Grapevine Richmondshire's Newsletter for Tenants

Summer 2021 | Richmondshire’s Newsletter for Tenants

Grapevine…

Inside this issue: • Help is at hand... • Sheltered housing Welcome to the • Quick ticks • Did we get something wrong? Summer 2021 • Please help us, help you... • Lifeline gets and upgrade... • Let us help you lose... edition of our • Can i go to my council office? • Garden competition 2021 • Improvements, tenants newsletter, improvements, improvements! • Action stations on Grapevine. climate change! • The world of community As you know last year’s Newsletter was dominated by the safety in Richmondshire impact of Covid 19 informing you how the council were • What else has happened at responding to the effects of the pandemic on services our sheltered housing provided. This year we are, like everyone, hoping for scheme? some more normality in our lives, whilst adapting to new • Are you in debt? ways of working. In this edition we have included information which we hope you will find interesting and useful as well as asking for your help in certain cases. In one particular area we are asking if you can help the council in its ambitious plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. You can do this by helping us reduce the amount of paper we use. If you have an email address and would be happy to receive future copies of the Grapevine Newsletter, together with letters and information from landlord services regarding rent/ rent queries, tenancy issues and allocations send your details to the email address: [email protected] remembering to provide your name, address and email address. If you are also happy for your email details to be used to communicate with you about rent queries and accommodation offers please state this in your email. This edition of Grapevine also includes a word search competition with a £25.00 gift voucher for the winner who will be randomly selected from all entries. At the moment, due to the restrictions that have been in place it has not been possible to work directly with the tenant panel in the publication of this newsletter. We are hoping once things improve we will be able to resume our work with the editorial members. Thank you

HELP IS AT HAND...

The last year has brought with it many challenges and that includes financial challenges and hard ship. The council’s Revenues and Benefits team may be able to help...:

DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS (DHP) Do you have a shortfall in your rent? For example because of the Bedroom Tax? Would you like to move to a cheaper, smaller property but can’t afford moving costs, bond or rent in advance? Do you receive Housing Benefit or housing costs in your Universal Credit award? You might be able to get some help towards the shortfall by applying to the Discretionary Housing Payment fund by completing an online application at Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment web page If you have any difficulties completing the online application form, please contact the Benefits Team on 01748 829100.

TEST AND TRACE GRANT SCHEME From 8 March 2021 the test and trace scheme has been amended to enable more people to be able to claim the £500 payment. If you are a parent of a child aged 15 or under, who has been sent home from school or their education setting to self-isolate as they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, and you are unable to work because you need to stay home to look after them, you might be able to claim a £500 test and trace payment. Please go to our website to see whether you might qualify for a payment, along with our online application form:- Test and trace payment web page

CONTACT US If you have any queries about your Housing Benefit, your Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payment, or Test and Trace grant payment, please contact us by ringing 01748 829100 and asking to speak to a member of the Benefits Team, or by emailing [email protected]

SHELTERED HOUSING - WHAT IS

IT AND WHAT DO I PAY FOR?...

As a result of some confusion relating to charges payable when residing in a council sheltered scheme we wanted to give you some information which we hope you find useful. Firstly sheltered housing is specially designed for older people. It offers accommodation that allows you to come and go as you please and enjoy privacy or companionship as you wish. It also provides the reassurance that help is on hand when you need it in the shape of a resident warden or our 24-hour Lifeline service, which provides a mobile warden and/or help through the 24 hour emergency on call service when your warden is off duty. There are two sheltered housing types in Richmondshire: • Purpose-built schemes with a resident and relief warden, and communal facilities • Groups of bungalows with a communal lounge and kitchen facilities, and resident and relief wardens Residents of our sheltered housing will be charged rent together with some additional charges for services, support provided and heating. The charges for services provided at the scheme include: • communal cleaning (such as hoovering, dusting, wiping down services, emptying bins) • grounds maintenance (for example grass cutting, maintenance of planted areas, weed killing) • communal electric (for example lighting, heating charges, scooter charging and laundry facilities) • communal water and drainage charges (for example for using communal washers, toilets, showers and baths) • maintenance contracts in communal areas (such as fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, door entry system, laundry equipment) • costs of fixtures and fittings (for example replacement of equipment and furniture costs) • window cleaning costs • out of hours security such as the resident warden living on site • management of the service by council staff providing support services to the scheme Charges made for support provided is in relation to support provided by the onsite warden and the 24 hour emergency on call service. If you live in one of our sheltered schemes, each year, you will receive letters, usually in February advising you of the increase, which has been agreed with Councillors. All increases or decreases to rent and charges are made in line with central government guidelines. More information is available on the council website; richmondshire.gov.uk or by contacting a member of the support team at [email protected] or on 01748 901147.

