The magazine for residents of Fortunegate Community Housing Winter 2009 Opportunity knocks Prospects for all ages explored at fun day
Plus… Swap your home, page 3 Find out how we’re doing, page 8 Healthy living, page 13 to Fortunegate News
W lc m It’s been an eventful year for Fortunegate and the final few months of 2008 were no different. We’re particularly proud that the Unity Centre is continuing to go from strength to strength, offering a quality events and training resource and venue to the community. On page 16 you can read about ‘Make English Work’, a new programme that will be running from February for parents who want to learn English as a second language in order to get into work. Read about getting involved with Fortunegate by attending our open day in February (p. 5) plus our newest resident board member (p. 4) shares his views on what getting involved with Fortunegate has meant to him. In this issue, you’ll also find advice about reporting crime and anti-social behaviour (p. 20) and on keeping on top of your rent and other finances in the current economic climate (p. 6).
Finally, I’d like to invite you to give us a few words of feedback about this magazine by way of our word-search on page 23. In return, we’ll be entering all completed word-searches into a prize draw for three residents to win Argos vouchers.
Joe Chambers Managing Director Fortunegate Community Housing
Joe Chambers
For anyone stuck for a New Year’s resolution, why not join one of Fortunegate’s focus groups or committees that are making Soapbox a difference to how services are shaped and provided in your area? You can sign up to be invited to give your opinions, comments and suggestions on a variety of matters that affect you and your neighbours. You can do as much or as little as you like and still make a difference – from filling in a quick questionnaire to helping monitor how well services are provided as a resident inspector. If you enjoy reading this magazine or think you could help improve it, why not get behind the headlines? There’s currently Brigid Neal, Chair, room to join the editorial board for Fortunegate News and give Fortunegate Community Housing your viewpoint on what goes into the magazine, making sure residents stay informed. Another year over and I wonder how many of us have managed to stick to To find out about getting involved with shaping our New Year resolutions we made at services at Fortunegate Community Housing or any the start of 2008? I know I find it hard other opportunities to offer feedback, contact Yvonne to remember some of the targets I set Williams on 020 8438 1834 or e-mail: out to achieve last year, but I know [email protected] or write to: Editor, that my involvement with the local Fortunegate News, Fortunegate Community Housing, community is something I can feel Fortune House, 223 Church Road, London NW10 9EP proud of.
2 Have you registered?
Did you know that you don’t have to rely upon the waiting list to move home? Fortunegate is part of ‘homeswapper’, a nationwide scheme that sees thousands of tenants joining each month, looking to find a local or national swap in order to transfer to another property. FCH pays the registration fee so that residents can register for free online and log onto www. homeswapper.co.uk. You can search the website and it automatically finds properties that match your needs. ‘Match alerts’ are then sent regularly with details of suitable properties. Some FCH residents have already benefitted from the Homeswapper scheme and it could facilitate a faster move for others too. Contact your Neighbourhood Manager for details. www.homeswapper.co.uk
Low level arrears With some tenants in high arrears or in the you have a good payment history. A good process of court action and at risk of losing their payment history would be an account that is homes, it is easy to forget tenants with smaller continuously in credit. amounts of arrears on their accounts. • You will not receive continuous letters If you have arrears under £200 you may assume or phone calls from our Housing team that it is not important to clear your account. But demanding payments, which will leave you you might be shocked at how quickly £100 can turn free to enjoy your home. to £300 to £500 and to a notice seeking possession with the risk of losing your home. • Lastly these small levels of arrears can affect FCH’s performance, which can have an effect Benefits of having your account in credit on our reputation. This will consequently It is extremely beneficial to you to have your have negative effects on the local area in account in credit once your most recent payment which you live. is paid in, whether that is weekly, fortnightly or A housing association is only as good as its monthly. tenants, so let’s work together to increase • If you have financial difficulties in the performance and our standards! future, your housing officer may be more understanding with your circumstances if
3 Meet Paul Vincent, the latest FCH resident to join the Board of Directors! Paul has lived in Brent for over 12 years and has been a Leaseholder with Fortunegate Community Housing for eight. He works as an administrative manager for an engineering company. Paul’s interest in becoming a Board Director was motivated by the need to find out more about how Fortunegate operates. He wanted to bring the leaseholder viewpoint as well as a level of financial expertise to the table. His vision for Fortunegate is for the organisation to become financially strong and to do its best for leaseholders and tenants, particularly in the current economic climate.
Catalyst to pilot national housing and job services programme
Catalyst Housing Group has been selected to pilot test some of the possible incentives to encourage an innovative research-based project to find the best individuals to re-enter the world of work. Following ways to get unemployed London residents back into initial consultation, Catalyst will carry out ongoing work, John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation research with 20 families as they access information, University and Skills, has announced. advice and support to take up job and training The Learning and Skills Council has asked Catalyst’s opportunities. Employment and Training Team – in partnership Throughout the pilot, social housing residents will with Ealing Council and Brent Council – to deliver the be encouraged to access information and training £400,000 programme across the two local authorities. provided by Catalyst on a whole range of topics, Specially trained staff will work with up to 600 social including employment rights, interview skills, CV housing residents to overcome a range of housing- writing, mentoring programmes, preparation for related issues that often deter people from returning interview. Specialist support on disability, childcare to work – from concerns about caring responsibilities and immigration rights in relation to employment will to criminal records, poor understanding of the labour also be provided. market to the complex benefits system. The success of the scheme will be measured by the The pilot will involve consulting with social housing numbers of people taking part and user satisfaction residents about these and other issues. Findings will surveys. Findings from Catalyst’s research-based enable the Employment and Training Team to make pilot will influence the design and commissioning of colleagues aware of the problems that people face, the LSC’s new Adult Advancement Careers service in develop better advice and guidance for residents, and 2010.
4 Find out what’s going on in your community
A day of activities is being planned for February 21 so that residents can find out more about Fortunegate’s services The day will also highlight aspects of the Unity Centre and introduce residents to groups such as local residents’ associations, the Youth Forum and the Elders’ Forum.’ The Unity Centre will host the event from 12 – 5pm, with over 250 people expected to attend. Residents will also be invited to give their feedback on the first draft of the Resident Involvement Strategy and on how satisfied they are with services provided by Fortunegate. For further details on this event, please contact the resident involvement team on Michelle Brown, Resident Liaison Officer on 020 8955 1785 and Yvonne Williams, Head of Community Investment on 020 8955 1783
No more water charges collection by FCH Visitors parking permit update
As of 1 December 2008, we will be charging a fee of £10 for issuing replacement visitor parking permits. This is being introduced due to the high volume of requests that are being received and to cover the costs that are incurred in re- issuing the permits. We will ensure that our most recent tenants who have moved into properties will receive the maximum of two per household without charge. Some new tenants received one Fortunegate will no longer be collecting individually permit and they will be given an additional charged water rates in your rent on behalf of Thames one upon request. Water. We will be writing to all affected tenants nearer to the time to provide further details about why we Tenants will need to provide ID (i.e. proof are making this change, and to advise when it will take of address along with picture ID) when effect. In the meantime, if you require any further requesting visitors parking permits. information, please feel free to contact us.
5 Stay on top of your household finances
There has been a lot of publicity lately about the economic downturn Money saving tips and the effects that it is having. Maximising your income To stay on top of your household Make sure you know what you're entitled to. The Citizen finances, the most important thing to Advice Bureau remember is that your first priority is www.adviceguides.org.uk and the government’s to make sure that you have enough www.direct.gov.uk has good advice on their websites. More money to pay your rent. than £2 billion of benefits go unclaimed every year. Make If you experience any difficulty sure you are not losing out! paying your rent, please contact us If you have a child, visit the ‘Useful Tools’ section of immediately! Delaying the www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk website and the ‘parenting calculators’ can help you work out what you may contact only makes matters worse be entitled to. and could ultimately result in you Budgeting and taking stock losing your home. We can help you to make an appointment with the • Keep a spending diary – to find out where your money money advisor from the Citizens goes, write down the cost of each item you buy every Advice day for a week. Then, you’ll be able to work out your budget, using the www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk Bureau that holds a surgery once a website’s ‘budget calculator’ to help you. week at the Fortunegate Community • Review your direct debits – are you paying regularly for Housing office on 223 Church Road. unwanted services? Think of any services that gave you The National Debtline also offers a free introductory offer and now you pay full price for. advice and counselling and can be Are you paying for a something that you no longer use? contacted on 0808 808 4000 • Check if you’re covered already – you may be paying or visit its website at more than you need for insurance. Your home contents www.nationaldebtline.co.uk. insurance may cover you for loss of credit cards or
