Opendoor - Idris Elba From Hollywood to Tower Hamlets Homes PAGES 4
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opendoor SPRING 2019 THH.ORG.UK Idris Elba From Hollywood to Tower Hamlets Homes PAGES 4 - 5 Small changes, big difference Money saving tips PAGES 18 - 19 Green fingered gardeners Meet the STARS in your local community PAGES 24 – 25
opendoor
There are 6 differences between these two pictures – can you spot them?
Spot the
difference
Branching out – Puzzle page
tree planting for kids
Pages 6 -7 Page 26
Update on
tackling ASB TOWER HAMLETS HOMES
Pages 10-11 Spring 2019
opendoor
Publisher:
Keeping homes Tower Hamlets Homes
safe from fire Boatman’s House
2 Selsdon Way
Pages 12-13 London E14 9GL
Telephone:
020 7364 5015
Get help to Email:
get online communications@thh.org.uk
Pages 22-23 Twitter: @THHomes
FB: /towerhamletshomes
Have your story
fundraising featured in opendoor
If you’ve got a story you’d like to share
achievement – whether it’s a personal achievement, a
successful event or a fun-filled fundraiser
Story – we’d like to hear from you. We want to
see inspiring residents’ stories in opendoor
event – so get in touch.
Contact our editors
Jane Bailey or Natalie Hughes
Communications Account Managers
020 7364 5015
communications@thh.org.uk
2 Tower Hamlets Homes
Here to help
Struggling with Universal Credit? Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) has a
dedicated team of staff that are on hand to help with everything related
to money and welfare reform.
Ashleigh, a Financial Inclusion works, managing income and
Officer, tells us more: navigating the UC journal. Our
Financial Inclusion Team can
“We support residents who help you with all of those things.
are affected by welfare reform We can book you in for personal
– particularly Universal Credit appointments and also offer
(UC).We can offer support home visits for those unable to
around money management come to our sessions.”
and can help to get the
housing benefit element of Get in touch
UC paid directly to THH. We If you need help with money
hold surgeries for tenants or benefits visit thh.org.uk or
four days a week at locations call 020 7364 5015 to book
across the borough – residents an appointment with one of
just need to contact us for an our advisors. THH can also put
assessment. you in touch with a work coach
from the Department for Work
“The most common situations and Pensions (DWP) who can
that people are facing with help with your Universal Credit
UC are understanding how UC Journal.
Case study
“Mr B’s case was referred to me because the With Mr B’s help I sent a letter to the DWP
tenant had a lot of rent arrears and had been asking them to backdate the Housing Benefit.
served an eviction notice. I discovered that This was successful and we received a
he was vulnerable and that his account had backdated payment of nearly £12,000. This
fallen in to arrears because of a complicated reduced the rent arrears owed by Mr B and we
situation with his Housing Benefit being were able to work out a manageable payment
incorrectly stopped. plan for the outstanding amount of arrears.
We were able to stop the eviction and keep
“I set up a meeting with all the different the tenant in his home.”
support services and THH’s rent officer -
together we put in place a plan to support Mr Ashleigh,
B. I also contacted the DWP (Department for Financial Inclusion Officer, THH.
Work and Pensions) on his behalf to find out
why his benefit had been stopped and to ask
that his case be investigated.
Spring 2019 3
Caught
on camera
The borough of Tower Hamlets is a hugely popular location for filming,
attracting top named TV shows and Hollywood royalty. Music acts like
Dizzee Rascal and blockbusting movies like Marvel’s latest 'Spider-Man:
Far from Home' have chosen Tower Hamlets as a backdrop. Housing
estates managed by Tower Hamlets Homes are used regularly for
everything from TV dramas to commercials.
The film industry brings Film Office, who are managed minimising disruption for local
important cultural and by the Film Office (a company residents and businesses.
economic benefits to the managing filming across many When THH housing estates
borough, for example providing boroughs). The Film Office are used for filming locations,
job opportunities and provides a one stop the Film Office works with local
encouraging tourists to visit shop for all enquiries and residents to make sure that any
and spend money with local applications to film within disruption to them is minimised.
businesses. Tower Hamlets. They provide Financial donations are usually
professional management often made to local community
Tower Hamlets Film Office and expertise to ensure that groups to benefit the area, and
All filming in the borough is filming takes place in a safe work experience can sometimes
overseen by Tower Hamlets and controlled manner whilst be offered to local residents.
