AlphaEdition 3 - 2016 newsA MAGAZINE FOR OUR TENANTS

Sadie Dwyer Johnston Close, Ballymena Welcome...

Alpha Housing Ltd CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MESSAGE

Alpha Housing Developments I’m sure that many of you like me find it hard to believe that we are already half Sheltered Housing Agherton Grange, Portstewart way through 2016 and here we are with the summer edition of the Newsletter. Alexander Court, Our 2015/16 accounts have been approved by our external auditors. We have had our Antrimville Court, Belfast Belfry View, Newtownabbey Annual General Meeting which was a bitter sweet occasion. We were sorry to lose the Carnvue Court, Carnmoney services of Dr Tom Gardiner who has served for 12 years on the Boards of first Abode and Carrickeden Grange, Portadown latterly Alpha. His place as Chairman of the Development and Maintenance Committee Carrs Court, Sandy Row Crosby Court, Bangor is being taken by our Vice Chairman, John Clarke. A new member, Arthur Halligan, was Cross Street, Killyleagh elected on to the Board. Arthur has many years housing experience having served as the Dunseverick Court, Belvoir Director of Finance in the Housing Executive and as a Board member Greenmount Court, Bangor Henry Court, Moira on Fold Housing Association. Johnston Close, Ballymena Johnston Court, Knock At the AGM we marked the service given by some of the people who volunteer their Legacorry House, Richhill services at schemes by presenting them with Badges and certificates. We are hoping Leyland Lodge, Ballycastle to encourage more volunteering at scheme level over coming months. We also had Lowry Court, Belfast Manse Court, Millisle a representative of the Alzheimer’s Society present and as a result of fundraising that McManus Court, Newry has been going on within the Association we were able to hand over to her a cheque Montgomery Court, Bangor Montgomery Manor, Bangor for £4000 which is a terrific result and our thanks must go to all those who supported Mooreland Close, Ballymena the fund raising in any way. We are aware that fundraising events are held at many Mullagh Court, Maghera sheltered schemes throughout the year for various good causes and this we wish to Northland Court, One Irish Gate, Carrickfergus encourage especially where the event is open to people from outside the scheme. This Quarry Gardens, Portadown is one of the ways in which we feel we can help make people in the community aware Rathmore Manor, Newtownabbey of just what a sheltered scheme is - and what it is not. We know of a recent case where Stepping Stones, Comber Taylor Court, Belvoir a Cancer Focus fund raising evening was held and a number of people who attended The Whins, Crumlin made enquiries about how to apply for an apartment in the scheme. The Whins Close, Crumlin Weir Brae, Comber So it has been a busy start to the year as you will see from the selection of Weir Court, Comber photographs of events included in this edition including fund raising, Queen’s birthday Weir Close, Comber Wilton Court, Shankill celebrations, gardening clubs being active at schemes and staff and Board members General Needs taking part in lobbying for an increase in Supporting People funding at Stormont. Ashgrove, Dunmurry Belleville, Ballymena On the staffing front we were sorry to lose Gerry Bermingham the scheme manager Castlehill Terrace, Ballymoney at Mullagh Court who has retired and we welcome Eileen Marquess to the post at Johnston Close, Ballymena Mullagh Court. Since our last newsletter we also welcome Eileen Lynch to Alexander Parkview Close, Ballymoney Riverview, Ballykeel Court, Alison Campbell to Mooreland Close and Joanne Black to Antrimville and Carnvue Court. In head office, Donough O’Higgins has joined us as our Senior Assets Officer and congratulations go to Roisin Manley who many of you will already know. Roisin has been appointed as our new Housing Manager. Alpha House, 6 Edgewater Road We would very much appreciate it if you were to provide us with material or ideas Belfast BT3 9JQ Telephone: (028) 9078 7750 for inclusion in future editions of your Newsletter that you feel might be of interest to Fax: (028) 9078 7766 other tenants. Email: [email protected] www.alphahousingni.org The Board and staff of the Association which you all a very enjoyable summer. Billy Graham Chief Executive

2 Alpha Housing Newsletter Edition 3 - 2016 Poem by Lilian Blair (Carrs Court Tenant)

We are a happy lot of people here in Sandy Row and though we are all so different, we are all friends you know. Invitation... We try to help each other each and every day and if you were a stranger help would also come your way! Come and take a walk with me through Carrs Court scheme in Sandy Row, Our bungalows are comfortable though lacking in design maybe you will be surprised as I was long ago. but of course we must remember they have been up In Sandy Row the traffic flows relentlessly it seems for some time. but here in Carrs Court we’ve got an oasis where we can I am very happy here and I just love mine. sit and dream. Mary is the Scheme Coordinator and coordinate she does. The little birds they fly around and pigeons they come down She overflows with kindness and with lots of love but if you and in the gardens there are ornaments of every kind, disobey the rules a dressing down will come your way sometimes we get the sunshine that brings one that you’ll remember however long you stay. healing to the mind. It doesn’t happen very often. We also have a common room where we can sit and chat, a I am glad to say she is loved by everyone and coffee morning every week and get involved in this and that. thank you for the tay!!! SIMPLE CARROT CAKE Serves 12 Prep: 30 min – Cook: 30 min

INGREDIENTS Preparation method Cake: 1. Preheat the oven to 180 c/ gas mark 4; 250g of self-raising flour 2. Grease two 23cm round cake tins; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon and sugar; 400g of caster sugar 4. Add the oil and eggs until blended, then stir in the carrots and nuts; 350ml of vegetable oil 5. Divide the cake mixture evenly between the two prepared tins; 4 eggs 6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven; 350g of grated carrots 7. The cakes are ready when a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean; 120g of chopped walnuts 8. Leave both cakes to cool on a wire rack before removing from the tins.

Cream cheese icing: 225g of cream cheese To make the icing: 110g of margarine, softened 1. in a medium bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese and sugar; 450g of icing sugar 2. Stir in the nuts and vanilla; 120g of chopped walnuts 3. Use to fill and ice the cooled layers. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract ENJOY!

Edition 3 - 2016 Alpha Housing Newsletter 3 Events...

4 Alpha Housing Newsletter Edition 3 - 2016 MANY OF OUR SCHEMES HAVE QUEEN’S BEEN CELEBRATING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WITH VARIOUS EVENTS, GARDEN PARTIES, BIRTHDAY REMINISCENCE EVENINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES. Pictured below and left are tenants from Johnston Close and Quarry Gardens enjoying their tea and garden parties.

Tenants from Johnston Close, Ballymena. Raffle winners, William Murdock, Quarry Gardens held an afternoon on From left, William Murdock, Edith Wylie, John McCallion, Helen Carberr, Edith Wylie, 9th June. The tea party was enjoyed by all. Ellen Ramsay, Isobel McBride and Sally Carson, Seamus Rowan (a family Vanessa Hill. member) and Vanessa Hill.

Edition 3 - 2016 Alpha Housing Newsletter 5 Events...

2016 DEEP RIVERROCK BELFAST CITY MARATHON MEMBERS OF ALPHA HOUSING STAFF TOOK PART IN THE BELFAST MARATHON TEAM RELAY EVENT ON MAY DAY.

Running a “leg” of the marathon each were, Roisin Manley - Housing Manager, John Morris-Housing Officer, Nicky Murphy - Scheme Manager at Crosby Court, Jon Rose from Quarry Gardens and Michael Chivers, Maintenance Officer. A great but tiring day was had by all. A fantastic £2003.91 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Society. Well done to all involved and a big thank you to all of our tenants who participated in fundraising events at their schemes to support Team Alpha.

Picture 1 (top)– Roisin at the start line. Picture 2 – Roisin Manley - Housing Manager, John Morris - Housing Officer, Jon Rose - Quarry Gardens and Nicky Murphy - Crosby Court. Picture 3 – Gwen Rose, Scheme Manager at Quarry Gardens and her husband Jon - Scheme Cleaner.

6 Alpha Housing Newsletter Edition 3 - 2016 MEMBERS OF OUR HOUSING DEPARTMENT RECENTLY PROMOTED YOUNG THE SERVICES OF ALPHA HOUSING TO VISITORS AT THE YOUNG AT HEART RETIREMENT EXHIBITION AT HEART IN TITANIC BELFAST. RETIREMENT EXHIBITION Established in 1997, Young at Heart is the recognised The Young at Heart exhibitions also include the very brand for retirement living in Northern Ireland. The 2016 popular “Antiques Treasure Hunt” where visitors can events celebrate 19 years of Young at Heart and feature bring along heirlooms and antiques to receive free the best of retirement living in Northern Ireland. The valuations from their experts. The Young at Heart unique one day exhibitions are aimed at anyone retired Retirement exhibitions run from 10am until 4pm with and living in Northern Ireland. free admission for everyone.

For details of a Young at Heart Exhibition near you, send them an email to [email protected]

Picture 1 (left) – Tenants from Carrickeden Grange, Portadown visit the exhibition in Titanic Belfast. Picture 2 (right) – Tenants from Lowry Court, Belfast and Northland Court, Carrickfergus pictured at our stand along with Emma McLaughlin, Housing Officer and John Morris, Housing Officer. Picture 3 (left) – Housing Officer, Sarah Young with the Alpha promotional stand. Picture 4 (right) – Tenants from Stepping Stones and Weir Court, Comber visit the Alpha stand along with Scheme Managers, Grace Long and Lorraine McKibbin.

Edition 3 - 2016 Alpha Housing Newsletter 7 News... GARDENING CLUB AT LOWRY COURT THE TENANTS AT LOWRY COURT MADE LINKS WITH THE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS WHO WORKED WITH THE TENANTS HELPING THEM TO DISCOVER, IMPROVE AND ENJOY THE SCHEME’S GREEN SPACES AND BY DOING SO CREATED A HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT.

Michael McLaughlin, a tenant from Lowry spoke about his experience in the project saying he felt a sense of achievement after gardening and it gave him something to look forward to. Michael said ‘a garden can become a very good friend that you can visit anytime.’

Funding for the project was provided by both Alpha and The Conservation Volunteers.

An interesting fact about Lowry was also discovered through the project, tree surgeons carried out an analysis of the trees in the surrounding grounds and stated that the trees were originally planted as an Aboretum. The trees include Cherry, Beech, Apple, Sycamore, Lime, Horse Chestnut and many more.

If you are interested in becoming involved in a project at your scheme, speak to your Scheme Manager.

Picture 1 (top) – Eve Paterson and her dog Oddie enjoying the surroundings. Picture 2 (left) – Michael McLaughlin tending to the flowerbeds. Picture 3 (right) – Danny O’Neill organising the new garden furniture.

8 Alpha Housing Newsletter Edition 3 - 2016 TENANTS FORUM GARDENING CLUB COME ALONG AND HAVE YOUR SAY! AT LOWRY We are continuing with the Tenants Forum meetings For any further information please contact Roisin which provide an opportunity for our tenants to Manley on 02890787750. become involved and create links with other COURT Alpha Schemes. Pictures above: Picture 1 – attendees at the AGM on 23.02.16 at Grosvenor House. There is always a warm welcome, a light lunch and tea Picture 2 – Vice Chair, Chris Craig and Secretary Eleanor Kane, to or coffee available. The next meeting of the Tenants the left, Lily Chapman and Yvonne Hemmingway, Forum will take place in Agherton Grange, Mill Road, Committee Members. Portstewart on Tuesday 6th September at 2.00pm. Picture 3 – Stephen Gourley from the Hope Project presents to the Alpha can assist with transport if necessary. If you are Forum attendees. unable to attend but you still wish to be involved we can send you a copy of the minutes on request by email or post. COMMUNITY CHAMPION RAISES MONEY FOR CARRICKEDEN GRANGE TENANTS Elaine Livingstone, a community champion for Asda works with various community organisations in Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon. Elaine regularly visits the tenants at Carrickeden Grange in Portadown on a voluntary basis to help them with a wide range of activities from teaching it skills on iPads to accompanying them on various outings. Elaine recently participated in a Strictly Come Dancing event organised by Portadown Cares. Elaine danced the night away in the Seagoe Hotel with her dance partner, Darren Causby, the Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon to raise £350 for the tenants at Carrickeden. Well done and thank you from all at Alpha Housing.

Elaine is pictured here with one of our tenants, Dorothy McLoughlin. ARMCHAIR AEROBICS TRAINING Some of our Scheme Managers people and those with physical recently completed a fully disabilities. The Scheme Managers accredited Chair Based Activity had great fun learning the moves programme delivered by LifeDock. and enjoying the music. Look out This is a specifically designed for Chair Based Activity at your exercise programme for older scheme soon.

Edition 3 - 2016 Alpha Housing Newsletter 9 SUPPORTING PEOPLE DEMONSTRATION

ALPHA HOUSING STAFF, TENANTS AND BOARD MEMBERS JOINED A GROUP OF AROUND 100 CHARITABLE PROVIDERS OF SUPPORTING PEOPLE (SP) SERVICES, AND SP SERVICE USERS, WHO GATHERED AT STORMONT ON WEDNESDAY MORNING (11TH MAY) TO PRESS THEIR CASE IN A PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION FOR AN IMMEDIATE 10% INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR SUPPORTING PEOPLE SERVICES TO PROTECT MANY OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE.

Supporting People, a £74m p.a. Housing Executive People projects by a minimum of 10% to cover steeply programme, enables more than 20,000 vulnerable rising costs such as the new National Living Wage. Beyond people to live as independently as possible. Beneficiaries this, the charities are calling for the new Programme for include frail older people, homeless people and people Government to prioritise helping people with specific with learning disabilities. People can receive support in a needs to live independently. Adequate funding for the hostel, in sheltered housing or in other types of supported housing support and domiciliary care necessary to achieve housing accommodation, as well as their own family this must follow. These recommendations are line with homes. the preventative direction the NI Executive wishes to move towards, such as in the Transforming Your Care blueprint Independent research (NICVA/SITRA) demonstrates that for health and social care reform. for every £1.00 spent, Supporting People produces £1.90 in net financial benefits for the Northern Ireland Executive Pictures above: by reducing the need for health, care and other public Picture 1 – Roisin Manley, Housing Manager and Gillian Martin, services. In spite of this, the programme has been denied Scheme Manager at Johnston Court. adequate funding. Funding for Supporting People projects Picture 2 – from left, Gillian Martin, Scheme Manager at Johnston has been frozen for a ninth consecutive year in 2016/17, a Court, Victor McKnight, Scheme Manager at Lowry Court and Jan real-terms cut of over 25%. This now threatens the quality McClure, Scheme Manager at Taylor Court. and viability of services, and could lead to a crisis akin to Picture 3 – Attendees from various organisations. that in parts of the residential care sector. Picture 4 – from left, Eileen Askham, Chairman, Irene Kingston, Board Member, John Morris, Housing Officer, Billy Graham, Chief To avoid this, the coalition is calling for the new NI Executive, Roisin Manley, Housing Manager, Victor McKnight, Executive to immediately increase funding to Supporting Scheme Manager and Gillian Martin, Scheme Manager.

10 Alpha Housing Newsletter Edition 3 - 2016 ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY CUPCAKE DAY Alpha hosted a Cupcake Day in head office to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society to help defeat dementia. Scheme Managers who were already attending a training session in head office that day joined in with baking, buying and indulging in the cupcakes.

Thanks to all involved, we raised over £100!

CELEBRATIONS & GOODBYES AT MULLAGH COURT MULLAGH COURT’S The tenants at Mullagh Court, Maghera 30TH ANNIVERSARY celebrated the scheme’s 30th anniversary on 21st March. The scheme was originally built in 1985 by the Presbyterian Housing Association and officially opened at the time by Margaret McFarland. The scheme comprises of 28 self-contained bungalows. Margaret kindly agreed to return to the scheme to plant a tree to mark the anniversary. Picture 1 – Margaret McFarland plants a tree to mark the 30th anniversary of Mullagh Court, Margaret is pictured here with Gerry Bermingham.

SCHEME MANAGER, GERRY BERMINGHAM

Later in the month of May the tenants waved farewell to the Scheme Manager, Gerry Bermingham who was leaving his position to enjoy his retirement. Gerry has worked for the Association since 2009. He originally worked at Agherton Grange, Portstewart before moving to the post at Mullagh Court in 2013. We all wish Gerry a very happy retirement.

Picture 2 – Gerry pictured with his retirement cake during his farewell afternoon tea.

Edition 3 - 2016 Alpha Housing Newsletter 11 Coffee break... WORDSEARCH THOUGHT BLACKBIRD EAGLE MARTIN ROBIN BUDGIE EMU MOCKINGBIRD SEAGULL FOR THE CANARY FALCON MYNA SPARROW CARDINAL FINCH OSTRICH SWAN CHICKEN FLAMINGO OWL TURKEY DAY... CRANE GOOSE PARAKEET VULTURE CROW HAWK PARROT WOODPECKER DODO HERON PELICAN WREN DOVE JAY PIGEON DUCK MAGPIE RAVEN

W K D R E K C E P D O O W H O W N R S W A N N F O J A Y R A O U I G M I N G I V M T C H E R L B T B N O U N U I P T G E R R K I U L C R C M E E I O A A M C T D K L O H L E P M S A P U A E G C A U I K O W L T R S Y L K I M F C A L F H E R O N I B E E O A R L C A R D I N A L V D N N A U K C U D G C E S O O G A P G R R O B I N H D D G B R M A G P I E N E K C I H C Y N E W R E N T O R R A P I E R S D D R A V E N A N Y M

Alpha Housing Ltd

Telephone: (028) 9078 7750 Fax: (028) 9078 7766 Email: [email protected] www.alphahousingni.org