In 2 Orbit Spring 2013 - Orbit South

✰Win a Samsung Galaxy✰

The Brian Griffiths Award is back

Lift off for LAUNCH PAD

Do something different this Spring

Welfare Benefit is changing – find out more

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2 0800 678 1221 www.orbitsouth.org.uk [email protected]

By now, you will have noticed that In2Orbit is sporting a whole new look! We hope you like the improvements we’ve made to your magazine, which we’ve done after listening to what you told us you’d like to see. We’ve even managed to cut some costs and save some money in the process too – which we will be re-investing into improving services at Orbit South.

We’ve got a brand new look

And now we need a new name!

But now we need a new name! We’d like to know what YOU think your magazine should be called? We are keen to keep your newsletter fresh and interesting, your ideas and suggestions will help us to continue making In2Orbit even better so please do get in touch.

Send your suggestions to [email protected] by

April 12 and if yours is the chosen name you’ll win £100 of high street vouchers!

But now, our LAUNCH PAD training programme can provide effective ‘up-skilling’ and give you a ‘launch pad’ for getting back to work.

There are six ‘development zones’ available, covering life-skills, work experience, volunteering, apprenticeships and even a specialist workshop to help you with job applications and interview techniques.

Since May 2012, 700 of our residents have completed training sessions or employment support and now you could be one of them!

We know that many of you are eager to find quality work but may have been unsuccessful due to the competitive job market and lack of proper support available in helping you develop employment skills to place you ahead of the competition.

Lift off forLAUNCH PAD

If you are interested in registering for a place on LAUNCH PAD, please ask any of our staff members to send your name and contact details to: Annabelle Macbeth, Community Employment and Training Advisor. [email protected]

Orbit Apprentices Joe Lynch and Sheri Packham

3Would you like In2Orbit in a different format or language? Contact us on 0800 678 1221

Send your suggestions to [email protected] by

April 12 and if yours is the chosen name you’ll win £100 of high street vouchers!

We are looking for Orbit South residents of all ages with an interest in using the internet and technology to join our new Digital Engagement Focus Group.The group will meet four times a year in Maidstone and will help us develop:

• Our online services for residents such as our website, residents blogs and use of social media e.g. Facebook and Twitter

• Projects which will support our residents to get online and develop IT skills

In between meetings the group will use the internet to communicate and work together on projects.

Training will be available to help you develop and improve your IT skills and we can provide transport or refund your travel expenses for meetings.

The Brian Griffiths Award is back and is again offering you the chance to gain qualifications or work-based skills.

Named after a former Orbit Board member who dedicated his life to helping others, the award will have up to £10,000 to fund one or more people the chance to achieve their learning and development goal. Now in its third year, the award has helped

36 residents across Orbit’s operating regions to achieve a variety of skills and qualifications. Previous successful applicants have been granted funding for anything from teaching assistant qualifications and football coaching certificates to floristry and butchery courses.

Details of how to apply will be making their way to you soon so watch this space!

2013

onlineservices

Help us to develop our

For more information please contact:Tom Gaskin on 0800 678 1221 or email [email protected]

Interested in the internet? Feeling social?

Want to help us improve our services?

We’ve got a New Samsung Galaxy to give away!In this age of digital technology, we want to be able to use the most up to date methods for contacting you quickly and efficiently.

If you call our Customer Service Centre on 0345 600 2535 before April 30, and give us your mobile number and email address you’ll be entered into our prize draw to win a New Samsung Galaxy.

So, what are you waiting for!

GIVE US YOUR DETAILS TO WIN A NEW SAMSUNG GALAXY

Starting a new season sees a lot of change in the world around us, so why not try something different yourself as you step into Spring? Here’s a few of our suggestions for things you could try:

Step intoSpring

Tidy your garden – and if you really enjoy gardening, why not consider adopting a green space? Contact Estate Services to find out more.

Get online – you could use the internet to report a repair or pay your rent quickly and easily, as well as finding money-saving offers only available online. Visit our Customer Secure area at www.orbitsouth.org.uk

Learn a new skill – Orbit’s bursary scheme ‘Launch into Learning’ offers up to £250 per person towards some of the costs involved in attending a course, could help. Contact the Community Investment Team on 0800 678 1221 for more information.

Get involved – There are loads of ways to be involved with Orbit South and we always welcome your input! Check out our Resident Involvement blog at www.osinvolvedresidents.org

Sort out your finances – get all your figures straight! If you’re struggling with paying your rent or want to set up a direct debit, contact the Income Recovery Team on 0800 678 1221.

Get to know your neighbour – being on friendly terms with your neighbours can make a huge difference to your home so why not say hello?



CustomerFirstThe way we work

Residents enjoyed an open day at Lambert Court in Erith. Over 40 residents attended and learnt about the new technologies and equipment available to residents in Orbit South Sheltered Accommodation. To celebrate, residents were given the opportunity to take part in a range of activities including cake decorating, arts and crafts and DIY and computer training.

Some residents even had a go at tweeting celebrities from the new Supported Housing and Retirement Living Twitter account!

Residents in the Bexley area were invited to learn some valuable skills through various events laid on by our Community Investment team in partnership with MITIE and Step up Bexley. This included a ‘Confidence Building’ course as well as other practical skills

such as DIY, sewing, childcare and hairdressing. Taster activities to try recreation skills such as cake decorating and use of social media were also available for residents to have a go at – a fun day for all involved!

We recently celebrated Customer First Week, an event that is organised across Orbit to show our commitment to providing good service to customers.

To mark the occasion, we held events across the region for residents to enjoy. Here’s a taster of what went on around Orbit South:

L A M B E R T C O U R T

Staff at Victoria Villa, a sheltered scheme in Margate, arranged for representatives from Side by Side advocacy and East Kent Independent Dementia Support to give talks to residents about the services that they provide, as well as conducting a customer satisfaction survey of residents.

V I C T O R I A V I L L A

B E X L E Y

mini news.....In2Orbit onlineDid you know you can also now read In2 Orbit on our Residents’ blog? You can find it by visiting www.osinvolvedresidents.org and searching for In2Orbit. You can add comments too, so make sure you tell us what you think of this edition of In2Orbit and give us your ideas for stories.

Bexley residents learning DIY skills, hairdressing and sewing

Residents at Lambert Court learn cake decorating skills.

Our summer issue will

announce some of the improvements we’re planning as part of our 2020 transformation.

Twenty ‘Rising Stars’ awards of up to £250 are available for children of Orbit South residents who need money towards achieving a personal goal. Visit our website for details!

Watch the next issue for changes to our complaints process

Let’s hear it for the BoardDid you know we have resident Board members in Orbit East and Orbit South who help us set our future direction? We’re looking for a new member – check the leaflet that came with this magazine for details.

Final reminder!Benefit changes

The Welfare Reforms introduced under the Government’s Welfare Reform Act of 2012 start coming into force in April 2013.

As a reminder, the main changes are:

Size Criteria for Housing Benefit – From 1 April 2013 you will lose Housing Benefit if you are occupying a home that is considered too big for your household. You could lose up to 25% of your Housing Benefit. Visit www.orbitsouth.org.uk and use our benefit calculator to see if you might be affected.

Council Tax Support – All local Councils will start running their own local scheme for Council Tax support from 1 April 2013, with different rules about who qualifies for Council Tax support and how much they will get. Nearly everyone of working age will have to pay some Council Tax even if you have never paid any before. Check with your local Council for further details.

The Benefit Cap – Starts from Summer/Autumn of 2013. No exact details of times have been announced yet but there will be a maximum amount any household can claim in benefits of £500 per week for couples or families with children or £350

per week for single people. If you are affected you may find your household income severely reduced, particularly if you have a large family and live in a high rent area.

If you are going to be affected by these changes, you should be contacted by the DWP or your local Council.

Orbit South’s Under Occupation Officer, Angie Settle, can also provide

support and guidance on the changes and how they may affect you. Angie will be contacting any affected residents before these changes come into force. Three ways to find out more:

• Contact our Income or Neighbourhood teams

• Visit our special New Welfare Reform page on our website

• Contact Angie Settle on 0800 678 1221 [email protected]

We recently helped a Bexley resident who had been turned down for housing benefit as she was considered to have too much capital.

Welfare Benefits Adviser Sue Oaten provided evidence to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing this was not the case and it was also discovered that the resident’s pension credit had been miscalculated since 2003. The resident received a backdated cheque for £8,255! Additional benefit entitlements were also secured as a result and our resident is now better off by more than £130 per week.

Sue also helped a disabled Bexley resident in her 70s to secure extra pension credit and housing and council tax benefit. The resident now receives £51.85 per week in attendance allowance.

For free, independent, debt and money advice contact our Income Team.

Struggling with your finances? We can help!

Sue O

aten

Universal Credit also starts from October 2013 – watch out for more in our Summer

newsletter or visit our website to download our Handy Guide to Welfare

Reform.


Benefit changes

7

mini news.....

Performance indicators Target Actual Measurement

Current rent arrears (before payment of Housing Benefit)

£2,736,144 £2,876,883

Current rent arrears (after payment of Housing Benefit)

£1,843,501 £2,876,883

Average time to re-let an empty property (only Day to Day repairs lettings) General needs only

20 days 22.9 days

% of Rent loss due to empty properties

1.20% 1.50%

Gas safety - % 100% 99.95%

Repairs completion: Emergency 99.60% 98.75%

Urgent 98.80% 97.96%

Routine 97.02% 97.02%

How we’re doingOctober to December 2012

A choice of ways to pay your rent

We now offer many ways you can pay your rent:

✔ Direct debit✔ Swipe card✔ Online✔ Standing order✔ By phone✔ By post✔ At the bank

Remember, it’s very important to keep up with your rent payments. Our Income Team is here to advise and support you so if you are experiencing difficulty paying your rent, or would like further information, please contact us on 0800 678 1221

Welfare Benefit Surgeries Do you require assistance and advice understanding Welfare Benefit?

• Welfare Benefit Reform • Debts and Budgeting• Discretionary Housing Benefits • Grant Application• General Benefit advice

We are here to help. Did you know that we offer surgeries, a drop-in service designed to assist you or any member of your household. No appointment necessary.

Surgery Details are as follows:

Sue Oaten Bexley Town Hall, Erith Thursdays between 9am and 3pm

Simone CaudellFoy House, Margate Wednesdays between 10am and 1pm

Come along and see what we can do for you or contact Sue or Simone on 0800 678 1221.

Would you like In2Orbit in a different format or language? Contact us on 0800 678 1221

We work hard to deliver a ‘Customer First’ service to you and one of the ways we measure our progress is through the collection of key performance information from across Orbit. So see below for how we’re doing or check our website for full details.

8

Residents in Bexley have been creating clothes and accessories as part of a 5 week Bexley Step Up dressmaking course paid for through our Community Investment Fund* and facilitated by t.e.a.m consultancy. Under the guidance of fashion designer and dressmaking tutor Libby Rose, the group created a range of unique personal bags.Resident Ruqiyo Cali commented

“The dressmaking course is really great, it’s well organised by Kara and Nat. I understand everything Libby is teaching - she is a brilliant tutor. I want to be a tailor and this course is going to give me the opportunity to develop my career. I’m really grateful for

this opportunity and the group is lovely. I hope to continue developing these skills on a further step up dressmaking course.”

For more information on all the courses run by the Step Up project DIY visit www.facebook.com/BexleyStepUp

*The CIF is the result of cost savings across Orbit. So far it has paid for apprenticeships, garden clearance, computers for sheltered schemes and more. Send your ideas of how the CIF could help you or your community to oe&[email protected]

The costs of presents, entertaining and travel at Christmas keep going up so, this year, why not plan ahead?

With a Christmas savings account you can build up your funds in advance and avoid the worries of those extra costs and big bills.

With a Kent Savers Credit Union Christmas account, Orbit South will get you started on the savings path by paying your £2 membership fee, £5 into your main share account and the first £15 to your Christmas account.

You can access your Christmas account money from 1 November to 31 December 2013, enabling you to spend any left over money in the sales.

This offer is open to all Orbit South residents; all residents can join Kent Savers, or you can choose a credit union nearer to you. We work in partnership with many local credit unions so check our web site to find your nearest one.

For full details and an application form contact Kent Savers on www.kentsavers.co.uk or call 0333 321 9050

0800 678 1221 www.orbitsouth.org.uk [email protected]

It’s a stitch up!

Libby Rose and the students modelling their new creations

Make 2013 the year to remember

Our new Launch into Learning Grant Scheme offers up to £250 per person towards some of the costs involved in attending a college course, such as fees, equipment, travel or child care.If you think you could benefit from a grant, please get in touch.

For more information contact Lisa Bartholomew, Community Investment Apprentice on 0800 678 1221

Launch intoLearning

Estate inspections – residents investigate!The latest review completed by the Orbit South Scrutiny Panel, a group of residents who review our services, makes suggestions and challenge how we do things, was recently presented to our senior staff.

This time the panel looked at Estate Inspections, focusing on the way inspections are carried out, why there is a lack of residents who attend inspections and how feeding back results of inspections to all residents can be improved.

As usual the panel worked extremely hard, interviewing staff and residents attending estate inspections to get a first hand view of what goes on.

They came up with some great suggestions for improvements and now await comments – watch this space for an update!

To get involved, contact the Resident Engagement Team on 0800 678 1221

9

Residents from two of our sheltered schemes are now more comfortable with using the world wide web thanks to a training day provided by Orbit staff.

As part of our aim of helping people access the benefits of the internet, staff members acted as ‘Digital Champions’ introducing residents to the internet, mobile devices and laptop computers.

At events at Evelyn House in Strood, and Bushey Court, Erith residents were shown how to use the internet to engage with the services we offer, as well as how to pursue personal interests.

Evelyn House resident, Arthur Barnes, said; “I had heard about iPhones before, but had never actually seen one being used. I had no idea there was so much that you could do with one and found the session really interesting. I’m even thinking of getting one myself!”

Residents agreed that they would now consider using the internet alone as a means of finding information, shopping or recreational browsing. A resident at Bushey Court even declared that she was now planning to purchase an iPad!

Several Orbit South Sheltered Housing residents from Sussex recently took advantage of free food hygiene training.

On completing the level 2 course and receiving a certificate, some of our Marler House residents are already putting their new knowledge to good use.Marler House resident Mr Kinner said “This now means I can support our scheme in providing our own food for the events we put on, saving us a great deal of money.”

Marler House is planning a ‘dogs night’ event next - and the

residents are looking forward to choosing, preparing and eating all their own food!

Orbit South belongs to a benchmarking and training sharing group with several other Housing Associations and Councils in the Sussex area. One of the main aims of the group is to provide residents with free of charge new skills training. Other previous courses included first aid, fundraising and chairing meetings.

For more information about the training courses available, please contact the Resident Engagement Team.

Would you like In2Orbit in a different format or language? Contact us on 0800 678 1221

RES

IDENT SCRUTIN

Y PA

NEL

Internet-savvy!

Residents from Evelyn House and Bushey Court enjoying digital training with Orbit South Digital Champions

Sheltered scheme residents become more

Food Glorious Food!!!

10

Makeover for Elizabeth Court Our Neighbourhood Officers are here to help you make the most of your tenancy and learn about opportunities to improve the area you live in. If you have an idea, just let your Neighbourhood Officer know and they can point you in the right direction or put you in contact with someone who can help. Staff and residents in Chatham, Kent did just that!

Elizabeth Court is a 12 flat residential scheme providing temporary housing for young mothers and their children who are in difficult circumstances. With help from their two full-time support workers, Martha and Rosemary, they gain the life skills and confidence enabling them to move on into a home of their own. Residents are encouraged to make the space their own while they are there and create a homely environment. So, when an area on the first floor that everyone wanted to use as a place to meet and socialise needed some work, Orbit South stepped in providing specially designed baby gates, coloured notice boards and bean bag furniture.

It’s now become the hub of the scheme giving residents a comfortable place to share their experiences and build relationships!

0800 678 1221 www.orbitsouth.org.uk [email protected]

Protect yourselfWe don’t insure your furniture, belongings, or home décor against theft, fire, vandalism and burst pipes so, if the worst happens, make sure you’re prepared.

Planning permission has been granted to transform a high-rise estate in Erith into a new community of houses and low rise apartments for Orbit South.

Work on the Larner Road site is expected to begin in March with the first homes ready in early 2015.

The scheme, one of the largest projects of its type in London, will include a mix of houses and low rise apartments for affordable rent, private sale and low cost home ownership.

Green light for Larner Road regeneration

These computer generated images show how Larner Road will look when complete

Did you know we run a special home contents insurance scheme for our residents, which can be paid for monthly?

Contact your Neighbourhood Officer for a leaflet, or visit our website for details.

Elizabeth Court’s Mason Bryant aged 2.

Orbit South’s Customer First Awards winners

Sheltered Scheme Officer Kay Corbishley was awarded a highly commended in the Individual of the Year category for her dedication and for consistently putting the needs of her residents first. Kay said of her commendation, “I felt very honoured to receive this award and I also feel it’s good for the team to show that our work is recognised and we are valued.”

John Spice, Area Surveyor and Lynn Toogood, Neighbourhood Manager, were awarded a highly commended in the Team of the Year category for their work with Bexley Police, the Metropolitan Police and other organisations to tackle metal theft in the Bexley area.


We believe our staff have a real ‘Can Do’ attitude and if you think one of them deserves a little extra recognition for going the extra mile for you or your community then nominate them for a ‘Can do’ award!

Leslie Pritchard, Neighbourhood Officer who was selected for his commitment to delivering the Orbit values. All staff at Cherry Court sheltered scheme who are described as being ‘first name friendly’ and for ensuring the scheme is a well run and pleasant place to live.

All staff who win a Can Do award throughout the year are put through for a chance to win a Customer First award for their contributions to Orbit.

Three ways to nominate:

• Pick up an entry form from your local reception

• Visit our website• Call our Customer Service

Centre to request a form by post

Your chance to say thank you

Keep your family safe. A free appointment could save lives.

Hundreds of people each year are killed or hurt by carbon monoxide poisoning but proper servicing and maintenance can prevent this.

For that reason it’s vital that you give us access to your homes when we need to

test your gas supply and equipment.Each year a considerable amount of time and money is spent attempting to gain access to residents’ homes.

Gas Servicing

If you receive a reminder letter,

contact us to book your appointment.

Teresa Austin and Jane Munday of Cherry Court

Leslie Pritchard

Orbit Group Ltd, Orbit South Housing Association Ltd and Heart of England Association Ltd are all exempt charities Homes & Communities Agency Reg. No. L4060, Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1965 Reg. No. 27802R Published by Orbit South Housing Association Ltd, Horizon House, Second Floor, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3ENDesign by watermark design ltd www.watermarkdesign.co.uk Print by Clarkeprint Limited www.clarkeprint.co.uk

Did you know? Monday mornings are when we get our highest number of calls. Remember, you can contact us anytime by phone. If you have access to the internet, you can sign up for the free ‘Customer secure’ area of our website and access your account details 24/7. Call us and we can help you set it up!

Horizon House, Second Floor, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN

0800 678 1221

[email protected]

Our phone number is chargeable at a local rate regardless of whether you call from a mobile or a landline.

Contacts: www.orbitsouth.org.uk

Sudoku

8 1 7 4

2 3 7 1

7 5 3

6 3 4

2 8 9

9 5 7 2 6

9 2 6 8 3 7

6 4 9 2

1

The rules to play Sudoku are quite simple. Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

In order to have your call dealt with quickly and effectively by our Customer Service Centre, it is important that you dial the right number and choose the correct options. When you need to get in contact with us, please call 0800 678 1221

✔ To report a new repair, please press option 1

✔ To chase up an existing repair, including checking or changing appointment times please press option 2

✔ To check your balance, pay your rent, speak to your Housing Officer or to report anti-social behaviour please press option 3

By working together we can make sure you get the best possible customer service and a quick answer to your query. Keep a note of this next to your phone and get through quicker!

top tips

Customer Service Centre top tips on contacting us

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading your new look magazine. One of the things you told us you’d like to see included is a puzzle, so make a cuppa, take a break and enjoy some Sudoku on us!

Documents

In 2 Orbit Spring 2013 - Orbit South