MattersNeighbourhood

Issue 11: Winter 2020

Newmural brightens community

Hellofromthe newChair of theBoard

What’s it like beingaNeighbourhood Officer?

Newhomes in NorthPetherton

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 1 19/11/2020 16:02 Cheddar, and North Villages Hello... Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, and Berrow Welcometothis wintereditionofNeighbourhood Mattersafter what hasbeenthe strangestsix Hamp, and South Villages and La Ciotat months ever! Idohopeyou have kept safe Lettings,ShelteredHousing andwelland arestartingto andCommunity Enabler teams Sydenham and the Levels adjust to anew ‘normal’. to deliver greatservicestoyou. Because many of us have been Youmay know some of the parted from ournearest and team whoworkexclusively in , and dearest, it is importantwestay your area;ifyou don’t, please Polden and Parrett Villages connectedand support each introduceyourselfifyou see otherthroughthese them outand aboutastheyare challengingtimes. always cheerful andhappy to Bridgwater Central and help where they can. West Bridgwater Villages IjoinedHomes in Sedgemoor (HiS)14years agothisOctober We arereallykeentohear and, Imustsay,I‘ve seen many from youifyou wouldliketo changesthroughout that time. becomeinvolvedaspartofour Corporate News Ihaveheldanumber of roles Board or oneofour Service andbeeninvolvedinlotsof Improvement Groups.Asa differentareas of thebusiness. tenant-focused organisation, IamcurrentlyDirectorof it’s importanttousthatwe have customerswho areable Neighbourhoodsand am proud to scrutinise what we do in key to be workingfor such a areasofthe business.Ifyou fantasticorganisation with wouldliketoget involved so many greatpeople. or just want some more My main role is to lead and information, please letus support ourNeighbourhood know;weprovide learning and Management, Income and developmentopportunities

Resource Reg. No. 2110

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17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 2 19/11/2020 16:02 that mayhelpyou in otherareas people that highlighthow we of your life too. have allfeltduringthese peculiar times. We will be showingand As part of my role,Iworkvery promotingthe outcomesfrom closelywithmanyofour local theseactivitiesasshort films so partners andstakeholdersto please look outfor them on our create anddevelop new socialmedia pages. Lotsmore communityprojects in activitiesare beingplanned, Sedgemoor. In 2019,HiS,working includingeight more creative with Film, the isolationart andcraft sessions CommunityCouncil for leadingintoChristmas.Wewould Somerset,The Bridgwater Senior also love to hear aboutwhatyou Citizens Forumand Bridgwater areinterested in andwhere we Town Council, were awarded programmeofactivitiesunder cansupport localprojects get £1.1moverfouryears by theArts thetheme of Creative Lives offthe ground.You cancontact Council, to promoteand invest Under Lockdownhas helped and theproject team by emailing in arts andculture across encouraged everyone,whatever [email protected] or by Sedgemoor. Theproject is called their ageorability,toget calling ourCommunity Enablers Seed andthe vision sets outa involvedinalocal creative on 0800585 360. ten-yearplanthataimstoenable project. Youmay have seenthe everyone to getinvolvedinart Sketchbooks Unlocked in EveryteamatHiS provides a andculturalactivitieswherever partnershipwiththe Arts servicetoyou whetherdirectly they liveinSedgemoorand Quarter in Cheddar.Theyhave a or indirectly, anddespite the whatever their ability.HiS is the Facebookgroup where youcan Covid-19challenges we have all lead organisation andit’sbeen shareyourworkwithothers. If had to face,asanorganisation, we have notbeenidle. We hope really exciting to be part of this youare participating, we would youenjoy catchinguponwhat project. Earlyin2020, some of love youtoshare your work with we’vebeenupto. ourinitial planshad to be us;ifno, whynot as it’s agreat changeddue to thelockdownin waytoconnect with others who Best wishes March, howeverdespite this,a love to putpenciltopaper? Otherprojects have includedthe Claire comingtogetherofaLet’sDance Claire Tough, Sedgemoorgroup;Creative Isolationthatprovidedeight DirectorofNeighbourhoods activity workshopstomake somethingfun andreducethe feelings of isolation; Joyful Noises Didyou know... andMoments of Stillness bring together contributions from local Youcould be entitled to the Warm HomesDiscountifyou receive PensionCreditorother means-tested benefits? Call our Energy SupportAdvisor,Maria, on 0800585 360tofind out!

Didyou know...

TheRentFreeWeeks this year areDecember 14 and December 21.For more informationand to see if you benefit omfr therent-break, visitour website.

