CBHnews - Cheltenham Borough Homes
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
GREAT STRONGER INSPIRED HOMES COMMUNITIES PEOPLE CBHnews WINTER 2021 Win £50 vouchers Hamper Scamper is a success! Rise above the damp in your home FREEPHONE 0800 408 0000 VISIT cbh.org 1 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 1 08/01/2021 17:29
CBHnews WINTER 2021 A HAMPER DEVELOPMENT UPDATE SCAMPER – HOT OFF THE PRESS! SUCCESS! In December we were pleased to hand We have also completed on an exciting over the keys to, two two-bedroom flats property acquisition in the centre of town, and a two-bedroom house for shared that will contribute towards our ambition to ownership at Prestbury Road; it is great provide high quality homes for all and be our Helping families get into the festive spirit to have these handed over before Christmas for people to settle into first acquisition solely for the private rented sector. More details will follow in the new Things have felt a little different this year due It was a huge success, as we dusted off our their new homes. year... watch this space. to COVID-19, but that didn’t stop us spreading elf hats to help the fantastic cause. a little festive cheer throughout December. We’re thrilled to announce our fantastic We supported the CCP’s (Caring for Communities and People) Hamper Scamper colleagues raised £610 for food donations PARTNERSHIP WORKING PROVIDES EIGHT, NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES READY FOR and brought 44 gifts for local children. local charity appeal to help provide gifts and food hampers to families who struggle to A HUGE thank you to everyone who afford food and heating bills, as well as anyone fundraised, donated or gave up their time FAMILIES BEFORE CHRISTMAS who may be isolated during the festive season. to help make the appeal such a success. Holy Name Hall, a former church hall, on the site as part of Cheltenham Borough built in the early 1960’s on Pennine Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes’ Win £50 vouchers! Road, Cheltenham has received a £180m investment in quality homes and major transformation to help meet the thriving communities. affordable housing need in the town. The name Ingleborough Mews came from Cheltenham Borough Homes purchased the fact they are situated on Pennine Road, We know that Christmas is an expensive time for many, which is why we the church hall which had been closed for as Ingleborough is a place located in the are starting 2021 with an opportunity for you to win one of three £50 high a number of years, on behalf of Cheltenham Pennine Hills. street vouchers. Borough Council, from the Diocese in February 2019. Eight families were given the keys to This will also give us a better idea of how many Remember you’ve got to be in it to win, so their new homes in the weeks leading up of you enjoy reading CBHnews. what you waiting for? Email your answers by Architects were able to design eight, to Christmas so they could be settled in the 28 February 2021 with your name, address, two-bedroom affordable houses for rent time for Christmas. There are a range of different brands you can shop from, so why not give your bank account email and number to comms@cbh.org or send a chance to recover by taking part. It’s simple, to Communications Team, Cheltenham House, read through this edition of CBHnews and let Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JR. us know the answers to the following questions: All terms and conditions available on our 1 How many baking and crafting packs website at cbh.org did our volunteer Lou deliver to families over Christmas? 2 How do you avoid condensation when cooking in the kitchen? 3 Which page will you find the following quote ”....It is really lovely to have such kind and helpful staff that actually talk to you.” COVER PHOTO: Our amazing volunteer Lou (left), receives her baking pack from our Community Investment Officer, Alexis (see page 12). Resource Reg. No. 2110 2 3 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 2-3 08/01/2021 17:30
CBHnews WINTER 2021 OUR PLANS FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES: THE FUTURE Enhance the way we engage with our customers, through the Continue to invest and support the Action on ACE’s project to help young people and Your valuable feedback has guided us and is at the heart of our priorities for the expansion of online services, to future, along with our promise to make Cheltenham a better place to live. make it easier for you to get in their Families. Below are some of the highlights and achievements. touch with us. Work closely with CBC and our partners to: The disruption of recent months has meant • Support families who are struggling GREAT HOMES: we’ve had to change the way we work so we can safely move towards a ‘better normal.’ financially • Assist Adults and older people who While our reception areas are closed due need extra help with their health and Continue our close working Our new development to lockdown, we are no longer taking care needs partnership with Cheltenham at Monkscroft Villas will payments in cash. provide 27 new homes and on the former • Tackle any loneliness or isolation, Borough Council to meet demand site of Holy Name Hall on Pennine Road This has proven to be a real success with particularly during these difficult times for more affordable homes. the keys to 8 homes were handed over to positive feedback from you and we’re the new tenants at the end of 2020. reinvesting the savings made from doing • Help people find employment and We were extremely get the training opportunities they pleased to hear that this into alternative payment options and We also buy homes on need to thrive developing a CBH app to improve access 87% the open market which to our services. are then rented out to Help families secure and sustain a long of you are happy with the quality of your CBH tenants. In 2019/20 term place they can call home. we purchased 27 properties, Continue to provide a high level of home and a fantastic customer service, using your feedback to On average we’ve prevented another way to help provide 92% 150 more, much needed housing. continually shape the services we deliver. of you feel safe. We believe everyone deserves a safe and secure place they can call home, so We’re committed to supporting the council’s 90% of you told us you are people from becoming homeless each year. Carbon Strategy we’re working with CBC to bring happy with CBH and We will look to make the new We work proactively with local partners 500 high quality, affordable homes homes we build more energy efficient to support the town’s drive to reduce carbon emissions. 85% to come up with solutions to prevent homelessness. are satisfied we are listening and acting Last year, our Housing Options Team to the town over the next 5 years. upon your views. helped people across Cheltenham It’s great to see you’re happy with what claim a life-changing we are doing, but don’t worry we know there’s always room for improvement £1.5m INSPIRED PEOPLE: and will continue to talk to you to find out how we can do things better. in additional benefits. Provide our colleagues with We couldn’t do the work we Provide our customers with the do without our amazing colleagues. support they need for a better more development and training quality of life and create opportunities, inspire the right Their caring and neighbourly approach neighbourhoods that thrive. people to join the business to see the person, not the tenancy and so we can continue to look go the extra mile, We will deliver services tailored is what makes around individual needs. after our customers and provide them with the services they need. CBH so unique. 4 5 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 4-5 08/01/2021 17:30
CBHnews WINTER 2021 COME YOUR RENT-FREE WEEKS ON Wondering when your rent-free weeks are? We’ve got all the information you need on cbh.org BOARD! Don’t forget, if you are behind on your payments, we will expect you to pay in rent free weeks to reduce them. If you’re struggling financially, let us know as soon as possible as we’re here to help, give us a call on 0800 408 0000 (see back page) We’re on the lookout for new Members! Make a difference in 2021 by joining our Board REPLACING YOUR Jason Langley, shares why he enjoys his role as Chair of the Board: BATHROOM OR KITCHEN Ever wondered when your kitchen and bathroom is going to be replaced? “I was living in the US and returned to the UK in 2013 to live in Cirencester. At the time I was studying and looking for voluntary work and wanted to find This question was flagged up from you in the recent survey (see page 8). To answer your something in the housing sector. I have always felt quite strongly that everyone question, we’ve pulled together some information on how long we would expect these to last. deserves a decent home. I don’t know how people can flourish without one – so When replacing your kitchen and bathroom, we always try to offer a neutral and modern colours. that led me to CBH where I applied for a Board position and the rest is history. We would look to replace your: At CBH we have always tried to be one step ahead by looking at creative, innovative and agile ways to respond to opportunities and challenges within social housing. This of course requires us all to be resilient, which is the number one priority for CBH. Without that we wouldn’t be able to deliver the strong service everyone deserves in the sustainable way we do. Although we have achieved a great number of milestones during my time on the Kitchen Bathroom External doors board, I think that the biggest achievement is the replacement of CBH’s entire – every 20 years – every 30 years – every 30 years IT system. Although it doesn’t seem that exciting, its put CBH way ahead of the pack. It’s one of the most significant projects ever undertaken and is helping us to be fully informed so we can better understand your needs, challenges and wishes, helping us to ‘do more, with less.’ CBH to me is a family, a team and a community that I’m very grateful to be a part of. I work with wonderfully talented, committed, and purposeful INTERE people and that is incredibly rare. The CBH board is a STED? Boilers Windows key part of that family and we work together by being Please – every 15 years – every 30 years collaborative and willing to ask difficult questions. rhian.w contact atts@cb CBH has provided me with an opportunity to contribute for mor h.org If you’re experiencing problems, please let our repairs team know. If you’re unsure how old to do some incredibly important work, to learn and informa e your kitchen and bathroom is, give us call on 0800 408 0000 and we can let you know when tion it was installed and when it’s due to be replaced. enjoy it all at the same time.” 6 7 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 6-7 08/01/2021 17:30
CBHnews WINTER 2021 See how your views are making a difference to our services below: YOU ASB Team Housing ANSWERED, YOU SAID We received feedback Support AND following concerns about drugs in communities and We have continuously followed Government the best way to raise this. guidelines so that colleagues THIS IS WHAT Our ASB team have pulled together information to explain the process and can work safely in our independent living schemes during this current pandemic in HAPPENED the best way to report this – please see page 10. order to keep you safe. NEXT… Whilst colleagues were unable to work on site during the first lockdown, there were weekly welfare calls made to our more Your kitchen vulnerable residents and help was given to those needing additional support with and bathroom food and prescriptions. A big thank you to everyone who has taken the A common question that has You told us that having your housing popped up during the survey support officers on site made a huge time to take part in our quarterly telephone survey. is lifespan of your kitchen and difference. Once we were able to return to So far this year we have had around 500 responses to bathroom and when these can be replaced. each site in a Covid secure way, we made ellent. They are exc the telephone survey carried out by Acuity. To help answer this, we’ve outlined some sure that our colleagues were present at ersonal I like the p information on how long we would expect our independent living schemes. erything Your responses are helping us to understand how approach. Ev these to last – see page 7. ated these happy you are with our services, and give us a better understanding of where we can improve. is so autom ally days. It is re Condensation ve such lovely to ha We’ve done 300 amount of calls so far this year to lpful Contractors kind and he address any issues raised and how we’ve fixed these. We received requests for tually more information on staff that ac Some of you raised Although our satisfaction levels are high, your brilliant preventing condensation. talk to you. some concerns about our feedback has helped us to adapt and respond to your contractors. We picked We approached our repairs needs by making some changes. this up and thanks to your team who have pulled together some top feedback have made some changes to tips to help you rise above the damp – see enhance the services we deliver. page 11 for more information on this. Keep talking to us as CBH has really helped my client out your views really do matter and during the current COVID situation. She is anxious in general and the team make a difference to the way really made her feel relaxed. CBH is run. You don’t have to wait for our call, you can let us They helped me out of a very tricky know how we are doing anytime situation following a divorce six years at: cbh.org/complaints- ago, they have given me a home and let compliments-and-comments/ me live as if it is my own. They have always been quick to respond if I have had an issue. I am very satisfied. 8 9 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 8-9 08/01/2021 17:30
CBHnews WINTER 2021 KEEPING YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD DON’T PUT A SAFE ‘DAMP’ER ON YOUR HOME Condensation is something we all try to Mike Scourfield Our anti-social behaviour (ASB) team play your tenancy and puts you at risk of losing a key part in keeping your communities safe. your home. avoid, but this can be tricky, especially They work with a number of agencies, and Our ASB Team are on hand to advise you during the colder months. independently, to highlight and deal with issues that affect you. through the process so, if you’re unsure let us know. We are happy to report any issues Now winter is here, many of us will be turning Keep your furniture away from They receive many different requests for to the Police on your behalf if you are unable up the heating and shutting the windows to the walls to allow air to circulate support, but recently we were asked about to do this yourself. keep out the cold air, unfortunately this can how we support individuals and communities lead to issues with condensation. Keep trickle vents on your windows combat issues surrounding illegal drug use. open at all times If you have any concerns about illegal