6 other personal belongings while away from Taking charge of home. Or maybe your employer or bank account offers health or travel insurance as part of your service charges benefits package? Consider if any warranties you Stay on are paying for are value for money or covered by your home contents insurance. for leaseholders • Check you are paying by the cheapest method– some insurance providers charge you more for top of your using direct debit while some utility suppliers In these times of economic might offer you a discount. uncertainty, it is important that we all manage and prioritise • Choose the right credit card – the most suitable our finances. credit card for you will depend on how you intend to use it. Before you choose a credit card, FCH is focusing on household significantly reducing decide why you want it and how you intend to Leasehold and Service use it. The APACS (UK payments association) charge arrears and it is ‘Choosing and Using’ website has a list of things therefore important that to consider – see www.consumersandcards.org. you keep up-to-date with finances uk for details. your rent and service • Think about your financial needs – the financial charge payments. Legal health check feature on www.moneymadeclear. action is costly, and you could be fsa.gov.uk can help you identify what they may at risk of losing your home if you do not be. maintain your service charge payments, so please help us to help you to prevent Reduce essential costs unnecessary additional costs. • Compare providers for deals on your phone, Most leaseholders normally pay their service gas, electricity and credit cards – see ‘switching charges monthly in advance and there are a suppliers’ on www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk. number of ways to make payments. • Save energy in your home – the Energy Saving The most convenient method of paying is Trust’s website has information about grants and through direct debit. There is also a discount of offers and you can get a personalised report on £1 per month for those residents choosing to how much you may save in your home. Or you pay via this method. can phone them for free, independent energy With the permission of the leaseholder, FCH saving advice on 0800 512 012. can also adjust the monthly payment up • Save on your driving costs – The ‘greener driving or down whenever there is an increase or decrease in the monthly charges. You will not tips’ at www.direct.gov.uk could help you save be required to do anything. one month's fuel over a year. Leaseholders can also pay via Standing order, cheque or by credit or debit card over the Other organisations that can phone (please call 020 8438 1800 for further information). be of help: If you are having difficulty in maintaining your payments please contact Kelechi One parent families: Ukachukwu on 020 8438 1805. Further Provides advice and training with focus on lone advice on welfare benefits or debt parent families in benefits, training and getting counseling can be provided by local back into work. Their web page has a range of agencies, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. useful fact sheets that explain how to go about to Alternatively, you may want to contact the claim benefits and other useful information: National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 (Mon- www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm) or visit their website at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
7 Performance…performance how are we doing?
In this issue of Fortunegate News, you can read about our latest performance figures in several key business areas. As your landlord, it is important that we are accountable for our performance on service delivery, recognising where we are doing well and also where we need to improve.
Your Rent
In the last year we’ve collected 88% of the total rent due, which is consistent with performance this time last year. The rent collection rate has remained above 100% since the beginning of this financial year, which means that we are not only collecting rent due but also rent arrears. Rent arrears are just 11%, down almost two percent since the beginning of this year. Some of this can be attributed to our new approach of making sure people start their tenancies with a rent account in credit. We have also begun stepping in early in cases of arrears to offer support before arrears become unmanageable.
Figure 1 Rent Collection Rate March - October 2008
8 Performance…performance how are we doing?
Re-Letting Empty Properties
Since the beginning 2008 we have more than halved the time it takes us to re-let empty properties, as demonstrated by the red line in Figure 2. Properties that became vacant in September were re-let in an average of 36 days. It is important that we let empty properties quickly to minimise lost rent and make sure the maximum amount of money is available for maintenance and improvements to Fortunegate properties. It also means that people are waiting less time to be housed.
Figure 2 Average re-let time (days) by month in which property became void Repairs
In the last year Fortunegate has completed 2,754 repairs on its properties. Most have been routine repairs, and have been completed in an average of just four days, which is well within the 21-day target. Nearly all appointments have been kept, and most jobs were completed on the same day the technician first attended. Capital Repairs continue to excel!
Figure 3 Total number of repairs completed Figure 4 % jobs completed within target time
But don’t just take our word for it! Feedback from residents on the repairs service delivered by Capital Repairs has been superb. “Capital provides an excellent service,” said one satisfied resident, with another adding “I cannot fault them, they’re ever so helpful!” If you would like any further details or have any feedback to offer, please contact Catherine Attenborough, Quality and Performance Manager, on 020 8438 1800.
59 Fun and opportunities for young people at Hirst Crescent
Local Police Community Support Officers were a hit with younger residents at Hirst Crescent.
Delighted young people were given free basketballs when they came down to a fun and information day at Hirst Crescent and Edison Drive in October. The purpose of the fun day was to raise awareness of the social and educational opportunities available locally for young people, which may help to improve the social cohesion in the area and reduce anti-social behaviour. Those who attended were able to find out about services offered by organisations such as Connexions, who link young people into education and training.
10 Fun and opportunities for young people at Hirst Crescent
Local Police Community Support Officers were a hit with younger residents at Hirst Crescent.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team were also in attendance to liaise with For further details about the residents about any issues they wished to discuss. outcome of the fun and information day , please contact Norma James, Residents and local landlords have said that they would like to see Neighbourhood Manager an increase in facilities in the area for young people, as these are 020 8438 1813 currently very limited. Asra Housing Association, Inquilab Housing Association, Willmotts and Brent Council also partnered in the event. Feedback forms that were completed by those who came along will assist in informing Fortunegate about the services that the community requires.
11 12 Healthy living day shapes up to be a success
A day of activities to promote healthy lifestyles was held by Diabetes UK on 29 October at Churchend and Roundwood Unity Centre, Harlesden. The Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ralph Fox, opened the event, which targeted the African and Caribbean communities in particular and took place as part of Black History Month: a celebration of Black history and culture
Raising awareness: It was a great opportunity for people in the area to find out more about diabetes and its complications. Eighty people attended, where Brent PCT carried out diabetes testing on 20 people and The Stroke Association provided blood pressure testing. The British Heart Foundation also offered emergency life support training. Fruit smoothies and healthy eating advice were offered by a Brent PCT health trainer and dietician all day. Other stands at the event included Brent Samaritans, Brent PCT Bowel Screening programme and Vale Farm Sports Centre. Presentations were given by DSN Nina Patel from Brent PCT, Qaim Zaidi from British Heart Foundation and Homaira Khan from The Stroke Association. “We are delighted that the event was such a success,” said event organiser Juliet Enever, Diverse Communities Officer for London at Diabetes UK. “We know that more than 300,000 people of Black or South Asian origin across the UK have Type 2 diabetes and more than 70,000 have the condition but don’t know it. "People from these communities are also more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and its serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputation and kidney disease, at a younger age than the rest of the population. It is therefore crucial that we do everything we can to reach these communities and make them aware of diabetes and its serious complications.”
Visitors learned about diabetes (above) and emergency life support training (below)
13 Employment and volunteering opportunities
Brent in2 Work brings together expertise Language 2 Work is designed to improve your skills and resources of a full range of employment and give you practical advice on how to develop organisations in Brent to help job seekers and local your skills to find a job. business. It is an intensive 8-week language programme. The Several projects might be of interest to your team will work closely with you to put together an personal needs. They are; individual support package especially for you! • Building One-Stop Shop (BOSS) Please contact: 020 8795 3670. • BOSS, part of Brent in2 Work is a specialist Through the Recruitment and Training Courses organisation for the construction industry Service, Brent in 2 Work is able to offer unemployed – providing training, employment, and advice. Brent residents free job ready and accredited training courses with the opportunity to have job • BOSS aims to create a local skilled workforce to interview with an employer at the end of the course service the construction industry’s needs locally. particularly in Health, Customer Service/Call Centres, Currently BOSS offers an extensive range of training Retail, Security and Hospitality and Catering. courses such as, • ACS Gas Working for Local Government If you are interested in working for Local • Plumbing Government, Brent in2 Work will be running 2-day • C7G 16th Edition Electrical Installation workshops for all unemployed residents of Brent. The workshops are free of charge and will take • Bricklaying participants through the recruitment process of local • Electrician Government covering the following topics: • CITB basic Scaffolding • What do local councils advertise • Inspection and Testing • How to fill out the application forms to get • CSC Health and Safety training and Testing shortlisted To find out more information on construction • How to prepare for panel interviews jobs or training, please contact 020 8795 9950. If you are interested, please call 020 8937 6520. Outreach Teams Churchend residents get a supportive employment service helping them to overcome barriers that prevent them from finding long-term employment. Brent in2 Work runs a 5-day confidence building course, helping clients to realise their goals and potential to start them on the road to employment. The Outreach Team is based at no.2 Hawkins Road, Harlesden NW10 and can be contacted on 020 8459 2985.
14 Employment and volunteering opportunities
Wembley Works Wembley Works is located inside the first Wembley Works will focus on identifying the completed building within Quintain Estate's skills needs of local employers and access to prestigious regeneration scheme in Wembley and local employment opportunities, training and will provide skills training and job opportunities development of those seeking employment and leading to some of the 6,200 leisure, retail and providing access to the estimated 6,200 long hospitality jobs that will become available in the term jobs to be created by the regeneration of Wembley City development as it is built over the Wembley. next few years. The project includes a 'one-stop shop' job This unique employment initiative is delivered brokerage unit where local people can quickly through an innovative partnership between Brent access advice and guidance on non-construction Council's Brent In2 Work scheme, Quintain Estates jobs and career development and enrol for & Development plc and the College of North West courses conducted in adjacent classrooms on the London with a capital grant from the European site. Regional Development Fund and matched by To contact Wembley Works, call 020 8903 6825 Quintain Estates and Development plc. or email [email protected]
Personal Best – Volunteering programmme Want to be a part of history and get unvolved Personal Best is currently running in 11 boroughs and in the London 2012 Olympics? will be rolled out London-wide from this spring. So far, 15% of the 370 graduates from the programme Realise your potentual today by joining the have moved into jobs, 42% have taken up further Personal Best programme – your opportunity training and 33% have opted for volunteering to learn new skills, gain a qualification and get opportunities. In total, the programme is expected support looking for jobs. to benefit up to 20,000 Londoners. Personal Best is run by the London Personal best is the chance to: Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council to help some of the city's • gain new skills most disadvantaged to improve their job • a guaranteed interview to become a London prospects. It uses the excitement of the 2012 Games to promote training for an accredited 2013 Volunteer volunteering qualification while also offering • acheve a nationally recognised qualification participants support into further volunteering, training or work. • receive advce on further learning and training Closer to the time, graduates will be offered an • help with looking for jobs interview to become a volunteer at the 2012 • get involved in local sport and cultural activities Games while 10% of Games time volunteers will come from the national Personal Best • a great way to meet new people, make new programme. friends and get to know London Ifyou would like to be referred to the programme, please call Yvonne Williams on 020 8438 1834 or to self refer contact Rosaleen McCombe on 020 8795 9950
15 Making English Work at the Unity Centre
‘Make English Work’ is a new work-focussed programme The courses will be intensive and vary in length run by the College of North West London, Brent Adult & depending on the level of your English at the start Community Education Service (BACES) and Brentin2Work of the course, between 8 to 16 hours per week for for parents of school aged children in Brent. the duration of 10 to 15 weeks. The new course will be held at the Unity Centre and is for The courses are free and will be starting in people who want to learn English as a Second Language February and leaflets with information on how to (ESOL) to be able to get work. On the course you will learn join will be available at Unity Centre in the New English needed for work situations, applying for a job, Year. interview skills, etc. as well as improving your reading and If you or anyone you know would be interested writing skills. There will also be some elements of IT and in the Make English Work courses, please contact numeracy. Meena Vaya at BACES on 020 8838 8128. Each learner will have a personal job search advisor Course dates are as follows: from Brentin2Work giving one to one help and support in finding a suitable job, from the start of the course to 20/04/09 – 29/06/09 the end and continued support and encouragement to 21/09/09 – 30/11/09 continue training once in work. During the course learners will go on work visits or participate in work experience. Most of our courses are run during school hours but Brentin2Work will help find free childcare for you if you need it.
16 Learning with Catalyst
Want to pick up some new skills? New courses will start over the coming months based at Fortunegate’s parent company, Catalyst in Ealing W5. If you are interested contact Samina Hurry (contact details below).
OCN Introduction to Youth Work, Level 2, This course is an introduction to youth work for residents interested in working or volunteering in the youth sector. All applicants must be 18 years old and over. Learning Champions NOCN Certificate in Youth Work, Level 3 This course is for residents who have completed Level 2 OCN Introduction to Youth Work FCH residents champion or have at least five years experience in youth work. Applicants need to be working training for others or volunteering in a youth setting and all applicants will need to attend a interview. Learning Champions are residents who are interested in pursuing a career in housing. Their role is to work with OCN Training Skills for New Trainers, Level 2 the employment and training team to encourage other This course is suitable for residents who have residents to participate in learning. an interest in delivering workshops or short Leaning Champions must demonstrate a desire to work training courses to other residents and it will within the housing sector. They will work towards the provide residents with the skills to run effective CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) Level 2 Certificate workshops.Other short courses will include in Housing. All residents who take part will also carry Committee Skills & Budgeting Skills (dates to be out a work placement with Catalyst Housing Group confirmed). – Fortunegate’s parent company. This will give them the For more details please contact opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the sector. Samina Hurry, Training Officer: The next Learning Champions course will start after [email protected] Tel: 020 8832 3334 Easter. Catalyst Communities, Ealing Gateway, 26-30 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2AU For more details please contact Samina Hurry, Training Officer: [email protected] Tel: 020 8832 3334
17 The Unity Centre
Facilities at the Unity Centre are generally available for use during weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays. Main hall The Unity Centre’s versatile main hall is available for functions, large public meetings and events, arts performances, exercise classes, and exhibitions. The room seats up to 150 people (or accommodates 200 people standing), and has many power points for PA systems, lighting and other equipment. Community room Designed for meetings and training events, our community room seats up to 16 people board room style, 50 theatre style and 50 semi-circular style. With ample space for flip charts and other presentation materials, this is a great place for generating discussions, solving problems, and creating new ideas. Foyer The bright foyer, with its café style seating area, is a pleasant place to sit back and relax. IT suite Those who want to improve their computer skills can take advantage of our fully equipped IT suite with internet access. The room comfortably seats 12 people, making it perfect for seminars and workshops. Managing the centre Our Community Centre Manager is available in the building from 9am to 5pm, to help deal with any needs you may have. Available for hire The Unity Centre has already hosted christening parties, birthday events, and weddings – all at very competitive prices. If you’re planning a get-together, why not contact us to see if we can help? To find out more about hiring the Unity Centre, or to discover what’s on, please contact Janice Antoine, Community Centre Administrator, on 020 8955 1780 or e-mail [email protected]. We also want to make all our residents aware that as of April 2009 the price of hiring the Unity Centre will be increased. The Church End and Roundwood Unity Centre 103 Church Road, London NW10 9EG Please note: The Unity Centre is not available for the dissemination of political or religious ideology, as a place of worship or licensed for the sale of alcohol (except where occasional licence agreements allow). 18 19 Health network offers community outreach from Unity Centre
BME Health Network (BMEHN) is just one of Financial Assistance the organisations based at the Unity Centre, BMEHN can assist families facing financial difficulties. Fortunegate’s community centre for residents This is often an issue for families living with a long- and the local area. term illness, which can exacerbate their condition and Tony Morrison, Director of BME Health Network, increase stress. tells us more about the work they carry out and the service they provide to the community. Counselling BMEHN is a registered charity that supports Living with a long-term illness can often be an African-Caribbean families living with long-term isolating experience, talking to someone outside of illness through self-help groups. the immediate family can often help. Counsellors are available to assist families coping with anxiety, stress, It does this via self-help and support groups, which relationship difficulties and other problems affecting are not exclusive to families of ethnic origin and emotional and mental well-being. we welcome families from all backgrounds. BMEHN provides various support services: Welfare and Benefit Advice Support Group The benefit system can be difficult to navigate at the best of times. For families coping with long-term A friendly and sociable environment for families illness these difficulties are increased. BMEHN has to meet, make friends and exchange experiences. specialist advisors to assist clients in accessing the The group involves its members in recreational, benefits they are entitled to. In addition, clients can educational and practical activities. also obtain debt management advice if they are in financial difficulty. Health Awareness and Information BMEHN invites health specialists and practitioners BME Health Network to speak on a range of health issues including Church End and Roundwood Unity Centre nutrition, exercise, alternative therapy or specific 103 Church Road illnesses. London NW10 9EG Tel: 020 8459 4338
19 qwes zdhqe Reporting crime and anti-social behaviour – who to call?
Residents are continuing to play an important role in helping Safer Neighbourhood Teams FCH to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their – local police, local knowledge neighbourhoods, but what’s the best way to report a problem? Each Safer Neighbourhood team is normally Below are some details about the Safer Neighbourhood Teams made up of six police and Police Community and other contact numbers that residents should be using for Support Officers (PCSOs). They work flexible this purpose. shifts to meet local needs and work on issues Residents currently contact the FCH housing management and concerns identified by you. team when they encounter anti-social behavior and crime. Their aim is to listen and talk to you and Although the team will do its best to assist, it is important to find out what affects your daily life and remember that FCH is not a law enforcement agency and any feelings of security. These might be issues criminal activity should be reported to the relevant agency e.g. such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti, the police. noisy neighbourhoods or vandalism. Any information they receive will be kept in Emergencies confidence. In an emergency you should phone 999. You should use this Please remember they are not here to deal service to contact police in situations when you need an with urgent calls –always dial 999 in an immediate response - that is, if a crime is happening now or if emergency. anyone is in immediate danger. The Safer Neighbourhood teams spend a lot The 999 system handles calls for the fire brigade and of time patrolling the ward so please leave a ambulance service as well as the police so you should try to be message if they do not answer and they will clear about which service it is that you need. get back to you as soon as possible. The police have introduced a new phone number for reporting non-emergencies: 0300 123 1212. A non-emergency is when Safer Neighbourhood Team the crime is not taking place at that moment and nobody is in contacts any immediate danger. This will make it easier for the public to Dudden Hill get through when they dial 999 for a genuine emergency. Telephone: 020 8721 2053 0300 numbers are not premium rate lines and the same Mobile: 07843 291 133 rules will apply as when you call 0208, 0207 or 01 numbers Email: [email protected] – regardless of whether you dial from a landline or a mobile Address: College of North West London, phone. Dudden Hill Lane, London, NW10 2XD 20 qwes zdhqe Reporting crime and anti-social behaviour – who to call?
Harlesden Crimestoppers: Telephone: 020 8721 2051 Mobile: 07843 291 131 Members f the public can call anonymously with Email: [email protected] information they may have about a crime on Address: Harlesden Police Station, 76 Craven Park, 0800 555 111 (free from a BT landline). Harlesden, NW10 8RJ Noise Nuisance: Stonebridge If non-confrontational personal approaches do Telephone: 020 8721 2060 not resolve a problem with noise, Brent Council Mobile: 07843 291 100 Environmental Health may be able to help. When Email: [email protected] contacted the individual causing the noise, they will Address: Harlesden Police Station, 76 Craven Park, not disclose your identity without your consent. If Harlesden, NW10 8RJ the noise persists, the council may serve a noise Preston Team abatement notice, breach of which could lead to Telephone: 020 8721 2968 prosecution. Mobile: 07920 233761 Your housing management team will be able to Email: [email protected] advise what to do about noise and that which Address: Wembley Police Station cannot be dealt with by the council, such as traffic Harrow Road, Wembley, and domestic noise. Middlesex, HA0 2HH Kensal Green Brent Council Environmental Health Tel: 020 8721 2055 contact details Mobile: 07843 291135 Brent Council Nuisance Control Team Email: [email protected] Telephone: 020 8937 5252 Address: Kensal Green Team (9.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Fri) 76 Craven Park, Harlesden Telephone: 020 8937 1212 London NW10 8RT at all other times Email: [email protected]
21 Name: Michael Olawunmi Worked with Fortunegate since: Feb 2006. Lives in: East Ham Favourite music: African artist, Baba Ara, spiritual music from Nigeria - I love it. Favourite food: Rice and beans. Patch: Keir Hardie House and Clement Atlee House. How does your day start? Getting into work at 7.30am to change and sign in, ready to start on the patch at 8.00am. Describe a typical day The first thing I do in the morning is litter picking. Then I check the entrances and sweep and mop them. After that I check the stairs, which should be mopped once a week. It is not a daily duty to mop the stairs on some occasions I end up mopping or sweeping twice daily because of anti-social behaviour. You sweep and mop, but after only Michael Olawunmi a few minutes it