4 Tower Hamlets Homes
THH resident, Nahimul Idris Elba and
Islam asks a question. Nahimul Islam
Hollywood comes
to Tower Hamlets
Last year saw the filming THH resident meets were able to invite a resident to
of series five of Luther, the Idris Elba the press screening.
smash hit, Emmy-nominated In January, the Film Office
BBC One series, starring Idris were excited to be invited to Nahimul Islam, an aspiring
Elba as DCI John Luther. As the press screening of the journalist, went along to the
with the previous series, the first episode of series five of press screening and was able
borough again took centre Luther at The Picture House to ask a question to the cast,
stage. Key locations for the in Shoreditch. The Film Office during the briefing for journalists.
filming included Victoria Park, are always keen to maximise Nahimul , a previous Tower
Robin Hood Gardens Estate opportunities for local people Hamlets Young Mayor, even
(as Luther’s home) and various to work with productions and as managed to grab a photo with
streets in the East End. a result Tower Hamlets Homes Idris Elba himself. Nahimul said:
“As a fan of Luther it was an
event not to be missed. It was a
great evening and an opportunity
I wish I could have shared with
other fans. The amount of
people that asked to accompany
me just to meet Idris Elba shows
how much of a fan favourite he is.
“It definitely left me feeling
inspired and I am more than ever
determined to enter the film
industry soon.”
Robin Hood Gardens in Poplar is used
as the location for Luther’s home. Find out more
towerhamlets.filmoffice.co.uk
Spring 2019 5
Tree-mendous
planting progra
New trees being
planted in Wapping
6 Tower Hamlets Homes
At the start of the year THH began a
amme
programme to plant more than 200 new trees
on housing estates. The trees include an oak
at Cranbrook, poplars in Shadwell and fruit
orchards at Collingwood and Malmesbury.
We plan the site of each new be removed, for example if they
tree carefully. The type and become diseased or damaged, Case study – Poplar,
location of tree will depend or are a safety risk. However our trees in Poplar
on the area it is being planted aim is to replace every lost tree
in, for example we make sure with a new one. At Walford House in
they do not grow too large for Poplar three poplar trees
the space. Each tree takes our Helping us smile more and had grown very tall in the
specialist contractors about breathe better car park area and were
40 minutes to plant. Once Trees are important in improving overhanging the track
the hole has been dug the air quality, especially in urban of the Docklands Light
tree is put into position, with areas such as Tower Hamlets, Railway. A tree survey in
particular attention given to as they remove harmful gasses 2017 had shown that there
the roots, to make sure that the such as carbon monoxide was damage to the stems
tree will establish itself in the and sulphur dioxide from the and that they had over
ground properly and are fixed atmosphere and trap pollutants 50% of major deadwood.
to a wooden post to give them and toxic particles. A mature tree The branches couldn’t be
stability whilst they grow. can provide enough oxygen in a pruned because of safety
year for the needs of ten people. concerns of them being so
Cherry trees in Wapping near the railway.
At the Wapping estate we Trees also provide a habitat for
recently planted a number of birds and wildlife; they provide In 2018 we removed them
trees, including cherry trees, in shelter and shade and slow and in February this year
the green area between Franklin down wind speed, reducing air we replaced them with five
House and Fenner House. A turbulence around buildings. In black poplar trees which
local resident came out to give areas with lots of large buildings, will reach a mature height
her support, and said: for example around some of our of 20metres, less than the
“I saw the new trees being higher-rise housing blocks they old ones, and will create
planted from my balcony so came look attractive. Research has a sound barrier from the
down to watch. I’m happy that shown that people are happier noise of the railway for
they are here and hopefully they if they can see trees and green residents living at Walford
will blossom this year so I can see areas from their homes and even House.
them from my kitchen window. “ recover from illness more quickly.
Looking after our trees
We manage and maintain our
Did you know?
Despite their name, Poplar trees do not in fact originate from
trees to make sure that they
Poplar in London but were first planted in ancient Rome. During
are safe and cut them back
the sixth century Romans planted poplars in areas where public
regularly to ensure healthy
meetings were held. The Latin word for people is poplus and
growth and help prolong their
that’s where the name comes from.
life. Sometimes trees do have to
Spring 2019 7
Tenant
Board Member
Vacancy
o m p e o p le w h o want to create
fr
We would like to hear where people choose to live.
s
better neighbourhood
e ne e d te nan ts w ho understand their
W w ide r community.
rh o od an d th e
neighbou
n an ts w ith g oo d co mmunication skills
We need te e d w ith in th e community.
n ne ct
and who are well co
Great things are happening at Tower Hamlets Homes. We manage more than
21,000 homes and have a fantastic reputation when it comes to making a
sustainable impact in our neighbourhoods.
We are looking for a Tenant Board Member to help us deliver great services
that meet customers’ needs.
