pch intouch newsletter 5th anniversary special edition

InTouchFifth Anniversary Special Issue 21 Winter 2014

make it happen

Inside3 Front Covers 4 Better Communities6 Timeline8 Better Lives

I’m here to welcome you to this issue of InTouch magazine. This special edition to mark our fifth anniversary has stories from staff, partners and residents who have been involved with PCH over the last five years, reflecting Better Communities, Better Homes, Better Lives, Better Plymouth and Better Future.

I am a tenant of Plymouth Community Homes and through taking advantage of the opportunities available to all residents, I was able to gain invaluable knowledge and skills to help me back into the workplace. Putting these new found skills into practice has enabled me to find temporary work at PCH and I am thoroughly enjoying the work I am doing here.

It is truly inspiring to be able to see

Hello! Zoe NileCommunities Team

Zoe Nile Communities Team

Hello InTouch Call us on 0800 694 3101

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the inner workings of an organisation that not only provides a home for my family and I, but also opportunities for me and my community to develop and succeed.

If you are wondering where Elaine is, fear not, she is only a few pages away. Louise Manico shadowed our Chair of the Board for ‘A Day in the Life’. From AGMs to visiting the 3,000th new kitchen refurbishment carried out by one of our contractors, Elaine’s days are never dull. All this on page 10.

We were very fortunate to have a poem written for us by Plymouth’s very own Poet Laureate Mike Sullivan. A wonderful piece on page 18.

There are also stories from residents Valerie Johnson, who went on

television to talk about the bedroom tax, Joyce Hill on her move to Housing with Support and Paula Day and Danny Reeves telling us about Whitleigh’s Got Talent on page 15.

Your Facebook comments, tweets and letters are on page 21 alongside a Photo Quiz and our Chief Executive Clive Turner’s thoughts on our fifth year.

I hope you enjoy what I think is an issue of InTouch that each one of us can relate to, and be proud of our journey and achievements over the past 5 years.

Hi, I am Zoe.

10 A Day in the Life...12 Better Homes14 Your Story16 Better Plymouth

18 Fifth Anniversary Poem20 Better Future22 #OurPCH 22 Photo Quiz

23 A message from Clive Turner23 Events24 Contacts

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Anniversary InTouchplymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/five

Hold the Front PageWe’ve used lots of ways to keep you up to date with all the changes taking place over the last five years, including this newsletter - a lot has changed. Here’s a selection of our front pages, from the very first ‘Plymouth Community Homes News’ to the latest edition of ‘InTouch’.

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Better Communities

Christina Smith and Joe Condon Joe and Christina were both working but facing the possibility of homelessness or living with parents long term. Now they live in a new home in North Prospect through PCH’s Shared Ownership scheme. Here Christina describes doing things she never thought she could – and signing life insurance on the day before she went into labour.

We had been on the social housing list for a year or so but nothing had come up and there were still 140 people above us on any property we bid on, even when we went into a different priority because I was pregnant. We thought we would have to live with parents for the long haul and it felt pretty harsh because we were both working every hour we could but still couldn’t afford anything suitable. The only option I had was to make myself homeless but even then I would probably have to go to a hostel.

Then Joe’s mum saw something about Shared Ownership and we went onto the website to have a look. It was buying a house but not as financially scary as buying a whole house. We got together the 5% deposit from what we had saved and then could buy 45% on a mortgage and rent the rest from PCH.

We never thought we would be able to have a house. We got together four years ago and Joe moved in with me where I was living in a single room in a house share, one bathroom between all seven of us.

Obviously that couldn’t work for very long and so in 2012 we moved into a tiny one-bedroom flat. I called it the smallest flat in the world because it was so cramped we couldn’t even fit a proper double bed into it but it still cost us £500 a month. I work in service support for Spar and Joe is a baker/shop assistant, but even with our combined wages we were struggling and that was all we could afford. Then we found out I was pregnant and things had to change and get a bit more serious because we couldn’t bring up a baby where we were, so we moved back with parents while we saved as much money as possible and wondered what to do.

We found a two-bedroom house with off-road parking and a small garden in North Prospect, the regeneration area. Hannah from PCH SO Living talked us through it all. She was amazing because she understood how nervous we were and guided us though it all.

I took on the job of sorting out the money and with her help became the family accountant, something I never thought I could do. Hannah was very patient and dealt with all my little queries – and there were a lot of them as I’d never done anything like that before. Our costs combined are about £450 a month – less than that tiny flat. We bought our house at £134,000 and it is already worth

Changing “Even with our

combined wages we were struggling. My only

option was to declare myself homeless.”

Building“With PCH’s help

I’ve done something I thought I never could.”

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£140,000. In future our mortgage will go down or we can use it to buy more of the house.

Buying property is a big thing in life. I got a real sense of achievement from making it happen and both of us have grown more mature through the experience as we never expected to have our own house at 24 and 25. I even signed off the life insurance the day before I went into labour. I know we have done the right thing by putting money into our own bricks and mortar and building a secure and stable environment for our daughter Faye.

Growing“We’ve done the right

thing – building a secure and stable environment

for our daughter.”

Ian Knight Head of Area for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon and Somerset at the Homes and Communities Agency:

the worst properties. Overall, these approaches mean that many tenants now live in better homes, with improved insulation and efficient heating systems – so they’re much cheaper to run.

I am particularly interested in the on-going regeneration work taking place in North Prospect. PCH spent a lot of time looking at different options and spent time and care talking with residents. Change is never easy and inevitably always takes longer than any of us would prefer, but on recent visits I have been hugely impressed by the growing sense of community pride in this blossoming neighbourhood.

I do think that the future for housing associations and for PCH should be really bright.

In my view, providing a decent home is often the bedrock that helps people access training, secure a job and get involved with the wider community. Some of the regeneration initiatives PCH are leading in Plymouth are truly transformational.

When PCH was established it inherited a lot of housing stock that was outdated and I have been impressed with the way in which have tackled this problem. They have refurbished homes where possible whilst demolishing and rebuilding

Jane Suter PCH Head of Corporate Finance and Strategy

delivering what they say they will – and I think the whole of PCH have worked together to achieve that.

In North Prospect you see what difference good quality new homes make to a community. That’s why I love what I do.

These days we’re developing new homes and our plans are even more ambitious. We have a second funding agreement from the Housing Finance Corporation and we’re looking to get more in place.

Walking to work through St Budeaux, I see the difference the cladding makes, new doors and windows, and thousands of residents have new kitchens and bathrooms – already we’ve made a difference to Plymouth.

Five years down the line? We will get there and it’ll be hard work, but it’ll be great to see it all happen. It’s a great privilege to play a part.

I’ve been with PCH since before transfer and I can see a huge change since PCH began.

At the start, within PCH you could feel the energy – the commitment to delivering promises to tenants. The funding was part of this energy suddenly we could do it! I still see people are really, really up for

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First Christmas Toy

Fair held in Stonehouse

100 Day Pledge kept – including

the introduction of the PCH fleet

70 staff awarded NVQs as part of PCH’s

commitment to career

development

PCH and British Gas join

forces to insulate around 10,000

homes

113 transfer promises

completed

88% of residents say they are satisfied with our services

Beginning of Plymouth Community

Homes

PCH pledges its support for

Plymouth’s Plans for Jobs initiative

First SO residents move

into North Prospect

Introduction of Community Walkabouts

Barratt appointed to

develop £30m North Prospect

Regeneration site


Timeline

Nov 2009 Mar 2010 Sep 2010 Oct 2010

Sep 2012

Dec 2013Jun 2013

Feb 2013 Jan 2013

Feb 2014

Mar

2013

Money Tree Fund

launched

Launch of 2013-18

Business Plan ‘Looking Ahead’

Bedroom tax introduced. PCH helps residents affected

Apr 2013

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5th Anniversary of

PCH

Official opening of new headquarters, Plumer House


completed

First SO residents move

into North Prospect

First residents move into new homes in North

Prospect

First solar panels installed on PCH homes

PCH’s City Centre Shop opens


completed

Launch of new Neighbourhood Ranger Service

Construction of the first new homes in North Prospect begins

PCH Handyperson

Service launched


completed


Oct 2010 Mar 2011 Aug 2011 Sep 2011

May 2012Jul 2012Sep 2012

Nov 2014Jun 2014Mar 2014

Mar 2012

Apr 2

012

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Five years ago things were pretty great. I was living in a two-bedroom house at Crownhill with my teenage son, Ashley, while my elder son Ryan was back and forth. As single mother, I was working part time as a cleaner and I’d even won £10,000 on a TV competition which enabled us to buy a car and to kit the house out with some new furniture. For a

while I was happy and enjoying life with my boys.

However, my oldest son started having problems and I struggled to cope emotionally with him especially as this all caused difficulties between the brothers. It started to get to me and I got quite low. Although I went to the

doctors for anti-depressants, nothing really helped and

I spiralled down into the depths of despair. My sons both moved away separately and I was left to my own

Anniversary InTouchplymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/fiveplymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/five

Better Lives

Sam Kitson Sam found herself spiralling into debt and despair after the introduction of the bedroom tax. However once she finally admitted her problems to PCH, her housing officer was able to help her get back on track and now she is looking forward to a brighter future in her new home.

devices. I stopped working and I just lost the will to do anything. For a few years I managed by living off my benefits and the money left over from my win but gradually things began to get away from me.

One of the PCH housing officers, Sarah, came round to speak to me about the bedroom tax and told me that now I was on my own in the house I would be liable for the extra money – unless I moved to a one-bed property. I was really scared. The thought of moving, the thought of anything else changing really frightened me so I panicked and told her I would be fine and even set up a direct debit for the extra £10.56 a week.

But all I did was worry, especially when I missed an appointment with the JobCentre and all my benefits stopped. As my money drained away I got into rent arrears. Nothing was paid and I saw all these letters coming from the TV license people and the utilities and got more and more scared and hid myself away. I didn’t wash or dress and it got to the stage where I was barely eating. I refused to go to the door unless I knew who was there and I was scared to open my post so I just left it lying there.

I knew Sarah had been calling for me and I could see letters from PCH piling up at the door, but I would hide when someone came to the house. It was only one day when she happened to see me through the window I realised how serious things had become. I realised I couldn’t hide anymore, so I let her in. She was so kind and understanding and I opened up for the first time. It was such a relief and she promised to help me out of my trouble. She said she understood my fears and would help me find a new home. She even said that if she had to write to me she would put a red flower on the envelope so I would know the letter was nothing to worry about.

Changing “I was liable for bedroom

tax. The thought of moving frightened me. I panicked.

I spiralled into despair.”

Building“Sarah from PCH came,

she was so kind and understanding. It felt

amazing that someone cared.”


Growing“I’m in a one-bed

property and I’m really happy here.”

Jenny Allen External Affairs Manager at the National Housing Federation:

and it is. I see this reflected so much in PCH’s values. It’s about social purpose as well as, say, windows and doors.

I’ve been lucky enough recently to be shown around some PCH homes and projects. I went to Devonport and was really interested to see what is taking place there. It’s a kind of regeneration going on there, too, although perhaps not as visually dramatic as North Prospect, say.

When I talk to PCH residents and staff it’s clear to me that bedroom tax is hitting Plymouth hard – and hitting some of the most vulnerable communities. PCH are doing a lot to help tenants access help, make the right decisions about their home. That kind of work is crucial; and it all comes back down to the importance of helping people have a stable and secure home.

It’s always been about working on behalf of the communities – ‘more than bricks and mortar’.

A colleague at PCH told me that in a recent survey residents said they ‘felt safe in their home’. This is such a positive thing. It seems as though for some PCH residents it was the physical changes to their home that somehow made them feel brighter.

If people don’t believe they are safe, it affects how they feel. We keep saying that feeling safe is a basic human need,

Tania TrumpPCH Housing Officer I’ve referred some tenants to PCH

courses and training opportunities and some of them are now working. I remember one tenant used to have loud late night parties. He did some PCH training and managed to obtain a CSCS card. Now he’s got two jobs and is too tired to be up having parties all night! I consider that a real success story because he’s happy where he lives, his neighbours are now happy with him and he’s turned his life around.

It’s not just about housing need, it’s about trying to sustain tenancies, keeping people happy where they live – that makes communities. If we can, we apply for Money Tree Funds for communities so they can make their communal areas a lot nicer, improve their surroundings or we work with other departments to make sure improvements are made.

We are out on the estates even more now and we’ll continue

to build relationships with our community

and our tenants. Our business is the tenants’ happiness and wellbeing at the end of the day.

Our role is about a lot more than just housing; we’re social workers, we’re educational workers, we’re drug and alcohol workers – it’s all about the general wellbeing of the tenant really.

We make sure we help our tenants in every way possible, whether it’s applying for charitable funds or signposting residents towards work opportunities.

It felt amazing to me that someone would understand and care enough to do that for me. That day I sat up and was honest for the first time – even with myself. I realised that PCH weren’t just people who had ‘perfect lives’ but just normal people like me and everyone else. I wish I’d spoken up before instead of trying to deal with it myself alone.

After she had gone, I felt brave enough to open the letters from PCH. They weren’t threatening at all but just had lots of homes that could have been available for me to move too, and some of them I really liked so I began to feel much better. This year I moved to a new one-bedroom property that Sarah found for me in Kings Tamerton and I am really happy here. She negotiated for me and thought to get me use of the whole garden for my German Shepherd, Rocky. I’m coming out of myself more and I’ve even been confident enough to have my photo taken. I’d never thought I could do that.

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scrutiny properly means that residents get the chance to check what’s going on behind the scenes – Elaine calls it having a ‘critical friend’. An expert from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) has come to speak to Elaine, Board Member Tina Tuohy and staff from the Governance Team to explain how members of the Resident Scrutiny Team could be selected in the future. It means changing the recruitment process so that people act more naturally and show their decision making processes and teamwork, rather than a more formal interview.

The aim is for Elaine to become an assessor of potential new Resident Scrutiny Team members, but she’s keen to point out: “Everyone who applies will be given access to opportunities. If it’s not with scrutiny, there will be other opportunities elsewhere, there’s still a role for any resident who wants to get involved.”

After her the meeting, she’s whisked away to a house in Manadon which has had the 3,000th new kitchen installed by sub-contractors PiLon as part of our kitchen and bathroom refurbishment programme.

Elaine says: “I think it’s important to come to events like this – it shows that although contractors are doing the work, PCH is invested in making sure residents are satisfied. Kitchens and bathrooms are what a lot of people associate with the transfer, so although we’re now working on projects like Ringmore Way and transforming neighbourhoods, it’s also good to see what’s happening to transform individual homes in the city.

Elaine arrives at Plumer House the day after the Annual General Meeting – a milestone event just ahead of PCH’s fifth anniversary, which gave the Board, partners, staff and residents a chance to look back at what’s happened and look ahead to the future, making sure PCH is in good shape.

Despite a late evening the night before, Elaine’s ready to get started and visits the Governance Team to check what’s ahead for the day and any reactions to the AGM. On the way lots of members of staff stop her, either to check on various projects or just to say hello.

After dealing with queries, speaking to a few people about the AGM the night before (and receiving lots of compliments about how well it went) and signing off some paperwork, Elaine’s goes into a meeting to look at the future of scrutiny at PCH.

Although it doesn’t initially sound like an exciting topic, it’s crucial. Carrying out

“As a resident myself, I know what it’s like to live with it full time – I know what I’d expect as a good quality job.”

Elaine gets to spend time finding out what other residents think too – she speaks to Irene Vieira, the woman whose home has had the refurbishment, discussing, among other things, a shared love of cats.

Elaine also took part in the recent Resident Involvement Tour. She says: “It was really positive. Most people are really happy with how things are going and it’s reassuring to hear. Our Resident Involvement is improving too as people realise the benefits of getting involved. PCH listens, makes changes and comes up with solutions – people realise this and get involved even more.”

A Day in the Life of… Elaine Pellow, Chair of the BoardCommunications Officer Louise Manico spent a day with PCH Chair of the Board Elaine Pellow – a role which encompasses everything from making sure the board is working effectively to deliver and support the vision of PCH to representing PCH at external events.

People shouldn’t think that just because

they’re a tenant, there’s no place for them on the Board

...you’re not expected to be an expert on

everything, and there is plenty of support

available to you.

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elected to the Shadow Board and things went from there.

“Being a Board member is a challenge – there can be a lot to take in and understand. However you’re not expected to be an expert on everything, and there is plenty of support available to you. The main thing you need is enthusiasm and passion.

It’s clear that Elaine is great at putting people at their ease, speaking to anyone from residents or contractors, to Executive Directors and even international dignitaries…

After leaving the house, Elaine heads to the Plymouth PiLon offices, where a small group are marking the 3,000th

Coming from the position of being a resident to becoming Chair of the Board, Elaine has advice for those thinking of doing something similar: “People shouldn’t think that just because they’re a tenant, there’s no place for them on the Board.

“I didn’t think I’d be in this position five years ago – I was happy with Plymouth City Council as my landlord – I had an old kitchen and bathroom in my flat, but the repairs service was good. But when the idea of things changing started to get more real, I thought I needed to get involved and know what was going on. I started by filling in the surveys that were coming through and then got more and more involved. I went to my first event at Stonehouse Creek. A while later I got

installation. A surprise guest, Dr Razvan U Constantinescu, is there – the Honorary Consul of Romania in Bristol. He’s been invited because around half of PiLon’s team is Romanian and over the four years they’ve worked on PCH homes, they and their families have become well integrated into the local community.

In a speech to the guests, PiLon Executive Director David Barnes mentions that the office we are all standing in was opened by Elaine four years ago, and since then they’ve done things like get people interested in the construction industry, provide extra training facilities for their staff and refurbish a kitchen at Marlborough Primary School. As well as thanking contractors Mitie, Keepmoat and Ian Williams, David thanks PCH for their support, including all of the thank you letters they’ve received from PCH residents.

As Elaine leaves the event, she reflects on her role: “In a film we made recently for the fifth anniversary, our Chief Executive, Clive Turner, asked me what I thought my legacy would be at PCH – I would be happy that we’ve helped people into work, our neighbourhoods have changed and people see us as the landlord and employer of choice – we’re not just about bricks and mortar.”

Elaine is great at putting people at their ease, from residents

or contractors, to Executive Directors

and international dignitaries…

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Better Homes

Terry Griffin Terry Griffin has lived in social housing all his life. After living with his parents till they died, he chose to stay on in a two-bedroom house and pay the under-occupancy charge. As his house was upgraded and his neighbourhood improved, he gained confidence and made some home improvements of his own.

Plymouth Community Homes look after the place lovely. They did a new kitchen and bathroom for me a few years ago and it looks lovely. It needed updating as I don’t think it had been modernised since the house was built. It was very stressful for me having it done but it was worth it. They have just finished cladding the house and insulating it and it looks really good. Zane from PCH was really helpful and he understood that I would find them working on the house quite difficult. They were as good as gold, though. Any problems I had, they just sorted it for me. I was so pleased with how they looked after me that when I went up to the new offices at Plumer I went to tell them thank you for what they did. They did a terrific job on the place and looked after me really well because they knew that I was worried about having the work done.

I’m glad it happened, though. I’ve noticed my heating bills have come down too, and that’s really helpful especially as I am paying for my extra bedroom and it helps me save the extra money. I expect I will see even more of a difference in the winter when the weather gets colder.

I’ve been in social housing all my life, first at Union Street and now in Whitleigh. I’ve only ever lived in two places. I’m not very keen on change.

I lived with my mum and dad till my dad died in 1993 and then we moved from Union Street to Whitleigh as my mum was never really comfortable staying in the flat after my dad had gone. I’ve been in this house for 17 years now and I don’t want to go anywhere else, even though I live here on my own now.

I lost my mum in 2000 and that was the worst thing that ever happened to me. When mum died I was terrified I would have to leave my home as well and move somewhere smaller but I didn’t have to. Everyone agreed it would be too much for me and even my doctor was involved because I suffer with depression. When the bedroom tax came in I was worried that I would have to move out of here again but my housing officer came to see me and we talked about it. He understood how important it was for me to stay here. I pay the extra £12 a week just to stay here. It’s difficult but I’d rather pay the money than have to move, even though I think the Government’s idea of taxing rooms is a bit stupid.

The work on the houses has made the whole neighbourhood look much smarter. People feel much better about the place with the houses looking nicer that they are looking after their own places a bit more than they used to. I feel more stable too now I know I am staying here and I’m getting out and about a bit more. I go out on bus trips to Torquay, Paignton. Go and have a look around. That’s what I do if I think I am getting a bit of depression.

Changing “I was terrified I would

have to leave my home and move somewhere

smaller.”

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The roof had to be replaced on my coal store and shed as part of the work on my house, so I decided to get some cheap carpet and wallpaper and now it’s a little den. I’m very happy in my little home. I’m glad am staying here.

Life has been a bit tough for me but I have battled on and looked after myself. I am proud of what I have done. I bumped into some of the nurses who looked after my mum not long ago and they said: “We were worried about you. We didn’t think you’d last long after your mum died.” But I have done alright. My mum and dad were good as gold, the best you can have. I know they would be proud that I have got on with life.

Growing“I’m very happy in my

little home. I’m glad I am staying here.”

Paul Burton Editor of The Herald happy there. The other things we’d like

to improve tend to spill out of that.

The vision to redevelop the city centre is ambitious and encouraging but as a city we mustn’t forget the huge number of people in Plymouth who live on our housing estates, away from the core developments. We must try to create affordable, enjoyable activities for everyone, no matter what your circumstances – and I think this will have a direct effect on public health as well.

What we should expect from the organisations that lead our city is summed up quite well by PCH’s ambitions. It doesn’t just want to be a social housing provider; it wants to look after people’s lives.

The Herald has always been about families. If you look at the way we report – whether good or bad – our stories are around issues that affect families. The bulk of the paper is based around the hopes, fears, dreams and achievements of the families of Plymouth.

That is probably why we have always aligned ourselves fairly closely with PCH. It has evolved from a council housing department into more of a well-rounded organisation that genuinely tries to look after families.

I think when it boils down to it, a lot of our ambition in life is based around the kind of place we live, and whether we’re

Caleb Walke PCH Contract Surveyor

make sure they’re treated properly because it is their home at the end of the day and they’ve got to live there.

In some of our homes we have put in some stunning kitchens – you walk into some and you do get the “wow” factor!

You can see when the residents are happy with their home. It’s a good feeling – to see that you’ve made a difference to someone’s life. I don’t think some people realise what a massive impact it has made on some of our residents, it really has.

I do think we’re doing some good work. In Efford, with the overclad work and the kitchens and bathrooms, it’s like a different estate when you drive around there, it really is nice. Hopefully we’ll continue to do that through different projects.

But that’s what it’s about, isn’t it – it’s about improving homes and our communities every day.

In my particular role, kitchens and bathrooms contractors are the ones I’ve been looking after and I’ve got to make sure that they’re fitting everything we require to a good standard and to our specification.

One of my main priorities is making sure that our residents are treated right. These are our homes and our tenants so we have a duty of care to

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Your Story

property, she struggled with paying the charge for the ‘extra’ bedroom.

It got to the point where she was relying on neighbours to help her with food bills for herself and her teenage son and she was beginning to panic about their future.

She suffers with Myasthenia gravis, a condition of the immune system, and the stress was beginning to have a severe effect on her health. We were quickly able to move her into a two bedroom flat, a stone’s throw away from her previous home where she had a much-needed support network of friends and neighbours.

She told her story on camera and

Valerie Johnson was one of our many tenants who were affected by the bedroom tax – and she was so incensed she decided to speak out on TV.

When we were approached by the BBC’s Sunday Politics show and the regional news programme Spotlight to take part in a report on the tax, we wanted to ask residents if they would be happy to join our CEO Clive Turner in speaking to the media. We wanted to show the impact of the tax on our tenants, and brave Valerie agreed.

She had been living in her three-bedroom family home in Honicknowle for 18 years but after her grown up daughter moved out leaving just her and her son in the

Everyone had a story to tell. Here are a few more of the stories PCH residents have shared.

Valerie Johnson

“I’m originally from Bristol. I met my husband in the war – I was transferred to work in a factory and he was working there too. When the war was over, he wanted to come home, back to Plymouth. I think he missed the sea. That was in 1947.

“I lived in Laira for 50 years. I had to walk up a steep hill near my home and it became too much. Within six weeks of raising the problem I was here, I was lucky.

“I haven’t had any problems. The Housing with Support Officer is very nice and I know she’s here if I ever needed her.

“I’ve been here nearly five years now, we’re all friendly with each other but it’s

Joyce featured in the third issue of our newsletter as the first person to sign up for a tenancy in one of our Sheltered Schemes, now known as Housing with Support. Almost five years on, she tells us how it’s going:

“I’ve got no complaints, I’m near town and everyone’s friendly – we have lots of laughs. I’ve never been sorry I moved here, I’m happy to be near town, the buses, you can’t have anything better.

“Everything’s convenient and I go out every day – I do miss Woolworths though! I didn’t get much from there, but every so often I’ll think ‘I’ll go to Woolworths for that’ then remember it’s gone.

“I’ve got one son, two grandsons and two great-grandchildren, and they all live away.

Joyce Hill

explained to the reporter that ‘politicians make these decisions but they have no idea of the impact on people’s lives. They want to come down here and see what it is like for real people before they do things like this.’

She said afterwards: “I was glad I had the chance to have my say. I know there are lots of people who would like to speak out but are afraid to do so. I hope I spoke for them too.”

nice to have your own space. I’ve got a nice bathroom and plenty of cupboard space.

“I’ve got good health and someone comes in to help me clean every week, so I don’t have to do much at all!

“I think someone was looking out for me when I got given this one.”

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bands together to entertain local residents at things like fun days.”

Paula said: “We’re looking for anyone – magicians, comedians, singers, dancers. We want to give people the chance to take their first steps as well as be a community group and help others out.”

Danny and Paula have both lived in Whitleigh for 5 years, but only met recently. Paula said: “When Danny and I started talking we realised we had the same contacts and friends. I’ve been friends with Danny’s mum for ages! That’s why it’s good to have something like this to bring the community together.”

For more information about Whitleigh’s Got Talent, call Danny on 07511 435181.

PCH residents Paula Day and Danny Reeves are setting up Whitleigh’s Got Talent as a community event to bring together people of all ages.

It’ll give people a chance to show off their talents, build their confidence and possibly go on to bigger things. The owner of The Albemarle, Julie Sweet, has said her pub can be used for variety shows featuring local people of all ages and talents, as well as rehearsals.

Both Danny and Paula have been involved in entertainment in the past and wanted to use their talents to help others. Danny said: “I went to the last X-Factor auditions, but I bottled it at the door! A lot of it is about confidence – I know loads of people who are talented, but need a bit more confidence.

“We want to keep it local. In other areas of Plymouth there’s lots for people to do, but here there isn’t. It’s not just going to be a one-off thing. We want to put a couple of

Paula Day and Danny Reeves

community centre at Camels Head and that has made a real difference to our little community. We used to have a tiny little kitchen with no windows and barely room for two people but now that’s been opened up we can actually make food in there. It’s nice to be able to put on bigger events and have somewhere nice to do it and build a bigger community.

“PCH have helped me do courses so I’m one of three Emergency First Aiders here and I also took the Health and Safety course which means I can prepare food at the community centre or supervise someone else.

“We have coffee mornings, bingo, entertainment and PCH have just done a survey of tenants to see what else we would like. I’ve started on computers and

Bernard lives in a PCH Housing with Support scheme at Camels Head. He was a resident when the homes were transferred to PCH and is still a central part of his local community.

“I’ve been living in my home in Weston Mill for 18 years now. I was originally a tenant of Plymouth City Council and I remember when things changed over five years ago to Plymouth Community Homes.

“There have been differences in the last few years. I’d say one of the biggest changes for me has been the introduction of solar panels. I wasn’t sure at first but now I find I am saving 15 per cent on my bills. I’ve had my bathroom done and I’m getting my kitchen done and I love my home.

“PCH have done a lot of work on the

Bernard Boasden

We want to hear your stories of changing, building and growing from the past five years and your hopes for the future. Maybe you’re building relationships in the local community or are making positive changes to the area you live in, or maybe

someone’s helped you and you want others to know the difference they’ve made. Let us know by emailing [email protected], use #ourPCH on social media or write to us at

InTouch Newsletter, Plymouth Community Homes, Plumer House, Tailyour Road, Plymouth PL6 5DH. Your stories may appear on our website or in future PCH publications.

I’m keen to know a bit more. I didn’t know you could do so much.

“It’s great where I live. It’s really quiet but you’ve always got people about and you get the wardens coming round every so often. I’ve got a lovely garden and sometimes I just like to sit out in front of my house and watch the world go by, having a chat if anyone drops past. I love it here. I’m really happy.”

15


Better Plymouth

Paul Carthy Paul Carthy lives in North Prospect. He realised the opportunities the regeneration of North Prospect could bring and got a job with Barratts, ending the time he spent relying on benefits. His whole family are now living in a warmer, refurbished home and he can afford to buy his children better Christmas presents.

It makes me feel proud to be bringing the money in, like I’m doing my bit for the family. I started at North Prospect and now I’m working in Efford for the same builders, getting experience on another site.

I hated going to the JobCentre to sign on to get my Giro. It was embarrassing and money-wise it was a struggle. I had to save up my Giros to pay for things and when something went wrong, like the washing machine breaking, it was quite tough. The first time I could get the kids something decent for Christmas, it felt great. My lifestyle is so much better now than when I was just scraping around just to buy our food and everything on £140 a fortnight. I can pay for this, I can pay for that and I’ve got money in the bank. At one time I didn’t know if I would work again but now I’ve got a job I love. I’ve learnt so much and I’m getting my driving licence now so I can drive the fork lift.

I liked being part of rebuilding North Prospect, watching the houses go up around me from the first digging in the ground, to the bricks going down and up, to when they get painted and all smart and then have people moving in. I like the way the neighbourhood is changing. It’s beginning to look much better. Part of my job was getting the houses ready for sales, getting them clean and spruced up for people to move into.

My own house here has been refurbished. I’ve got a new kitchen and bathroom, cladding and insulation and I’ve had my pathways and fences done as well. It’s lovely. The kids used to moan about the house being damp and cold; now they moan it’s too hot.

Five years ago I was living here in North Prospect in a damp, cold and tatty house and not working. The kids moaned about the house and we didn’t have much money. I was one of those who was all for Plymouth Community Homes taking over from the council. They told us about the regeneration and that there would be opportunities and work for people so I was all for that although lots of people were moaning saying they didn’t want any changes in North Prospect. People thought ‘better the devil you know’ I suppose. But I wouldn’t be working if it wasn’t for this.

Through the PCH regeneration of North Prospect I got myself a job with the housebuilders Barratts, as a labourer. I’ve worked hard and I’m happy I am supporting my wife and family, knowing how much I get each month and paying my way - paying my council tax, tax, everything myself after being on the dole.

Changing “I wouldn’t be working

if it wasn’t for this.” Building“I like the way the neighbourhood is

changing.”

16


Everyone used to be rude about North Prospect but it is an up and coming area now. It had a bad name but it is different now, 100 per cent. It’s totally changed and totally for the better. You get the kids running about like you always did but they are not causing trouble, they are just playing and it’s nice to see. We have all walks of life here now. Even the people who moaned in the beginning and didn’t want anything to be different have changed their minds. They moaned the new houses would be small and the gardens would be tiny but now they’ve been proved wrong and they all love it. One lady said to me the other day she never dreamed she’d get a lovely new house like the one she has now.

As for me, my house is great and I love my job. I’ve got money in my pocket, I’m looking after my family and I’m getting on at work. It’s all pretty fantastic and I feel good.

Growing“My house is great and

I love my job. It’s all pretty fantastic and I

feel good.”

Graham StirlingPCH Board Member It’s incredible the progress made in such

a short time, and exciting for me to come on board and see all the massively good work that is being done. To see the business plan going forward for the next five years, it’s just phenomenal.

No one is making money out of this, what we are making is lives and improving people’s situations. The business model for PCH is absolute key.

I would like to encourage every resident, every individual, and every family that we come into contact with, to work alongside us and with us and let’s see what together we can do to help you build your aspiration. The sky is the limit, let us help you reach it.

Plymouth is a fabulous city which we’ve undersold, but that is being addressed and I think a lot of good work has gone on in the past few years.

For sure it’s the most fabulous place to live - to be in Plymouth and have access to the city, to the ocean, to the moors, to Dartmoor, to the South West Peninsula and all that, it is just a superb central point.

But I am very conscious that there are certainly pockets in inner city Plymouth that we need to help and work on, and this is where PCH is doing quite an outstanding job.

Simon Russell PCH Manufacturing Services Sales and Specifications Estimator

development and looking after the customers. We’ve gone from a local government unit to a commercially viable business – the whole thing has evolved!

We offer a bespoke service - however small or large the job, they all get the same level of service. Generally it’s all about the quality and the level of customer care. We’re not always going to be the cheapest, but we will be the best and offer the best service to go with that.

Five years ago I wouldn’t have been able to predict where we are now, so in five years’ time I’m hoping we still don’t know where we want to be in a way. We just want to keep growing and expanding.

Because we’re a social enterprise, every profit we make is going back into PCH. It’s really good because you often get asked by tenants ‘Well, what do you do with all the money?’ and to be able to tell them ‘Actually, it does come back into PCH’ is quite nice.

I’ve always had a keen interest in things mechanical and working with my hands. I was a metal fabricator for six or seven years and then I became a charge hand in the metal fabrication shop, supervising the men and helping arrange the jobs.

From that I moved into the new sales team because that’s where my core skills lie – with business

17


Fifth anniversary poemSullivan the Poet, Plymouth’s Poet Laureate kindly agreed to write a poem to mark our fifth anniversary. After spending some time with PCH staff and going out and about on some of our estates, he wrote ‘An Englishman’s Home’. As a passionate believer in community housing, Sullivan wrote the poem to help promote an awareness and understanding of the realities of living in social housing, and to dispel some of the widely-held misconceptions.

No ramparts rise nor moats surround,these modest brick and tile abodes,they bear no towers, no gravelled drives, nor front they broad leafed dappled roads;And oft, as not, in paled fatigues,no feathered caps or bright brocade,they stand as soldiers row on row,these lowly privates on parade.

But shoulders back with bright front doors,their gardens clipped and neatly mown,they pose with baskets burst with blooms,and careful borders brightly sown;Each house a home, a palace, keep,filled each with lives and loves and tears,with children’s laughter in the yard,and memories of hopes and fears.

An Englishman’s Home

18

Anniversary InTouchplymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/fiveQuiz Answers 1. Pride in Plymouth, 2. Cookworthy Green, North Prospect, 3. Granby Street, Devonport, 4. loveLIFE, 5. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 6. City Centre Big Screen, Armada Way, 7. Up to 600, 8. Wingfield Road, Stoke

No names on deeds or titles held,these rented sanctuaries bear,but castles still to those within,those folk who raise their families there;An honest rent, a decent home,held fast ‘gainst fortune’s swelling tide,a ‘social’ landlord worth the name,is all that’s asked by those reside.

No burden they upon the state,nor subsidy does one receive,no different to their ‘private’ kin,yet still we stoop to misconceive;No shame rests hard on any man,because his nest is not his own,when stands it home and castle still,for all the lack of deed or throne.

So make no judgements of these folk,set smug in plots you call your own,owned most by banks or held in trust,and ransomed ‘gainst a lifetime’s loan;For bricks and mortar make not homes,but yet the warmth contained inside,where hearth and heart draw close as one,to those that therein do abide…

Mike Sullivan with Housing OfficersAn Englishman’s Home

19


Better Future

Maureen Harvey

things that I need done for me and I definitely feel I can go to them with any problem.

Over the past few years my husband, now 81, has become quite ill so they will come every day to make sure he is OK and see if there is anything we need. It is due to them that I now have a care worker coming in occasionally which allows me some time for myself.

I knew I needed some extra support because being a full time carer for my husband can be exhausting. I had been very worried about leaving him with anyone else but knew that I needed to in order to give myself some respite. If you don’t allow yourself that, the pressure can affect your ability to cope. My daughter works in care and I wanted her company to do the job because I knew that she could vouch for them and I could be happy because it would almost be like leaving him with my daughter but I couldn’t use someone who had family connections.

The housing officers thoroughly researched all the options for me and I knew they would come up with someone I could trust, who would be good for my husband, enough so that I was happy to

I’ve been living in my flat in Stoke for 14 years now with my husband, Desmond. I remember when Plymouth Community Homes took over from the council and we were worried about what changes there were going to be. Lots of us here thought: “What are they going to do? Will they put the rent up? What other changes might there be?” but in fact it’s all been pretty good.

We’ve got new kitchens and we are getting new windows, which is great. We’ve got central heating now which we didn’t have before. We survived on the heat from our one electric fire and kept to one room. It was cold but luckily because we are near the top of our block we benefitted from warmth from our neighbours’ flats. We now have radiators in every room and a new boiler for hot water.

I feel very safe here and I often leave the door open to give a through draught on hotter days now, the flat is so warm. There are really good people here so it’s a great place to build a little community for yourself with lots of activities like coffee mornings, darts and bingo.

The housing officers are really helpful. They have sorted out a few financial

Building“I feel very safe here

and there are really good people so it’s a great place to build a little community

for yourself.”

Maureen, 75, was a full-time carer for her husband. But with the help of Plymouth Community Homes and support from her housing officer she was able to start taking time for herself again and even give herself a holiday.

Changing “We were worried and

thought, ‘What will PCH do? Will the go rent up? What other changes might there

be? But it’s been pretty good.”

20


leave him. Now the carers come in and allow me the time to go out for a walk or to the shops or to meet with some friends. It has been a huge weight off my mind and given me the chance to grow my interests outside the home.

I got some computer training and I’ve bought myself an iPad and I’m learning to do a few more things on it. I love my soaps so I can download the episodes and watch them on my little screen and let my husband watch what he wants on the television. Not only that, it’s like a whole new world has opened up to me. I never imagined doing something like this and it’s quite exciting to see what I can do next.

Because I trust the carers and the housing officers to look after my husband I’ve also taken a few days holiday in Spain. PCH have been able to give me a freedom that I have not had for some time.

Growing“PCH have been able

to give me a freedom that I have not had for some time. It’s quite exciting

to see what I can do next.”

Carol BurgoyneStrategic Director for People at Plymouth City Council

as important. When I go into somewhere like North Prospect and I see the houses that have changed, that is having a huge impact on people’s lives. Across the city I can see the life changing experience it has for people.

Plymouth Community Homes have become a really important part of the city. They have achieved that by being honest with residents, staff and partners across the whole city.

I hope that together we will be able to help people have nice places to live, see our children and young people do well and make this city as fantastic as it can be.

I am responsible for all of the commissioning for the local authority services for adults and children in the city. But it also means I’ve got adult social care, children’s social care, housing and community work, leisure and education. I think of it as all the things you need to live in the city.

Housing is so important because you have got to have a roof over your head, somewhere that is nice and warm, somewhere children can do their homework and those sorts of things.

But actually where the home is and what surrounds it and what supports it is just

Ryan ColesPCH Contact Centre Supervisor

used to a big corporate world with nice offices and I thought “What have I let myself in for?” As I got to know the people and know what we were trying to achieve, it was clear that it was something that I wanted to be involved in.

Quite a lot has changed – there has been a lot of new work that has come our way.

Tenants still call us as their first point of contact - we get a lot of calls where we’re directing them to the right department for help and advice.

We’ve upgraded our housing system and we’ve had a diagnostic system come in to help the team diagnose repairs correctly first time so there’s been a learning curve there for staff.

We’re constantly evolving, something’s always changing, there are always improvements to be had and the key reason for that is the customer, isn’t it? It’s making their lives, their experience better when making contact with PCH and I think we’re successful there.

Five years ago I worked for a large telecommunications company and I left there to come to PCH. I decided I needed a change and a bit more of a challenge and I’ve certainly found that!

I came in as the Contact Centre Supervisor based at Fort Austin – we were a small team of around 9 in a Portakabin in the middle of a store. It was really bizarre because I was

21


#OurPCH

We always want to hear what you’ve got to say. If you’ve got something you’d like us to include, email [email protected] or write to: InTouch Newsletter, Plymouth Community Homes, Plumer House, Tailyour Road, Plymouth PL6 5DH

Please include your name and contact details. We will not print your details in full. Alternatively, contact us via Facebook or Twitter using #OurPCH. We reserve the right to edit contributions. The views published are those of the contributor and may not be those of Plymouth Community Homes.

What have you got to say?

You’ve been letting us know what you think via social media…Jenny Allen @natfedJennyDelighted to be part of @PlymCommHomes five year celebrations - read my take on #ukhousing #socent & more http://bit.ly/1tdYs4m #ourPCH

Nick Hewlett @Nick_Hewlett @PlymCommHomes are marking their 5th Anniversary by telling resident, staff and partner stories every week http://bit.ly/1nnuCaS #ourPCH

Angie Edwards-Jones @AngieEJones1 I’m here at the PCH AGM listening to Clive talk about our achievements as we head to our five year anniversary

phil sweet @PSweetTraining @ClivePCH completes the #IceBucketChallenge thanks to nomination from @Knightsinwhites #ourPCH pic.twitter.com/gnZUMY0xGb

Mike Mikeyboy Whitlock i think pch are doing a

fantastic job on the homes that they are working on all over the

city,i know it has its problems as all major work projects have

but all in all it looks fantastic,so lets hope that all the tenants

appreciate the extent of what is being done for them and they

look after pch property as if it was their own ! well done pch

Photo Quiz1 The person on the left of this photo is Chair of the Board Elaine Pellow (you can read her Day in the Life on page 10). She attended this event with other PCH staff, but what event is it?

2 World on the Green is an event that PCH has attended regularly over the past 5 years. Which Green is it normally held on?

3 PCH staff and other agencies came together to transform an area of the city, including painting this mural. Where is it?

4 PCH’s Metal Fabrication Shop made this iconic ‘running man’asthecentrepieceofaflowerbeddisplayon Plymouth Hoe. What campaign did the running man represent?

5 In June 2012, residents across the city held street parties with fancy dress, crown-making and nostalgic photo displays. What were they celebrating?

6 The PCH Sign Shop created this sign for a Plymouth landmark. Where is it?

7 WeofficiallyopenedournewheadquartersthisJuly.How manypeoplewalkedthroughthedoorsinthefirstmonth?

8 Over 150 trees and hedgerows have been planted to start the transformation of a stretch of grassland in to an urban woodland. Where is it?

1 2

34 5

67 8

Answers on the bottom of page 1922


A message from Clive TurnerChief Executive, Plymouth Community Homes

I really hope that you have enjoyed reading all the stories in this commemorative edition as much as I have.

At this milestone in our development, we are, in a way ‘coming of age’. We still have a great deal of work to do and very many challenges ahead. So we are not complacent about that.

But I can think of no better way of marking our progress then to hear the stories from our residents and other people who help us make it happen for our communities. Stories about people overcoming difficulties, realising their ambitions and the role of home in their life.

Our residents are why we are here and I have been privileged and proud to hear those stories – here’s to the future and thelong road ahead to make even more difference to our communities.

Thank you to all our residents.

EventsWe’ll be holding lots of events across Plymouth so as many of you as possible can get involved in our anniversary. It’ll include things from tree planting to a toy fair, a pentathalon, book reading and a cook off. Look out for details online and in your neighbourhood to find out what’s happening near you.

Answers on the bottom of page 19 23

Newsletter Translations

Plymouth Community HomesPlumer HouseTailyour Road, CrownhillPlymouth PL6 5DH

0800 694 3101 [email protected] plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk

Contact numbersRepairs 0808 230 6500Out of hours repairs: 0800 917 9459 (5pm to 7am)

Debit/Credit Card Payment Line0844 557 8321

Head Office 0800 694 3101

City Centre Shop01752 389778 Estover Team 0800 917 9496Devonport Team 0800 917 9497Whitleigh Team 0800 917 9498North Prospect Team 0800 917 9499

Anti-social behaviour out of hours hotline 0800 028 7377

Housing with Support Team0800 917 9452

Communities Team0800 917 9457

Leaseholders 01752 388094

Environmental Services0800 917 9455

Gas Servicing 01752 388028/388030

Printed using materials from sustainable sources

Plymouth City Council contacts Enquiries (including waste and out of hours)01752 668000

Report fly tipping01752 304147

Housing options01752 305496

This document is suitable for recycling

twitter.com/PlymCommHomesfacebook.com/PlymouthCommunityHomesyoutube.com/user/plymouthch

Community Benefit Society registration No: 30637R

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