Our repairs manager, Mike Scourfield Illegal drug use or dealing is both a breach drug activity in your area, please report provides a few things we can all do to help Open all windows for 20-30 minutes of tenancy and a criminal matter. If there are it by contacting one of the below. prevent it: every morning to ventilate your reports of illegal drug activity within any of Police via 101, Crimestoppers via “Condensation is a common problem, if home – make sure curtains and the homes we manage, we actively support 0800 555 111 or let the CBH ASB Team know ignored it can turn your home into a damp voiles are out of the way while the police with their investigations and, in via 0800 408 0000 or email asb@cbh.org unpleasant place and increase your heating doing this cases where criminal activity is in breach of bills. Here’s my tips you can take to stay warm, and keep your home free from damp: Keep your heating on a low level throughout the day rather than If you can, hang washing outside to Talk to us – we can help! blasting it for short periods dry and avoid drying on radiators Open kitchen and bathroom If you have to dry washing windows during cooking and Most disputes can be resolved through initial ASB officer visits, warning letters and by inside do this in the kitchen or washing for at least 30 minutes making sure the right support is put in place for both the victim and the perpetrator. bathroom, so the window can be left after to help disperse moisture Find your local ASB officer below: open and/or extractor fans switched on to help remove moisture Keep extractor fans on and clean any fan filters regularly (at least Cover pans when you’re cooking once a month) Don’t leave kettles and pans boiling for longer than necessary and use extraction fans where possible SEAN WOODS WENDY JOSEPH DEREK CHRISTINE ROBERTSON SHILSTON Keep the kitchen and bathroom Arle, Arle Farm, Whaddon, Town doors closed to stop moisture Hesters Way West, Centre, St Paul’s, (Mon-Weds) (Thurs-Fri) Don’t forge t Hesters Way South, Alstone, Hesters moving around your home can also fin you Fiddler’s Green & Way East Prestbury, Lynworth, Priors, Charlton Kings, more inform d out atio Springbank, St Leckhampton, Rowanfield, St Mark’s, condensatio n on Hatherley, The Reddings, Warden Hill n at Peter’s, The Moors cbh.org/se If you are experiencing problems with damp, your-home rvices/ /re If you are a victim or witness ASB you can let us know by calling 0800 408 0000 or online #condensa pairs/ at cbh.org by filling in the ‘contact us’ form or through the tenant portal (see page 15) after trying these tips, remember we’re here tion to help, please call 0800 408 0000 10 11 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 10-11 08/01/2021 17:30
CBHnews WINTER 2021 e nt nity Investm Our Commu (right) delivers Say hello to Lou… is Officer Alex to Lou a ck a baking p book sta rt of loc kd ow n ou r live videos found on our Face Since the Run by t’s -on Gr ou ps ’ ha ve go ne from strength to strength. ‘Wha t from our co mm unity inv es tm en t officer Alexis with suppor ou r d pa rtn ers, th ese on line sessions including the free volunteers an new opportunities and expe riences. d cra fting pa ck s prov ide baking an : ing vo lun te er Lo u, she shares her story below CBH in the Meet our am az cam e ac ro ss th e Fa cebook Lives run by video “I first cr af ting packs along with th ey de liv er ed Summer when me when I Th is wa s on e of th e many lifesavers for th In her own words, Lou shares tutorials. st lockdown. I live wi n Pop the cinnamon rolls in the oven ho m e du rin g th e fir symptoms her recipe below: and had the kids at E) an d ev er y day I’m faced with cook them at 170 fan for 20 minutes lit is (M Myalgic encephalomye he s or pains, sleep disturb ance, cognitive Why not put your baking skills to the ni c fa tig ue , ac u can including chro n You don’t have to cook them all tal exhaustion. As yo test and check out my super easy and e ph ys ic al or m en impairment and inte ns makes it hard for me instantly, the remaining cut rolls will al l we llb ei ng an d it delicious cinnamon swirls below: y over imagine this affects m in and schooling. If I overdo keep in the fridge 3-5 days, or you can es ho us ew or k, ad m to do basic things lik n Mix 50g demerara sugar (I didn’t hav keep them in the freezer for 1 month, s. ffering more symptom e it, I run the risk of su demerara so used light brown), with sed CBH, I was really plea so you can cook them fresh another day lin e se ss io ns ru n by 50g of but ter and 1tbs of ground the on When I came across re no t to o complex, all supplies were iti es we e cinnamon. Put in a small dollop of to find that the activ with was so helpful. Th If you would like to get involved, al ad ul t’ to do it a ‘virtu Wilson - aldi biscof f spread because I love it! provided and having were exhibited in The or find out more about our volunteer ge th er as a fa m ily ter designs we made to the Art in YOUR Quar opportunities we’d love to hear from Mu se um , as pa rt of n Unroll your room temperature puf f ry & Cheltenham Art Galle ent. you, contact the community investment eat sense of achievem pastry and spread the mixture on, t, an d we fe lt a gr projec the kids team on 0800 408 0000 or email nt back to work and leaving 1cm along the longest side de d, m y hu sb an d we ned Once lockdown en of loneliness, so I sig communityinvestment@cbh.org lt a m as siv e se ns e I fe sappoint! went back to school, s and they did not di n Carefully roll up, use the paper to af t an d ba ki ng pa ck , see up to the weekly cr ke – cinnamon rolls help if needs be. Before you get an d ve ry sim pl e to ba I posted my signature start of a ow this would be the to the end, wipe the 1cm with egg ci pe . Li ttl e di d I kn page 13 for the re ex is who runs the sessions . wash to help it stick ie nd sh ip wi th Al beautiful fr start e of ac hi ev em en t ag ain, at being able to n Cut (roughly) 2cm (you should get ns g After discovering a se m fo rt of m y ow n home without sufferin in the co about 17/18) and put them onto a and finish something to uch with Alexis to he lp with more ue nc es , I ke pt in passionate baking tray with baking paper on it. the conseq As a Ch el tenham resident I’m ng id ea s. urch Leave a gap between them. I managed crafting and baki ity , I’m a vo lunteer at St Paul’s Ch co m m un is Christmas by about supporting my to get 9 on a chip tray. Brush with egg d m ak e a di ff er en ce to more people th using and felt we coul rtners. Together, we’re wash if you have an egg H an d ot he r lo ca l pa joining forces with CB ns to pr ovide a unified appr oach to help t co nn ec tio g packs all our differen liv er ed 70 ba king and 151 craftin we de others. Over Christmas joy. to spread the festive Wi th ou t Al ex is an d CB H I would not be do ing CLE DON’T WASTE IT! RECYfood the funds, energy, this. I would not have Did you know you can recycle any cooked or raw ivatio n or co nfi de nce to do these things m ot scraps? Make sure you remove all packaging from your e so much more than alone. These packs ar food waste, especially plastic before adding to your have helped with my free resources, they y physical wellbeing”. green caddy. For more information on this and what mental health and m happens to your food waste visit: cheltenham.gov.uk/food-waste 12 13 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 12-13 08/01/2021 17:30
CBHnews WINTER 2021 OLLIE CONTINUES INFO SPOT TO ‘THRIVE’ Get in touch through our portal One of our star recruits, Ollie, who If you’re looking to make a rent payment, book your own took part in our Thrive programme repair (non-emergency), check you rent statement or even last year has gone on to secure an view your own account details you can do this in the comfort of your own home. exciting new apprenticeship. All you need to do is visit portal.cbh.org and register During his time on Thrive Ollie successfully using your tenant number, email address and date of birth. secured his ASDAN Careers and Experiencing It will only take a few minutes, but if you need help give us Certificates and received lots of great feedback a call on 0800 408 0000 during his work experience placements with our responsive repairs team and contractors. After graduating from the Thrive programme, he continued to work hard to secure the qualifications he needed to become an apprentice. Ollie enjoyed his time during Thrive with CBH and Cheltenham Flooring so much he stayed in contact, so he could grab any opportunity that came his way to work with them. He also enrolled to study as an apprentice at one of our Thrive partners, Gloucestershire College. In September he received the exciting news Ollie said: a position had come up with CBH and Cheltenham Flooring to join as a property “I love doing my apprenticeship, maintenance apprentice. His strong work ethic it’s better than I thought it continues to shine through, and he is doing exceptionally well in learning and developing would be. I enjoy working his flooring and multi trades skills. He’s also with Cheltenham Flooring and enjoying college life and is working hard to CBH. I get treated very well. achieve the qualifications he needs to reach his career goals. I even like going to college, it’s going really well. Thank you all very much.” Ollie has received lots of positive feedback from our partners at Cheltenham Flooring, our colleagues and everyone involved in supporting him with his apprenticeship. It’s great to see that he is enjoying his exciting new career opportunity. 14 15 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 14-15 08/01/2021 17:30
YOUR RENT YOUR RENTACCOUNT ACCOUNT ACCOUNT BY MAKING BY MAKINGAAPAYMENT PAYMENT PAYMENT Struggling with Struggling with money? money? Struggling with money? Keep your Keep your light light shining shining and and talk talktotous. us. Keep your light shining and talk to us. We're here We're here toto help! help! Call Call us us on: on: We're here to help! Call us on: 0800 408 0800 408 0000 0000 0000 17942.01_CBH_News_Winter_16pp_2020 v5.indd 16 08/01/2021 17:30
You can also read