Help and Advice for Parents Spread Your Fuel Costs

NEIGHBOIURHOOD EDITION, YOUR MAGAZINE, YOUR CLANMIL AUTUMN 2013 ISSUE 01

HELP AND ADVICE FOR PARENTS SPREAD YOUR FUEL COSTS WELFARE REFORM UPDATE Christine Ashfield, Marketing and Communications Officer Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Clanmil Chronicle.

Hopefully you’ll notice older people’s schemes those living in our older combined version, by calling something a bit different were telling us that they people’s schemes. me on 028 9087 6000, about this issue. This one weren't interested in the emailing me at christine. is just for tenants living family related content. So We’ll be trying to gauge the [email protected] or by in our family homes! we’re trying a new approach. success of this approach in speaking to your Project Co- On this occasion we’ve the coming weeks and would ordinator or Housing Officer. Some of you felt that the produced separate versions welcome your help. Let us We’d love to hear your views. magazine wasn’t relevant to of the magazine for tenants know if you prefer having a Your feedback will help us you and your family, while living at our neighbourhoods magazine that’s just for you, decide on the future format some tenants living at our developments and for or if you were happy with one of your Clanmil Chronicle.

COVER PICTURE: Singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy had 7 his face painted at a summer party to mark A guide the official opening to paying of our new Caffrey Hill family housing your rent scheme. Read more on page 4

CONTENTS

Summer fun as two new Clanmil developments officially opened 4

Your forum update 6 14 Watery fun at A guide to paying your rent 7 Harbourview Retirement? What retirement? 8

Help and advice for parents 9

Gas safety 10

Spread the cost of fuel 11

A positive year 12

Welfare reform help and advice 13

Clanmil in the Community 15

Memories of the blitz 16 Clanmil Kidz 18 18 Fireworks – before they explode, Halloween read the code! 21 howlers Welfare reform update 22 17 Your recipies 23 Movie nights competition Knowing me, knowing you 23 New £3.8 million housing scheme in Holywood

Work has started on the construction of a new housing scheme at New West Green in Holywood comprising 31 two and three bedroom family homes and six apartments designed specifically to meet the needs of maintenance independent older people. contracts

ocial Development “This new modern housing Homes standards which Minister Nelson scheme developed in ensure added security for SMcCausland joined consultation with the local tenants and flexibility of Clanmil and local community community will provide for adaptation if required at representatives on site to a better layout in the area. a later date. The scheme launch the new development It will place an emphasis is planned for completion which is part funded by the on housing for families in September 2014. Northern Ireland Executive. and older people that will At Clanmil we are committed The new homes are being contribute to, and help build Carol McTaggart, Clanmil to delivering a customer built on a site previously on, the already strong sense Group Director of Property focused, cost effective occupied by two blocks of of community in the area.” and Asset Management said: response maintenance Housing Executive flats. “We have worked closely service to our tenants. The Minister continued: “I with local community and Speaking during his was also pleased to hear that political representatives to Our existing maintenance visit to the site, Minister a significant central green get the scheme to this stage contracts are coming to an McCausland said: “One area has been included in the and very much appreciate end and in renewing these, of my key objectives as development and is being their help and support. We we aim to ensure that: Housing Minister is to designed in consultation look forward to welcoming ensure that everyone with the local community.” our new tenants next • contractors will offer has the opportunity to autumn and to continuing tenants appointment access good quality The new homes will be built our partnership with the times when they will accommodation. This new to high levels of energy local community and their carry out the repair planned development will efficiency. All have been representatives in the (within the agreed ensure that and also see this designed to Secured delivery and management category for that repair) part of Holywood revitalised. by Design and Lifetime of these homes.” • contractors will do better at getting the repair right first time

We are working towards getting the new contracts up and running in Spring 2014.

Updates on progress will be provided at Tenant Fora meetings and in this magazine.

Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland MLA cut the first sod on site watched by (L-R) Emmett McGivern of T&A Kernoghan, Gordon Dunne MLA, Carol McTaggart, Clanmil Group Director of Property and Asset Management, Mayor of North Down, Cllr Andrew Muir, Linda Simms and Bernard Budd from Redburn and Loughview Community Forum.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 3 Summer fun as two new Clanmil developments officially opened This summer Clanmil joined with new tenants to celebrate the official opening of two new housing schemes.

Party Time at Caffrey Hill The successful delivery the scheme to help address In May, Caffrey Hill, one of the scheme is the traffic congestion on the of the largest housing result of close community Glen Road, a key arterial developments to be engagement and the route into the city. completed in Northern provision of a children’s play Ireland this year was opened park and retail space, to In officially opening with a summer party by encourage local business, the scheme, Minister Social Development Minister reflects Clanmil’s desire McCausland said: Nelson McCausland and to invest in more than just “The provision of 165 new singer/songwriter Brian houses. In addition, a bus family homes on a site Kennedy. lay-by has been included in that has lain unused is a

history. I would like to wish all the tenants well in their new homes.”

Joan Baird, Chair of Clanmil said:

"At Clanmil we are committed to providing housing that really meets Singer/ our tenants' needs, not just songwriter in terms of quality homes Brian Kennedy and affordable rents, but got the party also in relation to the cost swinging at the of living in those homes. official opening Not only does Caffrey Hill of Caffrey Hill. provide our tenants with a really good place to live - a place they can call their own, The £26 million Caffrey wonderful achievement. where they feel settled and Hill development was part This continues to be an secure and where they are funded by the Department The provision area of high housing need happy to raise their families for Social Development and of 165 new and these houses and - but the homes have been is built on a landmark site apartments will make a huge designed and built to a in West Belfast which was family homes difference to the daily lives very high environmental home to a brewery for over on a site that of all who live here. standard, making them over 100 years. A range of family 40% more energy efficient houses and apartments now has lain unused “Clanmil is to be than standard houses and occupy the once abandoned is a wonderful congratulated for identifying considerably cheaper for our site, bringing vibrancy and achievement. the potential of this site and tenants to run." life back into this area of building these new homes Singer/songwriter, Brian West Belfast. on a site which has a long Kennedy, originally from

4 | Autumn 2013 Clanmil Neighbourhood Chronicle West Belfast, welcomed the new Caffrey Hill tenants to We should never the area: underestimate “I feel privileged to be part the importance of the incredible changes of good housing happening in Belfast. I wish everyone at Caffrey Hill a in people’s lives. long and happy life.”

