SPRING 2015 THE SOUTH ESSEX HOMES RESIDENT NEWSLETTER

> INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PAGES 4-5 | Living with DyslexiaPAGE 7 | *NEW* Essex Police UpdatePAGES 8-9 | Refresh Your HomePAGE 16 | Garden in Bloom – apply now!

Born to Run Three team members are taking on the challenge of the London Marathon this April – see page 3

2 | WELCOME

Welcome to the Spring 2015 issue of Insight magazine!

Annual Report calendar – get your work in print!

Get in touch...To send in your story ideas for future issues of Insight

Magazine, or to provide feedback on something you’ve read, contact the Editor via the following methods:

Insight Magazine, South Essex Homes, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6FYEmail: juliapack@seh.southend.gov.uk

For all telephone enquiries freephone 0800 833 160

We’ve had excellent feedback regarding the Annual Report 2015 calendar that we posted out with the autumn issue of Insight. We hope you are enjoying looking at the beautiful photos from across the town.

Following on from its success, we would like to produce another Annual Report calendar this year – but this time we would like YOU to provide the pictures!

Please send your photos in to us, which must be taken in public places within the borough of Southend-on-Sea. Along with your entry, please tell us about the photos and what makes them so special. Be sure to tell us your name and where you live and, if any people can be seen clearly in your photo, you must have their express permission for the photo to be reproduced.

The best of the submissions will be included as month images in the 2016 calendar along with the name of the photographer and a caption. Any photographers whose work is used will also receive a prize.

Photos can be send electronically by email to communications@seh.southend.gov.uk or hard copies can be send by mail to Julia Pack, FREEPOST South Essex Homes, or dropped in at the Civic Centre. Please do not send original copies as we will not be able to return them.

The closing date for submissions is 7th August 2015. Happy snapping!!

It’s been a busy start to the year here at South Essex Homes and this edition of our magazine is brimming with a wide range of stories.

We have a double page feature article about painting and decorating as our centre spread, which I hope will be of interest and perhaps inspire you to drag out your dust sheets and pull out your paintbrushes and get creative in your home!

Please see pages 4 and 5 for an article about living with dyslexia, which includes an interview with a member of staff - Sarah Marshman - who describes how being dyslexic affects her everyday life. I would like to thank Sarah for being so honest and open in this article, as well as being so keen to help others. I know it is her hope that her story will help readers to recognise the symptoms of dyslexia and perhaps even help sufferers to learn a few new ideas on how to better deal with the condition from day to day.

We also introduce a new feature, which you will find on page 7, written by our community partner colleagues at Essex Police. This quarterly update will summarise the current crime and community safety issues affecting residents in Southend and provide relevant advice and guidance.

On top of all that – we have a great ‘Unique Insight’ into the ‘Can Do project’ on page 12, which I hope you will agree is a fantastic scheme and it is really taking off right here in our town!

I hope you enjoy this issue of Insight – as ever, I love receiving your feedback, so if you have any comments please send them to me using the details at the foot of this page…

Julia PackMarketing & Communications Co-ordinator (and Editor of Insight)

Julia

South Essex Homes operates a smart phone App which lets you access our services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - and is available on Android and Apple phones.

Simply go to your App store or market place and search for ‘South Essex Homes’.

Once you have downloaded our FREE App, you can perform the following functions at the click of a button:• Set a rent reminder• Download direct debit mandate • Report repairs including taking

photos of the repair that needs addressing

• Report anti-social behaviour including taking photos - for example of graffiti

• Calculate your living costs• Contact us 24/7• Calculate if you are under occupying

You are asked to register your details onto the App just once

and then every time you contact us through the App thereafter we know exactly who you are.

It’s completely free to download and you can contact us at the touch of a button! So what are you waiting for? Download the app today!

Download the iHome App now!

Three members of South Essex Homes staff based at the Civic Centre are running this year’s London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, for charities close to their hearts.

Daniel Lyons, Accountant (Housing Management & Support Services), will be running two marathons in two weeks – as he will also be competing in the Paris Marathon on 12 April. He said: “I will be running competitively in Paris but I will be joined by my girlfriend Vicky to run the London Marathon in fancy dress as Fred & Wilma Flintstone, which should be fun!”Dan is raising money for two charities; Breakthrough Breast Cancer and James Hopkins Trust.To sponsor Dan, please visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/DanAndVickyatLondon

Michael Bryant, Contract Management & Compliance Team Leader, will be running his fifth London Marathon. He was unwell last year so deferred his place and is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research. He said: “There is something very special about this event – the streets are lined with people across the whole route and the atmosphere is brilliant.”To sponsor Mike, please visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/mikeb

BORN TO RUN | 3

Nico Hampton, Tenancy Services Officer, last ran the marathon in 2010 when she had only just taken up running. She said: “I really did jump in at the deep end but I have enjoyed running ever since and am looking forward to running my second marathon! I am raising money for The Neuro Foundation - my sister Emir has Neurofibromatosis (NF) so I will be running every step for her and all those who suffer with the condition”.To sponsor Nico, please visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/nicoandcraig

Sarah Marshman, 27, works as a Voids & Stock Condition Admin Assistant for South Essex Homes and has been with the company for almost five years. She has spoken to Insight magazine about her experience of living with dyslexia.

4 | LIVING WITH DYSLEXIA

Living with Dyslexia

Sarah’s parents were aware that she struggled at primary school and as a result she received extra one-to-one help in the classroom. However at secondary school, Sarah was left to her own devices. She explains: “Even though I would understand the learning and participate in the classroom, when it came to expressing anything in writing I would hit a brick wall, like my brain couldn’t connect with my hand. Exams were especially difficult – the way the questions were phrased could confuse me completely and the time pressure made things even worse. However my teachers noted in my school reports how hard I worked – I had to in order to try and keep up with the rest of the class.”

DiagnosisSarah obtained 8 GCSEs and attended SEEVIC college in Thundersley to study ‘A’ levels in Classical Civilisation, English Literature and Art & Design. It was during her time at SEEVIC that she received her diagnosis.

Sarah continued: “It was my Classics teacher who picked up on the signs. He noticed that I was actively involved in class discussions and spoke articulately, however this wasn’t translated into the written work I was producing. He had a quiet word with me where he aired his suspicions and referred me to a specialist team at the college. They arranged for a full assessment to take place by a Psychologist, who diagnosed me as dyslexic.

“With the diagnosis came a range of emotions – relief that I finally knew why I was different from my friends, but I found that I also had to endure other people’s preconceptions about dyslexia and what it meant. Some people thought it was an excuse to be lazy and that I simply couldn’t be bothered to spell words properly. I even got called a ‘retard’ by a girl at college, which I’ve never forgotten.”

Following the diagnosis, Sarah was given extra time during exams and more support during lessons.

“Dyslexic brains are wired differently, the rules of the English language just don’t make sense and whilst I can remember how to spell some longer memorable words, I struggle to retain simple words and information. As dyslexics, we are forced to use the creative side of our brains more, as it allows us to come up with solutions to the problems we constantly face due to our dyslexia on a daily basis.”

Daily ChallengeSarah explained how dyslexia affected her adult life:

“I find it difficult to focus for long periods of time, as my brain is constantly scanning the room for information. I can overhear phone conversations across the office and my brain zones in on that conversation and I lose my concentration on the job at hand. It may come across like I’m being nosey as I’m not always aware of the social etiquette, but I just can’t help it! To overcome this, it’s important for me to take regular breaks, even if it’s just a quick walk to make a cup of tea, as it allows me to re-focus on my work when I get back to my desk”.

Sarah’s line manager, Bradley Staff, is very understanding and the HR Team provide support and is now arranging training on strategies to cope with dyslexia in the workplace. Sarah is also currently learning to drive and, in order for the training to be effective and not overwhelming, her lessons are delivered in short bursts with breaks in between, rather than an hour and a half of solid driving.

Dyslexic people also struggle with reading books and websites as they can see patterns in the gaps between the words and sentences; some people find white too bright for their eyes and they see little dark bubbles or dots, caused by the brain not filtering colours properly against white background.

“The best description I’ve heard of dyslexia, is it’s like people are asking

you questions in a different language. I have to go through the process of translating a question into a language that my brain

understands, work out the answer, then translate it back to that different

language so I can communicate back my response.”

Sarah continued: “Personally I’ve always struggled reading red pen on a white board as to me it’s drowned out by all the white on the whiteboard and I notice these dark dots more profoundly. After my diagnosis, the teachers at college would use black or other colours apart from red to write on a white board. Some dyslexic people use tinted see-through plastic sheets to read books to help prevent the brain seeing ‘patterns’ in the spaces.”

Open Dyslexic font“I’ve tried using coloured lenses in my

reading glasses in my efforts to make reading easier but what I use these days is a special free to use font called Open Dyslexic, which is specially designed to help dyslexic people read (the paragraph you are reading is printed in this special font). It is designed in such a way that there are unique shapes and spacing within the words and letters that stops the brain seeing the

gaps and focus on the word and letters. This font can be used in programmes such as Word and can be used as a Google Chrome add on so the font in websites is automatically replaced with the dyslexic version. There’s even an App on the Kindle for reading books!”

Sarah said she does sometimes get down and frustrated because she is aware that she makes mistakes, so she worries about doing things wrong even before she’s done them. She added: “I sometimes feel like a bit of a burden, so don’t always ask the questions that I should when I don’t understand things. But then I remind myself to accept who I am and move forward. I am currently reading a fascinating book called ‘The Dyslexic Advantage’ which explains all about the differences in the dyslexic brain and how to unlock its hidden potential.”

“I would say to anyone reading this article that if you’re

willing to put in time and effort with a dyslexic person, you’ll get great

results. We are often skilled in spatial awareness, problem solving and IT and are usually extremely creative – so please be patient

with us and you may be pleasantly surprised!”

LIVING WITH DYSLEXIA | 5

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling (Rose, 2009). This can impact on literacy development, mathematics, memory, organisation and sequencing skills to varying degrees. Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual development. It is neurological in origin and is seen to run in families.

Winston Churchill, Alan Sugar, Richard Branson, Keira Knightley, Jamie Oliver, David Bailey and Will Smith are all examples of dyslexic people who have achieved great success across a range of fields.

If you suspect that you, or someone you know, are dyslexic – lots of useful information is available on the website www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk. The nearest office to us is in Chelmsford and you can call them for help and advice on 01245 259656.

What is Dyslexia?

How to get help

Did you know...?

The partnership came about after we approached the Trust for help and advice regarding the Mendip Wildlife Garden. The membership means we can link up with like-minded organisations across the county and can promote our volunteering opportunities to the Trust’s established contacts.

In the longer term, we aim to branch out from Mendip and support residents to

create areas that attract wildlife in their own gardens or communal spaces across Southend.

Sam Elliott, Senior Community Development Officer, said: “It is well documented that we all feel healthier if we have access to green space and fresh air – and gardening is an outdoor activity that most people can take part in to some extent. This project therefore sits nicely within our Healthy Living programme.”

For more information, or if you have any ideas for outdoor spaces we could include in this project, please contact a member of the Community Development Team.

Laura Pope, who is our Specialist Income Management Manager, volunteers for Essex Wildlife Trust at least once a month, when she runs Wildlife Birthday Parties and meetings of the ‘Green Bunch’ – a free club where 11 to 16 year olds learn about practical conservation skills.

Laura said: “I did my degree in Zoology so I’m passionate about conservation. Volunteering for Essex Wildlife Trust is a great way to get out in the fresh air and get a bit of exercise – all whilst helping to educate local young people.

“If you haven’t already been, check out the Belfairs Woodland Centre – it’s an ideal place to relax with a cuppa after a walk in the woods, a play in the park or a round of golf and it’s a great source of information about local wildlife.

“My favourite activities include bug hunting and den building – we have a lot of fun so I would thoroughly recommend volunteering to anyone.”

For more information about volunteering for Essex Wildlife Trust, visit www.essexwt.org.uk, email JoanneL@essexwt.org.uk or phone 01702 477467.

6 | IN THE COMMUNITY

Essex Wildlife Trust South Essex Homes has become a corporate member of the Essex Wildlife Trust.

The Careline service managed and maintained by South Essex Homes has gained accreditation in the ‘Integrated Code of Practice – Telecare’ from the Telecare Services Association (TSA).

The TSA conducted a full audit of the Careline service in December 2014, where it assessed Southend Careline in terms of service tailoring, installation and monitoring. The accreditation is valid for three years until December 2017 however this will be subject to annual inspections by the TSA’s Auditors.

Southend Careline provides a service to residents in Essex who may feel vulnerable in their home. Residents may worry about having an accident, a sudden illness, having an intruder in their home or just becoming less able. Families worry about parents and parents don’t want to be a burden on their children. Careline offers a service that may help to lessen those fears

and provide reassurance and peace of mind. Our services provide a fast, easy and reliable way to get help for you whatever the time of day or night – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Margaret Hutchings, Supported Housing Sheltered and Careline Services Manager, said: “It is very important for us to ensure that Southend Careline continues to provide a thorough and reliable service to our 3,500 customers – which is why we have registered for accreditation with the TSA. Initially, one or two areas were highlighted by the Auditors, which we addressed immediately. We are delighted to have received accreditation for our service but will not rest on our laurels – we will continue to strive to provide the

best possible service for the residents of Southend.”Anyone wishing to find out more about our Careline

Service can contact the team on 01702 332062 or the South Essex Homes Customer Contact Centre on 0800 833 160.

Careline receives Telecare Accreditation

Essex Police are reminding residents to take sensible precautions when answering the door to strangers, after several incidents of bogus callers have been reported in the Southend area.

In one incident, elderly residents from a local estate were targeted by a woman who was asking for money to help her grandmother, who she claimed had dementia and had been locked out of her house.

One victim recalled how he gave the women £30 on the promise that she would repay it immediately, but he never saw her again. After speaking with neighbours it turned out that he was not the only resident she targeted and he promptly called the police.

Pc Nicola Drake, who investigated this incident, recalls how the man had been taken in by the emotional story: “She gave a convincing scenario and unfortunately the man gave her the money. He also let her into his home while he went to get the money, which could have made the situation a lot worse.

“I was very keen to help the victim so I arranged for some posters and leaflets to be printed,” she continues. “He was only too happy to display them in the lifts and communal areas where

he lives, and I was able to arrange for some PCSOs to deliver advice leaflets in the area.”

The information leaflets and posters had a positive impact in this case and there were no further reported incidents, but Essex Police always advises residents to take care when strangers knock on the door, suggesting you only help people if you have someone else with you and never feel pressured into helping someone.

There are a number of precautions you can take when answering the door to unexpected callers, such as using a chain and making sure the back door is locked before you open the front door. Never let anyone into your home if you are unsure about them and try not to let them pressurise and confuse you if they say they are in a hurry. If you think a bogus caller has called at your door, report it to the police immediately – dial 999 and tell them what has happened. It is also useful to warn neighbours if possible so that they will not fall victim to the same scams.

Essex Community Messaging (ECM) launched recently and is already proving popular with Southend residents looking to keep up to date with local policing issues.

When signing up to this free service, you can choose to receive messages via text, email or voicemail, with information sent directly from local police officers about issues that interest you – from specific developing crime trends to vulnerable missing people. Find out more at www.essex.police.uk/ecm and select the area that you want to hear about and the topics that interest you most.

