16 GlenburnNews 2

The Glenburn Centre GlenburnNews gets a Facelift thanks to Making a difference to Our Community Johnstone’s Paints Residents Association would like to thank Easthall and Johnstones Paints for their kind donation of over £1,000 To the Residents of Kildermorie Newsletter worth of paint, a scaffolding tower and the support of 5 staff Easthall and Kildermorie in helping to give The Glenburn Centre a facelift.

EASTHALL Welcome to our PARK Summer newsletter On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March a total of 14 volunteers gave up their time to transform the entire centre. Johnstones Paints based in Distribution Centre, had given their support after volunteer Paul Waddell had informed them of the work that we do in the centre and how badly we needed a makeover. Johnstones Depot Manager Stef Murray then got behind the project and kindly donated the paint alongside co-ordinating the hire of a mobile scaffold unit for the weekend from Speedy Hire.

The centre now looks amazing - a complete transformation - and without the support of Johnstones Paint’s donation, Easthall Park their staff and our volunteers this would not have been Housing wins possible. Johnstones have further extended their support to our community by guaranteeing a 15% discount for any “Housing Excellence resident from Easthall that mentions they were sent there by Small Social the Glenburn Centre. Landlord of the Year 2015” Thanks again to Stef and all the guys at Johnstones, Baillieston branch. In this Issue Staff Changes Community News AGM 2015 Easthall Wins Housing Award GLENBURN CENTRE Repairs and Maintenance updates.. EASTHALL PARK EASTHALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Easthall Residents News EASTHALL PARK HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE LTD EASTHALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Easthall Resisidents win THE GLENBURN CENTRE THE GLENBURN CENTRE Community Champions Award Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.easthallpark.org.uk Glenburn gets a Facelift...

This newsletter is available in any language or format you require. Please contact the office for details. 0141 774 7873 Digitally printed by Europrint Summer 2015

The Glenburn Centre, 6 Glenburnie Place, Easthall, G34 9AN Telephone: 0141 781 2277 EASTHALL PARK HOUSING CO-OP • EASTHALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION 2 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 15

New Modern Apprentice Easthall Residents Association News

Chloe McClure was appointed as our GLENBURN CENTRE new TIGERS Modern Apprentice and started on Monday 27th April. Chloe Easthall Residents Association will be assisting with reception and - Community Champions EASTHALL clerical duties alongside completing an RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION SVQ in Business and Admin. Easthall Residents won the Evening Times ‘Glasgow North East Team Award’ at a packed Barmulloch Community Centre on the 12th March 2015. MORE STAFF CHANGES AT The organisation was up against some tough Easthall Residents Association are extremely competition in the shape of Parkhead Citizens proud to have been nominated for and won EASTHALL PARK Advice Bureau who had generated over £17 this award, it means a great deal for an million for their clients, independent panel to scrutinise what we do Margaret Reilly Retirement Community Council and the Friends of and recognise that our team are As some of you may now be aware, Margaret Glasgow Necropolis. Community Champions. Reilly finished up for retirement on 29th May. Margaret had been with Easthall Park for a number of years, previously in the role of receptionist/PA and most recently as Housing Easthall Residents Association – Assistant and was well known by most tenants. Investors in Young People We would like to take this opportunity to thank Margaret for everything she has done for Easthall Park over the years and wish her a very happy retirement! New Volunteer Margaret’s role was advertised in May and Paula Deborah Mollins has previously worked McCann, Easthall Park’s Receptionist/Clerical in Education and would like to move Assistant was successful in her application for the into the housing sector. She began a The award is fantastic recognition for all the post. Paula will begin in the role of Housing voluntary post in May working on hard work and effort put in by our volunteers Easthall Residents Association are proud to Assistant from June. reception Monday – Friday, and staff to deliver all our services at The have been recommended for The Good 9:30am – 2:30pm. Glenburn Centre. Our services are going from Practice Award by Investors In Young People. strength to strength and the centre is The independent consultant, Robin Sinclair becoming extremely busy. Without the support who carried out the study on Easthall of our volunteers and staff, many of the services Residents Association said “The young people we offer would never be able to operate. at Easthall are fantastic” and the work that is being delivered gave him enough confidence to recommend the award.

Easthall Residents Association became one of only approximately 180 private, public and voluntary organisations to have received this award across the whole of . This displays our dedication in trying to help young people develop within their communities through training and employment initiatives. 14 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 3

Cash For Kids Christmas Appeal Bulk Uplift provides a Each year ERA applies to Cash for Kids and are awarded gift special uplift service for bulk items of vouchers for all children who use the Glenburn Centre that domestic waste. This service is are 15 years or under on 31st December of that year. These provided to all households in Glasgow can also be given to expectant mothers. In the past £25 gift and is free of charge for most items. vouchers have been issued for Tesco and Asda which can However some types of materials are be a great help for families during the festive period. This chargeable, or for health and safety year ERA will apply again and would like to open this up to reasons cannot be uplifted - all residents of Easthall and Kildermorie. If you are pregnant see website or have a child who will be 15 or under on 31st December http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/?arti- this year we would ask that you call the office on 0141 781 cleid=6119. 2277 and ask to speak to either Paula McCann or Chloe Cuthill to provide the relevant details for a voucher this year. Items will be collected on the date advised by one of the call handlers – Bulk Uplift Phone Line NOTICE 0141 287 9700 Closure of Grand Central Savings at Easthall There is also the national re-use With effect from close of business on Tuesday 30th June phone line which supports community 2015, Grand Central Savings will no longer have a presence based re-use organisations across in the Glenburn Centre. Scotland to provide the public with a All customers can continue to access their account at Grand high level of customer service when Central Savings, Cumbrae House, 15 Carlton Court, Glasgow donating household items for re-use. (telephone 0141 418 2290). Please speak to a member of our National Re-use Phone Line staff who will be happy to assist you. 0800 0665 820 Should you wish to simply close your account please inform a member of our staff as soon as possible who will assist you Starts to do so - please remember to make alternative arrangements Our Website for any incoming payments to avoid any disruption Our website www.easthallpark.org.uk or inconvenience. Saturday 6th is updated regularly with important However, please note the Easthall Park Welfare Rights information and news. Some useful June 2015 Service will continue as the Co-operative has decided to fund features on the website are: this from rental income. • access to rent accounts If you want to use this service please contact the office and • access to repair history and arrange a free appointment. reporting repairs • complaints recording Bikes & balance bikes will be provided for • applications for housing Supported by the players of 3-5 year olds. If you have a child aged 5+ that Social Media Also, all of our information leaflets, key would like to attend then please feel free to Not all of our tenants are aware but we also have Twitter policy documents, resident surveys and a Facebook page which we update regularly. This is and management committee minutes bring them along with their bikebike a great way to find out what is going on in Easthall Park in are available to download. between our Newsletters. For further details contact Libby on 0141 781 2277 Follow us on twitter: If you wish to have a look at previous @EasthallPark newsletters they are also available on Like us on Facebook: our website. search ‘Easthall Park 4 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 13

Westerhouse Road and Wardie Road The upkeep of gardens really helps the Paying Rent External Wall Insulation Project appearance of the area, and the enjoyment of One Month in Advance local residents in their homes. Please remember The only new development with this proposed that each tenant must play their part and take We have been recently contacting project is that City Council are close to finalising the responsibility for their garden. Staff from the tenants who are not paying their rent terms of the tender. This will then be distributed to a Co-operative will carry out regular walkabouts of in advance as per their tenancy framework of contractors which are on the Council’s the area and any tenant not maintaining their agreement. Rent is due in advance approved contractors list. garden may have further action taken against every calendar month on or before them for breaching their tenancy agreement, the 28th of each rental period. This If the project does progress as planned it will including having the cost of a grass cut recharged means that you should pay your rent enhance the whole area aesthetically, whilst also to them. charge on or before the 28th of helping the properties achieve better fuel efficiency that month. and hopefully reducing residents’ energy bills. Please ensure to keep your garden tidy and litter free this year and help keep our area tidy! For example - if your rent is £248.36 The project itself will require the support and per month then your rent account co-operation of the majority of owner/occupiers. should be £248.36 in credit on or Garden Competition 2015 Easthall Park does not have an overall majority within We have many lovely gardens that help to brighten the neighbourhood. before the 28th June for July’s rent. the properties which would allow us to give outright Over the coming weeks we will have judges out and about in Easthall & Kildermorie Then when we apply the rent charge permission to the City Council to progress the project to your account, the balance will so we require the majority of owners’ approval. to find the best gardens. At our AGM on 7th September we will be handing out prizes be £0.00. to the winners The Co-operative are still trying to secure the project at zero costs for owners, however this cannot be confirmed at this stage as funding packages for Easthall Park these types of projects vary considerably from Student Bursary Award project to project. Applications are now open for the Easthall Coming soon – a new We are aware that this proposed project has been Park annual bursary awards! These awards way to pay your rent! discussed for some time now, however the delay is are to help local people who are studying outwith our control as the project is being managed in further education. Last year eight local people received a bursary. by Glasgow City Council. We will continue to Your local AXIS Health Hub provide updates as we receive them. in Greater Easterhouse is here to support you to improve your health and wellbeing. Kitchen Replacement Contract 2015/16 and Boiler Replacement 2015/16 • Get Cooking - Healthy Cooking on a budget classes • Get Involved - Health Issues in the Easthall Park will be carrying out kitchen and boiler Community Tasters Sessions, Part 1 renewals at the following phases during the course and Part 2 Accredited Courses We will be introducing • Get Together – working in of 2015/16: CALLPAY over the next few partnership/supporting volunteers Phase 5 - Kitchen (Banton Place) • Summer & Christmas weeks - you will be able to Family Programmes Phase 6 – Kitchens & Boilers (Areas of Ware Road, call the office and pay Edderton Place and Edderton Way) Contact: 0141 212 3982/3985 over the office using your The contract is still to be developed and advertised or [email protected] to potential contractors so that we can achieve the Axis Health Hubs debit card. Applications are available from the office www.axishealthhubs.org.uk best value for money. There is no confirmed start Fast, simple and convenient. and our website. The closing date for date for the projects but we are confident that the applications is Monday 3rd August 2015. projects will commence this financial year. 12 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 5

