homelife issue 81 december 2018 - wandsworth borough council · you to buy a home on page 11. as...
TRANSCRIPT
Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 81 December 2018
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingnews
Home life
Wandsworth leading theway on Broadband See page 5
No fly-tippingpage 5
Housing Advice Day success
page 11
Kambala RA win big
page 13
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Do it onlineThere are a range of housing services and information available on our website wandsworth.gov.uk/housing
Talk to us online Report It app
Housing contacts
Apply for housing and transfers wandsworth.gov.uk/hcs/housingoptions
Report a repair to a councilpropertywandsworth.gov.uk/repairs
Report a waste problemwandsworth.gov.uk/waste
Report graffitiwandsworth.gov.uk/graffiti
Pay your council taxwandsworth.gov.uk/paycounciltax
Pay your rentwandsworth.gov.uk/rents
Other paymentswandsworth.gov.uk/payments
Housing Customer Centre 90 Putney Bridge Road, LondonSW18 1HR
Western Area Housing Office38 Holybourne Avenue, RoehamptonLondonSW15 4JE
Housing hotline: 020 8871 6161
Housing Area Teams Central: 020 8871 5333Eastern: 020 8871 7439Southern: 020 8871 7288Western: 020 8871 5530
If you do not know your area team email:[email protected]
Wandsworth Emergency Control(housing emergencies, out of hours)020 8871 7490
Home [email protected]
Downsizing [email protected]
Landlords looking for [email protected]
Other council contactsAdult social services 020 8871 7707
Births, Deaths, Marriagesand Voting 020 8871 6120
Child social services 020 8871 6622
Environmental services (includingpest control, private housing)020 8871 6127
Finance (including council tax,benefits, rent, service charges)020 8871 8081 To make a telephone payment 0800 021 7763
Parking and Streets 020 8871 8871
Rubbish, recycling and litter 020 8871 8558
weekly e-newsletterwandsworth.gov.uk/e-news
Wandsworth Report Itmakes it easier for anyone toreport problems like flytipping,
graffiti and other environmentalissues. Search for the WandsworthReport It app on the Apple, Android or Windows app store.
My AccountCreate an account and you will onlyhave to sign in once to access themain council services.wandsworth.gov.uk/myaccountfacebook.com/
wandsworth.council
twitter.com/wandbc
Battersea, Clapham and Central Wandsworth (orthroughout the borough if your heating is supplied by acentral communal boiler.)Smith and Byford Ltd 0800 028 0824
Putney, Roehampton and TootingT.Brown Group Ltd 0800 977 8472
To find out your gas contractor 020 8871 7040
For breakdowns, leaks and servicing of heating/hot water systems speak to your gas contractor:
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The council has worked with Optivo tobuild the affordable rent homes, whichhave been designed to enable localpeople to live more independently andbring them closer to their supportnetworks in the borough.
Every home in the modern building,based in Wandsworth and close to thetown centre, has been built with theneeds of the occupants in mind. Eachflat has a balcony/terrace area, whiletwo of the ground floor flats areadapted to be fully wheelchairaccessible. There is also a communalkitchen lounge and new cycle storeand staff flat.
Wandsworth cabinet member for adultsocial care and health, Cllr Paul Ellissaid: “It’s been our commitment toprovide better accommodation forsome of the most vulnerable membersof our community, particularly thosewith physical and learning difficulties.And these new homes are a testamentto that commitment.”
Optivo has a 125-year lease and willmanage the building and deliverlandlord services, while WandsworthCouncil will be responsible for
nominating residents to the housingscheme.
Paul Hackett, Chief Executive ofOptivo, said: “We’re really proud tohave delivered these much-neededhomes to the borough ofWandsworth. This is a great exampleof partnership working to meethousing need. Now the scheme iscompleted we look forward to seeingthe first residents move in.”
This scheme is one of many supportedby the council, in collaboration withhousing associations, to helphouseholds with learning or physicaldisabilities.
Cllr Kim Caddy, Wandsworth’s cabinetmember for housing added: “Thesenew homes are going to provide vitalaccommodation, which support theneeds of vulnerable people. We’d liketo thank local residents foraccommodating the scheme that willhelp and benefit other local residentsin Wandsworth.”
An event to unveil the new homestook place with Optivo Chief Executive,Paul Hackett and both Cllr Kim Caddyand Cllr Paul Ellis in attendance.