Closing
For an application form please call us or date:
May
download one from our website: Friday 3
2019
8 020 7364 1657 www.thh.org.uk Tower Hamlets Homes
£40million
boost for Better
Neighbourhoods
The Better Neighbourhoods All of the 900 blocks that we support to residents who may
programme is the long-term manage are different, meaning need it, for example if they have
planned investment into the that the works will be different. health issues.
homes and neighbourhoods we We survey all blocks to see what
manage. It covers everything is needed then let residents New online information
from roof replacement and know what our plans are, with about our Better
repairs to block decoration, an opportunity to comment and Neighbourhoods work
lifts, door entry systems and ask questions. We now have an online
individual boiler renewals. database where you can search
Supporting and for information about your
We know how important your involving residents Better Neighbourhood works.
home is to you. Works will Building work can be an Residents can find things like
improve the appearance of the inconvenience, particularly if we details of the work, timeframes,
whole estate, aiming to give are working inside your home, and contact details for the
residents homes that they can but we always aim to keep this project team. Surveys and
be proud to live in. to a minimum. We will give all photographs are also available
residents detailed information to access.
The new programme for 2019/20 about the type of works that are
starts in April and £40million will happening and related issues
be spent to improve homes. such as noise. We provide extra
Spring 2019 9
Continuing
success in
tackling
anti-social
behaviour
Tackling and preventing anti-social
behaviour (ASB) continues to be one
ASB officers door knocking
of our highest priorities as a landlord
in the local community and we know how important it is to
our residents.
Our specialist team of ASB On 3 July 2018 an officer from drug dealers for the supply and
officers work with two dedicated THH’s anti-social behaviour possession of drugs.
police teams who only operate team and a member of
on council estates managed by Parkguard Ltd patrol service Lee Wayne Carpenter (29)
Tower Hamlets Homes. overheard a telephone from E2 and Juel Ahmed (23)
conversation on Bethnal from E14 were found guilty
Partnership working leads Green Road concerning of supplying a controlled drug
to prison sentences the arrangement of a drug of Class A to another person,
Two men have received prison exchange. Police officers from contrary to section 4(3)(a)
sentences for the supply of THH’s teams were contacted of the Misuse of Drugs Act
drugs on a Tower Hamlets and went to the location of the 1971. Both received sentences
Homes (THH) managed housing drug deal. Police witnessed of 4 years and 6 months at
estate in the Bethnal Green area. the deal and arrested known Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7
January 2019.
The arrests were part of a
successful ten day police and
partners operation in July last
year called Operation Shadow
which tackled drug supply and
demand in the E2 area.
At court statements were
given in evidence by THH
and Parkguard officers which
assisted the conviction and
sentence.
The area where arrests were
made for a drug exchange
Susmita Sen, Chief Executive of
Tower Hamlets Homes said;
10 Tower Hamlets Homes“Drug dealers should stay away
from our housing estates -
one overheard conversation
has ended up with two of
them in prison for a long time.
Through working together we
will stop at nothing to stop
individuals causing misery to
our residents.“
SmartWater – helping
to get stolen items back
to owners
Smartwater is a permanent
liquid, supplied by the police,
that leaves a unique invisible
trace on items so that they can
be returned to their owners if
they are stolen. The liquid only
shows up under ultraviolet light,
allowing the police to identify if
an item has been stolen. THH are
working with the police to roll
out the supply of Smartwater to
hotspot areas around housing
estates.
Operation Continuum –
activity in the Weavers area
Operation Continuum is a
partnership operation between
THH, the police and Tower
Hamlets Council to improve areas and carparks, distributing THH are in the process of having
safety on housing estates. leaflets, answering questions Notices of Seeking Possession
Following months of hard and providing reassurance to served which could lead to the
work a week of high-visibility local residents. loss of their home if criminal
activity took place at the end of activity is proved to have taken
February in the Weavers area. Following intelligence received, place.
19 warrants were executed at
Together with Parkguard Ltd, our residential addresses, with large
estate patrol service, the ASB quantities of cash and class A Find out more
team carried out searches and drugs found by police. Residents thh.org.uk/asb
weapons sweeps in communal in homes that are managed by @THH_ASBTEAM
How to report ASB How to report ASB anonymously
Phone us on 020 7364 If you wish to report ASB without being identified you can
5015 (option 6) (24hrs) do this on Tower Hamlets Council’s website. An anonymous
Report online via MyTHH reporting form will then be sent to THH to investigate.
(only for THH residents).
How to report crime anonymously
Contacting the police To report crime anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers
In an emergency always call on 0800 555 111 (Free phone call) or use their website -
the police on 999, if it is not crimestoppers-uk.org
an emergency call 101.