Leigh Marinelli Garden Maintenance Veranda Alteration Mitie Apprenticeship is our Welfare 5, 7, 9 Glenburnie Place Apprenticeship Opportunity with Mitie As we begin to enter the warmer months 9 Edderton Place Rights Assistant our estate caretakers are beginning to start Mitie are one of the largest employers of What can she the task of cutting grass in the area, and 41, 43, 45 Wardie Road apprentices in the UK with over 1,000 people maintaining some of the common areas. currently in training across the business. All Mitie help you with? Easthall Park housing is planning to carry out apprentices throughout the UK train for formal some alteration works to the verandas on the As stated in your tenancy agreement, the qualifications whilst also learning practical skills She can help you: above properties during the course of this maintenance of individual gardens is each on site, on contracts, or through client placements. • Choose the right benefit to claim financial year. The old style verandas are very tenant’s own responsibility. However if you Most of our apprentices are in the 16-24 age hard to heat in the winter which is why we are • Protect any benefits you are already getting cannot maintain your garden due to your groups, but we also encourage applications from trying to develop a solution with our • Deal with any letters about benefits age and/or ill health, the Co-operative older candidates who can demonstrate an consultants. There is no start date for these • Get the maximum correct entitlement operates a Garden Maintenance Scheme to aptitude for a particular trade or craft. works to be carried out, however all tenants • Fill in any benefit claim forms assist any eligible tenant. • Answer your enquiries about benefits concerned will be informed of any progress in In partnership with Easthall Park Housing due course. • Appeal against benefit decisions To be added to this list you must be over Co-operative, Mitie are looking to employ an • With budgeting 65 years of age and/or have a medical apprentice within the Easterhouse area. We • To access a bank account condition that prevents you from cutting the are looking for someone to join our team with the New Reactive right skills and the right attitude to work - Could • To reduce rent arrears grass and have no one living in your home Maintenance Contractor this be you? • To reduce gas and electricity arrears who can cut the grass. • Negotiate with creditors As you may have been aware, Easthall Park Housing Co-operative concluded a very Investing in apprenticeships with local communities thorough tender process during the last is a great way for Mitie to ensure a pipeline of Starting Work? SQV Health & Social Care financial year for a new reactive maintenance skilled and talented workers who can ensure Want to know if you will be better off? Glasgow Kelvin College have delivered this contractor. Mitie Property Services won the Mitie is as successful in the future as it is today. We can give you easy to understand estimates of how innovative training and educational tender to remain our contractor for a minimum much Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction you opportunity (in partnership with Easthall of 3 years. We are excited by the partnership we Further details of this employment opportunity will receive based on your new income. Park Housing Co-operative) for several have with Mitie, as we believe it will benefit the will be released in due course; however we do We will also advise if you are eligible to claim any other years. We presently have 12 people on community immensely by providing training and anticipate a start date in August 2015. benefits or tax credits. this course working towards their SVQ. employment opportunities within the local area. We plan to deliver a further SVQ course in New Gas Servicing Make an appointment with Leigh: September with students receiving a paid and Reactive Contractor Call 0141 781 2277 Training Allowance. If you are interested in finding out information or how to apply, Easthall Park Housing have recently appointed Appointments available: Monday to Thursday please get in contact with the college Gas Sure as our new gas maintenance Drop in from 10am-2pm on Fridays or ourselves! contractor. They will carry out all the co-operative’s gas servicing and gas Work Out Your Own Benefit Entitlement maintenance works over the next 3 years. If you have access to the internet, there are tools The contract was awarded to online which can help you work out your benefit Gas Sure as they had entitlement: http://www.entitledto.co.uk/ gives an demonstrated the best value approximate indication of benefits you could possibly for money for the be entitled to. co-operative and our tenants. If you have a gas https://glasgow.teamnetsol.com/index.jsp shows central heating emergency calculations for Housing Benefit and Council Tax outwith normal office hours Reduction and you can also claim directly from this link. please contact Gas Sure: 6 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 11

We would love to hear from you as to what Universal Credit - Coming to you think makes up value for money and Glasgow Soon Home Contents Insurance what services you believe are the most Universal Credit will start being rolled out in all Job Recently one of the co-operative’s properties was damaged by fire. important. If you have any views on this please contact John at the office. Centres in Glasgow on 8th June 2015. This property is now in the process of being restored to its former state through the co-operative’s insurance company. However our Universal Credit will replace Income Support, insurance policy only covers the building fabric, fixtures and fittings Easthall Park - Your Co-op, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, and does not cover any personal belongings of the tenants. This Your Area and Your Services: income-related Employment and Support is why it is so important for all of our tenants to have home What Do You Think? Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and contents insurance, to cover against any personal loss through Child Tax Credit. It will be paid monthly into a bank Would you like to have your say on how the account, in arrears. Applicants for Universal Credit fire or flood damage. Below are two insurance companies Co-op delivers its services? Then why not will be expected to apply on-line. who offer competitive rates to housing association/ come along to our Residents Panel meetings? co-operative tenants. These are just suggestions We want to be the best we can be and we At first it will only be working age single people though and you may be able to purchase better deals believe listening to tenants helps us do that - (from 18- 60 years and 6 months) who will be by comparing different insurance companies through that is why the Residents Panel is important to affected – people who would otherwise have been price comparison websites or by calling various insurers. us. The Panel is made up of residents of eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance including those Easthall & Kildermorie – just like you - who with existing Housing Benefit and Working Tax Credit meet every couple of months to discuss a claims. However is likely that it will start to Thistle Insurance Services wide range of topics important to tenants. affect other people over the next few months. Email: [email protected] No special skills or qualifications are necessary As your housing costs will be paid directly to you as – everyone’s view is important and worth part of your Universal Credit payment, this means listening to. Diamond Tenants Content Insurance Scheme YOU will be responsible for paying your rent to Easthall Park every month. Email: [email protected] At its last meeting in April, the Residents Panel met with maintenance staff and our estate caretakers to talk about the service they provide. They also reviewed the results of our Chartered Institute of Housing recent consultation on garden maintenance and had an input into the action plan we have “Outstanding Landlord of the Year” Award prepared following last year’s residents Get Ready for Universal Credit satisfaction survey. • Open a bank account to set up payments for The Co-operative attended an award ceremony on Tuesday 21st April in London as finalists in your rent. the UK CIH/Inside Housing for the “outstanding Landlord of the Year Award”. • Find out where you can access the internet to Some of the topics they will look at over the make a claim. Remember – we have computers rest of the year are: We were the only Housing Co-operative/Association from Scotland to be considered for this free to use here at the Glenburn Centre. award along with another six large UK Housing Organisations as our performance is believed • How is your rent spent? Is it value • Use a budget planner to be excellent. for money? (https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools • How we deal with anti-social behaviour /budget-planner) and neighbour nuisance Where does your money go each month? Work it Although we did not come home with the award out now with our list of items that will remind you we are pleased that we were shortlisted and this • How we deal with day to day repairs • How we deal with complaints about of all your expenses. demonstrates that a community based approach our service • Use this quiz to see if you are ready for Universal can deliver for tenants and residents. Credit - http://ucpp.dwp.gov.uk/universal-credit- So, a busy few months ahead! If you are preparation// interested in getting involved – even just occasionally – please speak to Elaine Whyte or If you are worried about Universal Credit or need any help please call us for advice. your Housing Officer by contacting the office. 10 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 7

Easthall Park Housing Co-operative Wins Housing Excellence Small Landlord of the Year 2015 Easthall Park Housing Co-operative proudly received the “Housing Excellence Small Social landlord of the Year 2015” award in Manchester on Wednesday 6th May 2015.

In making the award, the judges remarked that “this small Co-operative of less than 700 rented homes delivers significant results. Tribute was paid to the fact that with a small staff team it delivers excellent core housing services and achieves high levels of tenant satisfaction. At the same time it supports the development of their community with a wide variety of activities that go beyond the traditional landlord role - for instance over the last year they supported the creation of 107 volunteering, training and employment opportunities. Furthermore, despite economic challenges, the Co-operative strives to maintain affordable rents and is AGM 2015 one of only a handful of social landlords in Scotland which did not On the 7th September 2015 at 7.00pm we will Committee. In the meantime if you have any raise its rents for 2015/16.” hold our Annual General Meeting. At this meeting questions on the role of the Committee, how you we will ask members to vote on a new constitution can join or what support and training you will be which brings our rules into alignment with those given then please contact John McMorrow at Mary Davidson Chairperson of recommended by the Scottish Housing Regulator. the office or look at the committee section on Easthall Park states “It gives us great our website. pleasure that we have been awarded This change will not impact on the work that we do for you but it will allow the organisation to At this meeting we hope to be in a position to the title of Social Landlord of the year ensure that any committee member serving more update members on the proposed work to the for small organisations as the judges than 9 years cannot automatically continue to be land in Kildermorie and the old primary school site considered our overall performance, a member unless we prove that they continue to in Easthall. views of our tenants from our last add value to the Committee. satisfaction survey in November 2014 Every year at our Annual General Meeting we will Providing Tenants along with the community request new members to join the committee and with Value for Money regeneration work undertaken in our this year is the same. We are particularly interested In our recent Resident Satisfaction Survey it community. This award recognises to hear from young people that wish to join and became apparent that tenants felt we could be also men and those with a disability as they are the hard work of Committee, Staff, doing more to provide them with value for money. Residents and our Partners as we under represented at present. As an organisation we will be creating a value for make a difference in the lives of those Closer to the AGM we will issue papers to all money strategy to ensure that we deliver the best that we represent.” members and seek new members to join the possible service at the best cost to residents. 8 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 9

Residents Satisfaction Good - But We Want Better! How Did We Perform in 2014/15? Every year we set targets for our performance in delivering our services to our tenants. We told you in the last two editions of the customer care looks like and by the second half Our performance year runs from April - March. This is how we performed against some of our key Glenburn News about the results from the of the year we will be asking for your feedback targets in the year 2014/15 up to 31 March 2015. satisfaction survey carried out late last year - and for you to rate the service you receive. 93% of tenants are happy with the overall Carrying out Day to Day Repairs services we provide. However we recognise • Website there are some areas where we could improve. Only 42% of you use our website – although Performance 14/15 Performance 13/14 Scottish Average 13/14 We’ve discussed this amongst the staff team, 60% of you have internet access. There is an Emergency repairs 2.38 hours 2.7 hours 6.9 hours with the Residents Panel and with the Committee abundance of useful information on it (and did completed within and have developed an action plan to try and you know you can log in to check your rent target (4 hours) address areas which require improvement. Here account and your repairs history?). We have Non-emergency repairs 4.12 days 3.8 days 8.2 days is what we plan to do over the next few months: concluded that maybe we don’t let people know completed within target about it enough so we will be letting new tenants • Satisfaction with the repairs service know at our sign ups and providing more details Appointments kept 92.7% 87.9% 92.8% 87% of our tenants were happy with the repairs via the newsletter. If you have any comments on Repairs done right 89.52% 82.2% 87.9% service – up from 86% in 2012. However the the website – good or bad - please contact Paula first time Scottish average is 88% ... and we want to be McCann at the office. better than average! We’ve decided we need Reducing Rent Arears more information on what aspects of the service • Welfare Rights Service residents are unhappy with and we will do our Only two thirds of our residents know about Performance 14/15 Target best to try and change these. To this end, we will the service we provide - again we recognise we % of rent lost due to current tenant arrears 2.84% 3.6% be starting telephone surveys of at least 50% of probably haven’t publicised it enough and tenants who have repairs carried out and we’ll be explained all that it can provide (it is NOT just % of rent lost because of former tenant arrears 1.5% 1.08% reporting on the results of these – and what we about benefits!). Look out for regular updates are doing to improve - every quarter in the from our welfare rights assistant Leigh Marinelli in Re-letting Houses newsletter. So, if you receive a call please take a every issue of Glenburn News. few minutes to give your views. Performance 14/15 Performance 13/14 Scottish Average 13/14 • Fuel poverty % rent lost because 0.1% 0.15% 1.2% • Value for money We were concerned houses were empty Only 66% of tenants think our rents are value for that 39% of our money despite us having lower than average Average number of 8.75 days 8.3 days 35.7 days tenants are spending rents and no increase this year. We are going to days to re-let a property more of their income try and get to the bottom of this – we’ll be talking on fuel. Energy to the Residents Panel about value for money as prices are outwith Dealing with Nusiance and Anti Social Behaviour well carrying out a survey of all tenants during our control but there summer. We’ll report back in the autumn. Performance 14/15 Performance 13/14 Scottish Average 13/14 are things we can help with: % of complaints 90.34% 79.8% 75.5% • Customer service - We can make sure you understand how to resolved and closed We were pleased that 96% of you were happy use your heating system. with target with the level of customer care you received - We can give you advice on getting the best (up from 94% in 2012). However there were some We were pleased with our performance this year. We are currently preparing a report for the Scottish fuel tariffs. aspects that had slipped – such as being kept - We can give you energy tips and refer you Housing Regulator (the organisation which monitors the performance of all social landlords on informed of progress, receiving information to experts. behalf of the Scottish Government). This report – the ARC - will give details of our performance in needed and receiving information in a way that is delivering services and will contain these figures and many more. If you are interested in getting easy to understand. We will be working with staff We’ll be developing a plan over the summer to help involved, want to comment on these figures or want more information – please contact Elaine Whyte. over the next few months to revise what good you pay less to heating your home next winter. 8 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 9

Residents Satisfaction Good - But We Want Better! How Did We Perform in 2014/15? Every year we set targets for our performance in delivering our services to our tenants. We told you in the last two editions of the customer care looks like and by the second half Our performance year runs from April - March. This is how we performed against some of our key Glenburn News about the results from the of the year we will be asking for your feedback targets in the year 2014/15 up to 31 March 2015. satisfaction survey carried out late last year - and for you to rate the service you receive. 93% of tenants are happy with the overall Carrying out Day to Day Repairs services we provide. However we recognise • Website there are some areas where we could improve. Only 42% of you use our website – although Performance 14/15 Performance 13/14 Scottish Average 13/14 We’ve discussed this amongst the staff team, 60% of you have internet access. There is an Emergency repairs 2.38 hours 2.7 hours 6.9 hours with the Residents Panel and with the Committee abundance of useful information on it (and did completed within and have developed an action plan to try and you know you can log in to check your rent target (4 hours) address areas which require improvement. Here account and your repairs history?). We have Non-emergency repairs 4.12 days 3.8 days 8.2 days is what we plan to do over the next few months: concluded that maybe we don’t let people know completed within target about it enough so we will be letting new tenants • Satisfaction with the repairs service know at our sign ups and providing more details Appointments kept 92.7% 87.9% 92.8% 87% of our tenants were happy with the repairs via the newsletter. If you have any comments on Repairs done right 89.52% 82.2% 87.9% service – up from 86% in 2012. However the the website – good or bad - please contact Paula first time Scottish average is 88% ... and we want to be McCann at the office. better than average! We’ve decided we need Reducing Rent Arears more information on what aspects of the service • Welfare Rights Service residents are unhappy with and we will do our Only two thirds of our residents know about Performance 14/15 Target best to try and change these. To this end, we will the service we provide - again we recognise we % of rent lost due to current tenant arrears 2.84% 3.6% be starting telephone surveys of at least 50% of probably haven’t publicised it enough and tenants who have repairs carried out and we’ll be explained all that it can provide (it is NOT just % of rent lost because of former tenant arrears 1.5% 1.08% reporting on the results of these – and what we about benefits!). Look out for regular updates are doing to improve - every quarter in the from our welfare rights assistant Leigh Marinelli in Re-letting Houses newsletter. So, if you receive a call please take a every issue of Glenburn News. few minutes to give your views. Performance 14/15 Performance 13/14 Scottish Average 13/14 • Fuel poverty % rent lost because 0.1% 0.15% 1.2% • Value for money We were concerned houses were empty Only 66% of tenants think our rents are value for that 39% of our money despite us having lower than average Average number of 8.75 days 8.3 days 35.7 days tenants are spending rents and no increase this year. We are going to days to re-let a property more of their income try and get to the bottom of this – we’ll be talking on fuel. Energy to the Residents Panel about value for money as prices are outwith Dealing with Nusiance and Anti Social Behaviour well carrying out a survey of all tenants during our control but there summer. We’ll report back in the autumn. Performance 14/15 Performance 13/14 Scottish Average 13/14 are things we can help with: % of complaints 90.34% 79.8% 75.5% • Customer service - We can make sure you understand how to resolved and closed We were pleased that 96% of you were happy use your heating system. with target with the level of customer care you received - We can give you advice on getting the best (up from 94% in 2012). However there were some We were pleased with our performance this year. We are currently preparing a report for the Scottish fuel tariffs. aspects that had slipped – such as being kept - We can give you energy tips and refer you Housing Regulator (the organisation which monitors the performance of all social landlords on informed of progress, receiving information to experts. behalf of the Scottish Government). This report – the ARC - will give details of our performance in needed and receiving information in a way that is delivering services and will contain these figures and many more. If you are interested in getting easy to understand. We will be working with staff We’ll be developing a plan over the summer to help involved, want to comment on these figures or want more information – please contact Elaine Whyte. over the next few months to revise what good you pay less to heating your home next winter. 10 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 7

Easthall Park Housing Co-operative Wins Housing Excellence Small Landlord of the Year 2015 Easthall Park Housing Co-operative proudly received the “Housing Excellence Small Social landlord of the Year 2015” award in Manchester on Wednesday 6th May 2015.

In making the award, the judges remarked that “this small Co-operative of less than 700 rented homes delivers significant results. Tribute was paid to the fact that with a small staff team it delivers excellent core housing services and achieves high levels of tenant satisfaction. At the same time it supports the development of their community with a wide variety of activities that go beyond the traditional landlord role - for instance over the last year they supported the creation of 107 volunteering, training and employment opportunities. Furthermore, despite economic challenges, the Co-operative strives to maintain affordable rents and is AGM 2015 one of only a handful of social landlords in Scotland which did not On the 7th September 2015 at 7.00pm we will Committee. In the meantime if you have any raise its rents for 2015/16.” hold our Annual General Meeting. At this meeting questions on the role of the Committee, how you we will ask members to vote on a new constitution can join or what support and training you will be which brings our rules into alignment with those given then please contact John McMorrow at Mary Davidson Chairperson of recommended by the Scottish Housing Regulator. the office or look at the committee section on Easthall Park states “It gives us great our website. pleasure that we have been awarded This change will not impact on the work that we do for you but it will allow the organisation to At this meeting we hope to be in a position to the title of Social Landlord of the year ensure that any committee member serving more update members on the proposed work to the for small organisations as the judges than 9 years cannot automatically continue to be land in Kildermorie and the old primary school site considered our overall performance, a member unless we prove that they continue to in Easthall. views of our tenants from our last add value to the Committee. satisfaction survey in November 2014 Every year at our Annual General Meeting we will Providing Tenants along with the community request new members to join the committee and with Value for Money regeneration work undertaken in our this year is the same. We are particularly interested In our recent Resident Satisfaction Survey it community. This award recognises to hear from young people that wish to join and became apparent that tenants felt we could be also men and those with a disability as they are the hard work of Committee, Staff, doing more to provide them with value for money. Residents and our Partners as we under represented at present. As an organisation we will be creating a value for make a difference in the lives of those Closer to the AGM we will issue papers to all money strategy to ensure that we deliver the best that we represent.” members and seek new members to join the possible service at the best cost to residents. 6 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 11

We would love to hear from you as to what Universal Credit - Coming to you think makes up value for money and Glasgow Soon Home Contents Insurance what services you believe are the most Universal Credit will start being rolled out in all Job Recently one of the co-operative’s properties was damaged by fire. important. If you have any views on this please contact John at the office. Centres in Glasgow on 8th June 2015. This property is now in the process of being restored to its former state through the co-operative’s insurance company. However our Universal Credit will replace Income Support, insurance policy only covers the building fabric, fixtures and fittings Easthall Park - Your Co-op, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, and does not cover any personal belongings of the tenants. This Your Area and Your Services: income-related Employment and Support is why it is so important for all of our tenants to have home What Do You Think? Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and contents insurance, to cover against any personal loss through Child Tax Credit. It will be paid monthly into a bank Would you like to have your say on how the account, in arrears. Applicants for Universal Credit fire or flood damage. Below are two insurance companies Co-op delivers its services? Then why not will be expected to apply on-line. who offer competitive rates to housing association/ come along to our Residents Panel meetings? co-operative tenants. These are just suggestions We want to be the best we can be and we At first it will only be working age single people though and you may be able to purchase better deals believe listening to tenants helps us do that - (from 18- 60 years and 6 months) who will be by comparing different insurance companies through that is why the Residents Panel is important to affected – people who would otherwise have been price comparison websites or by calling various insurers. us. The Panel is made up of residents of eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance including those Easthall & Kildermorie – just like you - who with existing Housing Benefit and Working Tax Credit meet every couple of months to discuss a claims. However is likely that it will start to Thistle Insurance Services wide range of topics important to tenants. affect other people over the next few months. Email: [email protected] No special skills or qualifications are necessary As your housing costs will be paid directly to you as – everyone’s view is important and worth part of your Universal Credit payment, this means listening to. Diamond Tenants Content Insurance Scheme YOU will be responsible for paying your rent to Easthall Park every month. Email: [email protected] At its last meeting in April, the Residents Panel met with maintenance staff and our estate caretakers to talk about the service they provide. They also reviewed the results of our Chartered Institute of Housing recent consultation on garden maintenance and had an input into the action plan we have “Outstanding Landlord of the Year” Award prepared following last year’s residents Get Ready for Universal Credit satisfaction survey. • Open a bank account to set up payments for The Co-operative attended an award ceremony on Tuesday 21st April in London as finalists in your rent. the UK CIH/Inside Housing for the “outstanding Landlord of the Year Award”. • Find out where you can access the internet to Some of the topics they will look at over the make a claim. Remember – we have computers rest of the year are: We were the only Housing Co-operative/Association from Scotland to be considered for this free to use here at the Glenburn Centre. award along with another six large UK Housing Organisations as our performance is believed • How is your rent spent? Is it value • Use a budget planner to be excellent. for money? (https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools • How we deal with anti-social behaviour /budget-planner) and neighbour nuisance Where does your money go each month? Work it Although we did not come home with the award out now with our list of items that will remind you we are pleased that we were shortlisted and this • How we deal with day to day repairs • How we deal with complaints about of all your expenses. demonstrates that a community based approach our service • Use this quiz to see if you are ready for Universal can deliver for tenants and residents. Credit - http://ucpp.dwp.gov.uk/universal-credit- So, a busy few months ahead! If you are preparation// interested in getting involved – even just occasionally – please speak to Elaine Whyte or If you are worried about Universal Credit or need any help please call us for advice. your Housing Officer by contacting the office. 12 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 5

Leigh Marinelli Garden Maintenance Veranda Alteration Mitie Apprenticeship is our Welfare 5, 7, 9 Glenburnie Place Apprenticeship Opportunity with Mitie As we begin to enter the warmer months 9 Edderton Place Rights Assistant our estate caretakers are beginning to start Mitie are one of the largest employers of What can she the task of cutting grass in the area, and 41, 43, 45 Wardie Road apprentices in the UK with over 1,000 people maintaining some of the common areas. currently in training across the business. All Mitie help you with? Easthall Park housing is planning to carry out apprentices throughout the UK train for formal some alteration works to the verandas on the As stated in your tenancy agreement, the qualifications whilst also learning practical skills She can help you: above properties during the course of this maintenance of individual gardens is each on site, on contracts, or through client placements. • Choose the right benefit to claim financial year. The old style verandas are very tenant’s own responsibility. However if you Most of our apprentices are in the 16-24 age hard to heat in the winter which is why we are • Protect any benefits you are already getting cannot maintain your garden due to your groups, but we also encourage applications from trying to develop a solution with our • Deal with any letters about benefits age and/or ill health, the Co-operative older candidates who can demonstrate an consultants. There is no start date for these • Get the maximum correct entitlement operates a Garden Maintenance Scheme to aptitude for a particular trade or craft. works to be carried out, however all tenants • Fill in any benefit claim forms assist any eligible tenant. • Answer your enquiries about benefits concerned will be informed of any progress in In partnership with Easthall Park Housing due course. • Appeal against benefit decisions To be added to this list you must be over Co-operative, Mitie are looking to employ an • With budgeting 65 years of age and/or have a medical apprentice within the Easterhouse area. We • To access a bank account condition that prevents you from cutting the are looking for someone to join our team with the New Reactive right skills and the right attitude to work - Could • To reduce rent arrears grass and have no one living in your home Maintenance Contractor this be you? • To reduce gas and electricity arrears who can cut the grass. • Negotiate with creditors As you may have been aware, Easthall Park Housing Co-operative concluded a very Investing in apprenticeships with local communities thorough tender process during the last is a great way for Mitie to ensure a pipeline of Starting Work? SQV Health & Social Care financial year for a new reactive maintenance skilled and talented workers who can ensure Want to know if you will be better off? Glasgow Kelvin College have delivered this contractor. Mitie Property Services won the Mitie is as successful in the future as it is today. We can give you easy to understand estimates of how innovative training and educational tender to remain our contractor for a minimum much Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction you opportunity (in partnership with Easthall of 3 years. We are excited by the partnership we Further details of this employment opportunity will receive based on your new income. Park Housing Co-operative) for several have with Mitie, as we believe it will benefit the will be released in due course; however we do We will also advise if you are eligible to claim any other years. We presently have 12 people on community immensely by providing training and anticipate a start date in August 2015. benefits or tax credits. this course working towards their SVQ. employment opportunities within the local area. We plan to deliver a further SVQ course in New Gas Servicing Make an appointment with Leigh: September with students receiving a paid and Reactive Contractor Call 0141 781 2277 Training Allowance. If you are interested in finding out information or how to apply, Easthall Park Housing have recently appointed Appointments available: Monday to Thursday please get in contact with the college Gas Sure as our new gas maintenance Drop in from 10am-2pm on Fridays or ourselves! contractor. They will carry out all the co-operative’s gas servicing and gas Work Out Your Own Benefit Entitlement maintenance works over the next 3 years. If you have access to the internet, there are tools The contract was awarded to online which can help you work out your benefit Gas Sure as they had entitlement: http://www.entitledto.co.uk/ gives an demonstrated the best value approximate indication of benefits you could possibly for money for the be entitled to. co-operative and our tenants. If you have a gas https://glasgow.teamnetsol.com/index.jsp shows central heating emergency calculations for Housing Benefit and Council Tax outwith normal office hours Reduction and you can also claim directly from this link. please contact Gas Sure: 4 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 13

Westerhouse Road and Wardie Road The upkeep of gardens really helps the Paying Rent External Wall Insulation Project appearance of the area, and the enjoyment of One Month in Advance local residents in their homes. Please remember The only new development with this proposed that each tenant must play their part and take We have been recently contacting project is that City Council are close to finalising the responsibility for their garden. Staff from the tenants who are not paying their rent terms of the tender. This will then be distributed to a Co-operative will carry out regular walkabouts of in advance as per their tenancy framework of contractors which are on the Council’s the area and any tenant not maintaining their agreement. Rent is due in advance approved contractors list. garden may have further action taken against every calendar month on or before them for breaching their tenancy agreement, the 28th of each rental period. This If the project does progress as planned it will including having the cost of a grass cut recharged means that you should pay your rent enhance the whole area aesthetically, whilst also to them. charge on or before the 28th of helping the properties achieve better fuel efficiency that month. and hopefully reducing residents’ energy bills. Please ensure to keep your garden tidy and litter free this year and help keep our area tidy! For example - if your rent is £248.36 The project itself will require the support and per month then your rent account co-operation of the majority of owner/occupiers. should be £248.36 in credit on or Garden Competition 2015 Easthall Park does not have an overall majority within We have many lovely gardens that help to brighten the neighbourhood. before the 28th June for July’s rent. the properties which would allow us to give outright Over the coming weeks we will have judges out and about in Easthall & Kildermorie Then when we apply the rent charge permission to the City Council to progress the project to your account, the balance will so we require the majority of owner’s approval. to find the best gardens. At our AGM on 7th September we will be handing out prizes be £0.00. to the winners The Co-operative are still trying to secure the project at zero costs for Owners, however this cannot be confirmed at this stage as funding packages for Easthall Park these types of projects vary considerably from Student Bursary Award project to project. Applications are now open for the Easthall Coming soon – a new We are aware that this proposed project has been Park annual bursary awards! These awards way to pay your rent! discussed for some time now, however the delay is are to help local people who are studying outwith our control as the project is being managed in further education. Last year eight local people received a bursary. by Glasgow City Council. We will continue to Your local AXIS Health Hub provide updates as we receive them. in Greater Easterhouse is here to support you to improve your health and wellbeing. Kitchen Replacement Contract 2015/16 and Boiler Replacement 2015/16 • Get Cooking - Healthy Cooking on a budget classes • Get Involved - Health Issues in the Easthall Park will be carrying out kitchen and boiler Community Tasters Sessions, Part 1 renewals at the following phases during the course and Part 2 Accredited Courses We will be introducing • Get Together – working in of 2015/16: CALLPAY over the next few partnership/supporting volunteers Phase 5 - Kitchen (Banton Place) • Summer & Christmas weeks - you will be able to Family Programmes Phase 6 – Kitchens & Boilers (Areas of Ware Road, call the office and pay Edderton Place and Edderton Way) Contact: 0141 212 3982/3985 over the office using your The contract is still to be developed and advertised or [email protected] to potential contractors so that we can achieve the Axis Health Hubs debit card. Applications are available from the office www.axishealthhubs.org.uk best value for money. There is no confirmed start Fast, simple and convenient. and our website. The closing date for date for the projects but we are confident that the applications is Monday 3rd August 2015. projects will commence this financial year. 14 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 3

