make it happen
InTouch Issue 16 Autumn 2013
War hero finally recognised
European boost for North Prospect £30m bonus for regeneration
A Royal Marines veteran awarded for heroics
Tasty recipe from Clive Turner Tuck into Clive’s tasty Chicken Curry
Is youer hom g? too bi bout Think aizing downs 8 Page
Inside this issue Garden gets brightened up with hard work Page 4
News in brief All the latest on pages 4 - 5
Couple look forward to a warmer home See page 7
Neighbourhood makeover Page 15
Hello InTouch
Call us on 0800 694 3101
Hello!
llorwd e P e n i Ela of the Boa Chair
Welcome to the Autumn issue of In Touch. If there is one word that sum up this Money Tree Fund Panels (more about the recipe for you to recreate at home. This kicks off a new feature we’re edition, I would say it is ‘involvement’. this on page 6). starting – your favourite healthy and low-cost recipe ideas. So if you’ve got PCH prides itself on encouraging We’re also looking for nominations a great recipe you want to share with tenants to get involved with us and if for our Beacon Awards. These readers, send it in. you read the next few pages, you’ll twice-yearly awards allow staff see lots of opportunities for this. and residents to nominate PCH And of course we always invite you to employees who they think have We’re inviting tenants and offered excellent customer service in write in to our letters page with your leaseholders to get involved with our their work. If someone springs to mind thoughts. soon-to-be-formed communications who you’d like to nominate, turn to Happy reading everyone! focus group, which will look at how page 4 to see how to go about it. we can improve communications with residents. Find out how on page 5. Finally, there’s an interesting story about the residents’ cooking group at This group is in addition to all the Marlborough House on page 13. Our other resident groups we run, such as Chief Executive Clive Turner recently our Continous Improvement Groups, attended and rustled up a chicken Elaine Pellow Chair of the Board Customer Assurance Panel and curry for members. We’ve published
Inside 3 Top Story 4 News in Brief 6 Euro millions
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7 A warmer home 8 Home too big? 9 Getting online 10 Refurbishment Photo: Claire Tregaskis
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11 A day in the life... 12 Leaseholders Love cooking 13 Recipe
14 Letters 15 Neighbourhood makeover 16 Contacts
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Top Story InTouch
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Eric’s bravery finally recognised A Royal Marines veteran who served in dangerous missions to Russia during World War II has finally been presented with a long-awaited medal for his heroics.
Eric Greenleaf, 93, who lives in Brock House on the Barbican, was presented with his Arctic Star in a ceremony at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint.
HMS Raleigh and since then I’ve been to London, Portsmouth and Scotland for other ceremonies.”
The medal was commissioned last year after campaigners fought for the heroes to be recognised.
Eric attends most ceremonies with his close friend and fellow Brock House resident David McDonald.
Eric, a musician with the Royal Marines Band for 26 years, took part in journeys to Russia on HMS Cumberland to protect merchant shipping delivering vital supplies to the former Soviet Union.
Eric also enjoyed the music side of his career, playing the clarinet, saxophone, viola and guitar.
“I swore I would always return to the Barbican and I did. It’s wonderful living here.”
Although he says he did not enjoy the rough seas, he has fond memories of his Royal Marines’ days.
“When I joined the Royal Marines I didn’t know my scales at all. They taught me everything I know. I don’t play anymore because of my arthritis.”
He said: “The best part was the people. We did everything together – lived, ate, drank. I made so many good friends. “I felt so proud to receive my medal at
His other highlight was meeting the Queen – then Princess Elizabeth – at Dartmouth Naval College when she visited in 1948.
Eric also served on HMS Newfoundland in Japan and HMS Newcastle in Korea before leaving the Armed Forces in 1960. He moved back to his native Plymouth and worked at Manadon College until his retirement in 1962. Sadly, he lost his wife Joan the same year. He has a son as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Adjusting to life on dry land was not hard for Eric. “I was born and bred on the Barbican,” he said, “I swore I would always return to the Barbican and I did. It’s wonderful living here.” Eric is pictured at his home in Brock House and (inset) a copy of a photo showing him playing with the band during a visit to HMS Cumberland by King George VI.
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Improvements to manufacturing shops
PCH’s manufacturing shops are improving their ways of working to attract more customers.
All profits from PCH Manufacturing Services are invested back in to services for tenants.
We’ve recently shortened production time, The Sign Shop, Metal Fabrication Shop, Joinery Shop and Window Shop are all based eliminated waste and made big changes to our ordering and quotation processes in premises in Prince Rock. thanks to a new computer system. As well as providing products such as For example, thanks to these changes, the doors and windows for our tenants, we Window Shop has increased its weekly also sell to private customers through output from 210 units to 250 and removed PCH Manufacturing Services, the trading the need for overtime to be worked. subsidiary of PCH.