Spring 2019 11Keeping
residents
safe in the
unlikely
event of fire
Instances of fire are How we manage fire safety Cladding and external
In 2016 THH changed their wall insulation
rare, but preventing approach to fire safety In the last few years THH has
them and keeping management and introduced looked at cladding and external
a new inspection process with wall insulation, following London
residents safe in detailed Fire Risk Assessments Fire Brigade advice after a fire in
their homes is the for all blocks, carried out by Shepherds Court.
an independent fire safety
highest priority specialist company. We do not have the same or
for Tower Hamlets similar cladding on buildings we
Homes (THH). The information from the risk manage to that used on Grenfell
assessments was used to draw Tower, however when we
up our strategy for dealing with inspected older wall insulations
fires. The strategy includes there were some causes for
everything from building design concern. We have removed it
and day-to-day management to from two blocks, Malting and
communicating with residents. Brewster Houses in Limehouse.
12 Tower Hamlets HomesUpdate on fire safety work carried out so far
Front doors • clearing communal areas of representatives and Councillors,
The Fire Risk Assessments obstacles and monitoring to in partnership with the London
identified that there was make sure they stay clear. Fire Brigade.
some urgent work to be done
in nine blocks and this has Our Neighbourhood Fire We have also formed a joint
been completed. The only Safety team working group on fire safety.
issue remaining is that some Our Neighbourhood Fire Safety The group is resident-led, made
individual front entrance doors TEam are visiting all THH up of our residents who are
have not yet been updated. managed blocks, providing on our Board and the Tower
Government have been looking advice to tenants, leaseholders Hamlets Federation of TRAs. It
at new standards for fire-safe and their sub-tenants. The also includes our other formal
front doors which has delayed team are taking action, including engagement groups with
progress, however we have now ensuring that smoke detectors THH officers and London Fire
found a supplier for the doors are fitted and working. Brigade officers. The group will
who can meet the strict safety officially represent the views of
certification. So far the fire safety team residents and involve them in
have visited almost 4,000 our fire safety processes.
Other works residents in nearly 100 blocks
Essential fire safety works and we’ve had commendation
have been completed in 46 from the London Fire Brigade
blocks and another 10 blocks for this work.
commenced works at the
beginning of April. Works Keeping residents updated Check your
include: and involved in fire safety
• renewing communal area Our website has useful and door closers
doors updated fire safety information.
• installing emergency lighting We’ve sent information Door closers are the safety
• works to ensure to residents and regularly feature which ensures that
compartmentalisation of attend tenants and residents doors are pulled to a closed
buildings to stop fire spreading association (TRA) meetings. position to help stop fire
• glazing and building materials Last year we provided and smoke spreading.
upgrades fire safety training to TRA
We are asking all residents
to check that their door
closer is working properly
on their front door. The
closer should pull your
front door shut after going
in or out. During checks,
we have noticed that some
residents have removed
the closers to prevent
them being locked out. This
is putting residents and
their neighbours at risk so
please do not tamper with
door closers.
If your door closer is
missing or not working
properly please report it
to us.
Spring 2019 13In September 2018 Tower Hamlets Homes opened a
Financial Health Centre in the heart of Stepney Green, London.
The Centre brings together independent partners from
across the borough to offer a wealth of free financial support
services and impartial, confidential advice.
The centre is open to all residents of Tower Hamlets and Partners in the scheme include:
14 Tower Hamlets HomesBetween September 2018
and January 2019, the
760
Helped over
Financial Health Centre has: 760 residents
£298k £529k
Consolidated Helped residents apply
£298,000 worth for over £529,000
of debt worth of benefits
142 29
Given employment Supported 29
advice or training to people into
142 people employment
Spring 2019 15Cleaning up
with Camilla
An army of local volunteers from the
Malmesbury estate in Bow got a royal boost
in January, when they were joined on a litter
pick by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The newly formed Malmesbury
Residents Association was
supported by CleanupUK
and AgeUK East London in
organising the event and the
Duchess of Cornwall met local
residents and children from the
Central Foundation Girls’ School.
Camilla arrived at the Caxton
Hall community centre through
an honour guard of litter-pickers
held by local residents and was
presented with personalised
litter pickers for Princes William
and Harry.
Camilla said:
“I will deliver these personally. I will
say they (William and Harry) are stronger, safer and integrated
real pros at the job. We know we communities by involving people
have to do something about it… in litter-picking activity’.