As well as using ECM to receive information, there are lots of opportunities for you to speak directly to police officers. You can discuss issues and concerns at the upcoming Local Community Meetings, while your local PCSO will be holding regular Street Meets throughout Southend. For more information on times and dates of these meetings, see the Southend section of the Essex police website: www.essex.police.uk/southend

ESSEX POLICE UPDATE | 7

In this new feature to Insight magazine, we will bring you updates directly from our colleagues at Essex Police about crime trends and latest news relating to the Southend area…

Essex Police Update

Knock Knock. Who’s there?

Keep in touch

with Essex Police

8 | REFRESH YOUR HOME

Preparation_ • Cover all furniture and flooring

to protect from paint spillage.• Mask around windows to avoid

unwanted dribbles on to the glass.• Always ensure surfaces are clean

and dry. Wash down doors and skirting boards. If walls are dirty, wash down with warm soapy water or soda crystals and ensure they dry completely.

• Rub down doors and skirting boards with sandpaper/abrasives.

• Fill in any holes and sand down.• If painting a wall which has a dark

colour already applied, apply one coat of White Undercoat Emulsion before applying a pale colour.

• Satinwood Paint is for use on woodwork.

• Emulsion Paint/Acrylic Eggshell Paint is for use on walls and ceilings.

Application _ Walls • Use a small brush (2”) to cut in,

starting at a top corner to paint the edges of the wall. Continue the rest of the wall with a larger brush or roller. Then working from the wet edges, paint in broad bands away from a corner with a larger brush or a roller. Apply each fresh load of paint next to the last application, so you are always working from a wet edge.

Application _ Woodwork• Mask off door accessories and

wedge the door open.• Remove curtains and any window

dressing to prevent damage. Remember to mask off window handles.

• Paint the door before the frame. If you are painting each side.

• It is best to paint windows in the morning to maximise the drying time. Depending on drying conditions you will be able to close the windows at night.

Tips_• If you intend to use the roller sleeve

or gloss paint brush the next day, wrap tightly in cling film or a plastic carrier bag.

• When painting skirting boards, protect the floor with a piece of card fitted between the skirting board and floor. Move it along as you progress around the room or use masking tape.

Cleaning_• To clean the roller sleeve wash

in luke warm soapy water and then rinse

• Clean roller tray in luke warm water• Clean the brush in brush cleaner • Do not use the roller sleeve, tray or

brush again until completely dry

South Essex Homes works in partnership with Dulux Decorator Centres to provide free paint packs to new tenants of properties which were left in poor decorative order by the previous tenants. These vouchers can be used by the new tenant to purchase paint and accessories to refresh their new home with colours of their choice when they move in.

Dulux Decorator Centres also offers savings averaging 23% off* across their range to all our tenants too!• Top branded paints and accessories

• Discounts available in-store and online

• 1,000’s of paint colours and wallcoverings

• Friendly, helpful staff

• And don’t forget, delivery is FREE!†

Remember to always show your proof of tenancy to receive your discount.

The nearest Dulux Decorator Centre stores in this area are:• 507-511 London Road, Westcliff, SS0 9LJ (on the corner

with Westcliff Park Drive)

• Anglian House, Claydons Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7UP

• Unit 6, Olympic Business Centre, Paycocke Road, Basildon, SS14 3EX

Visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/ housing/southessex or call 0845 602 3128 to place your order.

*Discount is off shelf edge price exc. VAT. Not available on account terms, cash sales only.Products must be paid for at time of purchase. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Exclusions apply. See in-store for details. †Terms and conditions apply: order before 9.30am for same day delivery. For online ordering only - free delivery to account holders and to non account holders on orders over £50.

Refresh your HomeDiscounts to

Refresh your Home

How to approach your painting project

REFRESH YOUR HOME | 9

About The Bell GroupBell Decorating Group Limited was established in October 1984 and has continued trading from that time. Bell Decorating Group headquarters are situated in North Lanarkshire; through acquisitions their branch network has grown, establishing Bell Decorating Group as a national company providing a diverse range of services to meet the needs of our clients. Bell Group UK is the parent company.

About the ClassesIn just 2.5 hours you’ll learn the basic skills needed to paint and decorate your home. In these FREE classes some of what you’ll learn includes:

• What type of paints to use and where• How to prepare a wall for decorating• Wall papering• What equipment to useSpaces are limited so to register your interest, please complete the Registration Form available via www.southessexhomes.co.uk/projects to reserve your place, or call our Community Development Team on 0800 833 160. There is no upper age limit but you must be mobile, able to climb a ladder and be aged over 16.These classes are one off sessions and no prior experience is required. All equipment is provided and sessions will take place in the central Southend area.A date will be announced and you will be contacted once there are enough participants.

Refresh your HomeAre you:• aged 16 – 18 • reliable • committed to learning• interested in a career in painting and decorating?...If so we’d love to hear from you! South Essex Homes in partnership with Dulux Decorator Centre have a number of sponsorship opportunities for people from South Essex Homes households to gain a qualification in painting and decorating and gain some valuable work experience in a local Dulux Decorator Centre.You will attend Prospects College on a one year part time course where you will begin to learn painting and decorating skills. Dulux Decorator Centres will provide you with all you need for your course including safety shoes, overalls, tools, stationery and college books You will then spend time getting work experience in your local Dulux Decorator Centre where you will have an opportunity to work with and meet professional decorators who could become a future employer. You will also get the chance to gain retail and customer service skills.

Get in touchIf you are interested, please contact Andrea Chott in the Community Development Team on 01702 212704 for more details. Visit www.southessexhomes.co.uk/projects to download an Apprenticeships registration form. Find out more about Dulux Decorator Centre by visiting: www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk

Do you fancy

a fresh start ?

Painting and Decorating

Masterclasses

10 | LEASEHOLD MATTERS

Wishing you a warm welcome back...

Alterations: When is permission needed?Wishing to improve and keep our property in good condition is a key priority for all homeowners. Whether you live at the property or let it to others, a well maintained home will retain value and hopefully avoid any unexpected bills. Within the Lease agreement, Leaseholders are responsible to keep the demised premises in good condition and when necessary; rebuild, reinstate and replace elements within your property. This includes fixtures and fittings.

to Leasehold Matters, the page in Insight devoted to Leaseholders. We have had a number of Leaseholders join

the Focus Group recently and would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to the group. If you are interested in viewing the minutes

these are available on the South Essex Homes website. Similarly, if you would like to raise an agenda item please contact the Leaseholder Team on 0800 833 160. In addition,

I would like to welcome Graeme to the team. Graeme is currently undertaking training and dealing with a number of queries from Leaseholders. In this edition, we hope you find the information on alterations

useful and if you have any queries in this respect please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind Regards, Jan

Why is permission needed? Working on behalf of Southend Borough Council, we have a responsibility to other residents to ensure their safety and keep the wider building in good condition. By undertaking unauthorised alterations a Leaseholder could jeopardise these commitments. This is why we require details of any alterations. That said, a number of improvements do not require permission providing they are done to a high standard and where necessary competent and industry regulated tradesmen are used.

Alterations that do not require permissionIn general terms, South Essex Homes wouldn’t need to be notified for the following works:• Internal decoration within the flat• Internal Plasterwork renewal • Replacing Skirting boards • Replacing Internal doors • Renewing Kitchen and Bathroom units• Renewing Taps, sinks, shower units and baths

(providing work is completed by industry professionals and there are no major alterations to the pipework)Whilst conducting these works you must not do anything

which is likely to cause damage to the building and structure or to shared services, such as plumbing to the roof tank, electricity/gas/water/sewerage supplies.

Alterations that require permissionIn general terms, South Essex Homes need to be notified for the following works:• Any addition or change to the Services

in your home including:- Electrical fittings and wiring - Gas alterations e.g. boiler replacement or moving/

installing flues- Renewing central heating

• Dropped kerbs and hard standing

• Installing satellite dishes and aerials • Structural alterations • Major works e.g. window renewal, extending the

premises, installing a loft room

How do I get permission? You should write to the Leasehold Department at South Essex Homes. You will need to say exactly what you want to do and include a drawing or plan. We will then make enquiries with our Property Team and if necessary a surveyor may need to visit your home to see what you intend to do before making a decision.

We will respond in writing and set out any criteria required before, during and after works are carried out. This normally includes using industry regulated professionals e.g. FENSA, Gas Safe, NICEC etc. and ensuring communal areas are kept tidy after works are completed.

Where necessary, we require that Planning Permission and Building Control Approval is obtained by the Leaseholder in advance of works beginning. Our permissions are separate from this aspect.

If permission is refused, South Essex Homes will explain the reasons for doing so.

If you have any queries relating to alterations please do not hesitate to get in touch on 0800 833 160 or email sehcustomerservices@seh.southend.gov.uk

Don’t forget Gas Safety!Please forward copies of your annual Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) to the Leasehold Team

Estimated Service Charges 2015-2016If you have any queries relating to your annual service charge please put these in writing to:Leasehold Team, South Essex Homes, PO Box 5187, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 9EL Or email sehcustomerservices@seh.southend.gov.ukTo make a payment please contact Southend Council’s Income Team on: 01702 215797

DATE TIME LOCATION START POINT14/04/2015 9.30 Fairfax Drive, Gainsborough Drive, Cleveland Drive,

Springfield DriveCorner of Fairfax Drive and Gainsborough Drive

15/04/2015 9.30 Chancellor Hostel, Maple Leaf Hostel Outside Claremont Court Entrance16/04/2015 9.30 Carlton Avenue, Northville Drive, Queen Anne’s Drive, Rochester

Drive, Richmond Drive, Colemans Avenue, Fairview Drive, Westbourne Grove, Prince Avenue

Corner of Carlton Avenue and Hobleythick Lane

21/04/2015 9.30 Hunters Lodge, Norfolk Avenue, Surrey Avenue, Suffolk Avenue, Kent Avenue, Pavillion Drive, Darlinghurst Grove

Hunters Lodge Main Entrance

23/04/2015 9.30 Rochford Road Garage Site Entrance28/04/2015 9.30 Nayland House, Lakenham House, Manners Way, Alton Gardens Nayland House Main Entrance30/04/2015 9.30 Eastwoodbury Lane, Eastwoodbury Crescent, Eastwoodbury

Close, Avro RoadCorner of Eastwoodbury Lane and Eastwoodbury Crescent

07/05/2015 9.30 Purley Way, Denton Avenue, Denton Close, Cranston Avenue, Hornby Avenue

Outside 1-12 Purley Way

12/05/2015 9.30 Mornington House Mornington House Entrance12/05/2015 11.00 Riverstone, Satanita Road Riverstone Entrance14/05/2015 09.30 Adams Elm House Outside Adams Elm House14/05/2015 11.00 Mussett House Outside Mussett House19/05/2015 9.30 Snakes Lane, Brendon Way Corner of Brendon Way and Snakes Lane21/05/2015 9.30 Treecot Drive, Treelawn Drive, Juniper Road, Thistley Road,

Hurst Way, Sandhurst CrescentCorner of Treecot Drive and Treelawn Drive

26/05/2015 9.30 Neil Armstrong Way, Scott House Outside Scott House27/05/2015 9.30 Beaver Tower, Mansell Close Beaver Tower Main Entrance02/06/2015 9.30 Woodfarm Close, Leighwood Avenue, Bellhouse Lane,

Little Fretches, Eastwood Road NorthCorner of Little Fretches and Eastwood Road North

04/06/2015 9.30 Yantlet Yantlet Main Entrance09/06/2015 9.30 Western Approaches, Lundy Close, Bishop House Corner of Western Approaches and Lundy Close11/06/2015 9.30 Danescroft Drive, Danescroft Close, Shannon Close Corner of Danescroft Close and Shannon Close16/06/2015 9.30 Danbury Close, Stonehill Close, Stonehill Road Corner of Danbury Close and Stonehill Road18/06/2015 9.30 Mendip Road, Mendip Crescent, Mendip Flats, Dunster Avenue,

Martock Avenue, Cheddar Avenue, Bruton AvenueOutside West Office

23/06/2015 9.30 Bradfordbury, Rothwell Close, Eastwood Old Road, Westwood Westwood Car Park25/06/2015 9.30 Eaton Road, Olive Avenue Corner of Eaton Road and Herschell Road30/06/2015 9.30 East Street Leigh, Rectory Grove Corner of East Street and Broadway01/07/2015 9.30 Alexandra Road, Avenue Road, Devereux Road, Boston Avenue,

First Avenue, Princes StreetCorner of Alexandra Road and Devereux Road

02/07/2015 9.30 Flemming Crescent, Fostal Close, Highbank Close, Prittlewell Chase, Rayleigh Drive, Victoria Road

Corner of Flemming Crescent and Elmsleigh Drive

07/07/2015 9.30 The Jordans The Jordans Main Entrance07/07/2015 10.15 Chaucer House Chaucer House Main Entrance07/07/2015 11.00 Keats House Keats House Main Entrance08/07/2015 9.30 Cokefield Avenue, Pantile Avenue Corner of Pantile Avenue09/07/2015 9.30 Buckingham House Buckingham House Entrance09/07/2015 11.00 Norman Harris House Norman Harris House Entrance

ESTATE INSPECTIONS | 11

Estate InspectionsEstate Inspections are now held

throughout the year and involve officers from South Essex Homes surveying each area of the town which include properties managed by us, in order to look for any issues that require our attention. Residents are welcome to come along on these inspections to

see this process in action and point out problems that they are aware of.

The table below contains the dates and locations of the inspections that are due to take place over the next three months.

If you would like to come along,

please meet us at the start point at the stated time. We appreciate your input and look forward to seeing more residents take part in estate inspections throughout 2015. For more information about estate inspections please call us on 0800 833 160.

12 | UNIQUE INSIGHT

A Unique Insight into...Can Do ProjectResidents with disabilities ‘Can Do’South Essex Homes is committed to ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, so we are proud to be working with the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity to part-fund its Can Do project.

Maria Medina took up the post of Can Do Project Co-ordinator for the charity in September 2014, for an initial period of one year. Leonard Cheshire helps people with mental health issues, learning difficulties and disabilities to fulfil their potential by offering them work experience and volunteering opportunities.

Maria explains: “I believe that people with disabilities and learning difficulties can make excellent volunteers and colleagues as they are enthusiastic to learn new skills and are grateful for the opportunity to work. It is my job under the ‘Can Do’ Project to encourage local businesses to provide volunteer opportunities to those people who may have found it difficult to gain useful work experience until now – we want them to focus on what they can do rather than what they cannot.”

Mendip Wildlife Garden ProjectResidents of the Mendip estate, who live near the Mendip Wildlife Garden, recently approached South Essex Homes for help, as the garden was in need of improvements which would allow it to be enjoyed by all members of the community.

Stuart Long, Community Development Manager for South Essex Homes, said: “We have provided funding for the tools and equipment, and Maria from Leonard Cheshire is recruiting the volunteers, to make the residents’ plans a reality at the Mendip Wildlife Garden. Trust Links has provided valuable expertise in the creation of a plan of works, which will see the area transformed over a ten week period.”

Maria added: “This is the only space in this community where all local residents can come together - so this is an important project for our volunteers to be involved in, as it will make a real difference in this neighbourhood. I recruited helpers from local schools, community groups and colleges, as well as through Southend Association for Voluntary Services (SAVS), and they were all excited about being part of the project. Once complete, the Wildlife Garden will be an excellent place for local residents and school groups to visit to enjoy and learn about the local environment.”

The works in the area took place every Friday over ten weeks from January until March and included creating a new wider path, clearing the overgrown pond area, building and planting new raised beds and planting some fruit trees to make a small orchard area.

Civic Centre Customer Services AssistantsA group of volunteers from the Can Do Project have

been kept busy on Wednesdays since February, working in the Civic Centre as Customer Service Assistants in the new Contact Centre. Here they are giving advice to members of the public about a range of queries from housing benefit to help with sending emails.

Krista Hoare, 16, one of the volunteers, said: “I have really enjoyed helping others. I started training one morning and by the afternoon I was helping a member of the public with their enquiry. It has been a good experience for me and I have enjoyed it.”

Volunteers can opt to work part time from 9am until 1pm or 12pm until 4pm, or full time from 9am until 5pm.

For more information about joining the Can Do project, please contact Maria Medina on 07525 800287 or email Maria.medina@leonardcheshire.org

BUILD A BETTER BURGER | 13

The events were held at the new Grumpy’s Diner in Southchurch Road and gave attendees the opportunity to learn all about food hygiene and how to make and cook a healthy burger.

Sam Elliott, Senior Community Development Officer, said: “Firstly I would like to thank the owners of Grumpy’s for allowing us to host these events at their new restaurant - this is a really exciting project for the team.

“Many of us are looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle and this course showed that food that is quick and easy to make doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Attendees also learnt more about what The Southend Food Culture Project has to offer and what’s involved in becoming a food champion.”

To find out more about the project or to register your interest in attending future events, please contact the Community Development Team on 01702 212650.

South Essex Homes, working in partnership with the Cultural Engine on the Southend Food Culture Project, hosted two FREE events in January – where we were working with local people interested in learning new skills or teaching others their culinary skills.

Build a better Burger

you will need:1lb (450g) lean minced beef2 tsp salt1 tsp ground black pepper

how to cook:1. Mix salt and pepper into the beef, ensuring it is

evenly distributed.2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal balls. Flatten the

burger patties down until they are about half an inch thick.

3. Heat a frying pan or griddle until very hot. Place patties in the hot pan and sear them for around 4-5 minutes on each side. When flipping them, give them a little squeeze to ensure they stay together.

4. The burgers are cooked when the juices run clear when you press down on them with a spatula.

5. Serve in a bap with salad for a tasty lunch!

Simple Quarter Pounders

you will need:1 carrot ( medium size grated)1 garlic clove1 (19 ounce) cans chickpeas1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

salt & pepper1 large egg2 tablespoons plain flouroil ( for frying)1 tomato1 red onion

how to cook:1. Peel the carrots, grate them coarsely and set them aside.2. Peel and roughly chop the garlic.3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and put them into a food processor with the garlic, ground spices, salt and pepper. Slightly process to obtain a rough paste then add the carrot, egg, and flour and process briefly until evenly mixed but slightly rugged.4. Heat the oil in a frying pan and divide the mixture into 8. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden, then drain on kitchen paper.6. Serve in a bap with slices of tomato and red onions and mayonnaise.

Chickpea Burgers

14 | WHAT’S ON

What’s on in Southend?WHAT IS IT? WHEN CAN I GO?

WHERE IS IT?ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Southend Community Event 2015

Wednesday 5th AugustPriory Park

Please put this date in your diary and look out for further details in the summer issue of Insight!

Young Mum’s GroupThe Children’s Centre can give you access to a wide range of information and can provide support and advice for young parents or parents-to-be.

Every Tuesday at 11:45 – 1pm until 26th May 2015Blenheim Primary School and Children’s Centre, School Way, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4HX

FREE to attend

Saturday Dad’s TimeGreat opportunity for dads to spend some quality time with their children whilst taking part in fun activities.

Last Saturday of every month at 10:00 - 12:00Blenheim Primary School and Children’s Centre, School Way, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4HX

£2.00 donation per child per session to attend.

High Street General MarketA fantastic open air market in the heart of Southend Town Centre, along the High Street.

Every Thursday at 8:30am - 5:30pm until 25th June 2015Southend High Street

Family SundayExplore the Great Outdoors with your children!

19th April & 10th May at 13:00 - 15:00Belfairs Woodland Centre, Belfairs Park, Vardon Drive / Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea

£5.00 donation per child per session to attend.

Royal Opera House Screening Puccini’s La Boheme will show on 10th JuneDon Giovanni will show on 3rd JulyThe Forum, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1NE

The screenings are Free to attend but at the time of Insight going to print, times of screenings had not been released. Please visit the ‘Events’ section of www.southend.gov.uk or contact The Forum for more information.

If, for whatever reason, you have a problem reading this document, please contact us to discuss alternative formats available.

0800 833 160

Do you have a passion for knitting and crochet?

Or just want to learn? Why not become part of a knitting circle?

Please contact Clare Harvey on 01702 212644 to express

your interest.

Why not join the growing number of people following South Essex Homes’ Twitter page or

‘Liking’ our Facebook page?There are now 1534 Twitter followers

and 238 ‘likes’ on Facebook (figures correct as at 23 February 2015).

Next time you’re online, check us out!

Joining up to Social Media sites is a great way to keep up to date with all

the latest news.

Knit and natter

INTERVIEW | 15

Are you a South Essex Homes resident with an enquiring mind?Are you enthusiastic about working with South Essex Homes and want to help improve housing services?Are you good at working as part of a team? Can you commit to attending regular meetings to find out how things tick and identify ways to do things better together?

Members of this group will meet regularly, consider what housing issues are most important to South Essex Homes customers, then decide on which of these specific services that they wish to scrutinise.This represents a fantastic opportunity for confident and enthusiastic residents to become actively involved in what South Essex Homes does. This is our way of empowering residents to drive our company forward by making improvements in the areas which matter most to them. To express your interest or for more information, please call Diane Nicholls (Chair) on 07904 819210 or Shirley O’reilly (vice Chair) on 01702 610408 or via mobile 07876 116552.Previous applicants need not apply.

If so, then you could be just who we are looking for to join our Scrutiny Forum!

Mike Gatrell says…I am extremely proud of the services

that we provide in Southend and of the fact that you tell us more and more how much you value those services. For a number of our members of staff, however, their contribution to the community goes beyond what they achieve in their day job.

You will have read on page 3 about Mike, Dan and Nico and their amazing dedication to running the London Marathon to raise money for causes that matter to them and their families. Lynsey Hurd also recently organised a bake sale in the office for the fund to ‘Get Tracy Back on Her Feet’ – where she raised £165 to help a local woman who is seriously ill. Our teams often organise fundraisers for regular national campaigns such as Red Nose Day, Children in Need and Jeans for Genes Day as well as participating in more local charity events such as the Havens Hospices Mud Run, Race for Life and HARP’s Sleep Easy event.

These stories are just the tip of the iceberg as I am sure that many things go on that I don’t get to hear about, which are above and beyond the call of duty. Hearing stories such as these simply serves to underline what I already know – we have an excellent team of people here at South Essex Homes who truly care for their community. That fact fills me with even more pride and it’s what makes our team here so special.

On the same vein of positivity, I would like to personally thank the members of our Resident Scrutiny Forum (RSF) for their hard work and effort in investigating important issues and making recommendations on behalf of all our residents. They have

so far completed reviews on ‘Avoidable Contact’, ‘Caretaking Service’ and ‘Grounds Maintenance’ and they are soon to embark on a review of the ‘Sheltered Housing Service’. I wish them well with their investigations and look forward to hearing about their progress.

The Board have now taken into consideration all the contributions for our new Business Plan and have decided on the general shape of the plan for the next five years. The fine details will be finalised in the near future and as soon as this stage is complete, the Business Plan will be available on our website - so keep an eye on the latest news and on our social media pages for more information. Many thanks to all the residents who took part in workshops whose views have been invaluable in taking this Plan forward.

I must congratulate our Specialist Income Management and Careline teams for recently achieving external accreditation in their fields of expertise. These highly respected accreditations act as an independent endorsement of the high level of service we provide – so well done to the teams involved for these achievements.

I hope that, as we move through spring and into summer, you are able to enjoy the sunshine and we’ll be back again with the next issue of Insight in July.

Kind regards….Mike

Resident Scrutiny Forum

Save the date!

Wednesday 5th August Priory ParkSouthend Community Event 2015

If you are interested in participating, please complete and return the entry form below to ‘FREEPOST South Essex Homes’ by Friday 24th July.

You will be contacted to confirm your entry and a suitable date agreed for an officer to visit and take photos of your garden, however if your garden is looking its best earlier than the submission date please feel free to take your own photos and send them in!

The Estate Services Focus Group will finalise winners at their meeting in August and winners will be invited to attend a presentation ceremony by letter.

Anyone living in any South Essex Homes property can enter!

The awards will be judged on impact, overall design including use of space, colour, originality, upkeep and presentation.

South Essex Homes and The Estate Services Focus Group would like to invite you to enter the 2015 Garden in Bloom competition.

O Closing Date for application of interest is Friday 24th July

O The competition is for anyone living in any South Essex Homes property including residents in tower blocks.

O Each applicant can enter a maximum of one category. Only one entry will be accepted for each communal area.

O The Estate Services Focus Group will finalise winners at their meeting in August.

O All entries will be invited to attend a presentation ceremony in September where winners will be announced.

O Please contact South Essex Homes for more information about the competition on 01702 212650.

O If you are entering a photo then please ensure when you send us your photos you note your name and address so we can judge them correctly.

Garden in Bloom competition 2015

Entry formTenant and Leaseholder Categories

Best Front Garden

Best Back Garden

Best Vegetable Plot or Pot

Best Hanging Baskets

Best Window or Patio Container

Tallest Sunflower (only one entry per garden)

Best Communal Garden

Ages 3-7 Mini Vegetable Plot or Pot

Tallest Sunflower

Ages 8-15 Mini Vegetable Plot or Pot

Tallest Sunflower

Individual Flat in a Block Categories Best Window Box (only where fitted)

Best Balcony Pot

Best Vegetable Pot

Important Information RequiredPhotos will be taken for promotional purposes, If you do not wish your photo to be used please tick If you would like to be entered into Southend in Bloom, please tick If you will be submitting your own photos to support your application, please tick and ensure we receive these no later than 24th JulyPlease keep the top half of this application form for your informationReturn completed form to: Freepost, South Essex Homes

Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone