INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITYHelping create stronger communities

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OUR APPROACHCommunity investment is central to the work of Thames Valley Housing (TVH). A strong community benefits the individual and society as a whole. People of all ages who feel a sense of belonging tend to lead happier and healthier lives, and strong communities create a more stable and supportive society.

For many people a sense of community provides a feeling of cohesion, but with society moving at a faster pace due to technology, economic adversity creating ruptures and many people feeling increasingly isolated, a sense of community can easily fracture. This can and does lead to increased violence, substance abuse, mental illness, anti-social behaviour and so on.

At TVH we aim to build communities as well as provide homes. We do this in a number of ways, reflecting the different needs of different groups of people. However, our actions are guided by the following overarching objectives:

} Improve life chances for residents by providing access to employment and building skills capacity

} Empower communities by providing residents with the opportunity to improve their communities

} Increase access to projects and services which benefit residents and the community

} Work with young people to encourage them to take an active and positive role within their communities

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“Without this partnership we could not help so many residents in need.”

The Hounslow Community FoodBox

PARTNERSHIPSPartners are essential to our ability to meet these objectives. In the local authorities where we work we have an extensive network of partners and a reputation for taking the lead and delivering real and tangible results for residents. We help shape local services and with our partners meet a broad range of needs. This could be supporting residents into work, providing a platform for personal growth or simply helping residents access services they weren’t aware of.

In some senses, TVH and our partners fill the gaps missed by statutory services. We’re able to provide the long-term support some residents need that statutory services can’t always provide.

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“What Thames Valley Housing is doing is brilliant. They are involved at a real community level which is not something you’d expect from a housing association. They’ve supported and guided me through the whole process as well as actually giving me the opportunities.”

Sheron Woods,Resident

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IMPROVING LIFE CHANCESOne of the key elements to our Community Investment Strategy is to work with people towards improving their life chances. There are many reasons that individuals and families may be encountering di�culties and many of those issues are interlinked, such as unemployment, lack of skills and training, or diminished aspirations.

Spread across a community, long term unemployment can lead to poorer health, children with low academic performance and higher rates of crime and violence.

However, the needs of the unemployed can be complex and often invisible at first. For example, a common theme is lack of confidence or skills. But often the reasons run deeper and can range from looking after young children to underlying psychological issues that devastate a sense of well-being and undermine positive action.

To address this complexity, we have a dedicated Training and Employment Team who work on a one-to-one basis with residents to match them with job opportunities and training courses.

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT Giving people access to support that can help them work through these issues, can have significant knock-on e�ects in other areas of their lives. As a result, we take a long-term view to unemployment and provide structured, tailored support that meets individual needs. This creates a feedback loop that feeds into the success of local communities. The team work hand in hand with a range of partner organisations who provide support, skills and employment opportunities.

PARTNERS We have approximately 60 partners who we work with to help our residents find employment. These include TVH contractors who take on residents in apprenticeship schemes. The partnerships also extend to local Job Centres, EU-funded training and employment companies and UK government-funded outfits.

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“The housing association has really supported me. They made me aware of the Back to Work scheme and gave me the confi dence to believe that I could step out into life.”

Louise, Resident

KHALID’S STORY Khalid Muse dropped out of school and experienced his life as quite aimless. However, when he came to the training and employment centre, it became clear he didn’t lack ambition; he just didn’t know what he wanted to do.

The training and employment centre focused on giving Khalid the opportunity to explore diff erent options, mentoring him so he stayed motivated. This meant he was able to narrow down his choices and led to him taking part in some construction courses. Inspired by these, he then went on to gain his Construction Skills Certifi cate Scheme which is needed to work in the industry, and he is now in the middle of an apprenticeship.

LOUISE’S STORY As a suff erer of bipolar personality disorder, Louise had never worked before. However, thanks to astute perception and a non-judgmental approach, Louise was eventually pointed in the direction of professional help.

This help was the starting point for Louise and at the Resident Employment and Training Centre, we put her on a Back to Work scheme to mentor her. As well as giving her the skills for the job market, the course used her own initiatives, such as giving presentations to her children’s class mates, to demonstrate to herself just how capable she was. Once her confi dence had increased, TVH put Louise in touch with Pinnacle, one of its training and employment partners.

Working with Pinnacle, she decided that she would like to work providing care, specifi cally to elderly people in their homes. With young children at home Louise is limited in the hours she can work each day. Pinnacle took this into account and helped fi nd her fl exible employment.

KHALID

IMPROVING LIFE CHANCES

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RESULTS Each year we have a target for the number of residents who we support into work. In 2014, we published a survey of 50 families who had been helped into work over the preceding 12 months. The measure of success was how many people were in sustained long-term employment.

}75.5% were in sustained employment

}Of the 25% who were no longer in employment 80% said they were trying to find other work

}Almost equal 50/50 split between those in full-time work and those in part-time work

}78.1% expressed satisfaction with their salaries

}80.6% said they enjoyed their work

}46.9% said their health had improved as a result of finding employment

}73.3% said their quality of life had notably improved

}60% said their social life had also improved

}Arrears plunged by 43.48% over the 12 month period in sharp contrast to all rent arrears which dropped only by a few percentage points for the same period

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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIESEverybody deserves the right to a safe and secure home. But homes do not exist in isolation; they are part of the larger communal whole. We firmly believe that by providing tenants with power, accountability and control over their local environment communities flourish. And in communities that thrive, anti-social behaviour is reduced, money is better spent and residents have a sense of ownership which in turn positively feeds into the neighbourhood.

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS The Community Champions project’s aim is to empower residents to become their own advocates for change and support them in the process.

It was born out of a need to head-o� the potentially adverse consequences of the economic downturn. This, and the subsequent welfare cuts, could have left the community at risk of increased deprivation, unemployment and isolation.

The project has been launched in Slough where nine residents stepped forward to become Community Champions for their area.

MURAL PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Community Champion, Devante Ballah got 30 of the local young people together and replaced a gra�ti-covered eyesore with a vibrant community mural.

Residents at Moray Drive in Slough, had told TVH they wanted rid of the gra�ti on a wall in their local park, as well as a general brightening up of the area.

With advice and help from our Community Champions O�cer, Devante turned this into a Community Mural Project which was extended to include free activities over the half term, teaching the history and di�erent techniques of gra�ti as a proper art form.

The project not only improved the area but also brought the young people from the estate together and gave them pride and a sense of involvement in their community.

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RESULTSThe budget for the project was £45,000. However, eight months in and only £20,000 had been spent and a return on investment was evident:

}Each incident of anti-social behaviour costs approximately £5,000. Prior to the project there were 11 live anti-social behaviour cases in Slough. Nine have been closed during the project and there are no new reported cases in the same time, demonstrating the effectiveness of the project

}Some achievements can also be measured in terms of cost. For example, the mural cost approximately £400 for materials and a day’s payment for an artist. The real cost, based on commercial rates for similar projects, would be approximately £4,000

}Customer satisfaction levels in Slough were measured at 86% compared to 79% for the same period the previous year

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“We had a ‘street meet’ and then

things started to get done – things

that we wanted. We now feel

supported. The main thing about

being a Community Champion is

you can get things done. They listen,

they are there and if they can help

they will.”

Pamela Furmage, Resident

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES (CONTD)

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The Community Champions project has also resulted in:

}Communal litter picks and ‘good rubbish days’

}DIY workshops

}‘Street Meets’

}Training and work opportunities for residents

}Safer communities

}Empowerment and confidence building

}Greater engagement with neighbours and housing officers

COMMUNITY LUNCH AT SOVEREIGN HEIGHTS

When residents at Sovereign Heights asked their Community Champion, Safia Akram, to organise a lunch so they could get to know each other, she threw herself into the task.

Safia worked with the young people on the estate to promote the event and arranged transport for anyone needing it. She also achieved a donation of food for the lunch from a local business and made sure there were plenty of activities for the children so parents could relax and enjoy themselves.

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GO GREENTVH’s green policy is based on a simple premise; encourage residents to become involved in projects that foster sustainability in order to build a sense of community, cut costs and learn new skills. People who feel that they live in a community have a greater sense of responsibility towards each other and also the wider world. At the same time, in a society characterised by consumerism and a ‘throw-away’ mentality, sustainability projects create a greater awareness of finite resources, show the cost benefits of recycling and emphasise the advantages of looking after local environments.

KERB2HERB Residents in Reading took part in a project in which they were given small containers and pots to grow herbs. By partnering with Food4Families, residents were encouraged to understand the benefits of healthier eating and lifestyle habits as well gaining an understanding of the wider environmental and economic aspects of producing food.

GREEN DOCTOR From using energy-saving light bulbs to setting thermostatic controls so heating bills are reduced, the Green Doctor provides personalised advice on the benefits of energy efficiency. Initially rolled out to 18 residents in Hounslow, due to its popularity a further 18 sessions were held in Slough.

OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDED: } Vegetable patches – developing plots of land for growing vegetables. A number of residents went on to higher education courses in conservation and the environment

}Tree planting sessions – five estates benefited from the tree planting session which involved technique, methods and knowledge

}Gardening competition – to encourage and engender a sense of community cohesion. The competition had ten different categories from the tallest sunflower to the best street gardener

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“The community vegetable patches have given residents the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and connect with the natural environment. Getting outside into green spaces, such as vegtable patches, has been shown to be of benefit to both users’ mental and physical health. It’s great to see TVH continue to develop these projects across its estates.”

Matthew Hartgrove, Greenspace Manager, Groundwork South

RESULTS }A total of 15 green projects were delivered

}235 people participated in green sessions

}57 were young people

}36 individual resident appointments were made

}Overall spend was relatively low. Some projects were delivered by our partners for free, while others, such as the 'veg patches' were very low cost e.g. £800 for a whole estate

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COMMUNITY CHESTThe Community Chest is an important awards fund designed to build communities for residents, provide support for the disadvantaged and facilitate the work of voluntary organisations. The fund has been operating since 2007 and since then has become an established resource that benefits both TVH residents and the wider community.

Funding is awarded based on whether projects meet one of the following criteria:

}Working for community change – this embraces anti-poverty projects, unemployment, volunteering, skills training, diversity, financial inclusion and community projects

}Building neighbourhoods – projects to help make improvements in the areas of health, education, crime prevention, environmental issues and supporting access to leisure activities

}Celebrating heritage and culture – community arts projects and festivals and heritage projects which help positively shape communities

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RESULTSDURING 2013/2014:

}£50,000 funding was available

}Average amount provided to each scheme was £2,176

}66 bids for funding were received

}24 projects were funded

SUPPORTING CONFLICT RESOLUTION; PREVENTING ASB Sometimes TVH is the sole funder for a project. Aik Sath is a Slough-based charity that trains young people as mentors, promoting community cohesion, conflict resolution and anti-bullying, working in schools, colleges and youth centres.

We donated £5,000 for a project to train 15 young people in conflict resolution skills and youth work to prevent anti-social behaviour in the community.

The work the team have been trained for involves going out to young people where they live and helping them understand how their actions are affecting other people. They then encourage and signpost them to get involved in other, more constructive, activities.

The great strength of the project, and the charity as a whole, is that that most of the work is carried out by young people engaging directly with each other. Working peer to peer in this way produces positive results quickly and effectively.

WRIGHTS MEADOW CENTRE Wrights Meadow Centre is an example where our Community Chest fund was one of a number of funding partners, which meant a large project could come to fruition: in this case, the build of Wrights Meadow Centre, a new community building in Wycombe Marsh.

We donated £5,000, specifically for the internal fixtures and fittings, and were one of a number of funders which also included Wycombe District Council and the Trades and Social Club.

OTHER PROJECTS These are two of 24 projects that were funded. Some of the others include an all-ages dance workshop from Age UK, a series of play sessions for children and teenagers, a charity shop refurbishment, a Jamaica Society Summer Camp for young people, a walking club and a healthy living project.

“We are so grateful for this funding. It meant we were able to hire a professional choir mistress and musicians... supporting people with learning disabilities and their carers...”

Kate Stonehouse, Family Advisor, Mencap

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ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLETVH places great emphasis on supporting younger residents and the children of residents. By definition, the teenage years can be a difficult time as the step towards adulthood is made. Deprivation, feelings of being marginalised and lack of opportunity can exacerbate negative tendencies. Engaging young residents and future tenants is vital for housing providers and communities. Creating a positive environment, showing commitment and giving young people the opportunity to demonstrate innovation and creative flair plants positive seeds that lead to positive results.

THE LION’S DEN TVH has just under 1,000 properties in Hounslow. Hounslow is one of the most deprived boroughs in London. With an overall crime rate of 55.6 per 1,000 inhabitants, it ranks much higher than the average for England of 37.6.

We aimed to meet two strategic priorities mapped out in the local authority’s Youth Justice Plan:

}Early intervention among young people involved in, or at risk of, anti-social behaviour and crime

}Provide stimulating and positive activities for young people

The Lion’s Den provided participants with the opportunity to explore business ideas and turn them into reality by engaging them in three activities:

}Business Bedlam: develop a social enterprise plan and turn it into a project – receive feedback from panel of experts

}Film Frenzy: document the sessions and create a TV episode

}Music Madness: create a theme tune and sound track for the TV episode

RESULTS}20 young Hounslow residents participated

}Gave participants confidence and drive

}Winning group supported to develop business plan

}Local businesswoman and Early Intervention Team mentoring winners

}Other participants are being supported by Events4Youth for funding and sponsorship options

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HAYES MURAL PROJECTA small community room at High Point Village in Hayes wasn’t being used. The aim was to turn it into a warm and inviting space for the community to use.

Young residents were invited to work with an artist to design a space that reflects their area and interests.

RESULTS}26 young residents involved in the project

}Ten residents over 21 joined in

}Room redecorated for community use

}Residents now want to use the room

}YMCA aims to use room for youth activities

}Total cost of project £670

“TVH supported the Lion’s Den project with funding, staff and practitioners... [it] was very rewarding for us and the young people involved.”

Corey Clarke, Hounslow Youth Service

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“ At long last there is a fantastic handbook that lists all the services available to those living and working in the community of Hounslow. Now no one need miss out on accessing essential advice and support, both as a service user and a service provider. Well done to Thames Valley Housing for this valuable resource”

Oonah Lacy,Hounslow CommunityFoodBox

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LOCAL RESOURCE ACCESSA consultation exercise with Hounslow residents revealed that many thought there was a lack of services within the borough, whether activities for young people, sports clubs and leisure services or social support organisations.

However, on carrying out some research, the problem was that information about services was scattered, making it diffi cult for residents to fi nd.

This meant that residents were assuming that services didn’t exist as they couldn’t fi nd them, at a time when the economic climate made them all the more important. It made sense to collate all the information within one booklet so residents could access services easily.

The project was also a testament to the success of our partnerships in the borough, including Hounslow Council, Feltham Arts, Get Active Hounslow, Hounslow foodbox, plus many more.

TVH ON TOUROver the summer we took Thames Valley Housing on Tour. Our road show tour bus took the offi ce to 23 estates. We took Axis, our repairs contractor along. Axis provided a handyman at every stop to fi x any immediate problems, while more complex repairs were reported back immediately.

Our grounds maintenance contractor, Just Ask, also came along so they could fi nd out how residents felt about their services. The Housing Offi cers and Property Managers for each area were also on hand so that any problems or enquiries could be dealt with there and then.

Premier House, 52 London Road,Twickenham, TW1 3RPTel: 020 8607 0607Fax: 020 8607 9923Email: info@tvha.co.ukWeb: www.tvha.co.uk