my lmh newsletter april 2014

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Focus Awards 2014 Money Matters ISSUE 10 / APR 2014 P.23 P.14 My Young LMH P.29

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Quarterly Newsletter from Liverpool Mutual Homes

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Page 1: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Focus Awards2014

MoneyMatters

ISSUE 10 / APR 2014

P.23 P.14My Young

LMH P.29

Page 2: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

WelcomeAs always seems the case, the first part of the year has flown by and we find ourselves approaching spring already. Hopefully the weather will turn its back on what has been a very difficult winter for people in some parts of the country who have endured disastrous flooding that has been hugely disruptive to their lives.

We are fortunate in this part of the world that we don’t usually experience that kind of extreme situation and we can only feel for those people who are still struggling to get their homes and lives back to normality. Our weather does appear to have turned and that brings on thoughts of what the summer months could hold for us all.

We have some busy months ahead of us at LMH with ‘Picnic in the Park’, LMH’s Focus Awards, the annual gardening competition and the Older People’s Awards to organise. I’m sure many tenants will be involved with us at those events. We’ll certainly be doing our best to make this summer a good one for LMH and its tenants.

Back at the office, we are continuing work to identify other organisations that can contribute to our work to further develop LMH so that we are able to meet more of the needs that exist within the communities that we work in. We are being very selective over which opportunities to pursue as we need to make sure that the organisations we work with contribute in the right ways to our work sharing our vision and ambitions for the support and development of communities. As soon as we get more news on this we will let you know.

Even though we will see huge impacts from spending cuts we have a really positive feel for the future of LMH and our great City. With LMH’s transfer promises delivered we are looking at how we can develop into the future across a wide range of fronts - against the backdrop of Liverpool’s renaissance over the past few years.

My optimism has even stretched to me taking the plunge on Twitter (or was it press ganged?) so I am now @LMHSteve. That’s got be a big step forward in anyone’s book! Let’s hope the Sun keeps shining on us and I hope we all have a really great summer.

Steve Coffey Chief Executive and the LMH Executive Management Team.

P.1

Welcome

Page 3: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Our new LMH CONNECT 24/7 service replaces many of the Do It

Online features that used to be available here on the LMH website.

Register with LMH CONNECT 24/7 you will be able to:

Report a repair online See your rent account Print a rent statement Order a new Rent Card Make a Rent Payment Look back at your Repair History

To register go to: www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/connect247

Register with your unique tenancy reference number and your personal details Create a unique password and memorable word and you’re all set to use LMH CONNECT 24/7!

Reset Login

Tenant sign-in

New user Forgotten login detailsReset

Your Neighbourhood Alert !Beware of bogus callers! Always check before you give your details or let anyone into your property! Follow LMH on facebook, twitter or tumblr to receive any alerts in your area.

724

Competition Winners! Congratulations:-

Janet Deakin, L8.

AND

Helen Hassen, L13

who were the winners of our

Winter newsletter competitions.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTAre you looking to get back into work?Do you need further help and support?If so LMH now have an employment advisor working at The Observatory one day a week to provide advice and guidance to assist LMH customers on your journey into employment.

To book an appointment call the Community Initiatives Team on 0800 678 1894 or e-mail us at [email protected]

The active women programme is targeting women

from across Liverpool and specifically those with

childcare responsibilities.

Active Women are currently running a brand new

class at our Clubmoor Office on a Tuesday evening,

sessions are priced at £2.50. Children are welcome.

For more information please contact

[email protected]

or call 0151 235 2488.

Want to get in shape

in a fun and friendly

environment?

EASTER BUNNYCOMPETITION

We’ve hidden 6 Easter bunnies amongst the articles and pictures in this newsletter. Find each one and pop the page number on a piece of paper (with your name and contact details) then put it in an envelope addressed to Freepost LMH before 25th April 14. The winner will be picked at random and will receive a £20 gift voucher!

Happy hunting!

2014 Dates announcedSAVE THE DATE see page 30.

P.2

Noticeboard

Page 4: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Four sheltered housing schemes Mazenod Court, Devon Court,

Handel Court and Appledore Court have now been improved.

Tenants are delighted with the completed schemes. They also said

that the disruption was well worth it. The schemes have benefitted from

a new meeting room/IT room, scooter store, larger kitchen with new appliances, a new

entrance with an open and inviting feel, new hair salon and larger newly decorated guest bedroom.

We have ten schemes where work is in progress and a further two schemes ready to begin.

Sheltered Improvement

Business Process Re-engineeringUsing an exercise known as Business Process Re-engineering, (or BPR) LMH are looking at improving how we deliver services to you, our customer, with more efficiency and with greater value for money. This re-engineering process began with the Investment Team.

In 2013, LMH completed a five year improvement programme to develop our homes and neighbourhoods. We are very proud of this success but we realise at LMH that we can always improve.Based upon feedback from customers, staff and our Tenants Scrutiny Panel a number of recommendations were made to improve the way in which we deliver works; these included:-

• All Investment Team staff will be issued with handheld devices enabling them to access LMH systems remotely, which will allow staff to answer customer queries quickly, create and receive work requests, manage appointments efficiently.

• LMH Connect 24/7 has been introduced to allow customers to access their information online; you will be able view upcoming works and make enquiries online from your own computer.

• New ‘Customer Information Packs’ will be issued with clear contact details of staff available to answer queries and any relevant information prior to improvement works.

• All customers will be contacted 4-6 weeks after completion of work to ensure there are no outstanding issues.

• A new enquiry system has been set up to help the customer service centre quickly and efficiently find the correct person on site to deal with any issues.

• Through the project LMH saved the equivalent to the salary of one member of staff. This saving contributed to LMH’s value for money strategy and supporting LMH’s social dividend activities.

These are just some of changes we have implemented as part of the BPR Project and we will continue to evaluate and improve our services for many years to come.

P.3

ImprovementUpdate

Page 5: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

MarketingOur HomesDo you have family or friends who would be interested in having a tenancy of their own?LMH have properties available to let across the City that have modern kitchens and bathrooms and for which no deposit is required. First time applicants for these properties may also be eligible to receive a furniture package, which reduces the cost of setting up a home for the first time by a significant amount.The quality of our accommodation, the facility to receive a furniture package, combined with the fact a deposit is not required, makes us far more competitive than other landlords in the private sector and many other Housing Associations.We have a supply of properties in the following areas where applicants could receive an offer with little or no delay:

Liverpool Area Type of AccommodationVarious flats in L3, L4 and L5 1 bedroom flatsDaneville Estate, L4 3 bedroom housesWestminister Estate, L4 1,2 and 3 bedroom flats

(a local policy operation)Vescock Street, L5 1 and 2 bedroom flatsOrphan Drive, L6 1 bedroom flats The Green, L13 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom flatsLister/Brained Street, L13 1 bedroom flats Beechwood Gardens, L19 3 bedroom maisonettesCantril Farm, L28 3 bedroom houses

If you have any family or friends who are either looking to move or want to set up home for the first time, ask them to contact us, we might be able to help them with an offer of accommodation.

Sometimes we can help people even if they are owner occupiers, have a Housing Association tenancy, or have a tenancy in the private sector.

Please tell you family and friends about the availability of accommodation and ask them to contact staff in the Housing Options Team on 0800 678 1894.

P.4

VacantHomes

Page 6: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Tell us what you think

Rewarding Ideas - Rewarding Creativity

As you may know, LMH uses a common Allocation Policy alongside other housing providers and Local Authorities in the region. The current Policy was introduced to support the launch of the Property Pool Plus (PPP) choice based lettings system, but some amendments are now needed due to changes in legislation. There are no significant changes affecting the way in which applications are ‘banded’ or placed in ‘sub bands’.

The changes being proposed are:-

• The way in which we deal with applicants leaving the Armed Forces in an effort to improve their rehousing opportunities;

• Reviewing the way we deal with homeless applicants to help prevent people becoming homeless in the first place and, the discharging of the statutory duty owed to homeless applicants with a reasonable offer in the private sector;

• Reviewing the employment criteria for applicants in the Low Band and those requesting a local connection with another area;

• The bedroom standard will be amended to allow an additional bedroom for:

1. A child with disabilities who is entitled to a care component of the Disability Living Allowance;

2. A foster child, where it is a requirement of the Local Authority that they have a separate bedroom;

3. A non-resident carer who is regularly required to stay overnight; and,

4. The age eligibility for the same gender to have their own bedroom is extended to include children who are at least 16 years of age (rather than 21)

Your opinions on the proposed changes are important to us and we are encouraging all tenants and customers to complete a survey (and read the Policy) which you can either access on-line at www.propertypoolplus.org.uk; or, you can ask a member of staff to send the questionnaire and draft policy to you. If you return the completed questionnaire to us, we will input your response into the web site on your behalf.

This gives you an opportunity to tell us what you think about the proposed changes and at the same time influence any changes arising from the consultation.

AIM is our employee & customer Suggestion Scheme

Do you have an idea big or small how LMH can:

• Provide a new service? • Improve an existing service?• Save money? • Reduce waste?

All reasonable suggestions may receive an Encouragement Award of £10. If we can ‘Do It Now’ your suggestion could earn you a £25 cheque or L1 Vouchers. We also have another category focusing on ‘Value for Money’ (VFM), so if we feel your idea could help generate greater efficiencies or improvements to how we provide our services you could receive a cheque or voucher for between £50 and a £100.

We know you must have some fantastic ideas and we would like to hear about them. You can submit your idea online via our website, call into one of our offices and pick up a Suggestion Form or you can ring LMH Connect and we can either submit your idea for you over the phone or post a form to you.

Consultation on proposed changes to the Allocation Policy

If you would like any more information about the proposed changes, please contact staff in our Housing Options Team on 0800 678 1894 or email us at [email protected]

P.5

Tell UsWhat You

Think

Page 7: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Worried about the Bedroom Tax, would like to down size, but can’t find anything suitable on Property Pool Plus (PPP)?Have you considered an exchange?You can look for an exchange in addition to applying for a transfer. All you have to do is contact staff in one of our local offices and they will help you advertise for an exchange through PPP and a separate exchange scheme – HomeSwapper – which is a national scheme.

You are under no obligation to exchange, but advertising for an exchange does give you an additional opportunity to look for a move to a smaller property or one that better meets your needs.

If you do find another tenant who wants to exchange with you and you have been affected by the bedroom tax, we might be able to give you some help towards your removal costs.

Our staff will be only too happy to help you with this, why not contact your local office to discuss this further.

Residents of Leta Street had suffered from people climbing over their fences and using the gardens as a ‘rat run’ for quite some time. Funding from Local Councillors and LMH provided additional security lighting which has eradicated the problems.

Residents have expressed their thanks to local councillors and LMH:

“I am delighted with the extra security, feel safer, thank you to LMH and the Councillors. Can’t wait for the environmental programme, I am also joining the new tenants group.”

“We are delighted with the security light, feel much safer and no mess, thank you to LMH and the Councillors - I am very happy, thank you”

“We are looking forward to the environmental programme and working with LMH and the ward Councillors.”

P.6

CommunityNews

Page 8: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Abney CloseLMH’s South Area Housing Team have worked closely with local residents and partners to address anti-social behaviour for residents of Abney Close, Old Swan.

Housing Officers were alerted to the concerns of local residents in Abney Close who had been putting up with anti social behaviour.

The homes had secure garden walls but the open space behind was an attraction for anti social behaviour and residents were persecuted by youths trespassing into their garden. In order to resolve the problem, LMH agreed to jointly fund a project with Liverpool City Council using Community Initiative Funding. Homes have now benefitted from the installation of additional security by way of a trellis fitted to the rear garden walls. The trellis is a substantial and robust obstacle for intruders and has improved the peace of mind of the LMH residents. Local residents Mr Lavin and Ms Blackett of Abney Close have said they are “very pleased with the work and is has stopped the trespassing into our gardens. “

Estate WalkaboutsWhat is the aim of an Estate Walkabout?

Estate walkabouts offer residents the chance to get to know their housing officer better and provide the opportunity for residents to point out any issues on the estate and have a say in how they should be resolved.

Why should I get involved?

You can help shape the changes to your area. Your involvement really can make a difference. Residents who are involved in walkabouts will have the opportunity to have their opinions heard and their ideas used for the benefit of their area.

At Liverpool Mutual Homes we are keen for you to be as involved as possible in making your estate a great place to live. Our regular estate walkabouts give you the chance to have your say and help improve the appearance of your neighbourhood.

We will be scheduling estate walkabouts for 2014/15, so if you would like to suggest we visit your area and you would like to attend please let us know.

You can contact us through LMH Connect and ask to speak to your local housing team or email your local Housing Team at [email protected] [email protected]

Prescot HouseDelighted LMH tenants recently moved into their new homes at Prescot House, Old Swan. At a small celebratory event with residents the scheme was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Gary Millar.

The scheme involved the remodelling and refurbishment of a 1950’s block of tenement flats, historically housing conditions had been poor, the block was drab, cold and damp and the open balconies compromised security and were frequently a target for anti social behaviour.

The flats were made larger and the whole building was wrapped in a thick layer of insulation, increasing thermal efficiency, providing a more comfortable environment and reducing heating bills. David Bunce one of LMH’s tenants who was temporarily displaced whilst work was carried out said that his “home was barely recognisable” and the “kitchen and bathroom are incredible and so modern”.

P.7

YourCommunity

Page 9: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

LMH bungalows in Smeaton Street, off Westminster Road in Kirkdale, back on to a railway embankment which has been blighted by youth crime over the last 5 years.

To combat the problems, 100 yards of fencing was erected which has given residents peace of mind and their quality of life back. The cost of the project was jointly funded by Liverpool Mutual Homes, Liverpool City Council and Network Rail.

Smeaton Street, Kirkdale, L4

LMH has been working with Liverpool City Council Neighbourhood staff to switch over from bin bag collection to wheelie bin collection from our blocks of flats on the Westminster estate.

Currently 50% of the 156 flats on the estate have been switched over to the new service, and the next phase to be started shortly will fall in line with the completion of the external environmental works.

Refuse Service Westminster Estate flats, L4

Before After

P.8

CommunityNews

Page 10: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Regeneration-Update

Active Me SessionsLMH has given funding towards an Inclusive Sport Project being run by Liverpool City Council, which was awarded funding by Sport England.

Sport England and Liverpool City Council aim to “offer a mix of inclusive and dedicated sporting opportunities, meeting the needs of a wide range of impairments and age groups”. The fun and friendly sports sessions are a great way to become more active and they’re now available to LMH tenants who have a learning disability, visual impairment or hearing impairment. To take part just contact Nicky Yates as below or contact LMH Connect

What is the Active Me Programme?Active Me sessions involve different sports and activities for men and women to try. Sessions are fun and friendly and people don’t have to be competitive!

Roscoe Primary School Breakfast ClubLMH in partnership with Greggs foundation are funding a breakfast club for pupils in Roscoe Primary School.

Every pupil who attends will benefit from a free breakfast.

We believe Breakfast Clubs make a huge difference, research has found

• Children have improved health and nutrition • Children have improved attendance and punctuality• Children are able to socialise and make friends • Children are more engaged with school staff• Parents become less wary of school and are more likely to engage

• Children are able to concentrate better and results are therefore improving.

The Greggs Foundation Breakfast Club model encourages schools to involve parents as Breakfast Club Volunteers. This not only allows the club to run more cost effectively, it also encourages parents, who may otherwise be out of employment, education or training, to increase their understanding of and experience in a work situation.

If your child is a pupil at the school and you would like to volunteer you may be able to benefit from free accredited training such as food hygiene courses and first aid.

Please contact Nicky for more details by telephone on 0151 233 3880 or [email protected].

Nicky will ask for some more details such as name, address, age and specific needs.

What should people do before they come to a session?

Who are the sessions for?

Sessions are for adults who live in Liverpool. They are for men and women but they don’t have to take part together.

Friends, carers and support workers are welcome too

P.9

RegenerationUpdate

Page 11: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Healthy FamiliesLMH Recently funded a workshop designed by UK Military School for parents of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School to consider their lifestyles and gain information about health, nutrition and physical wellbeing.

The workshop ran over two days and parents took part in a number of activities including looking at a holistic approach to health, recognising healthy heart rates

and looking into family nutrition.

The course ended with a practical cookery session where parents helped prepare a healthy meal.

The group of parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves and rated the course as being excellent, they have expressed an interest in developing their knowledge further in looking at physical health and fitness.

Saving energy and water saves you money and you will be doing your bit for the planet. Here are a few tips to help:

• Have a shower rather than a bath it uses less water and it will also save on the energy as well!

• Fill the kettle with only the amount you need, this saves water and energy around £8 per year.

• Don’t waste water while brushing your teeth – don’t leave the tap running turn it off, get your children to do this as well?

• Every electrical appliance you leave on by the wall when not in use is using energy that you are paying for. Go around the house switching appliances off by the wall – this could save you between £50 - £90 per year.

• Fill up the washing machine and wash on 30 degrees – avoid washing only half a load and washing on 30 degrees could save you around £13 per year.

Just these few simple tips could save you around £110 per year!

Saving Energy, Saving Water Will Be Kinder On Your Purse and Kinder on the Planet.

Saving energy is important to all our customers as this will help them save money, with this in mind we are taking this message into some of the primary schools within our neighbourhoods.

These key messages will be given to a 1000 children between the

ages of 7-8 years in a fun but educational comic. The comic centres around two characters ‘Sammy Save A Lot’ and ‘Wendy Waste It All’, it is hoped that through the interactive comic children will take

energy saving tips home and together with their families put the lessons they have learnt into practice.

We are also running a poster campaign as part of the project so one child will have the opportunity to have their award winning poster used in future energy saving campaigns throughout LMH.

If you think your children’s school would like the opportunity of getting involved in LMH’s energy campaign please let us know by contacting the Regeneration Team on 0800 678 1894.

A lesson in saving energy

P.10

RegenerationUpdate

Page 12: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Getting tough with anti social behaviour on the Flowers

Emergency packs for vulnerable tenants

For many years the Flowers Estate in the Warbreck Triangle has had a bad reputation due to a minority of tenants causing trouble.

Housing Officer Andy Dillon working in partnership with Merseyside Police, local Councillors and residents worked hard to address the problems.

During January LMH served two Notices of Seeking Possession on the tenants that were causing the trouble. We are pleased to say both perpetrators left their properties before court action was commenced.

This joint working has helped the local community to feel safer, made the area a more desirable place to live and saved expensive legal costs. We now have a well established TARA (Tenants and Residents Association) on the estate that is doing excellent work engaging with the younger children and wider community, holding many events and drop in sessions for residents.

The Merseyside Residents Network, Councillors from the County Ward and LMH officers arranged a day to supply Emergency Food Bags to the most vulnerable residents in the area.

Food bags consisted of things like tinned puddings, soups, long life milk and bread; equivalent to about a 3 day food supply were given out to our elderly and disabled who may struggle to get out and about should we have a sudden cold spell or severe storms.

The day was held at Oakmere Centre; there was a raffle, a bingo and a prize draw for all who turned up. A great day was had by all and John, from Leta Street won the main prize of a picnic hamper.

P.11

CommunityNews

Page 13: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Community Impact DaysImpact Day Vehicle Location Dates

Fountains Estate fun day Fountains Car Park 11/04/2014Hunts Cross Oposite Railway station 12/04/2014Charter House, Speke Road, Woolton Street, High Street

Charter House 15/05/2014

Mark Street Mark Street Car Park 21/05/2014Joseph Lapin Memorial Event Doric Park 25/05/2014Vale Road, Rose Street, Rodick Street, Quarry Street, Cobden View

Quarry Street 12/06/2014

Coltart Rd/Tiber Street Coltart Rd/Lodge Lane end 20/06/2014Hurstlyn/Heydean Car Park 27/06/2014Leta Street Car Park 01/07/2014Dale Meadow Estate Car Park 17/07/2014Clubmoor dog show/fun day Back of Clubmoor Centre 20/07/2014Flowers estate fun day Opposite 1 Citron Close 28/07/2014SNC Upper Mann Street 01/08/2014Daneville fun day Comer Philbeach/Sonning 07/08/2014Broad Lane fun day/impact day St. Christophers Church Grounds 11/08/2014Chatsworth Estate Overbury Street 14/08/2014Queens Impact day Queens Road 28/08/2014Silvester Street Impact day Silvester Street 03/09/2014Winsor Street Winsor Street 05/09/2014Cantril Farm/Stockbridge Village Location to be confirmed 09/09/2014Craine Close Car park 09/09/2014Walgrave Estate Waldgrave Road 11/09/2014Stillington Estate Stillington Road 19/09/2014

Local Children’s CentresLocal Children’s Centres across Liverpool deliver a programme full of learning opportunities for both adults and children 0-5 years old.

Clubmoor and Ellergreen Manager, Jo Thompson says ‘’Come to one of our centres with your child and support their learning and development through a number of our excellent child development services. The Children’s Centres provide adult support through parenting programmes, debt management, domestic violence support programmes and health activities amongst other services.

To find out more about the centres you can visit our website at www.clubmoorandellergreen.co.uk or join us on Twitter at @CmoorEgreenCC’’.

If you have a child over 2 years of age you may be entitled to free nursery provision. You can contact any Children’s centre or associated nursery for further information.

Friendly and welcoming staff will also be able to guide you to other partner agencies if they are not able to offer the services you need.

P.12

YourCommunity

Page 14: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Get involved with LMHGetting involved and having your say 2014/16

Customers who use our services are at the heart of everything we do at LMH. We believe they should be actively involved in the management of our services so their views, knowledge and experience can have a real influence on the decisions we make as an organisation.

By getting involved you can:

• Influence decisions that affect your housing service • Help us to provide better quality services

• Make your neighbourhood a better place to live • Develop your own skills

There are many different ways to get involved. Some will involve more time than others but all are valuable ways to help us to improve our services. Don’t worry if you have never done this before as training is available if needed, please contact the customer involvement team on 0800 678 1894.

With our mobile app comes the ability to bring LMH into the hands of tenants, giving you a much more convenient way of interacting with us and allowing us to interact with you.

LMH Mobile App for Tenants is currently under development and is looking for testers both internal and external at the end of April. It’s currently compatible with Apple iPhone and iPad as well as Android-based devices (Samsung, HTC, Sony, etc).

If you would like to help us test our new App please contact LMH Connect.

LMH Mobile app for tenants

T•A•R•D•I•S

P.13

GetInvolved

Page 15: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Money Matters-Credit UnionsWhat is a Credit Union?A credit union is a regulated financial co-operative which offers safe savings and low-cost loans to members. Credit unions aim to help people take control of their money by encouraging you to save what you can. Once you have a reliable record as a saver, you can apply to borrow money. Credit unions will let you borrow what you can afford to repay.

Credit Unions are great because: Everyone is welcome, it is easy to join and you receive a personal, friendly service.

Quick loans for non-members may be available from some credit unions, a cheaper alternative to a Pay Day Loan.

Flexible ways to save, from as little as £1 per week.

A range of services are available, including junior saver accounts.

Your money stays within the local community.

Regular savers who are over the age of 18 can apply for a low cost loan.

A credit union may suit you if:

You don’t want a savings account with a high street bank.

You want the flexibility to save what you can when you can.

You want a low cost loan and you would prefer to pay it back weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

You don’t want to pay a fortune to borrow money from e.g. door step lenders pawn brokers or pay weekly stores on the high street.

You like the idea of ethical saving and borrowing and want to support your local credit union.

£250 over 12 months

Door StepLender

Credit Union

Weekly Payment £8.75 £5.49

Total Interest £205 £35.63

£500 over 12 months

Door StepLender

Credit Union

Weekly Payment £17.50 £10.99

Total Interest £410 £71.27

Joan needs a new washing machine. She borrows this over 12 months from her local credit union and her weekly payment is £5.49. In total she pays £35.63 in interest. If Joan financed her washing machine through a door step lender, the interest she would pay would be £205 and weekly payments would be £8.75. Almost double the cost of the washing machine!

Danny’s car has broken down and he needs £500 to get it fixed.He wants to borrow the money from his credit union and pay it back over 12 months. In total Danny pays back £71.27 in interest and his weekly payment is £10.99. If Danny went to a door step lender to borrow £500 based on an APR of 272% he would pay £409.99 ininterest over 12 months and his weekly payment would be £17.50.

What does a loan cost?

How do I join a Credit Union?

Anyone is entitled to make an application to join a Credit Union. You will need to complete an application form and prove your identity, which will include confirmation of who you are, where you live and proof of income including any benefits. For further information on Credit Unions in your area log on to Mersey Money www.merseymoney.org.uk or tel 0151 236 0658.

Interest rates vary slightly between credit unions so these examples are just to give you an idea of the costs involved. The APR used for the credit union is based on 26.8% and for the door step lender is based on 272% (ten times the credit union rate).

P.14

MoneyMatters

Page 16: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

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Central Liverpool Credit Union

To claim your free £5.00 voucher to open your new account please cut out the voucher below and bring it along to one of our 5 open days listed:

Please also remember to open an account you will need to bring along your identification.

• Photo ID - Passport, Drivers Licence or EU National ID Card

• 2 Proofs of Address - Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Tenancy Agreement, Mortgage Statement etc.

• Proof of National Insurance - NI Card, Wage-slip, Benefits Letter

• Proof of Income - Bank Statement, Benefits Letter, Wage Slip etc.

LMH is teaming up with the Central Liverpool Credit Union and providing all LMH customers with a free £5.00 voucher to set up a new account.

This voucher entitles the holder with valid ID to open a new account with the Central Liverpool Credit Union including the sum of five pounds curtesy of Liverpool Mutual Homes.Only one voucher per household. Offer only open to tenants of Liverpool Mutual Homes. Photocopies not accepted.

Date Time Location

24th April 10am - 2pm Central Liverpool Credit Union: Hyslop Street, Park Place, L8 5UA. Tel: 0151 708 5515

25th April 10am - 2pm LMH South - Edge Lane, Unit 1 Montrose Business Park,Tattersall Way, L7 9NB.

28th April 10am - 2pm LMH North - Clubmoor, 181 Townsend lane, L13 9DY.

29th April 10am - 2pm Central Liverpool Credit Union: 245-247 Walton Road, L4 4AR. Tel: 0151 207 3020

30th April 10am - 2pm LMH Head Office, The Observatory, 1 Old Haymarket, L1 6RA.

If you are unable to make any of the above open days please contact a branch of the Central Liverpool Credit Union as above and a more convenient appointment can be arranged. You can also contact their Kensington Branch, 296-298 Kensington, Liverpool, L7 2RN. Tel: 0151 263 9353.

Opening an account with the CLCU will provide you with an opportunity for immediate access to apply for a Helping Hand Loan. Helping Hand Loans are emergency loans for people who have not yet saved in the Credit Union. These loans are charged at 2% interest per month on the reducing loan balance, working out at 26.8% APR. More than a normal Credit Union loan but still cheaper than a doorstep lender, the Helping Hand loans process is to give people a start into becoming a Credit Union member and to start saving and managing their finances.

FREE

Voucher

P.15

MoneyMatters

Page 17: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Stop Loan Sharks

• Rarely offer paperwork so those who borrow from them are kept in the dark about how much they still owe.

• Can charge extortionate rates of interest rates of 131,000% APR have been seen.

• Add additional amounts to the debt so the borrowers struggle to repay.

• Take items as security. These items could even include passports and bank cards.

• Resort to extreme methods to reclaim their debts. This could mean threats, intimidation, violence or worse.

One victim spoke out “I couldn’t afford to pay my bills and the rent as I had to pay the loan shark so life was getting pretty desperate. He said ‘pay me don’t feed the children.’

The kids have been subjected to living in a hostel and attended five schools. It nearly cost me my marriage”

If you have borrowed from an unlicensed lender you have not broken the law, they have. Speak to us in confidence.

To report a loan shark:Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003E-mail: [email protected] message us at www.facebook.com/stoploansharks

£If you would like more information, presentations,

community training or publicity please contact Tracy

Fairhurst, England Northwest LIAISE Officer 07500

882 931 or [email protected].

Throughout April LMH will be working in partnership with

the Illegal Money Lending Team.

For further information please contact Amanda Taylor

or Peter Kearns 0800 678 1894.

Illegal money lending is a problem across the country. With an estimated 310,000 households in the UK borrowing from unlicensed lenders or loan sharks as they are more commonly known. Anyone who operates a money lending business without a licence from the Office of Fair Trading is acting illegally. The England Illegal Money Lending Team is cracking down on unlicensed lenders who...

P.16

MoneyMatters

Page 18: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Welfare Reform Team LMH’s Welfare Reform Team have recently started carrying out New Tenancy Welfare visits. The aim of the visit is to meet new tenants in their homes when the dust has settled and the reality of managing a home with all its joys and headaches (bills) have set in. Officers’ primary concern is that new tenants are able to manage their rent and by doing so are not leaving themselves in financial difficulties in other areas. We can provide budgeting advice and will make referrals to our specialist partners if our tenant is struggling with financial or fuel debt.

These visits are not just about financial inclusion as equally important is our tenants health and wellbeing and community engagement. We can help tenants if they want to open a bank account, learn or brush up on their IT skills and help with employment and training opportunities.

Whilst we are targeting new tenants at the moment the Welfare Team are happy to visit any LMH tenant who may be interested in any of these opportunities. If you wish to speak to LMH’s Welfare Reform Team the number to call them is LMH Connect on 0800 678 1894 calls are free from a landline.

Bedroom Tax Exemption from Bedroom TaxPre – 1996 Tenancies

In January 2014, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) advised local authorities that in cases where tenants have had a continuous claim for Housing Benefit since January 1996 the bedroom tax rules should not have been applied. Continuous means for the same property (with some exceptions).

This may apply to:

• LMH tenants, receiving Housing Benefit who are under pension age, who have beencontinuously claiming housing benefit from before 1 January 1996 and have lived at the same address. (With any break in Housing Benefit for this period not exceeding four weeks).

• LMH Tenants, who may have ‘inherited’ atenancy from family members living at the same property, provided that the current claimant has resided at the property since 1996 and provided

that both the original and the current claimant, between them, have had a continuous claim of Housing Benefit throughout with any break of not exceeding four weeks.

The DWP have now amended the regulations so that any award will only be paid up to the point that new regulations came into effect. The date for this was the 3rd March 2014.

This means that affected tenants will be able to apply to Liverpool City Council to have their claim reassessed under the correct rules and if eligible will be able to receive Housing Benefit backdated from 1st April 2013 to 3rd March 2014.

Liverpool Mutual Homes has already provided Liverpool City Council with details of 550 customers that may be eligible to have their claim re-assessed under the new criteria. Those customers will be contacted by Liverpool City Council and advised accordingly.

If you require any further information please contact LMH Connect and ask to speak to a member of the Income Services Team.

P.17

MoneyMatters

Page 19: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Are you over the age of 65?

Do you care for an older person?

Do you know someone who should be recognised?

Do you know of any initiative to support older people?

Following on from our extremely successful awards launch last year, Liverpool Registered Social Landlords, Liverpool City Council and partner agencies who work with Older People in the City have come together to provide you with a bigger and better awards event for 2014.

We have a magnificent awards evening planned on 25th September at Devonshire House Hotel, Edge Lane, which will includeentertainment, a free raffle and special invited dignitaries such as the Mayor of Liverpool and other special guests.Hosted again this year by Actor

and Comedian Mr Ricky Tomlinson.

Outstanding Neighbour AwardOutstanding Vounteer AwardOutstanding Active Person AwardOutstanding Skilled/Interesting AwardOutstanding Unpaid Carer Award Outstanding Life Long Learning AwardOutstanding Older Person Initiative AwardOutstanding Older Person Agency AwardThe Smile Award - Sponsored by Ricky Tomlinson & The Greenroom.

The Outstanding Neighbour Do you/they have an elderly neighbour that they look after? Then this is the category for you!

The Outstanding Volunteer Do you/they volunteer in your community for an agency or organisation that supports older people? Then we want to hear from you!

The Outstanding Active PersonDo you/they still run a marathon, or generally keep fit? Then this is the category for you!

The Outstanding Skilled/Interesting Person Do you/they have a special skill that is shared with your community, Do you have a special story to tell? Then we want to here from you!

The Outstanding Unpaid Carer Are you/they looking after another person, providing support and the gift of love to someone in need? Then this is the award for you.

The Outstanding Life Long LearningAre you/they still studying, learning new skills? Then this is the award for you!

The Outstanding Older Person Initiative Have you/they developed a project that will enhance the life of our older people in the community? Then we want to hear from you!

The Outstanding Older Person Agency We want to recognise those agencies who care for our older people on a daily basis, whether that be providing food or care in their homes? Then we want to hear from you!

The Smile Award- Sponsored by Ricky Tomlinson & The Greenroom. This award is a very special award, we want you to nominate yourself or someone you know that goes that extra mile, would do anything for anyone, and puts a Smile on your face.

Your Name:Address:

Telephone:Email:Name and Address of person being nominated

Name:Address:

Category Entered:Telephone:Email:

Please write on a seperate sheet of paper in no more than 100 words why you or the person you are nominating should receive an award, then complete this tear off slip and enclose both in an envelope and address to Freepost LMH (no stamp required). You can also complete an application online at liverpoolmutualhomes.org/olderpeople

Page 20: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Did you know that a group of LMH customers have come together to form a group called T•A•R•D•I•S (Tenants and Residents Disabled in Society)?

The Group’s aim is to represent the views and interests of LMH tenants and residents affected by disability and to work to improve their lives.

Their objectives are to:

• Work in partnership with LMH and other organisations to change policies and practices that limit the lives and opportunities of tenants and residents affected by disability

• Empower and provide a platform for the voices of people directly affected by disability

• Act as an advocate for tenants and residents affected by disability

• Raise awareness about disability and challenge the discrimination and the prejudice disabled people face every day

• Campaign to achieve positive change for people affected by disability

• Raise funds to help promote the interests of tenants and residents affected by disability

• To undertake training that supports the work of T•A•R•D•I•S

Membership of T•A•R•D•I•S is open to any LMH tenant or resident affected by disability who supports the aim and objectives of the group. Other individuals who support the group’s aim and objectives can join the group as co-opted members

If you would like to find out more about T•A•R•D•I•S and details of the next meeting, please contact Lyn Bowker, Equality & Diversity Manager on 0800 678 1894.

Would you like to become involved in a customer focus group?Are you or a member of your household LGBT?

RAINBOW would like to hear from you

In May 2012 LMH was awarded the Navajo Charter Mark which demonstrates that our policies for staff and customers are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender friendly and that anybody from the LGBT community would not be disadvantaged by accessing services from us.

The group meets quarterly and is confidential, quite informal and you do not need any special training to become involved.

If you would like to know more contact LMH on 0800 678 1894 and ask to speak to Alan Feenan – Diversity Champion for Sexual Orientation or Lyn Bowker – Equality and Diversity Manager for further details.

P.19

Equality &Diversity

Page 21: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Community AlarmsService users will be aware that Liverpool City Council removed funding for the provision of Dispersed Community Alarms last year following the financial savings the authority has been forced to make as central government funding has been reduced.

Over 1000 of our older or more vulnerable service users receive this valuable service which ensures that emergency assistance is always available at the touch of a pendent 24 hours a day 52 weeks per year.

With grant funding removed LMH took the decision to continue to fund this service for residents internally for 12 months whilst we found a more cost effective alternative option.

This process is now complete and we are pleased to advise that our new service went live in January 2014 with all service users wishing to retain the service being transferred across to our new control centre by the 7th April or before.

Unfortunately LMH cannot continue to fund this service internally from that date however we believe that the £1.49 weekly charge we have had to introduce (which equates to a saving of 50% on the previous charges), represents great value for the continued peace of mind the service offers.

The new service comprises a team of dedicated, highly trained people who deliver independent /assisted living solutions. We help people of all ages and abilities to live safely and securely with confidence in their own homes providing family and friends with assurance that their loved ones are safe. The service has achieved the highest quality accreditation from the industry body the TSA (Telecare Services Authority) and is one of the first to do so nationally.

Anyone wishing to find out more should contact the Independent Living Team on 0800 678 1894 who will be happy to discuss your requirements with you.

Focus on an Officer

Hi my name is Becky Thomas and I’m the Graphic Design Assistant in the LMH communications team.

I joined LMH in May 2013 working voluntarily for one day a week to gain work experience. After a successful summer I was then given a 12 month contract in December 2013.

My role is to support our Graphic Designer by assisting with our branding. We are responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact for our customers; keeping our publications on brand, interesting and up to date with our corporate plan. My work involves listening to different departments and understanding their needs before making design decisions and creating print ready artwork for them to use across the company.

This includes working on the newsletters, liveries, external signs, events and many others. We start off by gathering information from a brief agreed with the department who want to keep our customers up to date with what’s going on. My role is to think creatively; coming up with creative ideas for the project using the correct style to meet the departments objectives following our brand guidelines. Another part of the role is to liaise with printing companies, discussing quotes and timescales to meet the deadline of the task. This role is to ensure that we provide the best possible service presenting high quality information to our customers.

It is a very busy and exciting role.

P.20

FocusOn

Page 22: My LMH Newsletter April 2014
Page 23: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

To show our continued commitment to offering apprenticeships, HMS is to recruit 5 new apprentices for 2014 in various construction related disciplines. Further details of the types of apprenticeships available and the recruitment process will be uploaded to the HMS website and our social media pages in May 2014. www.housingmaintenancesolutions.org/jobs

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Building & refurbishment works.• Minor works eg. hanging doors, assembling flat pack furniture etc.• Painting and decorating service• Gardening service, including regular maintenance service.• Central heating installation and maintenance.• Cleaning services, including deep clean of properties and window cleaning.• Fencing and landscaping works.• Major building works such as extensions and adaptations.• Electrical works and installations.

WHY CHOOSE HMS:

• All works guaranteed.• Low prices.• High Quality.• Friendly, trusted employees - all operatives are DBS (formally CRB) checked• Vast experience delivering works to homes.• High customer satisfaction rates.

CALL US NOW ON 0300 123 2030.

www.housingmaintenancesolutions.org

HMS can deliver the full range of maintenance and construction services for your home.

Your local Building & Maintenance Company

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2014

BuildsRepairsMaintains

P.22

HMS

Page 24: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

The LMH Focus Awards are a celebration of the many good things that are happening at LMH and in our neighbourhoods. The awards give us the chance to positively recognise the key individuals, tenant groups, teams and partner

organisations that have gone the extra mile throughout the previous year and who make an outstanding contribution to making our vision a reality.

The 2014 Focus Awards will be held on Friday 13th June at the World Museum, William Brown Street.

The teamwork and effort of tenants, staff and partners in delivering the LMH vision this past year has been phenomenal, and the Focus Awards recognise this as well as saying a big ‘thank you’ to them all.

Tenants, staff and partner organisations have all contributed to the remarkable progress made in LMH’s communities and neighbourhoods.

Nominations will be open from 1st March 2014 and

will close on Friday 9th May 2014.

>> Download the nomination form from our website www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/focusawardsThere are a number of ways to make you nomination:

>> Collect a form from your neighbourhood housing office and return it completed to FREEPOST LMH>> Email your contact details to [email protected] and we will send a form to you

P.23

FocusAwards2014

Page 25: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

1/ Staff Member of the Year AwardThe LMH member of staff who has gone above and beyond expectations and made the biggest difference to colleagues and customers. Who have you come into contact with who deserves that special mention. Who has really impressed you with the way they work? What did they do and why did it stand out?

2/ Team Leader of the Year AwardThe manager or team leader who has been the most striking role model and demonstrated the most effective leadership. Have you spotted an individual who is an outstanding leader of their team? Who have you seen that deserves a nomination? How do they stand out? Is there any special moment that really impressed you?

3/ Team of the Year AwardThe LMH team that has gone above and beyond their expected duties and made the biggest difference to customer service and delivery. Not just one or two stars, but a whole team! Which team has made the biggest impression on you? What is it that makes them stand out? How are they special when it comes to customer service and the delivery of LMH targets? In a new twist this year, nominations for this award will be received as usual, but the winning team will be chosen by a staff vote from the resulting shortlist.

4/ Apprentice of the Year AwardThis award recognises the contribution made by an Apprentice within their workplace. Do you know someone who excels in what they do? Do you know someone who is committed to making a real difference within their workplace? Do you know someone who sees the opportunities apprenticeships bring? Tell us about them, what they are doing and why you think they should win?

5/ Partnership AwardThe partner organisation or contractor working for LMH that has gone above and beyond their expected role and has made the biggest single positive difference to service delivery. We have a great many partners who we work with. Which one do you think deserves an award for how they have worked and what they have achieved with us? What makes them so special? Why do they stand out?

6/ Volunteer of the Year AwardThis award recognises the contribution made by a Volunteer within their community. Do you know someone who excels in what they do? Do you know someone who is committed to making a real difference within their community? Do you know someone who sees the opportunities volunteering brings? Tell us about them, what they are doing and why you think they should win?

7/ Neighbour of the Year AwardThe individual, couple or family who have done most to help make the neighbourhood a better place to live in. Which of your neighbours deserves an award? Who does the most to help people who live nearby? What sort of things do they do and what difference do they make? How is life on your road, street or estate better because of them?

8/ Tenant Group or Community Group of the Year AwardThe association, community or tenant group that has made the biggest difference to the lives of theircommunity. Is there a hardworking association or group in your area? What are they doing to make a difference in your local community? What sort of things do they organise and what do they do that is really special?

9/ Special Recognition Award NEW AWARDDo you know someone who has gone the extra mile, above and beyond what has been expected of them? Do they go out of their way to help others? Havethey made an outstanding achievement this year? This can be a member of staff, a tenant or resident, or an individual partner officer.

P.24

FocusAwards2014

Page 26: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

LMH’s first 14 tenants moved into Quatrain Close and Dryden Street, Poets Park, Great Homer Street on 20th February. Tammy Dumbell (pictured) said “I can’t believe my luck and I am now happy and optimistic about my future in my new home”

Braidwater, the contractors have employed local labour on its construction which has been a real bonus for the local residents.

The estate is modern in keeping with its location as town centre living, the internal living space is contemporary, light and airy.

This development will complement Project Jennifer, which will comprise the new Great Homer Street market, upgraded local shops and the largest Sainsbury's in Liverpool. This project will also provide local employment and the regeneration of one of the most important gateways to the city.

Gold award for HMSFor the second consecutive year, Liverpool Mutual Homes’ (LMH) repairs and maintenance company has won the top two awards in national gas safety.Housing Maintenance Solutions (HMS) won the Gold Award for Excellence at the Morgan Lambert-sponsored National Housing Maintenance Forum awards after successfully carrying out inspections at 15,000 LMH properties in record time.

And two HMS gas engineers – Chris Rice and James Green – shared the Gas Operative Gold Award as judges couldn’t separate the pair after reviewing over 600 entries in the national competition. Director of Assets and Enterprise at LMH, Maggi Howard, said: “We place the upmost importance on gas safety and have invested a lot of time and money to ensure all our homes are checked every year by HMS. “We are delighted Chris and James have won the individual

awards – to beat a national competition of 600 is a great achievement and being recognisedfor their high level of workmanship is the ultimate accolade.”

Managing Director at Housing Maintenance Solutions, Paul Worthington, said: “It shows just how good a job we are doing when the judges had over 600 entries to consider yet chose two of our operatives to share the award because of their high level of customer care and attention to detail.

“Gas safety is such an important area that each year we have to keep striving to improve.”

P.25

HousingUpdate

Page 27: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Time To TestYou are at least four times more likely to die in a fire in your home if you have no working smoke alarm.Why not test your smoke alarms on the first of every month? Then you know they are working and you can tick it off your ‘to do’ list – before it’s too late.

Over 200 people in England die each year in fires. These are often caused by smoking, candles and faulty electrical appliances – especially heaters and wiring.

These simple steps can reduce the risk of fire and keep everyone safer:

FIT SMOKE ALARMS ON EVERY LEVEL OF YOUR HOME

TEST THEM ON THE 1ST OF EVERY MONTH AND NEVER TAKE OUT THE BATTERIES

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS IT

PUT CIGARETTES OUT – RIGHT OUT – AND NEVER SMOKE IN BED

NEVER TRY TO TACKLE A FIRE YOURSELF

TAKE EXTRA CARE IN THE KITCHEN AND NEVER LEAVE COOKING UNATTENDED

MAKE A BEDTIME CHECK LAST THING AT NIGHT TO REDUCE FIRE RISKS(EG. UNPLUG HEATERS)

If a fire breaks out in your home Get out, stay out and call 999!

www.gov.uk/firekills

Hundreds of LMH Tenants/Leaseholders find themselves locked out of their properties due to mislaying house keys. Not only is this an major inconvenience it’s also a costly experience as regaining access to your property costs approximately £50.

This cost would be covered for anyone who takes insurance cover that LMH has specially negotiated with the Royal Sun Alliance. As well as giving you peace of mind against life’s little accidents such as lock changes your possessions are also covered for major incidents such as Fire, Flood & Theft.

The cost of cover starts from as little as 83 pence a week and unlike many other insurance schemes your postal code is not taken into account which means

everyone pays the same. Payment methods are available to suit individual circumstances and no excess needs to be paid on any claims made.

Call 0800 678 1894 to find out more about the benefits of taking out cover through LMH’s Home Contents Insurance Scheme.

Special Insurance Scheme

P.26

HousingUpdate

Page 28: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Focus on anti-social behaviourWorking together we can achieve and enjoy safer and cleaner communities

How you can help us tackle ASBYou can be confident in reporting ASB to LMH.

We encourage all residents to work with us in tackling nuisance and ASB issues.

In cases where we have to take court action, our action is greatly strengthened at court when we have witness reports and evidence.

To report nuisance and ASB call

0800 678 1894FREEPHONE

0300 123 2300Low rate call from mobile

Dealing with noisy neighboursNearly all of us will have had to deal with noise from neighbours at one time or another. Often, there may be a simple reason, such as normal household noise from appliances like washing machines etc and not because they want to cause nuisance or be disruptive. The problem arises when the noise becomes excessive and it can escalate even further over time if ignored. You might be surprised to discover that many people who are considered ‘noisy’ and disruptive are often totally unaware of the effects they are having on others, and a simple polite conversation will often resolve the issue.

Speaking to your Neighbour First

No one should have to tolerate excessive noise pollution but it’s not very neighbourly if you immediately call the police or your local Environmental Health Department at the first sign of any loud noise. Many noisy neighbours might consider this to be a bit like ‘going behind their back’ instead of speaking to them first and if a complaint is made anonymously, it can often cause an even deeper sense of resentment.

That doesn’t mean you should have to put up with excessive noise but talking to neighbours first about

the situation can often stop and prevent a potential long-term noise problem. What is important, however, is the way in which you choose to speak to your neighbours about noise and, quite often, the timing to ensure your approach to the neighbour is sensible, appropriate and does not escalate the situation.No one has the right to make someone else’s life a misery through excessive noise, so don’t feel guilty about contacting the city councils noise nuisance team or even the police, if you strongly suspect that by confronting the issue directly yourself, you could be putting yourself at risk of harm in any way.

LMH is here to advise and help also

If you feel that the noise from neighbours is excessive, ensure you report this to the City Council’s noise nuisance team as this helps to record incidents officially if the noise is above statutory limits. Also, do not hesitate to contact LMH for advice and support where you are suffering excessive noise from neighbours.

We work with the city council and police to tackle those who create excessive noise and disrupt the lives of other residents, which can include tenancy action, injunctions and even seizure of noise equipment and fines.

LMH takes all reports of ASB seriously and have performance targets to respond to reports of asb.

We have a team of highly experienced and dedicated Community Safety Officers who work closely with trained housing and supported living staff.

WE CAN HELP YOU

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ASBUpdate

Page 29: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Although bogus callers pretending to be ‘officials’ from utility or maintenance companies are quite rare, they can be particularly upsetting so always check the following:

• Are you expecting their call; if in doubt keep them out

• Don’t be persuaded by ‘clever sales patter’• Always ask to see and check their identification

(before you let them into your home, call the number on their identification card if you have doubts about them being genuine)

• Does their sales leaflet have a landline phone number, not just a freephone or mobile number

• If you suspect you have been visited by a bogus caller – let your landlord, police or local council know – you could help prevent other neighbours falling victim to the bogus caller.

The best defence against a doubtful caller is to have a viewer or spy hole and a door chain fitted to your door.

If you witness a crime dial 101 (non emergencies), or if you have any other information ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and quote ‘Neighbourhood Alert’.

In case of emergencies, remember to call

999REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!

Injunction to prevent nuisance neighbour in Broad Lane.An interim injunction was put in place on Christmas eve against two tenants in Broad Lane relating to alleged ASB, intimidation and damage to LMH property. The male tenant was subsequently brought back to court on 6th January for an alleged breach of the interim injunction and will answer to the court regarding that alleged breach in a full trial relating to ASB within the next few months.

This action was made possible by the input of agencies such as the police working with LMH staff and residents in supporting court action. It also demonstrates LMH’s commitment to respond at all times and work with residents in dealing with people who cause ASB.

Bogus Callers

Increase awareness of trafficking amongst frontline professionals, making it harder for traffickers to sell and exploit people in Liverpool.

What is TRAFFICKING?The act of recruitment or movement by the means of coercion or force for the purpose of exploitation

What signs to look out forPassport or documents held by someone elseLimited social contact or languageExpression of fear or anxiety Acts as if instructed by anotherDistrustful of authorities

What to do

If you suspect that trafficking might be occurring, contact your manager or the person responsible for safeguarding in your organisation.

If someone’s life is in danger, dial 999 otherwise, call the police trafficking helpline on 0800 783 2589

For more information: e-mail [email protected] or phone 020 7921 4252 or visit www.stopthetraffik.org

STOP THE TRAFFIK AIMS TO:

ACTION ON DRUGS

Liverpool Courts have granted a Suspended Possession Order against an

LMH tenant in Toxteth.

This Court Order remains in place for 2 years and was granted due to the

tenant and her partner being convicted of drug offences.

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ASBUpdate

Page 30: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Follow us!!!Did you know LMH has

Twitter and Facebook pages?

On Twitter we’re @LMHINFO and on Facebook

our official page is LMH – Liverpool Mutual Homes.

We use both of these social networking sites to

update our ‘followers’ on news, events, jobs and

training, and special offers or competitions you

may find interesting.

So why not follow us or like us?

If you do, please retweet

and share our posts!

ISSUE 09APR 2014

Duke of Edinburgh

DONT MISS OUT OUR PROGRAMME IS STARTING AFTER THE EASTER HOLIDAYS

DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT, ADVENTUROUS AND FUN THAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?

Liverpool Mutual Homes are offering the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award to young people aged 14 – 24 year olds who live within our Neighbourhoods.

Young people can achieve their award by completing a personal programme of activities over a six month period. The award is split into four sections.

VolunteeringThis is your chance to make a difference by helping people in your community.

PhysicalYou can choose any sport, dance, fitness activity or take up something a bit unusual it’s up to you.

SkillsIs there something you have always wanted to try or do you want to get better at something you do.

ExpeditionHighs, lows, laughs, memories... You will experience it all as you plan, train for and complete an adventurous journey in the UK

You get to choose what you do. Some sections might be covered by things you are already doing.You can make your programme full of things that are interesting and exciting for you.The experiences, friends and talents you pick up could stay with you for the rest of your life.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is highly valued by employers and colleges so it puts you ahead of the rest when applying for Jobs, college and university places.

If you would like more information please contact Dot Fowell on 0785 098 7525 [email protected].

P.29

My YoungLMH

Page 31: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

Picnic in the ParkSave the date!

HAPPYEASTER!

Don’t miss it!It’s back!

Saturday 31 May 201412.00-4.00pmClubmoor Recreation GroundTownsend Lane, L13 9DY

FREE FAMILY FUN DAYSGreat Day Out, With Something for Everyone.

FREE PICNIC FOR THE FIRST 200 TO ATTENDCompetitions with lots of prizes to be won

Saturday 21 June 201412.00-4.00pmPrinces ParkUllet Road, L8

Spot the difference!Can you spot the 10 differences between the two pictures?The Easter bunny is reading his LMH Energy Saving comic, have you got your copy?Tell us how many there are to win a £10 voucher! The prize could be yours!

Write down all the differences you can find then pop the list in the post to Freepost LMH (no stamp required). Closing date 18th May 2014.

P.30

My YoungLMH

Page 32: My LMH Newsletter April 2014

If you require this information translated or made available in another format please call us on 0800 678 1894 and quote the reference LMH23.

Haddii aad u baahan tahay in warbixintan laguu soo turjumo ama laguugu soo diyaariyo nuskhad kale fadlan annaga naga soo wac lambarka 0800 678 1894 oo sheeg tixraaca LMH23. (Somali)

Pokud chcete tuto informaci preložit nebo mít v jiném formátu, zavolejte prosím na císlo 0800 678 1894 a uved’te referencní císlo LMH23. (Czech)

LMH

23

(Arabic) LMH230800 678 1894

LMH23 (Chinese Simplified)0800 678 1894

LMH23 (Chinese Traditional)

0800 678 1894

(Farsi) LMH23 230800 678 1894

(Kurdish) LMH23 0800 678 1894

Jezeli potrzebuja Panstwo tłumaczenia tych informacji lub ich wersji w innym formacie, prosimy o kontakt z nami pod numerem telefonu 0800 678 1894 i podanie numeru referencyjnego LMH23. (Polish)

Head Office @ The Observatory, 1 Old Haymarket, Liverpool, L1 6RA.

[email protected] www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org

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Please consider the environment and recycle.