GLASGOW WEST HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Newsletter December 2017

If you would prefer to receive the newsletter in a different format or font, please

contact the office and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Children’s Festive Colouring

Competition

Christmas is nearly here and our colouring

competition is now open to any child in your

household who is AGED 14 OR UNDER!

An entry form is enclosed, if you need more

copies please contact us on 0141 331 6650 or

pop into the concierge offices or our main

office (see opening hours on back page).

All entries must be returned by 19/12/2017.

18th Annual Tenants Conference

Saturday 20th January 2018 - STUC Building, 333 Woodlands Rd

Invitations for this very important Event will be with you mid

January 2018. As always we have lots to talk to you about,

including the rent proposals for 2018/19(see insert) and our

plans and priorities for the coming year.

We look forward to welcoming you to our annual event.

Staff will be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have.

Refreshments will be available and the winners of our much coveted Good Close/Garden

Competition will also be announced.

Please take the opportunity to come along to our ATC to ensure your views are

represented. More details will be included with the Invitation.

Office Closure Dates

Our offices (and the Hyndland concierge

station) will be closed on the following dates:

4pm Fri 22/12/17 until Fri 05/01/18 inclusive.

We re-open 9am Mon 08/01/18

The Blythswood and St Vincent Terrace

concierge stations will operate as normal

during the above dates.

Please refer to the office answer phone, our

website www.gwha.org.uk or the enclosed

GWHA calendar in the event of an emergency

arising out with our normal

office hours.

See article on page 3

regarding Emergency Repairs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR from all Staff and Committee at GWHA

What to check if your Power goes out

Prevent a Burst Pipe

Extreme cold weather can cause water

pipe work to split. This can be avoided by

leaving the central heating on at 10°C or

above throughout the day and night.

Maintaining an even temperature across

your home on a timer is also more cost

effective and better for the environment

than manual adjustments of the

thermostat.

IF YOU HAVE A BURST PIPE:

Report the repair as you normally do.

Place a bucket / container below the

leak to catch the water.

Move your belongings out of the area.

Alert your downstairs neighbours.

Wait for the contractor to arrive.

If you can:

Turn off the incoming water valve.

(usually found under sink or near boiler)

Isolate electrics at consumer unit.

Condensation Problems Always call us for advice if you spot any

damp in your property.

Before we call out to inspect dampness you

need to make sure you have ruled out

condensation as the cause. Over 90% of the

inspections we make in relation to damp are

found to be condensation.

Take the following steps to prevent the build

up of condensation. If these don’t work (over

2-3 months) or the problem gets worse then

call us to arrange an inspection.

Clean down all black mould/spotting

with a fungicidal wash

Ensure trickle vents (where available) on

windows are left open

Ensure your home is sufficiently heated

(further advice is available on page 7)

Try to open windows when you’re

cooking, bathing or drying clothes. If you

don’t have a window in your kitchen or

bathroom please leave the extractor

fan running for at least 20 mins

Wipe any excess moisture from walls and

surfaces

Keep furniture away from external walls

For more info see www.gwha.org.uk

Finding Fault Help

Do my neighbours have power?

If there is a common issue please call Scottish Power Energy Networks free on 105 and they will talk you through next stages.

My TV is off but my lights are working

If this is the case it is likely to be a problem with one of your appliances that was in use at the time of power cut. Check your

Both lighting and TV have gone off

Check you have credit in meter.

My TV is on but the lights are out

Try another bulb in light fitting; it might be as simple as that.

If all of the above have been tried and there is still an issue

The next stage is to check your electrical fuse board and reset any switches that have flipped to the off position.

If the TV and lights both keep going out (intermittent

problem)

Reset the switches (shown in above article) and try turning off appliances in sequence. One of them may have a fault or there may simply be too many things running for the electrical supply

to cope with. If you find a faulty item DO NOT plug it in elsewhere, this will cause more problems. You will need to

replace the appliance.

Is it an Emergency Repair or can it wait?

Please remember that our Out-of-Hours repairs service is for repairs that are genuine

EMERGENCIES ONLY.

These repairs attract a premium rate from contractors, often in excess of £150 .

It is your responsibility to ensure, BEFORE you call the Out-of-Hours Repairs Service, that the

repair is a real emergency, otherwise you could have an expensive bill to repay. Any call

out that is deemed not to be an emergency will result in a rechargeable repair. Examples

include loss of TV signal, a dripping tap, internal doors not closing properly.

Emergency Repairs

A repair is an emergency if a delay in attending to it could represent a risk to your health,

safety or security, or could cause significant damage to property. Examples include:

Water ingress from another property/roof.

Removing faeces, bodily fluids or syringes from common areas.

Broken glass and/or broken window cords or safety catches.

Total loss of electrical power – (only call after you have checked your appliances).

Lift Breakdown.

If you have any repairs over the festive period and are in doubt as to whether it is an

emergency, please call our Concierge Service on 0141 428 3247 for advice.

All out of hours emergency numbers are available on the enclosed calendar, our website

www.gwha.org.uk and answerphone service.

FREE Home Fire safety Visit and FREE

Smoke Alarms The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service want to make sure your

home is as safe from fire as it can be. This is why they

provide free Home Fire Safety Visits, available at any

mutually convenient time (day or night).

Their staff can help you to spot potential fire hazards and offer advice and guidance and

fit smoke alarms free of charge (if your home requires them).

The visit takes around 20 minutes and that 20 minutes might just save your life.

To book a visit call 0800 0731 999 or visit www.firescotland.org.uk

Out of Hours Emergency

Call Outs When calling our Out of Hour services (see

enclosed calendar), please be mindful that

the tradesmen do not have access to the

merchants, who typically operate during

business hours. This may result in parts not

being readily available to complete a repair

on the first visit. The contractor will make safe

and return once parts are available.

Cyclical Maintenance

The second phase of gutter cleaning

commenced in November and we

expect completion by mid-January 2018.

The appointed contractors,

David Mitchell Plastering

and Building are putting

posters in the close to

advise when your gutters will be cleaned.

Lift Replacement Blythswood Court The Modernisation of the passenger lifts at 56, 323 and 421 Blythswood Court

are currently being tendered with the aim of appointing a contractor

December 2017. The works are anticipated to commence March 2018, with

target completion December 2018.

Future Projects 2018

Repair works to the Common Cold Water Storage Tanks have been identified and

these works will be tendered to commence in the New Year.

The next phase of the Kitchen/Bathroom/Rewire replacement

programmes are being tendered and, if your home has been

identified for replacement works, we will be in

touch shortly to provide timescales and an

outline of the works.

March-in surveys will commence January

2018 with works anticipated to follow February

The appointment of a specialist consultant for the initial testing of stonework to in-

form the scope of works and sequence of projects is underway. We anticipate a

contractor being in place by January 2018 and plan for onsite works to commence

in Spring 2018.

In the new year we will begin a programme of surveys of the communal areas to

inform our safety registers. Whilst there may be some disruption, the surveys should

have limited impact on your access through the close area. The surveys should be

complete by April 2018 and will be further advertised through posters in your close

and on our website www.gwha.org.uk

Major Works Update

Stock Condition Surveys

Our programme of stock condition surveys is progressing well, and we

thank those of you who have provided access thus far. These surveys take

around 30 minutes to complete and help inform our future investment

programme

If you receive a letter about the survey, please contact the Property Services Team on

0141 331 6650 to arrange a suitable appointment.

MYGLASGOW - App

A new smart phone app is transforming the way you can report issues to Glasgow City

Council. It is currently in use for reporting cleansing issues and to request a bulk uplift.

You can also report problems with the roads using the app.

The app is available on both Apple and Android - download it today.

Garden Grant Spring is just around the corner (or maybe that’s just wishful thinking!)

Why not add a splash of colour to your back court or front garden by applying for a Gar-

den Grant. If you are interested in applying, please contact the Estates Team on 0141 428

3245 or email amoore@glasgowwestha.co.uk for further information.

Recycle this Christmas Cardboard Box Recycling

This time of year sees a considerable

increase of cardboard for recycling.

Please assist your refuse collectors by

ensuring that cardboard boxes are broken

down and folded before being placed

inside the blue recycling

bins within your bin area

for your scheduled

recycling collection.

Christmas trees

After the festive season is over, you can

dispose of a real tree by requesting a bulk

uplift from Glasgow City Council via their

website www.glasgow.gov.uk,

using the MyGlasgow app (see

above) or tel.: 0141 287 9700.

Card recycling

Christmas Cards without glitter can be

easily recycled by placing them in your

blue recycling bin. Cards with glitter must

be disposed of within your general waste.

If a visit to our office is not convenient for you, pop along to our monthly surgeries:

Over 65?

Are you getting all the

benefits you are entitled

to?

The Scottish Government and

Citizens Advice Scotland are

running a new campaign

aimed at ensuring older

people receive the financial

support they are entitled to.

The help available includes

pension top ups, council tax

reductions and support if you

are disabled.

Many older people are not

claiming their full benefit

entitlement. Only 6 in 10

people who are eligible for

Pension Credit claim it,

meaning many older people

missing out on average £2000

per year of pension top ups.

If you have any concerns

regarding your own benefit

entitlement contact us to get

your benefits checked.

Keith/Walker Court Hyndland Blythswood Court St Vincent Terrace

1st Friday of the Month 3rd Thurs of the Month Last Thurs of the Month Last Tues of the Month

10am-11am 10am-12pm 9am-11am 9am-11am

Help to heat your home this winter

Affordable Warmth Dividend - Every Glasgow resident

aged 80 or over will qualify for the annual £100 payment

from GCC to help with heating bills. This winter, it will be

easier than ever before to get the cash; with GCC paying

previous recipients automatically.

If you are, or will be 80 by 31/03/18, and have not yet

received a letter confirming your award, please contact

GCC on 0141 287 7961

Warm Home Discount - You may be entitled to £140

discount on your electricity bill if you are on a low income.

This money is paid directly into your electricity account.

You can also qualify if you have a pre

payment meter.

Contact your electricity supplier for more

information or if you need help contact the

advice agencies on the next page

Don’t get Sanctioned this Christmas If you miss an appointment or activity arranged by the Job Centre+ you need to explain

why as soon as possible ; and, if you receive a sanction, challenge the decision

immediately. Always ask for a MANDATORY RECONSIDERATION(MR) explaining why you

should not have been sanctioned. I f you are on JSA hand in a letter. If you are in receipt of

Universal Credit you need to do this online, but you could also write a letter to make sure

they receive it.

The decision will be looked at by another person within the DWP.

Welfare Rights Appointments are available throughout the week,

Call 0141 331 6665 to book.

Universal Credit Update Universal Credit telephone numbers are now FREE to call,

FREEPHONE UC LIVE SERVICE - 0800 328 9344

If you call any numbers beginning 0345 you will be given

the new Freephone number 3 times (you will not be

charged for the call so long as you hang up before the

final repetition of the number).

Smart Meters

Why get a smart meter? - Smart meters mean

no more estimated bills, so you only pay for

the gas and electricity you use. They also help

you keep track on how much you’re

spending.

How do I get a smart meter? - To claim your

smart meter contact your energy suppler who

will provide and fit your smart meter at no

extra cost.

Do I need internet access at home? - No,

smart meters operate the

same way as other wireless

systems, using radio waves.

Energy Saving Tips from Home Energy Scotland

Stay warm and cosy

Manage your heating controls - Correctly using a programmer, room thermostat and

thermostatic radiator valves can help you save up to £80 a year.

Use the Timer - Most heating systems have the options to be programmed to times that suit

you. Set the heating to switch off just before you go to bed or leave the house, this will

keep you nice and warm and you won't waste energy heating the house while you are

asleep or not in.

Turn it down - Turning your central heating thermostat down by one degree could save

another £80 a year. We recommend you set your room thermostat to between 18-21°C.

Lighting the way

Lighting makes up 18% of your electricity bill. Households will have a mix of different light

fittings, by changing which bulbs you use and how you are using them can cut the amount

you’re spending on lighting.

LEDs – Making the switch to LED bulbs can save you up to £35 each year. LEDs are the most

energy efficient bulbs available, followed by the regular energy saving bulbs.

Turn them off – Turn your lights off when you’re not using them. If you switch a light off for just

a few seconds, you will save more energy than it takes for

the light to start up again, regardless of the type of light.

This will save you around £13 on your energy bills over the

course of a year.

Home Energy Scotland is here to help

Home Energy Scotland’s advice network is open Monday – Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday

between 9am – 5pm. To find out how Home Energy Scotland can help you, call free on

0808 808 2282 and quote GW_HA_Winter_17 or email

adviceteam@sc.homeenergyscotland.org and a friendly advisor will call you back.

G.HEAT

GWHA work with G.HEAT

(Glasgow Heat and Energy Advice Team)

to ensure all our tenants and owners get

the best advice on how to reduce fuel bills,

obtaining the best tariffs and making the

most efficient use of the heating system in

your home. They can also help if you have

fallen behind in your payments or have

other billing issues.

If you would like to take this opportunity to

arrange a free home visit from a G.HEAT

advisor please contact us on 0141 331 6665

Committee Training Forum

GWHA’s Committee Training Forum (CTF) is a unique opportunity for tenants and members

of GWHA to find out more about what’s involved in joining our Management Committee.

The CTF is a flexible programme, designed to equip participants with the competencies

and confidence to become a Committee Member. While joining the CTF does not

commit you to joining the Management Committee, 5 participants from this year’s

programme, joined the Management Committee in June 2017.

The next CTF will be starting up early next year

and if you are interested in joining please

contact Carol Nicol on 331 6664

AGM - Date for your Diary

Our AGM will be held on Monday 25th

June 2018 at 6.30pm at the Sandyford

Henderson Memorial Church,

Kelvinhaugh Street.

To attend this event you must be a

member of GWHA. If you are interested

in becoming a member please contact

Carol Nicol on 0141 331 6664.

Stay safe this Christmas

Shopping Safety - When you’re Christmas

shopping it’s easy to forget the value of your

shopping bags. Look after your bags and don’t

leave them out of view. Shopping online?

Make sure your internet safety is up to date

and that any payment website is secure (look

for a padlock in the address bar) before you

enter your details.

Party safety - Charge your phone and ensure

you have thought about how you will get

home. Be sensible about how much alcohol

you consume and don’t leave your drinks

unattended. The best advice is to stick with

your friends and take care of each other.

Home Safety - Thieves know that over

Christmas there are more valuables in the

home. Keep your home secure and don’t

leave gifts in view of the windows. Be savvy

with social media and don’t advertise that you

will be away from home.

For more info about staying

safe go online

www.scotland.police.uk/

keep-safe/festive-safety

Homelessness at

Christmas

As the nights grow colder, homeless

people are increasingly sheltering inside

shop door fronts, closes and bin stores

for warmth.

If you are concerned about anyone

sleeping rough this Christmas then

please contact The Simon Community’s

Rough Sleepers and Vulnerable People

service on 0800 027 7466 to discuss your

concerns. Their staff will go out and

meet with the person to offer support.

CTF Session 14/06/17, covering the role of our Services Team

Contents Insurance If you are already a member of

the RRS you may be missing out on

one of the available incentives.

If you have already bought

contents insurance for this year

(2017/18) we will give you £25

towards the cost. Just bring in, or

send us a copy of you insurance

schedule.

If you don’t already have contents

insurance , why not look at taking

out some cover and take

advantage of this incentive. All our

tenants can access the contents

insurance provided by Thistle

(recommended by the SFHA)

Please contact Dominic

McGonigle on 0141 331 6653 for

more information.

Jim Michael Award 2018/19

This award was introduced in 2008 to recognise the commitment of the exceptional people

who make a difference to our lives. Please let us know if you would like to nominate a

neighbour for this award to say thank you for any help and assistance they have provided

to you or the local community.

Nominations are accepted throughout the year and the forms are available from our office

or on our website www.gwha.org.uk

Rent Reward Scheme (RRS)

The lucky winner of the September draw was Miss Ann

Osborne. The runner up was Miss Taranda, pictured

below with staff member Declan Ranachan).

Our final draw of the year took place on 12/12/17.

The annual £52 bonus payments for all those that

qualify will be issued week beginning 18/12/17

Dates for your Diary:

The Draws for 2018 will take place on

16/03/18, 25/06/2018 (AGM), 12/09/18 and 11/12/18.

You have to be in it to win it!

Partick Thistle Football Club Community Champions GWHA nominated this year’s Jim Michael Award Winners for this award and we are very

pleased to announce that both our deserved winners were awarded as Community

Champions and were invited along to home games to be presented with their awards.

Isobel Campbell (pictured

left), award presented on

28/10/17.

“I had a marvellous

time with my family

who were so

proud”

Hazel Ralston along with Kaashif

Nazir, David Stewart, Qasim Nazir

and Alistair Campbell (from

Anderston Youth Café), award

presented on 21/10/17.

“We had a great day

and were delighted to

be nominated”.

Benefit News

Paying your Rent

At this time of year, there are often

competing priorities, with the

additional cost of Christmas as well as

rising fuel costs and other household

expenses.

Please make sure you budget for your

December & January Rent.

Don’t fall into rent arrears over

Christmas.

If you need advice, don’t wait till it’s

too late. Please contact the office

NOW!

Charitable Activities GWHA hosted a bake sale on 21st September,

raising £100.40 for charity. Our thanks to our

in-house bakers who made some truly wonderful

and delicious cakes!

Local Housing Allowance

If you are under 35 and you signed for your tenancy after 01/04/2016 you will have

been alerted to the Housing Benefit/Housing Costs cuts and restrictions to the Local

Housing Allowance. The government has now decided to scrap this proposal.

Universal Credit (UC) Changes

Due to intense media and political pressure, the government introduced a number of

changes to Universal Credit in the recent budget.

An interest-free advance of up to a month’s worth of UC (instead of the current half-

month advance) within 5 days of the claim, for those who need it and who have an un-

derlying entitlement to UC. Also, the recovery period for these advances will be ex-

tended from the current 6 months to 12 months. This will be in place from January 2018.

From February 2018, the 7-day waiting period will be removed, so that entitlement to

UC starts on the first day of the application (this effectively means a minimum 5-week

wait, instead of the current 6 weeks).

From April 2018, those already on Housing Benefit will continue to receive their award for

the first 2 weeks of their UC claim.

The Rollout of full UC service will now be introduced to Glasgow West in October 2018

There will be no more new UC cases in Glasgow West between January and October

2018. If you become unemployed contact DWP to make claim for Job seekers Allow-

ance or Employment and Support allowance.

Cash For Kids

We have helped 120 children benefit

from the grant awarded by Cash for

Kids.

If you would like to apply next year look

out for posters in your close and in our

Autumn newsletter.

RODENT CONTROL MANAGEMENT

If you are worried there may be rodents in your property, it is very im-

portant that you contact Glasgow City Council (GCC) for assistance in

dealing with the problem. GCC investigate and treat mice when in-

doors at domestic properties. Rats are treated when internal or external to the property.

This is a free service for all domestic dwellings.

Tel: 0141 287 1059

Email: public.health@glasgow.gov.uk

Online Contact Form https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20393.

GCC, Pest Control Officers advise that holes (e.g. around skirting/floor-boards or in cup-

boards) SHOULD NOT be filled until treatment is complete to avoid pests being trapped in

the building. Once the treatment is complete, please contact our Repairs Team on 0141-

331 6652 to arrange for holes/points of ingress to be filled in.

HELP PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM MICE OR RAT INFESTATIONS

Keep foodstuffs in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids

Keep the inside of the house tidy— less clutter means less places to hide!

Put outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids to prevent rodents feeding

on the contents

Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust

containers with fitted lids—preferably above ground level

Keep gardens free from debris and keep clutter to a minimum

If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract rodents.

Festive Gifts

Our Christmas Elves have been busy wrapping

this years gifts. These will be delivered to our

elderly and vulnerable tenants before the

office closes for Christmas on 22nd December

at 4pm.

If for any reason you have missed out please

give Alan a call on 0141 331 6657.

Enjoy!

5 Royal Crescent Glasgow G3 7SL

24/7 Telephone Service: 0141 331 6650 • Fax: 0141 331 6679

Email: admin@glasgowwestha.co.uk • Website: www.gwha.org.uk

Office opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 9am to 4pm.

Tuesday - 11.30am to 4pm.

Appointments are available at other times on request. Registered with the Scottish Housing Regulator HEP 126. Registered as A Scottish Property Factor PF000329.

Registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014: 1955 RS. Registered as a Scottish Charity SC001667

What’s on this Christmas?

The Christmas Markets have

returned to George Square and St

Enoch Square offering a wide

selection of gift and treats.

Christmas Music @ Kelvingrove Museum, - Free

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December

1.30pm to 4pm

The Great Christmas Puppet Making @ Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre (G12 ) - Join in on 16th or 17th Dec.

£5.95 call 0141 339 6185 to book. For more

info see www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Free Face Paining @ St Enoch Centre on Sundays

17/12, 24/12 and 31/12 @ 12pm - 4pm

Harry Potter @ The Mitchell Library—Wednesday

20th December 1.30pm. Over 12’s only. “A History

of Magic” exhibition with some rare gems from

their collection on display.

Peoples Palace and Winter Gardens @ Glasgow

Green|Family 5+. Saturday16th December 1.30pm

-4pm: Step into Christmas. With Christmas fast

approaching come along to our festive fun filled

workshops. Make a bauble for the tree or a

stocking for our fireplace

Sunday 17th December 1.30pm-4pm: Hands On At

The Palace. Join us for some special, themed han-

dling session. You’ll be able to get up close to real

museum objects and learn about the history

behind them!

Wednesday 27th December 1.30pm-4pm: In With

The New. At The Palace Share your memories of

Glasgow New Years past in our Memory Book and

write your thank you letters to Santa!

Staff News

Welcome to Tim

O’Rourke, Services

Administrator who

recently joined the

Property Services

Team.

We also welcomed

Mohammed

Qayoumi, Estates

Apprentice to the

Estates Concierge

Team.

Our thanks to following staff for their

service and our best wishes as they

moved on to pastures new at the end

of November.

Ruth Brogan,

Business Development

Director

Jennie Cameron,

Tenancy Sustainment

Coordinator

Roz Doherty,

Corporate Officer

Bill Carty,

Lead Concierge