Cash For Kids Christmas Appeal Bulk Uplift Glasgow City Council provides a Each year ERA applies to Cash for Kids and are awarded gift special uplift service for bulk items of vouchers for all children who use the Glenburn Centre that domestic waste. This service is are 15 years or under on 31st December of that year. These provided to all households in Glasgow can also be given to expectant mothers. In the past £25 gift and is free of charge for most items. vouchers have been issued for Tesco and Asda which can However some types of materials are be a great help for families during the festive period. This chargeable, or for health and safety year ERA will apply again and would like to open this up to reasons cannot be uplifted - all residents of Easthall and Kildermorie. If you are pregnant see website or have a child who will be 15 or under on 31st December http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/?arti- this year we would ask that you call the office on 0141 781 cleid=6119. 2277 and ask to speak to either Paula McCann or Chloe Cuthill to provide the relevant details for a voucher this year. Items will be collected on the date advised by one of the call handlers – Bulk Uplift Phone Line NOTICE 0141 287 9700 Closure of Grand Central Savings at Easthall There is also the national re-use With effect from close of business on Tuesday 30th June phone line which supports community 2015, Grand Central Savings will no longer have a presence based re-use organisations across in the Glenburn Centre. Scotland to provide the public with a All customers can continue to access their account at Grand high level of customer service when Central Savings, Cumbrae House, 15 Carlton Court, Glasgow donating household items for re-use. (telephone 0141 418 2290). Please speak to a member of our National Re-use Phone Line staff who will be happy to assist you. 0800 0665 820 Should you wish to simply close your account please inform a member of our staff as soon as possible who will assist you Starts to do so - please remember to make alternative arrangements Our Website for any incoming payments to avoid any disruption Our website www.easthallpark.org.uk or inconvenience. Saturday 6th is updated regularly with important However, please note the Easthall Park Welfare Rights information and news. Some useful June 2015 Service will continue as the Co-operative has decided to fund features on the website are: this from rental income. • access to rent accounts If you want to use this service please contact the office and • access to repair history and arrange a free appointment. reporting repairs • complaints recording Bikes & balance bikes will be provided for • applications for housing Supported by the players of 3-5 year olds. If you have a child aged 5+ that Social Media Also, all of our information leaflets, key would like to attend then please feel free to Not all of our tenants are aware but we also have Twitter policy documents, resident surveys and a Facebook page which we update regularly. This is and management committee minutes bring them along with their bikebike a great way to find out what is going on in Easthall Park in are available to download. between our Newsletters. For further details contact Libby on 0141 781 2277 Follow us on twitter: If you wish to have a look at previous @EasthallPark newsletters they are also available on Like us on Facebook: our website. search ‘Easthall Park 2 GlenburnNews Summer 2015 15

New Modern Apprentice Easthall Residents Association News

Chloe McClure was appointed as our GLENBURN CENTRE new TIGERS Modern Apprentice and started on Monday 27th April. Chloe Easthall Residents Association will be assisting with reception and - Community Champions EASTHALL clerical duties alongside completing an RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION SVQ in Business and Admin. Easthall Residents won the Evening Times ‘Glasgow North East Team Award’ at a packed Barmulloch Community Centre on the 12th March 2015. MORE STAFF CHANGES AT The organisation was up against some tough Easthall Residents Association are extremely competition in the shape of Parkhead Citizens proud to have been nominated for and won EASTHALL PARK Advice Bureau who had generated over £17 this award, it means a great deal for an million for their clients, Dennistoun independent panel to scrutinise what we do Margaret Reilly Retirement Community Council and the Friends of and recognise that our team are As some of you may now be aware, Margaret Glasgow Necropolis. Community Champions. Reilly finished up for retirement on 29th May. Margaret had been with Easthall Park for a number of years, previously in the role of receptionist/PA and most recently as Housing Easthall Residents Association – Assistant and was well known by most tenants. Investors in Young People We would like to take this opportunity to thank Margaret for everything she has done for Easthall Park over the years and wish her a very happy retirement! New Volunteer Margaret’s role was advertised in May and Paula Deborah Mollins has previously worked McCann, Easthall Park’s Receptionist/Clerical in Education and would like to move Assistant was successful in her application for the into the housing sector. She began a The award is fantastic recognition for all the post. Paula will begin in the role of Housing voluntary post in May working on hard work and effort put in by our volunteers Easthall Residents Association are proud to Assistant from June. reception Monday – Friday, and staff to deliver all our services at The have been recommended for The Good 9:30am – 2:30pm. Glenburn Centre. Our services are going from Practice Award by Investors In Young People. strength to strength and the centre is The independent consultant, Robin Sinclair becoming extremely busy. Without the support who carried out the study on Easthall of our volunteers and staff, many of the services Residents Association said “The young people we offer would never be able to operate. at Easthall are fantastic” and the work that is being delivered gave him enough confidence to recommend the award.

Easthall Residents Association became one of only approximately 180 private, public and voluntary organisations to have received this award across the whole of Scotland. This displays our dedication in trying to help young people develop within their communities through training and employment initiatives. 16 GlenburnNews 2

The Glenburn Centre GlenburnNews gets a Facelift thanks to Making a difference to Our Community Johnstone’s Paints Easthall Residents Association would like to thank Easthall and Johnstones Paints for their kind donation of over £1,000 To the Residents of Kildermorie Newsletter worth of paint, a scaffolding tower and the support of 5 staff Easthall and Kildermorie in helping to give The Glenburn Centre a facelift.

EASTHALL Welcome to our PARK Summer newsletter On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March a total of 14 volunteers gave up their time to transform the entire centre. Johnstones Paints based in Baillieston Distribution Centre, Barrachnie had given their support after volunteer Paul Waddell had informed them of the work that we do in the centre and how badly we needed a makeover. Johnstones Depot Manager Stef Murray then got behind the project and kindly donated the paint alongside co-ordinating the hire of a mobile scaffold unit for the weekend from Speedy Hire.

The centre now looks amazing - a complete transformation - and without the support of Johnstones Paint’s donation, Easthall Park their staff and our volunteers this would not have been Housing wins possible. Johnstones have further extended their support to our community by guaranteeing a 15% discount for any “Housing Excellence resident from Easthall that mentions they were sent there by Small Social the Glenburn Centre. Landlord of the Year 2015” Thanks again to Stef and all the guys at Johnstones, Baillieston branch. In this Issue Staff Changes Community News AGM 2015 Easthall Wins Housing Award GLENBURN CENTRE Repairs and Maintenance updates.. EASTHALL PARK EASTHALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Easthall Residents News EASTHALL PARK HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE LTD EASTHALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Easthall Resisidents win THE GLENBURN CENTRE THE GLENBURN CENTRE Community Champions Award Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.easthallpark.org.uk Glenburn gets a Facelift...

This newsletter is available in any language or format you require. Please contact the office for details. 0141 774 7873 Digitally printed by Europrint Summer 2015

The Glenburn Centre, 6 Glenburnie Place, Easthall, Glasgow G34 9AN Telephone: 0141 781 2277 EASTHALL PARK HOUSING CO-OP • EASTHALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION