Simple Ways to Save Featured Scheme Slemish Court

INDEPENDENT LIVING EDITION, YOUR MAGAZINE, YOUR CLANMIL SPRING 2014 ISSUE 02

SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE FEATURED SCHEME SLEMISH COURT CLANMIL IN BLOOM 2014 Christine Ashfield, Marketing and Communications Officer Welcome to the Spring edition of the Independent Living Clanmil Chronicle Following the publication We’re focusing on money photographs for this edition. of the last edition where we issues in this edition so check We’re always delighted to trialled two separate versions out our advice on pages 8 hear from you and we will – one for independent living and 22 for tips on how to be sure to use as much of and one for neighbourhoods get your finances in order your content as possible, – we asked for feedback and read an introduction provided it’s appropriate via the tenant fora on to Eddie Smith our new for a family audience and this new approach. The Money Advisor on page 35. that the photographs are of consensus was that you high enough quality to be wanted to continue with There are lots of prizes up for reproduced in the magazine. two versions so that’s what grabs in our Spring themed we’re planning to do. competitions including Please send anything vouchers for your favourite you’d like included to – I hope you enjoy this high street stores. Have a update on what’s going on look at pages 31 and 32 Christine Ashfield at Clanmil and particularly for your chance to win. Clanmil Housing Association at our independent living, Northern Whig House supported and housing Thanks to everyone who 3 Waring Street with care schemes. contributed articles or Belfast BT1 2DX

The health 20 Hub A Life Less 15 Ordinary

CONTENTS Clanmil secures £120m 4 Welcoming a new group member 7 Clanmil in Bloom 8 The Big Lunch is back 10 Condensation or Damp? 12 Clanmil in the Community 14 Tenancy fraud 17 Featured Scheme 18 11 Five simple ways to save money 22 Clanmil Clean sweep for Caffrey Hill 24 appoints From Ireland to Africa 27 new Chair 18 It's a Digital Age 28 Around the Schemes 30 Clanmil Kidz Clanmil Kidz 32 competitions Money Matters 35 Boost for first time buyers

Clanmil has launched a new initiative to move first time buyers onto the property ladder.

he Homeowner scheme and was launched by Clanmil now and refurbishment work is a part-ownership, at Mountview Drive in Lisburn, is scheduled to be completed Tpart-rental deal to where the first 20 properties by Spring 2015. For further help people who can’t afford are available for as little as details please contact to purchase outright buy £360 per month including McClelland Salter estate up to a 90 per cent share mortgage payment and rent. agents on 028 9267 4121. in a property and pay rent on the remaining share. The homes at Mountview Clanmil plans to release Drive are refurbished around 100 new and It is the first shared ownership former Ministry of Defence refurbished homes across scheme to be introduced as properties and a show Northern Ireland over a result of the Department for house will open in May for the next three years for Social Development’s new prospective buyers. The purchase through their new Affordable Home Loans Fund homes are available to buy Homeowner scheme. Clanmil kids know the drill o mark National plans to invest £21 million Maintenance Week in maintaining its properties Tin November young to ensure they continue to Clanmil tenants William provide great homes for Skimin and Emily McKenna families and older people. got busy helping to highlight Clanmil currently owns and the importance of looking manages 3,500 homes after our homes. throughout Northern Ireland, a figure that is anticipated to Over the next 5 years Clanmil rise to around 5,000 by 2018.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 3 Clanmil secures £120 million for homes and jobs

In April, Clanmil revealed details of a finance deal that will inject up to £180m into social housing and the wider economy.

he deal, the largest-ever much-needed social homes The investment is expected of its kind in Northern for up to 5,000 people. to generate almost 600 TIreland, secures loans construction jobs over four- of £75m from Danske Bank years and support more than and £45m from Barclays. This funding leaves 400 associated jobs in the Some £100m of this finance Clanmil well placed supply chain. will be invested in building new social homes. to continue to play Steve Amos, Chair of Clanmil a major role in the Housing, said: “This is The funding will help provision of good really good news in a tough Clanmil access up to £80m lending market. Faced with in statutory funding from affordable homes for growing demand for social the Department for Social people in housing and increasing Development and will kick- constraints on statutory start construction of 1,600 housing need. funding, our challenge is to

4 | Autumn 2013 Clanmil Neighbourhood Chronicle find new funding sources a large affordable housing throughout Northern Ireland that will support continued investment programme. and we would be delighted to investment in social housing hear from anyone who knows and make the available public “This funding leaves Clanmil of a development opportunity money go further. well placed to continue that could help us provide to play a major role in the more great homes. “Thanks to strong working provision of good affordable relationships with both homes for people in housing banks and their confidence need.” OPPOSITE PAGE: Pictured are in Clanmil’s financial Jonathan Boggs, Clanmil Housing; management, we have been We are continually seeking Chris Martin, Danske Bank; Nelson able to agree a mix of funding development opportunities McCausland, DSD Minister; Steve Amos, Clanmil Housing Chairman; at very competitive rates and that will help increase the Simon Hamilton, DFP Minister; with a range of tenures to social housing provision Joanna McArdle, Barclays Bank; support the delivery of such in areas of housing need and Cameron Watt, NIFHA.

Planned Maintenance – A New Approach

We’ve changed the way we plan for and carry out major repairs to your home such as replacing windows, kitchens or boilers.

We recognise that every Once we have a full list of who will be happy to help property is made up of all of the parts that need – Tel: 028 9087 6000. many different elements replaced in the coming year that may need replaced at we will employ contractors different times because to complete the work. they become old and wear out. For example, a central This new approach allows heating boiler may need us to plan more effectively replaced when it is 17 years and ensures that we old and your kitchen when it are not wasting money is 20 years old, depending replacing things that on how worn they are. still have a useful life.

We keep a record of each Before any work is carried out of the different parts that on your home, we will contact come together to make up you by phone or by letter your home. When we identify to inform you of the works something that could need that will be carried out. This replaced, such as your will allow you to make any windows, we will organise for necessary preparations. We ABOVE: Clanmil Asset Manager, a Building Surveyor to carry will also keep you informed Andrea Forsythe (right) with out a survey of your home as the works progress. colleagues from other NI housing to confirm if the windows associations who recently attended the National Housing Federation have reached the end of their For more information on Maintenance Forum, ensuring useful life. It is vital that you this new approach, please that we keep up to date with allow us access to your home contact a member of our good practice in the delivery of to carry this assessment out. Asset Management Team maintenance services.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 5 Clanmil appoints new chair In February, the Clanmil Housing Group announced the appointment of Steve Amos as Chair of the organisation.

teve, who has been a services for our tenants and I and the commitment of member of the Clanmil am very much looking forward staff to making a positive SBoard of Management to working with him as Chair impact on our tenants’ since 2011 and who has to drive forward the next lives and I am looking almost 40 years experience phase in our development.” forward to leading such a in the banking and finance dedicated organisation.” sector, will lead Clanmil Over the next three years, through the implementation Clanmil plans to provide a Steve, who lives in Holywood, of an ambitious three year further 2,000 much needed Co. Down, takes over from strategy focusing on growth high quality homes that are Joan Baird who has retired and community development. as economical to live in as after 4 and a half years as possible, as well as delivering Chair of Clanmil. During In announcing Steve’s on a strong commitment to Joan’s tenure Clanmil appointment Clare McCarty, engage with communities in experienced significant Chief Executive of the which we work on initiatives growth, increasing its Clanmil Group, said: that promote access to provision from 2,334 to “With more demand for homes opportunities for employment 3,500 homes, and achieved and increasing constraints and financial inclusion. and maintained the top on statutory funding, a major assurance audit rating from challenge for Clanmil is to find Steve said; the Department for Social new funding sources that will “I am delighted to take on Development in relation support continued investment this new role, leading Clanmil to its performance. in social housing. Steve has through a very exciting brought invaluable experience and challenging period. I Steve runs a consultancy and insight to our Board have been very impressed business advising small and that has helped us continue by Clanmil’s focus on medium sized businesses to deliver great homes and excellent customer service on their banking issues.