Garden brightened up thanks to hard work
Residents at a Housing with Support scheme have been busy this summer turning their garden into a blooming oasis. Tenants at Ron King House, in Stonehouse, have planted raised flower beds all around the perimeter of the building, as well as window boxes. One resident has even bought a greenhouse and the tenants have been growing tomatoes. Tenant John German said: “I had a garden when I lived in my home in Whitleigh; I’ve always had gardens. It’s a good hobby and keeps you going. It’s nice to see the flowers out and we can eat the veg too.” Karen Weeks, Housing with Support Officer at Ron King House, said: “They dug the area up themselves and put in some really nice flowers, which they’ve maintained too. It’s very colourful.”
Could you save money on your energy and water bills?
As a South West Water customer, PCH tenants are able to claim a free water saving kit which could help reduce water use in your home, which in turn could save you money on energy and water bills. Even small changes, like taking shorter showers or fitting flow regulators in your taps, can make a difference. Following the checklist given in South West Water’s Top Tips leaflet can help you go further. To claim your free kit, get your Top Tips checklist and see other useful water saving offers from South West Water while stocks last, go to www. southwestwater.co.uk/freekit or ring freephone 0800 378937. 4
Nominate our staff for Beacon Award Do you know a PCH member of staff who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help you? It could be anyone who has been supportive and professional as they go about their day-to-day job. Whoever has assisted you, we want to hear about it. Twice a year we run the Beacon Awards, which recognise PCH employees who show excellent customer service. As a tenant or leaseholder, you can nominate any member of staff who you think is deserving of the award. Our executive management team will go through the nominations and we will announce the winners in the winter edition of In Touch, out just before Christmas. The deadline for nominations is Friday 11 October, which marks the end of National Customer Service Week 2013. If you would like to nominate a member of staff, please contact David Jory, PCH Customer Liaison Officer, on 01752 388386.
Recognition for PCH contractor One of PCH’s biggest contractors has been awarded two Bronze Considerate Constructor Awards for its work on our sites. Keepmoat, which carries out kitchen and bathroom refurbishments in our homes, received the honour from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). The CCS, which works to improve the image of the construction industry, found that, among other things, Keepmoat’s PCH sites in Plymouth portray a professional appearance and display safety signs. Keepmoat’s resident liaison officers were also commended for promoting the industry to schools and local residents.
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Double win for gas inspection team
Three members of PCH’s gas team have done the organisation proud after being named multi-award winners by City College Plymouth. Charlie Peace, Senior Gas Quality Inspector and Gas Quality Inspectors Len Glanfield and Mark Newcombe, were jointly named Student of the Term by the college, where they have been studying for their Assessors’ Awards. The awards ensure the way they inspect all of PCH’s gas work is of the highest quality. On top of that, the three were also chosen by the Students’ Union to win the Students’ Union Award.
Len and Mark have all done exceptionally well and we’re very proud of their achievements. I believe it’s reassuring for tenants to know that the inspection regime we run here at PCH is robustly managed.”
The awards ensure the way they inspect all of PCH’s gas work is of the highest quality.
Mike Photiou, Gas and Mechanical Services Manager, said: “Charlie,
Could you help us with our communications? Think we should be talking more about health and less about bathrooms? Should we do away with printed copies of this newsletter and go completely online? Could you get tweeting for us? We’re looking for residents to join us in a new group helping shape and influence the future direction of our communications with residents. It will be an informal group, we’ll meet quarterly, but there may be some minimal email contact in between. We’re really interested in talking to residents who are not already involved with a PCH group – it’s all about reaching more people and hearing fresh views! Interested? Please tell us why by emailing brand@ plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk and we’ll get back to you. If emailing is difficult please call Louise Smith on 01752 388382.
Keep your home safe – and those insurance claims down Fires, floods and burst pipes are a Check your smoke alarm: nightmare to deal with as a tenant. “Test your smoke alarms weekly and replace the battery if the alarm warns you,” Not only do you have to sort out the physical after-effects – clearing advises Ian. up pools of water for example Locate your home’s stopcock: – but on top of that you have to “The stopcock is a valve which speak to your insurance company is used to restrict the flow of (if you have home contents water through your pipes,” insurance). explains Ian, “If you have a leak, the stopcock will need to be There are a few things you can do turned off. After you’ve turned it off call our contact centre.” to minimise the risk of accidents happening in the first place, as Turn your central heating on for Ian Frazer, Head of Building and ten minutes a month during the Technical Services, explains: summer: “This might sound a
bit strange on hot days, but it can really help to stop the system filters from clogging up,” says Ian.
Always report defects immediately: Ian says, “This could prevent things from getting worse and creating a larger problem in the long term.” PCH offers home contents insurance for tenants from as little as 56p per week. To find out more, call 01752 388333 or 388335. 5
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European Boost for North Prospect PCH has agreed a £30m loan to help fund the North Prospect regeneration, as part of its financial planning of the 10-year scheme.
The loan is provided by The Housing Finance Corporation (THFC) as part of a larger funding package from the European Investment Bank, which has provided funds specifically for sustainable investment in housing. The high quality of the new homes at North Prospect means PCH has been able to attract this long term funding, which is repayable over 30 years and provided at very competitive interest rates. It is unusual for a deal of this nature to be negotiated by such a new housing association and is recognition of PCH’s strong performance in its first four years of operation. As PCH has proved its economic and financial viability and exceeded business plan objectives, THFC took the unprecedented step of agreeing this additional loan.
For an update on work in North Prospect, see page 10.
Photo: Claire Tregaskis
Nick Jackson, Director of Business Services and Manufacturing at PCH, who is pictured alongside PCH Chair Elaine Pellow, said: “This new loan will help us progress our flagship project, which is also the largest regeneration scheme in the South West, with increased confidence and pride. This kind of long-term funding at competitive rates really assists us in planning for the future.”
Keeping residents at the heart of our services PCH would never have been created without the endorsement of our residents. Tenant involvement and influence is as important as ever as we deliver an ambitious agenda for the future. Here, Sue Shaw, Director of Homes and Neighbourhoods, describes how we’re adapting to changing times. The input of our tenants and leaseholders has always helped us improve our services and been a crucial part our growth, whether through formal structures like the Continuous Improvement Groups (CIGs) or more day-to-day things like consultations and community events.
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Elaine, our Chair, is just one of the PCH residents on our Board, steering the direction of the business, but the opportunity to challenge and influence the
services PCH provides goes far wider than this. Our Customer Assurance Panel (CAP) is stronger than ever, scrutinising our service delivery. And our Continuous Improvement Groups (CIG’s) recommend to us areas of improvement from the customer viewpoint. CIG groups are real changeagents. They are comprised of PCH residents and support staff, and they work intensively through
a particular area of our business over a short period of time – getting access to staff and insight into processes and performance data. They examine how PCH compares with similar housing associations. Often, the CIG’s recommendations not only improve the service for residents – but also help PCH to be more efficient. For example, introducing texting has made it convenient to keep in contact with tenants about repairs; with the
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Couple looking forward to a warmer home Work is well underway to make thousands David said: “We’re really hoping it will be of PCH homes more energy efficient – and better. We do have problems – we have a keep heating bills down for residents. lot of damp in the bedroom. According to the workmen all that will stop. Our bills are We’ve started insulating hundreds of our quite high too.” homes as part of our deal with British Gas to fit 10,000 homes with either external or The work is thanks to the Energy cavity wall insulation. Companies Obligation (ECO) Deal, a government obligation on all energy The work takes place over the next eight companies to help residents of low income years across the city. communities reduce heating bills by reducing carbon emissions. David and Julia Walmsley are among two of the thousands of residents in line for the Karl Donegan, PCH Team Leader work. Programme Maintenance, said: “The benefits are many. Residents will see The couple, of Whitleigh, are looking reduced bills, Plymouth’s carbon footprint forward to a warmer winter after suffering will be cut and the property will look like a damp. Our contractors have already brand new home with the colour rendering begun measuring up at their Budshead we apply to the outside. It’s great to hear Road home and work was due to start by the positive impact this work is already the end of the summer. having.”
added benefit that we save costs because fewer tenants are out when we call.
In order to get real results and maximum impact for all, the way we gather views and ideas, and the way we translate these On large improvement into changed services, programmes, we involve needs to be residents through the effectively Contracts Monitoring organised and Group – this group managed. keeps an eye on When PCH of residents felt PCH how well things like first started, listened to them and the ECO contract we worked with British Gas with Plymfed acted on what they said are working for as part of the – higher than residents. consultative most housing process. associations. We work with local groups, too. For example, Our contract with there are trained residents Plymfed has now ended. Like examining the bids for Money Tree many housing associations, we Funding in each area of Plymouth. have found that one of the keys to We believe everyone should have providing real customer influence is a chance to be involved and have through the direct contact we have their views heard, and we know daily with many of our tenants. that this means using innovative During 2013 and 2014, we will methods if we are to capture the be looking at how to maximise essence of what customers want opportunities customers have from us. to give us feedback that we can
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use to shape and improve our services – and this will include how we move into developing fresh, modern ways of building in resident influence. In the future, we’re looking to start up a tenant academy, offering tenants the chance to get the skills and understanding to help us on a strategic level. To prepare ourselves for this next exciting stage of resident involvement, we’re working with the Tenant Participatory Service (TPAS) which is a nationally-recognised body. These are just some of the ways we are adapting and opening new opportunities. Do you have more ideas? Please get involved and help us keep residents’ voices at PCH stronger than ever. Interested in getting involved with our PCH Community? You’re more than welcome, especially if we haven’t heard from you before! Please contact the Communities Team on 0800 917 9457. 7
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Is your home too big for you?
It’s now been nearly six months since the underoccupancy charge – or bedroom tax as it’s commonly known – was introduced by the government. The tax cuts the Housing Benefit of working-age social housing residents thought to be underoccupying their homes.
support networks and which meet their health needs. They also free up larger family homes for those families on the waiting list.
Those who receive Housing Benefit with one spare bedroom have their We can direct people to the right help and benefit cut by 14 per cent of the support them to apply for funding towards rent they are charged every week. removal costs if needed. Those with two or more spare bedrooms lose 25 per cent. PCH has just over 1300 people affected by the tax and we are doing everything possible to help them. One of the things we have been doing is encouraging tenants who are in homes with spare bedrooms to downsize if possible. Here Sarah Peel, a PCH Assistant Housing Officer, explains her role in helping people to do this:
My colleague Aisha Zahid helps tenants who are experiencing financial hardship. She helps them apply to Plymouth City Council for Discretionary Housing Payments. These payments are awarded to people to assist them in the short term while they are taking other steps to improve their circumstances, for example working with our financial inclusion officers to reduce their outgoings and debts or actively seeking to downsize to the right-sized home.
If tenants feel they should be exempt from the bedroom tax as they have a need for “The purpose of my role is to support the spare bedroom – for example if the some of our more vulnerable tenants, room is used for the accommodation of a those who feel that they would like to non-resident carer – and this need can be move but have barriers that may be supported through a social worker or GP, stopping them from being able to improve they can apply to Plymouth City Council their circumstances. to have the bedroom tax removed. Their Housing Officer or Rents Officer can These barriers could include mental health support them with this.” issues, debt and money troubles, specific property requirements due to health needs It’s important for residents affected by the or support networks or lack of IT skills. bedroom tax to register with Devon Home Choice as soon as possible. I can assist in finding the right home in the right location and ensure there is enough If you’re affected by the bedroom tax support in place to enable a move to go and would like to speak to Sarah about ahead successfully. downsizing, please contact her on 01752 389768, text the word “Downsizing” The first move was completed at the end followed by your current address to 07711 of June and the next two or three took 348106, or visit the welfare reform drop in place over following weeks. They have all sessions on Wednesday afternoons at our been good moves for the tenants, taking city centre shop in Frankfort Gate. them into homes that are near to their
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If you would like to receive help from Plymouth SeniorNet or would like to volunteer, contact them on 01752 665424 Did you know you can get a good quality refurbished home computer, including monitor and printer, for under £50 from Absolute Recycling? As well as traditional white goods like fridges and washing machines, you can also get high quality, low cost refurbished laptops, screens and computers.
Visit our website at www.absoluterecycling. co.uk or call on 775961
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Moves to get more people online begin Tenants at PCH housing with support schemes have been receiving help getting to grips with the basics of computers. Plymouth SeniorNet has been visiting our schemes to offer free training to the over 65s.
The sessions take place as PCH increases the work we do to get more people online. We’re part of the Plymouth Get IT Together project, which encourages people to go online to access services and benefits.
Residents at Ron King House, in Stonehouse, were among the first PCH tenants to take part in the sessions.
As more services – including benefit payments – move towards being paid online, this becomes more important than ever.
Resident John Gage, who attended, said: “I have a computer and know the basics but any further than that and I come unstuck. I use the internet for emails and shopping. I’d like to pick up some tips – like how to copy and paste for example.”
Under the new welfare reforms, the Government is pushing for all potential claimants of the new Universal Credit – which replaces current benefits such as Housing Benefit and Job Seeker’s Allowance – to access it online.
The SeniorNet project is focussing on working with older people over the age of 65 who are less mobile and socially isolated. Volunteers are aged 50 and over.
The project’s citywide digital inclusion co-ordinator has completed her first three months in the post.
