NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS ISSUE 82 The magazine for residents of West Kent Housing Association

spring 2019 Edenbridge Youth Forum event Edenbridge young people attend a Remembrance Sunday parade page 10

Mental health support on offer in Swanley A drop-in crisis centre for people with mental health @West_Kent West Kent westkent.org needs has opened in Swanley. page 9

Free property check We make a promise to our tenants to maintain their homes. page 5 WELCOME from

Hello Frank As I write this the first bluebells are emerging, and it looks like there will be some fantastic displays this year. And in this issue, there is a great crop of articles about how you can get involved with your community and the work of West Kent. The Edenbridge Youth Forum tell us about their centenary project, researching the life and fate of local people in the Great War and visiting some of their graves in France. Maintaining your homes is one of the most important Neighbourhood News Neighbourhood News 2019 Spring things we do. We are in the middle of reviewing our key maintenance contract, which Brenwards have held

Kent West for 15 years. Two tenants, Linda and Alan, are working with us to help us choose which contractor will provide 02 this service in the future. Joanne Frawley, one of our tenant board members, will soon be stepping down having served nine years on the board. Read about her experiences inside. I would like to personally thank Joanne for her wisdom and the fearless way she has ensured that the tenants’ voice is heard around the board table. Enjoy the Easter break

West Kent turns 30 From housing stock being transferred from Sevenoaks District Council in 1989, we now have homes in most parts of Kent to rent and own. We’re looking forward to what the next 30 years have in store. Look out for our special 30th birthday edition Neighbourhood News coming this summer. Follow us on social media! Be the first to find out our latest news, events and jobs by following us on:

Facebook: WestKentHA

Twitter: @West_Kent

Instagram: westkenthousingassociation 03 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

“Go for it,” he urged, “it’s lovely.” “it’s he urged, “Go for it,” Kent: West for And he had a message of these!” should build more “You When John and Kathleen were asked what they what asked and Kathleen were John When about hesitant were to others who say would supported Kent’s West into one of moving emphatic: was John schemes, “I just fell in love with it instantly,” said instantly,” it with “I just fell in love curtains carpets and “It has lovely Kathleen, home it felt like views, amazing and the most so big, It’s the door. through as I walked as soon plenty there’s bedrooms and because it has two to stay. for the grandchildren of room and has character, designed is just so well building “The spacious and and are out well all laid are the rooms been designed to last I think it’s well. all decorated it’s thought out. has been so well because everything and straightforward really was process application “The and through has been an absolute star all the way Jodi checking I had to keep with her supported us so well. quite believe as I couldn’t ours really was that the flat she said. it,” to have so lucky were we lovely really some are “There added. John it,” “I love some call me some call me John, people living here; “I was just “I was at first: keen weren’t Kathleen and John “I John. explained rise’,” high a ‘block of flats, thinking in andto live very nice and not small were thought flats to want and didn’t to stay family space for had the we up.” that give able to persuade was Kathleen of days a couple After was told them that there a visit after Jodi to make John one left. only along and we’re all get we matter, It doesn’t David! a chap There’s starting to build up some friendships. and has is a handyman who along the corridor lives who all help We need doing. odd jobs we to do any offered had a I helped a neighbour who one another out, with her door last week.” problem the wider to explore keen are and Kathleen John lunch at and have to go “I’m going too community, promised. John Oak Court,” White

said Kathleen

”

I just fell in love with in love I just fell

Kathleen Edwards Kathleen

John and and John it instantly,

Enablement Officer, suggested they visit they suggested Enablement Officer, life were not possible, Jodi Kucers, Jodi Kucers, not possible, were life necessary for them to live an independent live them to necessary for met the criteria. since they Court When it became clear that the adaptationsWhen Woodlands flats at remaining one of the two could continue to live there. there. live could continue to through a disabled facilities grant so they so they grant a disabled facilities through looked for support adapting their house with for looked Neither was keen to move, so the couple move, to keen Neither was both have deteriorating mobility problems. mobility problems. deteriorating both have Kathleen suffers with poor mental health and suffers Kathleen staying over. over. staying three-bedroom house not far from from house not far three-bedroom being enjoyed they Court, Woodlands the grandchildren and having family close to and lifelong Swanley residents. Living in a residents. Swanley and lifelong John and Kathleen were West Kent tenants tenants Kent West were John and Kathleen

“

COURT WOODLANDS 04

WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019 are vital Safety checks ten shared ownership homes, four where we are currently building Walderslade Road, Chatham, including ournew tenants in thelocal community,support Road, Strood, isperfectly sitedto the oldMedway outletinCuxton The new shop, which replaces Rochester. association withHMPrison Relove-a-bike run scheme in new leaseoflife thankstothe thathaveand cycles beengiven a on sellingpre-owned furniture The doubleunitoutletwillfocus of the heart Walderslade village. store issettoopeninearly May in Our exciting new Abacus Medway APPROACHES NEW STORE OPENING EXCITEMENT AS We take oursafety very checks seriously. the courts toformallythe courts askyou togive usaccess andwetenancy may apply for aninjunction-ask If we can’t get access, that’s abreach ofyour rescheduled date. or someoneover 18, willdefinitely behomeonthe not convenient, butyou’ll needtomake sure you, rebook your first automatedappointmentifit’s us tocompletethesechecks. You’ll stillbeableto We now only offer you two toallow opportunities sure it’s safe for you andyour family.’ home for gas, asbestosandelectrical safety tobe ‘We have changed ourprocess your for checking