The new Caffrey Hill homes welcome our new tenants have been built to high to Sunningdale Gardens energy-efficiency standards and wish them well as they with solar panels, triple settle into their new homes glazing and high levels of and new community. We insulation fitted to help are particularly pleased to reduce heating and energy welcome back home nine bills for the families who people who used to live live there. in the maisonettes that formerly occupied this site CHLOE’S NAME A Time to Celebrate at and who have been able Sunningdale Gardens to move back into their WINNER FOR NEW In June, Minister community and these lovely McCausland opened new homes.” Clanmil’s new £7.4 million HOUSING SCHEME Sunningdale Gardens The Sunningdale Gardens scheme in North Belfast homes are built to Level 3 Clanmil’s new housing development at which provides 40 new of the Code for Sustainable family homes and 6 Homes and to Lifetime Brokerstown Road in Lisburn has been named apartments for active older Homes and Secured by Brokerstown Meadow thanks to a creative local people. Design standards. school girl.

lanmil approached specifications, including the nearby Lifetime Homes and Secured CBallymacash by Design standards, which Primary School in search ensure added security for of an imaginative name tenants and flexibility of for the new development adaptation if required at a of 18 family homes. The later date. winning name, Brokerstown Meadow, was suggested by Clare McCarty, Chief Chloe Turtle from Primary Executive of Clanmil, is 7. It was one of four names delighted with the new name. shortlisted from over 50 She said; inventive suggestions by “We were delighted by the pupils at the school, and the interest the children and one ultimately chosen as teachers at Ballymacash the new scheme name by Primary have shown in Speaking during a visit to LEFT ABOVE: Robbie Lisburn City Council. The our development and very the new homes, Minister and Reilly (age 3) help three runner-up names were impressed by the standard McCausland said: “We Nelson McCausland, suggested by Peter Crossey, and range of names should never underestimate Minister for Social also P7, and Emily Flain and suggested. Chloe has the importance of good Development, Melissa Paterson, both P6. come up with the perfect housing in people’s lives. plant a tree to mark name for the scheme and These new homes will make the opening of Work on the construction we’re looking forward to a huge difference to all who Sunningdale Gardens of the £2.5 million housing welcoming tenants to their now live here. All involved watched by Clanmil development started in April new homes at Brokerstown in their provision should be Chair, Joan Baird. this year and is scheduled Meadow next Summer.” rightly proud of what has ABOVE: Young for completion in Summer been achieved.” tenants enjoy fair 2014. The homes are Chloe and the three runners ground fun at Caffrey being built to high energy up were rewarded for their Clanmil Chair, Joan Baird, Hill opening event. efficiency and design creativity with gift vouchers. said: “We are delighted to

Clanmil Neighbourhood Chronicle Autumn 2013 | 5 Your forum update The Neighbourhood Tenants’ Forum meeting in June rivalled “Dimbleby Question Time” thanks to the lively discussion that followed presentations by staff and guest speakers on up-to-the- minute news and real life issues!

elfare Reform that Clanmil has trained reports in writing and to Keeping was a key topic all our housing officers follow up with courtesy Wwith the focus on to provide debt advice update calls until a case your homes under occupation and the and household budgeting is satisfactorily closed. bedroom tax. This was services to tenants and followed by an informative is also planning to recruit Discussion of issues up to presentation on debt from a debt/financial inclusion which affect tenants on a Claire Green of Advice NI. officer to assist tenants. daily basis continued with standard a focus on allocations, Clanmil operates a cyclical Although Claire presented Anti social behaviour was weekly rent charges, redecoration programme the shocking statistic hotly discussed at the painting programmes to ensure that communal that the average debt in meeting and it was agreed at schemes, complaints internal and external NI is £18,000 and advised that dealing with cases and customer services. areas at our schemes that there has been an required a two-way process are well maintained. Not increase in the use of their between tenants and staff The meeting concluded with only does this ensure that service, it was reassuring with confidentiality at its an update on the position your homes continue to for everyone to learn that core. The absolute need for regarding the Associations’ look their best and remain the service is open to tenants to report incidents Tenant Participation Policy. good, safe places to live, everyone except private and issues was accepted but it also protects our business owners. There along with the requirement All tenants present felt assets for the future. was positive recognition for us to acknowledge all that the meeting had been enjoyable, informative and The programme for 2013/14 worthwhile and said that will cover 85 schemes they were looking forward throughout Northern Ireland to the next meeting. and the type of work that will be undertaken includes: If you would like to have your voice heard and raise • Redecoration of issues that affect you, you previously decorated would be very welcome to communal areas. attend these meetings. • Cleaning of Upvc fascia, The next meeting is external cladding etc. scheduled for 13 December. • Cleaning of external Please contact Tom surfaces to remove Potter on 02890 876000 moss growth. for more information. • Cleaning of guttering and drainage gullies. • Minor repairs and maintenance such as the replacement of rotten ROTTING RATE timber and repairs to rainwater goods, roof Most of us forget all about disappear as landfill? A plastic bag - 450+ years coverings, boundary our rubbish once we’ve A glass bottle – walls/fences, external dumped it in the bin. But Next time you can’t be undetermined windows and doors. did you know just how long bothered sorting your it takes that rubbish to recycling, think about For the sake of our Work is scheduled to start by the “rotting rate” of what planet, please November 2013 and will run you’re throwing away - recycle! until the end of March 2014. A bus ticket - up to 1 month If the scheme where you live A cotton rag – 1 to 6 months is included within this year’s A woollen sock – a year programme, we will be in Painted wood – 13 years touch before work starts. A tin can - 200+ years

6 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 Something to think about

Why do people Why does the sun lighten on mascara with their order a double our hair but darken our mouth closed? cheese burger, skin? large fries and You know that a diet coke? Why is the man who invests “indestructible” black our money a “broker”? box that is used on every Why is plane? Why don’t they “abbreviated” Why, if flying is so safe, make the whole plane such a long word? do they call the airport with that stuff? the “terminal”? Why is it that doctors call Why is lemon what they do “practice”? Why are they called juice made with apartments when they artificial flavour Why is the time of day are all stuck together? and dishwasher with the slowest traffic liquid made with called “rush hour”? Why can’t women put real lemons?

A GUIDE TO PAYING YOUR RENT

It’s very important that you pay your rent and charges on time as we need the income to pay for repairs to your home and for the other services you receive.

our rent is due in Please don’t avoid dealing or credit card to pay by smartphone with the touch advance either with a debt problem. calling our direct income of a button. The allpay Yweekly, fortnightly There is help available. recovery line on 02890 app can be downloaded or monthly (For monthly 877034 between 9am and directly from the Apple payments please multiply WAYS TO PAY 5pm Monday to Friday. App Store or Google Play. your weekly rent by 4.35. This gives an average Direct Debit Post Callpay monthly rent to take The convenient, Send a crossed You can now also use your account of the five week guaranteed way to cheque or postal debit or credit card to make months during the year). pay. No need to worry about order (with your tenancy payments directly when missing a payment as it will reference number on a Housing Officer calls If you have difficulty paying be debited from your bank the back) made payable with you at your home. your rent, always contact account automatically. To to Clanmil Housing to: your Housing Officer or pay by Direct Debit, contact Housing Benefit the Income Recovery staff Clanmil on 028 9087 6000 Clanmil Housing If you are unemployed or immediately on 02890 and press 3. We will help Northern Whig House on a low income you may 877034. If you do not pay you complete a Direct Debit 3 Waring Street Belfast be entitled to financial help your rent and other charges mandate form to set up BT1 2DX to pay your rent. To make you may lose your home. your Direct Debit. Call Debt sure you are getting what Action NI on 028 9064 5919. Internet you are entitled to, contact We will work with you if you Use your debit or your local benefits office, are experiencing difficulties PayPoint Rent Card credit card to pay Job Centre or Citizen Advice with debt. Your Housing Use the PayPoint at allpayments.net. Bureau or the Northern Officer has been trained card that we gave Just follow the easy steps Ireland Housing Executive. to give advice on debt you to pay at the to register and you will be You can also check your and our specialist money post office or at shops ready to make payments. entitlement by logging on advisor is here to help you. displaying the PayPoint logo. to www.entitledto.co.uk Debt Action NI also advise The allpay App on how to sort out debt Phone us with your Pay your rent including credit card debt bank card details wherever you and dealing with loan sharks. Use your debit are from your

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 7 Retirement? What retirement?

Mervyn Dinsmore, a tenant at Hughes Court independent living scheme in East Belfast, shares his story of how volunteering with Lagan Search and Rescue has helped make retirement more enjoyable.

n the months preceding dressings… The list would that a light aircraft with four my retirement, I couldn’t almost appear endless. passengers had ditched in Iwait for the great day Belfast Lough. Working in when I would finally switch Further training tandem with George Best off the alarm clock and relax. involved learning search Belfast City Airport Fire and techniques used in Rescue Service, the crew’s Six weeks later and my different environments, job was to find and recover system had reached tying secure knots and four missing people both saturation levels of Jeremy equipment coupled with at sea and on land. My role Bile and daytime television. the deployment of ropes in in this exercise was that I confided my feelings to a rescue operations, securing of a survivor with severe I couldn’t friend who told me about a helicopter landing sites and facial burns created using help noticing ‘new outfit’ set up down town acting as ‘live bait’ for trained theatrical makeup. My called Lagan Search and swimmers to rescue during task was to secrete myself that, with one Rescue. “You should Google exercises. Other activities among the rocks alongside exception, I was them,” he said, “It sounds involved anything from 12k the Lough. It didn’t take old enough to like your sort of thing.” treks across the Mournes to the team long to find me or fundraising in various towns indeed the survivors at sea. have fathered A fortnight later, I was sitting and shopping centres. all of the other in front of an interview panel Last month I found myself, and while I emphasised complete with dry suit and members. I was quite happy to As the weeks PFD (Personal Flotation volunteer for janitorial or went by, I was Device), jumping from a boat Lagan Search and Rescue storekeeping duties, I found introduced to an half a mile off the Copeland move forward in leaps and myself the following week Islands with a colleague bounds. Recently, with the in a lecture room learning intensive course waiting to be ‘rescued‘. help of our superb group of Pyrotechnics i.e. the use of in First Aid, supporters and sponsors, flares and distress signals. cardio-pulmonary In the course of the past we took possession of an year I have witnessed Atlantic 21 ’Dove’ Lifeboat. As the weeks went by, I was resuscitation, Training becomes more introduced to an intensive defibrillation… and more professional course in First Aid, cardio- and the commitment of pulmonary resuscitation, volunteers is phenomenal. defibrillation, treatment of As dawn was breaking last major and minor lacerations, St Patrick’s Day, we were In my early days as a wounds, fractures, sprains, on the beach at Kinnegar. volunteer I would sit in the shock, burns, scalds, the The scenario behind Crew Room and I couldn’t application of various Exercise Leucothea was help noticing that, with one exception, I was old enough to have fathered all of the other members. I am so proud of those young people. They convince me of a great future for TOP: A very this country. There is a day realistic practise coming in the not too far session distant future when Lagan Search and Rescue will ABOVE: Mervyn become a household name sporting “victim” in Belfast. To me, personally, make up it is a privilege and honour LEFT: On Belfast to have played a small part Lough in bringing this to fruition. “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

8 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 In this edition our regular column from Parenting NI deals with an issue that every parent is concerned about and provides useful advice on keeping our kids safe when they’re online. Help and advice for parents

QUESTION keep your son safe whilst harmful internet content. time to time. Sometimes y 13-year-old son has using the internet. they may seem small, Mrecently signed up Discuss internet behaviour but cause a lot of worry. to some networking sites As a parent it would be with your son, explaining Sometimes they are major to chat with his friends. I helpful to discuss safety that the difference between family crises. In many cases am concerned about his and privacy guidelines with right and wrong is the same it helps to talk to someone safety online and would your son. Encourage him on the internet as it is in outside the family. like some guidance on to choose a user name and real life. Teach him about how to protect him. e-mail address that is safe appropriate online behaviour, If you are concerned about and does not reveal any that it is important to not bully your child's behaviour, ANSWER personal information about others and to inform you if family conflict, the impact of hildren are going him. Talk to him about the he is being bullied or feels separation, bullying or any Conline at a younger potential online dangers and uncomfortable or frightened. other family issue, contact and younger age and explain that not everyone Having the computer in a the freephone helpline many children now have on the internet is who they common area in the house internet access at school say they are. Insist that he will help you to monitor his 0808 8010 722 and at home. The World never gives out his address, internet use and encourage available Monday -Thursday Wide Web has both good phone number, name of him to share his internet 9am - 8pm & Friday 9am aspects and dangers so it school, photograph or agree experiences with you. Try to - 5pm. Appointment is important to help children to meet an online friend enjoy the internet along with services available in Armagh, enjoy the internet safely. without informing you first. your son and encourage him Ballymena, Belfast, Coleraine, The recommended age Explain to your son that when to ask you questions about Craigavon, Derry, Newry, for signing up for social using a networking site he things he has seen or read. Omagh & Whitehead. networking sites is usually should never leave the chat thirteen, and a child’s ability room public area or have About Parenting NI For further information on to assess online risks and one to one chats with other Parenting NI provides the range of services offered handle social pressures is users. If you are worried free confidential support, by Parenting NI, including not fully developed until about your son accessing guidance and counselling to parenting programmes, log the late teenage years, so inappropriate websites you parents when dealing with onto: www.parentingni. you are correct to seek can use parental controls family issues. Every parent org www.facebook.com/ guidance and support to to help you filter out experiences difficulties from ParentingNi Time to put pen to paper Thank you to all of the tenants who have contributed articles and photographs for this edition of the Clanmil Chronicle

For the next edition, we’d that you can provide. We If you live in a Clanmil love to hear from you. So, if understand that you may property and want your you have something you’d have concerns about letter or article to be Alternatively you can like to share with other publishing pictures of considered for publication email your contribution to readers, drop us a line. Your children and young people, in the Chronicle then write christine.ashfield@clanmil. article could be about an particularly as the magazine to Christine Ashfield, at – org.uk but please make event at your scheme or is available on our website, Letter to the Editor sure you clearly label your about something completely but please be assured that Clanmil Housing email Clanmil Chronicle. different that you think would we will only print photographs Association be of interest to others. with your permission and, Northern Whig House Please remember that where we use a child's 3 Waring Street we will not be able to print We'll also print any name in a caption, it will Belfast letters or articles that photographs of your event only be their first name. BT1 2DX are sent anonymously.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 9 GAS SAFETY If you have gas or oil central heating, having your boiler serviced annually is an absolute necessity in order to keep it operating efficiently and more importantly, safely.

our boiler can become and service is carried are installed correctly and by following the tips below, a danger to you and out on each relevant are checked for safety you can ensure the safety Yyour family if it is gas fitting/flue in your and serviced annually of your gas appliances. not properly maintained. home every year • report any faults with • when you take up a your boiler to us as • Never try DIY with gas As your Landlord, we are new tenancy all gas soon as possible • Make sure you know required by law to carry out appliances/flues will • contact us before where your gas meter an annual safety check and be checked before making any alterations is located and how service on the gas fittings you move in to your home, no to turn off the gas installed in your home. In • we keep a record of matter how minor in an emergency order to do this we need each annual safety • always use a qualified • Don’t block up air access to your home. Please check and service Gas Safe registered ventilation grilles and co-operate with us when • we provide you with installer to carry out any ensure that flue terminals we contact you to arrange a copy of the gas gas work in your home. are kept clear at all times access for our contractor. safety record for your • Never use a gas appliance home on completion Failure to give reasonable if you think it is not As Landlord we will of the safety check. access to your home to working properly ensure that: allow us to complete the • Never cover gas • gas fittings (appliance As a tenant you must: annual safety check/service appliances and pipework), and • allow our contractor is dangerous for you, your • Be cautious of buying flues, installed by prompt access to family and your neighbours. second hand appliances Clanmil are maintained your home to carry It is also a breach of your in a safe condition out maintenance or tenancy conditions, If you have any queries • all installation, safety checks on our which could result in legal regarding this or if your maintenance safety gas fittings/flues action to enforce access boiler hasn’t been serviced checks and annual gas • keep appointments or end your tenancy. within the last year please servicing is carried that have been made contact a member of the out by a Gas Safe • ensure that any gas Gas Safety Tips Asset Management Team registered installer fittings that you own, By allowing us prompt on 028 9087 6019. • a gas safety check including your gas cooker, access to your home, and

What to do if you smell gas We want you to be safe as well as warm in your home, so here’s some important advice about what to do if you smell gas in your home or if your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector goes off:

1. Don’t panic. any electrical equipment, 7. Contact Clanmil head and in order to carry out including light switches office on 028 9087 6000 this work our engineers 2. Turn off any gas and telephones. during normal working need access to your appliances and if hours, or Fold Telecare on home. You will also need possible turn off the 5. Stay outside until the 028 9042 1010 outside to have sufficient oil in gas supply at the gas smell of gas clears. office hours and let them your tank or gas credit on meter. This can be done know what’s happened. your meter to fire up the by turning the (normally) 6. Telephone the Gas boiler during the service. red lever through 90 Emergency Service Modern heating systems We appreciate your co- degrees so that it runs without delay on are extremely safe and operation when we contact across the gas pipe, 0800 002 001 from reliable but, like all complex you to make arrangements not in line with it. outside your home or a machinery, they need to service your boiler. neighbour's telephone. regular servicing to keep 3. Ventilate the area Some people prefer to them working safely, Please report any faults with by opening doors contact the Fire Brigade. economically and efficiently. your boiler to us as soon as and windows. While they will attend, it possible, as boiler services is best to cotact the Gas We will service your central cannot take place on 4. DO NOT smoke or use Emergency Service. heating boiler annually boilers that need repaired.

10 | | Clanmil Clanmil Chronicle Chronicle Winter Spring 2012 2013 Help needed We are sending out a call to our eagle eyed tenants for help in sourcing new and exciting development opportunities that will help us create more high quality Clanmil homes across Northern Ireland.

Following the publication by Prospectus”, which details It would be really helpful houses built by private the NI Housing Executive areas throughout Northern if you could pass on to developers that have not of “The Unmet Need Ireland where there is us the details of any sites sold on the open market. currently a need for more available in your local area social housing, we are keen or that you come across We have a dedicated team to find development sites in - on your travels. Even if the of enthusiastic staff who are area is not listed above we’d ready and waiting to take Belfast still like to hear about it. your call. Please contact West Bank of Derry Siobhan Kennedy, James Ballymena We are also interested in Wright or Kelly Thompson Castlereagh purchasing completed on 028 90 876018 who will Lisburn houses in areas of housing investigate all opportunities. Newry need, for example, new Fuel – spread the cost

We’ve had some fantastic summer weather this year, and haven’t had to use our heating for months. At the risk of sounding glum, autumn has arrived, the heating has been switched on again and fuel bills have to be paid.

orthern Ireland has on a weekly basis to help some of the highest toward your oil bill. Councils Nfuel costs within the currently operating these United Kingdom and the schemes are listed below. cost of electric, gas and oil Contact your council continues to rise. Research for more information. shows that Northern Ireland also has the highest level of FREEPHONE 0800 14 22 865 Antrim Borough Council households deemed to be in for information and advice. Tel. 02894 463113 fuel poverty across the UK. Spread the Cost Ballymena Borough Not being able to pay for To help with budgeting Council heating can lead to poor you can opt to pay for Tel. 02825 660300 health, feelings of isolation, your electricity and gas as Belfast City Council depression and loneliness. you use it – pay as you go. Tel. 02890 320202 Bryson Energy, a sub However, budgeting to pay group of Bryson House oil bills can be very difficult. Dungannon and may be able to help. South Tyrone Using emergency drums of Borough Council Some local Bryson Energy offers oil can be tempting but did Tel. 02887 720300 Credit Unions a range of services to you know that this method run similar savings help people including: of buying oil can be up to Larne Borough Council schemes and some offer • Advice on efficient use 40% more expensive. Tel. 02828 272313 competitive heating loans. of energy in the home Contact your local Credit • Advice on the use of If you have an oil fired Magherafelt District Union for more details. heating controls heating system, there Council Or contact the Northern • Help with fuel budgeting are schemes to help Tel. 02879 397979 Ireland Housing Executive • Benefit assessments you budget and pay for who keep a list of oil • Home energy heating and hot water. Moyle District Council suppliers who allow assessments Tel. 02820 762225 customers to use cards to • Technical assessments Some local councils save towards the cost of oil. and inspections operate an Oil Stamp Newtownabbey Borough Call the Energy Department • Domestic energy Savings Scheme which Council at NIHE on 03448 920 920 assessments allows you to buy stamps Tel. 02890 340109 for more information.

Clanmil Chronicle Winter 2012 | 11 A positive year Expenditure on Maintenance for the year ended 31 March 2013 In June the Clanmil Housing Response 2,221,193 Annual Report and Accounts Planned and cyclical 830,629 for 2012/2013 was launched at Major Repairs 1,517,142 the Annual General Meeting. Maintenance Administration 572,271 Below is information on our Total 5,141,235 performance in key areas. If you have access to the internet and would like House Sales to see the annual report, download it from our website at www.clanmil.org. Total no of House Sales 1 uk Alternatively, call us on 028 9087 6000 and we’ll send you a copy. Development at 31 March 2013

Units continued on site 123 New units on site 354 Total 477

LETTINGS COMPLAINTS COMPLAINTS VOIDS COMPLIMENTS New Lettings Total no of 3 Allocations 12 Re-Lets 237 Complaints Recorded 179 63 Service Charge Total of Lettings 324 Average void period – Total no of Total no of Compliments received Compensation 0 General needs 6 days Complaints Resolved 64 days (by 31 March 2013) 176 Rent 3 561 Independent living 5 Property Services Security 4 Supported housing 45 days comprising: Health & Safety Defects 6 Pets/animals 4 Landscaping 6 7 Neighbour Nuisance/ Repairs 88 ASB (re process) Development 10 Consolidated 2 Adaptations 4 Anonymous 1 Staff 17 Others 7

Rent Arrears at March 2013

Housing Schemes Housing with care Rent and other charges to be collected 14,878,564 879,062 Arrears (not including outstanding Housing Benefit/ 420,298 4,138 Supporting People Funding) Arrears as % of rent due (non technical) 9.70% 2.84% Void losses 267,001 83,685 Voids as a percentage of gross total charges 1.76% 8.69%

Of a total of 14,422 repair requests issued, 13,252 (92%) were completed within the target timescale

Repairs Requests issued Repairs completed with timescale % Immediate 4 hours 2,307 2,184 95 Emergency 24 hours 1,945 1,849 95 Urgent 4 working days 6,000 5,487 91 Routine 28 working days 4,170 3,732 89

12 | Clanmil Chronicle Winter 2012 Welfare reform help and advice

Tenants living in the greater Belfast area can access advice and information on the proposed changes under Welfare Reform at the centres listed below. Centre staff will assess the impact of the proposed changes on your household and provide the help you need during this period of change. Contact your closest centre directly or ask your housing officer to contact them on your behalf.

BELFAST REFERRAL CENTRES

Area Name of Organisation Address Contact Number North Ardoyne Association 111 Etna Drive, Belfast, BT14 7NN 02890 715165 Ballysillan Community Forum 925 – 927 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 8AL 02890 391272 Ligoniel Improvement Association 148 Ligoniel Road, Belfast, BT14 8DT 02890 391225 The Vine Centre 193 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 7DX 02890 351020 Tar Isteach 244 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 2AR 02890 746664 North Belfast CAB 40 – 44 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GG 0300 1 233 233

East East Belfast Independent Advice 55 Templemore Avenue, Belfast, BT5 4FP 02890 735690 Centre East Belfast CAB 1a Westminster Ave North, Belfast, BT4 1NS 0300 1 233 233

South Ballynafeigh Community House 283 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GG 02890 491161 Windsor Women 136-144 Broadway, Belfast, BT12 6HY 02890 235451 Southcity 2 Maldon Street, Belfast, BT12 6HE 02890 504141

West Neighbourhood Development 57 Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 4PD 02890 584848 Association Corpus Christi Advice Service 2b Springhill Drive, Belfast, BT12 7SH 02890 240653 Southlink South Link, Belfast, BT11 8GX 02890 301522 Falls Community Council 277 Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6FD 02890 202030 Greater Turflodge Residents 36a Norglen Drive, Belfast, BT11 8DH 02890 308582 Association Shankill CAB 331 – 33 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 2AA 0300 1 233 233 Falls Road CAB 8 Springfield Road, Belfast, BT12 7AG 0300 1 233 233 Andersonstown/Suffolk CAB 208 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, BT11 9EB 0300 1 233 233 Springfield Charitable Association 2 Fallswater Street, Belfast, BT12 6BZ 02890 329085

Central Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre 45 – 47 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FG 02890 961111 Central CAB 58 Howard Street, Belfast, BT1 6PJ 0300 1 233 233

Clanmil Chronicle Winter 2012 | 13 Watery fun at Harbourview Over the summer months, families living at Harbourview apartments enjoyed getting out and about on the water.

Older children spent a day on the Lagan, learning to kayak while the Sailortown Mums and Toddlers Group took to the high seas for a Pirates and Princesses cruise on Belfast Lough.

Anticipation builds as Harbourview kids set out for a day on the Lagan. All smiles as they take to the water. Caffrey Hill funday Caffrey Hill families enjoyed a fun day at their scheme in August held by Clanmil to link with the Feile an Pobail (West Belfast Festival).

The event was extremely well attended by the children and parents living in the scheme. A bouncy castle and party games were a big hit with the children and, thanks to the help of one of our Caffrey Hill tenants, an open air disco got everyone dancing.

A visit from Community PSNI, who allowed the children to explore their Landrover and make full use of the sirens, added to the excitement.

Fun on the bouncy castle. Now, where’s that siren?

14 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 Watery fun at Harbourview

Clanmil’s largest ever marathon team

Clanmil in the Community Clanmil tenants and staff continue to run, walk, drink tea and coffee and have fun all in the name of helping some very worthy causes.

This year the largest ever colleagues, friends and £300 for Downs and Proud In Ahoghill, tenants from Clanmil staff team took tenants who supported in support of a summer Cramsie Court, Slemish part in the Belfast City through sponsorship. scheme for children with Court, Moatview Court and Marathon. Teams competed Special thanks to tenants Downs Syndrome. Allen Court recently joined in the marathon, relay and staff at our independent with Gloonan House tenants and walk events with the living schemes at Gloonan Tenants at Cambridge for an evening of fun and Clanmil relay team finishing House, Ahoghill, Moatview Close and Shiels Houses in laughter with Brian Rankin, in a very impressive 41st Court, Ballymena, Hezlet Carrickfergus once again local poet and comedy actor. place. A great achievement Court, Coleraine, Cramsie took part in Marie Curie’s The event raised £608 for considering nearly 1,000 Court, Ballymoney and Blooming Great Tea Party Brian’s Ugandan Children’s teams took part. Abercorn Court in Portrush initiative in May raising Hospitals Mission. As well who raised significant funds £425 for the charity. While as raising funds to help A total of £2, 526 was for Cancer Focus through Barbour Court in Enniskillen enhance the lives of children raised - £1,804 for Cancer events at their schemes. threw open its doors to with disabilities in such a Focus, £402 for Cause (a local people by hosting deprived part of the world, local charity for Carers Staff and tenants at a coffee morning for the the tenants had a great of those who suffer with Templer Court in Lurgan Macular Degeneration evening and thoroughly severe mental illness) continue to be really active Society and raising over enjoyed the humour of and £300 raised by De fundraisers. Over the past £500 for the charity’s Brian’s poems and his la Cour House staff for months they have raised an Christmas Fund. Age related expertise in acting them out. their Residents’ Fund. amazing £800 for a number macular degeneration of local charities - £300 is an eye condition that Well done everyone. Everyone who took part is for the YMCA, £200 for causes problems with Keep up the good work! extremely grateful to their Cancer Research NI and suffers’ central vision.

RIGHT: Moatview RIGHT: Clanmil Court ladies who tenants enjoy a helped raise night of humour funds for Cancer at Gloonan Focus House.

ABOVE: LEFT: Tenants RIGHT: Templer Barbour Court’s enjoyed Court tenants fundraising a vintage present a coffee morning tea party at welcome drew a crowd Hezlet Court cheque in support of to Cancer Cancer Focus Research NI.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 15 I wanna tell you a story

n the last edition of the to Margaret who wins a for a wide range of readers Chronicle we launched our £30 voucher for a high Christine Ashfield and should be no more Ishort story competition. street store of her choice. Clanmil Housing than 800 words long. We were delighted to Read Margaret’s war time Association receive fabulous entries recollections below. Northern Whig House from tenants throughout 3 Waring Street Northern Ireland but If you too have a story Belfast BT1 2DX the stand out story was to tell, we’d love to hear submitted by Margaret it. It could be the winning or email it to christine. Wilson from Greenville Court story printed in our next [email protected] independent living scheme edition. To enter send your in Belfast. Congratulations story, fact or fiction, to – Your story should be suitable

MEMORIES OF THE BLITZ by Margaret Wilson, Greenville Court, Belfast

Easter Monday 1941 was the day Hitler’s Luftwaffe decided to pulverise the city of Belfast and indeed they almost succeeded.

here were five of thing. Granny was more into the street and coming transfixed in the hall. My us in our house amenable but said her back with Air Raid Wardens response was to scream T- an attic house corsets had been left - all volunteers - complete at the top of my voice “Oh in East Belfast - my downstairs and it was with stirrup pumps and Andy, your teeth - your grandparents, my mother too cold to navigate the fire blankets. They bravely beautiful teeth - Hitler and my mother’s youngest stairs. Andy had raided advanced to the attic has blown out your teeth”. brother Andy who was a the little meat safe and where an incendiary bomb He wiped what was left mere eleven years older found some cheese which had come through our of his Scout shirt across than me and so regarded he sat munching while roof and landed on Andy’s his mouth and removed by me as a big brother. I reading one of his motor bed, burned through the the soot deposit from his adored him. I was ten. cycling magazines. mattress and bedding teeth and all I could think and now smoldered on of was sheer, blissful relief Granny, Grandpa, Mother We heard the sound of the wooden floorboards. at the sight of his usual and I were all in bed when the anti-aircraft guns beaming white smile. the sirens sounded that and the shouts of people My memories after that night. Andy had been at in the street but I wasn’t are of the silliest mundane At ten, there I was, living in some Boy Scout Jamboree aware of any panic in our things - Granny struggling a danger zone, a big hole and had come in rather house. Then it happened. into her corsets in our in the roof of my house, later than usual, still in his A deafening whooshing living room while the an attic gutted and black, uniform. We had heard sound from the top of the wardens trooped back the place awash with filthy sirens before of course house and everything and forth to the kitchen for water, our parish church at but Mother, always safety seemed to shake. Mother more water and Grandpa the top of the street ablaze conscious, got me up and and Andy ran upstairs taking the time to pack and the sky red with fire, dressed and attempted to and at last persuaded my his pipe for a smoke - as but all I could think of was persuade my grandparents grandparents to get up but if we hadn’t enough of the Andy’s beautiful teeth. to do likewise. No such couldn’t go any further as stuff. However, the most luck. Grandpa, who the stairway leading to the horrific thing I remember This was a wake-up was obstinate as well attic was filled with smoke was my beloved Andy call for my Mother and as very deaf, said Hitler and they could see flames standing on the landing, I was shipped off to wasn’t going to make through the open door. filthy and coughing but rural Fermanagh within him get out of bed and managing a reassuring a week. But that is a anyway, he hadn’t heard a I was aware of Andy running smile at me where I stood story for another day.

16 | Clanmil Chronicle Autumn 2012 As the nights draw in, the moviemoviemovie temptation to pull the curtains and snuggle up on the sofa in front of a good nightsnightsnights movie is hard to resist. ell if you’d rather a night out Northern Whig House than a night in, why not enter 3 Waring Street Wour movie night wordsearch Belfast BT1 2DX competition for a chance to win a The winner will be drawn at family pass for your local cinema. random from all correct entries.

Send your completed puzzle along Congratulations to Averil Dunlop with your name and address to – of Barbour Court who won the Christine Ashfield Brain Teaser competition in the Clanmil Housing Association last edition of the Chronicle. A TEAM F I G H T E R D I A H S K S D C G G K N GREEN HORNET D V Z N D K E H T R T M E Q I R S K K O SOCIAL NETWORK E P J E I P O E A E M I L N E E E R I R AVATAR T O B N A D A T P Q M H D E N M H O N T HALL PASS STEP BROTHERS N A L R X M A B L E A E N O T N A W G E BOOK OF ELI A X T V A V R E N R R H J I W E L T S L HANNA W E H N A O W E R E O A R A D M L E S B THE TOWN BURN AFTER READING D S N B T A C Y L R N G D P M H P N P A HARRY POTTER I A A H L I P L N A E E Y P P C A L E P THOR H D E L L O A E I U U T I L U T S A E P BUTTERFLY EFFECT IN BRUGES U R E B T M T D R C R O F N R A S I C O TRON S G U T A T N T S L V G V A B W Z C H T CENTURION T P E N C I M E S Y C F K N N R B O B S INCEPTION H R G I Q K R E L T S E R W P R U S N N TRUE GRIT CINDERELLA MAN O E B Y A M Y L E T I N I F E D U G R U INDIANA JONES R G B V D A R K K N I G H T Q N F B E P UNSTOPPABLE S S A K C I K Y J A B O O K O F E L I S CYRUS KICK ASS M C Y R U S D C E N T U R I O N P J S J UP J B W H B U T T E R F L Y E F F E C T G DARK KNIGHT U V C W T H E T O W N I N C E P T I O N KINGS SPEECH WALLE DEFINITELY MAYBE PUBLIC ENEMIES WANTED DEPARTED RESCUE DAWN WATCHMEN FIGHTER SALT WRESTLER

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 17 CLANMIL KIDZ Halloween FUN FOR EVERYONE! Howlers

That long summer break from school may already be a dim and distant memory but don’t worry – the Halloween holiday is just around the corner!

n the meantime, you can R Us (you choose) by for Game or Newlook. Don’t forget to include have some spooky fun colouring our haunted Send your completed your name, address and Iby entering our scary Halloween house. entries to – age and let us know which Halloween competitions and Christine Ashfield prize you’d like if you win. winning some super prizes. If you’re aged 9 to 15 Clanmil Housing years, find the Halloween Association Winners will be drawn If you’re 8 years or under, words hidden in our Northern Whig House at random from all you can win a £20 voucher wordsearch game on page 3 Waring Street correct entries. for Smyths Toys or Toys 20 to win a £20 voucher Belfast BT1 2DX

Halloween Homes Hand Print Spider Halloween isn’t just about dressing up and scaring your mates, it’s also a chance to let your imagination No spooky house would be complete run wild and turn your Clanmil home into a spooky, without a few big black spiders… haunted party house. The shops are full of fantastic decorations at this time of year but here are a few ideas You can make your own with – for some that you can make yourself. Not only will they • White paper look fantastic but they’re easy and fun to make too. • Black paint • A paint brush or some Don’t forget to get help with using scissors. cotton wool balls • Glue • Scissors • Thread or string FLOATING GHOST Time to get messy – • Lay a sheet of white paper on a flat surface This will help set the marker pen and tape that’s covered in old newspaper. scene either inside or a piece of string to the • Use a paint brush or cotton wool balls to apply black out as it’s waterproof! top of the head so that paint to the palm of your hand and to four fingers (don’t you can hang it up. paint your thumb or your spider will have too many legs!). You’ll need – • Make a hand print on the paper. • A white balloon • Turn the sheet of paper upside down and • Some mainly white make another hand print overlapping the plastic shopping bags palm area (this is the spider’s body). • A black marker pen • Leave your handprints to dry while you cut our some • String eyes and scary teeth from some more white paper. • Scissors • When the paint had dried glue the eyes • Sticky tape and teeth onto the spider’s body. • Cut around your hand print and hang your All you have to do is – up spider using string or thread. • Cut any coloured print out of the shopping bags. e’d love to see the Post your photographs to: The more ragged looking Wresults so why not send Christine Ashfield they are the better. us a photograph of you with Clanmil Housing • Cover the inflated balloon your homemade Halloween Northern Whig House with two or three of the decorations and we’ll print 3 Waring Street white shopping bags and it in the next edition of the Belfast BT1 2DX tie them off with a piece chronicle. There'll be a of string to form a head. £20 Smiths Toys/Toys R Or e-mail them to christine. • Draw a ghostly face Us/Newlook/Game (you [email protected] on the head with the chose) voucher for the best decoration featured. Happy Halloween!!

18 | Clanmil Chronicle Autumn 2012 Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 19 CLANMIL KIDZ FUN FOR EVERYONE! Halloween Howlers Pumpkin Window Decoration Why not make lots of these in old newspaper and with different faces and put paint it orange. them in your window or on • While it dries cut out your front door to welcome some facial features Halloween visitors.Halloween (trianglesWord Sforearch eyes, a mouth with missing You’ll need – teeth) and some L K Z Z R C I EMA A N F B E W YRNM • Paper plates leaves from another • Orange,CDE yellowE J E A O M paperI B H plateR Bor fromO OL E EO andA greenA V paintI P VNU Z UsomeA SwhiteY Opaper.H S QVE T • WhiteC paperJ V Y R S T Q L• UPaintT theG Y faceA CHE I W N • GlueK V P F T H Y L N DpiecesM S yellowP X andJ Y O H OA • ScissorsL D V E E CST U HtheR leavesJ O green.SPB D S LH E Q R A N R E T N• AWhenL O all KCAJthe paint W N L P What youN S doRT is – M DTBBWis dryE FglueN theL faceH O Y M AC Z X A A H P T P L PonW to middleB K SR of theK W UHC • PlaceA theBRO paperF plateR I G HTplateE andN C theC leaveOR toEM ZK upsideV Y downU IWon a flatD R R B TtheU topA toE makeO I yourZ Q M VA surfaceS S that’sN F coveredE ER I E AscaryR Rpumpkin.P M G R G Y EZ E L H X B V N T Q Y A SAO RBTUW T W QCO V R Z XEC B Q BPU M PK I N VBT M A E R C S XUL H D E G M YOF RC I H A W E X B I I LNLS V H CDW HallowHALLOWEENeen Word Search WORDO Z W S H SEARCHO L O G N O Z S S O R O O PM F U P Q R U T X T Z E E R H M G H Q SS N OTE L E K S I GOYQ I E G I M YT L K Z Z R C I EMA A N F B E W YRNM K D L T A E RTF K XEF XEF X M NG CDEE J E A O M I B H R B O OLE EO A A V I P VNU Z U A S Y O H S QVE T BAT HALLOWEEN SCARECROW C J V Y R S T Q L U T G Y A CHE I W N BOO HAUNTED HOUSE SCARY K V P F T H Y L N D M S P X J Y O H OA CACKLE JACK O LANTERN SCREAM L D V E E CST U H R J O SPB D S LH CANDY CORN MONSTERS SHIVER E Q R A N R E T N A L O KCAJW N L P CAULDRON MUMMY SHRIEK N S RTM DTBBW E F N L H O Y M AC COSTUME OCTOBER SKELETON Z X A A H P T P L P W B K SRK W UHC EERIE PHANTOM SPOOKY FRIGHTEN PUMPKIN TREAT A BROF R I G HTE N C C OREMZK GHOST TRICK V Y U IWD R R B T U A E O I Z Q M VA GOBLIN VAMPIRE S S N F E ER I E A R R P M G R G Y EZ GRUESOME WITCH E L H X B V N T Q Y A SAO RBTUW T W QCO V R Z XEC B Q BPU M PK I N VBT M A E R C S XUL H D E G M YOF RC I H A W E X B I I LNLS V H CDW O Z W S H O L O G N O Z S S O R O O PM F U P Q R U T X T Z E E R H M G H Q SS N OTE L E K S I GOYQ I E G I M YT K D L T A E RTF K XEF XEF X M NG

www.Reading-With-Kids.com BAT HALLOWEEN SCARECROW 20BOO | Clanmil Chronicle Winter 2012HAUNTED HOUSE SCARY CACKLE JACK O LANTERN SCREAM CANDY CORN MONSTERS SHIVER CAULDRON MUMMY SHRIEK COSTUME OCTOBER SKELETON EERIE PHANTOM SPOOKY FRIGHTEN PUMPKIN TREAT GHOST TRICK GOBLIN VAMPIRE GRUESOME WITCH

www.Reading-With-Kids.com Fireworks – before they explode, read the code!

Each year a substantial number of people are injured by fireworks. To make sure you’re not one of them –

Clanmil Congratulations Congratulations to Katie, proud mum to the Curzon apartments’ own “royal” baby.

Baby Eva made her entrance to the world • only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 on 22 July, the same day as royal baby • keep fireworks in a closed box George. Weighing in at 7lb 4oz she is Mum • follow the instructions on each firework Katie and big brother Zach’s little princess. • light them at arms length using a taper • stand well back and never go back to a lit firework ABOVE: Baby Eva with proud brother Zach • never put fireworks in your pocket • never throw fireworks • keep pets indoors • light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves • never give a sparkler to a child under 5

If you’re planning a home fireworks display, please warn your neighbours, especially the elderly and those with animals, and remember that you need a licence for outdoor fireworks.

For more information click on http://www.psni.police.uk/firework_safety

Clanmil Chronicle Winter 2012 | 21 Welfare reform update

The Social Security Agency has issued a revised timetable for welfare reforms and benefit changes in Northern Ireland.

he Welfare Reform The introduction of Bill needs to pass When the Welfare new fraud and error Tthrough a number of Reform Bill for powers: Spring 2014 important legislative stages When the Welfare Reform before it can become law. Northern Ireland Bill for Northern Ireland Discussions are continuing becomes law it becomes law it will introduce and the proposed new will introduce new measures for tackling dates for the various fraud and error. There are changes are as follows: new measures various changes planned for for tackling fraud Northern Ireland including The introduction of Universal and error. bringing fraud investigation Credit: Summer 2014 for Tax Credits, Housing become part of the new Universal Credit will be one Benefit and Social Security Universal Credit benefit single benefit for people law in Northern Ireland. Benefits together into a system being introduced aged 18 to 64 years old paid Single Fraud Investigation from Summer 2014. to each household. Some The introduction of Service from 2013. All 16 and 17 year olds will Personal Independence benefits will be looked Sanctions and be able to claim Universal Payment: Spring 2014 at with respect to each hardship: April 2014 Credit depending on their Personal Independence case, allowing for errors If you do not follow the circumstances. It is expected Payment is a new benefit and fraud to be identified. rules of the benefit you are to be introduced to Northern to help people with Should a fraudulent case getting, such as attending Ireland in Summer 2014 disabilities live full, active be identified, there may be an interview or medical and independent lives. increased fraud penalties examination, you could lose The introduction of a This benefit will eventually and loss of benefit instead benefit. If losing benefits Benefit Cap: Spring 2014 replace all DLA claims. of the option of a caution. means you are in severe It is proposed that a benefit need, hardship payments cap will be introduced Changes to Housing Changes to Employment can be made which you will from Spring 2014. This will Benefit: Spring 2014 and Support Allowance: have to pay back. These limit the amount of benefit Housing Benefit payments Spring 2014 new sanctions and hardship people aged 16 to 64 can may change in Spring 2014. Welfare Reforms propose payments may come into get. This means you should When the Welfare Reform to limit the amount of time effect in April 2014. not get more in benefit Bill is made law, these Employment and Support payments than you would changes will affect Housing Allowance (ESA) based on if you were earning an Executive or Housing contributions can be paid If you do not average wage. This already Association tenants from 16 to some people. It's also follow the rules applies in England, Scotland to 61 years old. Pensioners proposed to remove the of the benefit and Wales but is not yet will not be affected. special conditions that allow some young people to get you are getting, contribution-based ESA. such as attending This is not yet law in Northern an interview Ireland but may come into effect in Spring 2014. or medical examination,

Reform of the Social Fund you could lose system: Spring 2014 benefit. When the Welfare Reform Bill for Northern Ireland becomes law, current The proposed changes may payments from the Social affect many of you and we Fund are scheduled are working closely with the to change, potentially DSD, Northern Ireland Civil from Spring 2014. Some Service and Department payments will be part of for Work and Pensions to a new type of support ensure that all necessary service called Discretionary support and information ©Northern Ireland Tourist Board Support, while some will is made available to you.

22 | Clanmil Chronicle Autumn 2012 YOUR RECIPIES Sweet chilli sausage bake

As the weather turns colder, why not try this warming family friendly one pot recipe of sausages basted in sweet chilli sauce and roasted with butternut squash, red onion and cherry tomatoes.

INGREDIENTS coated. Tip them into a large roasting dish. • 8 pork sausages • 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 2. Toss the butternut squash and red • 1 small/medium butternut squash, peeled and onion in with the sausages. chopped into 2cm chunks (use potatoes if preferred) • 2 small red onions, peeled and quartered 3. Nestle the cherry tomatoes around the dish and then • 12 cherry tomatoes drizzle everything with the olive oil. Season with salt • 2 tbsp olive oil and pepper and roast for 30 minutes, or until the • 1 small handful coriander, leaves picked and chopped sausages are golden brown and the vegetables tender.

4. Scatter with chopped coriander and serve in the centre METHOD of the table, with crusty bread to mop up the juices. 1. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the sausages in a bowl with the sweet chilli ENJOY! sauce and shake around until they are fully

Knowing me, knowing you…

He may be relatively new to Clanmil but he’s already making his mark in the Neighbourhoods team. Meet Tom Potter, Senior Housing Officer. Don’t know about you, but we were all really interested to hear about his penchant for onesies and Eskimo rolls! Read on for more fascinating insights into Tom’s world.

Why did you decide to as the organisation looks, and it doesn’t even What is your guiltiest work in Social Housing? grows and evolves. look easy! But I manned pleasure? Can’t explain it really. I was up, held my breath and Not sure if I should admit just really interested in how What was your took the plunge and now to this one. Climbing into housing associations work worst job ever? I’m very proud of myself. my onesy after a hard day’s and in development so I I used to be a waiter in work is probably something I enrolled on the Housing a bar. Sounds OK, but What’s your favourite film? shouldn’t talk about in public Management course at the dealing with the crowds “I Love You Man”. It’s a story but it’s just so comfy!!! University of Ulster and the and the customers who about friendship that sees rest, as they say, is history. sometimes had enjoyed the main characters get into Which super hero one too many became a some bizarre and hilarious power would help you What are your hopes for pain after a while. Housing situations. No matter how do your job better? the future of Clanmil? is much more enjoyable. many times I watch it, it The ability to predict the My hopes for my own always makes me laugh. future would come in future are closely tied into What has been your pretty handy. If I knew my hopes for the future of greatest achievement What keeps you what was going to happen, Clanmil. I’m looking forward to date? awake at night? I’d be able to plan my day to building my career That would have to be My daughter. Need a bit more effectively. with Clanmil and gaining learning to Eskimo roll in a I say more? Then again, maybe it’s more great experience kayak. It’s not as easy as it better not to know!

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2013 | 23 COMING SOON TO LET FAMILY HOMES IN LOWER OLDPARK Contemporary two and three bedroom homes at Manor Court, Mountview Street and Oldpark Road

Finished to an excellent standard Weekly cost ranges from £88.86 with beautiful new modern to £99.99 including rent, rates and kitchens and bathrooms, natural service charge. gas central heating and double glazing. You may be eligible for help with your rent. Close to local amenities, including a play park and community centre. To find out more, contact Within easy walking distance to Clanmil Housing on local shopping and just a short bus 028 90876000 or email ride to Belfast City Centre. [email protected]