Welcome to the winterissue of Homelife. I am delighted to announce thatWandsworth has been named as thefirst council within London to offer 50per cent of its council owned propertiesaccess to full-fibre broadband. Wecontinue to lead the way withbroadband speeds, enabling ourresidents to enjoy all the benefits fastonline access can bring (see page 5).
In September we held a Housing AdviceDay for tenants and homeless peopleinterested in learning more about theirhousing options. With 14 experiencedofficers on hand we were able to talk toover 100 households, making the eventa great success. Find out more aboutthe council’s mobility schemes helpingyou to buy a home on page 11.
As Christmas fast approaches we mustmake sure we are prepared for the coldweather the season brings. The NHShas provided some useful advice onhow to stay warm this winter which canbe found on page 16.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Homelife.If you have any suggestions pleasecontact me by email [email protected]
Finally, I’d like to take this opportunityto wish you all a very Merry Christmasand a Happy New Year.
New affordable homesfor WandsworthWandsworth Council, along with partner housing associationOptivo, is delivering nine new homes for vulnerable adults inthe borough.
Cllr Kim CaddyCabinet Member for Housing
Cllr Kim Caddy cuts the ribbon to officially open the new
development alongside Optivo CEO, Paul Hackett
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A new deal for social housingIn August 2018, theGovernment released itsSocial Housing GreenPaper: A new deal forsocial housing.The Government recently consulted onits Social Housing Green Paper toconsider how best to re-balance therelationship between residents andlandlords to ensure issues are resolvedswiftly and residents’ voices are heard.
The Social Housing Green Paperproposes changes to ensure socialhomes managed by housingassociations and local authoritiesprovide an essential, safe and wellmanaged service for both tenants andleaseholders.
There is a focus on strengthening therole of the regulator, Homes England.This is a body set up to ensure socialhousing providers meet a set of agreedservice standards called the regulatoryframework.
The Government also reports thatresidents all around the country havevoiced their concerns over the stigmaattached by some to social housing andwant to tackle this misperceptionthrough promoting positive initiatives.
It is also positive to see that theGovernment is considering howplanning guidance can be strengthenedto encourage healthy, safe and activecommunities in the social sector andthat new affordable homes aredesigned to the same high-standardsas other tenures. The council are
currently supporting this initiative byfunding its own development andenvironmental improvementprogrammes.
The council welcomes theGovernment’s consultation and theimportance placed on residentengagement and empowerment. Thecouncil plans to set up a ResidentsWorking Group in the new year toreview resident participationstructures.
We look forward to engaging with theGovernment following the outcome ofthese proposals. The full contents ofthe Social Housing Green Paper can befound at:www.gov.uk/government/news/social-housing-green-paper-a-new-deal-for-social-housing
Council cleaningcontracts to be retenderedThe current contracts for the housing cleaning services for councilmanaged properties are coming to an end on 31 March 2020and the project to re-let these contracts began earlier this year. The council is committed to providing thebest cleaning service possible for itstenants and has taken on boardfeedback from residents whichsuggested the current service had led toinconsistent standards of cleaning.
In order to agree a strategy for the newcleaning contracts, a Cleaning FocusGroup was put together earlier this year.The Focus Group was made up of tworesidents from each of the four areasacross the borough (Southern, Eastern,Central, Western). The Focus Group mettwice over the summer and were a great
assistance in helping to identify problemswith the current service and potentialsolutions.
This enabled the following cleaningcontract procurement strategy to bedeveloped:
• Reduce the number of currentcontracts from four to two to achievecontract management efficiencies
• No one contractor will be awardedboth contracts to ensure flexibility inservice provision
• Create long term partnerships througheight-year contracts, encouragingservice providers to invest more in the service
• Procure the contracts under thecompetitive price procedure, with aquality assessment factored in
The council will continue to work withthe Focus Group over the comingmonths in relation to tender assessments,with a view to keeping the grouptogether to monitor progress of the newcontracts when they are in place.
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Community Fibre, the borough’s largestinternet provider for social housing, haspraised Wandsworth Council for settingan example that other landlords shouldfollow in facilitating a full fibre optic rollout. Community Fibre also confirmedthat Wandsworth residents can nowexperience Gigabit speeds 33 timesfaster than the national average.
Earlier this year, Chancellor PhilipHammond set a target for 15 millionhomes and businesses to have full-fibrebroadband by 2025 and the councilcelebrated its 50 per cent milestonewith a roundtable discussion at DimsonLodge in Battersea.
This was attended by Margot James,Minister for Digital and the CreativeIndustries, Cllr Kim Caddy,Wandsworth’s cabinet member forhousing, and Jeremy Chelot, CEO ofCommunity Fibre.
Dimson Lodge is a council ownedclubroom for local sheltered housingresidents and it has been equipped with free Gigabit connectivity byCommunity Fibre.
Cllr Caddy said: “I am very proud thatWandsworth is leading the way inhelping to make sure council tenantshave access to fast, reliable broadband.Our partnership with Community Fibrehas been a resounding success andtogether we have worked very hard toallow our tenants to make the most of fast online access and all the benefitsit brings.
“I know just how important this is forour residents and it is all part of ourvision to help people get on in life bygiving them access to the sameopportunities, regardless ofbackground, age or where you live.”
Wandsworth Council has been named as the first local authority inLondon to offer 50 per cent of its council owned properties access tofull-fibre broadband, cementing its place as one of the fastestboroughs in the capital for broadband speeds.
Margot James,
Minister for Digital
and the Creative
Industries, inspects a
fibre optic cable
Council helpsstudent clearrent arrearsThe council’s financial inclusionteam have been on hand helpingdistressed tenants with theirfinancial woes.Read Ms X’s story below:
Ms X is a single parent and universitystudent with two children. When Ms Xapplied for housing benefit she found thather student loan would be considered asincome, therefore reducing the benefits shecould receive. This left her with over £1,000in rent arrears. A distressed Ms X was on theverge of being referred to court when shewas put in touch with the council’s financialinclusion team.
Hassan Aden, one of our financial inclusionofficers, took on the case. After thoroughresearch, Hassan found that Ms X wasentitled to ‘Special Support Element’, whichmeant that part of her loan would not countas income, and she could claim back someof her housing benefit. Hassan advised Ms Xhow to secure the necessary documentationand the financial inclusion team presentedthis to housing benefits on her behalf.
Thanks to the work of Hassan and the team,Ms X received a backdated payment ofnearly £2,000 to her rent account and herrent arrears were cleared.
Ms X said: “Hassan, thanks for your expertadvice and for helping me finally sort outthis issue.”
If you need some support with your financesand would like to talk to one of our advisors,you can contact the team on 020 88718780 or [email protected]
• Dumped rubbish is unsightly, unsafe and can attract pests such as mice, rats and foxes.
• Fly tipping is a criminal offence. Thosefound responsible could receive finesof up to £50,000 and/or 12 months in prison.
• Any council resident found responsibleis at risk of legal proceedings that mayresult in the loss of their home.
The council is determined to crack down on those who deface your community inthis way.The council provides a bulk refuseservice. If you wish to dispose of largeitems or excessive waste you can book a collection on 020 8871 8558 orwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/wasteservicesThere is a minimum charge of £18.00 for this service.
The council wants to prosecute fly tippers. If you have anyinformation that could help us to identify those responsible,please contact theSouthern area housing team: 020 8871 7288Email: [email protected] information can be given anonymously with the strictest confidentiality
H.2151 (10.18)
No fly tipping!It is a crime and will not be toleratedFly tipping is when refuse is dumped illegally. We are receivingincreasing reports of this crime on your housing estates.
Fly-tippingThe council wants to prosecute fly tippers. If you have any information thatcould help us to identify those responsible, please contact the HousingManagement Service:
Call: 020 8871 6864
Email: [email protected]
Any information can be given anonymously with the strictest confidentiality.
Wandsworth leading the way on Broadband
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Home Ownership TeamImproving purchase options for council tenants
Carlton House, SW15 -Fabrica A handsome contemporary residence in aprime spot on Upper Richmond Road.Designed by award winning architectsAssael, the development is a short walkfrom the River Thames and only 200mfrom East Putney station. Carlton Houseoffers elegant interiors for a combinationof 15 one and two-bed apartments thatoffer a contemporary take on traditionalBritish style. There will be a residents’ roofgarden and exclusive lounge, alongside a12-hour concierge.
For further information, you can contactthe sales team on 020 3504 7358 or checkthe website www.fabrica.co.uk
New shared ownership developmentsin the borough - apply now
Battersea Reach, SW18 -Peabody A new scheme consisting of 24 one-bedand 16 two-bed has recently launched.This latest phase of the populardevelopment in the heart of Wandsworthboasts a location close to the Thames with excellent transport links into central London.
For further information you can call 0207021 4842, [email protected] or visitwww.peabodysales.co.uk
Shared ownership is a part-buy, part-rent scheme thatgives first time buyers who live or work in Wandsworth theopportunity to buy a home in manageable stages.
Wandsworth Exchange, SW18 - L & Q Wandsworth Exchange is comprised of a mix of 21 brand new one and two-bed shared ownership apartments situated very close to a popular shoppingcentre with no shortage of restaurants. There are also very good transportlinks, with the site being located within walking distance of Wandsworth Townrail station and with London Waterloo and the embankment only 15 minutesaway by train.
For further information, you can contact the sales team on 0300 456 9997 orcheck the website lqpricedin.co.uk/properties/wandsworth
So far 139 successful applicants have completed on purchasing a sharedownership property within the borough.
To find out more about new shared ownership homes sign up for ourweekly e-newsletter at wandsworth.gov.uk/e-news
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020 8871 [email protected]
wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership
If you want more information about the council’s home purchase schemes, an information pack or application form, please contact:
Helping you get on the housing ladder
House Purchase Grant This increasingly popular voluntary scheme gives eligiblecouncil tenants a grant to use towards buying a home of theirown or to use towards purchasing a share of a sharedownership property (part rent / part buy) within the UK. It canalso be used to adapt a family member’s home to create aself-contained extension to enable tenants to move in.
The amount of grant a tenant can qualify for will depend onthe number of bedrooms within their current home, the totallength of tenancy and the outcome of a means testedfinancial appraisal.
To be considered for this scheme tenants must be secure,have a minimum of two years tenancy and have a clear rent account.
Grant levels (for tenants who have at least three yearstenancy) Bed Size: Grant amount up to: studio – one bed £60,000two bed – six bed £80,000Note: Grant levels for those tenants with two years will be at a reduced rate.
This year’s scheme has proven to be exceptionally popularand the grant funding was fully allocated within the firstmonth. We have had 30 completions to date.
If you are interested in this scheme and wish to be placed onthe waiting list for notification of when the new funding isavailable, please contact the Home Ownership Team. Newfunding totalling £2.5 million will be available from April2019 and allocation will be on a first come first serve basis.
Note: There is a review taking place of the scheme for 2019. Any future amendments to the scheme will bedisplayed on our webpage as soon as the review has beenapproved formally.
Right to Buy Right to Buy remains a popular option for tenants wishing topurchase the home in which they live. Tenants must have atleast three years tenancy to apply under Right to Buy and canreceive a discount of up to £108,000 off the market value ofthe property.
We have had 22 completions so far.
To read our helpful Right to Buy information booklet and tofind out more about the home purchase process visit:www.wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership.
Right to Part Buy Right to Part Buy is a voluntary sales scheme launched byWandsworth’s Home Ownership Team in January 2017.
This unique scheme enables eligible council tenants whoqualify for Right to Buy (but are unable to afford to purchasetheir council home) to buy a share of their property outright.
To be eligible for the scheme you must:
• be a secure tenant
• have at least three years tenancy
• not have received Housing Benefit 12 months prior to theapplication
• pass an affordability test
Tenants will be able to purchase a minimum initial share of25% or 50% and in the future can buy additional shares andpossibly own their home outright.
Four tenants have already taken advantage of this schemeand completed on their RTPB purchase.
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Wandsworth AffordableHousing Open Day
Home Ownership TeamImproving purchase options for council tenants
The council’s Home Ownership Team were on hand throughout the day
Peabody housing association provided advice on their schemes
The Home Ownership Team recently hostedtheir annual affordable housing event in theWandsworth Civic Suite. Attendance was up on last year with more than 1,000 visitors enquiring about their home ownership options in the borough.
Independent financial advisers, legal experts and housingproviders were all on hand to advise on topics such asmortgages, the buying process and the availability of brandnew shared ownership homes emerging in Wandsworth.
One lucky visitor to the event was the beneficiary of a prizedraw when their details were taken from a box of exit surveysfilled in by visitors at the Open Day last October. They claimeda £100 Argos voucher.
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How to preventcondensationEvery winter millions of homes in the UK suffer fromcondensation, often leading to persistent mouldgrowth. This can cause great anxiety tohouseholders and is a common cause of complaint.
Condensation happens when warmdamp air comes into contact with a coldsurface, producing water droplets. Youwill notice it when you see your breathon a cold day or when the mirror mistsover when you have a bath.