gets dirty again. …that seems frustrating painter! It adds more to the job and reduces our time to do our regular duties that we still need to Yes, and also for tenants because it is dirty when they cover. leave and when they come home: they don’t know that it has been cleaned, sometimes twice during that day. Bags of rubbish are left on the landing or dropped down so they spread out over the And then what do you do? ground - when they should be put directly in Well, by this time it is usually afternoon. I go on to do the the bin. You have to carry it to the bin room landings, clean glass, cobwebs and the lifts. I check lights. and clean up the mess. Or when they have new Things always come up, like covering other patches, and electrical appliances and leave the old ones in I have to attend to it immediately. On a good day I have the bin storage and we have to remove them and a tea break at 10am and a one-hour lunch break, but a carry them down the stairs. And urinating in the lot of times there is so much work that I forget about my lift is uncalled for! breaks to get the job done. What do you do if you receive complaints? Do things come up that take over your whole day? If they complain to me directly, about mess No, I still have to do my regular job, like the lifts, the glass somewhere or something that needs to be fixed, and the edges. I will attend to that and sort it out immediately to make them happy, and then continue with my What happens if you or anyone in the team is off sick, original duties. If I can’t do it I will pass it on to on training or holiday or there is an emergency? my colleagues Ken and Ellis to help sort it out. If a person is away, two of us share that duty. If I know in What do you like best with your work? advance, I’ll start at 7.00pm and work until 5.00pm. The contacts with the residents, especially when What is most challenging in your work? they believe you have done a nice job. I also help This graffiti takes up most time. Sometimes when you have them carry groceries sometimes, especially the painted it over, the day after it is there again. There has older people. I also help people to carry their been so much of it I am almost becoming a professional buggies up the stairs if the lift is broken.
22 Winter wonderland word-search
Circle all the winter-related words from the list on the grid below, then cut-out and post this page back to us and you could win a £40, £30 or £20 Argos voucher! Three lucky winners drawn at random will receive an Argos voucher. Completed word-searches must be received by Sunday 1st March 2009. No alternative or cash prizes are available and the editor’s decision is final.
snow B Z S C A R F P Y S F S frost A T M B O V R L I H R T scarf N P I A Y E L A W P O R ski K L S K I O M W G K S E winter H O T C H O C O L A T E glove O V L G A K C G O Y U D holly L O E Q D N E J V R E N presents I R T M W V D N E Q T I candle
D F O U O S C L H D F E bank holiday
A R E T N I W J E X B R hot chocolate
Y P R E S E N T S O N M
Name: Age (if under 18):
Address:
What do you like about Fortunegate News? What would you like to see more of?
What do you dislike about Fortunegate News? What would you like to see less of?
Please cut out this page and return to: Editor, Fortunegate News, Fortunegate Community Housing, Fortune House, 223 Church Road, London NW10 9EP
23 How to contact us
223 Church Road, 9.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday excluding Bank London, Holidays. Translation services are available if you visit in NW10 9EP person or call. General enquiries: 020 8438 1800 Maintenance (freephone): 0800 731 5282 Out of hours emergency: 020 8937 1234
You can contact us on the web by visiting www.chg.org.uk/fortunegate. On the website you can: • report a repair • make a housing enquiry • download guides and residents’ magazines • find out the latest news on Fortunegate Community Housing • make a suggestion or complaint. Services on the web are quick and easy to use and available 24 hours a day.
Neighbourhood services Property services Ahmed Gasim, Property Surveyor Lilah Haire, Neighbourhood Manager 020 8438 1812 020 8438 1820 Brendan Scanlan, Property Surveyor Mark Powell, Neighbourhood Support Officer 020 8438 1817 020 8438 1811 Kelechi Ukachukwu, Service Charge & Sales Officer Norma James, Neighbourhood Manager 020 8438 1805 020 8438 1813 Frances Holder, Property Services Administrator 020 8438 1818 Thelma Grant, Neighbourhood Support Officer 020 8438 1821 Karen Platt, Neighbourhood Manager 020 8438 1815 Daniel Thwaites, Neighbourhood Support Officer 020 8438 1819
Editor: Nicola Miller Design and production: Anu Sharma, Catalyst Housing Group Front cover picture by Damiian Walker
Fortunegate Community Housing, 223 Church Road, London, NW10 9EP. Tel 020 8438 1800. A charitable housing association, part of Catalyst Housing Group.