6 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 Looking forward to welcoming a new group member We are hoping to welcome Hearth Housing Association into the Clanmil Group before the summer.

Hearth has a long track A recent Hearth record in saving historic restoration buildings all over Northern project at Ireland and turning them Camden Terrace, into beautiful homes for Belfast people on the social housing waiting list. Each property represents a unique part of our heritage and it is great to see local history being safeguarded in this way.

Hearth is also one of the most sustainable housing associations in Northern Ireland in terms of re-using material that is already there Hearth is headed up by very excited about the rather than demolishing Marcus Patton who is an possibilities that working and building new. architect and we are all together will bring.

Tenants and staff at Mullan Australian Healthcare Charity Visits Mews and Sydenham Court East Belfast Dementia Schemes supported housing for people with Dementia recently to see Best Practice in Action welcomed senior managers from Australian healthcare charity, HammondCare who visited the schemes during a fact finding tour of some of Europe’s best examples of dementia care. In 2010 Mullan Mews, which is run by Clanmil in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, shared joint first place with HammondCare in the International Dementia Mrs Jean Kiddell, who lives at Mullan Mews supported housing for Excellence Awards organised people with dementia in East Belfast, provided a warm Northern Irish by the Dementia Services welcome to Marie Alford, Head of Operations at Australian healthcare Development Centre at charity, HammondCare. the University of Stirling.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 7 Clanmil in Bloom 2014

We’re running the Clanmil in Bloom competition again this summer so it’s time to start working on your winning garden.

Now that Spring is finally here, 1. Best overall independent we’d encourage you all to turn living scheme/housing with your attention outside and care home will receive make the most of the green £150 worth of spring/ spaces around your home. summer flowering bulbs (supplied and planted). If you’d like to enter, simply fill in the entry form opposite 2. Best overall family and return to John Magee development or single 5. Most Improved at Clanmil Head Office persons’ scheme will receive independent living or to your Scheme Co- £150 worth of spring/ scheme will receive £50 Ordinator by 31 May 2014 summer flowering bulbs for worth of spring/summer to be in with a chance to the common garden area flowering bulbs for the win one of these prizes! (supplied and planted). common garden area (supplied and planted). 3. Best kept individual garden in a general housing scheme 6. Most Improved family will receive a £50 cash prize. development or single persons’ scheme will 4. Best kept individual receive £50 worth of spring/ garden in an independent summer flowering bulbs for living scheme will receive the common garden area a £50 cash prize. (supplied and planted).

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8 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 ENTRY FORM CLANMIL IN BLOOM 2014

Please enter me in the following category: (tick as appropriate):

Best overall independent living scheme housing with care home Best overall family development or single persons' scheme Best kept individual garden in a family development or single persons’ scheme Best kept individual garden in an independent living scheme/housing with care home Most improved independent living scheme Most improved family development or single persons’ scheme

PLEASE FORWARD COMPLETED FORM TO JOHN MAGEE AT CLANMIL HOUSING, 3 WARING STREET, BELFAST, BT1 2DX

CLOSING DATE 31 MAY 2014

Name: Address: Post Code: Telephone Number:

I would like my garden to be judged in June July Either

FOR CLANMIL USE ONLY- please forward to John Magee Date received: Received by: Ref:

over £120 million in debt. where you can send an Tel: 0800 917 4607 Debt Action NI is funded by appointment request, email Department of Enterprise, an adviser, chat to a virtual Email: [email protected] Trade & Investment and adviser or use the online supported by Payplan. budgeting tool. The website Text: ‘Action’ to 81025 Debt Action NI has a number also provides a list of the of access options. You can contact details and location Web: www.debtaction-ni. call the Freephone helpline of advisers in your local area. net or alternatively 0800 917 4607 to speak Or text the word ‘Action’ to you can browse to our directly to an adviser between 81025 and an adviser will website and complete a 8am and 9pm Monday – call you back. Advisers offer self-help request form. Friday and 9am -3pm on a face to face appointments Saturday. You can browse and home visits to those at www.debtaction-ni.net, who are most vulnerable.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 9 The Big Lunch is back - Sunday 1 June 2014

The Big Lunch, the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours, is back for 2014! Lots of communities will be taking part in Northern Ireland again, on or around Sunday June 1 – save the date! Neighbours will be holding street parties and community hall gatherings across the UK, sharing a day of food and friendship.

he Big Lunch provides made possible by The Big that their friends and family the perfect recipe to Lottery Fund and it’s easy give it a go this year! Thave fun with your to take part! Get started by neighbours, feed community visiting www.thebiglunch.com So, why not bring The Big spirit and build stronger to request a FREE pack or Lunch to your neighbourhood neighbourhoods. It’s a simple call 0845 850 8181 to speak in 2014. For more info, contact idea from the Eden Project to one of the team. The pack NI rep Grainne McCloskey contains a step-by-step guide, on grainne.mccloskey@ invitations, posters, stickers thebiglunch.com or on and hints and tips to help get 07703189048. your neighbours involved. Appetite is growing for The Big Lunch in Northern Ireland, with just under 100,000 people taking part in 2013. Out of those that did take part, 91% also recommend

10 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 Your Forum Update Your Tenant Forum last met in December 2013. Key issues discussed at the meeting included –

The Terms of Reference that two versions, with more resulting from Welfare for the Forum targeted content was much Reform and dealing with The guidelines on the preferred and this will be our the procurement process. role of the Forum and its approach from now on. members were outlined. Financial Inclusion Scheme Redecoration The meeting provided an The Treasure House Project Andrea Forsythe, Planned opportunity for Forum Over 30 groups have taken Maintenance Manager, members to meet Clanmil’s part in project sessions updated on the schedule new Money Advisor, Eddie to date and feedback for the redecoration of Smith. Eddie’s position is a is excellent. NMNI staff exterior and communal brand new post for Clanmil have produced planners areas at those schemes and, working within the for the first six months that are due for repainting. Housing Management Team, of 2014 which have now Maintenance Officer, Gareth Eddie will provide help and been issued to tenants. White is overseeing this advice to tenants on income Senior Housing Officer, work and will be in touch maximisation, attendance Brendan Morrissey would with schemes where work is allowances, insurance like feedback, comments scheduled. Gareth will also products, energy costs and and suggestions about the be visiting the schemes other financial services. project. Contact Brendan at and overseeing the work. 028 9087 6000 or Brendan. Join Us! [email protected] The Future The Tenant Forum provides Clanmil Group Chief an opportunity to share The Clanmil Chronicle Executive, Clare McCarty your thoughts and ideas on Feedback was sought from updated forum members how we do things. Please Forum members about on Clanmil’s new strategic join us for a meeting and the trial split edition of plan. Themes for the future find out more about what the magazine where we include finding a balance we do. Travel expenses produced one version for between providing new and lunch will be provided. Independent Living tenants homes and meeting the Contact your Scheme Co- and one for Neighbourhoods needs of existing tenants, ordinator of Housing Officer tenants. Consensus was managing benefit changes if you would like to attend.

Clanmil Congratulations A great big Clanmil happy birthday to Mrs Shearer who recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her friends at Moatview Court in Ballymena.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 11 Condensation or Damp?

The most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings is condensation. Condensation is tiny droplets of water that form when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold air or cold surfaces.

ondensation and There are basically are very uncommon and the problems it two types of damp: therefore most damp Ccauses are often issues in a property are mistaken for damp. Damp Penetrating Damp due to condensation. usually leaves a tidemark which occurs if water is and, depending on the coming in through the CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES cause, would need remedial walls or roof, for example, treatment to eliminate it. under a loose roof tile. How is condensation caused? Many everyday activities The information below Rising Damp which occurs within our homes release will help you identify the if there is a problem with the moisture into the air, differences between damp damp proof course. The damp including cooking, washing and condensation. It will proof course is a barrier built and drying. Even breathing also help you prevent into floors and walls to stop adds moisture to the air. condensation before it moisture rising through the One person asleep adds becomes a problem and house from the ground. The half a pint of water to the air treat areas already affected. usual sign of rising damp overnight and twice the rate is a ‘tide mark’ on the walls when active during the day. What is the Difference that shows how high it has Between Damp and risen and sometimes an During warm weather Condensation? accompanying musty smell. condensation is rarely Damp occurs when a fault in a problem as warm air the building’s basic structure Both penetrating and can absorb lots of water lets in water from outside. rising damp problems vapour. However during the colder months of the year condensation can be a problem.

Examples of how we can create moisture in our homes. Two people at home produce 3 pints A bath or shower 2 pints Drying clothes indoors 9 pints Cooking and use of kettle 6 pints Washing dishes 2 pints Total moisture added 26 pints

12 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 Consequences of high furnishings like curtains or How to spot condensation build-up of moisture beds. Problems can also Condensation is most If this moisture is not removed occur inside cupboards noticeable on non-absorbent by extractor fans, cooker with poor air circulation, surfaces e.g. windows and hoods or by opening windows such as built in wardrobes tiles. However it can form on it will spread throughout and kitchen cupboards. any surface and it may not the home and form be noticeable until mould condensation on the coldest If condensation occurs growth, peeling of wallpaper surfaces and in particular over a period of time and or paint or damage to in cold rooms where there is not mopped up properly clothing occurs. This is also is no air movement. it can lead to mould, commonly accompanied particularly mildew, which by a strong musty smell. will appear as black spots. If condensation Preventing Condensation occurs over a period • Dry your windows and of time and is not What causes window cills every morning, as well as surfaces in mopped up properly condensation? There are 4 main factors the kitchen or bathroom it can lead to mould, that cause condensation: that have become wet. particularly mildew, 1 Too much moisture • Always cook with which will appear as being produced pan lids on. black spots. 2. Not enough ventilation 3. Cold surfaces • Use extractor fans and Condensation is most 4. The temperature open windows in the common on cold north facing of your home bathroom and kitchen whilst walls, in the corners of rooms washing and cooking. and in particular behind

Attention all community groups and voluntary organisations!

There’s still time to apply priorities aimed at building to enable projects and for a small grant under the a united, shared and organisations to cover Central Good Relations reconciled community small, one-off purchases. Fund Programme 2014/15. as identified in the good relations strategy Together: Further information and The Fund supports projects Building a United Community, application forms are available that contribute to the published on 23 May 2013. online at promotion of good relations http://www.ofmdfmni.gov. and to building a united Small grants are available uk/central-good-relations- and shared community, of between £100 and funding-programme and associated Ministerial £500 and are intended or call 028 9052 2542.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 13 Clanmil in the Community Clanmil tenants and staff have been busy over the past months throwing themselves off tall buildings, swimming for miles and even growing facial hair all to raise money for worthy causes in the communities in which we work.

n October Maureen Ferris In December, tenants and staff for their tenants comfort held a coffee morning and at Allen Court raised £117 for fund which helps fund days Iraffle in her apartment at Antrim’s Riverside School for out and little luxuries. Seymour Court and, with pupils with learning difficulties the help of her neighbours, by selling and buying quiz Well done to everyone. This raised almost £500 for the sheets. And, following a year of was a really amazing effort local Hospice. Meanwhile, fundraising activities, tenants that will mean so much to a coffee morning at Forest and staff at Templet Court people in need throughout Glen independent living independent living scheme in Northern Ireland. scheme in Glenarm raised Lurgan presented cheques £110 for the Coronary Care to the MS Society (£300) and Unit in Antrim Area Hospital. Cancer Focus NI (£200).

At Northern Whig House At Christmas our development three of the guys put away department raised £314 for their razors for the month of the Northern Ireland Hospice November and together raised by selling ballot tickets for a £459 for Prostate Cancer UK. hamper of seasonal goodies Also in November, at Marriott that they had all contributed to. House housing with care scheme in Magherafelt, cook More recently, in March, dare Millie Ferguson and Clanmil’s devil staff at Mullan Mews supported living manager supported housing scheme Sinead Twomey completed a for people with dementia in sponsored swim raising over East Belfast abseiled down the £700 to help with outings Europa Hotel to raise funds for residents and treats over the Christmas period.

ABOVE: Mrs Margaret Houston, along with Forest Glen tenants at the coffee morning held to raise money for the Antrim area Hospital TOP: Look closely to see brave CCU. Mrs Houston helped organise Mullan Mews staff. the event in memory of her mother, ABOVE: The Clanmil Movember ABOVE: Maureen with friends and Nessie Moffett who had lived at men were supported by their neighbours at Seymour Court. Forest Glen. female colleagues. Spot the fakes!

14 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 The Health Hub by Yvonne Carson Yvonne Carson is a Senior Health Promotion Officer for Older People in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

lease note the following first rule of healthy eating is is general advice to ENJOY your food. Eating Paimed at a healthy healthily is all about getting ageing population. It does the balance right. Use the not apply to anyone with Eatwell Plate as a guide. special dietary requirements, frail people or people who Eat well tips are seriously ill. If you are • Have three regular meals, under medical supervision, don’t skip breakfast. check with your GP or • If your appetite is poor, other health professional eat smaller amounts more litres per day). Drink enough regarding the advice. often. Include snacks, to prevent constipation puddings and milky drinks. and dehydration. Instead Eat Well to Keep Well • Base meals on starchy of sugary fizzy drinks Eating a varied balanced diet food - bread, rice, and juices go for water or and being active will help you potatoes, pasta, cereals unsweetened fruit juice. stay fit and healthy so you – and choose wholegrain • Be aware of alcohol can live life to the full and varieties where possible. consumption. Keep within reduce the risks of ill health. • Include some fruit/veg at safe limits: max 2-3 units/ each meal and if possible day women and 3-4 units/ As we get older the need for aim for 5 portions a day. day men. Include 1 to 2 protein, vitamins and minerals • Include milk and dairy foods alcohol free days per week. remains the same but energy each day– a good source Drinking more than this requirements can decline of calcium which helps to can affect your health. with age if you become keep our bones strong. • Keep active and try to keep less active. You may prefer • Eat some meat, fish (include to a healthy weight as being smaller portion sizes but they oily fish), eggs, beans or overweight can increase should remain nutritious. Try an alternative at two meals the risk of developing type to eat a wide variety of foods daily – red meat is an 2 Diabetes, heart disease as no single food provides excellent source of iron. and problems with joints all the nutrients we need. • Try to eat less salt. Too affecting mobility. Keep Where you can, try to eat with much salt can increase a check on your weight. others as cooking for one is blood pressure. Use herbs • Stock up on foods that not much fun. You may also and spices to add flavour have a long shelf life for want to consider sharing • Eat only small amounts of days when you cannot ‘buy one get one free’ offers foods that are high in fat get to the shops e.g. long to reduce your food costs. and sugar including cakes, life milk, milk puddings, A healthy diet doesn’t have biscuits, fatty processed cans of soup, corned beef to be boring or mean that meat and butter. stewed meat, canned or you have to avoid all your • Try to drink at least 6-8 frozen vegetables, soup favourite foods. In fact, the glasses of fluids (about 1.5 mix, tea, and coffee.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 15 At Christmas there’s no place like Home

Christmas is a very busy time at our three Housing with Care homes with the emphasis on ensuring that all of our residents enjoy the festive season.The decorations go up, presents are bought and Christmas dinner is organised just as in any other home. There’s a lot to be done to get ready for Santa and the annual Christmas parties.

But it’s not all hard work! their relatives and friends. This year staff at Giboney House in Belfast really got Residents at De La Cour into the swing of things by House in Belfast voted to coming on duty in Santa have a more relaxed and and elf outfits, much to traditional Christmas and New residents’ amusement. Year. The festivities began with a carol service and then Residents at Marriott House picked up pace with a good in Magherafelt experienced a old fashioned knees up. Victorian Christmas when they visited the museum in Armagh A packed programme as part of the Treasure House of events and activities project. They were enthralled throughout the year is an by the Victorian kissing important part of the care bow and enjoyed making and support provided to Victorian Christmas cards for residents at the three homes. Bloominng Wonderful Gloonan House Following much success in recent years the village of Ahoghill, home to Gloonan House independent living scheme, once again entered the Britain in Bloom contest in 2013. Having noticed that the gardens at Gloonan House had become quite a showpiece, thanks to green fingered tenants, the villagers Gloonan House tenant Maureen Pearce and scheme co-ordinator invited the scheme to be Yvonne Rock with the Britain in Bloom judges. included in the judging. around the village in a horse named Best in Category. The day of the judging dawned, drawn carriage causing great What an achievement! a beautiful sunny warm excitement for everyone. August day and the gardens, After a long wait the results Work has already started to and indeed the whole village, were announced in October. make sure the gardens at looked their absolute best. Ahoghill achieved gold Gloonan House do Ahoghill The judges were escorted standard once again and was proud again this year.

16 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 Tenancy fraud Most people applying for housing wait their turn to be allocated a home. Housing cheats don’t wait, they jump the queue and that’s not fair. They use up valuable housing which deprives those in greater need. They are guilty of housing fraud.

What is housing fraud? person we let it to is entitled • You may know that There are different types to the property. We carry out the property is not of housing fraud. Here are home visits with new tenants being lived in at all. some of the most common: and we also carry out home visits to all tenants on a rolling If you suspect any of these, • Unlawful subletting programme. At these home please let us know. It could Clanmil tenants are allowed visits we will ensure that the make a real difference to take in a lodger and to people living at the property and give someone in real sub-let a part of their home, are the lawful tenants. housing need a home. as long as they have our written permission. However, What can you do to help? Contact us on 02890876000 tenants are not allowed to Your help in reporting housing and ask to speak to a sub-let their whole home to fraud is important. You are Housing Officer or email someone else. If a tenant able to see what’s going on us at housing@clanmil. sublets their home they in your neighbourhood: org.uk You can also raise may charge the person this concern with your they have let it to a higher • You might know that a Neighbourhood Warden. rent and make a profit. This tenant is living elsewhere is unlawful and is not fair. and not using their home. Anything you tell us will be in the strictest confidence. • Obtaining housing • You may know that Reports can also be by deception somebody has another made anonymously. When someone gets a home that we don’t Clanmil home by giving know about. What next? false information in their When you report your application, for example by • You may suspect someone concerns to us we will not telling Clanmil they are of housing fraud having investigate them confidentially living in another home. seen them collect rent and take the necessary from your neighbours. action. If someone is What is Clanmil doing found to have committed about housing fraud? • You may be suspicious housing fraud that person When we allocate housing, because the tenants of a could lose their tenancy. we try to make sure that the property keep changing.

Clanmil has arrived in the wonderful world of Twitter, talking about all things housing. To keep up to date with what’s Tweet, happening at Clanmil on a day to day basis follow us @ClanmilHousing As well as tweets about what we’re up to, Tweet! we’ll be tweeting about issues affecting housing and tenants in Northern Ireland.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 17 FEATURED SCHEME Slemish Court In the first of a series of profiles on life around our schemes, Slemish Court independent living scheme in Ballymena is this month’s “Featured Scheme”.

From now on each edition ship is as good as its captain. of the Independent Living We have been privileged and version of the Clanmil blessed to have Siobhan as Chronicle will feature a our captain,” says Martha glimpse of what goes on Dennison, who has lived at at one of our schemes, Slemish Court since 1995. the events, the characters and the community. Coming to Slemish Court as a twenty-one year old newly- Slemish Court wed, Siobhan has worked Slemish Court provides tirelessly over the past fifteen 36 apartments in a quiet Siobhan Graham has been years to make Slemish Court residential area of Ballymena scheme co-ordinator at a great place to live. With town centre. The Scheme Slemish Court for the past the support of her tenants, first welcomed tenants fifteen years and is very much Siobhan has become one of in 1995 and was officially at the heart of Slemish Court. Clanmil’s most experienced opened by HRH Prince scheme co-ordinators. Her Andrew on 15th June 1996. “There is an old saying; your commitment is recognised

18 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 “After retirement I was in need of a new home and was pleased to find Slemish Court. It’s what I would call a haven of rest, a first class hotel. Each day I thank the Lord for giving me such a wonderful place to live out my days”. Miss Martha Dennison.

“I have loved Slemish “If you need anything fixed Court since I first just ask Siobhan. She can arrived here eight fix door bells, showers, months ago. I was door handles and lights.” very lonely prior to Keeping residents active and coming here; this involved in their community place has brightened is a priority at Slemish Court. up my life”. An extensive programme of events throughout the Nan Scullion. year includes something at the Ulster Museum. for all tastes, including coffee mornings, lunch That Slemish Court is a club and barbeques along peaceful and enjoyable place with activities designed to to live with a real sense of promote active ageing and community is a credit to health and well-being. scheme staff and residents alike. For Siobhan, who has Many of the tenants living lived on site at for the past at Slemish are taking part in fifteen years, Slemish Court the Treasure House Project is ‘home’ and the residents enjoying joint outings with her extended family. residents from other Clanmil schemes and the opportunity Siobhan says, “You are never to meet new people and share alone here, there is always experiences. Some of the someone there when you activities that tenants have need them and I suppose enjoyed so far are soda bread you get used to that. I can’t making classes at the Ulster imagine living anywhere else.” by all, and her DIY skills in Folk and Transport Museum particular acknowledged by ABOVE: From Valentine’s Day to in Cultra and a workshop BBQ time - every occasion is a good resident William McKnight: on the costume collection excuse for a party at Slemish Court.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 19 A Life Less Ordinary

Mrs Maura Soucie, a tenant at Cedar Court independent living scheme in Whiteabbey, shares her story and tells of how a Canadian adventure led to time living with Eskimos in the North West Territories.

One of a family of seven told them that I’d made children, I was born in my mind up to stay. 1923 in a little cottage in Jordanstown, Co Antrim. Not long after that I met a French Canadian man I had a very happy childhood called Lionel Soucie. He and when my family moved worked for the French to a bigger house in Government, managing Whiteabbey I loved helping construction projects. my father who was in the Romance blossomed and in Horse Artillery look after our time we married and had two horses Jinny, Kate and Dolly. children, Brian and Francis.

I went to Carrick Model After a few years my husband School and after that I worked was sent to work in the as a machinist in Ewarts. North West Territories and My children helped me work During the war we made the whole family had to with the native children and uniforms and I found that I pack up and go with him. we taught them songs and had a particular skill for button how to dance. My daughter holes that helped me rise We were there for six years even regularly broadcast a to the rank of supervisor. in all and it was a time that radio programme to children I will never forget. While living in outlying areas. In 1949, when I was 26, a my husband worked on the girl who I worked with in the construction site it was my We learned things from our factory told me that she was job to get involved with the new friends too. One family going to Canada to visit her community and the native regularly took my son on their Aunt. She asked me to go Eskimo people who lived fishing expeditions and taught with her and I jumped at the there. Although initially him all there was to know chance for such an adventure. communication was a about Alaskan fishing. He problem, gradually we were loved life in the wilds and after Off we set by boat from accepted into the community college he married a local Belfast to Montreal - and I was able to share some girl and still lives there now. seven days at sea. I was of our way of life with them. very glad to see dry land Life in the North West when we got there! I worked with the ladies Territories was very different and showed them things from the life I had known I loved Montreal and quickly like how my family came in Northern Ireland, and got a job sewing and even together every evening to although I moved back modelling sportswear. share a meal around the home in the early 70’s I will table and how I set the table always fondly remember my I wrote to my parents and in preparation for that. time living with Eskimos.

20 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 Your rent The rent we charge for our homes is revised in April each year. For tenancies that started before September 1992 the rent is set by the Department for Social Development. For all other tenancies the rent is set by Clanmil’s Board and is based on Clanmil’s rent points scheme. Rent points are awarded to reflect the size, type of property and facilities provided.

Weekly rent is calculated by We compare our rents to Here’s how we plan to spend applying a multiplier to the those of similar housing each £1 of rent received in total rent points applicable associations in Northern the 2014/15 financial year: to each property. The value Ireland. At March of the multiplier is assessed 2013 the average 1p annually by the Board having Clanmil rent was considered anticipated £67.38 per week 5p budgeted expenditure for compared to the 11p the next financial year along average rent charged 30p with planned longer term by NI’s six largest maintenance obligations. housing associations In particular, we need to of £67.75. We feel 25p ensure that Clanmil collects therefore that our enough rent each year to allow rents are affordable 28p for the repayment of loans given our aim to and interest charges to Banks, deliver excellent and to allow us to continue services that really maintaining our homes to a make a difference Annual maintenance Major repairs Cyclical redecoration high standard into the future. to our tenants. Loan interest Housing management Other costs

Story Time We’ve been calling for all would-be authors to put pen to paper and tell us a story that we can share with all of our readers.

Thank you to everyone Templer Court on Page 27. Christine Ashfield who’s contributed so We’re sending Marie a £30 Clanmil Housing Association far. We’ve really enjoyed voucher for a high street store Northern Whig House reading your tales. of her choice to say thank you. 3 Waring Street Belfast BT1 2DX In this edition we have an If you too have a story Or email it to christine. inspirational story from Marie to tell, we’d love to hear [email protected] McCarroll who lives at Templer it. It could be the winning Court in Lurgan. Read Marie’s story printed in the next Your story should be suitable journey from England to edition. To enter send your for a wide range of readers South Africa and finally to story, fact or fiction, to – and should be no more than 800 words long.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 21 Five simple ways to save money There are always conflicting demands on our finances and financial pressure can impact on your physical and mental well being.

Here are five easy ways to extra cash to pay bills or It can't be emphasised lower your stress by making to save for a future need. enough - a positive a few simple changes. Clothes and small items are attitude about perfect for a car boot sale. budgeting is essential 1. Sell unnecessary items Large items or items with to your success. Have a good clear out. significant value can be Selling your unwanted sold on Gumtree or eBay. terms (such as a financial diet, stuff is an easy way to get financial handcuffs, restrictive, 2 Create a Budget penny-pinching, a sacrifice, First of all, sit down and etc.), you are sure to fail. Budgeting is a simple draw up a list of all your way to learn how you outgoings and earnings, A positive attitude means spend your money and so that you know exactly you think of a budget as a how your finances look. to avoid impulse buying. means to an end - a way to With a clear spending achieve your dreams and It’s a good idea to gather goals - and that postponing plan and a little self- together any paperwork discipline, you can the instant gratification of you have, including bank spending all the money you avoid the debt trap of statements, credit card earn is worth the rewards. spending more than you bills and utility bills, to earn and relying help you do this. 3 Are you claiming all the on credit. benefits you are entitled to? Budgeting is a simple way Did you know that the British to learn how you spend public is entitled to more than your money and to avoid £7billion in tax credits that are impulse buying. With a clear currently unclaimed? Working spending plan and a little self- tax, child tax and pension discipline, you can avoid the tax credits are currently the debt trap of spending more most under claimed benefits. than you earn and relying on credit. If you're really The most important thing determined, a budget will is to check your benefit help you save for a rainy day. entitlement every time your circumstances change – It can't be emphasised from losing a job, becoming enough - a positive attitude injured, having a baby or about budgeting is essential retiring – as these alterations to your success. If you think in your life could mean you’re of budgeting in negative entitled to more money.

22 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 The government provides this reclaim/uniform-tax-rebate corner shop. Instead, plan support money for a reason, your food shopping and go and it’s up to you to make 4 Check for a cheaper to the supermarket just once sure you are being paid the fuel provider a week. Also, don’t forget to full amount you’re entitled to Gas and electricity prices use the food in the freezer – for a better quality of life. are getting more expensive too many people forget what year by year, but prices still they’ve actually got in there. For example, do you wear vary quite a bit between a uniform at work and don’t different providers. Northern If you’re struggling to pay get help with laundry costs? Ireland currently has four your rent, credit card bills You may be eligible to reclaim electricity suppliers and or loans, or if you need a the taxable allowances. The two gas suppliers. Shop benefit check please contact money saving expert website around to get the best deal. our Money Advisor Eddie tells you how http://www. 5 Be a smart food shopper Smith on 028 9087 6000. moneysavingexpert.com/ Don’t impulse buy at the The Clanmil Chronicle - bringing tenants together

When David Dalzell who lives in Clanmils’ Hughes Court independent living scheme read an interview with Jim Lennon from The Savoy in the Clanmil Chronicle he knew immediately he had to get in touch.

He wanted to share with Jim the story about his own father who had served in the British expeditionary force with the 8th Belfast Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery.

Although David’s father is now deceased he recognised the kindred spirit of his own father in Jim.

He immediately put pen to paper to relate his father’s experiences to a man he knew would understand. with Jim. Both men were poignant to meet someone delighted to meet as there who could relate to his Once initial contact had been were so many stories to tell. father’s experiences in a way made, David travelled to the only a comrade in arms with Savoy in Bangor to have lunch For David it was especially similar experiences could.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 23 Clean sweep for Caffrey Hill In recent months Clanmil’s Caffrey Hill family housing scheme in Belfast which provides homes for 165 families has been recognised in a number of prestigious awards.

n October, Caffrey Hill took Clanmil worked with first place in the medium Playboard and Groundwork NI Isized housing area category in designing the community in the SuperValu Best Kept space at Caffrey Hill and Town, Village and Housing the views of pupils from Area Awards which showcase nearby schools and of local the great work carried out residents and community across Northern Ireland to groups were incorporated brighten up our communities. into the final design.

In December, Clanmil was Clare McCarty, Clanmil’s highly commended in the Chief Executive, is Child Friendly Spaces delighted that Caffrey Hill category of the inaugural has been acknowledged Healthy Belfast Awards for the in this way. She said; green space and play facilities that have been provided “We are very proud of what as part of the Caffrey Hill has been achieved at Caffrey scheme. The commendation Hill and would like to thank “We are very grateful to recognised Clanmil’s our tenants for making this Playboard and Groundwork commitment to ensuring scheme such a success. NI for their help and guidance that, as well as meeting Providing good homes and in creating a vibrant, much housing need, our homes and a great place to live is about used, flexible space that services also help develop so much more than just has quickly become the and sustain communities. bricks and mortar. Shared hub of the developing spaces like the central green community at Caffrey Hill. and playpark at Caffrey Hill help to promote a sense “In addition, by taking an of community and to active interest in their own create settled, harmonious gardens, as well as taking neighbourhoods where pride in keeping the play people are proud to live park tidy, our tenants at and raise their families. Caffrey Hill, young and old,

24 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 play an important role in who worked with us to Awards for the Caffrey Hill making sure their scheme deliver this development, development. This award looks as good as it does. and who continue to is in recognition of the support us in promoting high build quality of the “Caffrey Hill is a brand a good neighbourhood homes at the scheme. new housing scheme and at the scheme.” these awards are welcome ABOVE: Clare McCarty, Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing and Housing Officer Roisin recognition of how hard In addition, T&A Kernoghan Donaldson joined Caffrey Hill tenants at their Clanmil staff and everyone and Collen Construction, Halloween party to celebrate the Supervalu Best Kept award. Pictured with Clare and living at Caffrey Hill is working Clanmil’s contractors at Roisin are tenants Rosaleen Hynds and Paige to make it a great place to live. Caffrey Hill, recently won McCann, who dressed as a cat for the party. the social housing category LEFT: Clanmil Board Member Joy Scott, Housing Manager Heather Morrice and “We are also very grateful of the Construction Housing Officer Roisin Donaldson received the to local community and Employers Federation annual Healthy Cities award from Patricia Lewsley- Mooney, Northern Ireland’s Commissioner political representatives Construction Excellence for Children and Young People.

CLANMIL CELEBRATES International Men’s Day In November, men living at some of Clanmil Housing’s independent living schemes throughout Northern Ireland took part in a range of activities to celebrate International Men’s Day.

t Templer Court in Lurgan, the menfolk Aenjoyed some healthy competition and an afternoon’s craic with a pool tournament, while a relaxing afternoon of de-stressing aromatherapy and reflexology was the order of the day for Church Mews, Dungannon and Ardnaskea Court, Coalisland tenants.

International Men’s Day is an annual event that celebrates men’s contribution to society and focuses on Men’s Day provided an ideal can continue to enjoy active issues such as male health. opportunity to focus on how lives and stay independent Men may not always want staying active and involved as they grow older. Activities to participate in social helps improve wellbeing. like this help remind our male events as they grow older, Colette Moore, Clanmil’s tenants of the importance which means that they Director of Housing, said; of keeping body and mind can sometimes become “At Clanmil we encourage and healthy and active and also isolated and experience support our tenants to look bring them together to enjoy loneliness. International after their health so that they each other’s company.”

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 25 A Clanmil Christmas The festive season saw lots going on at Clanmil independent living schemes throughout Northern Ireland.

Who were the masked strangers at the Bessie Bell Court Christmas Dinner Dance in Newtownstewart?

It was a packed house for Shiobhan’s Tenants at Church Mews and Ardnaskea famous Christmas lunch at Slemish Court independent living schemes in Court. Dungannon and Coalisland who received Christmas hampers thanks to the generosity of the Vineyard Church.

Ladies from Forest Glen independent living scheme in Glenarm enjoyed Christmas Dinner as part of the Peace Giboney Court tenants in Cookstown Tenants from Harmony Court, Greenville III Glenlough community project. helped wrap selection boxes for the Court, Culling Tree Fold, Men's Shed groups Womans Aid Children’s Christmas and Ballysillian Men’s Group, all in Belfast, Party through the Volunteer Now enjoyed a Christmas shopping trip to scheme. Newry followed by Christmas lunch and entertainment at the Canal Court Hotel.

Following an extremely busy run up to Christmas, helping decorate the scheme and making the most of the pre Christmas festivities, Brennen Court tenant Malcolm Wilson still had the energy to play Santa for his neighbours at Marriott House housing Tenants at the Old Mill in Larne enjoyed a with care scheme. Malcolm says that the Carol Service thanks to the Roddensvale happy smiles when Santa arrives makes this Choir. the best bit of Christmas for him! From Ireland to Africa – and then to Templer Court By Marie McCarroll

y name is Marie. home for those who could you thinking of living here?” Following bible not look after themselves. I had a chat with her, forms Mschool in England Some of the folk would say were filled out and here I I worked with children and to me, “Marie, you seem to am today living in Templer young people in both the UK visit all of the homes!” I would Court. Jennifer McKinley and Canada and loved it all. reply, “Yes, because I want is our co-ordinator; she is a After this I moved to Africa to find out the best one for very helpful and kind person. where I spent a total of twenty me when I retire!” I always seven years, including seven felt I would end my days in I am so glad I made the move. in Rhodesia, which is now Africa. However, I returned I love it! I have made lots known as Zimbabwe. During to Ireland and helped the of friends and have great this time the “Bush War” Faith Mission with camps for neighbours. I went down one occurred. I had wonderful children in Scotland. I always morning and put my washing friends, black and white. enjoyed working with children. into the dryer. Later on that day I went to get it, only to I moved from Zimbabwe Just over a year ago I met find that dear Joan had it out to South Africa. Every my friend Renee who lives and neatly folded, ready for place I went to I would visit at Templer Court in Lurgan. me to collect and take to my homes for the elderly and I did know where Templer flat. All my friends who don’t sometimes we would have a Court was but I had never live here are envious of me! little service. In South Africa been inside. Renee invited there is a place called “The me to come and see her Yes, a book is being written Village of Happiness”. When home. All I can say is that about my life from Ireland you pass through a big gate, from the moment I entered to Africa. If you really want dotted all around were lovely the building, I loved the to know more about me, little cottages for residents atmosphere and felt I could you will be able to read it. who are able to care for live there. After visiting my I enjoy life to the full. I just themselves. In the same friend, on the way out a very love Templer Court and grounds there was a nursing friendly lady asked, “Are am very happy here. A Sweet Treat for Mullan Mews As part of Northern Vision’s This giant collaborative arts and architecture project was devised for the project, tenants at Mullan Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) Mews supported housing by sculptor Brendan Jamison. for people living with dementia visited the Ulster Our tenants enjoyed building Museum to participate with, not bricks, but sugar in Sugar Metropolis. lumps and celebrating each individual's creativity.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 27 It’s a Digital Age

The Digital Age Project, funded by the Big Lottery, helps people living in sheltered housing throughout Northern Ireland understand the benefits of technology including improved communication, access to information and services and the pursuit of hobbies and interests that lead to reduced social isolation and improved quality of life.

The project is delivered by media to devise content breakers, conversations partnership by WEA (Workers and layout of a 2014 and working together in Educational Association NI), calendar, personalising intergenerational pairs LGNI (Linking Generations it with favourite images using digital photography NI), NIFHA (N.I. Federation and participants birthdays and internet research to of Housing Associations), with everyone receiving a create content for a ‘Big NIACE (National Institute of calendar. The residents are cook, little cook’ favourite Adult Continuing Education), enjoying continuing going christmas receipe leaflet. and Avec Solutions. to the school for lunches They held their final session on a fortnightly basis. in the youth centre enjoying In the last year six Clanmil pizza and games together. schemes took part in • Slemish Court and intergenerational projects: Waveney Youth Centre, • Somme Park and • Bessie Bell Court and Ballymena enjoyed Lisneal College, Derry/ Newtownstewart Model getting to know each other Londonderry created a Primary School used digital through a series of ice Digital Time Line and DVD

28 | Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 FER LEFT: Learning form the experts at the Imperial LEFT:Bessie Bell Court tenants and friends with year 7 pupils from Newtownstewart Model Primary School BELOW: Deep in concentration at Slemish Court BOTTOM: Somme Park tenants enjoyed weekly computer classes with students from the Lisneal College

with everyone contributing formed between schemes personal stories and and the schools involved, highlights of their lives. They and between the younger enjoyed showcasing this is and older participants, will to the rest of the school continue to develop.

• Brennen Court and As a result of taking part St Marys Grammar residents commented: School, Magherafelt “I have learned from the worked together on a young people to be more reminiscence photo album. confident and adventurous using a PC.” and • Templer Court and Lurgan “I learned that if you show Junior High School young people respect, created personalised they will return it.” confident and likely to ‘bags for life’ using digital interact with young people tools to capture feelings Comments from the young in the community.” about themselves and the people ranged from: “We have realised the benefits group. Every participant “We have lots in common of intergenerational work and created a bag as a practical – we definitely think alike - I would be keen to continue reminder of the project have learned to respect older to develop the links we have and their time together. people and to listen to them.” made with the school.” to “I liked that the older people • Legion Court and St were friendly and listened For more information, Marys Primary School, to what we had to say.” photos and comments Banbridge are planning to please see commence their project www.wea-ni.com Digital Age in the near future. Housing managers Project intergenerational commented: projects and Once the projects have “residents have benefitted http://www.centreforip. been completed it is hoped from social inclusion and org.uk/northern-ireland/ that the links that have respect and are now more digital-age-project

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 29 AROUND THE SCHEMES

Giboney Court tenants bid a fond Community conscious tenants at Bessie Bell farewell to Fred Smyton who retired Court in Newtownstewart are continuing to recently after being the scheme’s work with Volunteer Now, this time making gardener for 11 years. up packages for a local cancer charity.

Tenants at Forest Glen in Glenarm took part in the Peace III Unstitching the Troubles textile art project run by Larne Borough Council.

Billy McKnight and Isobel McGugian from Tenants from Harmony Court and Slemish Court enjoyed their visit to the Greenville Court joined their friends Ulster Folk Museum where they were taking at Henderson Court for a spooky part in a Treasure House workshop with Tenants from Brennen Court in Halloween hoolie. tenants from Moatview Court and Gloonan Magherafelt making soda bread House. during a Treasure House project session at the Ulster American Folk Park.

Greenville Court tenants show off their handy work in creating beautiful Easter baskets for a fundraising raffle to raise money for their comfort fund.

Moatview Court tenants recently took Tenants from Glenshesk Court in part in a 10 week computer training Ballycastle visited the Ulster Folk and course with tutor Healy King. Transport Museum in Cultra along with pupils from Cross and Passion College who are taking part in an intergenerational project at the scheme. Spring Word Scramble

Spring - longer days and warmer weather - is always something to celebrate and a great time to get out and about with the family after the long winter months.

hy not pack up a Sainsbury’s voucher. The winner will be picnic and head Send you’re completed drawn at random from Woff for a leisurely puzzle, along with your all correct entries. walk. Or, if that sounds too name and address to – much like hard work, just Congratulations to Mrs E Giboney Court tenants bid a fond enjoy the first al fresco Christine Ashfield Curran of Skerry Court in farewell to Fred Smyton who retired meal of the season on us! Clanmil Housing Association Ballymena who won the Movie recently after being the scheme’s gardener for 11 years. Northern Whig House Nights competition in the Enter out Spring Word 3 Waring Street last edition of the Chronicle. Scramble competition Belfast for a chance to win a £20 BT1 2DX

QUESTIONS ANSWERS

1. MSOSOBL 1.

2. WRAM 2.

3. RBSID 3.

4. OFDAIDLF 4.

5. WOGR 5.

6. OWESFRL 6.

7. LETM 7.

8. NPTAL 8.

9. HCATH 9.

10. IPNCCI 10.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 31 CLANMIL KIDZ FUN FOR YOUNG VISITORS TO OUR SCHEMES

Spring has sprung and although we know that you’ll be spending more of your free time outside we hope you’ll still find a few minutes to have a go at our Spring themed competitions to win some super prizes.

f you’re 8 years or uunder, game to win a £20 voucher you can win a £20 voucher for Game or Newlook. Congratulations to the Ifor Smyths Toys or Send you completed winners from our last Toys R Us (you choose) by competition entries to – edition Bethany Pollock colouring our Spring scene. Christine Ashfield and Megan McGaughey. If you’re aged 9 to 15 years, Clanmil Housing Association Enjoy your prizes girls! find the Spring words 3 Waring Street hidden in our wordsearch Belfast BT1 2DX Spring WordSPRING Search WORD SEARCH

q w n m s t j g d o b i blossom h v e l d d u p c e l r daffodil m e l t i n g z n r o a green x j m s u s x i j a s i growth y u t h v l h g i i s n melting puddle s p m b o s i d r n o d rainbow g f o b n o e p e b m r raindrops r w w u r c o e s o j o seeds e k s r d e r z d w w p sunshine tulips e w b b g n l t o s c s umbrella n g r o w t h l a q c o t c l i d o f f a d m f blossom daffodil green growth melting32 | Clanmil Chroniclepuddle Autumn 2012 rainbow raindrops seeds sunshine tulips umbrella

Easy Fish Pie A mid week treat that can easily be doubled.

Prep: 5 minutes sitting in the sink and tip the potatoes into a Cook: 35 minutes saucepan. Bring a kettle full of water to the boil Serves 2 and pour enough over the potatoes to cover Ingredients: and slowly pour the rest • 250g bag washed over the spinach to wilt 3. Distribute the fish over leaf spinach it. Bring the potatoes to the spinach and eggs. • 450g small new potatoes the boil and cook for 8-10 Spread over the crème • 2 eggs mins until tender, then fraîche and drizzle with • 300g skinless, boneless drain and roughly mash. the lemon juice. Loosely white fish fillet, cut 2. Leave the spinach to cool, spoon over the potatoes, into large chunks then squeeze out excess drizzle over the olive oil, • 100g half-fat crème fraîche water with your hands. then bake for 20-25 mins • juice ½ lemon Scatter the spinach over until the top is crispy and • 1 tbsp olive oil the bottom of a small golden and the sauce is ovenproof dish leaving bubbling at the sides. Method: two gaps for the eggs. 4. Leave to stand for a few 1. Heat oven to 220C/ Crack the eggs into minutes before serving. fan 200C /gas 7. Tip the the gaps, then season spinach into a colander with salt and pepper. ENJOY!

Harmony Court Engage with Age

n March, Anne Hamilton and interviewed for a video about The video was shown at Cecil Miller from Clanmil’s the many opportunities the seminar and Anne and IHarmony Court independent available to tenants at the Cecil had lots of great things living scheme in North Belfast scheme since becoming to say about how they’ve attended the Engage with Age involved in the Engage benefited and how the seminar in Belfast City Hall. with Age Hope Project activities for men in particular which aims to tackle social have been a big hit with our Anne and Cecil had been isolation for older people. Harmony Court gentlemen.

34 | Clanmil Chronicle Autumn 2012 MONEY MATTERS

Don’t let Debt get the better of you

Take control of your finances now and begin clearing Eddie Smith, Clanmil's new away your financial problems. Money Advisor.

Most importantly - don’t to non-priority creditors like are working, but on a low panic and don’t bury credit cards, store cards etc. income and finding it difficult you head in the sand to manage your finances. If what you have left doesn’t You may have had your Avoid borrowing further to cover what your non-priority benefit stopped because try and pay off existing debt creditors are asking for each you failed to return a form – this is likely to lead to more month, speak to them and and don’t know what to do to problems in the long run. come to an arrangement get the benefit reinstated. about how much you can Eddie Smith is Clanmil’s new Talk to your creditors - afford to pay them. money and benefits adviser. don’t just stop payments He previously worked for without explaining why. Only offer to pay off debts at a Citizens Advice assisting They can sometimes rate you can keep up. It is easy clients to deal with their be more understanding to be panicked into offering debts, make new benefit than you’d expect. more than you can afford. claims and helped them deal with problems relating Sit down and work out how If you need help to do that to existing claims. His work much you owe and how or they won’t listen, make an with Clanmil has already much you need to pay for appointment to see Eddie resulted in lump sum benefit priority debts such as rent, Smith, Clanmil’s Money payments for some tenants gas and electricity bills and Advisor, your local Citizens and increased weekly benefit rates. Don’t fall into the trap Advice Bureau, Debt Action entitlement for others. of paying whoever shouts NI or Stepchange debt loudest first. There are no charity. These services Eddie would be more than Bailiffs in Northern Ireland but are free and they have happy to assist you with any you can me made homeless extensive experience in of these issues. If you would for non payment of rent. dealing with creditors. like help you can contact the office on 028 90876000 or Make sure you pay the priority Clanmil’s New Money e-mail Eddie at eddie.smith@ debts first every month and Advisor Service clanmil.org.uk to request then work out how much you It is possible that there may an appointment to see him. need for food, travel to work be benefits to which you are If you are not able to come and other everyday expenses. entitled but are currently to the office, Eddie may be not claiming. Or you may able to help you over the Once you’ve done that, you feel that your benefits are phone or visit you in your can start to work out what you not correct and would like home. This service is only can afford to pay each month them checked. Perhaps you available to Clanmil tenants.

Clanmil Chronicle Spring 2014 | 35 Knowing me, knowing you… She may be a familiar face if you live in Ballymoney, but many of you will not have had the pleasure of meeting Lillian McCullough, Clanmil’s Scheme Co-ordinator at Cramsie Court independent living scheme in the town. She has years of experience working with older people but when it comes to movies her tastes are strangely childish! Read on to find out more about a lady who’s loved by her tenants and colleagues alike…

Why did you decide to What are your hopes for grandchildren. They may be work in Social Housing? the future of Clanmil? aimed at a younger audience I didn’t really make a I hope that Clanmil continues but I love them too. They just conscious decision to work to thrive and provide the make you feel so happy. in housing. I’ve worked with great accommodation and older people since 1986, first services that make such a What keeps you as a volunteer while I was at difference to people like my awake at night? home with the children and tenants at Cramsie Court. I’m glad to say that I sleep well then as an advice worker with most nights. The odd time Age Concern in Coleraine. What was your there will be something going In fact I’m still volunteering worst job ever? on with the family or work as secretary of a senior We used to keep turkeys that keeps me tossing and citizens’ club in Coleraine and I once had to clean out turning but usually because and have only recently more than 100 birds on I’m sorting it out in my head stopped volunteering for Christmas Eve. I think about rather than worrying about it. the Alzheimer’s Society. it every Christmas and it still makes me feel a little ill! What is your guiltiest Once the children were older pleasure? I spent eight and a half years What has been your greatest I do enjoy the occasional working for Age Concern achievement to date? glass of wine after Aid-Call installing personal I would have to say that my a busy week! alarms all over North Antrim. greatest achievement has There aren’t too many roads been my two sons. They’re Which super hero in the area that I don’t know! all grown up now and have power would help you Then I saw an advert for my kids of their own, but they’ll do your job better? post at Cramsie Court and always be my pride and joy. I’m a great admirer of Wonder thought it looked interesting. Woman. Sometimes I feel Ten years later and the rest, What’s your favourite film? like I am her and other as they say, is history! Now a days I love watching the times I wish I could call Disney/Pixar movies with my on her to help me out.