Worthing Homes, Davison House, North Street, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1ER www.worthing-homes.org.uk T: 01903 703 100 E: csoteam@worthing-homes.org.uk

SUMMER 2017

HOME NEWS www.facebook.com/WorthingHomes

www.facebook.com/groups/chatatWorthingHomes

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NEXT ISSUE OUT OCTOBER

2017

HOMENEWS

Your customer services team…

We have sadly said goodbye to Kayleigh Blaker who has moved on to pastures new and welcomed Ros Tite who joined us in April. You will probably also recognise the names Ben, Lucy, Claire and Kristy from speaking to them on the phone or seeing them at the front desk. Here is a little bit about what they have been up to. Monday is our busiest day – we usually answer between 130 and 160 calls each Monday.

Between October 2016 and March 2017 the team have taken 10,765 of your phone calls! This averages at 1,794 calls per month and 414 calls per week.

Between April 2016 to March 2017 we raised 10,843 repairs, averaging at around 904 per month or 209 per week.

We respond to approximately 300 emails every month and lots more enquiries through our website and facebook messages.

We want to know about your experience when you contact us so are now texting you a link to a customer satisfaction survey each time you call in to get your feedback.

We want to hear what went well and what we could have done better so we can improve and give you a better service in the future.

Continued overleaf…

Wednesday 11 October (provisional date) from 1.30pm - 7pmCome meet the staff, find out what we do and more…

From left to right: Lucy, Kristy, Sarah, Ben, Claire and Ros

Last autumn we introduced our new customer services team – your first point of contact when you need to speak to us. The team have had a very busy time dealing with your enquiries whilst developing their expertise in housing and tenancy issues, rent queries, repairs and maintenance.

OPEN DAY

HOMENEWS2

This is what you have told us so far…Last month we received 1,046 calls

We sent 800 text messages with the link to the survey and 24 of you responded

This is what you thought…100% were happy with the attitude and helpfulness of the staff member they spoke to.

100% were satisfied that the person understood their request.

100% were happy with the knowledge of the person they spoke to.

100% were satisfied they knew what was happening next and when.

100% were satisfied with the outcome of their call.

100% were satisfied with the overall experience.

Two people made the comment “very polite.”

One said they would like to thank Jan, one of our financial inclusion co-ordinators who advises on money issues and Leanna, an income recovery officer for helping them through a difficult time in their life.

We will keep you updated about your feedback to us in the next Home News.

Jeni GrahamI joined the Board of Worthing Homes in March. While I am a qualified Chartered Accountant, I believe that my broad sector experience and skills in finance, governance, general management and customer service will add to the Board’s existing strengths. I am passionate about making a difference and want to help the Board achieve this for everyone who comes into contact with the organisation.

The external environment and customer requirements are changing all the time and it is important that we continue to adapt to the changing landscape. I want to help the Board do this in a safe, controlled, effective and sustainable way. I think it is an exciting time to join Worthing Homes and look forward to working with the rest of the Board and the Executive team.

N E W B O A R D M E M B E R

This is the quickest and easiest way for you to report a repair 24 hours a day 7 days a week.Follow our ‘How To’ guide and use the pictures to show us exactly where the repair is located and help us diagnose the problem. You can upload a photo which will really help us understand the fault so we can send the correct contractor with the right tools and any replacement items.

It is quick and easy to use, you can report multiple repairs at the same time and tell us when you are available for an appointment.

When we receive the report we will send it through to our contractor and they will contact you to arrange to come and do the repair.

This clever reporting tool is the easiest way for us to spot the problem and help the contractor fix it on their first visit.

Did you know you can report your repairs on-line?

…continued from page 1

You can report a repair online at www.worthing-homes.org.uk

HOMENEWS

FUN DAY 2017R

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Worthing Homes holds a fun day every year. This is a FREE event for all ages and is an opportunity to bring residents and the local community together in a relaxed informal setting. This year’s fun day like all the previous ones promises to be full of fun, laughter and entertainment.

This is a resident led activity so if you would like to be part of the resident events team or to help out on the day please get in touch with Ruth Pollard in community development on 01903 703 198 or e-mail rpollard@worthing-homes.org.uk

Saturday 15 Julyfrom

1-4pmat the

Maybridge Keystone

Club in Raleigh Way,

Goring

New Homes in ShorehamWe are pleased to announce the handover of our first properties for several years in Adur, at a new development in Shoreham. This development is in the grounds of the old Southlands Hospital, which was a landmark for many local residents.

This is a new development being built by Taylor Wimpey and consists of 106 properties of mixed tenure. Worthing Homes will own a total of 32 of these new homes of which 20 will be let at affordable rent and 12 are for shared ownership.

We have taken possession of properties consisting of 1 and 2 bedroomed flats. The flats have been built in a

DEVELOPMENT NEWS…

modern style which are in keeping to reflect the style of the adjacent Northbourne Medical Centre.

The remainder of our properties will be available in stages over the next 12-18 months.

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For more energy advice and to watch energy saving videos look at our website www.relish.org

This is Reggie’s Relish advice column; Relish is Worthing Homes’ programme to help residents keep energy bills as low as possible. To ask your

very own questions on energy or find out more on the energy advice surgery please contact Poppy on: Email: askreggie@relish.org Tel: 01903 703 185

welcome!

4 HOMENEWS

reggie’s top energy switching tips • To compare tariffs you just need your address, your current supplier’s name and annual

kWh usage (If you don’t have a bill, you can ask your supplier for this)

• Check customer service records, payment options and fees to exit old and new tariffs

• Avoid duplicate payments by cancelling direct debit at your bank after switching

• If you have a prepayment meter, consider whether you could manage monthly direct debit payments as this could help you save more

• Changing your meter from pay as you go to meter billing is usually free but check with your supplier. If you prefer to stay on a prepayment meter you can still switch supplier

Ofgem has an approved register of comparison organisations which are free, independent and no obligation. It is called the confidence code and includes the following organisations…

uswitch.com: 0800 688 8244 Energyhelpline.com: 0800 074 0745moneysupermarket.com: 0800 177 7087 Simply Switch.com: 0800 011 1395

We have also been trying to reduce our own energy bills, in addition to the annual tariff comparison we have changed over to low energy lighting, reduced water usage, reduced the amount of paper sent out and increased recycling.

relish champions wantedWe are looking to train Worthing Homes residents to become energy champions who can help friends and family to understand their bills. To ask your own questions on cutting energy bills or anything in this article – contact Poppy Scott:Email: pscott@worthing-homes.org.ukTel: 01903 703 185Davison House, North St, Worthing BN11 1EROr come along to our drop in sessions every Monday between 9 – 12 at Worthing Homes’ Resource Centre, Davison House.

would you like to get more involved in greenspace and gardening activities? There are a number of gardening activities locally. Whether you can give time on a regular basis or just every now and again we want to hear from you so we can put you in touch with like minded groups. There are lots of benefits from being active and outdoors for you and the environment.

With energy prices on the increase, getting a fixed

tariff (if you haven’t already) could give you some

control over your energy costs. See the top tips

below on how to do this:

Doing a tariff comparison is quick and there is no

obligation – you might even benefit from changing

to a different tariff with your existing supplier which

would be just one phone call.

Don’t forget we can give you help with this, just

contact us using the details above.

5HOMENEWS

Did you know we have a HANDYMAN SERVICE?Have you got some odd jobs that need doing? Try our accredited handyman service. It’s excellent value for money and carried out by a trustworthy, skilled and local team of contractors.Although Worthing Homes is responsible for maintaining the structure of your home, there will be odd jobs that you need done which aren’t our responsibility and this is where our handyman service can help.

Typical handyman jobs could be assembling furniture, putting up shelves, fixing curtain poles, fitting bathroom accessories such as shower curtain, mirrors etc and minor DIY tasks (please note this does not include

electrical works or rubbish clearances). This will be a labour only service so materials will need to be purchased before the contractor attends.

Handyman work can be carried out for a fixed price, of £20 per hour (including VAT). Please note a minimum charge will be payable of £20 for any tasks under an hour.

For more information please call P H Beck on 01273 262 720 or email info@phbeck.co.uk . Remember to

tell them you are a Worthing Homes’ customer.The handyman work should be agreed between you and PH Beck, and payment made direct to them at

the end of the job by cash or cheque.

We have been notified of a potential safety concern with two types of tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015. Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited advises you to:

Check your tumble dryer If you own an Indesit, Hotpoint, Creda, Swan or Proline tumble dryer manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015 you need to check if it’s affected (and then register for a free modification if it is). To check, use the model checker on the following websites www.safety.hotpoint.eu/, www/safety.indesit.eu and www.safety-swan.eu. Alternatively you can call Whirlpool direct on their dedicated freephone helpline: 0800 151 0905.

Follow the safety adviceIt is very important that if you have an affected dryer you must unplug it and do not use it before it has been modified.

Tumble dryer recalls and servicing Book an appointmentOnce you have checked and confirmed that your tumble dryer is affected and you have registered for the modification, Whirlpool will arrange for an engineer to visit and perform the modification free of charge. The appointment will take approximately one hour. The improvements will enhance the safety and quality of the tumble dryer.

Register all appliances, whether new or oldWhirlpool fully supports the safety initiative from the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA), Register My Appliance, which enables manufacturers to identify and contact customers more easily should a product safety issue arise. All appliances should be registered at the following website www.registermyappliance.org.uk

If your tumble dryer is not a Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda model we still recommend that you ensure that the filters are cleaned on a regular basis in accordance

with the manufacturers recommendations.

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6 HOMENEWS

Keeping your home free from damp and mouldPlease remember that you are responsible for treating damp and black mould in your home and redecorating afterwards. This article explains how, where and why mould forms and gives you tips on how to prevent it occurring and dealing with it, if you find it in your home.

What is CONDENSATION? Condensation comes from cooking, cleaning, bathing, even breathing. It forms on the coldest surfaces in a room first, typically around windows, in corners and on external walls. It occurs mainly during cold weather, whether it is raining or dry outside. Condensation is not necessarily a problem, as long as the surface has time to dry out every day.

What is MOULD? Mould grows and multiplies in moist areas, usually as a result of condensation. Some mould growth in winter is normal but if left untreated it can become a serious problem.

What is DAMP? Damp occurs in moist places that never fully dry out, usually where there is little air movement, it is nearly always caused by condensation.

Other kinds of dampPenetrating Damp – can be caused by leaks from roofs, windows and plumbing. This dries once the leak is fixed and rarely leaves black mould.

Rising damp – is extremely rare and is caused by water soaking up a wall by no more than 1 metre. It almost never causes black mould

If you think you have penetrating or rising damp, in the first instance ring the customer services team on 01903 703 100 so we can arrange for them to be assessed. Worthing Homes will remedy any issues for which we are responsible, as outlined in your tenancy agreement.

HOMENEWS 7

Keeping your home free from damp and mould

To minimise the amount of moisture inside your home

• Never put wet clothes on a radiator – they will fill the room with moisture in seconds. Instead, dry clothes outside; in a room with an open window or with an extractor fan on and the door closed; or use a tumble dryer (that vents to the outside or has a condenser)

• Keep lids on saucepans while cooking

• Do not use paraffin or other bottled gas heaters; they are dangerous and release huge amounts of water vapour

• Turn on an extractor fan or open a window when cooking or showering

• Close doors to stop moist air spreading to other rooms

• When running a bath, put some cold water in first

• If you have trickle vents* on windows, keep them open to allow air to move. (* these small vents allow air movement inside the home. They are common in modern properties).

Improve air movement around areas prone to mould

• Pull all furniture, including beds away from external walls and corners (if possible, place furniture against internal walls)

• Try to leave a gap behind curtain and the wall during the day

• Do not block air bricks and extractor fans, keep them open and clear

• Do not draught proof kitchen and bathroom windows or rooms prone to damp

• Do not over-fill cupboards and shelves where mould tends to form

Minimise cold surfacesHeat your home to a reasonable level of warmth in the winter: 21°C in the living room and 18°C in bedrooms is recommended by the World Health Organisation. You do not have to maintain these temperatures all the time but try to reach for part of the day.

Treat bad outbreaks of mould• Wash or dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo

carpets.

• After treatment and once dry, redecorate using a good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould recurring. Ordinary paint or wallpaper will not solve the problem

Wipe away condensation and small patches of mould before they spread

Wipe condensation from windows and other areas with a dry cloth in the morning and open a window for a while. Wring the cloth out in the sink, rather than drying it on a radiator. Wipe small dots of black mould with a mild bleach solution or anti-fungal spray. You might need to do this at least twice a month in the winter.

You will get less mould if you keep your home warm, ventilate it properly and minimise the amount of moisture in the air.

Remember…• Open windows or use extractors when cooking,

bathing or showering

• Dry clothes in ventilated rooms or outside, they will dry twice as fast. Never put them on the radiator

• Heat your living room to 21°C and bedrooms to 18°C

• Wipe away small patches of mould before they spread

What can you do?

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If your energy bills seem high or you would like to reduce them

but don’t know how, speak to Poppy Scott our sustainability coordinator on 01903 703 185 or visit the Resource Centre

on a Monday morning between 9-12 noon.

News and advice from Jan Burns and Jo Kelly, Worthing Homes’ financial inclusion co-ordinators

For advice and information on managing your money and budgeting see www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or you can contact Jan or Jo on 01903 703 110

or email jburns@worthing-homes.org.uk or jkelly@worthing-homes.co.uk or pop in to the Resource Centre at Worthing Homes on Mondays from 9-12 noon.

8 HOMENEWS

What is happening?Universal Credit (UC) is now the new benefit for single jobseekers with no children who would usually have claimed Jobseekers Allowance. Some residents are now claiming UC.

UC will eventually replace all claims for: jobseekers allowance, employment and support allowance, income support, child tax credit, working tax credit and housing benefit

Next big change From April 2018 anyone making a new claim for any of the 5 benefits listed above will have to claim UC instead!

UC can take up to 7 weeks to be assessed. When it is paid it will be paid monthly in arrears into a

New benefit and tax credit rules mean that if you make a new claim for child tax credit or housing benefit now and you have more than two children your claim will be limited to the amount for two children. Also if you have a new baby now and you already have two children or more you won’t receive extra child tax credit or housing benefit for the new child. Payments for children included in your benefit awards before April 2017 should not be affected.

There are some exceptions – you can still get the disability element of child tax credit for a disabled child even if you don’t get the normal allowance.

Always check your tax credits and housing benefit awards carefully and ask us for advice if needed. You can also ask the housing benefit and tax credits offices for an explanation of your award.

bank account and you then need to pay your rent to Worthing Homes – we don’t get this direct anymore when you receive UC.

Your rent account is likely to go into arrears when you wait for UC to be processed and you don’t always get UC for the first 7 days of your claim so getting your rent account into credit now is a good way to get ready for UC. If you can pay a little extra each week/month and clear any arrears now you’ll find it easier to manage when you get UC.

Starting to think about your money and bills monthly will help you get ready and also make sure you have a bank account with no overdraft or bank charges/fees.

All claims have to be made online. If you don’t have internet acess please ask us for help as computers are available at Worthing Homes, the Community House and the Lovett Hub.

Remember – if you are affected by any of the new benefit changes and you are not working, you are likely to be better off in work!

You could:

• Ask us about our FREE ‘Back to Work’ course

• Check to see how much you might get in benefits if you were working - www.turn2us.org.uk (look for a job you might be interested in applying for, make a note of the hours per week and pay, any childcare costs you might have, your rent amount and yearly council tax amount and follow the easy to use benefits calculator)

If you don’t have internet access you can phone Turn2Us on 0808 802 2000 or come into reception Monday to Friday

9am-5pm and use our customer hub.

The government’s “2 Child Limit” – What does this mean?

If you are over 65 and living in a Worthing Homes property, or one of the supported schemes, then the RedAssure team can help fill out benefit claim forms along with providing a wide range of other support.

We have recently helped a resident with a claim for PIP (Personal Independence Payment). The resident’s claim had been turned down twice before she approached the RedAssure team for help.

www.redassure.org.uk T: 01903 703 103 E: info@redassure.org.ukDavison House, North Street, Worthing BN11 1ER

Our range of personal alarms will call for helpwhen needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether you’re at home or out and about.

part of

SPEAK TO US ABOUT A 13 WEEK FREE

TRIAL

“NowI’vegotapersonalalarmIcanenjoylifeagainwithoutworrying”

RedAssure - Worthing’s own highly dedicated, friendly, professional careline team.

Here to help you …A support coordinator visited the lady at home and helped her to submit an appeal. It became apparent that the award had been turned down because it was thought that the resident was receiving personal care whilst living in the scheme. The appeal was successful and the resident was awarded a back dated claim for PIP.

This is just one example where we have supported and given assistance to a Worthing Homes’ resident.

To contact the RedAssure team, who are based at Davison House, please ring 01903 703 103 or email info@redassure.org.uk. We will then arrange a suitable time to visit you at home.

In April members of the RedAssure team attended a pensioners’ fare at the Guildbourne Centre, Worthing. The team were on hand to give out information and advice about RedAssure and telecare services.

9HOMENEWS

REDASSURE WILL BE AT THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

Saturday 1 July Street Velodrome

Beach House Grounds, Brighton Road, Worthing,

(next to the Splashpoint Leisure centre) Between 10am and 3pm

Saturday 15 July Worthing Homes Funday

Saturday 22 July Broadwater Carnival

Broadwater Green, Worthing Between 10am and 4pm

HOMENEWS10

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE25 DOMINION ROAD, WORTHING, BN14 8JZ

Mindfulness for parent and childWe will be running a mindfulness course at the community house over the summer holidays for parents and children. Two courses will run, one on Thursdays 9.30am- 10.30am and one on Fridays 1pm-2pm.

On the course you will discover what mindfulness is and how it works, you will find ways to calm the body and mind with your breathing, you will also find ways to manage thoughts and feelings better, and you will be able to understand more about, and strengthen, your relationships.

The benefits of mindfulness for adults and children are better focus and concentration, raised self-awareness, increased calm, better ways to respond to difficult emotions and increased empathy towards others.

This mindfulness course is for a mum or a dad with their children (aged 7–11).

It will include lots of mindfulness practice, which you can practice at home together, and lots of fun!

Please get in touch for dates and further information.

Food from Sainsburys – a big thank you!We are extremely grateful to the staff at both Rustington and Lyons Farm Sainbury’s who make sure that a good variety of fresh, chilled and tinned foods are set aside for us to collect every evening.

The number of people coming to collect food is steadily increasing but we still have plenty so would encourage new people to come along. When there is a surplus left at the end of the day we work with other local organisations. Recently we are pleased to have provided food to St Clare’s Day Centre (WCHP), the Wolsey Hotel (temporary housing), St Georges Church, St Stephen’s Café Church and Jubilee Soup Kitchen. We also often leave food for collection from reception at Davison House so if you see some there do please help yourselves.

Summer holiday activitiesThe Community House will once again be running a programme of weekly activities over the summer holidays. All the activities are completely free of charge. Sessions are run by our experienced team of staff and volunteers who are all DBS checked. Once registered children over the age of seven can be left at the house although parents are welcome to stay if they like. Younger children can take part where appropriate as long as they have an adult with them.

Would your children enjoy?• cook and eat • krafty kids • active Tuesday

• gardening • trips out Places are limited and booking in advance is essential.

Want to know more? Why not call into the house to look around or give us a call and we will send you a timetable.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED URGENTLYWe are looking for enthusiastic and reliable

volunteers to help with our expanding free food distribution service for individuals and families who are struggling financially. Would you like

to be part of our award winning project?

We need volunteers most days of the week so we can be flexible around any other commitments.

In return for your help we offer a range of training, paid mileage expenses and the chance to be part of

our friendly team of staff and volunteers.

If you are interested we would love to hear from you - please telephone the house

or call in and see us.

Do you have access to a car?

Are you free one evening a week to collect

food from Sainsburys Rustington and/or Lyons

Farm sometime between 6.30pm-8.00pm

Are you free during the day for a few hours at the house to help distribute food, help

with cooking and meeting/greeting clients? No car required for this role.

OR

11HOMENEWS

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE25 DOMINION ROAD, WORTHING, BN14 8JZ

For more information call Alison or Emma on 01903 215 799, pop into see them at the

Community House, 25 Dominion Road, Worthing, BN14 8JZ or contact them via

www.facebook.com/CommunityHouseWorthing

Here are some pictures from our activities over the Easter holidays. The children have been busy helping in our garden, cooking, doing crafts, team challenges, a trip to the beach and cinema.

The Empty Plate Café recently celebrated one year in the Lovett Hub. During the course of the day there was live music and singing from Floozy Grooves and The Pines Choir. Thanks went to all the volunteers, people who had helped and the companies who made it possible by donating food each week.

The Empty Plate Café a year in numbers

Supported 3 soup runs and 3 charity events.

Had 24 volunteers,

4 of who have been

with us all year.

Given away 44 crisis

food packs to people

in need.

Used food from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Marks and Spencers, Fareshare and numerous independent businesses.Put 5 volunteers

through training

courses.Helped 2 volunteers back into full time work.

Here is the café’s past year in numbers

We served 4,956 plates of food and

saved 9.75 tons of food from landfill.

Don’t forget the café is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information or to volunteer ring Mark on 078 2626 8678 or take a look at their face book page www.facebook.com/theemptyplatecafe/

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LOVETT COURT

LOVE-IT HUB

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QUESTION 3 To what extent are any of the following a problem in your neighbourhood?

In the Easter holidays an amnesty day was held at Fenchurch and Victoria Mansions in Cross Street, Worthing. This was organised by staff at Worthing Homes and included the housing officer, sustainability coordinator and our resident involvement officer. The amnesty day was arranged to encourage the residents to ‘love’ their communal areas and highlight the importance of keeping it tidy and to discourage fly tipping.

Love your home amnesty day at Victoria and Fenchurch Mansions

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Car parking

2 minor

problem 2

not aproblem

14 major

problem

5 not a

problem

Rubbish or litter

10 minor

problem

17 major

problem

Noisy neighbour

3 major

problem

8 not a

problem

6 major

problem

Drug use or dealing

3 minor

problem

17 not a

problem

Abandoned or burnt out vehicle

1 minor

problem

11 not a

problem

11 not a

problem

4 minor

problem

Other crime

1 major

problem

5 minor

problem

8 not a

problem

4 minor

problem

5 major

problem

Drunk or rowdy behaviour

13 not a

problem

Dog fouling

1 major

problem

5 minor

problem

13 not a

problem

Other problems pets

4 minor

problem

8 major

problem

6 minor

problem

Vandalism or graffiti

15 not a

problem

People damaging your property

Noise from traffic

9 major

problem

3 not a

problem

6 minor

problem

Disruptive children/teenagers

18 not a

problem

Racial or other harassment

4 not a

problem 3 minor

problem 3

major problem

Along with providing a skip for residents to rid themselves of any unwanted items we had the Recycled Goods Factory on hand to take away any items that could be reconditioned or refurbished to save them going to land fill, and recycle West Sussex to talk to everyone about all the different items in the home that can be recycled.

During the event the team were joined by a number of residents, including children of all ages. We also used the opportunity to consult with the residents on the area and enhancing the outside space.

QUESTION 1How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the overall appearance of your neighbourhood?

2 fairly satisfied, 3 neither, 6 fairly dissatisfied,

7 very dissatisfied

QUESTION 2How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your neighbourhood as a place to live?

3 fairly satisfied, 6 neither, 6 fairly dissatisfied,

3 very dissatisfied

HERE ARE THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY

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We thank all the residents who attended and those who took part in the survey. Worthing Homes will continue to work with the residents to combat problems on site and develop the area.

Love your home amnesty day at Victoria and Fenchurch Mansions

QUESTION 7

QUESTION 4In the last three years would you say your neighbourhood has improved or declined?

1 slightly improved, 5 stayed the same,

6 slightly declined, 5 greatly declined

Would you like to be involved in any volunteering to make Fenchurch and Victoria Mansions a better place to live?

5 Yes 4 No 7 Unsure

QUESTION 6What do you think would be a good idea to improve the quad area?

Plants and flowers: 9 Yes 3 No 1 Unsure

Play area for children: 14 Yes 1 No 2 Unsure

Other comments:• Get rid of bike shed and put in a basketball court

• Back gate to be used ie locked

• Stop the rubbish being dumped outside communal bin store

• A higher fence for the flats at basement level so that when children play with balls the balls are less likely to fall down

• Change bike shed area to a young children’s play area for football and turn the big area into a garden

• Seating

• Brick in the secure door bike storage

• Short term parking for visitors

• Either a basketball or football area

QUESTION 5Do you think there should be improvements made to the “quad” in the middle of Fenchurch mansions?

13 Yes 1 No 3 Unsure

HOMENEWS14

ATHLETICS BADMINTON BASKETBALLBOXING CRICKET CYCLINGDARTS FOOTBALL FORUMULA ONEGOLF GYMNASTICS HORSE RACINGICE HOCKEY JUDO MOTORSPORTROWING RUGBY LEAGUE RUGBY UNIONSNOOKER SQUASH SWIMMINGTABLE TENNIS TENNIS TRIATHLON

Name:

Telephone number:

Address:

WORDSEARCH

Please fill in your details below and send to Worthing Homes, Davison House, North Street, Worthing, BN11 1ER by 28 July 2017. First correct entry drawn will win a £20 high street voucher.

W D H S A U Q S N O O K E R PB A S K E T B A L L O D U J AA R I T S W I M M I N G S T ZD T R I A T H L O N B C T R IM S E J F B I L H Y I B B O MI T G L L Y L W L T A I O P CN G N I C A R E S R O H X S YT O I S B N A A T E K C I R CO L W T L G N E Y E P C N O LN F O R U M U L A O N E G T IR O R E Y R U G B Y U N I O NF F R G Y E K C O H E C I M GK L H V C A T H L E T I C S AY X V F K T A P N Z Z F Q V AR P F J J T H Q Z O Z H H I W

Have a go at finding all the words. Words can go horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words may overlap and share one or more letters. Find the following hidden words:

SPORTWORDSEARCH

BBQS AND YOUR SAFETYThe BBQ season is here! For your safety and others Worthing Homes do not allow BBQs to be stored or used on balconies. Fires can cause death, injury and damage. Please keep yourself safe in your home by following these simple guidelines:

• Never use a BBQ indoors or on balconies (both have

caused fires in Worthing Homes’ properties).

• Make sure your BBQ is placed on level ground where

it will not tip over.

• Keep BBQ away from your home, sheds, fences,

garden furniture, trees, shrubs and tents.

• Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if

you are in charge of the BBQ.

• Don’t put the BBQ where people have to squeeze

past it. • Keep children, pets and garden games well away

from the cooking area.

• Never leave the BBQ unattended.

• Follow the safety instructions provided with

a disposable BBQ.

• Only use approved BBQ fuel or fire lighters.

Never use petrol or paraffin.

• When you have finished cooking, make sure the BBQ

is cool before you try to move it.

• Empty the cold ash onto bare garden soil – never put

it in the dustbin.

• Where possible keep a bucket of water, sand

or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.15

STAFF NEWS

Sharon Ellis, sessional worker, Community House

Carl Wedge, painter

Amy Barrass, administration assistant

Max Mitchell, grounds operative

Ros Tite, customer services officer Amy Barrass

Carl WedgeMax Mitchell

Ros Tite

HOMENEWS

Thank you for continuing to provide Worthing Homes with feedback about our services. This includes compliments and comments as well as some complaints. We take these very seriously and value complaints as they help us identify areas where we can improve.From January-March 2017 there were 5 complaints received.Learning lessons from complaints is important and we look at where we can improve practices and our services. 3 complaints were regarding service standards, 1 was about policy and 1 was for other reasons.We also continue to receive praise and compliments from many of our residents and between January-March 2017 we received 25 compliments. We are delighted that the compliments cover a cross section of our services and teams.Here are some compliments we received recently:

Constructive comments and praise!

What a wonderful job your gardening team are doing in the fields behind the houses in Maybridge Square/Limbrick Close. All rubbish has been cleared and old shrubs have been tidied up.

I have learnt so much in the 8 week preparation for work course and it has been really enjoyable to. I would like to thank Worthing Homes for this fantastic opportunity, and also a massive thank you to Amber and Ruth for all their help, support and encouragement along the way, they both went out of their way to help me in every way possible. Thank you for your support it has been completely invaluable.

You can contact us by telephone, e-mail, letter or face to face or you can use the contact form

that is on our website which can be found in the ‘our organisation’ and ‘feedback’ section –

contact details are on page 16.

I had the annual gas check with BSW today and thought it only fair I write and let you know the man who came (exactly on time) was very polite, and explained everything he was doing and why. Really good service.

We say goodbye to …Terry White, Kayleigh Blaker, Ken Menet, Sue Dutton and Tim Stevens. We thank them all for their work and wish them all the best for the future.

We would like to welcome…

16 HOMENEWSPrinted on chlorine free paper certified by The Forest Stewardship Council using vegetable inks.

Please be aware all calls to and from Worthing Homes are recorded for training

and monitoring purposes.

Davison House, North Street, Worthing, BN11 1ER

PLEASE CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICES FOR:Repairs/day to day maintenance/ tenancy queries/rent queries: Outside office hours/emergency repair line: You can report your repairs online at www.worthing-homes.org.uk

Gas fired boiler repairs (BSW): 0800 158 5690 (free from a landline and some mobile providers)

or 0208 763 5333

RedAssure: 01903 703 103 www.redassure.org.uk

Finance: 01903 703 105

Resident involvement/ Resource Centre: 01903 703 107 residentinvolvement@worthing-homes.org.uk

Community House: 01903 215 799

Sales and lettings: 01903 703 108

Board members: governance@worthing-homes.org.uk

EDITOR:

Ruth Pollard 01903 703 198

Website: www.worthing-homes.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WorthingHomes www.facebook.com/groups/chatatWorthingHomes

Email: csoteam@worthing-homes.org.uk

Typetalk exchange: dial 18001 (followed by the full number including the code you wish to call).

HOME NEWS is published by Worthing Homes and is distributed free to all customers.

Please contact us if you would like HOMENEWS in: Braille, large print, on CD or in another language.

01903 703 100

BENEFIT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT DROP-INFOR WORTHING HOMES RESIDENTSDrop-in with Jan Burns or Jo Kelly, Worthing Homes’ financial inclusion co-ordinators. They can help with benefit and processing claims, internet access for debt advice services, look for work or to have a chat about any other financial concerns. When: every Monday from 9-12 noon. Where: Resource Centre, Worthing Homes. No need to book just turn up for a chat.

ENERGY SAVING ADVICEDrop-in with Poppy Scott Worthing Homes’ sustainability co-ordinator. Poppy can help with advice on how to save energy in your home, help reduce your energy bills, give energy saving advice and give recommendations. When: every Monday from 9-12 noon. Where: Resource Centre, Worthing Homes. No need to book just turn up for a chat.

PREPARATION FOR WORK COURSEFREE 8 week course for Worthing Homes residents including: skills assessment, job roles and search, applying for jobs, keeping calm and focussed, interviews, contracts and much more . For information call Ruth Pollard on 01903 703 198.

NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE Every Thursday from 1.30-5pm. Careers advisor who can give you FREE information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. Alternatively ring 0132 9559 169 or e-mail nationalcareerssouthcentral@ncs-cfbt.com.

COMMUNITY COMPUTER CLASSES Every Wednesday from 10-5pm. Open to the community and for all abilities and ages just pop in and have a chat with Amber or one of the volunteer tutors.

Every Wednesday from 10-11am – FREE computing for complete beginners. You must be looking to get back into work. Learning is in a relaxed and informal setting. Every student will receive a certificate of what has been covered at the end of each course. For more information and/or to book a place please ring Resident Involvement on 01903 703 107 or e-mail: residentinvolvement@worthing-homes.org.uk

ENGLISH AND MATHS CLASSES THROUGH ASPIRE SUSSEX LIMITEDVarious classes throughout the week. For more information ring Aspire on 0345 6010 161.

ADVICE ON LOCAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND WASTE PREVENTIONCome and speak to Alcira Ferrari in the resource centre at Worthing Homes from 1-3pm on the first Wednesday of the month.

The rooms at the Resource Centre are available to rent. For more information please ring Resident Involvement

on 01903 703 107 or look at our website www.worthing-homes.org.uk/in-the-community/

living-in-the-community/training-and-resource-centre/

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE RESOURCE CENTRE

(next to Worthing Homes’ offices)