Condensation can occur in any home.However, residents can take practicalsteps to prevent it occurring.
Read our top tips:
Do• Ensure good ventilation throughout
the property – open windows slightlyand make use of an extractor fan.
• Close kitchen and bathroom doorswhen cooking or showering toprevent steam escaping.
• Put lids on pans when cooking.
• Open a window if you hang yourwashing up to dry inside.
• Keep your home heated – constantlow heating is better than extremetemperature increases anddecreases. A minimum airtemperature of 10 degrees day andnight is recommended.
• Vacuum – this helps to remove mouldspores and dust.
• Wipe away any condensation that maybuild up.
Don’t• Remove internal doors.
• Block up air vents or turn offextractor fans.
• Use unvented tumble dryers.
• Dry washing on radiators.
• Leave any visible mould to build up -wash with a mild bleach solution ormould remover.
Mould will build up when you don’t adequately
protect your house against condensation
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Fire control and resident safety within blocks relies on anyfire being contained either within a flat or within acommunal area such as a landing or corridor.A fire resistant door will help prevent a fire spreading into or out of your property,allowing sufficient time for the Fire Services to attend and tackle the fire. All ourtenanted properties are fitted with front doors that offer a minimum of 30 minutes fireresistance. The door will also have been fitted with a self-closing device and in the eventyou have to leave your home in an emergency the door will automatically close behindyou, containing any smoke or fire within your property.
Leaseholders, are your front doors fire compliant?Most leaseholders are responsible for their own front doors and the regulations thatapply to the lease requires the door to offer the same 30 minutes fire resistance and tobe fitted with a door closer. This is particularly important if your front entrance dooropens onto an enclosed lobby or corridor that forms the means of escape from yourbuilding. Your front entrance door, along with all others in the block, prevents firespread and protects the means of escape in the event of a fire and must be in goodrepair with a working door closer.
Want to design and live in your own home?Do you want to design your own home to suit your tastes and your requirements?
Then the council’s Resident Self Build team wants to hear from you!
Wandsworth Council have identified a site near Southfields tube station and Wimbledon Common which has been set aside specifically for a series of two-bedroom Resident Self Build houses.
This is your chance to work with us to design and create your own home.
Interested?Contact the Home Ownership Team:020 8871 [email protected]
FIRE SAFETY: front doors
Council officers will be undertaking inspections of front entrance doors to all high rise blocks and those otherswith enclosed corridors and lobbies but if you are unsure as to whether you should change your front entrancedoor please contact [email protected]
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We could offer you:� Priority for a move to an area of your choice
� First choice of homes on new developments
� Help with removals and household goods
� Cash incentives of between £2,000 and £5,000
� Practical help throughout the move
� A spare bedroom if you vacate a property with two or more spare bedrooms
� Rehouse adult children separately if you vacate a large family-sized property
Speak to us today or phone (020) 8871 7666Eligibility, terms and conditions apply.
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housing
The Moves and Mobility Schemecould help you
H.2156b (2.16)
Are you an under-occupying council or housing association tenant?
HousingAdvice DaysuccessA Housing Advice Day was held at ourCustomer Centre on 90 Putney Bridge Road.The event was for Wandsworth tenants andhomeless people interested in finding outmore about their housing options. For over three hours attendees had the chance to talk to 14 ofour experienced officers about the council’s mobility schemes,such as our downsizing and seaside and country schemes. Wealso had a special guest from Homefinder on hand to tellpeople about their scheme, which finds permanent homes forhomeless households and social housing applicants.
The Advice Day proved very popular, with a total of 126households in attendance. During the event, a vacant propertywithin the borough was identified for a downsizing client andthe offer was made the following Monday. A few days later afurther property was identified and offered to anotherdownsizer who had attended the event.
Kevin Otchere, Allocations Officer said: “The mobility eventwas a great success, we met loads of tenants interested indownsizing with some clients wanting to move to a smallerhome so they would pay lower rent, gas and electricity bills.Some clients were interested in a smaller property so theirchildren could also be given a property of their own, allowingfamily members to begin their independent living.”
We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s event.
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Community news
Flowers bloom onWimbledon Park EstateCecilia Barrett, Housing Manager at Wimbledon Park Co-operative said: “With thehelp of Urban Canopy, the community of Wimbledon Park Estate were able to gettogether on the not so sunny August bank holiday to create a beautiful flower gardenon the estate. Donning welly boots, the children had a great time learning about thedifferent plants and how to create a display that will be enjoyed for many more years.It was a great activity to involve all ages and bring some colour onto the estate.”
