MINISTER OPENS NEW THE RETURN OF BELFAST OFFICE COLMCILLE 2013 MINISTER McCAUSLAND OPENS CAVAN AND GLENN - STRAND FOYER RESIDENTS NEW APEX BELFAST OFFICE - P6 ROW TO THE ISLAND OF IONA AND BACK TO DERRY - P7

Apex Housing Association

Issue 9 - Spring/Summer 2013

Apex embraces new housing initiatives Energy efficient homes for sale by Fairbuild Homes at Sydenham Close in Belfast

Loan funding for two new such an instance. housing initiatives has been Apex will charge a rent in respect released by the Department for of its 25% equity as set out in the Social Development to Apex Apex will ensure that this enclosed table which is kept low for under the “Get Britain Building” initiative brings new the first two years when home BREAKING NEWS scheme as recently announced by “energy efficient, value for buyers have many additional first Minister McCausland. money housing to the time costs. Additional equity can be Apex has committed to utilising acquired from Apex at any time in Apex delivers 232 marketplace at affordable the finance to deliver 330 new set tranches at the market value units for voluntary shared ownership homes before 1st prices... which applies at the time. April 2020 when it must return the Apex will ensure that this housing movement loan to the Department. Of the new ownership scheme (known as initiative brings new energy Of a total development pro- homes provided, 174 will be newly FairShare). The percentage of the efficient, value for money gramme of 1379 units started by built dwellings and the remaining dwelling owned by the homebuyer housing to the marketplace at the voluntary housing movement 156 will be existing properties that and the percentage owned by affordable prices. This will allow during 2012/13, Apex delivered are currently empty and in poor Apex may vary from property to those renting in the private sector 232 of these which equates to 17%. condition. Apex will renovate these property, but a typical scenario to seriously consider home At the start of 2013/14 the to a high standard before offering would be a 75% / 25% split. Where a ownership options at little or no Association had 922 units on site them for sale. homebuyer is only seeking a additional cost per month over their which represents an investment pro- The new homes will only be mortgage for 75% of the value of the current commitment but with gramme of over £100m and will com- available for purchase by first time property, it is likely that the lender the added benefit of low energy plete and allocate 652 of these during buyers under Apex’s shared will not require a deposit in costs. the course of this financial year. CONTINUES PAGE 2 2 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 First things first Public expenditure cut-backs HIGHLIGHTS Funding for apprenticeships in health & social care sector withdrawn

Coming as I do from a teaching educational attainment of our work- gender to the inequality list as health 04 Survey Results career at the University of Ulster, I force. Fifty six percent of the eligible and social care is an industry Feedback from am frustrated by the continuing workforce in Apex schemes, some 323 traditionally dominated by female Supported incremental cut backs in public employees, have now achieved QCF employees? expenditure with regard to train- qualifications. Changing tack from training to Living ing. The Department of In terms of funding, this latest housing issues, let us hope common Tenants Employment and Learning (DEL) cutback represents an annual loss of sense prevails so that another unfair has made Apex aware that funding £15,000 to Apex but what is cutback, now widely known as the for apprenticeships for those over particularly disturbing is that 85% of bedroom tax, does not see the light of 25 years in the health and social those trained using the adult day in Northern Ireland. I am care sector has now been with- apprenticeship framework over the particularly pleased to note that drawn. For a start, does this not past three years potentially fall into many of our leading politicians are smack of age discrimination? the category of women returners to now openly opposing its 05 Help & Advice DEL has said that funding for adult the workplace. Does this not add introduction. This is a cutback that apprenticeships will instead be will affect those on the lowest Deals on pre-owned targeted at “economically important incomes in Northern Ireland where furniture sectors” such as IT, financial services, there are little or no realistic food and drink and creative alternative options available in terms industries. This cut back comes at a of down-sizing to smaller time when there is a concerted drive accommodation or securing from all agencies to improve employment in the midst of the standards in health and social care current recession. I am particularly and is happening when Apex and appreciative of the work of the other providers are facing higher Northern Ireland Federation of Martin Housing Associations in making the dependency levels and an increasing Doherty number of complex cases within its Chairman argument against the bedroom tax supported accommodation. and campaigning against its Through the assistance introduction. offered by DEL in previous Apex tenants offered great years we have raised the deals at Foyle Hospice Shops Apex embraces new 10 &11 housing initiatives CONGRATULATIONS Developments News Apex committed to deliver 330 new homes Strand Foyer resident

Satisfaction Survey CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Sean McCauley to

In addition to providing new home As our shared ownership play for Northern ownership opportunities, Minister programme moves forward over the McCausland has stressed the impor- coming years we will be advertising Ireland in the tance of these housing initiatives in properties that are available for Homeless World generating employment within the purchase under our FairShare construction industry. initiative on our website. Cup!

FairShare Model 25% Homebuyer Equity: 75% (Deposit: 0% ) 75% Apex Equity: 25% Sean McCauley, first person from Derry to represent N. Ireland at Homeless Apex Development Schemes World Cup TYPICAL PAYMENTS Teams representing 64 countries Property Value: £125,000 - Mortgage: Capital & Interest - Assumed Interest Rate: 4% & Construction Programme will take part in the 11th annual YEAR Homebuyer Apex Mortgage Rental Overall Monthly UEFA-backed Homeless World Cup Equity Equity Payment Payment Payment in Poznan, Poland from August. Contact the Editor Sean McCauley, The Strand Foyer If you have any community news or Year 1 75% 25% £500.09 £26.04 £526.13 footballer is the only person from events you would like the Apex Year 2 75% 25% £500.09 £26.04 £526.13 Derry-Londonderry to be selected as Observer to cover, please get in touch: Year 3 75% 25% £500.09 £45.57 £545.66 part of the first ever Northern Ireland Year 4 75% 25% £500.09 £45.57 £545.66 Email: [email protected] Homeless squad after being spotted Year 5 75% 25% £500.09 £65.10 £565.19 by scouts while playing for his side in Telephone: 028 7130 4800 Year 10 75% 25% £500.09 £65.10 £565.19 the ‘NI Street League for Homeless Fax: 028 7130 4801 People’. Chile are the current holders of this 10 Butcher Street building sustainable communities Londonderry BT48 6HL competition - a fast ‘n’ furious street soccer format. Good luck Sean! Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 3 Advice Complaints & Compliments policy to suit the user IMPROVEMENTS Apex relaunches its Complaints & Compliments Policy Apex texting service In the last edition of the Observer, At Apex our aim is to meet we indicated that Apex has customer expectations by Key Changes to the Policy installed the texting module delivering services that are kept which will allow us to communi- under continuous review and System designed to suit the Shared learning cate with our tenants through the improvement. customer All complaints (informal and medium of text messaging. To achieve this, it is important that The ability to make a complaint formal) will be recorded to ensure Apex is currently in the process of we develop a culture that embraces in the way that best suits our learning can be gained, shared testing the software and tenants will customer feedback and one of the customers. This can be face to face, and implemented. receive a welcome message in the various methods used to obtain this on the telephone, in writing, fax, coming weeks to let them know that is through the Association’s e-mail or via the Association’s Keeping customers informed the system has gone live. Complaints & Compliments Policy. website. Customers will be kept informed Apex will carry out a tenant audit in We have recently made changes to of progress and outcome. the coming weeks to ensure that all the policy to improve how we collect Formal Complaints tenant details are correct including information, the nature of the infor- Where customers make a formal Measuring how we do mobile telephone numbers for mation we collect, and ultimately complaint, they will be invited Customer satisfaction with texting. improve our service. to a meeting to discuss their the outcome and our handling complaint with the appropriate of formal complaints will be moni- representative from Apex. tored. We will issue customers with a Complaints Feedback Form Help is on hand to achieve this. This will be a complaints Assistance at any stage of the and compliments system process can be obtained by For more information, please see the complaints information leaflet “designed to suit the contacting the Personnel Manager at Head Office. attached to this edition of the customer Observer. A copy of the full Elaine Taylor, Director of Personnel & Training - Apex Complaints Policy can be obtained from all Apex offices and schemes, or at www.apexhousing.org ‘The House’ evolves to meet the needs of rough sleepers and street drinkers Remodelling of service provision within The House in the Wells The existing House was built in model of service delivery will reduce 1982 replacing the derelict the daily alcohol intake for residents, buildings that were demolished reduce their vulnerability and under the 1972 urban regenera- improve their quality of life. tion programme. A further In addition, it is anticipated that refurbishment programme was the incidence of anti-social undertaken at the scheme during behaviour associated with ‘street 2006/2007. drinking’ will be significantly Currently, The House in the Wells reduced. provides accommodation and support for 25 men with an alcohol addiction. Since 1972 the House has catered the quality of life of resi- for those who are vulnerable because dents will be improved and of their lifestyle, addiction and “the incidence of anti-social mental health issues. behaviour associated with The Rough Sleepers/Street Drinkers Strategy 2009 developed by the “street drinking” will be sig- Housing Executive, Supporting nificantly reduced. People and the Western Health and Social Care Trust identified an unmet With the remodelling of the service need in relation to the identified from ‘damp hostel’ to a harm population of people who were reduction service underway, addi- Built in 1982, The House in the Wells, Longtower, Derry drinking and rough sleeping in and tional jobs will be created within the around Derry City town centre. existing service provision within tion of outcomes based support scheme. Apex are currently recruit- As a consequence of this, Apex was The House in the Wells to one of plans, controlled drinking will now ing a number of additional staff to approached by NIHE, Supporting harm reduction. be permitted within The House in the enhance service delivery at the People to consider remodelling the In conjunction with the introduc- Wells. It is anticipated that this new scheme. 4 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 Advice & announcement Apex Supported Living Survey Results Feedback from Apex’s Supported Living Tenants - improvements identified / implemented

Apex is committed to the continu- Key Outcomes Areas for Improvement ous improvement of the service that we provide to our tenants. 81% of residents were aware that One of the key ways in which we do all written information held about What the tenants said What Apex did this is by carrying out tenant satis- them is kept locked for protection faction surveys. 77% of tenants have said that staff Some tenants did not know We completed an exercise of Tenant surveys are carried out in a “always” understand what they need what type of information was kept informing tenants what number of ways - Mystery Shoppers, 91% of tenants have said that staff in their scheme files information was held about them Telephone Surveys, Face to Face help with personal hygiene when and how they can access it Surveys. needed 87% of tenants have said that they Some tenants felt that staff We have begun implementa- are happy with the way staff assists did not understand their needs tion of the Star Outcomes Model. with medication The support planning process will ...Apex carried out face to now identify the outcomes the ten- 91% of tenants have said that staff ants can expect face tenant satisfaction are respectful of their home “surveys with our Supported 85% of tenants have said that they Some tenants said that they In consultation with tenants, Living Tenants. Results are happy with the choice of meals get bored staff reviewed the training and were very positive... that they get activities available. As a result activ- 92% of tenants have said that they ities programmes on schemes have In the financial year from April get enough to eat been amended to reflect this feed- 2012 to March 2013 Apex carried out back face to face tenant satisfaction sur- veys with our Supported Living A small percentage of tenants We met with tenants and Tenants. Results were very positive would like more choice at meal agreed how they could have more and residents reported the follow- times input into menus ing:

Keep your details up WELFARE REFORM & Home Swapping to date with Apex - THE BEDROOM TAX Apex tenants set to benefit from scheme you may win £30 Argos Voucher Welfare Reform in Northern Social housing tenants in match you will be alerted by SMS text Ireland is still being debated by Northern Ireland are set to benefit or email. You can then log onto In order to ensure that correct the NI Assembly. We have, as yet, following the news that the NIHE HomeSwapper, look at the home you information is held about our no further update on the intro- and Housing Associations have have been matched with and if you tenants and the members of their duction of Universal Credit or the partnered with the UK’s largest like the look of it you can arrange to households, Apex carry out an ‘bedroom tax’ in Northern and most successful home swap visit it. annual Tenant Information Audit. Ireland. service, HomeSwapper. Should you find a suitable property Apex has been working closely HomeSwapper is free to all tenants whose tenant is interested in with the NI Federation of Housing of Apex and is an easy to use and exchanging homes with you, you Associations to have the bedroom exciting new way to move home. must notify Apex and obtain tax defeated in Northern Ireland. Each week thousands of people liv- permission to undertake the The Federation are hoping that the ing in social housing register online swap before proceeding further. bedroom tax may not be introduced and advertise their homes, looking All exchanges identified via for some time in Northern Ireland for another tenant who may like to HomeSwapper must be authorised and they are still working hard to swap. by the Association before a move can have the bedroom tax clause With ever increasing numbers join- take place. removed altogether from the ing the transfer waiting lists, NI legislation. HomeSwapper can offer you an alter- In addition, there may be delays to native method by which to potential- the introduction of Universal Credit ly secure a move of home thereby in Northern Ireland. The original reducing the current waiting times You can use HomeSwapper date for implementation here was for transfers. straight away by logging on to April 2014. The introduction of HomeSwapper has the UK’s largest www.HomeSwapper.co.uk and reg- Universal Credit will bring a cap database of people looking to swap istering to use the service. on benefits of £500 a week for homes with over 246,000 users Apex recommends you upload as The audit helps Apex provide the families and £350 for single people, across the UK. In the past 12 months much information about your home best possible service to our tenants. a monthly or bi-monthly payment 29,000 households have swapped as possible, including pictures. This year’s audit will take place directly into claimant’s bank homes thanks to HomeSwapper. between August and September. accounts and the replacement of all HomeSwapper uses the details you Should you require any further Keep an eye out for the forms in means tested benefits. supply to automatically match you to information regarding the above the post in the coming weeks and We will keep you up to date with other tenants who may have a home service or assistance in getting return them within the deadline any further developments through that you’d like and who would also your own home registered, please for your chance to win one of two the Observer and through our new be interested in your property. contact our Housing Department prizes of £30 Argos Vouchers. texting service. When HomeSwapper finds you a on 028 7130 4800. Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 5 Help & advice Free Basic Bank Accounts for Tenants Apex teams up with First Trust Bank - FREE basic banking for tenants

Many Apex tenants still do not tenants increase their credit have access to a bank account. rating, assisting with access to £1,300 Cost of borrowing Charge: £1,003 Amount Borrowed £250.00 Apex has worked with the First other financial products and serv- Credit Charges Trust Bank to make it easier for ices such as loans from the bank or £1,200 tenants who do not have a bank Credit Union. There are no account to open one. charges with the Basic Bank £1,100

Tenants can make an appoint- Account. £1,253 Repay ment to come to any Apex Many tenants have been £1,000 office where staff will help concerned in the past about bank them complete all necessary charges that are normally incurred £900 documentation to aid the process if there are insufficient funds in of opening a bank account. their accounts to meet the cost of £800 The charity Save the Children outgoing bills. The beauty of the have estimated that an average Basic Bank Account that we can £700 family can pay an additional help you set up is that no charges £600 £1,280 per year extra due to inflat- are incurred, even if there are ed prices for people who do not pay insufficient funds in the account. £500 Charge: £205 for products and services through a Combine Basic Bank Accounts bank account, that is, by direct with credit union loans as an £400 debit or with a debit card. Put alternative to local door step Charge: £16 another way, not having a bank lenders or high street lending £300 No Charge account means that your pound shops. The money you save when £455 Repay does not stretch as far as it should. buying products through the £200 A pound paid through direct account and on avoiding high debit can buy more gas and more interest loans could save you £100

electricity than a pound spent on a enough money to cover your £250 Borrow £250 Repay £250 Borrow £266 Repay £250 Borrow £250 Borrow prepayment card for a meter. The Christmas shopping bill! £0 same applies for goods or services If you would like more Social Fund Credit Union Money lender Payday Loan bought through a debit card. information on how to open a Having a bank account has the Basic Bank Account, or how to please contact Niall McLaughlin additional advantage of helping access a Credit Union loan, at Apex on 028 7130 4800. Apex tenants offered good deals on pre- owned furniture at Foyle Hospice Shops Apex teams up with Foyle Hospice, Derry Credit Union and the Consumer Council

Make your money go further with Foyle Hospice which provides vital affordable, quality pre-owned services to patients with cancer and furniture. The Foyle Hospice has other life limiting illnesses in the joined forces with Apex, Derry North West area. Credit Union and the Consumer This project is part of Apex’s Council to help consumers make Financial Capability and Affordable their money go that bit further Credit Pilot, which is aimed at by purchasing second hand making consumers more financially furniture. capable through helping people Through this partnership, tenants manage their money better, from Apex can be referred to the considering all options available and Hospice's second hand furniture choosing products which best suit shops for quality, affordable their needs. In addition, it also aims furniture. A great deal for Apex ten- to make affordable credit accessible ants has been negotiated for differ- to those who might not normally ent types of furniture packages. have recourse to it where necessary. Speaking about the project, Joleen The pilot has been developed by Cunningham from the Consumer the Consumer Council, with the sup- Council said: “many consumers con- port of Ulster Bank and the tinue to struggle with the rising cost Community Foundation for of living. With the added strain this is Northern Ireland, Apex, Greater placing on the household budgets Shantallow Area Partnership, Derry there has never been a more impor- Niall McLaughlin from Apex with Jacqueline McGinley of Foyle Hospice Credit Union and the Housing Rights tant time to help consumers manage Service. their money.” consumers a way of saving money recycling and reducing waste. This partnership not only offers but it is also an excellent way of Furthermore, it also supports the 6 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 News Minister McCausland officially opens Apex’s new flagship Belfast Office Official opening of Apex’s new office at Cromac Place in the Gasworks

on the need for everyone to have the opportunity to access good quality housing. Apex, with its stock of almost 4,000 homes for rent and 900 more under construc- tion at over 50 different locations, contributes to this aim. I welcome Apex’s move into affordable housing for sale. Alongside the existing co-owner- ship scheme, this will provide new opportunities for those wanting to get on the first rung of the housing ladder. It is good to see a success story that is delivering so compre- hensively for the people of Northern Ireland.” Over the past three years Apex has Apex new Belfast Office at the Gasworks delivered 1,400 new social homes, or just over one quarter of the Northern Ireland output. Christopher Hanna, Jacqueline Gilmore, Paddy Dempster, Keira Lindsay, Richard Todd - General Manager Fairbuild; Donna Richmond, Martin Doherty, Chairman of Nelson McCausland - MLA; Myles McIlwee, Susan McCarthy, Gerry Kelly - Chief Executive of Apex; Isabel Cowan, Keelan McGaghran, Martin Doherty - Chairman of Apex Apex said: “The new office in the Gasworks not only represents a Having significantly increased its Apex’s subsidiary company, substantial investment for Apex, housing stock in recent years, Fairbuild Homes, which is assisting but it’s also an important milestone Apex relocated its Belfast opera- with building affordable housing for in our efforts to provide a first class tion to the Gasworks on the sale, also operates from the Gasworks housing associations and makes a service to all our tenants in Belfast Ormeau Road earlier this year. office. large contribution to meeting hous- and its environs. It also reflects There are now 10 staff based there Speaking at the official opening, ing need throughout Northern Apex’s continuing commitment who serve the greater Belfast area after a tour of the building and meet- Ireland, not only in terms of housing to delivering the Department’s and the south east of the province ing the staff, Minister McCausland for rent and regeneration initiatives, social and affordable housing on a range of housing related mat- said: “I am impressed by what I have but now housing for sale. programme.” ters. seen today. Apex is one of our biggest My new Housing Strategy focuses Belmont Cottages - Celebrates 20 years caring for those with learning disability Belmont Cottages celebrated its 20th Anniversary on 11th December 2012 A party was held at the scheme with all the residents and many family and friends calling in to enjoy the party atmosphere and afternoon tea that had been pre- pared by the staff. The party was attended by Apex representatives including Mrs Marjorie Keenan, board member and Mr Gerry Kelly, Chief Executive. Mrs Keenan congratulated the staff of Belmont Cottages for their contin- ued dedication in ensuring excellent standards of care for the residents. Gerry Kelly, Chief Executive took the opportunity to thank staff for their commitment in providing a high level of service to the residents. A number of family members also contributed to the event, praising Belmont Cottages, Derry~Londonderry the care that their relatives received. From left: Sheena McCallion - Director of Housing and Care Services at Apex; Gail McLean - Officer-in-Charge; Yvonne Cassidy - Housing & Care Services Manager; Mrs Marjorie Keenan - Apex board member; Mr Gerry Kelly - Chief Executive of Apex Housing Association. Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 7 News

Strand Foyer residents play their part in ‘The Return of Colmcille’ 2013 Cavan and Glenn from the Strand Foyer take part in an epic journey to the Island of Iona and back to Derry

Apex residents embracing opportunities arising out of Cavan White Glenn Simpson UK City of Culture 2013 Strand Foyer residents Cavan White and Glenn Simpson The Colmcille Curragh left Ballycastle, Co. Return of Colmcille pageant. The book, through- down into Derry the Thursday before the pageant. Antrim on Friday, 17th June at 8.00am to journey out the whole journey, was carried in a special The pageant took place over the weekend of to the island of Iona in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, wooden box on the Colmcille. June 7-9th and featured the curragh on the the island of Derry’s own Colmcille. On board was After a ceremony on Iona the crew of the Friday evening, as well as the Saturday evening a crew from the Causeway Coast Maritime Colmcille left Iona at 11.30pm on a beautiful tran- spectacular. Heritage Group including two new and upcoming quil evening under a full moon. The crew travelled The boat was also used on the Sunday for a members Cavan White and Glenn Simpson, all night to get through Jura Sound by 4am and special event where Colmcille was discussed and residents of the Strand Foyer. arrived in Port Ellen on the island of Islay at 10am throughout all these events, Cavan and Glenn The journey from Ireland to Iona lasted 5 days the following morning. featured prominently as crew members. They with 2 of these days storm bound. Upon arrival in After staying the night, the curragh headed off engaged in the work on the boat in a marvellous Iona the crew engaged with the local school chil- to Rathlin Island where it took part in The Rathlin way from not having any experience of boats to dren who were making a book which was to be Sound Maritime festival. After this festival the wanting to take part at any opportunity they could presented to the people of Derry as part of the curragh headed for Greencastle and then sailed get.

Congratulations to those residents who celebrated significant birthdays this year!

Helen O’Hare Edward Boyce Jean Todd George Britton Elizabeth McLaughlin

Isobel Manning Rose Gormley Jessie Cardwell James Sharkey Mimi Hamilton 8 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 Competitions

GET COLOURING

Crossword Puzzle Sudoku Puzzle Across 1. Anteater (8) LAST EDITIONS 8. Common (5) 9. Regions (5) WINNERS 10. Employed (4) 11. Nearer (6) 13. Sartor (6) 15. Overt (4) Get Colouring 18. Mediterranean fruit (5) 19. Dialect (5) 20. List of technical terms (8) Matthew McDaid Down Oakland Park, 2. Intense (5) 3. Aromatic herb (4) Derry 4. Capable of being cultivated (6) 5. Retains (5) 6. Epicure (10) 7. Riotous (10) Crossword Puzzle 12. Spanish dance (6) 14. Cake topping (5) 16. Earlier (5) Sue Crossan 17. Prejudice (4) Clondermott Park, Derry Garden Competition 2013 Sudoku Puzzle If you take pride in your garden then please enter! Leile Scheinpflug

Prizes will be presented to the winners and ENTRY FORM High Street, runners-up in each category. These will include: Name: ...... Derry Address: ...... £50 for each Category Winner ...... There will be a £25 prize for each £25 for each Runner-Up Tel No: ...... of the 3 competition winners. Please tick the categories you wish to enter: Please return your entry forms as soon as possible, Best Overall Kept Garden Please complete and return your but no later than Friday, 23rd August 2013, to: Most Original Garden Features entry by 31st August 2013 to: Mary McGrory Best Hanging Basket Mary McGrory Apex Housing Association, 10 Butcher Street, Special Achievement Apex Housing Association 10 Butcher Street Derry, BT48 6HL Judging will take place in August 2013. The judges decision is or telephone Mary on 028 7130 4800 final and no correspondence will be entered into. Londonderry BT48 6HL Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 9 Community

IMPROVEMENTS Carrickfergus Neighbourhood Policing Team & Youth Justice Agency launch ‘THINGY’ App ‘Thingy’ app is a new free NEWCASTLE benefit. It was agreed that as the residents associa- Smartphone app designed for tion becomes fully established we would meet young people by young people. New Housing Development again to further the matters discussed, namely, Jointly funded by Carrickfergus in Newcastle, Co. Down funding opportunities and those issues of mutual PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Team benefit to all the parties involved. By October 2013, Apex will have and the Youth Justice Agency the app January developed 147 new homes at Burren was conceived, planned and Meadows, Newcastle, Co. Down. Apex has forged BELFAST designed by a group of teenagers strong links with the Newcastle Inter-Agency Group Eco-Homes Project - Belfast from Genesis Youth Club in who have attended pre-tenancy meetings and pro- Whitehead together with a number Apex Housing Association in partner- vided each tenant with a welcome pack containing April of youths currently engaged with the ship with the Eco-Home Programme, a small gift and information on community/volun- Youth Justice Agency. It contains a Belfast, launched the Eco-Home information leaflet tary and statutory agencies working in the area. wealth of information relevant to at Apex offices in Cromac Place in the Gasworks. Apex is delighted that residents have indicated a young adults from alcohol and drug Apex has agreed to include the leaflet along with desire to form a Community Association and this awareness, to sexual health and the quarterly rent statement, posted to all Apex expression of interest will be followed up with a crime. tenants within the Belfast Council area. The residents meeting in the very near future. The ‘app’ can be downloaded at leaflet, produced by www.thingyapp.com Eco-Home, outlines how households can work towards reducing their Rockers Reunion in household bills by mak- ing small changes in aid of Foyle Down their everyday habits. Syndrome Trust This is one way that Apex is working to pro- and others Myles McIlwee - Senior Housing Officer at Apex; vide information to help Charlie McDaid - Community Involvement Officer at The Rockers Reunion is an annual At the meeting in Jan 2013 in Newcastle were Jean Hughes - tenant; Down District Councillor - Carmel tenants address the real Apex; Elaine Curley - Eco-Home Project Co-Ordinator; event held to raise funds for Foyle O’Boyle; Chris Hanna - Apex Property Service Officer; PSNI Constable - Davey Jones, Anne Russell - tenant; Glen Livingstone - Apex resident. David Pratt - Apex Housing Officer; Neighbourhood Policing - Sgt Jim McIlveen; Paula Nixon - Newcastle issue of fuel poverty. Down Syndrome Trust and other Inter-Agency Group; Sister Teresa Clancy and Linda Boyle - Murlough Community Association. local charities. This year’s event is

PORTGLENONE Laird Park Residents New Residents Association Meeting: Latest meetings proved to be very con- May in Portglenone structive. All issues raised, including Following a number of constructive March loose manhole cover, access to the play park, speed meetings, and having written to each bumps, grit bins, trees and shrubs to front of of the households in Garvaghy, a number of Dunluce Gardens were addressed. Various agencies residents met with the Housing Officer - Stephen concerned, in partnership with Apex, NIHE and the Power and the Community Involvement Officer - Knocknagoney Area Forum will seek to resolve the Charlie McDaid in March 2013. The outcome was issues. It was agreed that a communication newslet- the formation of the Garvaghy/Gortaheran Crescent ter would be distributed to every household with Residents Association. The committee met to ratify relevant information on events in the area. Contact a constitution and elected the following: Keelan McGaghran (Housing Officer) or Charlie pleased to support Apex with its Chairperson: Paul McHugh McDaid for any further information. health clinic and school projects in Secretary: Michillo McCaughey Miwaleni, Tanzania. Treasurer: Jonathon Cameron DERRY-LONDONDERRY The concert will be held on 5th Committee Members: Lorraine McHugh October at the Nerve Centre, Sarah Cameron and Fiona Marron Apex work closely with ‘Off Magazine Street, Derry. A number of the Streets’ in Derry local rock bands will perform at the Apex continues to work closely with event. All proceeds from ticket sales Portglenone Enterprise June Off the Streets (O-t-S) to tackle issues and other fundraising events held Group (P.E.G) affecting the youth throughout the Greater throughout the day, will be split The Housing Officer - Stephen Power April Shantallow area. O-t-S continues to make full use of between the two charities. and the Community Development the Apex community facility in Fernabbey as a Tickets are very reasonably priced Officer - Charlie McDaid, had a very constructive venue to meet and engage with the youth in at £5.00 each and will be available meeting with P.E.G on 30th of April with a represen- Fernabbey and Glendale in particular. O-t-S will be from the Nerve Centre and Mason’s tative of the Garvaghy/ Gortaheran Crescent reaching out to our new tenants in Knockena, Bar, Magazine Street, Derry from Residents Association to discuss matters of mutual Buncrana Road in the near future. early September. 10 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 Developments news Heating a big winner in Cecilia’s Walk Tenants’ Satisfaction Survey Apex carries out satisfaction sur- with regard to the internal and veys in all its new schemes about external layout, and on the overall 12 months after they have been housing development generally. We WHAT THE TENANTS occupied. greatly welcome the views and SAID These surveys are carried out by comments we receive as they inform our Clerk of Works who visits each our design process and ensure con- A total of 47 tenants of Cecilia’s Walk tenant in their new home to get tinual improvement of standards. completed surveys from February to their views on what they like and Cecilia’s Walk is a new housing June 2013. Tenants were asked the dislike about their dwelling, both development of 61 houses on the following questions: west bank of the Foyle and the survey conducted has been undertaken in Do you like your home? the last few months. 96% Yes Please see the findings of this 4% No survey which is designed to find out What do you like best about your about the real issues affecting the house? everyday life of Apex tenants. The 21% Location response rate was 77% and we thank 64% Heating the tenants concerned for their 15% Layout co-operation. Have you had any problems with your house since you moved in? 17% Leaks 9% Heating 36% Minor Problems 38% No Problems

Is there anything you would change about the outside of your house? 64% No 32% Gardens/Pathways 4% Layout

Is there anything you would change about the inside of your house? 77% No 8% Living room window 15% Layout

Have you noticed any reduction in heating costs? 80% Yes 20% No

Are you satisfied with your contact with Apex Housing Association? 100% Yes

Do you like living in this area? 87% Yes 13% No

Have you made any contact with your new neighbours? 89% Yes 11% No

Are there any problems with anti-social behaviour? 6% Yes 94 % No

Do you think you will want to stay in your present home? 81% Yes 19% No*

*The majority of those who may want to move, live in apartments but have noted that they like their new homes. Above; St Cecilia’s Walk, Derry Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 11 Developments news Apex Development Schemes 2012-13

Top: Cecilia’s Walk, Derry; Bottom: Buncrana Road, Derry (67 Units); Middle Left: Church Bay, Rathlin Island (10 Units). Photo taken by board member Liam McCafferty, shows the nearly completed homes which have been allocated and will be ready for occupation in August 2013. New Construction Programme for 2013-14

In addition to the 720 social housing units currently under Breakdown of the programme delivering 246 new housing units construction, Apex will start to construct a further 167 new dwellings throughout Northern Aghnatrisk Road, Culcavy, Gortevin, Coalisland...... 12 Units Ireland from April 2013. The Hillsborough ...... 22 Units Gortgonis, Coalisland...... 4 Units Association also purchased 44 completed new build properties Aileen Terrace, Newry (OTS) ...... 2 Units Salter’s Bridge, Magherafelt (OTS) ...... 8 Units and 35 existing properties on the Bond’s Hill, Derry...... 13 Units open market. Springfield Crescent, Belfast ...... 9 Units The construction programme will Bradley’s Pass, Derry...... 64 Units Tullymacreeve, Mullaghbawn, not only provide new homes for people on the Common Waiting Bull’s Hill, Newry ...... 4 Units Co. Armagh...... 14 Units List, but also, employment for Burren Road, Warrenpoint...... 14 Units TOTAL ...... 211 construction workers in an industry that has suffered much in recent Carn View, Swatragh ...... 10 Units years. This large investment by the Existing Satisfactory Purchases ...... 35 Department for Social Development Craigmore Road, Maghera (Phase 2) . . . . . 8 Units and Apex will have a strong multipli- TOTAL NO OF UNITS ...... 246 Culdaff Gardens, Derry ...... 27 Units er effect in terms of employment. Our biggest investment this year is in Derry-Londonderry where three projects will start on site; two of the In this City of Culture year, this will ten jobs created by building social economy. In difficult times, this is projects namely Bradley’s Pass and create employment opportunities. housing, seven other jobs will be good news for the local economy. Culdaff Gardens, Creggan are on the Research has shown that for every created or sustained elsewhere in the Cityside and Bond’s Hill is located in the Waterside. 12 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2013 And finally

Main Photo: The Mayor of Derry - Councillor Kevin Campbell, presents Apex QCF Levels II and III candidates with certificates in Leadership in Health & Social Care Services. Included, seated are Maria Devlin - Training Advisor; Hugh McCann and Elaine Taylor - Director of Personnel & Training. Also included are tutors from the North West Regional College.

Left: The Mayor of Derry - Councillor Kevin Campbell, presents Apex QCF Level 5 candidates with certificates in Leadership in Health & Social Care Services.

Below: The Mayor of Derry - Councillor Kevin Campbell, presents Apex staff with City and Guilds certificates in Hospitality & Catering.

Apex celebrates QCF Success Apex celebrated the success of nerable adults, are qualified to QCF ing schemes. their latest staff members becom- Levels 2 & 3 in either Health & Social Elaine Taylor - Director of Personnel ing QCF qualified through a spe- Care or Catering. & Training, congratulated all staff cial awards presentation in the Apex also celebrated a further 5 of involved: “Many of the staff complet- City Hotel attended by the Mayor their managers completing the QCF ing these courses have not been of Derry, Councillor Kevin Level 5 in Leadership in Health and involved in any form of formal study Campbell. Social Care Services. This degree level for many years and faced the addi- evident. Staff are competent in their Apex employs over 330 care and course equips Apex managers with tional IT challenges of completing practice and these qualifications support staff within its Supported the skills, knowledge and competen- the course through e-portfolio. have proven to be an excellent Living schemes. Over 55% of Apex cies to manage the complex issues However, the impact of QCFs on front learning experience on both a staff who work with and care for vul- associated with its supported hous- line service delivery has been very professional and personal level.”

RECOGNITION FOR EXCEPTIONAL STAFF

Apex is very aware of the contribution which its staff team have in ensuring the success of the organisation, and in the past has recognised this through its ‘Carer of the Year Awards’. However, these awards have traditionally been confined to staff working within Apex’s supported living schemes. Apex volunteers continue the ‘Time to Read’ programme In order to acknowledge the role with Longtower Primary School which all of its staff play, the ‘Best in Care & Service Awards’, due to be Apex volunteers, Eileen McIvor and Louise Kelly with the pupils from Longtower Primary School. launched by September 2013, will Volunteers from Apex have been Key Stage 2 (8-10 year olds). abilities, but the confidence and seek nominations for any staff working with children from Volunteers commit to one hour self-esteem of the children has member or staff team who have Longtower Primary School, Derry each week to do one-to-one paired undoubtedly increased. ‘Time to impressed with their commitment or since September 2010 in an reading, initially for one academic Read’ is a great opportunity for caring attitude. attempt to improve literacy skills. year. businesses to give something back Staff will also have the opportunity ‘Time to Read’ is in its 13th year and Eileen McIvor, Catering Manager to their local community. You can to be congratulated through a has been developed to foster a love talks of her experience of the pro- witness first-hand the positive number of Special Recognition of reading, build confidence and gramme: “I have witnessed not only impact the programme has on the Awards. enhance social skills of children at improvements in the reading children involved.” Further information on the Awards will be published in the coming weeks.