

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MARGARET IS ACOMMUNITY SAFETYWINNER

Your news

PRIDE IN YOUR COMMUNITYNEIGHBOURS’ WEEK•CITY GARDEN COMPETITION•ESTATE INSPECTIONS•FLAIR FAIR•OLDER PERSONS’ DAY•BE CONSIDERATE

PRIDE IN YOUR CITY MASTHEAD IDEA.qxp_Layout 1 26/08/2014 08:49 Page 1

Our latestsatisfactionsurvey is due tostart in Octoberand this year will be a phonesurvey. We want toknow what you think of your home and our services, and how we can improve.

So we’ve randomly selected some of you to take part in the phone survey.

If you have been selected to take part, we’ll write to you first before our independentresearch company phone you to ask the surveyquestions. Please make sure that you checkthat it’s our survey before you give any detailsover the phone.

You’ll also be entered into a prize draw to winone of three prizes: £150, £100 or £50 invouchers or in a credit union account.If we get in touch with you please spare a fewminutes to take part. It will really help us toimprove our services to you.

01902 556789@wh_energywise‘Energy Wise with Wolverhampton Homes’

Tell us whatyou thinkand youcould win £150

Margaret with the localneighbourhood wardens

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Facing up to the challengesWFTA are inviting you to an event called ‘Facing up to the challenges’.

The day will concentrate on the real and challenging issues facing tenants, such as welfare reform, benefit changes and high unemployment levels. You can also find out about the help that is on offer.

Put this date in your diary: Monday 22nd September, 10am-3pm at the Molineux on Waterloo Road, with lunch provided.

To book your free place, contact Lal on 01902 556816 or wfta@live.co.uk

Keep your water safeDid you know that the water in your home can get bacteria growth and affect your health?

The good news is there are ways you can keep your water clean by:

• Keeping taps and shower heads clean and sterilised.• Running water before you use it if taps and showers haven’t been used.

For more details of how to keep your water safe visit www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/water

FIRE SAFETY– are you prepared?How can you make sureyou’re safe if there’s a fire?Take these steps:

1 Test your smoke alarm every week.

2 Know what to do if there is a fire: • Tenants of high and low rise flats “Stay Safe, Stay Put” • Other tenants – plan your escape route with priority to kids and people with disabilities

3 Arrange a Home Fire Safety check by the Fire Service by phoning 0121 380 6253.

Find out more atwww.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/fire

CASTLEBRIDGE TENANTS THANK LEAPERSResidents of Castlebridge Gardens inWednesfield presented apprentices fromLEAP with certificates to thank them fortheir hard work. Sarah Crouch said:

They worked sohard, in extremeheat, to improve our estate. They built patios and put up privacy fence panels, all as part of their

work experience. We wanted to make sure theyknew how much we appreciated their work.

www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/leap

Your news

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Did you know that we keep a record of potentially violent or aggressive customers and that their behaviour could make them lose their home?

The safety of you, our staff and the community is veryimportant to us and as part of your tenancy agreement,you need to make sure that anyone living with you orvisiting you behaves themselves.

Any incidents against our staff will be reported and maybe recorded and shared with other organisations likecontractors, the police or the council.

on our staffDON’T TAKE IT OUT

APARTMENTS IN HEATHFIELD PARKCO

MING

SOON

Your news

Looking for a move?Need a bigger home or smaller home?COMING SOON – newly modernised flats and maisonettes in Heath Town, Heathfield Park.These homes are being improved as part of the Decent Homes programme and have new kitchens and bathrooms, with a concierge service providing support, peace of mind and advice 24 hours a day.

Keep checking www.homesinthecity.org.ukand get bidding. Or for more information, visitwww.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/new-homes

Laura thanks conciergeResidents in Graiseley sent in thanks to their concierge team after a water leak left them without water. Laura Cocker said: “They had to work through the night but they kept us informedand were always available to talk to. They delivered water to allthe residents and we’ve got 40 flats in each of the three blocks,so they were kept very busy and had a lot to deal with.”

Kids’ CompetitionCan you spot the five drills somewhere in the newsletter?As usual there are two prizes up for grabs one for the under 5s and one for 5-10 year olds. Both will win £20 in a Credit Union Account.

Last issue’s winner was Ellie-Mary Reed from Ettingshall. (We had no entries from the under 5s.)Name Age

Your Address

Postcode

The sharks are on pages

Quiz timeComplete our quiz to win up £100* in a Credit Union Account or £50 paid into your rent account.Find the answers in this issue. (*£50 will be paid into a Wolverhampton City Credit Unionaccount, another £50 will be paid in 6 months later.)

1. Where is the Wednesfield Get Together being held?

2. Who is offering low cost electrical goods and finance?

3. When is Wolverhampton Pride?

4. How often should you test your smoke alarm?

5. Who won a community safety award?

Closing date 31 October 2014. Last issue’s winner was Raymond Pearson from Perry Hall, Wednesfield.

Your FeedbackTell us what you think about any of our services and you could be included in the next Tenants Update.We welcome all feedback – good or bad.

Name

Your Address

Postcode

Your telephone Your email

How satisfied are you with this newsletter?Very satisfied Satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very DissatisfiedHow satisfied are you with our annual report?Very satisfied Satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very DissatisfiedReturn to: Communications, Wolverhampton Homes, Chillington Fields Industrial Estate,

Off Hickman Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV1 2BY