QUICK TICKS

Due to the impact of Covid 19 not all services were delivered as they would normally. We have continued to collate data when possible to monitor service performance. The following table shows how many of you have given a positive response to services received in the 12 month period to 31 March 2021.

New Heating Sheltered Home Tenancies Service Tenancies Improvement Standard of advice given 100% 97% 89%

Helpfulness of staff 100% 98% 94%

Standard of home 95%

Quality of workmanship 97% 94%

Overall satisfaction with 100% 98% 100% 94% service

INTERNAL PERFORMANCE As you can imagine we had to make several changes during the last 12 months in order that critical functions could be delivered in a Covid safe way. Therefore not all services were operational as they normally would. However, we have continued to monitor internal performances when services did start opening up. Details of how we did during this time can be seen below. The table below shows you how we performed during 2019/20 as compared to 2020/21.

Performance 2019/20 at Performance 2020/21 at

31/03/20 31/3/2021

Repairs completed ‘right first 96% 96% time’ Category 2 properties - new Category 2 properties category no info available (minor work) - 32 days Re-let empty properties Category 3 - (major work) - Category 3 - (major work) - 54 days 45 days

Repair inspections completed 51 55 within 14 days

Percentage of rent collected 98% 97%

DID WE GET SOMETHING

WRONG?...

Whilst we always try to do our very best in the delivery of services to you, sometimes you might not be happy with the outcome. We want to get things right and we want to learn and improve if things could be done better, so by asking us if you have a concern helps us too. So the best thing to do initially is to check with the person you have been dealing with as to whether your understanding of a situation is correct. If you still think something has been done wrong or is not right, then the council has a complaints procedure which you can use to make a complaint. All formal complaints are logged and you will be notified of timescales involved in responding to your complaint. Any complaints received are fully investigated and the response you receive will advise you of the findings of the investigation. In some cases, it may be that you disagree with the advice you have been given, or the actions taken by the council relating to a particular issue, however, if the advice or actions taken are in accordance with council policy and any governing legislation you would be advised of this, and whilst this may still leave you feeling annoyed, the council and its officers are required to adhere to policy and legislation and would not be able to alter an outcome in order to satisfy your complaint. If however, you feel that the response you receive does not address your complaint you can request your complaint is taken to stage two of the council’s complaints policy. This will result in a different, more senior officer investigating your ongoing complaint and responding to you. At any time during the process you can contact the Housing Ombudsman to ask for advice, however, they would not normally investigate a complaint until after such time as the council has exhausted its own internal complaints policy process. Between 1 April 2020 and the 31 March 2021 Landlord Services received 11 formal complaints. Of those 2 were referred to the second stage of the complaints procedure. Eight of the complaints were replied to within target timescales with 3 exceeding the target by between 1 and 6 days. ...And when you’re pleased with something we’ve done, its lovely to hear from you too, as the team work very hard to get it right. Between 1 April 2020 and the 31 March 2021 we received in Landlord Services 17 compliments. More information can be found on the council’s website.

PLEASE HELP US, HELP YOU... When it comes to putting things in your toilet which you genuinely think helps keep the toilet/ cistern clean they can actually cause damage to components and make it harder for the council to put things right. If you have previously used the LOO blue tablets in your toilet cistern can you please stop. You probably don’t realise but the chemicals in these tablets attack the rubber seals and washers in the cisterns making them deteriorate. Our plumbers also have the added task of emptying out the cisterns as the coloured water stains both tools and skin. And one last things... If you have a shower, please don’t be tempted to change your shower head for one that offers you more pressure. These shower heads cause back pressure in the shower unit, causing the unit to trip off. The showers installed by the council should not be modified in any way. If you are having any problems with council fixtures or fittings please contact the council on 01748 829100. Thank you for your help...

LIFELINE GETS AN UPGRADE...

Once safe working practices had been put into place enabling ourselves and our contractors to work in a Covid 19 safe way, priority was given to improve the warden call equipment in seven sheltered housing schemes, so that those most vulnerable would be able to benefit with new state of the art digital equipment giving residents easy access to emergency help, an improvement that is now complete. Residents and their families can have peace of mind knowing that help is available when needed, allowing residents to enjoy their independence and family members not having to constantly worry. The investment in this new state of the arts system provides 24 hours a day 365 days a year help via our partner Ryecare, simply by the activation of the pendant provided to residents. Fully trained staff at Ryecare will arrange for the right response, which may be to call a family member, the warden or the emergency services. Lifeline is available not only to tenants living in Sheltered Housing but in the wider community. If you want more information on this service and how it could benefit you contact the team on: 01748 901147 or 01748 829100 Richmondshire District Council's Lifeline- Telecare web page

LET US HELP YOU LOSE... Its not often any of us are happy to lose something but if you are finding that post lockdown your clothes are feeling tighter then now’s the time to let us help you lose. The ‘Choose to Lose’ scheme run by Richmondshire District Council is offering on line classes and groups so members can join the programme without the worry of travelling to classes, missing class times, and finding a group that suits lifestyle and commitments. The free of charge programme is for adults with a BMI above 30 (25 if you have co-morbidities) who are in need of support to implement a healthier lifestyle. Funded by North Yorkshire County Council Public Health - and launched last spring - it is made up of a 12 week structured weight management programme plus a 12 week maintenance programme for those who achieve 5% weight loss in their first 12 weeks. The virtual service will provide both aspects of the programme as well as access to a Weight Loss Advisor, online live classes, chat groups and Facebook open and closed groups. Interested? Then go to: our Choose to Lose webpage For more information contact Jo-Anne Scott on 01748 901045 or [email protected]

CAN I GO TO MY COUNCIL

OFFICE...?

Due to the national lockdown Mercury House and other council offices have been closed. However on the 12 April Mercury House opened its doors again as part of the council’s Covid 19 recovery plan. Even though the office is opening entry to the building will only be allowed to those who have an appointment, this includes the payment of cash. Much has been done in response to the Covid 19 pandemic to enable customers to conduct business with the council using alternative means, such as using on line facilities and phone contact, and the council asks that you continue to use these methods and only make an appointment when absolutely necessary. If you do have an appointment at the council you will be required to: • sanitise your hands as you enter reception • wear a face mask - which will be provided if needed • follow strict social distancing rules and a one way system • be guided straight into a selected interview room in most cases. The reception area and interview rooms are fitted with protective screening for the safety of visitors and staff. Our community offices also opened on the 12 April, with Colburn, Leyburn, and Reeth also having appointment systems in place for essential visits that cannot be conducted by phone or online. If you need to make an appointment please contact the council on 01748 829100 Details of opening hours and how to make an appointment are on our contact us web page

ITS TIME TO GET THOSE GREEN FINGERS TO WORK... GARDEN COMPETITION 2021 Sadly our annual garden competition could not take place last year due to the impact Covid 19 had on our services. But we are very pleased to say that we will be running the competition this year. In partnership with the Green Frog Garden Centre winners will receive vouchers in the amounts of first prize, £50.00 , second prize £30.00 and third prize £20.00, with winning gardens being identified, across all five partnership areas. So here’s a quick recap on how the competition works …. We inspect all gardens and include window boxes, tubs, baskets, borders and vegetable patches, so there is nothing too small or too big – now is your chance to be one of this years winners!! We have a number of reigning winners in the Upper Dales and Lower Wensleydale areas so it will be interesting to see what’s in-store for our judges this year. Our judges will be viewing garden from late June and through July and August - Good luck and enjoy.