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 3

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 3 19/11/2020 16:02 Hellofromthe newChair of Communal flooring theBoard

We have recently evaluated ourcommunalflooring offer, It is agreat pleasure andundertakensometrial installsofvarious flooring in to be writing to you communal areas. forthe first time Membersofthe Assetand as Chair of the Neighbourhood teams, alongsideour cleaning and Board followingmy installcontractor,were part appointmentatthe of theevaluation. lastBoard meeting. Floors were chosen fortheir look, beinghard wearingand abilityto Iwould firstly like to thankChris to be involved in an organisation keep clean. ThePropertyServices Moseley,mypredecessor,for his Iknewabout duetoprevious Group, made up of customers, commitment to HiSand also for contacts andknewtobe mettooversee theselection, hisLifetimeAchievement Award progressiveaswellasrecognised andwere happywiththe results. at therecentTenant Participation forbeing customer andcolleague andAdvisoryServices(TPAS) focused.Iappreciate fullythat Keepingsafe annual awards. living in Gloucestershiremeans My ownstory is of recent at presentIhave limitedlocal this Christmas retirementafter 37 yearsworking knowledge,but Iamseeking to in community housingwiththe rectifythatwiththe support and help of others. Did youknowthatthreemillion last 15 at Cheltenham Borough households leaveChristmas tree Homes(CBH),another Arms It is clearlyadifficulttime lights on whileout,orasleepat Length ManagementOrganisation foreveryonewithsomuch night, andthatinsurerssee bigger (ALMO).Mylasteight yearsat uncertaintyand worry. Iwill fire claimnumbers in December CBHwere as CEOhaving workalongside colleagues who than anyother month? previouslybeenDeputyCEO and workfor HiSaswellasfellow Here aresometop tips to help Assistant CEO(Operations). Board members, customer preventfires: Throughout my career in representatives andSedgemoor •Turnoff thelights housing, my passionhas always District Counciltodeliver on the •Pickafreshtree beenbased around people and ambitions andproposals already in place. Ihavealready been •Keepthe tree away from heat their life experiences, be that as customers, colleagues,or incredibly impressedbythe •Makesurelightsmeetthe commitment anddedication rightstandards partners.Ihavechaired many of customer representatives, •Never overloadaplug socket multi-agency partnershipsat localand national level and includingtheir involvement in •Makesureelectrics arein my recruitmentprocess. gogoodod cocondnditiitionon firmlybelieve in thevalue of collaboration. My best wishes to youall and Iapplied forthisposition as it please stay safe. wasagreatopportunity forme Paul Stephenson

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17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 4 19/11/2020 16:02 Cheddar,Axbridge and North Newhomes in Sedgemoor Villages We arepleased to have received the keys to sevennew homesinOrchard Grove, BrentKnoll. They rangefromone-bedroom flats throughtoa four-bedroom home. Thesehomes aresubject to aSection 106 Agreement, meaningtheyhavebeenadvertised with apriorityfor thosepeoplewho have a localconnectiontothe parishes of BrentKnoll andthenBurnhamWithout. It’s greatfor us to lethighqualitynew homesto ourcustomers,but also fantastictohelpaddress some of theaffordablehousing shortagesinour ruralcommunities. Thecouncil has an ambitiousdevelopmentplan andweare really committedtoensuringwe remain their partnerofchoiceand allnew andpurchased homesremain accessible and affordable to localpeople. Corona CheddarValleyGroup

As theCovid-19pandemic spread around theworld groupcomprising of call handlers andfrontline earlierthisyear, communities across thecountryset volunteers. Thegroup has had thousandsofcalls, up support groups,includingthe Corona Cheddar loggednearly800 requestsfor help,and transacted ValleyGroup. more than £11,000. Theresponsefromthe community on Facebook Alot hasbeenachievedsince thegroup’s conception, wasamazing, however, noteveryonecould engage anditiscurrentlyformulating plansfor itspost- this way, so atelephone hotlineoperatedby pandemic future. volunteer call handlers wasset up. Thegroup distributedinformation cardsthroughout Cheddar,Axbridge, Cross,,Rackley andWeare to connectwithpeoplenot online.A secondcard also introduced thechatline, supported by Rotary Club of Mendip andCheddar Vale Lions Club members. To minimise face-to-face contactapaymentsystem wasintroduced to allowcallhandlerstotake payments andreimbursevolunteers. Corona Cheddar Valley Grouphas also established afund to help people struggling financially. TheFacebookgroup hasmorethan2,000 members andmorethan100 people areregisteredwiththe