We need a lot of young people to
get out there on an afternoon, a After the litter picking event,
nice afternoon, and pick up litter. the Duchess joined locals for
We can get them all at it." some well-earned tea and cake in
nearby Caxton Hall where she met
The Duchess is President of members of AgeUK East London,
CleanupUK, a charity which CleanupUK staff and volunteers
focuses on helping people to and local school children.
make their communities more
welcoming and helps local people
to form litter-picking groups; the Find out more
charity’s mission is ‘to bring about cleanupuk.org.uk
16 Tower Hamlets HomesGet involved in your local community
out and about litter-picking
– it lets people know that
you care about the way the
neighbourhood looks. It makes
people want to support you."
The local allotment here in Trellis
Square is a miniature community
– people come together to help
each other and we wanted to
try and recreate that on a bigger
scale. Part of the reason we set
up the Malmesbury Residents
Association was to empower
people to think that they are
able to make things happen. A
Residents Association means
that we can bring people
from THH and the Council to
Neeta Kanagaratnam (CleanupUK) with James Malmesbury to highlight any
Clark (Malmesbury Residents Association) problems and influence change.
We want to create a sense of
pride in the area."
James Clark helped start a Residents Association.’
It makes a difference to the THH has a community
set up the Malmesbury
places people live because it engagement team and they are
Residents Association to brings people together – it very happy to help residents
encourage local people gets a conversation going to set up TRAs (Tenants and
to get involved in their about what’s happening in the Residents Associations) so
community." the best thing to do is contact
local community. He was them at the start. I really like
helped to organise the James the challenge of being part
litter picking event by “After moving to Malmesbury, of a Residents Association
we realised there was no – it inspires me; by taking
Neeta Kanagaratnam of Residents Association and small steps we can make big
CleanupUK. one of our main issues was improvements. There are no
litter. If you have residents limits to what you can do.”
Neeta
“CleanupUK’s thinking is – How to get help setting up a Residents Association
Imagine if you could have a
litter-picking group in every If you’d like to set up a Tenants and Residents Association or get
road, think about how quickly a involved with the community on your THH estate, get in touch
change would happen.’ It’s all with our community partnerships team by emailing community.
about making the community partnerships@thh.org.uk
where we live better. Litter is
something that is universal More information on CleanupUK and Malmesbury Residents
– you don’t need to speak Association can be found on the following websites:
the same language or have cleanupuk.org.uk and malmesburyresidents.com
the same beliefs - it’s not If you would like to start a litter picking group in your local area,
just about the cleaning up, it please contact Neeta.Kanagaratnam@cleanupuk.org.uk or
makes people think ‘next I’d 07469 660 843.
like to plant some bulbs or
Spring 2019 17Cash
conservers
Samira Johnson is on a mission to save
residents money. After taking money
mentoring training last year, she’s gone
on to help others. She now runs her own
money advice course from Tower Hamlets
Homes' Financial Health Centre.
Samira says: one thing to save you money. Luz Dadone
A woman on a pension has
“I work with local residents as saved herself £20 a month just
a trainer on a ten-week money by negotiating with Sky TV.
management course. I have Another learner – an Idea Store
twelve learners who will go on volunteer – saves £3 a day by
to help others as Community walking between Stores, it’s
Money Mentors. only a 20 minute walk. Small
changes make big differences.
“It’s important because in Tower
Hamlets we need to know “I’ve always had an interest “Since I started I’m saving £50
how to make the most of what in my community, I’m an East a month. I’m also a volunteer at
money we have. Now, more than End girl. My mission over the the Idea Store, where I teach
ever, people need to know how next five years is to inform maths and Spanish language.”
to budget, how to get the best and educate 5,000 families
deals and keep up-to-date with to become debt free and
benefit changes. financially independent." Financial Health Centre,
Raynham House,
“Money is such an emotional Alexandria Lewicka Massingham Street, E1 4EB
topic, quite taboo and it takes
a lot for people to open up. But The Financial Health Centre
if people know how to save, is open from 9:30am –
budget and prioritise they can 4:30pm, Monday to Friday,
improve their lives. Even for with drop-in sessions and
me, when I did the course last appointments available. The
year, I kept a weekly spending service is free and you can
diary. It showed me that I was book an appointment by
spending money on things that phone on 020 7364 2200 or
I didn't need. Even simple things by emailing fhc@thh.org.uk.
like not buying bottled water or
walking instead of using public “There’s really useful How to sign up for the
transport for short distances information in the course. My course.
can make a difference. tip to save is to think to yourself Email: fhc@thh.org.uk
“In the first week there’s a that for every pound you’ve Phone: 020 7364 2200
challenge, you have to change saved, you’ve made a pound.”
18 Tower Hamlets HomesNow more than ever, people need to know how to budget. Samira Johnson is on a mission to save residents money. Spring 2019 19
Samira’s top money
saving tips with
Magazine
Our resident money saving expert gives you her top tips with a little bit
of help from Quids in!
Supermarket shopping tips
The average weekly family shop comes in at £53.20. Over the course of a year that adds up to £2,766!
If we are savvy about the way we use a supermarket, chances are we can shave off a fair amount of our
yearly spend. Here are some tips on how to do it:
ALWAYS USE A SHOPPING LIST SWITCH DOWN WHERE POSSIBLE
Supermarkets are designed to Often the supermarket own-brand and
make us spend as much money ‘value’ brand version of the same product
as possible. One way we can push is of the same quality as the big brand
back against this is by making version. The only reason they cost less is
sure we go in armed with that they spend less on advertising and
a shopping list. By packaging. Try out the cheaper brands
working out exactly and judge for yourself.
what we need before
we step into the store,
we’re more likely to avoid
making impulse buys.
GO THE EXTRA MILE, AND COMPARE SUPERMARKETS
Supermarkets are locked into pricing wars with each
other. This can be good news for us, as customers.
PAY IN CASH It’s not realistic to think we all have the time to go
around each supermarket, jotting down prices and
Paying by credit or comparing them. Now, though, we can do it in a few
debit card offers minutes, using a comparison site. Mysupermarket.
convenience, but using co.uk lists the prices of products
them in store makes at 15 different supermarkets, and
us much more likely to overspend. lets you compare them against
The best way to make this work each other. You fill your ‘virtual
is to allocate a weekly budget for shopping basket’ and the site tells
the food shop, and take exactly you how much your shop will cost
that amount with you in cash. at each of the supermarkets.
Following these few simple tips is a great way of making sure you’re in control of your food shop.
20 Tower Hamlets HomesSkintDad is a blogger who
exposed a way to get two-for-
one cinema tickets and dinners
out. By taking one day’s travel
insurance for just £1.05 on
comparethemarket.com, he
was able to sign up for Meerkat
Movies and Meals. It feels wrong
Scan me
Deals on tap but it’s totally legit. Use your
If you don’t have a reader on
Quids in! magazine explores the smartphone or tablet to search
your phone, just search ‘QR
tips, tricks and loopholes that out these deals online.
code reader’ on the Apple App
it often seems we’re the last to Store or Google Play to get a
hear about. free app.
They’re all at it. Shops, Future proof your finances
restaurants, cinemas... All
Want to check you’re
offering deals to the few, paid
fit to withstand
for by the many.
future money
It’s annoying but most deals are shocks? The
online but easy to find, even on Quids in!
Quids In! Future-Proof
a smartphone. Sitting down to
a bite to eat in town? Type in Quids in! is the latest to launch Finances Test
the name of the restaurant and a money email service. Unlike is an online
‘voucher’ and see what comes most of the others, it’s just for quiz that takes an
up. No burger is worth £14 but people on modest budgets. overview of how you
when people with a discount get It doesn’t waste readers’ manage your money. It can
two for one, that’s more like it. time with details on where to take as little as five minutes
stash large pots of cash and to complete and advice on
Those in the know, and on it includes all the fun stuff, improving things pops up at
the internet, have these deals like deals, cheap eats and the end. It even offers to email
on tap. There are dozens of crosswords. Sign up for free at its advice to you. The quiz
bloggers, newspapers and clubs qimag.uk/readersclub was designed for anyone on a
sending out regular finance tips If you have QR code reader on limited budget but, in particular,
by email. Some dig out some your phone you can scan here to for benefit claimants. Go to:
absolute gems. sign up: qimag.uk/futureproof
For more details and top tips visit www.quidsinmagazine.com
Spring 2019 21Helping
residents
get online
Save time and money online, such as paying bills, found. Below is one example
In recent years the internet has reporting repairs or applying which could be good for people
revolutionised our lives, from for benefits. who are on welfare benefits or
shopping and getting news a limited income. There are
to how we communicate with How we can help also other deals around from
family and friends. Getting We know that some residents other providers and by using
online and going on to the may not be using the internet this example THH are not
internet is a great way of saving for a variety of reasons, from endorsing it.