IMPROVEMENTS, IMPROVEMENTS,

IMPROVEMENTS!

As part of our commitment to improve the homes you live in, we have, through our 5 year Improvement plan, developed a program of works using housing stock information to inform us what fixtures and fittings need replacing across our housing. Prior to any work taking place we undertake visits to your home to carry out a survey, which is arrange in advance with you. Following the survey we will confirm in writing the improvements planned. All the arranged works shown in the table below are subject to available funding and full survey of individual properties to determine the exact specification of the work required.

Total Address Proposed Works Properties Various properties across district 51 Upgrade back boiler with combi previously not had combi boilers installed. boiler Langhorne Drive and Quaker Close, 19 Upgrade electric heating system Reeth and top up loft insulation Church Wynd, Richmond 1 Bathroom replacement Willance Grove, Richmond 3 Bathroom replacement St Cuthbert’s Green, Barton 2 Bathroom replacement Brompton Court, Brompton on Swale 1 Bathroom replacement Spenceley Place, Aldbrough St John 1 Bathroom replacement St Johns View, Bellerby 1 Bathroom replacement St Edmund’s Close, Brompton on Swale 5 Bathroom replacement Cottee Way, Colburn 5 Bathroom replacement Peppermint Drive, Colburn 1 Bathroom replacement Garth Terrace, Dalton on Tees 1 Bathroom replacement School Bank, Middleton Tyas 1 Bathroom replacement Alexandra Way, Richmond 14 Bathroom replacement Reeth Road, Richmond 1 Bathroom replacement Coronation Place, Richmond 3 Bathroom replacement Hawthorn Avenue, Scotton 1 Bathroom replacement Sycamore Close, Spennithorne 1 Bathroom replacement Scots Dyke Terrace, Richmond 1 Bathroom replacement Glebe Terrace, Scorton 5 Bathroom replacement Cutpurse Lane, Richmond 2 Bathroom replacement Forest Drive, Colburn 1 Bathroom replacement Bramble Close, Colburn 5 Kitchen replacement Darcy Court, Byng Road, Catterick Garrison 13 Kitchen replacement Cherry Tree Way, Colburn 2 Kitchen replacement Chester Walk, Colburn 3 Kitchen replacement Colville Crescent, Colburn 2 Kitchen replacement Evergreen Avenue, Colburn 17 Kitchen replacement Thistle Walk, Colburn 4 Kitchen replacement Watson Way, Colburn 4 Kitchen replacement

Westfields, Scorton 1 Kitchen replacement Willance Grove, Richmond 4 Kitchen replacement Lowthorpe Cottages, East Witton 2 Kitchen replacement Temple Court, Bargate, Richmond 5 Kitchen replacement Linden Road, Skeeby 1 Kitchen replacement Little Ings, Hawes 1 Kitchen replacement Spenceley Place, Aldbrough St John 1 Kitchen replacement Bargate, Richmond 1 Kitchen replacement Snowdrop Walk, Colburn 3 Kitchen replacement Blackwell Court, Colburn 2 Kitchen replacement Orchid Court, Colburn 4 Kitchen replacement Oak Tree Court, Colburn Sheltered Housing Mobility scooter storage / charging points Queens Court, Richmond Sheltered Housing Mobility scooter storage / charging points Oak Tree Court, Colburn Sheltered Housing Consumer unit upgrades in main building Quaker Close, Reeth Sheltered Housing Consumer unit upgrades in main building Noels Court, Catterick Village Sheltered Housing Consumer unit upgrades in main building St Cuthbert’s Green, Barton Sheltered Housing Render to community centre / warden accommodation Queens Court, Richmond Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades Oak Tree Court, Colburn Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades Quaker Close, Reeth Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades Noels Court, Catterick Village Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades St Cuthbert’s Green, Barton Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades Thornborough Hall Gardens, Leyburn Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades St Edmund’s Close, Brompton Sheltered Housing Smoke alarm upgrades