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 5

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 5 19/11/2020 16:02 Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Brean and Berrow Happycustomerafter

Corporate News bathroom refurbishment AcustomerinBurnham wasjustone of many happy Morland customersfollowing therefurbishment of theirbathroom. Community We’vebeenworking closelywith Following arecentrefurbishment, customersand contractorstofind ahappy customer said:“Ijust Hub, away to continue ourplanned wanted to sharewithyou our Highbridge works programmesafely. before andafter photos andsay We arepleased to saythe first few howoverthe moonweare as a Everyone has beenverybusyat bathroomshavebeencompleted little family at thetransformations. MorlandCommunity Hub, since withouttoo much disruption,and “Itreallyfeels like ahomenow it had to temporarilyclose,due customersare very happywith andthe guys whodid allthe to Covid-19. their newlookbathrooms. workhave beenamazing and workedsohard.” TheHub hasundergone some upgradingworktothe building, More informationabout our with theinstallationofabrand plannedworks programmecan newkitchen,acanopiedarea be foundonour website. formobilityscootersand some We arealsodelighted to report outsidebasketballequipment, BEFORE that this year,for thefirsttime, nowpermanently in place. we areabletooffer anew range AFTER of modern wall tilesand kitchen Theteamatthe Hubisvery unitswhich have provedvery grateful forall thesupport it ppooppuullaarrwwiitthhccuustomers. hasreceivedfromthe community. Sue said:“Ahugethank you to thelocal Co-opstore,on MorlandRoad, forinstalling Garden Competition 2021 oneofour collection buckets, alongsidetheir till point. Whynot startsowing Wonderingwhatyou canplant during January? earlytocreatea Howabout this selectiontostart youoff: “Wereceivedavery helpful gloriouscolourful show 1. Pelargoniums –flowers JunetoNovember £75donationand athank you fornextyear’sGarden 2. Sweetpeas –flowersMay/JunetoAugust goes outtoall of youfor Competition.Tohelp, 3. Dahlias –flowersJulytoOctober/November puttinginyourpennies, which we areofferingfive 4. Delphinium –flowers Juneand July will go towardsthe upkeep of gardeningvouchers 5. Basil –harvest MaytoOctober thehub andit’sservicestothe worth £25each! localcommunity.” 6. Begonias,tuberousand beddingtypes So,how wouldyou like –flowers July to October/November to winsomegorgeous gardeninggoodiesin 7. Chillies andaubergines –harvest July to time forChristmas?Tell October us what plants arein 8. Petunias –flowers late JunetoSeptember thephotosbyDecember 11 to be in witha chance!Sendusyour answersbyemailingus or messaginguson Facebook.

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17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 6 19/11/2020 16:02 Hamp, North Petherton and South Newhomes in Bridgwater Villages and La Ciotat

NorthPetherton Corporate News We areexcited to have been given thekeysto ShelteredHousing 19 newhomes on theDawes Farm development Advisory Panel in NorthPetherton over thelastfew months. In February, we consultedwith Severalmorenew homeswillbe Anyone wishing ShelteredHousing customersto arriving betweennow andthe to express see what youwantedfrom the beginning of thenew year. interest in newservice. Thesehomes rangefromone- oneof these To take this work forward bedroom flats throughtothree- we developed theSheltered bedroomhousesonWigeonRoad homes HousingAdvisoryPanel,made andEider Close. must ensure they areregisteredat up of customersliving in our It’s beenareal pleasure forthe www.homefindersomerset.co.uk shelteredhomes. Lettings Team to be abletolet in order to placeabid. high qualitynew homestoour Their role is to review thework customers. we aredoing andput forward issues andconcernsthatare a result of theway we deliver the service. Often, it’s only those whoare in receiptofthe service that really know what it’s like, so it’s importantweget it right. Having this type of information before anychanges aremade is crucialtohelpsupport Changesinour ShelteredHousing ourcustomers to liveas Currentlythere is only onelevel of servicefor allSheltered Housing independentlyaspossibleintheir customers, butaspartofthe Remodelling Project this is changing. ownhomefor as long as they can. From theApril 5, 2021 there will be threenew levelsoftenancy Throughout theproject we are sustainment, Bronze,Silverand Gold,toensureyou livesafely, issuingaseries of newsletters independently, andhappily in your home. updating customersabout the service, thechanges in progress BRONZE SILVER GOLD andwhatyou candotoaccess theright servicefor you. Low-leveltenancy Medium-level High-level tenancy maintenance tenancy maintenance maintenance If youwould like to know more includesalarm*and includeseverything includeseverything aboutthe panelorthe changes, wellbeingchecks on thebronzelevel on thebronzelevel please getintouch with your plus activitiesand PLUS an additional PLUS an additional HomecheckCo-ordinator or Ella, useofhubs–this 30 minutes of hour of support Project Co-ordinator,via will be charged to all support everyweek everyweek Customer Services. customerswho are part of theservice