Fairfield Drive’s summer soireeLouise Treherne and Anna Fitzgerald, joint Chairs of Fairfield Drive Residents’Association said: “Our summer social BBQ was a great opportunity for the residentsof Fairfield Drive to get together. The sun was shining, and we had many residentsdrop by throughout the day. We had those who have lived in Fairfield Drive for manyyears attend, through to a family who had recently moved in. It was a great way forresidents to get to know each other.
Azaleas returnto BisleyTransformation of estategarden sparked byrediscovery of an oldauction notice.The 1893 auction notice thatdescribes the grounds in great detailas being ‘luxuriantly adorned withRhododendrons and Azaleas’featured in a book on the history ofthe West Hill ward written by a localCouncillor Malcolm Grimston. Thebook contains an article about ArgyleHouse, the site where Esher Gardensand Bisley House now stand.
When Patsy Gamwell, the residents’association treasurer, discovered thisshe became interested in restoringsome colourful shrubs in thegrounds. With the support of thecouncil’s Horticultural Manager, IanHarrison, and funding from thecouncil, the residents’ associationordered shrubs from local nurseriesand set about planting.
Patsy Gamwell said: “My hope is thatthe azaleas we purchased willactually like the ground and spreadsome colour around our lovely estatefor time to come.”
Wimbledon Park’s
finished flower garden
The flowers are
planted in to the groundPotted plants await their new home
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The Mayor’s Team LondonAwards are an annualcelebration of volunteeringexcellence within the 32boroughs of the capital. Thistime around we hadWandsworth representation in the mix.The Kambala Residents’ Association wasnominated by the council’s ResidentParticipation Officer, Sandra Evangelista,
for the Community Engagementcategory. Over the past few years theResidents’ Association have workedtirelessly with various groups to improvelife for their local community. Theirprojects have included play therapyclubs, community lunches and children'scookery classes.
The ceremony took place at City Hall.Kambala were up against some fantasticprojects, including one run by theMetropolitan Police. However, to thecouncil’s delight they were victorious intheir category.
Chair of the Kambala Residents’Association, Donna Barham, said: “Theevent was amazing and it was quiteoverwhelming to have won such a greataward. We feel very humbled and proudto have received the award, and happythat finally our achievements have beenrecognised. It was stiff competition,however, the judges said it was apleasure to have voted for such a worthy team.”
A big congratulations to Donna and theKambala team. Keep up the good work!
Foday Kamara southern team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Jo Baxter central team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Sarah Stevens western team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Your residentparticipation team
There are a variety of ways to getinvolved in your community anddecisions about your housing.
Speak to your residentparticipation officer.
Sandra Evangelista eastern team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Kambala Residents’ Association winbig at Mayor of London Awards
Kambala Estate
Residents’ Association
accept their award
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All-femaleZumba atPennethorneResidents have been gettingdown, whilst getting fit, inZumba classes organised bythe Pennethorne HouseResidents’ Association. The classes are led by Zumba teacher,Chelsea Andrews, who explains thatZumba is “A total workout, combiningall elements of fitness – cardio, muscleconditioning, balance and flexibility,boosted energy and a serious dose ofawesome each time you leave class.”
For £2 female York Road andWinstanley residents can join Chelseafor a 60-minute session grooving to thesounds of moombahton, pop, reggaeand latin rhythms. Classes are held at200 Pennethorne House on Tuesdays at 09.30 and Wednesdays at 16.00 and 17.30. All ages and dance-levels are welcome.
Chelsea says: “Bring a towel, somewater and let's party!”
Community news
GoodGym helpspruce up theKambalaUsing funds from the council’s Community Champion scheme,the Kambala community have been working with GoodGym inWandsworth to help make their estate more attractive. GoodGym volunteer on the estate every Monday evening and bring between 20-30volunteers to help the community with their tasks. Their first challenge was to plantall the flower beds with tulips and daffodils ready for Spring.
They will also be helping clear gardens which belong to the elderly and disabledresidents, jet washing pavements and clearing bin cupboards.
Anastasia Hancock, Employer Partnership Manager at GoodGym said: “GoodGymaims to strengthen communities and reduce isolation, so we were really happy tohelp out with the amazing work that is being carried out at the Kambala Caresproject. As part of our run every Monday the group visits local community projects tovolunteer our time and energy with any manual tasks. We recently dug over theraised beds in the Kambala estate and helped plant bulbs for Spring. We are alwaysdelighted to help in any way we can with projects that improve the lives of people inWandsworth.