THE WORLD OF TENANT INVOLVEMENT Well over the last 18 month period the world has change for most people and that’s no different for our Tenant Panel members. We had to stop face to face meetings due to Covid 19 as well putting a pause on training. Luckily, in January 2020 prior to Covid 19 we had been able to arrange some update training from an external tenant involvement specialist which was well received by our members. In place of the regular meetings, updates have been provided to keep our members as up to date as possible regarding changes to service delivery, improvement scheme work as well as legislative updates. We are hoping that later this year there will be the possibility for our members to attend meetings in a Covid 19 safe way. Continuing thanks to our members: Eunice, Jeff, Chris, Glory, Joanne and Michaela.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19) UPDATE If improvement works are planned for your home, it is still our intention to carry these out, although some may be delayed and rearranged for a slightly later date due to the pandemic. If your home is included in our 2021-22 programme, we will contact you directly. The programme will be delivered in the months ahead but only to properties where tenants want the work completed. If you do not want the works to proceed, these can be postponed until a later date. Our contractors will work in accordance with government and construction guidelines and you will be kept updated at each stage. The health and safety of our customers, staff and contractors is our main priority. When we do come into your home for any reason, we have robust risk assessments and safe methods of work in place (such as wearing Personal Protective Equipment, social distancing and sanitising hands) in order to protect everyone, but we do rely on your cooperation to enable this to work effectively. If you have any queries, about the improvements programme, please contact the Improvements Team on 01748 829 100 or email [email protected]

ACTION STATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE! Did you know the council has committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030!! And yes that’s a big target, but it’s something the council are committed to achieving, and with more extreme weathers being seen across the globe it’s something that needs everyone’s help to make a positive change to the world we live in. After the coldest winter for almost a decade and all the worry associated with Covid 19, climate change is unlikely to have been at the top of your list of things to think about. But now it’s warming up and the vaccine rollout is bringing hope of a return to normality, how about spring cleaning your climate impact? Here are 10 top tips for easy things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you use and the amount of waste you generate. Some of them will even save you money! • Replace your existing light bulbs with energy efficient LED lights. Even replacing low energy light bulbs with LEDs will reduce the energy you use for lighting and save you money. • Turn off lights and unplug electrical items when you have finished using them. • Let the sun in to warm up your home for free. • If we get hot weather, avoid the need to use an electric fan to combat overheating by closing your curtains on the sunny side of your home and open windows on the shady side. • If you can, take showers instead of baths, to save energy and water. • If you can, walk, cycle or take the bus to the shops rather than going in the car. The greenhouse gases emitted when we use cars are one of the biggest contributors to climate change in Richmondshire. • Recycle as much of your waste as possible. Remember to separate out your paper, cardboard, glass, recyclable plastics, etc. The more that is recycled by us all, the less energy that is needed to make new material. • Recycle unwanted clutter! Sell or donate your unwanted, unused or little used items; that way, someone else can make use of it and avoid having to buy new, and you get to free up some space and may even get some spending money out of it. • If you have outside space, consider hanging your washing out to dry instead of using a tumble drier or the drier function on your washer/drier. It will save quite a bit of electricity and save you money on electric bills too. A working group has been set up to help tackle climate change and if you want to know more about getting involved just email at: [email protected]

TIME TO GET OUT AND ENJOY...

Having spent a lot of our time staying in over the last 12 months we thought you might like to know about a new leaflet called Castle Walks which has been produced by Richmondshire Ramblers and supported by a grant from the council. The leaflet provides you with walks to explore Richmond, leading you to four key vantage points of Richmond castle, as well as learning more about its Norman origins. If you’d like to try out a new walk there’s never been a better time. More information can be found on Richmond Ramblers’ website.

THE WORLD OF COMMUNITYSAFETY IN RICHMONDSHIRE We all know, Richmondshire as an area is a lovely place, to live and to work and raise a family. But there’s still the need to have systems in place to help when needed. For this very reason we have the Safer Richmondshire Hub, which supports community safety initiatives across the Districts so when crime and anti-social behaviour issues come to light or trends are identified agencies can work together to help keep our neiighbourhoods safe. The Safer Richmondshire Hub works together with a number of local partners including Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, social landlords, social care and youth and voluntary services amongst others. Contact details: [email protected] Here’s some tips to keep you and your possessions safe... • Never leave: A window open, spare keys hidden outside or in a garage or shed, ladders or tools outside as they may be used to gain entry, valuables like laptops visible from a window, cash or valuables hanging around, notes for delivery drivers as these alert thieves • Always: Check that all doors and windows are locked and hide your house and car keys • Handy Hints: If you are going out in the evening leave lights and a radio on a timer, if you are going on holiday arrange for a neighbour to collect your post and put your bins out, photograph and make a record of your valuable possessions • Prevention: Check the identity of callers you don’t know and if necessary contact the company direct, if you are not sure who is at your door don’t open it! And let’s not forget about the many scams that are out there... • Always: Make sure the person is a genuine caller on the phone and you have gone through security checks, never give personal or financial details, hang up on suspicious callers and wait 30 minutes to clear the line • Never: Call Back Unknown callers, speak to someone just because they have called you as you can always call back • Avoid Online Banking fraud: Never give personal information to anyone before verifying their credential’s, banks or financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm bank details • Do not respond to scams that seem to offer a chance to win a prize or make money, if you respond you may receive even more unwanted contact and be targeted by other fraudsters • Beware of door to door fraud, do not be intimidated always ask for identification and tell them to wait while you check. Call the company not the number on their ID card and if unsure speak to a relative or a friend • If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you can get advice and report a crime Action Fraud Visit Action Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040 Action on Elder Abuse Visit Elder Abuse website or call 080 88808 8141 11

Help is at hand... The effects of Covid 19 since the first national lock down have been far reaching, affecting all of us in so many ways. We know from the news that the effect on the mental health and wellbeing of the nation has been huge and wanted to include some contact information that might be helpful.

Issue Charity organisations Help with Mental Crisis Resolution & Intensive Home Treatment Team (CRHT) Health - Urgent Care Services Specialist assessment for people aged 16+ and older who need urgent mental health care Visit crisis and intensive home treatment team web page

Tel: 0300 0200317 - Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

The Samaritans Visit Samaritans website Tel: 116 123 Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair

The Go-To for Healthy Minds in North Yorkshire Visit The Go-To website Wellbeing and mental health for young people in North Yorkshire

Kooth Visit Kooth website Online counselling service for all young people in North Yorkshire aged between 11-17 years old. Kooth is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week Sane Visit Sane website Tel: 0300 304 7000 A national mental health charity providing information and emotional support to anyone affected by mental health Anxiety UK Visit Anxiety UK website Tel: 08444 775 774 Support for people living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression by

providing information, support and understanding

Mind Visit Mind website Tel: 0300 1233 3399 Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem CRUSE Visit Cruse website Tel: 0808 808 1677 Provides support on grief and legal matters for people who have recently lost a loved one Drugs and Alcohol North Yorkshire Horizons - Adult Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service Visit North Yorkshire Horizons website Tel: 08000 14 14 80101723 330730 Support to end substance mis-use and to help rebuild lives. FRANK Visit Frank website Confidential drug advice Tel: 0800 776 600 Domestic Abuse IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence Visit IDAS website Helpline: 03000 110 110 National Debt Line Visit National Debt Line website Tel: 0808 808 4000 Age UK North Yorkshire Visit Age UK website Tel: 01609 771624 & Darlington Support & advice for older people Hambleton & Visit Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Richmondshire Carers website Tel: 01609 780872 Centre Support & advice for unpaid carers General Support and Citizens Advice Bureau Richmondshire Advice 23 Newbiggin, Richmond, DL10 4DX Tel: 01748 823862 0808 278 7900 Consumer Service: 0808 2231133 Scams Action: 0808 250 5050 12

Community Safety Awareness Dates For Your Diary

World Suicide Prevention Day Rethink, mental illness information services, and 10th September 2021 a voice Visit Rethink website

National Suicide Prevention Alliance Visit NSPA website National Home Security Month To raise awareness in the community of home 1st-31st October 2021 security tips and advice Visit Home Security Month website Hate Crime Awareness Week Visit National Hate Crime Awareness Week website 9th-16th October 2021 To raise awareness of hate crime and reporting - watch out for local North Yorkshire info Anti-Bullying Week To raise awareness and support available 15th-19th November 2021 Visit Anti-Bullying Alliance website Alcohol Awareness Week To raise awareness, support and advice and 11th-16th November 2021 campaign for change Visit Alcohol Change website Road Safety Week To raise awareness of safer driving - ‘Theme 15th-21st November 2021 Road Safety Heroes’ Visit Road Safety Week website

WHAT ELSE HAS HAPPENED AT OUR SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEMES…? …And the work continues to make improvements to keep residents safe, and benefit from new facilities and systems across our sheltered housing... Here’s what’s been happening; • New hand sanitiser dispensers across all schemes • New washing/drying facilities for laundry rooms • New LED lighting in communal areas • Replacement lift and boiler at Thornborough Hall Gardens in Leyburn • New bin store and communal carpets at Oak Tree Court in Colburn • Replacement furniture at Quaker Close, Reeth • Decoration of communal lounges at our schemes in Catterick Village, Richmond and Reeth And still to do... Work to improve facilities and Oak Tree Court, Colburn and Queens Court Richmond to create a mobility scooter storage and charging rooms, which is planned for 2021/22.

ARE YOU IN DEBT?

Do you need help managing your finances? A newly launched scheme may help... As of 4 May 2021, a new statutory Breathing Space scheme can assist people in problem debt better manage their finances and reach sustainable solutions by seeking professional debt advice. This scheme is designed to provide people with debt problems the right to legal protection from creditors for a limited period of time. Who is eligible? To be eligible for Breathing Space, an applicant cannot, or is unlikely to, reply all or some of their debt. If this is applicable, the applicant can then apply for one of two schemes. These are: Standard Breathing Space To be eligible for the Standard Breathing Space, applicants must be the following: • Be an individual • Own a qualifying debt to a creditor • Live or usually resides in England or Wales • Not have a debt relief order (DRO), an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), an interim order, or be an undischarged bankrupt at the time they apply. Not already have a Breathing Space or have had a standard breathing space in the last 12 months at the time they apply. Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space To be eligible for the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space, you must meet the same criteria as the Standard Breathing Space. However, if an Approved Mental Health Professional can certify that you are in receiving mental health crisis treatment, then you may be eligible for stronger protections provided under the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space. This includes the right to Breathing Space without the requirement to seek professional debt advice. How long does Breathing Space last? If you are eligible for the Standard Breathing Space, you will be provided with legal protection from creditors action/fees for up to 60 days. If you are eligible for the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space, you will be provided with legal protection for as long as you are receiving mental health crisis treatment plus a further 30 days. This is applicable no matter how long the crisis treatment lasts. How do I apply for Breathing Space? To start a breathing space application, you must contact a debt advice provider who is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) such as the agencies listed below: Debt advice providers: Citizens Advice - 0808 278 7900 Money Advice Service - 0800 138 7777 StepChange Debt Charity - 0800 138 1111 National Debtline - 0808 808 4000

30/08/2021

Call Caroline - 01748 901154 or Yvonne - 01748 901155 to find out more about our Tenants Home Contents Insurance Scheme

HELP US USE LESS PAPER AND REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AND HELP WITH THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE... In addition to receiving copies of Grapevine electronically would you be happy to receive information relating services you receive from the Landlord Service using electronic methods ie email If the answer is yes to all services please email say Yes to All Landlord Services to grapevine@ richmondshire.gov.uk, remembering to include your name, your address and your email address. If you are happy to receive some but not all then please email to the above address and list the services you are happy to receive from the following: • Rent account information, including rent letter and statements, • Allocations information, including offers • Repairs information, including access and repairs Don’t forget let us have your: Name Address Your email address Thank you in helping us reduce our carbon footprint.

This information is available in alternative formats and languages.

Richmondshire District Council Mercury House, Station Road, Richmond DL10 4JX 01748 829100 [email protected] richmondshire.gov.uk