support thecommunity bysupport and, shortly, in Walderslade, the Shepway Estatein Maidstone Our Abacus stores inSevenoaks, Paula Meurs. commented Enterprise Manager community engagement,” andsupporting opportunities providing volunteering area, welcoming new customers, to launching Abacus inanew “We are really lookingforward homes for sale. affordable rent housesandsix

calling 01732749400. emailing [email protected] or please contactthecommunity safety teamby If you have any questionsaboutthenew procedure, neighbourhood safe. us tocontinue tokeep you, your family andyour as possibleifyou can’t make theappointment. Help andletusknow checks assoon these all-important All you needtodoismake sure you’re available for Possession, inwhich caseyou couldloseyour home. to your home-orserve aNoticeofSeeking Sevenoaks. Friday, inlinewith Abacus Saturdays aswell asMonday to stores beopeningon willshortly The Walderslade andShepway venture.” about thenew excited andwe ofstaff aremembers really said Paula. “We have taken onfour hopeful thatitwill doreally well,” shop inabusyprecinct and we are “The store new istheonly charity promoting re-use andrecycling. helping theenvironment by providing low-cost goods while

FREE PROPERTY CHECK We make a promise to our tenants to maintain their homes – and to do that effectively we need to carry out a property check every two years.

05

Our aim is that after the check, your home They will check for safety and make sure nothing West Kent will not need any repairs for at least 12 is broken and all the component parts are there. If repairs are required the engineer will arrange months, so that you can enjoy living in it for them to be carried out. If they consider Spring 2019 Neighbourhood News in comfort. anything to be an emergency they will make an We will contact you to make an appointment for the works to be done while they are with you. appointment, so please make every effort to be at home when we call. We will be in If there is time, the engineer will carry out minor works during the appointment. your neighbourhood for a limited time and will only offer two opportunities for you to benefit from this free service, which is only What happens after a property check? available to tenants, not to leaseholders or If an engineer has identified that repairs are shared owners. necessary, the customer services team will contact you within ten working days to make an appointment for them to be done.

Each property check appointment is for We will send a copy of the form the engineer an hour. An engineer will check your: completes at the property check within ten working days. If you want this form quicker it can • windows be emailed if we have your email address. • kitchen bathroom • If you have any questions, please • heating system contact the customer services team at [email protected] 06

WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019 OFFICE CLOSURE this willdirectly affect you, pleasecontactcustomerservicesat emergency serviceonly onthisday. This doesnotaffect ourcontractors. Ifyou have any questionsabouthow variety ofpayment optionstosuitthem.” give control toresidents back and offer awider and cost-effective service. Any day Direct Debits working toprovide ourtenants atailored, time recently reviewed theFinance teamandare Craig Reynolds, Finance Director says, “We’ve We’ll never take direct debitpayments early. we willtake thepayment onthenext working day. payment datefalls onaweekend orbankholiday, be taken oneithera Thursday orFriday. Ifyour to betaken from your bank. Weekly payments can between monthfor 1and26ofeach themoney If you pay monthly, you any canchoose date DIRECT DEBITS about when you pay your rent. pay theirrent monthly, giving you more andcontrol choice We are now offering ‘any day Direct Debits’ for peoplewho MAKING PAYING YOUR RENTEASIER E6682_WK_Shared Ownership Campaign_P2_AW.indd 1 Call: westkent.org 01732 [email protected] ladderbyGet ontotheproperty contacting usnow! for shared ownership across Kent. West Kent hasanexciting buildingprogramme sellinghomes ownership, you must beregistered atwww.helptobuyese.org.uk can’t afford tobuyonenow. To beeligible for shared you are afirst timebuyer orused to own ahomebut to Buyifyour householdearnslessthan£80,000ayear, You couldbuyashared ownership homethrough Help purchase more equityinyour home remainder from us. There for willbeopportunity you to allows you tobuyapercentage ofyour homeandrent the ownership willbeagreat scheme optionfor you. The scheme If you can’t afford outright, tobuyaproperty our shared Buying ashared ownership homehasnever beensimpler. What isShared Ownership? Let’s GetMoving

@west_kent

WestKentHA Our officeswillbeclosedon30April for astaff conference. We’ll beproviding an

@westkenthousingassociation

customer services. trouble paying your rent, pleasecontact pay when you should. Ifyou are having and you canlose your homeifyou don’t Remember your rent payment isapriority convenient for you. weekly, fortnightly ormonthly –whichever ismost please call01732749400. We cancollectthem would like tosetuporchange aDirect Debit, We alsohave paperlessDirect Debits, soifyou

[email protected] [email protected] 31/10/2018 14:34

07 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

”