“I would also just like to say that Donna Barham, Chair for Kambala Estate Residents’Association, is an amazing member of the community who has done incrediblethings for her neighbours and the estate.”
To find out more about GoodGym, you can visit their website atgoodgym.org/areas/Wandsworth
Report crimeIf you see anyone suspicious please call the localpolice, Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111
The GoodGym volunteers
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sheltered housingnewwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/shelteredhousing
The cooking team meet their very appreciative diners
WoW’s young refugees
cook for Haven LodgeFounder of Women of Wandsworth [WoW], Senia Dedic said: “Inlight of our outstanding work in mentoring UK youth inintergenerational work, Women of Wandsworth have been askedto participate in a social action project as part of a pilotprogramme working with young refugees. “This pilot is being delivered by The Challenge in partnership with Starbucks, andthe Tooting-based organisation CARAS through the HeadStart Programme.HeadStart is a programme that encourages young people to volunteer in theirlocal community and then rewards them for doing so with access to skillsdevelopment workshops and a guaranteed job interview.
“The pilot programme aims to equip the young refugees with employability skillsand encourages them to participate in a social action project in order to give backand feel closer to their community, and to engage with people who are differentfrom themselves. Together with WoW Mums, the young refugees put together anafternoon of lunch and games for the elderly at the Haven Lodge shelteredscheme in Battersea. They cooked, served, and enjoyed a three-course mealtogether, and afterwards participated in fun activities including bingo and a quiz.”
The Challenge is the UK’s leading charity for building a more integrated society.The Challenge work on a local level to bring together people from all ages,ethnicities and walks of life, connecting communities and building trust.
To find out more about The Challenge, you can visit their website at www.the-challenge.org
Keep warm
this ChristmasTemperatures are set to dropthis winter and we arepreparing for one of the coldestChristmas’ on record. Be prepared for the season byfollowing NHS England’s advice onkeeping well in the cold.
• Find out if you can get the flu jab forfree on the NHS (You are eligible forthe flu vaccine this year if you areaged 65+ on March 31, 2019)
• Wear several layers of clothes ratherthan one chunky layer – clothesmade from cotton, wool or fleecyfibres help to maintain body heat
• Use a hot water bottle or electricblanket to keep warm in bed – butdon’t use both at the same time
• Have at least one hot meal a day –eating regularly helps keep youwarm; and make sure you have hotdrinks regularly
• Try not to sit still for more than anhour or so indoors – get up andstretch your legs
• Stay active – even moderate exercisecan help keep you warm
• Wrap a scarf loosely around yourmouth when outdoors – add a hatand wear shoes with a good grip, too.If you have a heart or respiratoryproblem, stay indoors during verycold weather.
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Althorpe Mews BBQ
ews Council sheltered schemes offersupport and independence
[email protected] 020 8871 8198
Residents enjoy their meal in the clubroom
Do It Yourself on
the AshburtonOne of our sheltered residents,George, makes great use of the BoydCourt clubroom every week and hasdesigned and created lovely pieces ofgarden furniture from scratch. Hemade them over the summerutilising the patio space in theclubroom.
George is a great example of how tokeep active and creative whilst livingin sheltered housing.
Fitness at Dimson Lodge
George sands down one of hiscreations on the clubroom patio
Dimson Lodge play ball with Chelsea FC
One of the residents of AlthorpeMews Sheltered Housing, Janet Montgomery, is aCommunity Champion. This summer she decided it would be anice idea to organise a communalbarbecue for the wider community.Janet wanted to promote communitycohesion by bringing local residents intothe sheltered housing clubroom toengage in an activity for everyone.
Janet was awarded £250 from thecouncil, as a Community Champion, toorganise the event for free and enablepeople to attend without the need tocharge, thereby removing cost as abarrier.
The event was a great success. It wasstill the hot summer and everyone had alovely relaxing time, meeting andchatting with their neighbours.
Sheltered Housing Officer for AlthorpeMews, Geoffrey Cox said: “I am alwayskeen to encourage residents to thinkbeyond the confines of the shelteredhousing scheme. Sheltered housingdoes not mean removal from thecommunity, rather enabling people tocontinue to live within it, where withoutthe support it offers they may need tomove into care or away from the areathey are familiar with. This barbecuehelped develop community relations inthe local area and I hope it can berepeated in future years.”
Residents of Dimson Lodge tested their movement and fitness with the help of afitness trainer from Chelsea Football Club [CFC].The event was organised by the Supported Housing Services CommunityDevelopment Team and the Sheltered Housing Officer for Althorpe Mews,Geoffrey Cox.The afternoon consisted of a lovely buffet lunch, followed by a selection of quizzes.After this, several of the attendees did some fun exercises with Damian Shannon,Senior Health & Wellbeing Officer at the CFC Foundation.The session was part of CFC’s ‘Activate Seniors Programme’, which aims todevelop and enhance the experiences of older people, focusing on key areas suchas reducing social isolation and loneliness, improving health and wellbeing andbridging the generation gap through inter-generational schemes.
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Are you interested in applying for
sheltered housing?
AD.917 (5.15)
We offer independent living in purpose-built apartments at schemes throughout Wandsworth.
If you are aged 55 or over and would like to find out more 020 8871 6840
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/shelteredhousing
Reassurance and peace of mindat the touch of a button
WATCHLifeline Alarm Service
FREE four week trialTo find out more about our push
button response services contact: call: 020 8871 8198
email: [email protected] www.wandsworth.gov.uk/watch
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H.1623_81 (12.18).qxp_H.1623_24(7.04) 04/12/2018 10:30 Page 18
Digital programme a successCommunity Fibre’s DigitalChampions Programme is growingand needs more Wandsworthresidents to get involved.Community Fibre’s commitment to digital inclusion saw itlaunch a Digital Champions Programme within Wandsworth,in conjunction with Digital Unite. Digitally confidentWandsworth residents have signed up to enhance their skillsthrough a curated online course, gained professionalaccreditations and most importantly, are now sharing their skillswith other residents.
Launched only six months ago, the positive impact of theprogramme is evident across the borough and the demand forhelp is higher than ever.
Boston Murray, Digital Champion said: “The information on thedigital champions course provided me with the education toimmediately help people. This has changed the day to day livesof people that would normally struggle using the internet. I’mvery proud to work with Community Fibre on this project andthank them for helping local people.”
The programme is growing, and Community Fibre urges allresidents keen on learning and improving their digital skills toemail [email protected] to find out more.
The internet provider has recently reached 15,000 propertiesowned by the council, making Wandsworth the biggest fullfibre borough in London, with the fastest internet connectionin the UK.
www.communityfibre.co.uk
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Large print versionCopies of this issue of Homelife are available in large print format contact (020) 8871 6800 or email: [email protected]
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Report It AppYou can now report issues directly to thehousing department through the council’s app!This is a quick and easy way to tell us about any issues withcleaning, gardening and maintenance on your estate.
Report it in just three easy steps:
1 Choose your location
2 Take a photo
3 Choose the council housing estates category
Once you’ve submitted your report, it will go straight to ourdedicated estate services team to be dealt with.
Search for Wandsworth Report It on the Apple, Android orWindows app store
Find out more at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/reportitapp
Don’t LoseYour Vote!Recent movers should register to voteIf you have recently moved home, youare less likely to be registered to vote.You are not automatically registered atyour new address, even if you paycouncil tax.
Why you should registerYou need to register to be able to vote.If you are not registered, you will nothave the chance to have a say on whorepresents you.
Registering to vote can also help youapply for credit. Credit referenceagencies use the electoral register toconfirm where someone lives in orderto prevent fraud.
Register to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote and visit wandsworth.gov.uk/votefor further information.
Why do I needcontents insurance?The structure of your property including fixtures and fittings isprotected by the council’s block insurance so in the event thatit suffers damage (from a fire, for example) the insurancewould cover the cost of repair. However, it does not cover damage to your personal possessions and belongingsand it is important that you carry your own contents insurance.
Serious fires are rare, but we regularly come across situations where water getsinto a property from above causing damage to residents’ property/ possessionsand where no third party is to blame. A burst waste pipe on a washing machineor a blocked stack leading to waste flooding back into the property are just twoexamples where you may experience damage and loss but will not be able to holdanyone else legally liable.
A contents Insurance policy also gives you cover for alternative accommodation ifyour property is uninhabitable following the operation of an insured peril, e.g. afire. It also provides Public Liability cover, e.g. if a visitor to your property trips overloose wiring and suffers serious injury because of your negligence, or if a leakfrom your property damages the property below, this would also be covered ifyou had been negligent.
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