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News about your Home Issue 28 | Summer 2016
HOMEFREE SUMMER GARDEN PARTY Turn to page 4
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@lewishamhomes
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Our annual Garden Party is happening this summer and we want you to join us. You can find out more information about this event on page 4.
You can also get involved by entering our Draw Lewisham art competition. Enter your Lewisham-inspired artwork for a chance to be featured in a pop-up exhibition at the Albany.
I N T H E S P OT L I G H TW E LC O M E
Resident Julia Cotton has stepped down after nine years leading Lewisham Homes’ Board, since it all began in 2007.
Julia oversaw the setup of Lewisham Homes and has been tireless in championing improved services and ensuring Lewisham Homes listens to its residents.
She has overseen a 13% increase in tenant satisfaction, a £3.8 million reduction in management costs and a £185 million investment in resident’s homes across the borough.
In April, Julia was recognised for her contributions at an event attended by Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock, the Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Damien Egan and Lewisham Homes’ Board.
FAREWELLJULIA COTTON
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Welcome to the summer issue of Home
INVESTING £4 MILLION
Find out more about our new Independent Living Service and arts and social clubs on page 8.
Ainsley Forbes is the new Chair of Lewisham Homes’ Board. Lewisham Homes resident Grace Padonou Addy is now Vice Chair.
Ainsley said: ‘Julia has set a real example of what Lewisham Homes wants and strives to be. She is committed, hard-working, dedicated, champions the staff and always focuses on the right thing to do for residents. She has given the organisation a fantastic start - and will set the tone for how we continue in the future.’
Also departing are Perry Vale Ward Councillor John Paschoud, and Telegraph Hill Ward Councillor Paul Bell after nine years and five years respectively.
We have appointed three new Board members, residents Andrea Corsi and Kevin Stearns, as well as independent member Owen Fox. Councillors Joan Reid and Gareth Siddorn have been appointed by the Mayor. One vacancy for a resident member remains.
We’re investing £4 million and introducing bespoke services to help our older residents stay independent and happy in their homes.Our Repairs team have invested nearly £160,000 upgrading 29 kitchens, 27 bathrooms and shared facilities.
We’re looking forward to completing improvements at more of our Independent Living schemes which will include wider estate improvements to six of the schemes over the next two years. We’ll be talking to people who live here about what improvements they want to see to their buildings and green spaces later this year.
We’re also installing sprinkler systems as part of ongoing fire safety improvements and upgrading Linkline Telecare fine, personal alarm systems which help residents feel secure in their home.
in independent living
Danny Gill, a resident from Lee, talked to us about the improvements to his home: I’m a former brick layer, so I know a good job from a bad job, and this is superb. The new walk–in shower makes such a difference. I’m pleased to jump in the shower in the morning now, I actually look forward to it!
‘Rita Burke, also from Lee, added: The shower with a chair is fantastic. I had problems with the old bath getting in and out, as I have a bad leg, so this is much easier for me.
‘I N T E R E S T E D I N
B E C O M I N G A R E S I D E N T B O A R D M E M B E R ?We’re recruiting now!
Visit our website to find out more.
lewishamhomes.org.uk
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The Garden Party is back!S AT U R DA Y 2 3 J U LY 1 - 4 P M
DrawLewishamART COMPETITION
BBQ | MUSIC | ARTS&CRAFTS | WORKSHOPS | ENTERTAINMENT
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TT ICKET
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Enter your Lewisham-inspired artwork to have your masterpiece displayed at the Garden Party, and be in with a chance to win a smartphone.It could be a painting, collage or photograph – get creative and be original!
How to enter:Submit your entry (maximum size A3), along with your name, age, address, and a contact number to FREEPOST LEWISHAM HOMES or drop it into our office at the Old Town Hall, Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU (For the attention of the Communications team).
Deadline for entries: Friday 8 July at 5pm.
F R E E E V E N T
Housing coursekick-starts careersLewisham Homes is the first housing organisation to deliver an accredited course run by London Metropolitan University about housing issues for our residents.
We’re delighted that two of our first students are already progressing their careers in housing.
Chinelle White from Evelyn Estate, Deptford has achieved the CIH Level 3 course in Housing.
Find out more about getting involved in projects at the Albany: [email protected] 020 8692 4446thealbany.org.uk
Help transform the Albany GardenLast summer, over 300 residents enjoyed
a free afternoon of music, arts and entertainment at the Albany in Deptford. We’re back again this year, with a BBQ, live performances and activities for all ages, exclusively for Lewisham Homes residents.
We’ll be getting your feedback on our services, announcing the winners of our Grow Lewisham garden competition and exhibiting your Draw Lewisham artwork.
We’ll also be celebrating the success of residents graduating from our second housing course with the London Metropolitan University.
Book your tickets in advance from the Albany Box Office:
thealbany.org.uk020 8692 4446
F R E E E V E N T
Sindy Kirlew from New Cross now has a job with a community housing organisation, after volunteering during her spare time.
17 residents have already completed our second program in April this year and graduates will be presented certificates at the Garden Party. We will be running our next programme in September.
We’re working with the Albany to make a community garden for local residents. The Albany garden is a green haven in the heart of the borough. They’re looking for volunteers, particularly people who don’t have their own garden space.
No experience necessary, all equipment provided. All ages welcome but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Supported by Tesco and Groundworks initiative, Bags of Help.
Look out for free activities popping up across the borough this summer and arts courses for 8 to 18 year olds in theatre, graffiti, street art, circus, street dance and digital arts.
Join the Albany Young CreativesGain experience in producing, performing and technical theatre for young people aged 16-25. Check our calendar on page 14 for dates.
Get your Albany membership card for exclusive special offers. Enjoy your first visit free and £5 tickets (£2 for under 16s)
FIRST VISIT FREE
We’ve been amazed by the number of applications for our gardening competition, Grow Lewisham. We’ve had 43 entries so far!
Winners will be announced at our Garden Party on Saturday 23 July.
Get your entry in by Friday 24 June. You could win up to £100 in gardening vouchers.
lewishamhomes.org.uk
Grow LewishamWinners to beRevealed
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Check your balance by textTo find out your service charge account balance text BAL or BALANCE followed by a space and your 10 digit account reference to 07535 412412. For example, ‘BAL 1234567890’
To use the new service, we must have your correct mobile number on our system, you can update it on My Lewisham Homes or by phoning us on 0800 028 2 028.
Texts will be charged at your standard message rate.
R E N T
We are continuing to improve our website for residents. Right to Buy application forms are
now available to download. You
can send completed applications to us by post
or email.
Applications now online
BALANCE 1234567890
Did you know Lewisham Homes has an online shop? Here you can buy:
> a copy of your lease > a copy of the insurance policy for common
parts of your building > an asbestos report and fire risk assessment for
your property > a pre-assignment pack if you are selling your
property
You can make payments by a credit or debit card on our secure website. Check out the shop now at shop.lewishamhomes.org.uk
Do it online at lewishamhomes.org.uk
New features for My Lewisham Homes > Report a repair to your block or area > View a breakdown of your service charge > View planned works on your estate
Free Easy Quick 24/7
New online shop
For more information or to view frequently asked questions
about Right to Buy, please visit lewishamhomes.org.uk
thanks to welfare helpOVER £500,000 BETTER OFF
Over the past year we’ve helped our residents to claim an additional £532,769 in Housing Benefit and other benefits such as Council Tax Reduction and Job Seekers Allowance.
We aim to ensure that our residents are not missing out on any benefits and support by providing a confidential advice service.
Our expert team of advisors run a welfare drop-in surgery every weekday except Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm, in our reception area on a first come, first served basis. You can also book an appointment or have a personal benefit check over the phone, roughly taking 10 minutes.
We also offer:
> One to one/group budgeting sessions
> Food bank vouchers > Help switching energy
providers > Referrals to the relevant
support agencies
H O M E OW N E R S H I P
If your household income is less than £16,010 you may be able to get 50% off your water bill.
30 residents have already benefitted from this discount and we’ve helped halve one resident’s water bill by £7.77 a week thanks to the scheme - that’s £400 a year!
For more information please contact us on
020 8613 4869
You may be eligible to get 50% off your water bill
Our Welfare Benefits team
Free budgeting session
‘A tenant didn’t realise they were entitled to
a State Retirement Pension. We helped the resident receive £12,000 in backdated
state pension.
News for leaseholdersEstimated service charge billYou should have received your estimated service charge bill for this year by now. Please ensure you have paid in full or set up a payment plan within 28 days of receiving the bill.
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A N T I S O C I A L B E H AV I O U R
We’re providing new Independent Living services for older residents. Previously known as Sheltered Housing, this service used to be delivered by Lewisham Council.Our new Independent Living team of 11 staff are visiting 18 schemes across Lewisham several times a week and are there to give residents one-to-one support.
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IndependentLiving
Ainsley Forbes, Chair of Lewisham Homes Board
Over the past six months, residents have enjoyed music, craft, sing-a-longs, sharing stories and trips – all led by what they want to do.
One resident said: “It makes me so happy coming here on Wednesdays, it gives me something to look forward to, just to be with everyone and to have nice interesting things to do.”We’ll be delivering pop-ups at more Independent Living housing schemes across Lewisham this year.
Meet me at the Albany
We are working with the Albany to deliver a weekly pop-up arts and social club at Roseview, one of our Independent Living schemes.
Our first pop-up social club at Roseview
Crown Decorating Centre in New Cross are offering an exclusive offer for our residents. You can get 20% discount on all your decorating essentials before 31st December 2016.
For a voucher please visit lewishamhomes.org.uk
We know how important it is to support our older residents and encourage independent living. Everyone’s home is important and plays a crucial part in their happiness. I’m so pleased to see Lewisham Homes increasing its reach in Lewisham, not just by investing in our residents’ homes but making a difference to their health and wellbeing too.
‘ Making neighbourhoods safer
Our antisocial behaviour team work until 10pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On these days you can call our rapid response team between 5-10pm on:
020 8613 4748Follow @LH_ASB
evictions for persistent antisocial behaviour
weapons searches and removals in communal areas and open spaces on our estates in New Cross, Honor Oak, Deptford and Catford
patrols to tackle problems including noise nuisance and drug dealing
search warrants with Police - finding drugs, guns, ammunition and dangerous dogs within our properties
Help us stampout Housing
Over the past year, we’ve stamped down on tenancy fraud and have recovered 102 properties to help Lewisham Council address the housing shortage. Our residents have played a big role in helping us to recover properties and thanks to your tip offs we’ve recovered nine properties.
We will give you a £25 voucher for any referral that results in the recovery of a property.
Social Housing Fraud is a criminal offence and means that homes are not available for those families who are in genuine need.
If you suspect someone is committing housing fraud in your neighbourhood, let us look into the facts and we will take the necessary action. All reports will be kept confidential.
This includes illegal subletting, abandonment and fraudulent applications.
Case studyAfter giving one resident a final chance, we received further
information from two of the tenant’s neighbours that the person had gone abroad again.
We investigated and discovered they were living and working abroad with their family whilst sub-letting the property. Thanks to the neighbours’ information we were able to evict.
0800 028 2 028 [email protected] Freepost Lewisham Homes
Contact us
Since our new service started in June 2015...
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Get a fresh new look in your home
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N E W S
Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock visiting our development site
50 homes for families in need
We’re building new homes in LewishamWe are proud to be building affordable new housing for individuals and families in Lewisham. 69 new homes are on site this year.88% of these new homes are being built for affordable rent. 27 council homes are being built at Longfield Crescent, and a further 25 at Dacre Park.
17 new homes are in progress at Wood Vale, and of these 9 will be for social rent. 8 family houses will be for private sale to fund more social housing.
These homes are being built in partnership with Lewisham Council as part of the New Homes, Better Places programme. Visit our website to see plans and consultation for more sites.
We have purchased 50 properties to house families in need and prevent local people from becoming homeless.These homes will save Lewisham Council £300,000 a year by providing an alternative to expensive, temporary nightly paid accommodation currently relied on.
One Sydenham resident housed through this scheme spoke about the impact moving out of emergency accommodation has had on her family:
‘Living in a bed and breakfast with three children was really difficult.
Now that we have a home of our own, my children have stability and can go to nursery and school for the first time. They’ve been able to form proper, lasting friendships and we have the space we need. We are all so much happier.’
500Keeping your
environment clean and safe
In April we became your one stop shop for the upkeep of the external areas on your estates. We’ve taken on estate sweeping and bulky waste removal services which were previously provided by Lewisham Council.
These new services follow the transfer of grounds maintenance to Lewisham Homes in October last year.
Planned works for your home
Do it online at lewishamhomes.org.uk
We’ve fitted external wall insulation to 21 homes that were our least energy efficient. They are now more environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat.
You can now see when work is planned for your home and communal building areas by logging into My Lewisham Homes.Registration is quick and easy and you will be entered into our monthly prize draw to win £50 in shopping vouchers. You can also update your contact details, view charges and transactions, book repairs, give us your views and lots more.
We carry out a whole range of work to homes each year, replacing and improving:
> Kitchens and bathrooms > Windows > Loft insulation > Door entry systems > Lifts
> Fire safety sprinklers > Structural works
Make sure your contact details are up to date so you don’t miss out on text updates or emails.
N E W S
Residents on some estates voiced concerns about the lack of space available to them to store their bikes.We’ve been working with Cyclehoop Ltd and the Council to provide secure cycle storage for our residents and are looking to increase the number of bike hangars available.
If you would like us to look into the possibility of installing a bike hangar in your area, contact us. To rent a space at an existing hangar, contact Cyclehoop.
cyclehoop.com [email protected]
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Funding for YOUR projects on Spacehive
Do you want to transform a playground, bring an old building back to life, spruce up a park or create something completely new?
We are now using Spacehive to award our Community Fund - a crowdfunding website where you can get support from local people and organisations to make projects happen quickly and easily. You can apply for funding on Spacehive all year round. For more information contact [email protected] or visit our website.
C O M M U N I T Y I N V E S T M E N TC O M M U N I T Y I N V E S T M E N T
Resident Scrutiny Committee
The Resident Scrutiny Committee is a group of residents who help review our services at Lewisham Homes. They, make recommendations for improvements and help shape services for the future.This year we’ll be focussing on safety and security and looking at the way our Antisocial Behaviour team operates.
The committee speaks with residents and employees to gather views and opinions on the subject including organising focus groups and surveys.
We’re always looking for new residents to join the committee. If you would like further information please contact [email protected]
Pop in to our digital hub
Every Thursday, from 10-12pm we offer support with laptops, tablets and smart phones in our reception.Become a Digital ChampionDo you think you could inspire people to get online? Become a Digital Champion and help other
Community award winners
The Evelyn Family Support Scheme won the award for best resident led initiative at the National Federation of ALMO’s (NFA) Awards 2016. The project, led by Moira Kerrane, delivered low cost activities for children and their families over the school holidays.
£3000 raisedAn eleven-strong team of our employees cycled 280 miles to Amsterdam.
We raised over £3000 for the Lewisham Foodbank and the Freddie Farmer Foundation.
residents gain basic digital skills.
Training takes place at the Civic Suite 6th July 2016.
Thanks to money from our Community Fund and The Big Lottery Fund, a new community hub has opened on Somerville Estate. The hub will provide a range of services including employability and careers advice, health workshops, gardening clubs, one to one counselling, healthy cookery courses and programmes for young people excluded from school.
Bradley Cummins, Director of Somerville Youth and Play Provision said: “Somerville is an important place for children, young people and families growing up in New Cross. It is a place for local people, where
Somerville playground is now open
Lewisham Tenants Fund are recruiting for three tenants to join their management committee. Your role will be to help provide grant funding to recognised tenant groups and community projects.
For more information about the post please contact Lewisham Tenants Fund on 020 8314 1006 or email [email protected].
Directorvacanices
Over 400 young people attended the Lewisham Youth Conference in February.
Somerville adventure playground
they can gain new skills, develop their confidence and self-esteem, increase job prospects and be part of a community.”
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T H E C A L E N DA R
T H E C A L E N D A R
lewishamhomes.org.uk/events [email protected]
WO R K I N G DAY D I A R Y16
Grounds MaintenanceW O R K I N G D A Y D I A R Y
Keep an eye on our website for job vacancies.
Help for local businessesDeK is a new group of creative hubs that will be opening in Lewisham this summer. The Deks are spaces designed to promote the growth of start-ups, entrepreneurs and existing businesses, for the creative and social enterprise sectors.
The spaces will also host events and workshops.
Go to smallbusinesscentre.org.uk/events
Tell us your viewsIn June and July we’ll be talking to thousands of tenants and leaseholders to get your views on our services.The Big Conversation will involve managers including our Directors and Chief Executive, speaking to you to find out first-hand what you think about our services and how we could improve where you live. We’ve commissioned Kwest Research to phone residents too.
Your views will help us plan our services for the future. We are looking forward to talking to you and hope you will be able to help us when we phone or visit.
JUNEDigital Hub Drop-in sessionsEvery Thursday, 10am-12pmOld Town [email protected]
Albany Young CreativesEvery Wednesday, 6 – 9pmThe [email protected] 07984 355826
Love2Dance programme18 April - 23 JulyRiverside Youth CentreContact [email protected] or 07984 355826
Love2Dance programme16 April - 23 JulyTNG [email protected] 355826
Cookery Club17 June - 29 July, 10.30am - 1pm2000 Community Action [email protected]
Resident Engagement Panel23 JuneDeptford [email protected]
Budgeting course29 June, 10am-12.30 pmOld Town HallCall 0208 6134 869 to register
Weekly Gardening ClubEvery Wednesday, 3 - 4.30pmThe Albany Contact [email protected] 8692 4446
JULYDigital Champ Training6th JulyCivic [email protected]
Garden Party23 July, 1 – 4pmThe Albany thealbany.org.uk 0208 6924 446
Board meeting26 July, 6.30 - 8pmOld Town [email protected]
Budgeting course27 July, 10am - 12.30 pmOld Town HallCall 0208 6134 869 to register
Children’s Empowerment and Literacy Festival 30 July, 12 – 5.30pmDeptford Lounge CELF 2016.eventbrite.comUse ‘LHCELF’ for 20% off
AUGUSTLove2Dance Street Arts: Street Dance and Circus1 - 5 August, 10am - 3pmThe AlbanyAlbany.org.uk
Digi.Art: Creative Coding and Multimedia Arts1 - 5 August, 10am - 3pmDeptford LoungeAlbany.org.uk
Performing the Future: Sound, Illustration and Text8 - 12 August, 10am - 3pmDeptford LoungeAlbany.org.uk
The Street Canvas: Street Art and Graffiti15 - 19 August, 10am - 3pmThe AlbanyAlbany.org.uk
SEPTEMBER Budgeting course7 September, 10am - 12.30 pmOld Town HallCall 0208 6134 869 to register
OCTOBERJob Fair6-7 October Civic Suite
W O R K I N G D A Y D I A R Y
7:15 I drive to work. Each of the team has their own patch and mine includes 58 different areas across Forest Hill. Having my own area is great because it lets me see my work through from start to finish and gives me a chance to get to know some of the residents who live here.
10:30 I’m busy getting stuck in planting new shrubs at Valentine Court. We are planting nearly 9000 new plants on 24 estates across Lewisham. It’s part of our three year plan to nurture the environment and make our residents’ green areas look great.
12:00 I have lunch and a chat with Dave, my senior. We talk to each other every day about what work needs to be done that week. Today we talk about what training I can do as I want to learn more about planting techniques.
Paul Schultz is a gardener in our Grounds Maintenance team. In October last year, the maintenance of the green spaces on your estates transferred to Lewisham Homes from Lewisham Council. We followed Paul for a day as he carried out his work come rain or shine.
M A Y O R ’ SApprenticeship Scheme
We’ve recruited 3 new apprentices through the Mayor’s Apprenticeship scheme in housing and repairs. This is a great development opportunity for local young people. To find out more about the scheme go to lewisham.gov.uk
lewishamhomes.org.uk /careers
Join our
team
2:30 I chat with a resident at Church Vale about some trees which are overgrown. Work to trees is carried out by Lewisham Council but where there are lower branches overhanging I can help out, so I cut them back, there and then. She can now dry her clothes and she’s got a lovely view!
3:30 I’m heading home. My work is physical and sometimes hard, but I love it. I wouldn’t change my job for anything.
B E C O M E A G A R D E N E R !
Love2Dance coming to Honor Oak in September
Ashley Williamson-Prehay is an apprentice in the Housing
Management team
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0800 028 2 028
or 020 8613 4000
lewishamhomes.org.uk
facebook.com/lewishamhomes
@lewishamhomes
youtube.com/lewishamhomes
OLD TOWN HALL
9AM-5PM MON, TUE, THUR, FRI 10AM-5PM WED
Old Town Hall, Catford Road,
London SE6 4RU
THE ALBANY
9AM-5PM MON, TUE, THU & FRI 10AM-5PM WEDCLOSED 1-2PM
The Albany,Unit 13a-b,
Douglas Way,DeptfordSE8 4AG
HONOR OAK HOUSING OFFICE
9AM-1 PM & 2-4.30PM TUE, THUR Spalding House, Turnham Road,
London SE4 2HT
CLOSING ON 20 JULY
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There will be a £50 prize draw every single month till August 2016. Register for My Lewisham Homes for a chance to win.£50
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