Join

We are confident that it will confident that it are We “Our previous mutual exchange scheme was was exchange scheme mutual “Our previous so this is less user friendly, limited and more improvement,” a great “ with and useful, really prove homes on the site500,000-plus something bound to be there’s everyone. for out there suitable said Jo. said Jo. “Because the site is national it’s also great if you or if you also great national it’s “Because the site is in another part a job partneryour of the country. get – as long want if you to the Isle of Skye can move You wants to move who can find someone there as you to Kent.” down will check – particularly upload the details you We need to make you – and rent to things like with regard but otherwise account first, a clear rent have you sure and could be is simple, HomeSwapper signing up for family. and your you for the start life of a new

and go places go and

Or just fancy aOr just fancy

from another area,” another area,” from home they prefer by swapping with someone with swapping by home they prefer tenants a much better chance of finding better chance a tenants a much “This is a great scheme that offers scheme our is a great “This

country? different part of the different of scenery? change Job opportunityJob a in New baby on the way? on the way? baby New photographs and off you go. It’s easy and it works. It’s go. you and off photographs sign up, tell people about your home, add some good add some good home, tell people about your sign up, be quicker than using the housing register route. Just route. than using the housing register be quicker HomeSwapper gives you another option and is likely to another option and is likely you gives HomeSwapper space because your children have left home, then left home, have children space because your “If you need extra space, or perhaps you need less or perhaps you space, need extra “If you explained Jo Mahieu, Head of Allocations. Head of Mahieu, Jo explained Membership is growing at more than 5,000 new than 5,000 new at more is growing Membership least one match within 24 hours. cent of people looking to exchange their home find at their home cent of people looking to exchange the site and HomeSwapper on homes available more than half a million users and claims that 90 per half a million users than more 200,000 currently are there week, every members per month. views than 23m page notches up more has at www.homeswapper.co.uk website The channels. the website is backed up by well-used social media well-used up by is backed the website Signing up to the online service is free and easy, and and easy, Signing up to the online service is free housing tenants swap homes locally or nationally. homes locally housing tenants swap service in the country, an online portal that helps social service in the country, HomeSwapper is the largest national mutual exchange exchange national mutual the largest is HomeSwapper easier for tenants by joining HomeSwapper. tenants by easier for Whatever the reason, we have made mutual exchanges exchanges made mutual have we reason, the Whatever Linda and Alan help us select our Neighbourhood News 2019 Spring next contractor

Kent West 08 Working together with tenants Two keen tenants have taken up an opportunity to work with West Kent for the next six months to help us choose a company to provide the buildings maintenance and electrical contract.

With the current contract, held by Brenwards, due to end in February 2020, we asked tenants Alan and Linda to help us select our next contractor. WORKING Development Director Mark Leader explained: “It’s important to involve our tenants in this TOGETHER selection process as the company that will be awarded this contract will provide an Alan, one of the tenants working with important part of our landlord offer and it is West Kent on this project, said: “I’m really right that residents help shape and pleased to be asked to do this because it influence the future. shows that West Kent cares what its tenants “The successful company will deliver the think.“ programme for the next ten years with a To hear about similar opportunities to get possibility of an extension, so we need to involved, contact the Communications and make sure that tenants will be happy with Engagement Team at the people coming into their homes.“ [email protected].

09 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

“The drop-in sessions give people a safe sessions give safe people a drop-in “The their mental can discuss they space where be if necessary, and, health concerns explained support,” for more on referred Peggy-Sue Tenancy Nicholson, Support Manager. as resource extra this welcome “We additional support and for our tenants she added: others the community,” in place on 18s takes session for over “The while 7pm to 9pm, from evenings Saturday every people are for young the drop-ins 4pm to 6pm. from Thursday nominated charity Kent’s West Mind was for £4,500 so far raised with for 2018/19, to see that a “It is encouraging the cause. supporting working are is now we charity a mental health need in with to help those commented Peggy-Sue. Swanley,”

to reply, so please get in touch. so please get to reply, to contact you. We will make it as easy as possible will make We to contact you. replying to the email or letter to give us permission to the email or letter to give replying know you are happy, so please help us to help you by by you so please help us to help happy, are you know data protection legislation – and you have to let us have – and you legislation data protection We have to ask for your consent under the new consent under the new your to ask for have We for us to get in touch. us to get for over the next few months asking if it’s OK months asking if it’s few the next over you will receive an email or a letter from us an email or a letter from will receive you who are happy to be contacted. That’s why why That’s to be contacted. happy are who and make sure we are only contacting people only are we sure and make To do that, though, we have to follow the rules the rules to follow have we though, do that, To in surveys and getting involved in other ways. involved and getting in surveys by attending workshops and focus groups, taking part groups, and focus attending workshops by to put forward their views and give us their opinions and give their views to put forward people as possible as many to be able to invite want We

TO OUR INVITATION OUR TO

PLEASE RESPOND PLEASE RESPOND District Council. District funding has been provided by Sevenoaks Sevenoaks by funding has been provided problem during their lifetime, while while their lifetime, during problem estimated will experience a mental health estimated will experience some of the one in four people it is people it some of the one in four delivering the service, which aims to help which the service, delivering Mental health experts North Kent Mind are are Mind Mental health experts North Kent year-olds and for over 18s. over and for year-olds centre, with separate sessions for 14 to 17 sessions for separate with centre, from the Citizens Advice building in the town town building in the Advice the Citizens from The new crisis support sessions are provided support provided crisis are sessions new The needs has opened in Swanley. needs has people with mental health people with A drop-in crisis centre for for centre crisis A drop-in IN SWANLEY

SUPPORT ON OFFER OFFER ON SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH HEALTH MENTAL

sure we deliver the best possible service is to work service is to work deliver the best possible we sure that service. receive the people who alongside Here at West Kent we believe the best way to make to make the best way believe we Kent West at Here 10

WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019 and thereasons behindit. the traditions around remembrance olds realised how littlethey knew of about theinvitation, the11to19year- Youth Forum members. As they thought that wasn’t enoughfor theEdenbridge gone alongandplayed theirpart. But the endof2017, they couldhave just Remembrance Sunday parade towards people was invited toattend a When agroup ofEdenbridge young YOUTH FORUM EVENT EDENBRIDGE and view artefacts,” fighting took place, visit museums andmemorialsites would needtogoFrance andseetheareas where the achieve what they hadsetouttowith theproject, they was missing. “They realised thattobeable to fully It was oftheirresearch thenthey decidedavitalpart returning home. and others who hadfought inthewar anddiedafter was buried, aswell asseveral ofhisfamily members during thefightingin France and found out where he They identifiedasoldierfrom Edenbridge who died and thentalkingtoexperts. beginning theirstudiesatthelibrary, searching online could abouttheFirst World War anditsimpact, The young asthey peopleset outtofindas much Charlotte Ede. invited toattend,” explained Youth ServicesManager they couldbefully involved in what they hadbeen thesignificanceofceremonyunderstand sothat as possible inthecommunity andwanted to “The youth forum hasalways wanted tobeasinvolved represented, and sobegan aremarkable project. understand more aboutwhat Remembrance Sunday following year, thegroup decidedthey wanted to With thecentenaryoffirst world war duethe said Charlotte.

incredibly sad.” up leaves mespeechless and thousands ofdeadbodiespiled towns reduced to nothingandthousands upon walking around thismuseum andseeingphotos of how weput intoperspective lucky really are. Just “Seeing how smallthefood rations tinswere has Amy, oneoftheeightwho went onthetrip, saidlater: impact ofthedevastating conflict. contributed totheirresearch andbrought homethe had beenaffected, while guidesalso localexpert in museums, memorials, cemeteries andtowns that The four-day trip toHardelot inOctober2018took Trust, Waitrose andEdenbridge Town Council. fund thetrip, from theStonebridge withsupport at HOUSE, theten-strong group raised £8,600to With Banks, ofCheryl thesupport Leader-in-charge we ourknowledge alsoexpanded somuch” died inFrance. Itwas funtowork with my friendsand battles. We learnedabout peopleinourlocal areas that learned alot about thewar anddifferent aspectsofthe Nia Brown explained: “When we went toFrance I

Back in Edenbridge for the 2018 centenary To achieve their aim of helping to highlight the impact Remembrance Sunday, the group again took part in of the First World War and improve understanding the services and the procession, attending the service amongst young people and the community, the group at St Peter’s and St Paul’s and then walking through has created information panels that include written the town. research, poetry, collage and photos. Jocie Mears: “I was so saddened by the number of The boards were displayed in the Eden Centre library names on all the monuments. All those people who during the Remembrance period in 2018 and used at a died. It really hit home just how privileged we are to live presentation event in March. Forum members will also how we do today” be carrying out presentations to some of the funders.

11 SHARED OWNERS West Kent

HOW TO STOP PAYING RENT Spring 2019 Neighbourhood News If you don’t want to keep paying rent to West Kent, maybe now is the time to consider buying a bigger share of your home.

Technically known as increasing the equity in your home, it can be done in increments of ten per cent and could lead to you owning it outright. As you buy a bigger share of your home – by taking out a mortgage - the rent you pay on the rest of it falls. We call it staircasing – here are some of the benefits: £ • Your rent to West Kent reduces as you increase the proportion you own’. If you purchase 100% of its value, rent is not £ £ payable at all • You have a greater financial interest in your property £ If you are interested in finding out more • Your house becomes freehold when you please visit our website own 100% of its value (not applicable to flats) www.westkent.org/staircasing • You are free to sub-let your home when or contact the Home Ownership Team at you own it entirely. [email protected] or 01732 749900. 12

WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019 HELP home improvements beds. • • Housing Plusservicesinclude: be eligible ifyou are inarrears. topaytenants canchoose for them. You willnot criteria,tenants who meetcertain while other Housing plusprovides extra servicesfree for Housing Plus completed. and inspecttheworks afterthey have been anything structural, the Asset Team willcheck For more complex improvements as such five yearly conditionsurvey. stock will record theimprovement itatour andcheck sign andreturn toagree toourconditions. We We willsendyou aletterthatyou willneedto outside tap. improvements asfittinga such water buttor will grant permissionfor straightforward to CustomerServices, where oneoftheteam The completedform isautomatically emailed monitor andprocess allapplicationsefficiently. apply viathe West Kent website sothatwe can If you want toimprove your home, you needto Home Improvements to know. Plus offer. Here’s everything you need improvements andupdatedourHousing changed theway we dealwithtenant Looking toimprove your home? We’ve

cut twiceayear. Itdoesnotincludeflower gardens eighttimes ayear andany hedges grass cuttingtothefront, rear andside meet thesetcriteria. This serviceincludes Garden assistance-free for tenantswho only oncewithinaten-year period. maximum ofthree rooms atonetimeand meet thesetcriteria. We willdecorate a Decoration assistance-free for tenantswho with

complete theform onourwebsite. how toapply, contactCustomerServicesor To findoutmore aboutHousingPlusand • • • •

service includesgrass cuttingtothefront, Help togarden –apaid-for service. This pay for your paintatthattime. and arrange delivery. You willhave to instructions onhow your tochoose paint Johnson’s decoration voucher and available onceayear. You willreceive a and paintfor uptothree rooms, are Decoration packs, which includeaccessories Help todecorate –apaid-for service. will contactyou toarrange asurvey. programme. Ifyou are eligible, ourcontractor on ourkitchen/bathroom replacement tohavechoose anupgrade, aslongyou are bathroom isduetobereplaced, you can paid-for service. When your or kitchen andbathroomKitchen upgrades –a option for conifers orLeylandii. removed. Pleasenoteremoval istheonly tenants topay for trees tobemaintainedor Help withtrees –apaid-for serviceallowing clearance days. include flower beds. We alsooffer garden any hedges cuttwiceayear. Itdoesnot side andrear gardens eighttimes ayear and

13 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

I saw it as an opportunityI saw

homes, and therefore our lives and therefore homes, to have a stronger voice in our voice a stronger to have

role. To my relief everyone in the organisation - the in the organisation everyone relief my To role. Team the skilled Executive and dedicated staff, brilliant - made me very members board fellow and my welcome. Kent West a lot to learn out about how was There the organisation, governs the Board and how operated and support was knowledge, my to expand but training, available. I have time on the Board. my from so much gained I’ve issues and my of housing-related knowledge a greater working alongside enjoyed I’ve confidence has grown. and care and talented people who committed many quality homes and good committed to providing are are me, like people who, for communities happy safe, in the open market unable to either buy or rent because of their circumstances. to asked I was when particularly honoured I was become the Chair of one of the Board’s made the I was then when and sub-committees, do that tenants really proving of the Board, Vice-Chair in voice and meaningful a real, the chance to have have Kent. West of and destiny the governance West this opportunity to thank all of to take like I would and directors staff, and hardworking, excellent Kent’s all their help, for Members Board and former current Kent. West time with my during support and fellowship the Board from to be quite sad to step down I am going in May, but I’m really pleased that as we have recently have as we pleased that but I’m really in May, three have now we furtherappointed two tenants, to pick up the baton. Members Board Tenant excellent tenants’ to represent not on the Board are Tenants and life their perspective do bring but they interests, skills and mix of knowledge, to the broad experiences talents on the Board. the past successful 30 for Kent West I congratulate to be a and I am confident it will continue years the for organisation accomplished and caring vibrant, to lucky and feel proud I’m very 30 and beyond. next be a tenant here.

capable of participating in a meaningful way in this capable of participating in a meaningful way nervous and rather unsure whether or not I would be or not I would whether unsure and rather nervous Board Member, and to my surprise was accepted. I was I was accepted. was surprise and to my Member, Board In 2010 I was encouraged to apply to become a Tenant Tenant to become a to apply encouraged In 2010 I was supported by them. them. supported by in various other groups and activities with West Kent or Kent West with and activities other groups in various former Tenant Consultative Committee, and taking part Committee, Consultative Tenant former becoming a Tenant Representative, a member of the Representative, Tenant becoming a I became an actively involved tenant around 2006, 2006, tenant around involved I became an actively some services. be involved, especially when we had to agree to reduce to reduce had to agree we when especially be involved, times; the imposed rent reduction was a hard time to a hard was reduction the imposed rent times; West Kent more digital. There were some difficult were There digital. more Kent West and the advancements we’ve made towards making made towards we’ve and the advancements improvements that were made to resident involvement involvement made to resident that were improvements with the work around fixed term tenancies, the term tenancies, fixed around with the work I am particularly proud to have been involved been involved to have I am particularly proud at the centre of policies and plans. of policies and at the centre our voices and opinions are heard and tenants are kept kept and tenants are heard and opinions are our voices tenants to become involved in various ways to ensure to ensure ways in various tenants to become involved services we receive, along with the opportunity for along with the opportunity for receive, services we seen many improvements in both our homes and the improvements seen many Over the years I have not been disappointed. I’ve I’ve not been disappointed. I have the years Over our lives. have a stronger voice in our homes, and therefore and therefore in our homes, voice a stronger have I, like many other tenants, saw it as an opportunity saw to other tenants, many like I, the formation of a housing association for West Kent, Kent, West of a housing association for the formation so when in 1989 tenants were asked if we supported if we asked in 1989 tenants were so when years. I was previously a tenant of Sevenoaks Council, Council, a tenant of Sevenoaks previously was I years. I have been a tenant in Swanley for more than 47 more for been a tenant in Swanley I have Tenant Board Member at this year’s annual meeting. annual at this year’s Member Board Tenant Kent Board, I have to stand down from my role of role my from to stand down I have Board, Kent Having served my full term of nine years on the West West on the full term of nine years my served Having named a Gold Standard Investor in People. in People. Investor named a Gold Standard association in the country and the first in Kent to be in association in the country and the first successes; we were the first ‘Excellent’-rated housing ‘Excellent’-rated the first were we successes; During these 30 years West Kent has celebrated many many has celebrated Kent West these 30 years During taking over homes from Sevenoaks District Council. Council. District Sevenoaks homes from taking over scale voluntary transfer housing association in 1989, housing association in 1989, transfer scale voluntary “It’s 30 years since West Kent became the first large large the first became Kent West since 30 years “It’s Here she shares her experience and tells us why tells us why and experience her shares she Here down after nine years of supporting West Kent. Kent. West of supporting after nine years down involved. tenants to get important for it’s Tenant Board member Jo Frawley is stepping Frawley member Jo Board Tenant

heart of decision heart decision of

Tenants at the the at Tenants making FANCY MAKING MONEY FROM SOMETHING

YOU LOVE? Vee McGannon

An inspirational business course with a great track record is returning to Maidstone and Edenbridge.

Neighbourhood News Neighbourhood News 2019 Spring PopUp Business School will again The people of Maidstone have an opportunity to follow in Shirley’s footsteps by attending the next be offering would-be entrepreneurs PopUp course, which will be held over two weeks

Kent West advice and encouragement aimed at from Tuesday 23 April to 3 May at the PopUp Shop helping them set up in business on next to Superdrug on the upper floor of The Mall. 14 their own – or simply pick up new There will be an opportunity for Edenbridge residents to be inspired when PopUp is based at the Edenbridge work-focused skills. Village Hall for one week from 24 to 28 June. The PopUp team brought their unique The events are part of an £8.6m, cross-channel – and completely free – business project called Increase Valorisation Sociale (Increase VS), which is being led by South East-based Optivo school to The Mall in Maidstone last housing association and supported by local supporters year, with impressive results. including West Kent. The funding is being used to deliver workshops across the region aimed at kick-starting small businesses and A number of those who attended the course, creating jobs. sponsored by West Kent and fellow housing association Golding Homes, finished the fortnight The PopUp message is that would-be entrepreneurs determined to use their new-found knowledge to don’t need a complex business plan, expensive legal turn their hobby into their business. advice and a frighteningly big business loan; just an idea, some basic marketing skills and plenty of For one, in particular, the sessions led by PopUp passion. business School co-founder and lead trainer Alan Donegan turned out to be the start of a whole “Clearly it would be fantastic if some new chapter. people went on to start their own business Shirley Whitcombe was keen to pursue her dream as a result of the course, but there are lots of setting up her own maternity and baby clothes of other benefits in terms of picking up business, and after attending the course she went ahead with her plans. Although she has since moved new skills, gaining confidence and to north Devon, she is now running her own shop, understanding more about the called bump-2-baby. opportunities on offer,” “Alan and the rest of the PopUp team certainly explained Pauline Smith, Training and confirmed to me that you can follow your dreams, Employment Officer and attending the course helped me make some important decisions. I thought the business school was fantastic. I learned such a lot as I am sure that everyone who attended did too,” she said. 15 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

card card

a drain on the public purse on a drain because people still on the list in temporary to stay have accommodation. our part in to play keen are “We to raise stopping it and want across of the problem awareness of the difficulty Part Kent. West is that tenants acting in this way don’t is paid, their rent sure make and don’treport repairs bring any so they attention to themselves, slip under the radar. this people to realise want “We understand the is wrong, consequences – and the potential are punishment if they for a severe If they caught – and come forward. will we do that during the amnesty, not the house but will back take further any action.” take c form of fraud st basic form of fraud

“The mo “The your about lying is simply a to rent in order circumstances wouldn’thome that you otherwise Genette. explained be entitled to,” out In other cases tenants move while living elsewhere completely, or families family a new charging the home that is registered to rent to them. the also cases where are “There that says tenant dies and a relative been living in the house have they perhaps of years, for a number supported the claiming to have to be in order former owner, the tenancy,” over to take allowed said Genette. tenancy fraud it is done, “However It restricts is a very serious issue. for the amount of housing available need and it is a genuine with those There are several ways in ways several are There tenants can defraud which and the the association, with a severe, penalties are years jail term of up to two and fines of up to £50,000 possible.

‘GET OUT OF JAIL FREE’ ‘GET OUT ‘GET OUT OF JAIL FREE’ ‘GET OUT

Tenants who are cheating people out of a are who Tenants a chance to change be given to home are their ways. Here’s your Here’s

Breaking the rules? the Breaking

Here’s your Here’s Breaking the rules? the Breaking

to us during the month.” only applies to tenants who come applies to tenants who only involve prosecution. The amnesty The prosecution. involve to take action, and that is likely to that is likely and action, to take going on, then we won’t then we hesitate going on, there is illegal subletting, or similar, or similar, is illegal subletting, there “If we investigate and discover discover and investigate “If we explained. think is defrauding West Kent,” she Kent,” West think is defrauding will tell us about a neighbour they will tell us about a neighbour they always a possibility that someone a possibility always awareness of this issue, there is there issue, of this awareness tail. “If the campaign raises “If the campaign raises tail. out, the amnesty has a sting in the out, Services Genette Pinwill pointed But as our Head of Tenancy Tenancy But as our Head of of any kind. of any not face prosecution or legal action or legal prosecution not face someone who really needs it will really someone who that we can offer their property to can offer that we tenants who hand in their keys so so hand in their keys tenants who elsewhere. month-long amnesty, June’s During in them while they live live they in them while charging other people to stay other people to stay charging subletting their homes or amnesty’ to tenants who are are to tenants who amnesty’ the county in offering a ‘key ‘key a the county in offering housing associations across housing associations across West Kent is joining other Kent West 16

WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019 programme. items totransform ofthe aspart favourite haunts-andselecting Abacus store –oneofher Georgina was filmedvisitingthe oftheprogramme,As part of furniture. from previously unwanted pieces how tocreate stylishnew items Morning toshow awideraudience Genie, appeared onITV’s This videoblogupcycling The Home renovation andfurniture and produces thepopularproperty Georgina, who lives inSevenoaks Abacus store inSevenoaks. praises ofherfavourite source ofusedfurniture – West Kent’s Celebrity ‘upcycler’ Georgina Burnetthasbeensinging the TV FAME FOR ABACUS INSEVENOAKS “Because the fryer was“Because the fryer plastic itcaughtfire andthe tenant stored onthe topofhercooker. anairfryer “That have wouldn’t beentoo bad, the except Peter Finch, explained. HeadofProperty turned oneoftheelectricrings onwithout noticing,” “The tenantfellagainstthecooker andaccidentally electric hobs. warning aboutthedanger ofleaving itemsontopof A recent fire inoneofourhomeshassparked a on thehob! Only putfood community projects. allows avariety ustosupport of while thecashthey generate foropportunities localpeople, offer training andvolunteering up homefor thefirst timeand well-off residents orthosesetting of previously owned itemsfor less They alsoprovide ausefulsource landfill and give themasecondlife. goods andotheritemsoutof unwanted furniture, electrical Walerslade, Chatham, keep near Maidstone, and, shortly, in our Abacus shopsinShepway, The Sevenoaks store, alongwith cigarette isstubbedout properly.” “Use anashtray andmake absolutely your certain said Peter. scorched the sideofhissofa,” throwing water over it, butnotbefore ithadbadly “In thiscasethemanwas able toputthefire out by into awaste binfullofpaper, which caughtfire. extinguish hiscigarette properly before throwing it In anotherr toyouhappen take butitmight, therisk.” sodon’t “You may notthinksomething like thatwould ever because itcancauseaseriousfire. store anything onthetopofacookersimple –don’t fire brigade hadtobecalled. The message is really ecent incidentasmoker failed to be featured ontelevision.” her raw materialsandgreat to using Abacus inSevenoaks for “good tohave acelebrity said itwas:’ Enterprise Manager Paula Meurs After thelatest TV plugfor Abacus, money for ourcommunity projects. were laterauctionedonlinetoraise pieces from Abacus. The selected which again featured itemsshehad in a24-hourcharity ‘Paintathon’ the BBC’s Children inNeedappeal In 2016Georgina raised £1,770for

17 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

the for put forward was Karen after Cllr Michelle Lowe, award looks after housing andwho Council, Sevenoaks health for to take Oak Court White visited and was part another event in she saw. with what impressed independent scheme offers The of the 52 flats. residents living for Karen added. Karen she said: Of the award, that the efforts great “It’s of as a together staff working been recognised.” team have “Some residents need up to “Some residents and a day visits four care generally others are independent. completely helps the mix really That Oak White inclusive feel of Court,”

winners including emergency including emergency but from support, overnight focused on that date we with managing the scheme, 24-hour Lauriem providing for our residents,” care said Karen. towards working were “We to years for two the transition and smoothly it went ensure the great pleased with are we the on-site team relationship has helped to create.” “Before April 2018, West “Before West April 2018, 24-hour had provided Kent staffing at the scheme, the same time it took a At on partnership working focus to communications and good a was that the transition ensure smooth one that kept and avoided informed residents in the service. breaks any

2019

AWARD White Oak Court. White better deal for residents at at residents better deal for it meant a scheme, Swanley service,” service,” services at the care the extra and avoiding any breaks in the breaks any and avoiding to provide in Lauriem brought residents were kept informed kept were residents Council County Kent When everyone involved, ensuring involved, everyone explained. Karen great partnership working by partnershipgreat by working and the success was due to and the success was Kent to make this transition this transition to make Kent “This was the first in scheme was “This April 2018. April extra care scheme in care extra White Oak Court to a full Oak Court White successful transition of successful transition recognition of the recognition highly commended in commended highly Manager Karen Gibbs was Gibbs was Karen Manager our Extra Care Team Team Care our Extra In the same category, In the same category, Group of the Year award. Year of the Group won the Older Persons’ the Older Persons’ won Wellfield Community Hall, Hall, Community Wellfield events she organises at she organises events of local people and the many of local people and the many her tireless efforts on behalf efforts her tireless McGannon, well known for for known well McGannon, rtley resident Veronica Hartley Veronica resident

and Voluntary Awards organised by Sevenoaks District Council. District Sevenoaks by organised Awards Voluntary and We had a successful night at this year’s Making It Happen Community It Happen Community Making night at this year’s had a successful We 18

WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019 80% ofourcustomers contactwithuswas withtheright person right answer, first, time. Inother visit onceevery two years. These in visitswillstart April, andallourresidents willget a expect when anengineer check. comesouttodoaproperty made sure we communicate properly soyou know what to checks’. You canread more about theseonpage five. We have We have redesigned thesevisitsandnow callthem ‘property appointments withothercontractors hadtobearranged. identified couldnotbefixed onthesame day, andmore these visitsdidnotmeetyour expectations. Many oftheissues Last year, we reviewed our MOT’‘property process. You toldus YOU SAID, WE DID We want you to know how well we are performing. We alsowant to learnfrom our Performance –second Here isourperformance against ourservicestandards for thesecondhalfof2018. mistakes andensure we to continue improve ourservices. You canfindourannual reports onourwebsite, orrequest aprinted version from customer services. words, we are abletoresolve enquiries withinthefirst contactin80%ofcases. half year 2018 Our target was 88%, sowe were 8%below ourtarget. We willpublishanotherupdate inJuly 2019. Right person, right answer, first time:

19 WestKent Neighbourhood News Spring 2019

residents for their experiences in the resident workshop and fed these back in and fed workshop in the resident their experiences for residents our response. aspirations. The information from this will be used to make sure the type of the type sure used to make this will be from information The aspirations. the area. for and appropriate relevant building are are properties we

The government asked for views on their plans for social housing. We asked asked We social housing. on their plans for views for asked government The We asked residents over 55 who live in Edenbridge about their future plans and plans about their future in Edenbridge live 55 who over residents asked We Residents supported this change, so we’re looking to change the opening times change looking to so we’re supported this change, Residents this summer. We wanted to change the opening times of our contact centre so it closed at our contact centre the opening times of to change wanted We residents. would affect this to find out how wanted We than 5.15pm. 5pm rather their opinions. so people could give and Facebook Twitter posted polls on We Contact centre opening times centre Contact • Social Housing Green Paper Paper Social Housing Green • The future of Edenbridge of Edenbridge future The

to help shape our services our shape to help Consultations Tenancy Services Area Officer managed Ann Jones Swanley – St Mary’s estate, Squirrels close, Pemperton Gardens and Bonney Way Karen Hewett Swanley – Christchurch, Changes to tenancy Lullingstone, Farningham, Horton Kirby, South Darenth, Crockenhill, Gala Avenue, services patches Discovery Drive West Kent is growing every year as we build new homes for Zoe Everest Swanley – Whiteoak area people across Kent. So we can keep providing an excellent Rebecca Curtis Chatham, Rochester, service we have employed another full-time tenancy services Gillingham, Sittingbourne, officer, and are in the process of recruiting two new tenancy Hextable, Hoo, Canterbury, Broadstairs and Gravesend services co-ordinators to support the team. Jane Hamblin Longfeld, New Ash Green, We have made some small changes to patches, which means Ash, Hartley, West Kingsdown, that some residents may have a new tenancy services officer. Hodsoll Street and Fawkham We are also working towards cross patch working, which Rebecca Petty Halstead, Knockholt, Otford, means it may not always be the same member of staff you Seal, Kemsing, Shoreham and communicate with. Eynsford Tony Bourne Edenbridge and Cowden Mike Perry Maidstone, Ashford, Headcorn and Lenham Jennie Swoish Sevenoaks South Dawn Follett and Sevenoaks North, Tunbridge Katy Dee Wells, Tonbridge, Tenterden, Hawkhurst, Leigh, Penshurst, Fordcombe, Four Elms and Ide Hill Ruth Cox Westerham, Crockham Hill, Sundridge, Brasted, Dunton Green and Riverhead

GETTING IN TOUCH CUSTOMER SERVICES REPORT A REPAIR WANT TO MAKE A Contact our customer service Web chat: westkent.org PAYMENT? advisors to report a repair, get advice Email: [email protected] Phone: 01732 749596 about finding a home or for any Phone: 01732 749400 WORRIED ABOUT PAYING other housing related questions. between 8am and 5pm. YOUR RENT? Email: [email protected] 0800 1691122 Contact us as soon as possible for help and advice. Web: westkent.org in emergencies at Phone: 01732 749400 Phone: 01732 749400 other times westkent.org/payrent

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