Disability Information Handbook

Chapter 13 – Homes, Housing & Homelessness

Council Services

Richmond Housing Register The Council has a legal duty to ensure that vulnerable people are housed in accommodation that will provide a safe and secure environment. This is usually in the form of social housing. Accommodation is provided using a points system, and physical, sensory or learning impairment, mental health issues or health conditions may give extra points. Housing Provision, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 020 8487 5454 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/housing

Richmond Housing Partnership Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) holds the largest stock of social housing in Richmond Borough RHP Head Office, 8 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8GT Tel: 0800 0322 433 Fax: 020 8404 5506 Web: www.rhp.org.uk

Resettlement Service The Resettlement Team offers a service to vulnerable people who are moving to permanent or temporary accommodation in the Borough, who need help in accessing essential items and services. Tel: 020 8487 5064 Fax: 020 8831 6014 Email: [email protected]

Adult Placement Scheme This scheme is for adults aged 18 years and over with a learning disability who live in Richmond upon Thames. Placements are in the homes of specially-trained carers and can be long- or short-term. Carers will help you to:  Look after yourself  Keep healthy and active  Learn new skills  Meet people  Enjoy hobbies and support you with activities  Manage your Money  Share domestic tasks like cooking and cleaning

Adult Placement Scheme - Contact the Adult Social Care Access Team 6th Floor Regal House, London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3QB Tel: 020 8891 7971 (prefix 18001 for Textphone Users) SMS Text: 07507 512 733 Fax: 0800 014 8359 Email: [email protected] Other Housing Organisations

Elizabeth Fitzroy Support Provides practical support and treats adults with learning disabilities as individuals taking into account their unique needs, wants, desires and dislikes. Silver Birches is its registered care home in Richmond. Silver Birches, 2 - 8 Marchmont Road, Richmond, TW10 6HH Tel: 020 8948 5423 Vacancies: Tel: 0808 168 4662 Email: [email protected] Web: www.efitzroy.org.uk

Hampton Parochial Charity (Social Housing) 35 Ashley Road, Hampton, TW12 2JA Contact: Mr Robin Farrer Tel: 020 8979 4333

London & Quadrant Housing Association Osborn House, Osborn Terrace, London, SE3 9DR Tel: 020 8045 4011 or - 0800 015 6536. Minicom: 020 8557 2204 Web: www.lqgroup.org.uk (Email from website)

Quintus Housing Trust Provides accommodation for older people 13 Castle Mews, Hampton, TW12 2NP Contact: Mr Ian Watts Tel: 020 8481 7277

Richmond upon Thames Churches Housing Trust 13 Castle Mews, High Street, Hampton, TW12 2NN Tel: 020 8481 7277 Fax: 020 8481 7244 Email: [email protected] Web: www.paragonchg.co.uk/richmond-housing-trust

Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust (RHLT) For people with learning disabilities. Runs two residential care homes; one in Hampton Wick and another in Whitton. Also supported living projects: one in Kew and one in Teddington. Tel: 020 8977 5447 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rhlt.org.uk

Richmond Psychosocial Foundation Provides a number of specialist therapeutic care homes for young people and adults with mental health problems, learning disabilities or emotional and behavioural problems. Clyde House, 109 Strawberry Vale, Twickenham, TW1 4SJ Tel: 020 8744 1330 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rpfi.org Royal Star and Garter Home Provides nursing and therapeutic care to ex-service men and women and the spouses and partners of ex-service people in need of care. (It will move to Surbiton in 2013.) Richmond Hill, TW10 6RR Tel: 020 8439 8000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.starandgarter.org

Roy Kinnear House A residential home with a range of services for adults with profound and mulitple disabilities and complex health needs. 289 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4SU Tel:020 8892 4049 Email: [email protected] Web: www.roykinnearhouse.co.uk

Shenehom Housing Association Provides residential care for 13 people with mental health difficulties who need medium support to live in the community. 31 Ranelagh Avenue, Barnes, SW13 0BN Tel: 020 8876 2199 Email: [email protected] Web: www.shenehom.org.uk

United Response United Response is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities to take control of their lives. It also runs a care home. 45a Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LA Contact: Mrs. Jackie McKinney, Tel: 020 8977 5406 Email: [email protected] Web: www.unitedresponse.org.uk

Yarrow Housing – Works with people with learning disabilities and acquired brain injury. 216 Goldhawk Road, London W12 9NX Tel: 020 8735 4600 Email: [email protected] Web: www.yarrowhousing.org.uk Homelessness Prevention

Richmond Council’s ‘ Housing Options Team ’ provides advice to residents of the Borough who:  Are threatened with eviction  Are unable to pay their rent or mortgage  Have problems with a landlord  Have problems with a member of their household  Are fleeing domestic violence

They offer confidential advice and can mediate between disagreeing parties to try and address problems. Tel: 020 8891 7409 Fax: 020 8891 7403 Email: [email protected]

Temporary Accommodation Richmond Council has a duty to provide people with accommodation if they are homeless. Contact the Temporary Accommodation Team Tel: 020 8891 7545 Fax: 020 8831 6404 Email: [email protected]

Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to find housing in the private rented sector. This scheme is intended to provide accommodation for people who may be in priority need of housing but have not become homeless intentionally. Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme Tel: 020 8891 7409 Fax:020 8891 7403 Email: [email protected]

Appeals You can appeal if you are not satisfied with the assistance offered by the council. Ask for an appeal form from Residential Services or the Civic Centre.

Other Homelessness Advice Services

Homeless UK – A website giving information on advice services, day centres and hostels. http://www.homelessuk.org

SPEAR – A charity working with homeless people in and around Richmond Address: 89 Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AW Tel: 020 8288 6506 Email: [email protected] Web: www.spearlondon.org  SPEAR Tenancy Finder Team: 020 7036 9771 Email: [email protected]

 SPEAR Tenancy Support Team: 020 7036 9777 Email: [email protected]

 SPEAR Outreach Team: 020 8404 1481 Email: [email protected]

 SPEAR Drug and Alcohol Service: 020 8948 7094 Email: [email protected]

 SPEAR Veterans Support Service – for vulnerable ex-service people in the community to help you to access services and provide a programme of support. Tel: 020 7036 9775 Email: [email protected]

Vineyard Community Centre This centre provides a morning drop-in, community cafe and other support for people who are homeless or in crisis. For all Community Centre enquiries, including volunteering opportunities please contact Desiree Shepherd, Centre manager: Tel: 020 8439 9735 Address: The Vineyard, Richmond, TW10 6AQ

Rough Sleepers’ Hotline: 020 8404 1481

Shelter General Advice: 0808 800 4444

Shelter South London – Specialist housing advice and advocacy service for anyone with a housing problem in London: 0344 515 1540

Repairs to Your Home

If you are a homeowner who is disabled or over 55, you may be eligible for a loan through the Home Improvement Trust's Houseproud scheme. The scheme offers one way to get repairs, improvements or adaptations carried out without any of the dangers posed by ‘cowboy builders‘, or concerns over how to pay for the work. HIT – Houseproud 7, Mansfield Road , Nottingham NG1 3FB Tel: 0800 783 7569 Fax: 0115 934 9501 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hitrust.org

For small repairs, try the: Age UK Handy Person Scheme – The Handyperson Service supports residents of Richmond upon Thames who are over 60 years of age or have a disability. They assist with any practical job that helps an older or disabled person, such as:  repairing a curtain rail  replacing broken light switches  fitting new or replacement locks  changing a light bulb if you are not confident on a pair of steps  changing tap washers  putting up a shelf if it would help clear your floor space  replace or re-secure a toilet seat  fit a key safe (available to buy from Handyperson)  garden tidy up service  safety & security check

Tel: 020 8876 0620 Email: [email protected] There is a charge for this service of £30 for up to two hours’ work plus a call-out charge of £5.

Adaptations and Improvements

Wandsworth and Richmond Home Improvements Agency receives referrals from Adult Social Services Occupational Therapy for residents who need adaptations because of disability. It administers the means-tested support:

Disabled Facilities Grant – this can pay for major adaptations to your home, depending on your income, which you may need to maintain your independence. Grants, discounts and financial help with heating and insulation (see below, under ‘Heating and Energy Efficiency)

Contact: Home Improvements Agency, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BX Tel: 020 8891 7436 Fax: 020 8891 6404 Minicom: 020 8891 7404 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Heating and Energy Efficiency

Energy Suppliers’ Priority Service Register (PSR) If you are of pensionable age, disabled or chronically sick you can qualify for the Priority Service Register (PSR). Customers on the register are entitled to additional services free of charge, such as:

 free annual gas safety checks for qualifying customers,  password schemes,  bills available in large print and braille as well as talking bills,  quarterly meter reading services (if no person occupying the premises is able to read the meter),  having a prepayment meter moved to improve access,  bill nominee scheme, and  priority in an emergency (this could include providing alternative heating and cooking facilities in the event of supply disconnection).

To register, contact your energy supplier: British Gas: Tel: 0800 072 8625 EDF: Tel: 0800 269 45 Minicom 0800 096 2929. e- on Tel: 0800 051 1480 Npower (Warm Response Service) Tel: 0808 172 6999 Southern Electric Tel: 0800 300 111

See also the website: www.ofgem.gov.uk/Consumers

Coldbusters Grant If you are over 60 and receive certain benefits you may be elegible for a Coldbusters Grant toward heating improvements. Tel: 0800 358 6668

Richmond's Home Insulation Scheme Discounted rates available to all residents and free to those in receipt of certain benefits and to those aged 70 or above. Freephone: 0800 389 7286 Warm Front Grant Homeowners or those renting from private landlords and in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for grant for insulation and heating improvement . Carillion Energy Services Customer Management Team Freepost NEA12054, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1BR Tel: 0800 316 2805 Textphone: 0800 072 0156 Email: [email protected] Download a form from www.direct.gov.uk

Warm Home Discount Scheme The Warm Home Discount Scheme helps some older people on Pension Credit with energy costs. The scheme runs for four years from winter 2011/2012. If you qualify automatically, the DWP will infiorm you. If you do not qualify automatically, energy suppliers may also give a £130 discount to someother customers in vulnerable groups (called the broader group). Each electricity supplier hasdifferent eligibility criteria they will use to decide who may get the discount. Suppliers participating in the scheme are:

 Atlantic 0800 300 111  British gas  EDF  E-on 0800 052 1480  Npower  Scottish Hydro 0800 300 111  Southern Electric 0800 300 111  Scottish Power  SSE 0800 300 111  Swalec 0800 300 111

Recycling and Waste Disposal

Assisted collections These are available for disabled people who are unable to carry bins or recycling containers, which are collected from your doorstep and returned after emptying. Email: [email protected] Tel: 08456 122 660

Bulky Waste Collection Discounted Rates Residents over 60 or with low incomes can get discounts for removal of large items. Tel: 08456 122 660 Information about collection days and more can found on Richmond Council’s ru bb ish and r e cycling pag e. Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/rubbish_and_recycling.htm

Safety and Security at Home

Telephones – If you have substantial disability and are on a low income, Social Services may pay for some or all of the cost of installing and renting a telephone. Contact Adult Social Services Access Team (see Chapter 2 – Social Services).

Directory Enquiries – If you have difficulty using a paper directory, BT provides a Directory Enquiry Service. Tel: 118 500 Web: www.thephonebook.bt.com (to look up numbers online) Hearing impaired callers can access this service via Text Relay (see below).

Telecare/Careline Service – the Community Alarm Service Telecare is a Council alarm service linked to a control centre providing a 24 hour response service for disabled or older people. Contact Richmond Direct (the Council’s contact centre) to request an assessment. Tel: 020 8891 7971 (prefix 18001 for Textphone Users) SMS/Text: 07507 512 733 Email: [email protected]

Age UK Personal Alarm Service This is an alarm pendant that can be worn around the neck or as a wrist band and which connects 24 hours a day to a call centre. So if there is an emergency or you have a fall, you can get help quickly. Tel: 0800 011 3846 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ageuk.org.uk/buy/help-at-home/age-uk-personal-alarms Hearing Impairments – Text Relay

Text Relay Connects people using a textphone with people using a telephone or another texphone. It is a fully automated service so, when required, relay assistants provide a text-to-voice and voice-to- text translation service. Text Relay Team c/o Internal Box 14, Telephone House, 170-175 Moor Lane Preston, Lancs PR1 1BA Telephone 0800 7311 888 Textphone 0800 500 888 Web: www.textrelay.org Email. (see form on website)

To use Text Relay from a textphone: Dial 18001 + number To use Text Relay from a telephone:Dial 18002 + number

Text Users Emergency Service Gives textphone access to the emergency services. Textphone: 18 000