Thethreelevelsofsupport areeachcharged at differentlevels throughservice charges,althoughthiscould be partiallycoveredby HousingBenefititwould be agood idea to checkwhatother benefits youare entitled to, to help payfor theservice.For more information, speaktoyourHomecheckCo-Ordinator or contactCustomerServices. *Lifelinealarm serviceispayableasaservice chargeseparatelyand is noteligible forhousingbenefit

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 7

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 7 19/11/2020 16:02 Sydenham and the Levels

ParkwayVerge

We’rethrilledtoannouncethat SedgemoorDistrictCouncil (SDC)can startbuildingthe knee rail fencing, as votedby thelocal community,onthe grassverge oppositethe SydenhamCommunity Centre, on Parkway. Newmural

We joined forces with Sydenham Improvement Grouptotransform theend of thegarages behind Customershavelong complained that cars parking Bridgwater College. on theverge causeanunsightly Lewis,fromSydenham MuralMayhem, Sydenham andunsafemuddy mess in Improvement Group, Improvement Groupand us winter andliaised withThe commissioned MuralMayhem at HiSwould love to see your SydenhamImprovement Group to createthisbrightand selfies with thewall. Whynot andthe council’sCommunities colourful featurewall, grab aphoto anduploaditto Team to findasimple solution. covering thegraffiti that socialmedia taggingall three So finally,after lots of wasthere previously. organisations,using the conversationswithCounty hashtag #GoTeamHis? CouncilHighwaysteam, work is nowscheduled to commence in thefirstfew weeksofDecember. If youhave anyquestions Community Garden please contactSDC’s CommunityDevelopment SydenhamImprovement Groupisturning an unloved, neglected Officer,Liam, on community. corner of Sydenham, into an attractiveamenity area. [email protected] This is just PhaseOne of theproject, butalready feedback from or 07464981765. passers-by andresidents has beenverypositive.

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17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 8 19/11/2020 16:02 Woolavington, Puriton and Polden Medical Polden and Parrett Villages

Practice benefits Corporate News from MaDFund Garagesavailable forrent TheBridgwaterDementiaActionAlliance wasset Did youknowyou canrenta up sixyears agoand hasgrown to become the garagefromaslittle as £10.60 SedgemoorDementiaActionAlliance. aweek? We currentlyhaveanumber of In that time,dementiaawareness action planstohelpthose living garages availablefor rentat: sessions were held with many with dementia. •Kings Lane, organisations. Thanks to ourMaD grant, •PrioryClose,Cannington Thegroup hassince recruited Bridgwater DementiaAction nearly 1,000 dementiafriends, Alliance has beenabletostart •HampBrook Way, Bridgwater organised threeannual that programwithPolden •SouthborneHouse,Bridgwater conferencesand beensupported Medical Practice,which,after •WitchesWalk, Bridgwater by Bridgwater andSedgemoor having awareness training,has councils andmanyother puttogetheranexcellent series We also have anumberof individuals. of action planstheyhave now siteswithinNorth Petherton, Woolavington andHighbridge Thenextstage is to carryout implemented. with garages ready to let. aprogram of accreditation If youare interested in getting across Sedgemoortosupport involved, please contactJohn Formoreinformation,pleasecall organisations settingtheir own on 07757730514. ourCustomerServicesTeam. Paying rent online

Paying your rentonlineisquick andeasy. To useour secure paymentfacility, follow theinstructions below: 1 Visit www.homesinsedgemoor.org 5 Enter your name,address, and contactdetails, andclick next 2 Click payments >how to pay 6 Click paybyCreditorDebit Card your rent 7 Enter your full card number,expirydate and security code 3 Click Make ahousingrentor (onreverse of your card) garage rent payment –thiswill 8 Click paynow –the paymentwillbemade andyou can take youtoasecurepayment page request areceiptvia email on this page 4 Enter your 14-digitrentaccount 9 Click end number,how much youwantto pay andclick add

Ourpaymentsfacilityisavailable24/7, so youdonot have to wait for theoffice to open to make atelephone payment. Thepayment will be shownonyourrentaccountwithin24hours.The facility uses secure encryption methodstoprotect your financialdetails,soyou canhave confidence when enteringyourpayment card details. If youneed anyhelporsupport making thepayment online,request online access to your rentaccount or to just confirm your rentaccount number,you canringour friendly Customer ServiceTeamon0800 585360 or your Income Officer cantalkyou throughthe process.

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 9

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 9 19/11/2020 16:02 Bridgwater Central and West Bridgwater Villages Aday in thelifeof

Attendance aNeighbourhood Allowance entitlement Officer…

TheHomecheckTeamworks Helloall,for thoseofyou whodon’t know,Iam hard to support customers, Cyan,the Neighbourhood Officer forBridgwater andensures they receivethe benefitstheyare entitled to. Centraland West BridgwaterVillages. Paulinerecentlyspoke to two customerswho thoughtthey Ithought it maybeinteresting Ioften were notentitledtoAttendance to give youanoverviewabout have a Allowance,soadvised them what beingaNeighbourhood varietyof to speaktotheir family to see Officer entails! other what help they were receiving. Typically, I’ll startmyday by issues to Attendanceallowanceisthere taking ashort walk to my new deal with, to help youpay forany office… thekitchen!Icheckmy including additional care or support you e-mails, respondtoasmanyas antisocial mayneed to help youinyour Ican,and call back customers behaviourcomplaints, untidy waiting to speaktomebefore dailylifetoliveindependently gardens,mutualexchanges and in your ownhome. This could headingout on visits. much more. Some things Ican include someone to do your My dayusuallystartswith resolvequickly,but oftenthey garden or your washingifyou prearrangedvisits,such as areoutside of my control, so I areunabletodoityourself. property inspectionsand workwithotherstohighlight Paulinealsoadvised the appointments to support customersiftheywere not customers. potential problems. Recently,I gettingAttendance Allowance wasalerted to awelfare concern When I’minthe community, their family couldapply forit, aboutacustomer whohad not Ichatwithcustomers andfind whichtheydid. beenintouch with family or outwhat’sgoingoninthe Paulinewas later thankedby neighbourhood so Ican discuss friendsfor some time,soIvisited both thecustomers andtheir this with otherteams to improve them thesameday anditquickly families forher advice,ensuring ourservices. becameapparenttheyneeded they receivedthe financial support immediately. When I’mnot on visits,myday support they areeligible for is full of paperwork, updating Supporting customers’ welfareis that will enablethemtoreceive ourcomputer systemsfollowing oneofmymainresponsibilities, thecareand support they need. visits,speakingtocustomersover so if you’re worried aboutafriend It costsnothing to applyfor thephone or making referrals. or neighbour, please reportthis Attendance Allowance,and Iworkclosely with our to us or thepolice, especially it couldmeanyou communitypartnersand attend nowwhenlotsofpeopleare mayget anice multi-agency meetings to discuss feelingvulnerableand lonely. surprise. concerns in theareaand agreea wayforward to ensurecustomers Ihopetosee youall soon and continue to liveinahappy and if yousee me walkingaround, safe environment. This couldbe please come andsay hello… adultorchildren’s services,the at adistance! police,the councilaspartofthe Take care, Together Team or even local villageagents. Cyan

10 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 10 19/11/2020 16:02 Lift Replacement Programme

We areexcited to have startedworkonthe first phaseofour lift replacementprogramme. Photo Competition Thefour-month long phasewill arepleased to have nowstarted see newlifts installed at West work on-site. winner BowHouse andWalter Barnett ChrisWillmott, Property House, both in Bridgwater,and CongratulationstoSarah for Investment Manager,said: “We winningthisyear’sPhoto twonew liftsatElizabeth Court, arepleased to finallybeon-site Competitionwithaphotoof Burnham-on-Sea.Wewillthengo andstartingworkonour lift Sunset at Shapwick Heath! on to replacethe liftsinour other replacement programme. schemesoverthe next twoyears. Thankyou to everyone who “Unfortunately,delay was Theexistinglifts arecomingto unavoidabledue to Covid-19, took part in this year’s theend of their life and, as a however, sincerestrictions eased, competition,wehad some result,havebecomeunreliable we have beenworking really greatentries andthe votes andexpensivetorun in recent hard to be in apositionto were very close. years, so we took thedecision continue with theproject, while to renew them. Thewinning photohas been ensuringthe safety of our used as thefront coverof Unfortunately, theproject,being customersand operatives. your 2021 Calendar,included completedbycontractorDeltron, “The newlifts will be more with your newsletter. wasdue to begin earlierthisyear efficient andreliable, andwehope We hope youlikeit! buthad to be delayeddue to the customersenjoy usingthem.” Covid-19pandemic.However,we STAR Survey Results

Q1 Q2 YTD Overallsatisfactiontakingeverythingintoaccount88% 78%83% Satisfactionwithoverall qualityofhome85% 82%84% SatisfactionwithHiS providingahome that is safe andsecure87% 85%86% SatisfactionwithHiS beingeasytodealwith88% 83%85% Satisfactionwithneighbourhood as aplace to live87% 80%84% Satisfactionwithrentprovidingvalue formoney 92%92% 92% Satisfactionwithservice charges providingvalue formoney 72%82% 79% Satisfactionwithoverall repairs service(experience from arecentrepair) 84%78% 81% SatisfactionwithHiS listeningtoviews andactinguponthem75% 69%72%

We really valueyourfeedback, We realisewehave some If youare askedtoparticipate anduse both negativeand improvementstobemade with in asurvey, please do take part, positive comments to help howwecommunicate regarding so that we canlearn from your shapeour services. plannedworks,and ensuring feedback,and youwillalsohave From ourQ2surveyresults,we everyone feelssupported and thechancetowin a£50 Love to understandcustomers valueour valued,and we areworking Shop voucher. customer service, andfirstpoint across allteams to addressthis. resolution approach.

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 11

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 11 19/11/2020 16:02 Become an Involved Customer

Thereare lots of newand exciting opportunities coming up to getinvolved in,makenew friends andimprove services.You canlearn anew skill that canhelpyou to findanew or better job,meetother like-mindedpeople or just findaninterest. We arealwayslooking fornew ➤ Making aDifferenceFund Howdoesbeingan members to sharetheir views Panel – TheMaD fund hold andget involved.The different grants of up to £1,500 that involved customer groups are: Sedgemoorcommunity groups work? canapply for. This panel ➤ TAGS – Theleadtenant group Becominganinvolvedcustomer andlinkintothe HiSBoard. meets regularlytoreview and approve MaDfundapplications is agreat waytohelpusshape ➤ Scrutiny Panel – This is a andevaluations. ourservices. We currentlyhold task andfinish groupthat meetingsvirtually andcan ➤ targetsspecific rvse ice Neighbourhood Champions support youtoaccess this. areasand projects and – This initiativegives Meetingsusuallylastaroundtwo makesrecommendations for customersthe opportunity hours, andthe majorityofgroups improvement to TAGS and to contribute towardstheir meetquarterly.There arealso theBoard. neighbourhood andwider opportunities to attend site communitythrough visits,conferences, events,and ➤ Customer Services and becomingachampion: training courses. We coverany Communications – This group costssoyou’renot outofpocket, reviewsinformation to suggest – Community Champion – andwecan organise transport howwecan communicate promotinglocal activities and where necessary. better with customers; survey supportfor neighbourhood feedback,compliments and improvement. We will support youevery step complaints plus howwecan – BlockChampion – of theway andtogetherwecan improve services throughour supportingblock inspections make adifference. customer first approach. in ourblocksofflats, ➤ Property Services – This updating noticeboards, What do Idonext? groupreviewshow we connecting with other If youwould like to help shape maintain your home and customerstobuild theservicesofHiS,get in touch, developyourneighbourhood communityand support we wouldlove to hear from you. includinghow we canmake HiSinitiatives. We areparticularlyinterested in surecustomersare happy – Online Groups –These hearingfrompeopleofany age with therepairs they receive. groups providean or technical ability–if youcan ➤ NeighbourhoodServices opportunityfor customers useFacebookorZoomwewould – This groupworks with the to be involved from the love to hear from you. Contact Neighbourhood Manager to comfortoftheir home ourCommunity Enabler Team ensureyourneighbourhoods throughour Homesin formoreinformationon areagreatplace to live, Sedgemoor’s 0800585 360 or by emailing providinggood quality Facebook community.engagement@ homesand buildingpositive page. homesinsedgemoor.org. communities.

12 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 12 19/11/2020 16:02 Whybecomeaninvolvedcustomer?

My name is KarenWilce,Iam TAGS is themainconsultative ServiceImprovement Groups theelected Chair of theTenant groupthatworks to ensure andpresentsthese to theBoard. Action Group Sedgemoorfor customers’ viewsare fullytaken This year has beenvery thenexttwo years,withAnn into accountacrossall areasofthe interesting andweare looking serviceand influence strategic Hooper as Vice-Chair.Wehave forward to next year wherewe policiesand improvement in canbefully involved with the been involved customersfor services deliveredtocustomers. several years with HiS. ShapingYourCommunity plans Thegroup reviews in order to make your community We thoroughlyenjoy attending recommendations from the abetter placetolive. meetings, goingonsitevisits, meeting contractors, andworking with theHiS team,including Peter Hatch, theChiefExecutive. Peter is very keen to see customer involvementcontinue andstrengthentenants’ voices. It’s notall aboutsitting around a tableinameeting room,wealso gettogoout to sitestosee work in progress andget to see how things work from theinside, as well as give advice from a tenant’s pointofview. What is theMakingaDifference (MaD)Fund?

OurMaD Fund has threemainaimstohelpsupport •BARBMarineSearchand Rescue grassroots communitygroupsand organisations to: •Dorsetand Somerset AirAmbulance •Develop estatesand theenvironment–Projects (Somersetprojects) that benefit theenvironment or develop estates. •Improve life chances–Projectssuch as To apply, contactour CommunityEnabler Team support groups,advicenetworks, debt/ on 0800585 360orby emailing community. budgeting support. [email protected]. •Createcommunities – Communityprojects, such as play schemes, social inclusioninitiatives Talkingabout our MaDfund, Lewis, of andcommunity teamsorevents. Sydenham ImprovementGroup,said: If youhave agroup or organisation that could benefit omfr up to £1,500,get in touch! “The MaDfundhas enabledSydenham This year thefundhas helped: ImprovementGroup to financeseveral •Youth Unlimitedwiththeir ‘Chill andChat’ projects andprovide theequipment we sessions in Highbridge needtocarry on with ourworkinthe •The HubBridgwater community, withoutwhich,especiallyin •The SedgemoorDementia thecurrent situation wherefundraising has ActionAlliance been virtuallyimpossible, just wouldnot •SydenhamImprovement have been possible. We cannot recommend Group theMakingaDifferencefundenough!” •Rusty Road 2Recovery

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 13

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 13 19/11/2020 16:02 Thinkingof Starting Your OwnBusiness? Partnership We arecommitted to supportingemployment working opportunities forour customers.

We areavalued partnerat If youhaveidentified abusiness residents looking to startanew each of thethreeTogether opportunity andwould like an business andhavenot startedyet Teamsbased in Hamp, opportunity to learnthroughan or areinthe earlystages. Sydenhamand Highbridge in award-winningproject that can Allsupport will be offered Sedgemoor. Together Teams help getyourbusiness offthe throughvirtual training methods aremulti-agencypartnerships ground –wecan help through usingappssuchaszoom, that work together with theStriveSelf-employment WhatsApporteleconferencing families andindividualsto programme! that will enableflexibilityfor all help buildastronger senseof This course will help to explore thoseparticipatingthrough: community; to reduce crime thepotential of starting a -weeklygroup meetings held andantisocialbehaviourand business,benefiting notonlyyou virtuallyingroupsuptoten support people whomay be butyourlocal communityaswell. experiencinghardship. This course will providea -fortnightly telephoneone-to- onementorship Some of ourmorerecent platform foryou to begin a caseshavefocused on helping business based on your ownskills -onlinevideo contentor to buildgood neighbour andknowledge supported by our interactive online learning relationships andimprove newtrainingprogramme. with contentthatincludes: communities. Thecourseisa12-week support •Start-upchallenges and We know there have been andtrainingpackage for reviews, includingthe particular issues surrounding opportunity to submitplans theuse of illegal substances andworkyou’vedoneon that causemanyproblems in your ownbusinesses to get ourcommunities andwehave feedback and supported people to access encouragement services to help them regain •Information on Government control andseeksupport to business support grants make positive changes. relating to Covid-19 Theuse of drugsisillegal •Startingupduringthe andalsoabreachoftenancy recovery from Covid-19 agreementthataffects not pandemic only theuserbut also the lives of others.Ifyou are If youare interestedinthe awareofany illegalactivity project,pleasecontact our linked to aparticular Community Enablersfor more property,you canreportthis informationon0800585 360. anonymouslytoCrimestoppers on 0800555111.

14 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 14 19/11/2020 16:02 TastyChristmas Recipe Make yourown SantaSweets Christmasdecoration Youwillneed: abowl, aplate, acocktail stickand some greaseproof paper. Ingredients Method Here is arecipeofhow to make some salt doughChristmas 150g (6oz)crumbled 1. Putthe sponge, sugar andalittle of the ornamentstohangonthe tree. sponge cake orange juiceinabowl. Mixtogetherto 1. To make thesaltdough,mix 100g (4 oz)caster form astiff paste. 1cup salt,2cups flour,1cup sugar 2. Useyourhands to roll thepaste into small of water.Ifthe doughistoo 1-2tablespoonsof ballsand letset in thefridge foralittle sticky,add alittleflouruntil orange juice while. To decorate, putalittleofthe icing youhaveanice smooth dough. sugar on aplate androllthe ballsaround 2. Roll outtoabout 0.5cm-1cm To decorate in it untilevenlycoated. thickness. icingsugar 3. Forchocolatesweets, youcan either roll 3. UsingChristmas cutterssuch cocoapowder theballs in thecocoa powder or dip them as atreeorasimplecirclefor 50g(2oz) plain in themeltedchocolate. abauble, cutout your shapes, chocolate, melted butmakesureyou make a 4. Useacocktail sticktomove them to the hole usingachopstick for greaseproofpaper to set. hangingwhenit’sdried. 4. When thedough is stillwet, pressindecoratingitems Make 2020 a such as beads or buttons. 5. Youcan either letthe dough airdry forthreedaysorbake CarefulChristmas them in theovenat50˚cuntil cooked.Turnthemout onto a wire rack to cool. It’s beensuch astrange year hard to see people this andyou wouldbeforgivenfor Christmas andmanywilljust 6. Oncedried andcooledyou wantingsome‘normality’ around appreciate youcontacting cannow paint! theChristmas 2020 period.Atthe them to sayhello. 7. Usearibbon or string to hang on your tree. time of writing we don’tknow •Start saving fornext what therules will be on whowe Christmas!Evenifyou canput see,where andwhen. So it’s afew pounds away aweek Christmas tempting to spendextra money then it will allhelpnextyear. on food andpresentstomakeup competition! forthe uncertainty. •Finally,ifyou need to borrow then avoidhighinterest Send us aphoto of your WestcountrySavings andLoans, lenderssuchasdoorstep and alocal creditunion, has some drawingofone of Santa’s online lenders. Andespecially reindeer andwin your very tips to help youhaveanice but avoidillegallenderssuch as ownpackofmagical reindeer carefulChristmas: loan sharks. •Onlybuy thefood youneed food andChristmas goodie Youcan contactWestcountry bag. Ages under ten.You can –don’t gettemptedtobuy Savingsand Loans (offeringsafe loads especially if youcan’t eemamaiill uuss o orr mmeessssaaggeeusonus on savingsaccountsand affordable Facebookwithyourartwork! freeze what doesn’tget eaten. loans) at www.westcountry.org. •Limit theamountyou spend uk or on 03300563994and there on presents andbuy forclose arelotsmoremoney tips at family only.It’sgoing to be www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

Neighbourhood Matters Issue 11: Winter 2020 15

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 15 19/11/2020 16:02 Puzzle Time! £25 VO Enterour Winter wordsearch. UC up HER Find all10words from thelist, then return it alongwiththe gr for completedentryform. abs! SQDHOOEDCOAT

NWSGBL IZZARD SNOW OMDWKHMPAXBU SNOWBALL COAT WO SE IYIQRTWO DRIFT BE ILBNTXDFGL SNOWMAN ARCKQCTBMV YN BLIZZARD SCARF LAISIGEEIUOA WINTER LZCCMHNJREKM ICICLE VKLWADBUMD FW MITTEN CXEMOL FRACSO Please complete your details forachance of winninga AEYNTNXSNKYN £25voucher. Send your completedentryform DR IFTCSRTOIS to:Homes in Sedgemoor, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater TA63AR,email Name:...... customer.services@ Address:...... homesinsedgemoor.org or messageusonFacebook...... Closingdate: Telephone:...... Friday,January29, 2021 Congratulations Congratulations

To Mr Moynihan andMrGarland-Green,both To Miss Thomason,ofBridgwater,Mrs Hooper, of Bridgwater,who won£50 worthofLove of NorthPetherton,and Mr Williams,of to Shop vouchers fortakingpartinthe Cheddar,who were thewinners of the STAR Survey. summernewsletter competition!

HomesinSedgemoor@HomesSedgemoor

[email protected]

www.homesinsedgemoor.org0800585 360/01278 552400

Homes in Sedgemoor, Bridgwater House, King Square,BridgwaterTA6 3AR

17665.01_Homes_In_Sedgemoor_Magazine_Winter_2020 v3.indd 16 19/11/2020 16:02