Gedling News and Views - July 2014

ISSUE 22 • JULY 2014

news&views

GREAT Homes GREAT Neighbourhoods GREAT People

#JumpStartJune page 5

IntroducingGH Response pages 6&7

IntroducingNora the Owl

See page 4

Star survey page 9

13719A Gedling Newsletter Summer 2014 v6__ 10/07/2014 17:20 Page 1

Contact usTel: 0115 905 1515Email: [email protected]: www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Twitter:@Gedling_HomesFacebook:www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes

2

Guest editorialJean, Tenant Editoral Panel

Welcome to the Summer2014 edition of News & Views,packed with reports of our eventsand activities held over the lastfew months.

In this edition we are proud tointroduce the newest and ‘largest’member of the Gedling Homesfamily (page 4) and we are veryexcited to tell you all about ournew in-house repairs service(pages 6 & 7). This edition will tellyou all you need to know aboutthe new repairs service, what the

new Repairs Technicians will looklike in their new uniforms andwhat number to call.

If you have any queries on this,please call Gedling Homes on0115 905 1515.

Hope you enjoy your newsletter,let us know what you think!

Jean

Do you knowthis landmark?

This local landmark,

within the Gedling borough,

has an interesting local history.

But where is it, and what is it?

Answers in the next edition!

?

In this edition you will notice small checkeredboxes. These are QR codes. They are a type ofbarcode that you scan with your smart phone ortablet to visit a specific website.If you have a smart phone or tablet, simplydownload a free QR code scanner app. Usingthis app, the camera in your phone or tablet willread the QR code, just like a barcode scanner ina shop. Your phone or tablet will then take youstraight to the specific website.Give this one a try, it will take youstraight to our website.

QR Codes


We want to hear from you!Send us your photos, news, ideas, or feedback on our services and we will

print a selection of the responses in the next edition of News & Views.Email us at: [email protected] or write to Customer Experience,

Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

3Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Contents

News

Nora flies in! 4

Waste disposal pilot 4

Satisfaction Quarterly Prize Draw 4

Just Rewards 4

#JumpStartJune 5

The BIG Lunch 5

GH Response 6-7

External wall insulation 8

Work begins at St. Andrew’s House 8

Garden Open Day 8

Annual Customer Survey 9

Money

Universal Credit: are you ready? 10

Avoid the loan shark! 10

Money Wise 10

Credit Unions 10

Non-collection week 10

Council tax arrears 11

Tax Credit reminder 11

Over payment 11

Tenant Involvement

Recipe, Ratatouille 12

GREATer Training 13

Your Community

Killisick allotment 14

Great War project 14

Fund raisers 14

Poppy Proms & Poppy Walks 15

Gedling Neighbourhood ResolutionPanels 15

Creative Carnival 16

Street Talk

Karen Sands 17

Independent Living

Dementia Awareness Week 18

Cream tea down memory lane 18

The Big Chinwag 19

Catering update 19

Events

Events list 20-21

Fun & Games 22

Our Performance 23


4

Nora flies in!Introducing our newest member of staff...Nora the Owl!

Nora is the mascot across the whole of the NewCharter group and will be out and about in yourcommunity, helping to promote the work we do.

Watch out for her at our community events andactivities - you never know where she may pop up!

Nora even has her own twitter account.Follow her at @NoraTheOwl

Waste disposalpilot

Tenants on BourneMews in Netherfieldare trialling newcommunal bins withrestricted access.This was in responseto tenants’ concernsthat there were too many individual binscluttering the area and that existingrecycling bins were being contaminated.

Supplied by Taylor Bins, the new bins havebeen co-funded by our Community ChestFund and Gedling Borough Council’s DirectServices. Tenant Lee Birkett said “I thinkhaving bigger bins will be a lot better.”The bin scheme, which is operating on twoblocks of Bourne Mews for the next fewmonths, is likely to be extended if feedbackfrom tenants is positive, and additionalfunding is found.

Nora loves a good selfie!If you do see her out and about,

take a selfie and post to@NoraTheOwl.

She’ll guarantee a re-tweet!

SatisfactionQuarterly Prize Draw

Congratulations to Mr Pritchard, from Arnoldfor winning £25 in shopping vouchers in oursatisfaction survey prize draw.

JustRewardsWe draw a Just Rewards winner every 3 monthsfrom tenants who have a clear rent account or aremaintaining a repayment plan, and are not inbreach of their tenancy agreement.

Congratulations to Mr Waldron, from Arnold,who has won £200 shopping vouchers in thisquarter’s draw.


The BIG Lunch is a nationalinitiative, funded by theBIG Lottery Fund to bringcommunities together fora communal lunch. Over 50people from Netherfieldjoined in our first everBIG Lunch.Tenants and residents wereinvited to the St. George’sCentre, Netherfield to havesome food and meet theirneighbours. Staff at St. George’sprovided residents with lasagne,jacket potatoes and salad whichwas delicious! Residents broughtalong their families and childrenwere entertained with a bouncycastle and face painter.New Gedling Mayor JennyHollingsworth and VernonCoaker MP stopped by to chatto those there. It was such anenjoyable day, we are alreadyplanning next year's event.

Take a look at morephotos on ourFacebook page

http://on.fb.me/So3hJF


News

#JumpStartJune

You may have read aboutthe ‘Your GREATNeighbourhood Promises’.In the run up to their launch,we wanted to make a bigsplash about the work thatwe do in your communities.

#JumpStartJune saw a month ofaction across the whole of theborough and involved staff fromall departments. The eventswere themed aroundimprovements to your homesand your communities.

The month of activity kicked offon Sunday 1st June with a BIGLunch (see right). Additionalactivities took place toencourage social interaction,such as walks to the river inBurton Joyce and a ‘Meet YourNeighbours’ BBQ at WaltonCourt in Carlton. Other eventsfocused on the services weoffer, completing external worksand estate inspections.

#JumpStartJune concluded on30th June with a ‘Teddy BearsPicnic’ in Newstead Village.Working with NewsteadPrimary School and NewsteadSureStart, the event saw localfamilies come together to enjoya picnic with each other, and ofcourse their teddy bears!

The ‘Your GREATNeighbourhood Promises’ havebeen created following a year ofconsultation with tenants,partner agencies and staff.They detail a range of initiativesthat we aim to complete overthe next three years, to helpachieve GREAT Homes,GREAT Neighbourhoods andGREAT People.

To read all about our#JumpStartJuneactivities, visit our blog:

www.gedlinghomes.co.uk/blog/jumpstartjune

You can viewphotos of theevent on our

Facebook page:http://on.fb.me/1kczvOB


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The new in-house repairs servicereplaces that previously providedby Mears PLC. Many of the newGH Response RepairsTechnicians have joined usfrom Mears PLC and additionalstaff have been employed.

The Repairs Technicians will be ina new grey uniform and they willbe driving orange vans.

The repairs service will be basedat new premises in Colwick, ashort drive from Gedling House.The two-storey building willprovide office space, stores andmeeting rooms. This newmeeting space will be madeavailable for tenant meetings andGREATer Training sessions.

GH Response will offer a repairs,maintenance and void service toall Gedling Homes’ 3,325

propertieswithin theGedling borough.They will work ona ‘right first time’ basis and aimfor 96% customer satisfaction.

At the launch Gedling Homes’staff and colleagues from NewCharter Group, joined theRepairs Technicians for speechesand breakfast. CouncillorHollisworth congratulated stafffor their hard work in setting upthe service.

Lynn Clayton, Managing Directorcomments: “It is fantastic to seethe launch of a service that willprovide quality repairs to all ourtenants and leaseholders.

Bringing this service in-house willsave us significant money, thatcan be invested straight back intothe business to improve therange of services we offer ourcustomers.”

Following detailed planning and consultation,GH Response was launched on 1st July 2014 bythe Mayor of Gedling, Councillor JennyHollingsworth.

0115 905 151524 hours a day, 7 days a week

It will be a new single point ofcontact for all enquiries

NEW NUMBERFOR REPAIRS

The new number will be managed by ourConnect service in Manchester, so some

of the voices you hear will be different,but they will still offer the same level of

GREAT customer service



News

WHAT TOEXPECT FROMGH RESPONSE

DAY ONEKat Collins,CommunicationsAdvisor shadowedRepairs Technician DaveBeckett-Wood on thefirst day of GHResponse.

08.30: The officialbreakfast launch

10.30: RepairsTechnician de-brief

11.30: First we wereoff to Carlton tounblock a sink in a voidproperty

12.00: A quick stopfor lunch …

13.00:… then off toColwick to unblockanother sink. Davemade sure to hand thecustomer a satisfactionform, to measure thelevel of his work.Tenants complete theseforms in their own

time, and return themto us in the pre-paidenvelope provided.

13.30: Next we wentover to Daybrook tore-set a heating system

14.00: Finally weheaded to Killisick, tomeasure up a voidproperty for a completenew heating system,getting the property upto standard for a newtenant.

14.30: After all this Iheaded back to theoffices at GedlingHouse. Dave continuedon to more repairs call-outs. What a busy day!

We are aiming for:

CUSTOMERSATISFACTION96%APPOINTMENTSKEPT100%JOBS COMPLETEDRIGHT FIRST TIME99%REPAIRS COMPLETEDON TIME99%GAS SAFETYCERTIFICATES IN DATE100%

Timescales:

E (EMERGENCY REPAIRS)

We will attend within 4 hours and make safe

A (URGENT REPAIRS)

Repairs completed within 5 working days

B (ROUTINE REPAIRS)


C (NON-ROUTINE REPAIRS)


11.30

13.00

You will receive a confirmation text, statingthe date of the appointment and if it is to bein the morning or afternoon.

You will receive a reminder text the eveningbefore the work is to be undertaken.

Contact:

13.30


8

Work begins atSt. Andrew’s House

Work has started at St. Andrew’s House, Mapperley,where Derby based Davlyn Construction Ltd willundertake alterations and redevelopment of the schemeinto 32 extra care units. Work began mid-June and will becompleted in February 2015.

ExternalwallinsulationWe are in the process ofappointing a contractor toundertake external wallinsulation work to homeswith solid, or difficult to fillcavity walls.

The work is planned to start inSummer 2015 and residentsthat are included in theprogramme will be contactedsoon with more details.

SUPPORTYOUR LOCALCHARITIES

3rd August 1 - 4:30pm153 St Albans Rd,Arnold, NG5 6GT

In aid of the ParentAssociation for Seriously

Ill Children

Entrance Fee - £2.50Tea/Coffee & Cake - £1.50

Please note there is nowheelchair access

GARDENOPEN DAY


News


Annual CustomerSurveyOur annual STAR customersatisfaction survey is due againthis summer. Your views reallyhelp to bring changes andimprovements to our services.

This Year’s SurveyDuring July, research companyBMG will be calling you on ourbehalf to find out what you thinkabout our services.

The phone call will last for about 15minutes and the research companywill clearly introduce themselves toyou and explain that they are actingon behalf of Gedling Homes. If youhave any concerns, please contact usfor information on 0115 905 1515.

To show how much weappreciate your help,tenants who complete thesurvey will be entered intoa prize draw. The prize willbe £150 in supermarketvouchers or an electronictablet. The choice is yours!(NB: the electronic tabletwill require you to haveinternet access at home).

Competition

From what you told us in last year’s survey we havemade improvements to the services we provide.Here are just some of your views and the changes wehave made in response.

You Said...We Did

We have introduced ‘Your GREATNeighbourhood Promises’ which detailour plans for your neighbourhood.These plans have been developedaround what you have told us youwant. The plans will be delivered overthe next 3 years.

WeDid...

Our Grounds Maintenance service,provided by Gedling Borough Council hasnot increased in price. This has enabledus to leave the grounds maintenanceservice charge at 13/14 prices.

WeDid...

We have introduced our own in-houserepairs service, GH Response.The service will ensure that repairs arecarried out by Gedling Homes stafffrom 1st July 2014.

WeDid...

You Said...“My neighbourhood has declined in the last 12months”

You Said...“Service charges are poor value for money”

You Said...“Our repairs service could be improved”


I have access to theinternet

I can use the internet

I have a bank accountor Credit Union accou

nt

I can budget monthly

I have looked at all myhousehold expenditure

✓ ✗Tick list

If you have answered any of the above witha cross, Money Wise can help on 0115 905 1515

or [email protected]

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Universal Credit:are you ready?

MONEY WISEOur Money Wise team provideFREE, CONFIDENTIAL andIMPARTIAL benefit and moneyadvice to our tenants.

You can call to see a Money WiseAdvisor at Gedling HomesCustomer Contact Centre, CivicCentre, Arnot Hill Park, everyWednesday between 09.30amand 12.30pm – you don’t need anappointment.

You can also call Money Wise,confidentially on 0115 905 1515or [email protected]

Non-Collection WeekThe week beginning 25th August is a non-collection week.

During this week rent is not payable for those tenants with a clearrent account. If you are in arrears you must pay your rent liabilityas agreed.

If you would like to know the balance of your account, please callthe Revenues team on 0115 905 1515 or refer to your rentstatement.

Loan sharks are people who lendmoney without the right permissions.This is a criminal offence.

If you are worried about Loan Sharks,call the Money Wise team0115 905 1515.The Stop Loan Sharks campaign haslaunched an online quiz.

For your chance to win £100 in shoppingvouchers, complete the online quiz atwww.surveymonkey.com/s/IMLTchallenge

AvOID THELOANSHARk!

CREDIT UNIONSCredit Unions have a number of accounts to helppeople manage their money:• Rent Direct Account • Rent Payment Current Account• Budget Account

Credit Unions can also offer loans at competitive prices.

For more information, please callNottingham Credit Union on 0115 828 3121,email [email protected] visit nottinghamcu.co.uk


Money

11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk 11Find us online at www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Important legalchanges to bailiffaction for counciltax arrears

Tax Creditreminder

If you miss the deadline, your tax creditspayments will stop and you’ll be sent asummary. Your tax credits claim will end 30days after you’re sent the summary.

To renew:

0345 300 39008am to 8pm, Monday to Friday,Saturday 8 - 4. Don’t leave it until thelast minute, the lines will be very busyand you may not get through.

HM Revenue and Customs -Tax creditsComben House, Farriers Way,Netherton L75 1WB

If you have no changesto report:www.gov.uk/renewtaxcredits

You cannot renew on-line if the code on yourrenewal papers is TC 603 D

If you don’t have exact figures, estimate themand return the form. You will have the chanceto finalise these later in the year and certainlyby 31st January 2015.

If you have an award of child and/orworking tax credits and have NOT sentback your annual declaration and renewal,you have up to 8.00pm on Thursday 31stJuly 2014, so don’t delay, do it today!

A new law came into force on 6th April 2014.Bailiffs are now known as Enforcement Agentsand must now follow a three stage process:

Try to avoid an overpayment at all costs.The overpayment is recovered swiftly androbustly, often by deduction from ongoingawards.Avoid these by always reporting all changes,no matter how small. Keep a record of the call,and who you spoke to, or a copy of theletter / email.

Stage 1: ComplianceThey will give a minimumof 7 days’ notice of a visitto take control of goods.

Stage 2:EnforcementThey will attend to takecontrol of goods andundertake activitiesnecessary, prior to theremoval of goods.

Stage 3: SaleThey will attend to eitherremove goods for sale, orstart the preparations forsale if the sale is to takeplace on the premises.This stage ends when thegoods have been sold ordisposed of.Fees for the threestages are triggered assoon as each stagebegins:

Compliance Stage:Fee £75You will be charged assoon as your debt ispassed to them by theCouncil. The fee ispayable for eachLiability Order.

Enforcement Stage:Fee £235(plus 7.5% of the value ofthe debt if it exceeds£1,500)Charged when theEnforcement Agent visitsfor the first time.

Sale Stage Fee £110(plus 7.5% of the value ofthe debt if it exceeds£1,500)Charged when theEnforcement Agentattends to remove goodsand makes preparationsfor the sale of goods.There are additional feesthe Enforcement Agentmay charge relating tothe removal and storageof goods and locksmith’sfees.

If you arestruggling to payyour Council Tax,contact theMoney Wiseteamon 0115 905 1515for specialisthelp and advice.

Over payment


Cook&EatIngredients:• Courgettes, peppers,

aubergines, onions• Garlic• Olive oil• Salt and pepper• Rosemary• Bay leaves• Brown sugar• Red wine vinegar• Fresh or tinned

tomatoes

Equipment:• Frying Pan• Wooden spoon• Lid/plate• Knife

Preparation:• Roast or fry chopped

vegetables and herbsin plenty of olive oiluntil softened andlightly coloured.

• Stir in choppedtomatoes with aspoon of sugar, and aspoon of vinegar.

• Season with saltand pepper.

• Bubble through on agentle heat for about20 minutes or finishin the oven for aboutthe same time(180°C).

• It should be soft andsweet tasting with anice garlic and oliveoil sauce.

Ratatouille

Would you like to attend FREE Cook & Eat sessions to learn more recipes?Call Sarah Quinn on 0115 905 1515 or email [email protected]

1) With a baked potato,cheese and salad; aquicker supper would bebaked potato wedges.

2) Chop it slightly finerand add to hot pasta withcheese and a salad.

3) Add tinned beans, chilli,smoked paprika and servewith rice or eat in a flourwrap with salad and sourcream or yoghurt.

4) Add cooked potato,cumin, turmeric, chilli andcoriander and cook itthrough again to make a

simple vegetable curry.Eat with rice, naan breads,yoghurt and chutney.

5) Finely chop and puton toast or a pitta breadand grill with cheese ontop for a simple andquick pizza.

6) Thin down withvegetable stock and addsome lentils and freshherbs or a blob of pestoand make a hearty soup tobe eaten with cheese ontoast or fresh bread witholive oil.

You could make a big batch and cooland transfer either into portions andfreeze, or in a container in the fridge.

£1.06per portion

(Based on 4 portions)This dish is really useful as leftovers can betransformed into several meals:

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Tenant Involvement


WE OFFER FREE TRAINING TOALL OUR TENANTS AND MEMBERSOF THEIR HOUSEHOLDSWhatever you fancy doing, thereis a FREE course for you withFREE transport arranged andreasonable expenses covered.Over the past few months wehave run successful courses in:• IT courses for Beginners /

Intermediate level• Watercolour Painting• Scrutiny Skills• Emergency First Aid• Cook & Eat WorkshopOver the next few weeksmore courses are planned,these include:Back 2 WorkWhether you are new to jobhunting, are returning from aprolonged break from work orjust looking for help to changejobs, this course will benefit you.Managing your MoneyWe recognise that in these tougheconomic times we can all dowith advice to help us manageour money more effectively.

Our Money Wise team is offeringworkshops to offer you tips onmanaging your money.Setting up a Residents’GroupEffective tenant and residentgroups are vital to themanagement of Gedling Homes.This course will help you to setup and run a group, includinglooking at the skills needed toeffectively start a new groupand get it working together asa team.

Arts & CraftsWould you like to be morecreative? Then this is the coursefor you. You will be introducedto a range of different creativecraft techniques over a sixweek course.Introduction to SocialHousingIdeal for involved tenants, thisworkshop provides all the basicinformation you need to knowabout housing. As an involvedtenant this course will help youunderstand the inner workings ofthe organisation and theregulations that govern it.

If you would like to join these sessions, or would like to discover what other courses we provide,please contact Customer Experience on 0115 905 1515 or email [email protected]

You can find out more on the GREATer Training webpageswww.gedlinghomes.co.uk/greater-together/greater-training


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KillisickallotmentChildren attending the Saturdaymorning group at the Killisick allotmentare pictured at a Sunflower plantingevent, organised as part of#JumpStartJune, see page 5.

These plants were then sold for a donationat the annual Killisick Fun Day in Arnold onSaturday 5th July. The children have workedvery hard on the community plot at theallotment over the past few months andhave helped the allotment thrive.

Great WarprojectTenants from CoronationWalk in Gedling werewelcomed by the studentsand Head Teacher atCarlton le Willows Academy,to conclude their Great Warcommemorative projectand to thank everyone forbeing involved.

The tenants were unanimousin their positive feedback ofthe joint project which hadthem creating commemorativebanners. Margaret Wilson fromCoronation Walk said“We have all really enjoyedworking with the students andhope to team up with themagain in the future”.

The Head Teacher has invitedthe tenants to attend a specialremembrance service at theschool, in November this year.

Residents at FoxhillCourt have held aSpring Fair in aid ofThe MyotonicDystrophy SupportGroup, raising astaggering £444.70.

Margaret Bowler,National Co-ordinatorfor the group, sent abig thank you toeveryone for theirsupport.

Want to know more about our community projects, and how you canget involved? Call 0115 905 1515 and ask to speak to Martin Curtis

Fundraisers


Your Community


Gedling NeighbourhoodResolution Panels

John Stevenson from Training inRestorative Solutions gave apresentation on whatrestorative justice is and thebenefits it can bring to thevictim, wrongdoer and widercommunity as a whole.Attendees were left inspired byPeter Woolf’s frank account ofhis own experiences as a repeatoffender, how restorativejustice encouraged him to turnhis life around.

Gedling NeighbourhoodResolution Panels are led byGedling Homes, with thesupport of the SouthNottinghamshire CommunitySafety Partnership. Thispartnership includesGedling Borough Council,

Nottinghamshire Police andVictim Support.

The panels will bring victimsand perpetrators together toresolve conflict and harmcaused by anti-social behaviourand crime. The local volunteerswill receive training and help tofacilitate the process.

Restorative justice works toresolve disputes and givewrong-doers the opportunityto make amends. It can helpto resolve matters andreduce reoffending.

The Gedling NeighbourhoodResolution Panels follow onfrom the success of ourpartners New Charter HousingTrust in Tameside, Manchester.

If you are interested in takingpart, or would simply like toknow more, call theNeighbourhoods team on0115 905 1515 or [email protected]

We have held an introduction evening at the Richard HerrodCentre to talk to people about our new GedlingNeighbourhood Resolution Panels.

Poppy Proms & Poppy WalksCome along to these great events tocommemorate the First World War:

The Poppy PromsLambley Lane Recreation GroundSunday 3rd August, 12noon-5pmGedling Homes Singers performing at 12.35pm

Poppy WalksBestwood VillageSaturday 13th September 2-5pmWoodborough VillageWednesday 17th September 2-5pmNewstead VillageSaturday 20th September 2-5pmBurton Joyce VillageSunday 12th October 2-5pm

For more information and to book call;Gedling Borough Council on 0115 901 3715


CarnivalGlitz and glamour was theorder of the day for a groupof tenants who have beenmeeting weekly at WestmooreCourt in Mapperley, to producecostumes and masks for thisyears Arnold Carnival in ArnotHill Park.

Creative

They paraded their completed outfits at thecarnival in June.

The participating tenants had a wonderful timeshowing off the results of all their hard work.

The group are already talking about what theywould like to do next. If you would like to beinvolved in the next project, find out more bycalling Martin Curtis on 0115 905 1515 oremail [email protected]

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When did you join Gedling Homes?

I joined at the beginning of April this year.

What will you be doing forGedling Homes?

My role is Head of Independent Living,specifically delivering a great service to oursheltered housing tenants. I will also be lookingto develop and expand our services, inparticular the GH Lifeline service.

What can you offer Gedling Homesand its tenants?

I will work closely with tenants and otherexperts to understand and think about whatour tenants and customers want. I have awealth of experience in various organisationsworking with vulnerable and older adults,and this I hope will reflect in the supportingaspect of our housing and related services toolder people.

What do you find the most interestingaspect of the job so far?

Meeting the tenants, and looking to thefuture, to see what we can achieve andwhat other services we can make availableto older people.

When you are not at work, what can youmostly be seen doing?

I love walking my dog and cycling. It’s great toget out in the fresh air as much as possible.I also go to the cinema when I can.

What is the best piece of advice youhave been given?

If you get angry or frustrated, don’t doanything until you have thought aboutit overnight.

How would you like to be bestremembered?

For being someone who gets things done,and being straight and fair.

Gorden Aitken speaks toKaren Sands, Head ofIndependent Living


DementiaAwarenessWeekDuring Dementia AwarenessWeek, 19th-23rd May,our champions ran dementiaawareness sessions for ouremployees, to highlightdementia needs withinthe community.

The sessions were well receivedand, as a result two furthersessions have been set up.They will provide information tohelp staff understand how peoplewith dementia experience life andprovide an opportunity tobecome a dementia friend.We will additionally be runningthese sessions for tenants of oursheltered schemes, with an aim to

establish one or two dementiafriends at each scheme.

We have also been running ‘lifestory sessions’ with our tenants insheltered schemes to recall andshare memories about theirchildhoods, working lives, socialactivities and significant life events(see more details below).

Some people broughtphotographs and everybody had astory to tell. The events were sopopular that we have been asked

to run them on a regular basis.

In light of our work in DementiaAwareness we have signed apledge to the Dementia ActionAlliance. We have completed anorganisation-wide Dementia Planof Action which will form part ofa partnership action plan withGedling Borough Council andNorth & East Nottingham ClinicalCommissioning Group. This planwill form the basis of our pledge.

Cream Tea downmemory lane

Tenants were invited from shelteredschemes across the borough to reminisceover a cream tea.

Tenants brought old photographs with them tothe event at Westmore Court and the grouptalked about memories from their childhoodand of the war.

One gentleman worked as a market gardenerand was exempt from being called up as heworked the land. He joked about the extravegetables and cheese he used to get as a resultof his work. He eventually started a market stalland worked as a market gardener.

A lady talked about going to see family in Canadaas they had emigrated some years earlier and sheshared some of her fondest memories with thegroup. Another spoke about her father in lawbeing a pilot in the war, who survived to become apilot with a large commercial airline.

Everyone talked about their working lives and thehardships they endured but by pulling togetherpeople got through the toughestof times.

18


Independent living

Big Chinwag events were heldat some of our ShelteredSchemes in June. The incentive,from Age UK encouragespeople to organise social coffeemornings and invite theirneighbours, friends and relativesalong to the event.

Big Chinwags took place all overthe country during the week of20th June. Many events included acake sale or raffle to raise moneyfor Age UK in a bid to help endloneliness in later life.

Moreland Court held a Big Chinwagevent and raised £141.00. A further

£35.00 was raised by severaltenants in Arnold attending a BigChinwag at Ernhale Court.

The residents at Carlton Housealong with those at RushcliffeAvenue will be holding a further BigChinwag event In July. This willinclude a BBQ and a quiz.

Catering UpdateIt’s been a busy few monthsfor Gedling Homes’ Cateringteam:

Food Tasting EventMoreland Court hosted a foodtasting event on 13th May, withlots of tasty treats for the tenantsto try. The event was planned, inpartnership with local suppliers,to promote healthy eating and tosource a wider variety of foods tocater for a range of dietary needsthat tenants would enjoy. It was aGREAT success with over 20tenants taking part. A good timewas had by all!

95% Customer SatisfactionAchievementFor the end of the financial year2013-14, the team achieved ascoring of 95% customer

satisfaction from their quarterlysurveys. This was a fantastic resultbut one that the team is keen toimprove on this year. They havejust completed nutrition trainingwith the NHS and havecommitted to undertaking NVQqualifications in CustomerService. The team is also workingon a plan to enhance customerinvolvement in the cateringservice, in addition to the regularmenu planning sessions alreadyon offer.

Corporate CateringThe team is in the process oflaunching a corporate cateringservice. Once fully operationalthis service will provide a varietyof yummy menus for bothinternal and external customers.This will be available to be

booked by tenants for events andoccasions at a very reasonablecost per head so watch this space.More information coming soon!



20

29 July 2014, 10amSheltered Walk & TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

29 July 2014, 10amCommunity Chest PanelWestmoore Court, Mapperley

30 July 2014, 1pm-4pmPapplewick Play DayThe Village Hall, Papplewick

31 July 2014, 10amSheltered Walk & TalkWalton Court, Carlton

July

2 August 2014, 1pm-4pmCalverton Play DayWilliam Lee Memorial Park, Park Road3 August 2014, 12noon-5pmPoppy PromsLambley Lane Recreation Ground, Lambley6 August 2014, 11amSheltered Walk & TalkBramble Court, Gedling6 August 2014, 11amSheltered Walk & TalkMoyra House, Arnold7 August 2014, 11am-1pmNetherfield Drop-In Housing SurgerySt George's Centre, Netherfield7 August 2014, 9am-11amNewstead Drop-In Housing SurgeryNewstead Centre, Newstead Village7 August 2014, 11am-12noonPrincess Close LeaseholderWalkaboutMeet at Princess Close, Gedling13 August 2014, 2pmMapperley Estate WalkaboutMeet at Westmoore Court car park,Mapperley

13 August 2014, 1pm-4pmArnold Play DayArnot Hill Park, Arnold14 August 2014, 2pmNetherfield Drop-In Housing SurgerySt George's Centre, Netherfield20 August 2014, 11.30am-1pmThe Ark SurgeryThe Ark, Gedling20 August 2014, 10amSheltered Walk & TalkBailey Court, Netherfield27 August 2014, 10amSheltered Walk & TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield27 August 2014, 10am-12noon1st Editorial Panel Meeting, AutumnEdition, News & ViewsWestmoore Court, Mapperley29 August 2014, 10.30amSheltered Walk & TalkWestmoore Close, Mapperley31 August 2014, 11am-5pmThe Gedling ShowRichard Herrod Playing Fields, Carlton

August


Events


3 September 2014, 2pmSheltered Walk & TalkSeagrave Court, Arnold

3 September 2014, 11am-12noonGedling Estate WalkaboutMeet at Wollaton Avenue shops, Gedling

4 September 2014, 9am-11amNewstead Drop-In Housing SurgeryNewstead Centre, Newstead Village

4 September 2014, 11am-1pmNetherfield Drop-In Housing SurgerySt George's Centre, Netherfield

13 September 2014, 2pm-5pmBestwood Village Poppy WalkMeet outside the sports pavillion,Woodchurch Rd, Arnold

16 September 2014, 2pm-4pmSheltered Housing ForumWestmoore Court, Mapperley

17 September 2014, 2pm-5pmWoodborough Village Poppy WalkSt Swithuns Church, Woodborough

17 September 2014, 11.30am-1pmThe Ark SurgeryThe Ark, Gedling

17 September 2014, 10amSheltered Walk & TalkBailey Court, Netherfield

17 September 2014, 5pm-8pmP & Q Leaseholder ForumGedling House, Gedling

17 September 2014, 10am-12noon2nd Editorial Meeting, AutumnEdition, News & ViewsWestmoore Court, Mapperley

20 September 2014, 2pm-5pmNewstead Village Poppy WalkTilford Road, Newstead

24 September 2014, 10amSheltered Walk & TalkBritannia Court, Netherfield

September

2 October 2014, 9am-11am

Newstead Drop-In Housing Surgery

Newstead Centre, Newstead Village

12 October 2014, 2pm-5pm

Burton Joyce Village Poppy Walk

Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce

October


WORDSEARCHYou can win £25 in vouchers in our “Summer” wordsearch.Words go left, right, up, down, and diagonally.We have already found one for you!Please send your completed wordsearch to us. A winner will bepicked from the correct entries on 25th August 2014.Return to: Wordsearch Competition,Gedling Homes,Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4AD

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AUGUSTBEEBUTTERFLYFOLIAGE

FRESH FRUITGREEN GRASSHOLIDAYSHONEY

HOTJULYJUNEMIDSUMMER

SUNVACATIONWILDFLOWERS

JULY

Fun & Games

22

And thewinners are...Congratulations to Mrs Croftfrom Lambley. She receives£25 in shopping vouchers inour wordsearch quiz.

And very welldone toCharlie, age 8,from Arnold.Winner in thespringcolouringcompetition,Charlie wins£25 invouchers.

Please send yourcompleted colouringto us. A winnerwill be picked on25th August 2014.Return to:ColouringCompetition,Gedling Homes,Gedling House,Wood Lane,Gedling, Nottingham,NG4 4AD

COLOURME IN!

Name: ...........................................................................................................................Age:.................................

Telephone: ..............................................................................................................................................................

Address: ......................................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your child / grandchild could win a £25 book token inour “Summer” colouring competition.


Our performance


Our performance matters at Gedling Homes.We are proud of the service we offer you, ourcustomers, and regularly check that we’re on target.We set goals for each area of the company and herewe tell you how we’re doing in the areas whichmatter most to you.

Satisfaction & Performance Our traffic light system tellsyou how we are doing.

On target,going well

OK, work inprogress

Below target,looking toimprove

Responsive repairs works undertaken‘right first time’ 95.53%

All responsive repairs completed on time 93.18%

Rent collection rate - rolling 12 month period 100.15%

Re-let time - general needs and shelteredproperties (excluding low demand)

30.63 days

Re-let time - general needs and shelteredproperties (including low demand)

42.67 days

Customer satisfaction with responsive repairs 99%

99%

99%

99%

27days

27days

96%

Customers satisfied with gas servicing 100%97%

Customers satisfied with investment works 86.11%96%

Customers reporting an anti-social behaviourwho were satisfied with how we dealt with it 100%80%

Customers satisfied with the condition ofproperty when the property was let 100%96%

How weare doing

What weachieved

OurtargetPerformance areas


By sending us an e-mail:General enquiries:[email protected] Involvement:[email protected] writing to us at:Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling,Nottingham. NG4 4AD

In person:Please visit our CustomerContact Centre on the groundfloor at:The Civic Centre, Arnot HillPark, Arnold, NottinghamNG5 6LU.The opening times are 9.00am to5.00pm Monday to Thursday and9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday

This information is available in large print, audio and Braille.This information is from Gedling Homes. If you can tell us which language you speak, we willarrange for an interpreter. Or you can ask a friend or relative to phone us 0115 905 1515.

Chinese

Gujurati

Kurdish

Urdu

Polish

Contact usBy phone:24/7 Repairs line0115 905 1515Anti Social Behaviour(24 hours)0808 145 6555Rent Payments0161 331 2224(24 hour automatedpayment line)For all other enquiriesplease ring0115 905 1515and ask for the team youwant to speak to.

@Gedling_Homes

Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111

www.facebook.com/gedlinghomes


Documents

Gedling News and Views - July 2014