Lena Santoro spent the summer attending community events including our summer festival and city council neighbourhood roadshows. Lena, who worked in the voluntary sector for 13 years for charities including the British Red Cross and Shelter, estimates that there are around 38,000 households in Plymouth which are not online. She said: “There’s an enormous amount of good work going on but we are conscious that there are huge swathes of people who never go anywhere near a computer. “I’m trying to reach out to community organisations, especially ones which may need support around digital inclusion.”
If you would like to take part in a Get IT Together course or be a tutor, email lena.santoro@ citizensonline. org.uk.
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Bye, bye to the crane as the Beacon gets ready to open its doors People across Plymouth will have noticed a change to the city’s skyline over the summer as the large crane which dominated North Prospect has disappeared. The crane was in place as part of construction works on The Beacon, PCH’s first community centre, which is at the heart of the North Prospect regeneration.
By the time you read this, a major part of the building will have been finished with the first users due to have moved in by the end of the summer.
The whole building, which is expected to include a business centre to help boost employment for those living in the area, is due for completion in February 2014.
After the completion of the roof in May and the finishing at higher levels achieved, the crane was no longer needed and was removed in a major 11-hour operation.
The youngest people in North Prospect will be the earliest to stake a claim, with the Lark Sure Start nursery due to start their September term on the new premises.
Mike Nally, PCH Regeneration Manager, said: “We at PCH are very proud as this is the first community centre we have done. We are really pleased to have it in North Prospect and help develop the already strong neighbourhood spirit that is here.”
Work on the construction of the building, which will contain a new library, a new base for the Sure Start nursery, a café, community hall, meeting room, retail units and community services with flats above, began in Spring 2012.
Meanwhile shops and businesses are also expressing an interest while PCH works to finalise the running of the community café, trying to keep management and supplier as local as possible.
North Prospect refurbishment
Residents in North Prospect recently featured on ITV West Country News talking about the impact that refurbishment work on their homes has had on their lives.
Insulation and new kitchens and bathrooms are a major part of the ongoing PCH programme to improve our housing stock across the city and are already resulting in cheaper energy bills for tenants as well as creating warm, dry and comfortable homes. In North Prospect, 300 homes are being improved to give them a 30-year life as part of the five-phase regeneration of the neighbourhood, expected to take ten years in all.
She told interviewer John Andrews that her energy bills have been reduced by a third – even before the summer heatwave. She said: “It’s made a difference. With my gas bill I was putting on £10 a week, whereas afterwards it was more like £10 every three weeks. Bills aren’t so dear any more.”
The additional benefit of the work is that it improves the look of the homes and with it the feel of the area. Julia’s neighbour Fran Cooper told Mr Andrews: “People have more respect for the area because they are making it look nice. People are taking Resident Julia Braddon noticed a reduction in her bills, even before the work pride in the area.” was fully completed.
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Resident John Pearce proudly showed the TV cameras his new kitchen and bathroom, explaining that before the work was carried out their kitchen was so small they could barely move around it and had to keep their white goods in the passageway. He said: “We’ve never been so well off.” James Savage, Programme Manager North Prospect, said: “I’m really pleased to hear about the positive impact that refurbishment is having. Hearing from Fran and Julia about how much nicer North Prospect is for everyone and from the Pearces about how much happier they are is great.”
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A Day In The Life of... Pete Bold, Contract Surveyor
PCH Communications Assistant Louise Smith spends a day with the man who likes to solve problems
Pete solves problems. He works on the Windows and Doors programme as part of the Regeneration and Development Team. Over 3,500 PCH homes get new doors and more than 500 homes get new windows each year as part of the programme and it’s Pete’s job to iron out any issues.
the baby’s sleeping peacefully upstairs. Leanne’s pleased with the work that’s been done: “The doors we had were old wooden ones which let in a draught. In the winter, the heat just escaped and it was really cold, so the new doors are a big improvement.”
up the look of a property too. When I’m driving around and see homes we’ve worked on, often people have decorated the outsides themselves – because we’ve put a bit of effort in, they do too and it’s really satisfying.”
The aim is to get things right first time to make sure everyone is happy. This means As well as keeping out the cold, new doors tailoring installations at certain homes. After going through emails and catching have a top quality locking and key system, Pete tells me about the work they’ve been up on a few phone calls first thing, Pete doing at Housing with Support properties takes me out to Carradale Road, where a double glazing and soundproofing. After handing Leanne her new keys, we go to – when doors are fitted, Housing Officers number of homes are getting new doors another part of the city to meet a surveyor. get a master key for the block, doors fitted. At the first house we visit, a fitter have larger handles which are easier to and apprentice are hard at work. They Surveyors visit every home before doors turn and there is mobility access in case arrived at the house at 8am and will have wheelchairs need to get in and out. fitted a front door, back door and converted and windows are installed and part of Pete’s role is to sort out any problems an old bin shed into a porch by 11am. they find. At this next property, some Every PCH home should have a new door internal walls have been removed and the by the end of next year, and windows and Pete tries to visit at least one team of shed doors are being replaced as part of fitters a day to make sure everything’s ok surveyor is worried the remaining walls and to do a quick Health and Safety check aren’t strong enough to support the house. an on-going, rolling project. – looking at things like protective clothing Pete says: “We try to treat every home After seeing the change it can make to and making sure tarpaulins are used to in the same way but there are always someone, Pete’s looking forward to being protect gardens and walkways are kept anomalies, and when they happen we do there every step of the way. He says: clear. our best to find a solution.” “My favourite part of the job is getting good feedback from tenants. I like it when With everything fine at the first house, In this case, Pete and the surveyor speak everybody’s happy. We’re a really busy we walk a few minutes down the road to to the resident and check the problem. team and when we’re all working together Leanne Willis’ home. She’s also having After a chat, Pete has sorted things out to get things sorted, it’s brilliant.” her doors replaced, and as we arrive things are just being finished off. Leanne’s and new doors will be fitted at the property in a couple of weeks. To find out when your home is due to get got three children and had to get two of its doors and windows replaced, visit them off to school and look after an 11 He says it’s one of the best parts of plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/your-home month old while the work on her doors and ‘Search for improvements to my home’. took place. But, apart from some drilling at the job: “We’re able to reach a solution quickly. The white windows often freshen the start, there’s been so little disruption
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Leaseholders Letting Leasehold Properties Leaseholders do not need to obtain any formal permission from PCH to let their homes. However, it’s very important that if you do let your leasehold flat, you always ensure we have a record of your contact details. We need your current correspondence address to ensure you always receive any important notices about your flat. We also need to hold a contact telephone number for emergencies.
responsive repairs to a block or property will be sent to any leaseholders on 30 September 2013. This will be for all repairs that were completed in the previous financial year (1 April 2012 – 31 March 2013). The invoice will be accompanied by a detailed schedule listing all those repairs involved.
We wish to be as fair as possible with this billing process and all repairs that were required as a result of any vandalism will be omitted. Also, if you have recently bought your flat, you will not be charged If you are currently letting your flat and for any repairs that were completed before have not yet provided us with your contact you finalised your purchase. details, please telephone the leasehold section on either 01752 388094, 388109 Billing for responsive repairs in this way or 388257 so that we can register these. was started by the city council in 2003 and PCH has continued with the same Responsive Repairs procedure. PCH, as freeholder of all leasehold properties, has an obligation to carry out responsive repairs, when required, to certain parts of the property. While this may vary slightly from lease to lease, it generally includes repairs in communal areas and those to the structure and exterior of the property. An invoice for a share of the cost of any
Leaseholder Handbook We published our first Leaseholder Handbook in 2010. As we have now been using this for three years we have decided to review its content and bring it up to date with any changes that have taken place in the meantime.
We will be working on this during the next few months. If any leaseholder has any suggestions for new topics that can be included in the revised version, please contact the leasehold section to discuss these and we will do our best to include them.
Leasehold Excellence Network PCH is now a member of the Leasehold Excellence Network. This is managed by the Housing Quality Network and is open to housing associations, local authorities and similar housing organisations. This will enable us to compare the various services carried out for our leaseholders against other providers throughout the country. This will help us to improve the service that leaseholders receive. It also means we can keep up to date with best practice and introduce changes that will benefit both us and you in the future.
Neighbours come together over love of cooking Residents at Marlborough House have been cooking up some tasty and healthy treats over the past few months in their communal kitchen. The Devonport tower block has its own cooking group, which meets every fortnight. The group was formed in October following on from consultation the housing association held in April, as Communities Worker Hayley Kemp explains. “We asked people what they wanted to see in the area and they said they would like the opportunity to cook and eat together,” said Hayley, “We focus on healthy meals. “It’s not just about learning to cook, it’s about coming together and talking. We have lots of good conversations about
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“Each person chooses something to cook different issues, particularly around healthy lifestyles. There’s definitely a good every fortnight and demonstrates with help from the others and we’ll write the recipes social aspect. down for everybody,” she said, “We put leaflets through people’s doors a few days “We get quite a good gender split and all different ages. It’s really sparked off some beforehand to give people notice.” interest for further events – like bake offs. Mo admits her shopping and eating habits have changed since joining the group. “I’m really pleased that the group has done its food hygiene courses. She said: “I don’t buy any pre-cooked food now. I bulk buy, do a load of cooking and “I can see it taking off in other places, then freeze it. It’s so much cheaper – my even where they may not have a shopping bill has gone down considerably. communal kitchen – we can always look “It’s great cooking from scratch because at renting a hall space.” you can do everything to your taste. We have one lady who loves putting lots of Resident Mo Hand, a regular attendee, garlic in. I love chopping veg – I find it explains how the group works. really therapeutic.”
ion chopped 1 large on s, roughly e v lo c ic rl 6 ga chopped r, roughly e g in g g etable oil 0 5 (tbsp) veg s n o o p s min seeds 4 table sp) tsp cu (t s n o o p s 2 tea el seed 1 tsp fenn mon stick a n 5cm cin flakes 1 tsp chilli m masala 1 tsp gara eric rm 1 tsp tu r sugar te s a c 1 tsp matoes chopped to d, boneless 400g can ne in k s thighs, 8 chicken g) (about 800 ck chicken sto r t o h l m 0 25 de n a ri o pped c 2 tbsp cho
The group is in line for better facilities soon as PCH contractor Keepmoat is due to upgrade the kitchen. Since the group began, they’ve cooked everything from Rogan Josh to Mexican fajitas and have even invited PCH Chief Executive Clive Turner along to cook a chicken curry. The members gave Clive top marks for his dish, which he cooked from scratch using fresh spices. Clive said: “It’s good to know we’re playing a small part in helping residents to live healthier lives.” Create Clive’s chicken curry recipe at home – the recipe is published below.
Chicken curry
Roughly chop the onion, transfer to a small food processor, and add 3 tbsp of water – process to a slack paste. You could use a stick blender for this or coarsely grate the onion into a bowl – there’s no need to add any water if you are grating the onion. Tip into a small bowl and leave on one side. Put the chopped garlic and ginger into the same food processor and add 4 tbsp water – process until smooth and spoon into another small bowl. Alternatively, crush the garlic to a paste with a knife or garlic press and finely grate the ginger. Heat the oil in a wok or sturdy pan over a medium heat. Combine the cumin and fennel seeds with the cinnamon and chilli flakes and add to the pan in one go. Swirl everything around for about 30 seconds until the spices release a fragrant aroma. Add the onion paste. Fry until the water evaporates and the onions turn dark golden – this should take about 7-8 mins. Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for another 2 mins – stirring all the time. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, and sugar and continue cooking for 20 secs before tipping in the tomatoes. Continue cooking on a medium heat for about 10 mins without a lid until the tomatoes reduce and darken. Cut the chicken thighs into 3cm chunks and add to the pan once the tomatoes have thickened to a paste. Cook for 5 mins to coat the chicken in the masala and seal in the juices, and then pour over the hot chicken stock. Simmer for 8-10 mins without a lid until the chicken is tender and the masala lightly thickened – you might need to add an extra ladleful of stock or water if the curry needs it. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve with Indian flatbreads or basmati rice and a pot of yoghurt on the side. Recipe courtesy of bbcgoodfood.com If you would like to share one of your favourite healthy and low-cost recipes with other readers, please email:
[email protected] or write to In Touch, Plumer House, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, PL6 5DH. Don’t forget to include the list of ingredients, the method and your name and address.
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Letters InTouch
plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk
Dear PCH... Motivated but also concerned
paper and say one very big thank you to the PCH team.
Email us or use good old pen and paper. Details below
After losing my job and home Thank you for the summer 2013 overseas, I was forced to make edition which has encouraged me to a new start in the UK after a very buy a PC and get training as to how extended absence. to use it. Thank you for giving me back Experiencing unemployment my self-respect and I think the The statement by Elaine Pellow and homelessness and having development of a local community which implies that rent is used to rely on family and friends for centre in Ernesettle is a brilliant to pay for kitchen and bathroom support was very difficult for me, idea and I look forward to seeing upgrades is grossly inaccurate. having always been financially how this facilitates improvements Funding for all Decent Homes independent. in this wonderful community. improvements was awarded by the government prior to transfer and is, In March 2012 I was offered The landscaping and renovation of therefore, all paid for. my one-bedroom apartment in the Hornchurch Road area would Ernesettle and have not looked be a great start. R Lee-Smith, Honicknowle back since. With all the generous upgrades, the most recent K Mayers, Ernesettle Editor’s note: Tenants’ rent does of which was the lovely new go towards paying for the Decent fireplace, this will hopefully enable Editor’s note: Please see the Homes improvement works, me to keep fuel bills to a minimum. story on the opposite page about including kitchens and bathrooms. I feel proud to now be able to have the exciting new work taking place This money from rental income visitors, the first of which will be in Ernesettle. pays back the money we borrow visiting from my old neighbourhood from private lenders. The funding in Media, Pennsylvania, USA, in we initially received from the October for a week. government was a one-off grant to plug the difference between what we were able to borrow from the banks and the actual cost of completing all the necessary If you wish to include a letter for publication please email Decent Homes work within the five-year period after transfer
[email protected] from the council. We’ve had a or write to: few letters about this and are pleased to clear up any confusion. InTouch Newsletter, Plymouth Community Homes, Plumer House Tailyour Road, Crownhill Plymouth PL6 5DH
What have you got to say?
Thank you for giving me my self respect back 14
Your In Touch magazine just dropped on my mat and was the trigger I needed to put pen to
Please include your name and contact details. We will not print your details in full. We reserve the right to edit letters. The views published are the views of the individual contributor and may not be those of Plymouth Community Homes.
plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk
InTouch
Makeover for neighbourhood Residents in a ‘forgotten corner’ of Plymouth are in for a major transformation of their community. The area around the Ernesettle shopping precinct in Hornchurch Road will be revitalised thanks to PCH’s Money Tree Fund.
why we felt it was important to apply for this funding.”
the closure of the Budshead Trust last summer.
Members of PCH’s Communities team carried out consultation with residents to find out how we could improve the area.
However, other organisations have recently begun working locally, signalling a new start for the kinds of services provided in Ernesettle. These organisations include the YMCA and Barefoot, who have come together to form the SPACE PROJECT.
The shopping area is at the heart of the estate, where PCH Out of 177 responses, 144 owns nearly half of the 1,700 households said they use the homes. shopping area regularly. Half said it needed some kind of The improvements are in addition to programmed works improvement. already planned by PCH to High on people’s wish lists externally decorate the flats were a supermarket or a wider and maisonettes as well as choice of shops, more litter bins making improvements to their and a café. They also wanted communal areas. to see a general tidy up and for us to tackle youth anti-social A Money Tree Fund panel awarded the money to the area behaviour (ASB). this summer after a bid was Households living directly submitted from the Estover above the shops said they Housing Office. would like to see an improved appearance, better security and Housing Officer Adam more parking. Stockman, who put the bid together with Communities Residents attending the regular Worker Leigh Ferguson, local Have Your Say meetings said: “The work aims to have also raised issues with the improve people’s perception shopping precinct. of Ernesettle as a community, making it a more desirable Many elderly residents said place to live, work or visit. they were worried about ASB while others said they found “It’s great that the planned works decorating the flats and shopping at Whitleigh a more pleasant experience. maisonettes will make the building look more attractive but the surrounding area itself The area has seen an increase will remain run down – that was in youth-related ASB following
PCH carried out additional consultation within the community to establish what kind of services can be run in the empty units in Hornchurch Lane – for example coffee mornings, mother and baby groups or educational classes. The Money Tree Fund is money to help improve communities, to help them look better, feel safer, and to bring people together. It’s for neighbourhoods, outdoor spaces and green spaces. We welcome applications from tenants, leaseholders and residents’ groups. If you have any ideas for these units please phone 0800 694 3101 and ask to be put through to Leigh Ferguson in the Communities Team. Are you an Ernesettle resident? Do you have a comment to make? Please contact the Estover Housing Office on 0800 917 9496.
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Contact numbers
Plymouth City Council contacts
Repairs 0808 230 6500 Out of hours repairs: 0800 917 9459 (5pm to 7am)
Enquiries (including waste and out of hours) 01752 668000
Head Office 0800 694 3101
Report fly tipping 01752 304147
Housing Offices Estover: 0800 917 9496 Devonport: The office has now closed but the Devonport housing team can be contacted on 0800 917 9497 Whitleigh: 0800 917 9498 North Prospect: 0800 917 9499
Housing options 01752 305496 Anti-social behaviour 01752 307049
Anti-social behaviour out of hours hotline 0800 075 6699 or text 80800 and start your message with ‘ASB’. City Centre Shop 01752 389778 Housing with Support Team 0800 917 9452 Communities Team 0800 917 9457 Leaseholders 01752 388094 Environmental Services 0800 917 9455 Debit/Credit Card Payment Line 0844 557 8321 Gas Servicing (and Cyclical Planned Technical section) 01752 388028/388030
Plymouth Community Homes Plumer House Tailyour Road, Crownhill Plymouth PL6 5DH Tel 01752 388300 Email
[email protected] Charitable Industrial and Provident Society registration No: 30637R
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