money and time. It also makes it not knowing how to use it
easier to access services, such to not having access to an
as from Tower Hamlets Homes. affordable internet services British Telecom Basic +
provider. Broadband (from £9.95
Getting access to the internet
a month for phone line
and learning how to use it can Use the internet for free and broadband)
save money and time. There are If you don’t have internet at If you receive Income
great deals on all kind of things home, you can get free access Support, Income based
from cheap utility providers, in all Idea stores and libraries Jobseeker's allowance
phone deals, insurance and in Tower Hamlets. Some of the (JSA), Guaranteed pensions
much more. Many businesses Idea Stores have staff that can credit, Income based
have special deals for online support you. Idea stores also Employment and Support
purchases, saving you money offer IT and computer training Allowance or Universal
when you shop and letting you programmes from beginners Credit, with zero earnings,
shop around for the best deals to advanced users. They are then you may qualify for
to suit your budget located in: this package. Contact
• Bow British Telecom for more
Using the internet can save you • Canary Wharf details.
lots of time and energy. Why go • Chrisp Street
to the bank and queue up when • Watney Market
you can do most of your banking • Whitechapel Find out more
online, making sure that you are • Bethnal Green library To find out about computer
careful about things like keeping support and training programmes
your password secret. Most How to get low-cost call 020 7364 5015 or email:
public organisations, including internet at home community.partnerships@thh.
THH, provide a large range of There are a range of good low- org.uk
services that can be accessed cost internet options to be
22 Tower Hamlets HomesMyTHH
Manage your
account online 24/7 Manage your services online 24/7
with MyTHH | my.thh.org.uk
thh.org.uk | 020 7364 5015
More than 4,200 THH residents have now signed up - why not join them?
Signing up is quick and easy – just follow the steps below and you’ll be
able to check all the details of your rent, leasehold or garage account
online – whenever it suits you.
Not registered yet? Need help registering? or still have problems you
If you’re having trouble, try the may need to contact us on
sign up at my.thh.org.uk
following: 020 7364 5015 to update
your details before you
Visit my.thh.org.uk and click
• Surname – check your can register.
‘view my details’ – this will
statements and other letters
take you to the login page –
we’ve sent you, have we got Once you’ve registered we’ll
at the bottom there’s a link
the correct spelling? You may send you two emails – one
- ‘Click here to sign up for
find you can register if you containing your username and
MyTHH’
match the spelling on the one containing your password.
letter, or you may need to (Don’t forget to check your
On the registration page
contact us on 020 7364 5015 junk/spam folder in your email
you’ll need to enter the
to update your details before account).
following information:
you can register.
• Surname
The first time you register
• Date of birth
• Date of Birth – If you’re a you’ll be able to change both
• Payment reference number
leaseholder who purchased of these to something more
for tenants
your property from an existing memorable. You’ll also be asked
(on your rent payment card
leaseholder it’s likely you to set a memorable question
or any rent letters from us)
won’t have given us your and answer, which you’ll then
• Leasehold account number
date of birth previously. To be asked to enter every time
(on your statement of
protect your account from you login.
account)
unauthorised access we will
have set your ‘date of birth’ If you’re still having problems
This information will be
on our system to the date you just follow our simple step-
matched with what we
purchased your property. If by-step guide, available on the
already hold about you.
you can’t remember this date website at thh.org.uk/mythh
Spring 2019 23Can you dig it? 24 Tower Hamlets Homes
Tahera Begum (opposite page)
and Iljana Eggert (below)
There's nothing better than growing and
eating your own veg and the members
of the Bethnal Green Poets' Corner
Community Garden – do just that.
Recent winners at our STAR in wanted to grow food with their The spirit of love
the Community Awards for local friends and neighbours. The garden is overlooked by
heroes who have gone the extra handsome ninety-year old
mile to help their local area, Tahera Tahera said: “We have members brick blocks named after
Begum and Iljana Eggert explain who grow food in the raised poets — Burns, Milton, Moore,
how they turned a wasteland into beds and key holders who just Morris, Shelley, Swinburne, and
a thriving community garden in enjoy the space. We’re not Whitman. The romantic poet
just three years. exclusive. We’re making the Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote:
most of the area’s resources to ‘And the spring arose on the
“Our garden creates a positive grow anything we want; purple garden fair, like the spirit of love
feeling, it creates an atmosphere. and green kale, spinach, beans - felt everywhere.’
We’ve taken a derelict space tomatoes are popular, especially
and made something of it.” with the squirrels! “ Fancy setting up your
says founding member Tahera: own food garden?
”People are caring for the estate Cookbook coming soon If you would like a community
in a way that’s never been done It’s one thing sowing and growing food garden in your
before. Now we get visitors from but what to do with all that neighbourhood, email us at
other areas. We’ve built a bridge produce? Iljana has the answer: communitypartneshipsteam@
between us and the outside.” “Our next project is a cookbook, thh.org.uk. We can check if
something we’ve never done there is a suitable area nearby.
Growing food with their before. It will combine our There is a fair bit of work
friends and neighbours knowledge of gardening with our involved in getting food gardens
Tahera, Iljana and a handful of passion for cooking. It will have off the ground, but we will give
other residents were inspired to cheap and healthy recipes from you all the help and support that
set up the garden because they all over the world.” you need.
Spring 2019 25Spot the There are 6 differences between these two pictures – can you spot them?
difference
Crossword Wordsearch
Can you find all the vegetables in the grid? One
ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 word on the list is missing, can you see what it is?
1. Large, scaly
reptile (9) BEAN P M U V A R A P S T
6. Room under BEETROOT
the roof of a 6 7 I E C U C U M B E R
house (5) BROCCOLI N G I L O C C O R B
7. Upper limb (3) CABBAGE
8. Long tube S A W S Y E L X T E
CARROT
used to carry 8 9 10 11 R B P O C E F U N E
water (4) CUCUMBER
10. Football 12
A B R O T A R U A T
GARLIC
side (4) P A L T T N R M E R
13. Collection 13 14 15 LETTUCE
H C U K I A G R B O
of articles sold PARSNIP
at an auction (3) C C P P O C T K O O
POTATO
14. Yell (5) E B A L G E N O U T
16. Extremely 16 TURNIP
good (9)
DOWN
1. Collide (5) 9. Smooth, shiny fabric (5) True 1 Butterflies taste with their feet
2 Beetles cannot fly
2. Make a choice (3)
3. One time only (4)
11. E.g iron or gold (5)
12. Small island (4) or 3 Caterpillars have 12 eyes
4. Picture (5)
5. Type of tree (3)
13. Not high (3)
15. The opposite of on (3)
false? 4 Spiders are insects
Buzz the bee needs to fly to the flower bed. Can you
13 Low; 15 Off.
11 Metal; 12 Isle;
help her by finding the way through the maze? 5 Elm; 9 Satin;
3 Once; 4 Image;
Down: 1 Crash; 2 Opt;
16 Wonderful.
13 Lot; 14 Shout;
8 Hose; 10 Team;
T U O N E G L A B E 6 Attic; 7 Arm;
O O K T C O P P C C Across: 1 Crocodile;
O B R G A I K U C H
R E M R N T T L A P
CROSSWORD
Garlic is missing.
T A U R A T O R B A
E N U F E C O P B R
E T X L E Y S W A S
B R O C C O L I G N
R E B M U C U C E I
T S P A R A V U M P
arachnids
3 True; 4 False, they are
1 True; 2 False, most can;
TRUE OR FALSE
Solutions
26 Tower Hamlets HomesHelping us improve
our customer service
Tower Hamlets Homes are enquiries by telephone or in
constantly working on improving person, but that we need to We need your help to
services to customers and it’s improve our handling of written improve our website
thanks to the help we receive letters and email enquiries.
from our residents. Just before We also need to do more to We know that our website
Christmas we took part in the keep you informed of progress needs improving and we’re
Institute of Customer Services when dealing with enquiries, looking for volunteers to
(ICS) satisfaction survey. We particularly when we are take surveys, test new
had a total of 368 responses dealing with a complaint. features, be part of focus
online and by telephone, with groups and suggest more
comments and suggestions on Our service to leaseholders ways to make sure it meets
how we can improve our services We know that we need to do the needs of users.
and would like to say thank you more work on our services for
to everyone who took part. leaseholders and recognising Even if you only have
this, over the past few months around 15 minutes to
What you told us we have been working with spare to complete a few
The survey was designed to groups of leaseholders in online activities it would be
help us improve our services to workshops to come up with appreciated. We would also
you, and we have been working ways to make improvements. need you to fill in a short
with the ICS to come up with survey so that we have
ways we can improve, based on Leaseholders have correctly information about how and
what you told us. pointed out that the why you use the website.
information on our website
Overall you told us you were could be improved and we will If you can help please email
happy with the helpfulness be reviewing and replacing the communications@thh.org.uk
and ability of our staff when content on all our pages over
it comes to dealing with the coming months.
Spring 2019 27Need help
and ad v i c e ?
The Financial Health Centre offers a range of free, confidential
and independent services to residents of Tower Hamlets,
including support on the following:
·· Debt
Welfare Benefits
·· Universal Credit
Employment
·· Housing
Money Management
·· Training & Job Search
Disability Matters
Financial Health Centre
Raynham House
Massingham Street, London E1 4EB
Open 9.30-4.30pm Monday – Friday
www.thh.org.uk/fhc
Contact us to find out more 0207 364 2200 fhc@thh.org.uk
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